General
Mak-SIU Somalia sign English Teaching Agreement
Makerere University’s School of Language, Literature and Communication, College of Humanities and Social Sciences (CHUSS) has signed an implementation agreement with the Somali International University (SIU) aimed at improving SIU students’ proficiency in the English language. The implementation agreement was a follow-up of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between the two institutions in March 2014 to establish partnerships in different academic collaborations including English teaching.
The 5th to 7th April 2014 visit to SIU was initiated by the President of the University, Prof.Yahye Ali Ibrahim during his visit to Makerere University in March 2014. The Makerere team was led by the Dean, School of 
Languages, Literature and Communication (SLLC), Assoc. Prof. Aaron Mushengyezi and comprised of the International Relations Officer, Ms. Martha Muwanguzi; the Senior Legal Officer and Head of the Legal Unit, Mr. Goddy Muhumuza; the Head, Department of Linguistics, English Language Studies and Communication Skills, Dr. Celestino Oriikiriza; and the representative from the Department of Political Science and Public Administration, Dr. Simba Kayunga.
SIU was established in 2012 by Somalis in the Diaspora, who mobilised funds to set it up after the Somali civil war. As such, SIU is a community university managed by a Trust. Alongside the University, the Somalis in the Diaspora have built a community hospital which also serves as the SIU teaching hospital as well as a host of other establishments. In his request for SIU to enter into a partnership with Makerere University, Prof.Yahye had indicated that the majority of students at SIU lack proficiency in the English language, and as such have challenges 
of expression. “This problem is rooted in the education system in Somalia, whereby in the past the mediums of instruction in school were Somali and Arabic. Students did not have sufficient exposure to English,” added Prof. Yahye
On day two of the visit, Sunday 6th April 2014, the team was invited to the launch of the Centre for English and Communication Skills at SIU. The high profile ceremony was attended by the Minister of Heritage and Education as well as other Ministers from the Somali Government and Members of the Somali. The ceremony which concluded with the signing of the Implementation Agreement between the School of Languages, Literature and Communication, Makerere University, and the SIU was covered both on the national and international media.
A meeting aimed at discussing the English curriculum currently used at SIU was later held with the Institution’s Teachers of English. From the meeting, it was noted that Makerere University is anticipated to carry out capacity building in terms of staff training, and English curriculum review and development. The meeting also deliberated on the modalities of starting a course in criminology and security studies, which will be implemented by the School of Social Sciences, Makerere University.
At the conclusion of the visit, SIU President, Prof.Yahye Ali Ibrahim, recommended that a specific agreement for modalities of teaching English should be written and signed by both SLLC and SIU, and that the English language classes under this agreement should begin by June 2014.
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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