General
President Museveni advises Great Lakes youth to shun pseudo ideology
The President of the Republic of Uganda, His Excellency, Gen. Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has encouraged the youth to fight against pseudo ideology as a way of propelling unity, stability, and prosperity in the country. The President emphasized that the spreading of pseudo ideology has not only led to political insecurities among African countries but also resulted to economic backwardness due its negativities of sectarianism in tribe, religion and gender.
“The biggest problem that African countries are now and have been facing is pseudo ideology. Many African countries have relied on false information for their own interests and selfish motives and this has greatly affected Africa’s economy,” said the President.
Addressing the delegates at the Second Convention of the Great Lakes Students’ Union held on Saturday 7th June 2014, at Makerere University Main Hall under the theme: Towards a bright future: the role of the youth in propelling unity, peace and prosperity in the Great Lakes region, His Excellency, the President encouraged the youth to involve themselves in the struggle to cure Africa from the weakness of pseudo ideology as a way of curbing down other problems affecting Africa. President Museveni also advised the youth to engage and invest more in the agricultural sector because it is the major way of alleviating poverty in Uganda.
“Ugandans are agriculturalists, therefore our economic activity is farming. Let us invest in farming because it is the way we are going to gain and develop our nation. We should consider inter connections as a serious issue to create and widen the market for commodities. That is why more efforts have been made to create regional integrations such as the East African Community,” advised President Museveni to the keenly attentive audience. “My advice to you is to keep this integration of the Great Lakes region moving as the way of uplifting the leadership capabilities of the youth,” added the President.
President Museveni thanked the Patron of the Great Lakes Students Union, Gen. Elly Tumwine for helping the youth to take an upper hand in the matters concerning the region and Africa at large. His Excellency further encouraged the youth to consider symbiosis as a great factor in fighting the problem of parasitism.
The Vice Chancellor of Makerere University, Professor John Ddumba-Ssentamu, Mrs. Elizabeth K. Gabona, Director Higher Education in the Ministry of Education and Sports, Inspector General of Police, Gen. Kale Kayihura among other dignitaries attended the Second Convention. At the same occasion, the Great Lakes Students’ Union (GLSU) presented the Lake Victoria Award to President Museveni, recognizing him for promoting peace, security and economic development in Africa.
The Chairperson of the Great Lakes Students’ Union, Mr. David Lewis thanked President Museveni, who launched the Union on Friday 12th July 2013 for accepting to officiate at the 2nd Convention on Saturday 7th June 2014. The Great Lakes Students’ Union comprises over 5000 past and present Student leaders from the Great Lakes region, and as such, the Second Convention consisted of participants from Universities in Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, Somalia, Rwanda, South Sudan, Burundi and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Makerere University, Kyambogo University, Kampala International University, Cavendish University, Islamic University in Uganda, and Kampala University were some of the Uganda institutions that sent delegates to the Second GLSU Convention.
Mr. David Lewis emphasized that the Great Lakes Students’ Union was formed to purposely spread the gospel of regional integration, based on the objective of grooming the youth into responsible leaders. He then commended the sister associations namely the Somali Students Association in Uganda and the Nigerian Students Association in Uganda for participating in the Second Convention. He further explained that the choice of the day’s theme was in line with pressing needs of the region such as peace, prosperity and self-reliance. The GLSU Chairperson further expressed concern that the youth had become prey to illegal activities.
“It is lamentable that terrorism acts are on the rise in the region and at the centre of such acts are the youth. It is very easy to find youths active in such acts and yet when put to task, they cannot give the reasons why they are doing so.” Lewis said.
The Vice Chancellor of Makerere University, Professor John Ddumba-Ssentamu applauded the President for being passionate about empowering the youth and always giving them advice and counsel on issues critical to their social wellbeing as well as to national development. Professor Ddumba-Ssentamu pointed out the Students Loan Scheme launched on 24th April 2014 and the Uganda Youth innovation Centre and Export market launched on 2nd June 2014 as some of the initiatives that showed the President’s commitment to empowering the youth. The Vice Chancellor also thanked the President for supporting Makerere University through the Presidential Science Initiative as well as the assistance for infrastructural development through the African Development Bank.
“Through the Presidential Initiative, we have been able to produce cutting edge innovations in the fields of Technology, Design and Development, Academic Records Management, Low-cost Irrigation, Community Wireless Resource Centre, Internet Laboratories, as well as Food Technology, Nutrition, Animal Resources and Veterinary Medicine. I must point out, Mr. President, that this support is directly benefitting the youth at Makerere University to develop innovative technologies, undertake applied research and create knowledge for the transformation of society in line with the national vision 2040.”
The Patron of the Great Lakes Students’ Union, Gen. Elly Tumwine, said that the issue of the young people of the Great Lakes Region coming together is an energizer for the rest of the regional populations. He therefore called on the delegates to focus on prosperity of Africa. He saluted the President for supporting the youth and the Great Lakes Students’ Union.
Writer: Prossy Nabatte, Student Intern, MAK Public Relations Office
Editor: Ritah Namisango, Head, MAK Public Relations Office
Photos: Joseph Buwule, Associate Photographer, Landmark Media Consultancy
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Makerere University on October 8, 2026 commemorated Nkrumah Day with a Public Lecture at the Yusuf Lule Central Teaching Facility Auditorium. The Lecture gathered students, academics, historians and distinguished guests to discuss Kwame Nkrumah’s contribution and its relevance to Africa.
Organised by Nkrumah Hall under the theme “Leadership, Self-Reliance and Transformation: Reimagining Nkrumah’s Vision for the 21st Century African Youth,” the lecture explored how Nkrumah’s ideals of Pan-Africanism, self-reliance and African unity can guide the continent beyond political independence.
Endorsing Nkrumah’s Vision of Investing in Africa
The First Deputy Prime Minister and Chancellor of Makerere University, Rt. Hon. Dr. Crispus Walter Kiyonga, was the chief guest.
In remarks delivered on his behalf by Dr. Charles Kahigiriza, Dr. Kiyonga said the day was a moment to reflect on Nkrumah’s views on Pan-Africanism and the lessons on self-reliance still held for Africa today and emphasised the importance of keeping Africa’s young talent at home (in Africa).
He then discussed ways of encouraging young people to achieve Nkrumah’s vision, pointing out that Africa is losing skilled people to brain drain as many go abroad to work.
He encouraged young Africans to stay and contribute to the continent’s growth, describing Africa’s potential as a promising asset.
Transformation Requires Discipline
The keynote address was delivered by Prof. Gerald Karyeija, a political analyst and Head of Quality Assurance at the Uganda Management Institute (UMI).
He discussed Nkrumah’s role in championing Pan-Africanism and the formation of the African Union. He acknowledged that “his legacy was also very complex” due to a number of challenges.
Regarding leadership, the professor argued, “leadership does not begin with the title. It begins with responsibility,” adding that “leadership is not only about power, privilege, entitlement, or status. It’s about service. It’s about stewardship.”
He encouraged attendees to emulate Nkrumah by using their knowledge and power for good.
“Don’t get the intellectual power from Makerere to become evil,” he cautioned, stressing that transformation requires discipline.
Universities Turn Knowledge into Action
Associate Professor Gorettie Nabanoga, the Acting Deputy Vice Chancellor for Finance and Administration, represented Professor Barnabas Nawangwe, the Vice Chancellor of Makerere University.
She aligned herself with the previous speakers and urged participants to move beyond simply celebrating Kwame Nkrumah’s memory and begin implementing his vision.
She called for practical action, urging the mobilisation of Pan-Africanism beyond slogans. “Perhaps the Pan-Africanism of this generation must therefore move from solidarity to capacity, from rhetoric to institutions, from potential to production, and from aspirations to implementation,” she said.
On the role of universities, she reiterated that Makerere University is a hub for innovation rather than just a degree-granting institution.
“We are building for the future when we develop people who can think critically, when we generate knowledge, when we challenge perceived knowledge and wisdom, and when we innovate,” she said.
Addressing the students present, she said, “You are not simply the leaders of tomorrow; you are citizens of Africa today. The opportunity you enjoy at Makerere University comes with responsibility.”
Dr. Winifred Kabumbuli, the Dean of Students at Makerere University, set the tone at the 2026 Nkrumah Day Public Lecture.
She revealed that this lecture organised under Nkrumah Hall highlights its significance as a symbol of Makerere University‘s commitment to Pan-Africanism. “The name Nkrumah Hall has stood the test of time and sounds like a horn beautifully over the African continent and beyond,” she said.
She elaborated on the lecture’s theme of leadership, self-reliance and transformation, noting its alignment with the university’s mission to nurture future leaders.
Direction of Pan-Africanism
During a panel discussion, speakers questioned how far Africa has come. Associate Professor Zahara Napeewo, Deputy Dean of the School of Law at Makerere University, stated that the continent was still lagging behind the progress Nkrumah would have wanted.
She shared that while educational institutions provide knowledge, they must go further and encourage graduates to become problem-solvers who can create employment for themselves rather than wait to be employed.
Dr. Zaid Sekitto, a Lecturer in the Department of History, Archaeology and Heritage Studies at Makerere, added that the structures of colonialism that Nkrumah fought against were still in place. “They must be addressed”, he said, or Africa would remain trapped in colonialism and lose sight of Nkrumah’s vision.
The Youth and the Unfinished Struggle
The students also had an opportunity to share their perspectives on the unfinished struggle for Pan-Africanism.
Nkrumah Hall Chairperson Joseph Sekabira noted that the Africa Nkrumah fought for was not the Africa that exists today.
He urged young people to take up leadership now rather than wait until they were older.
Mark Kwikiriza, a final-year Bachelor of Arts in Music student and resident of Nkrumah Hall, said Nkrumah’s legacy remained relevant because the problems he faced in Ghana were similar to those society faces today.
He recommended that society could rejuvenate the spirit of “Osagyefo,” the title meaning “redeemer” by which Nkrumah was known.
Honouring 13 Years of Service
The event also recognised Mr. John Kamya for his 13 years of outstanding service as Warden of Nkrumah Hall, a position he held from 2007 to 2020.
He received an appreciation award presented by the Chief Guest’s representative in the presence of the Hall Chairperson and other dignitaries.
In his acceptance remarks, Mr. Kamya noted that the 2018 visit to the Hall by Kwame Nkrumah’s daughter, Ms. Samia Yaba Nkrumah, was one of the fondest memories of his time in office. He thanked Makerere for the opportunity to serve the University community and its stakeholders.
At the peak, the event concluded with tree planting and cake-cutting activity in front of Nkrumah Hall. The audience was left contemplating one message of Kwame Nkrumah’s vision of a united, self-reliant Africa, freed first in the mind, that remains unfinished and in the words of some speakers, has been handed to the current generation as a task to accomplish.
Today 8th October 2026, Makerere University has hosted the EU Uganda Research and Study Fair 2026, bringing together government officials, European Union representatives, researchers, academics, students, and young professionals to explore opportunities in education, research, innovation, and international collaboration.
The fair also marked 50 years of partnership between Uganda and the European Union, providing a platform for participants to learn about scholarships, research funding, exchange programmes, fellowships and opportunities for collaboration with European institutions.
Officially opening the fair, Acting Minister of Education and Sports Hon. Dr. John Chrysostom Muyingo commended the European Union, its member states, Makerere University and other partners for organising the event, describing international cooperation as important to Uganda’s education and research agenda.
The Minister said Uganda’s young population presents a significant opportunity for national development if supported with the right investments in education, skills, creativity, research, innovation and entrepreneurship.
He encouraged universities and research institutions to strengthen links between education, research, innovation and the world of work, noting that research should not only generate academic knowledge but also contribute to policies, technologies and practical solutions to national challenges.
Dr. Muyingo also encouraged students and young professionals to engage with the European Union, its member states and alumni to understand the opportunities available and prepare themselves for future applications.
Makerere highlights value of partnership
The Acting (Ag.) Vice Chancellor and Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic Affairs), Makerere University, Prof. Sarah Ssali said the fair provided an important platform for bringing education, research, innovation and international cooperation together.
She noted that the event was particularly significant as Uganda and the European Union celebrate five decades of partnership, with Makerere’s relationships with some European institutions extending even beyond 50 years.
Prof. Ssali said the partnerships have supported education, research, skills development, innovation, institutional strengthening and human capital development, creating opportunities for Ugandans to acquire knowledge and skills, conduct research and establish international networks.
She called for the next chapter of the partnership to place knowledge, research, innovation, technology and young people at the centre.
“Research needs to move beyond publication of research, to influence policy, improve practice, create products and services, strengthen communities and contribute to the economic development of our country,” she said.
Prof. Ssali also encouraged participants to explore opportunities for scholarships, research, exchange programmes, doctoral studies, joint research and fellowships available through European partnerships.
She said the ultimate value of international education and research partnerships lies in how knowledge, skills, networks and technologies acquired through such opportunities contribute to Uganda’s development.
Human Response programme strengthens partnerships
The fair also showcased Makerere’s partnerships through programmes such as the Humanitarian Response, Health and Displacement Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Programme (Human Response).
Dr. Justus Twesigye, the Dean, School of Social Sciences, Makerere University and Co-Principal Investigator of Human Response, explained that the programme has created partnerships between Makerere and universities in Europe and Africa.
These include the University Institute of Lisbon in Portugal, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, University of Athens in Greece, University of Cape Verde and University of Rovuma in Mozambique, alongside associate partners including the Uganda Red Cross Society, Allied Uganda, Refugee Led Organisation Network and the Ministry of Water and Environment.
Twesigye said the partnerships have introduced new approaches to teaching and learning by involving practitioners directly in training and giving students opportunities for concurrent field practice.
He noted that organisations such as the Uganda Red Cross Society have participated in delivering classes, while students also gain practical experience in the field before returning to class for reflective learning.
The programme is also promoting joint research between academics and practitioners, moving away from approaches where researchers and practitioners work separately.
CEES project supports competence based education
The College of Education and External Studies (CEES) also presented an EU supported project aimed at helping higher education institutions and regulators transition to competence based education.
Assoc. Prof. Josephine Esaete, Senior Lecturer in the Department of Science, Technology and Vocational Education, said the project brings together nine partners from Uganda, West Africa and Europe.
She explained that the project seeks to strengthen the capacity of universities and higher education regulators in designing competence based curricula, teaching, assessment, monitoring and evaluation.
Makerere University is coordinating the four year project, with Mountains of the Moon University among the Ugandan partners.
Assoc. Prof. Esaete said the project is timely as universities work towards transitioning their programmes and curricula to competence-based education.
The project also seeks to strengthen collaboration between higher education institutions and industry so that students can acquire skills relevant to the world of work.
Fair creates opportunities for students and researchers
The exhibition brought together different EU supported research projects, academic programmes and institutional partnerships, allowing students, researchers and other participants to interact directly with project teams and representatives of European institutions.
The fair also provided opportunities for participants to learn from Makerere alumni who have benefited from international study and research opportunities.
Prof. Ssali urged participants to use the opportunity to “engage, explore, connect, and discover” new possibilities while encouraging young people to dream boldly, seek knowledge, build networks and use what they learn to contribute to Uganda’s transformation.
Take ownership of your future
Officially closing the fair, the Director, Research Innovations and Partnerships (DRIP), Prof. Robert Wamala urged the students and young professionals who had participated in the fair to take ownership of their future because the Fair had shown that opportunities are real.
“Do not be afraid to ask questions, do not be afraid to apply, do not be discouraged by your first unsuccessful application, build your academic profile, build your research skills, build your networks, and remain curious”, Prof. Wamala encouraged.
On behalf of Makerere University, he sincerely appreciated Team Europe, the European Union and its Member States in Uganda, for organising this important Fair and the Ag. Minister, Hon. Dr. J.C. Muyingo for presiding over the event and reiterating the Ministry’s commitment to strengthening education, research and international cooperation.
“At Makerere University, the Directorate of Research, Innovations and Partnerships remains ready to work with our European partners, the Ministry, researchers, students and other stakeholders to help translate the opportunities identified today into meaningful collaborations and outcomes” Prof. Wamala reassured.
The fair reaffirmed Makerere University‘s commitment to strengthening international partnerships that support research, innovation, human capital development and national transformation.
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