General
Mak-SHARP launch So-Lite Solar Street Lighting Project
The Assistant Commissioner of Police, who also doubles as the Police Spokesperson, Fred Enanga, launched a solar street lighting project at a highly colorful ceremony in Makerere University on 27th June, 2014. The over 3 billion shillings project, code named So-Lite, Eco-Friendly Lighting is a result of a partnership between Makerere University and SHARP- Electronics. The project was launched at Makerere University Main Building amidst hundreds of witnesses.
The Police Spokesperson appreciated the partnership and described it as a much needed step towards addressing security and beauty needs on the Main Campus. “Makerere is one of the vulnerable institutions that we monitor every day due to the increased threats from terrorists. We are happy with this initiative because it is going to help us in monitoring dark spots,” he said.
The Deputy Vice Chancellor in charge of Academic Affairs at Makerere University, Dr. Ernest Okello Ogwang, emphasized that the project was timely in addressing incidences of insecurity. “The project aims at providing reliable and environmentally friendly street lighting to the main campus so as to reduce on energy expenses and incidents of insecurity at night,” he said.
“We applaud for your patience throughout the period of our deliberations and we look forward to embracing renewable energy to help us light up the Main campus as 120 solar powered street lights go live as per the contract,” he added.
Looking at the increased demand and use of solar technology which has led to global attention to invest in the renewable energy projects, Mr. Katto, the Managing Director of SHARP Electronics Technology Limited, explained that the solar lights were procured from one of the best companies in the business- Solar Outdoor Lighting (SOL), based in the United States of America.
“The willingness of Makerere University to embrace Public-Private Partnerships is what prompted us to suggest this collaboration. The University administration willingly permitted us to put up a sample light about two years ago. This was the birth of the So-Lite project we are launching today,” he said amidst applause.
According to the manufacturer and founder of SOL, Alan Hurst, the solar lights are durable and have a 20 year life span. “These lights do not need wiring in between lamp posts, secondly lighting will change people’s lives and reduce energy costs,” he said. Mr. Hurst assured the audience that the project’s launch at Makerere University marked the beginning of solar street lighting extension to other institutions and Uganda at large.
Mr. Bruce Kabaasa, the Chairperson of Makerere University Convocation, represented the Chairperson of Council– Eng. Dr. Charles Wana Etyem, and gave the assurance of Council’s support for similar projects.
The Guild President, H.E. Ivan Bwowe called upon the fellow students to protect the solar lights because they are intended to benefit all. “As students we endorse this initiative because it is not only going to benefit us, but many generations to come as We build for the Future,” he asserted.
This project will see 120 solar street lights installed across the University, with 10 outdoor LED screens to ease communication between Makerere University Administration and the wider community.
The function was attended by a number of people including the Deputy Vice Chancellor in Charge of Finance and Administration, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, the University Secretary Mr. David Kahundha-Muhwezi, the Senior Legal Officer and Head Legal Unit Mr. Goddy Muhumuza, the Chairperson of Makerere University Academic Staff Association, Dr. Kiggundu Musoke, the Chairperson of Makerere University Administrative Staff Association, Hajati Fatumah Nakatudde, Members of Staff Associations and Students.
By Prossy Nabatte, Public Relations Office
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Click here for the Solar Streetlights Installation Gallery
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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