General
Mak-Sasakawa symposium ‘Takes it to the Farmer’
The College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, CAES, in collaboration with Sasakawa Africa Association (SAA) held a one day symposium on Agricultural transformation on 8th July 2014. The symposium, held at the College of Engineering, Design, Art and Technology (CEDAT) Conference Hall-Makerere University, attracted a number of local and international delineates from the UK, USA, Ethiopia, Kenya, Uganda, Nigeria, Mali, Benin, Switzerland, Ghana and Japan. It was held under the theme, “Take it to the Farmer: The Relevance of Universities in Agricultural Transformation in Uganda.’ The symposium was as part of the events commemorating 100 years of Dr. Norman Borlaug, Nobel Laureate, who together with former US president Jimmy Carter and Japanese philanthropist; Ryoich Sasakawa founded the SAA/Sasakawa Global 2000.
It also attracted a number of dignitaries including the former President of Benin, H.E Nicéphore Soglo, Uganda’s High Commissioner to the UK, Prof. Joyce Kikafunda, MPs and members of staff, Makerere University.
While opening the symposium, theMakerere University Chancellor, Prof. George Mondo Kagonyera, decried the food security question in Africa. “Africa has a big challenge of food security. Taking Uganda as an example, I have seen the population grow from 5m to 35m yet food production has not grown to the same ratio. Food shortage has even reduced the stature of people in Kigezi, my home area,” he lamented.
Chancellor Kagonyera made reference to Uganda’s recently read budget for the financial year 2015/16, which indicated an increment in taxation on farm implements. “I talk in frustration. We do not seem to see things change significantly in agriculture the backbone of our economy. Agricultural projects like the Plan for Modernization of Agriculture and its offspring, NAADs, have all not achieved the desired impact. In the last budget speech, the Minister proposed tax increments on agricultural items. I do not know whether the farming community was consulted, but is not fair,” he asserted.
The Chancellor reminisced the good old days when Makerere University was consulted before such decisions would be taken, he emphasized that high taxation on the agricultural sector will further compound the high levels of malnutrition in Uganda, at a time Government is increasingly advocating for Universal Primary Education, UPE. “How do you expect to educate a malnourished child, whose brain has not fully developed and who is always dosing in class because of hunger?” he wondered.
The Principal, CAES, Prof. Bernard Bashaasha called for more engagements in agriculture. “Governments in Africa need to re-engage in agriculture so that the supply and demand are addressed simultaneously. It is also critical to enhance multi-disciplinarily approach to all initiatives so that agriculture works with other fields. You cannot do it alone,” he said.
High Commissioner H.E Prof. Joyce Kikafunda observed that the time is right for Africa to make her case to the rest of the world. “It is time for Africa to bring out her needs and challenges. The post 2015 development agenda looks at inclusive development. Uganda has the UN Presidency now and we should make the best of this opportunity. In relation to involvement of all stakeholders in such gatherings, especially the farmers, I propose Think-Tanks comprised of a cross sectional representation of farmers, academicians, policy makers and the like,” she advised amidst applause. Many were happy that Prof. Kikafunda, a former member of staff, CAES was back home, at least to attend the symposium.
In an exclusive interview with the Public Relations Office, the Benin former President, who is also a member of the Sasakawa Board- H.E Nicéphore Soglo, pointed out that it is necessary to show that good life can be obtained even in the villages without necessarily coming to town. He referred to a visit he had had to a one acre farm in Entebbe owned by Dr. Nyamutale Natalie – on which she carries out a variety of activities including fish farming, poultry rearing and cultivation. “It is good to show that in each village you can do this. It is not necessary to come to town to have a good life. You can have a good life even in the village. From what I saw on this farm, I want to go back and share the same with the people of Benin,” he said.
CAES has a long history of working with Sasakawa in capacity building, including opportunities extended to students and farmers. According to the CAES Principal, Prof. Bashasha, these engagements are good ground for addressing the rampant youth unemployment through skills enhancement.
In relation to youth unemployment, one of the panelists-Mr. Charles Ocici of Enterprise Uganda pointed out that the biggest deterrent is the mind set, focusing on white-collar jobs. “Agriculture is a low hanging sector for anyone to get into, with numerous opportunities right from production all the way to processing. Attitude is the challenge. The dogma that you go to school and get a job afterwards is so entrenched in our young generation and is a hindrance to entrepreneurship. Many think that agriculture is for those who have failed,” he emphasized. “The private sector will not buy from you because of your age, qualifications, tribe, or gender. We will buy from the best service provider. It is a brutal sector of choice, competition, continuous learning but is certainly very rewarding,” he added.
Sharing his experience on the same, Prof. Jacob Agea, a member of staff, CAES, Makerere University revealed that he is actively engaged in a private business of supplying pigeons to a top hotel in Kampala and that he has every reason to smile when his pay cheque jets in from the proceeds. He encouraged others to follow suit by actively engaging in agriculture.
Sharing about the international experience, Dr. David Norman of Winrock International advised that it is critical to engage all players in the value chain to provide information to and from the farmers as a way of addressing emerging issues.
Other panelists included Dr. Swaibu Mbowa, Br. Deola Naibakelao, Dr. Paul Kibwika, Dr. Tim Chancellor, Dr. Dorothy Masinde, Dr. Florence Lubwama, Prof. Jonny Mugisha and Hon. Prof. Ruth Oniang’o among others.
The first two symposiums of its kind were held in Mali to mark the 20th and the 25th anniversaries of Dr. Norman Borlaug. The next symposium will be agreed upon after a decision of the Sasakawa Board. After the engagement at Makerere University, the symposium delegates are set to travel to Jinja and share these deliberations with selected farmers.
By Marion Alina, Public Relations Office
General
From Campus to Career: Makerere Advancement Office, 91st Guild and the DFCU Foundation Equip Students with Financial and Employability Skills
On 4th December, 2025, over 200 final-year students gathered at the School of Pharmacy Auditorium for the highly engaging Career & Financial Literacy Symposium, hosted by the 91st Students’ Guild, in partnership with the Makerere Advancement Office and the DFCU Foundation.
The symposium centred on student advancement through strategic partnership, convening students, administrators and development partners for a practical conversation on career readiness, financial literacy, employability, and personal development.
Advancement Through Partnerships
Speaking on behalf of the Makerere Advancement Office, Mr Awel Uwihanganye, Chief Advancement Officer, underscored the importance of partnerships such as the one with DFCU Foundation. He highlighted their importance in equipping students with marketplace skills and opportunities vital for individual growth after University.
He reflected on the university journey as a formative period for ideas, innovation, and lifelong relationships, noting that:
“University is where impressions are made, and future networks are born. The friendships, character, and collaborations you develop here become foundations for careers, enterprises and leadership later in life.”
Mr. Uwihanganye encouraged students to embrace entrepreneurship, creativity and innovation, arguing that the emerging workforce is driven by technology, multi-tasking ability and idea generation rather than traditional single-path employment. He challenged students to build businesses, use digital platforms productively, and regard employment as only one income stream, not the only one.
The Student Perspective — Discipline, Skills and Trust
Speaking on student growth and personal development, Dr. Rodney Rugyema, Deputy Dean of Students, highlighted the realities facing new graduates, especially those entering the job market for the first time. With humour and honesty, he urged students to approach growth intentionally and responsibly.
He called for delayed gratification, financial discipline and long-term decision-making, reminding students that wealth is built, not wished for. He emphasised the importance of skills beyond academic papers, stating that students must be equipped to create value, adapt, learn continuously, and gain competence relevant to modern work demands.
Dr. Rugyema underscored that trust, integrity and reliability remain the most non-negotiable pillars of professional advancement.
“Let people trust you enough to lend you an opportunity. Be a person who delivers. Your reputation is currency; it travels to rooms you are not in.” He noted
Financial Literacy for the Next Generation
The keynote training session was delivered by Mr. Simon Omara, Business Advisor representing the DFCU Foundation, who walked students through a highly practical presentation on financial planning, savings culture, credit management, record-keeping, career positioning and entrepreneurship.
With more than 10,000 graduates annually and less than 35% securing employment within the first year, Mr. Omara challenged students to practice financial and career ownership early. His presentation explored:
Key Competencies Students Must Build
- Financial management with a focus on budgeting, saving, and investing early
- Career readiness, CV development, interview skills, and personal branding
- Entrepreneurship and income diversification
- Record keeping and credit management
- Professional conduct and workplace preparation
He reminded students that the future belongs to those who are financially literate, skilled, trusted and entrepreneurial. Through relatable examples and actionable frameworks such as the 70–20–10 rule, the 7-second CV scan, and the 90-day post-graduation growth plan, Mr. Omara equipped participants with practical knowledge they could act upon immediately.
Why This Symposium Matters
This event stands as a testament to the power of partnership-driven student advancement, a core mandate of the Makerere Advancement Office. By convening industry partners like DFCU Foundation, the University continues to ensure that students graduate not only with knowledge, but with tools and readiness for opportunity.
The symposium strengthened linkages between academia and the labour market, expanded students’ perspective on financial independence, and emphasised the value of entrepreneurship, networks and character in shaping future leadership
The Makerere Advancement Office remains committed to facilitating opportunities that empower students to thrive beyond the gates of the University, through partnerships, mentorship, capacity-building, and exposure to real-world skillsets.
“ A degree alone is no longer enough. With partnership, preparation and purpose, our students can build futures anchored in knowledge, opportunity and resilience.” Mr Awel Uwihanganye noted during his remarks.
Caroline Kainomugisha is the Communications Officer, Makerere Advancement Office
Makerere University on 3rd December, 2025 hosted the Tumusiime Mutebile Annual Lecture, a tradition established to honour the life and legacy of the late Prof. Emmanuel Tumusiime-Mutebile, an outstanding alumnus and former Governor of the Bank of Uganda who passed away in 2022. The lecture not only reflects on his remarkable contribution to Uganda’s economic leadership, but also highlights how innovation, resilience, and intergenerational vision can shape Africa’s future.
This year’s edition was anchored on three key pillars—intergenerational leadership, economic resilience, and the power of innovation—themes that defined Prof. Mutebile’s career and continue to influence national development. Through this annual series, the University upholds his memory while also celebrating other African leaders whose work has left a lasting mark on the continent, using their legacies to inspire thoughtful dialogue, policy reflection, and the next generation of transformative thinkers.
Celebrating an Enduring Legacy
In her remarks, the Acting Vice Chancellor, Prof. Sarah Ssali, reflected on Prof. Mutebile’s lifelong commitment to excellence, integrity, and the transformative power of education. She highlighted his journey from a student leader at Makerere to one of the country’s most influential economic thinkers, noting how his leadership in monetary policy, fiscal reform, and economic stabilization reshaped Uganda’s economic trajectory.
Prof. Ssali emphasized that this public lecture series not only honours Mutebile’s legacy but also bridges academia and practice—challenging students, scholars, and national leaders to pursue knowledge that serves the public good. She expressed gratitude to the Bank of Uganda under Dr. Michael Atingi-Ego, dfcu Bank, the GRO Foundation, the Mutebile family, and the Advancement Office for their continued support in sustaining a platform that nurtures economic thought leadership and inspires future generations.
Rt. Hon. Emeritus Amama Mbabazi, a lifelong friend and contemporary of the late Prof. Emmanuel Tumusiime-Mutebile, delivered a deeply personal reflection during the lecture. He recalled their shared beginnings as young student leaders at Makerere, their early political activism, and the historical moments that shaped both their lives and the nation. Speaking as both confidant and colleague, he emphasized Mutebile’s disciplined approach to economic policy, his unwavering belief in strong, accountable institutions, and his commitment to evidence-based, long-term decision making. Mbabazi outlined three pillars of Mutebile’s legacy—policy integrity, institutional strength, and leadership that prepares the next generation—values he affirmed are central to the work of the Tumusiime Foundation, which he now chairs.
He underscored the critical role of the private sector in Africa’s transformation, stressing the need for productivity-driven economies, skilled young people, and policy ecosystems that encourage innovation. He further called for intergenerational leadership that deliberately transfers knowledge, builds enduring institutions, and creates real opportunities for young Africans to lead. In closing, he urged academia, policymakers, and industry to work in partnership, noting that Africa’s progress depends on disciplined leadership, investment in human capital, and a shared commitment to building a future stronger than the present.
Fiscal Policies that have stood the test of time
The Governor of the Bank of Uganda, Dr. Michael Atingi-Ego, honored the late Prof. Emmanuel Tumusiime-Mutebile with a heartfelt tribute, praising him as “a great tree whose roots ran deep beneath the soil of this nation, nourishing all who followed.” He noted that Uganda continues to benefit from the “shade” of the policies Mutebile planted during his 21-year tenure—policies that stabilized the economy, strengthened institutions, and protected the financial system through multiple crises. He highlighted Mutebile’s role in restoring price stability through cash budgeting, bringing inflation down from triple digits to single digits, guiding the country through the 2008 global financial crisis with disciplined monetary policy, and maintaining public trust during the 2011 inflation spike through clear and transparent communication.
Dr. Atingi-Ego also credited him for steering Uganda safely through the COVID-19 pandemic by introducing liquidity support for banks, credit relief for borrowers, and targeted foreign exchange interventions. Reflecting on Mutebile’s long-term impact, the Governor remarked, “These are the ideas he planted—he never lived to enjoy the shade of the tree, but today, the country rests under it.” He further celebrated Mutebile’s commitment to innovation, citing the 2016 amendments to the Financial Institutions Act that unlocked agency banking, bancassurance, and Islamic banking—reforms that today anchor Uganda’s impressive financial inclusion gains.
Intergenerational Leadership blends agility and emotional intelligence
Eng. Dr. F. F. Tusubira delivered a compelling and deeply reflective keynote, grounding the theme “Intergenerational Leadership, Economic Resilience and the Power of Innovation” in both history and lived institutional experience. He expressed serious concern that although Africa is the world’s youngest continent—with over 65% of its population below 35—its systems continue to sideline young people from leadership and national decision-making, even as they are repeatedly called “leaders of tomorrow.” He argued that this generational exclusion is not merely unfair but dangerous, warning that nations cannot secure economic resilience while locking out the very demographic best equipped to navigate a rapidly evolving, technology-driven world.
Drawing on African proverbs, global case studies, and personal anecdotes from Makerere and national institutions, he demonstrated how younger generations bring idealism, agility, innovation, and risk-taking—qualities essential for competitiveness—while older generations contribute emotional intelligence, institutional memory and a heightened sense of danger. He emphasized that progress requires blending these strengths through deliberate structures: fair representation of youth in boards and executive spaces, shared decision-making, reverse mentorship, and an institutional culture that values every generational perspective.
Dr. Tusubira also highlighted the urgent need for education reform, criticizing the continent’s entrenched “learning to pass exams” culture and calling for systems that cultivate creativity, problem-solving, and technical capability. He cautioned that without investing in human capital, digital literacy, and inclusive innovation ecosystems, Africa risks losing the very foundation of future competitiveness. His message was clear and powerful: intergenerational leadership is not optional—it is a survival strategy for institutions, businesses, and nations, especially in an era where, as he quoted, “it is not the strongest who survive, but those most responsive to change.”
The lecture was further enriched by an engaging panel discussion, which was moderated by Prof. Edward Bbaale, the Principal, College of Business and Management Sciences. He opened the discussion by deliberately centering today’s students and emerging leaders, framing the session as an intellectual reflection on the life, values and legacy of the late Prof. Emmanuel Tumusiime-Mutebile. He positioned the lecture’s theme — Shaping Africa’s Future: Intergenerational Leadership, Economic Resilience and the Power of Innovation — as urgent and practical, and introduced a cross-disciplinary panel whose expertise mirrors that urgency: Eng. Dr. F. F. Tusubira, Mr. Charles Mudiwa the Managing Director Dfcu Bank, and Prof. Faisal Buyinza the Ag. Dean, School of Economics.
Prof. Bbaale’s moderation enabled panelists to offer guidance on structural and cultural barriers to youth inclusion, the role of institutions in building resilience, and how academia, industry and policy can work together to turn innovation into jobs and scalable solutions — all the while reserving time for direct audience engagement and practical policy takeaways. Collectively, the panelists urged dismantling age-biased barriers and credential rigidities, creating new entry points and “tables” for youth leadership, scaling finance and training for startups and agribusiness, reforming pedagogy to prioritise skills and creativity, and deepening public-private-academic partnerships so innovation becomes inclusive growth rather than isolated experimentation.
The Family’s heartfelt appreciation
Mrs. Betty Tumusiime-Mutebile delivered heartfelt closing remarks, offering gratitude on behalf of the family and the Tumusiime-Mutebile Foundation. Speaking with deep emotion, she reflected on the late Professor’s character—his honesty, humility, hard work, and unwavering commitment to service above self. She thanked Makerere University, the Bank of Uganda, the Foundation’s leadership, and the many friends and colleagues who have continued to uphold his legacy, noting that although nearly four years have passed since his departure, his memory remains vivid and powerful for the family.
She recalled his devotion to both his public duty and his home, sharing personal stories of his leadership within the family and his steadfast faith that shaped their daily lives. Mrs. Tumusiime-Mutebile also highlighted the Foundation’s ongoing work in youth skilling, ethical governance, and private-sector development—initiatives rooted in his own vision. She concluded by inviting continued partnership to sustain the legacy he built, and led the gathering in singing his favourite chorus, a tender tribute to a man whose influence, she said, endures through the lives he touched.
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