General
Muslim Dialogue Calls for Unity in Diversity
The Muslim fraternity successfully held its third dialogue to share opinions on the birth of Prophet Muhammad (P.B.U.H), at Makerere University’s School of Food Technology Nutrition and Bioengineering Conference Hall (CAES) on 16th January 2014.
The dialogue was part of a unity week, celebrated annually and had the objective of promoting unity among Muslims, building friendships between Muslims and others people, creating friendship among the various Muslim factions, and sharing opinions on the birth of Prophet Muhammed (P.B.U.H).
The Deputy Vice Chancellor in charge of Academic Affairs, Dr. Ernest Okello Ogwang (Right), who represented the Vice Chancellor, Prof. John Ddumba-Ssentamu, was grateful that Makerere was the chosen venue for the dialogue. “Your choice of the place for this year’s celebrations supports the fact that religious values are human values, and they can be taught and instilled in the mosques as well as in other institutionalized places that aim at advancing human endeavors,” he said. “We look forward to the revival of the glorious past in relationships, when Muslims in Spain spearheaded the European learning. We remember the achievements realized in Cordoba and Toledo universities, under Islam, with a lot of respect,” he added.
According to Imam Sheik Jalaal-dean Twaha (Pictured Topmost Right), the dialogue was “to establish and encourage identity in diversity. Muslims are yearning for unity, just like Prophet Muhammad (P.B.U.H) stood for unity.” Musa Muganza Sowedi (Left), one of the organizers explained that bringing the dialogue to Makerere University was to tap into the vast knowledge. “Many Professors here have written about Prophet Muhammad and we wanted them to participate. Likewise, we wanted students to benefit from the discussions and carry the message that the Prophet stood for peace,” he said. Many of the day’s speakers emphasized that Islam is a religion of peace and conflicting parties should be brought to table to peacefully settle their differences.
The event attracted a number of Muslims from the different factions including the Muslim Sunni, Muslim Shi’a, and scholars from Makerere University. Previous dialogues have been held at the National Theatre and the Indian Mosque in Kampala. The event was organized by Akbar Tohidlou (Pictured Left), Cultural Counsellor for the Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran in Kampala.
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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