General
Mak University Secretary scoops Visionaries Award
The Makerere University Secretary, Mr. David Kahundha Muhwezi, was recognized as one of the Visionaries in an awards ceremony presided over by Prime Minister Rt. Hon. Amama Mbabazi on 6th Dec. 2013 at the Serena Hotel in Kampala. The awards ceremony, the first of its kind, set out to recognize companies and individuals who have made/are making a contribution towards realization of Uganda’s Vision 2040. This vision, as stated by Government, sets out to achieve ‘A transformed society from a peasant to a modern and prosperous country within 30 years.’
Mr. Muhwezi was recognised for championing good governance at Makerere University. As the first Board Secretary of the Makerere University Retirement Benefits Scheme (MURBS), he enforced compliance of contribution remittances to the Custodian and monitored the investment of funds by the Fund Managers. These efforts are highlighted in the Visionaries book; THE VISIONARIES OF UGANDA HAND BOOK, which was launched on the same day by the Prime Minister Rt. Hon. Amama Mbabazi. His award certificate reads ‘In recognition of your outstanding contribution to the Nation’s Development. Your commitment towards the socio-economic transformation of Uganda has earned you this esteemed honour.’
“As the first Board Secretary, I did a lot to see that the scheme works. I also initiated the Governance Website <http://governance.mak.ac.ug> in Makerere University and I have used numerous channels to preach the ideals of good governance to both internal and external stakeholders of Makerere University,” he said in an interview about the recognition. Mr. Muhwezi worked in the Finance Department in various capacities since 1994, before rising to the position of University Secretary.
He however believes that the award is for the entire University. “It is not a Muhwezi achievement but the Institution’s. The efforts that individuals put in at all levels have led to this recognition. It is a vote of confidence in us all and I take this opportunity to thank the entire team. As an Accounting Officer, I have provided oversight to the initiatives in this institution including the Presidential Initiative but a bigger team is appreciated for the successful implementation which has helped further boost donor and public confidence in Makerere University,” he asserted.
The Prime Minister challenged the organizers to profile community and social leaders who go unnoticed yet they too make contributions. “Establish a link with the national honours in the Office of the President to ensure that these are also captured. The national honors are not a preserve of politicians,” he emphasized.
Among the other people recognised included Hon. Betty Bigombe, Hon. Justice Benjamin Odoki, Hon. Ruhakana Rugunda, Prof. Badru Kateregga, Prof. Elijah Mushemezi, Dr. Kihumuro Apuuli, and Prof. Lawrence Mukiibi. The companies recognized included Britania Industries, Roko Construction, Case Medical Centre, Butabika Hospital, Farm Support Ltd and Swift Safari Buses.
Article by Marion Alina, Public Relations Office
In a vibrant celebration of youth leadership and African unity, Makerere University hosted the Second Annual Guild Leaders’ Summit, an event that brought together high-profile dignitaries, student leaders, and international partners for a powerful dialogue on the future of the continent. The summit, organized by the Guild Presidents Leadership Academy, served as a rallying point for East Africa’s young leaders to confront Africa’s most urgent challenges—on their own terms and with their own solutions.
A Warm Welcome and Reflections on Makerere’s Legacy
The Vice Chancellor, Professor Barnabas Nawangwe, welcomed the distinguished guests, who included Former President Uhuru Kenyatta of Kenya, Uganda’s Vice President H.E. Jessica Alupo, former Prime Minister Rt. Hon. Ruhakana Rugunda, Justice Simon Byabakama, Hon. Mathew Rukikaire, and European Union Deputy Ambassador Mr. Guillaume Chartrain, among others.
In his address, Prof. Nawangwe reflected on Makerere’s deep historical ties to East Africa’s liberation and development movements. He reminded the audience that Makerere University has been a crucible for the continent’s leadership, stating:
“Jomo Kenyatta was the first person to receive a degree from Makerere when, in 1963, he was awarded an honorary doctorate by then Chancellor Julius Nyerere. All freedom fighters in East Africa studied at Makerere.”
Building on this rich history, Prof. Nawangwe affirmed the university’s current mission to tackle pressing continental issues. “Today,” he said, “Makerere is committed to addressing Africa’s challenges—climate change, disease, poverty, food security, conflict resolution, and economic development. But we cannot do this alone.”
He echoed sentiments later shared by the keynote speaker, stressing that Africa must no longer depend on external interventions:
“Foreign agencies will not solve all Africa’s problems. It is our young people who must step forward and lead the change.”
Uhuru Kenyatta: “You Are the Last Line of Defence”
In a keynote address that resonated deeply with the students and delegates in attendance, Former President Uhuru Kenyatta issued a bold and urgent call to action for Africa’s youth.
“No one is coming to save us,” Kenyatta declared. “You are the last line of defence in the battle to rescue the heart and soul of Africa.”
Positioning today’s youth as the heirs of the continent’s freedom fighters, Kenyatta described the current moment as a new “independence era”—not of political liberation, but of economic and intellectual sovereignty. He urged students to think critically about intra-African trade, which currently accounts for less than 2.5% of global commerce, and to advocate for the removal of internal barriers to trade, innovation, and mobility.
“You are the freedom fighters of this generation,” he said. “Universities must be incubators of change, and students must be the trustees of tomorrow’s Africa.”
Pan-Africanism, Leadership, and Action
Uganda’s Vice President H.E. Jessica Alupo encouraged students to take up the mantle of Pan-Africanism with unwavering commitment. She acknowledged that while the rhetoric of African unity is inspiring, real progress demands more than words:
“You must embrace the spirit of Pan-Africanism. But it is easy to say these words—the challenge lies in collective implementation.”
She emphasized the importance of action-oriented leadership and urged the youth to harness their creativity, energy, and education for the benefit of the continent.
European Union’s Message: Leadership with Integrity
Representing Team Europe, the EU Deputy Ambassador to Uganda, Mr. Guillaume Chartrain, gave a passionate speech on the values of authentic leadership, integrity, and inclusive development. He praised Makerere University as a space where “intellectual ambition meets civic responsibility” and emphasized that leadership is not about prestige, but purpose:
“Be a leader because of what you want to be—not because of what you want to have,” he said.
Citing former Makerere alumni such as Julius Nyerere and Wangari Maathai, Chartrain called on students to model courage, resilience, and humility:
“True leadership emerges in moments of loss—when resilience, not triumph, becomes the measure of one’s character.”
The EU, he said, remains committed to supporting youth through programs like Erasmus+, the EU Youth Sounding Board, and partnerships with organizations like Faraja Africa Foundation and Restless Development. These initiatives empower youth not as symbols, but as active participants in shaping policy and governance.
The Legacy Continues
Throughout the summit, speakers highlighted the importance of legacy and long-term impact. They challenged young leaders to think not just about the present, but about the systems and institutions they will leave behind. In the words of Former President Kenyatta:
“Leadership is not about the next election. It’s about the next generation.”
The summit ended on a high note, with students invigorated and inspired to lead with purpose. As global support grows less predictable and Africa stands at a crossroads, the message from Makerere was clear: the future of the continent is in the hands of its youth. And as the Guild Leaders’ Summit demonstrated, they are ready.
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