The Director General of the Knesset has on a recent visit to Makerere University promised to link academic staff to their colleagues in Israel. The Knesset is the legislative arm of the Israeli Government. Mr. Ronen Plot, his wife and 6 others from the Israeli Parliament were accompanied to Makerere on 17th October 2014 by Hon. Benson Obua Ogwal and Hon. Annet Nyakecho Okwenye the Member of Parliament for Moroto County and Woman Member of Parliament for Otuke County respectively.
“I would like Professors and academicians from here to travel to Israel and interact with their counterparts. I will accompany you to meet your colleagues in several universities within Israel. Come and visit Jerusalem, a city that God himself has built” Mr. Plot said.
He was addressing members of staff ofthe College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Biosecurity (CoVAB) during an interactive tour of the College. He had purposefully come to familiarize himself with the operation of the Skills for Production, Employment, Development and Academic Growth (SPEDA) scheme.
SPEDA is a special and alternative model and scheme for community education, mass skilling, enterprise development, employment and household creation in support of the ‘Prosperity for all and Vision 2040’ National agenda. This model is one of the innovations supported by the Presidential Initiative for Science and Technology at Makerere University and is spearheaded by CoVAB.
Prof. John David Kabasa, Principal, CoVAB said that the role of the university is to contribute to vision 2040 of the country through shifting Uganda from a peasant economy to middle class. “How can you be in a place gifted by nature and you are the poorest? Prof Kabasa asked. “Let Makerere take lead in liberating our country from poverty. The University is the apex of knowledge and everyone will respect its changes in education”, Prof Kabasa stated.
Also present were The Chancellor, Prof. Mondo Kagonyera, The Vice Chairperson Makerere University Council, Hon. Irene Ovonji-Odida ,the Vice Chancellor, Prof. John Ddumba-Ssentamu, and the Head of Veterinary Services, State House; Dr. Sam Byabagaire.
Dr. Byabagaire said that he was proud to have been there when initial discussions of the SPEDA model were held. “We took the proposal to the President, he accepted it and it is my duty to ensure that it works out” he said.
Hon. Benson Ogwal said that he had already been ‘converted’ by the alternative education model and that he was ready to bring his constituency on board through the Lango Transformation Board.
An invitation was made to the students under the SPEDA model to exhibit during the Parliament Science day.
“I invite Makerere to be part of the upcoming exhibition organized by the Science and Technology Committee of Parliament so that you showcase your contribution to our country’s development”, said Hon. Nyakecho who is also the Vice Chairperson of the Science and Technology Committee of Parliament.
The Vice Chancellor thanked the leadership of CoVAB for spearheading this initiative, which had attracted the visiting delegation from Israel.
Makerere University signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Agrostudies International Centre of Agriculture in partnership with Israel Government Agency for International Development Cooperation to enable Makerere University students receive one-year internship Training in Israel.
“So far, two cohorts of students from Makerere have travelled to Israel, not only to learn skills in advanced technologies but also to have a change in mindset towards agriculture”, The Vice Chancellor said.
Prof. Kabasa made an appeal to the Director General to push for the increase in the number of slots for Makerere on the internship programme, so that more of the students under the alternative training scheme can get international exposure.
The Office of Academic Registrar, Makerere University has released admission lists of candidates admitted under the Talented Sports Men & Women, Disability and District Quota Schemes with Government sponsorship 2026/27 Academic Year including appeals and remarked cases.
Other admission lists released include A-Level Applicants with Ugandan and those with Foreign Qualifications, Diploma in Performing Arts, Mature-Age Entry and Bachelor of Education (EXTERNAL Batch 2) for the Academic Year 2026/2027 under self sponsorship.
University of Perugia has received funding from the European Commission to support six exchange mobility for students (for Traineeship purposes).
The present Call establishes the rules and criteria for participating in Erasmus+ Mobility Exchange.
Destination and Duration of the Exchange Mobility
Students interested in the Erasmus+ Programme can spend a Mobility Exchange during the Academic Year 2025/2026 or 2026/2027 at the University of Perugia (Italy) https://www.unipg.it/en/
Who can apply
In order to take part in a mobility exchange period at University of Perugia (Italy), interested students need to submit a formal application to the International Relations Office, Makerere University via email: international@mak.ac.ug
The subject areas involved in the exchange mobility are the following:
0811 Crop and livestock production
0841 Veterinary
0888 Inter-disciplinary programmes and qualifications involving agriculture, forestry, fisheries and veterinary
See below for detailed call.
Deadline for submitting the application: Friday 07th August 2026
Hosts Makerere University have officially kicked off the East African Universities’ Debate Championship EAUDC ZAABU 2026, bringing together student debaters, university leaders, and representatives from universities across the region to promote intellectual engagement, critical thinking, leadership development, and regional collaboration. The championship provides a platform for students to exchange ideas, strengthen public speaking skills, and develop solutions through constructive dialogue. This yearās theme is: From Dialogue to Action: The Role of Youth in Africaās Transformation.
The event reflects Makerere Universityās continued commitment to nurturing student leadership, academic excellence, and regional integration by providing opportunities for young people to engage in meaningful discussions and build networks beyond national borders.
Debate as a Platform for Regional Engagement
Chairperson of the Organizing Committee and Makerere University Debate Union (MDU), Mr. Arthur Akatwijuka highlighted the importance of hosting the championship and bringing together universities from different countries across East Africa. He noted that the event demonstrates the role of debate in connecting young leaders, promoting intellectual diversity, and strengthening collaboration among institutions of higher learning.
āWe are excited to have representation from the different countries and universities. This championship is not only about competition but also about creating a platform where young leaders can engage, share ideas, and shape the future of our region,ā said Mr. Akatwijuka.
Mr. Akatwijuka further explained that the championship provides participants with an opportunity to learn from different perspectives, develop confidence, and build skills that will contribute to their leadership journey. He encouraged students to embrace the experience as a platform for knowledge exchange and regional cooperation.
Speaking on behalf of the Vice Chancellor, Deputy Vice Chancellor (Finance and Administration), Prof. Henry Alinaitwe reaffirmed Makerere Universityās commitment to advancing regional integration and nurturing future leaders through the EAUDC2026. He descried the championship as a vital platform for strengthening collaboration among universities.
āMakerere was the first university in East Africa, so you are coming back home. This is your university, and its doors are always open to you,ā said Prof. Alinaitwe.
Prof. Henry Alinaitwe
The Deputy Vice Chancellor noted that the championship builds on Makerere University‘s efforts to promote youth leadership and regional cooperation through debate. He said the competition equips participants with critical thinking, communication, research, and leadership skills while fostering unity among East African youth. āAs we debate regionally, we are strengthening regional integration. By coming here, articulating your points and convincing others, you are being groomed to become formidable leaders and a force for production and transformation in our societies,ā he said.
Prof. Alinaitwe emphasized that beyond the competition, the championship creates opportunities for participants to build regional networks and lasting partnerships that can support future academic, professional, and leadership opportunities. He encouraged all participants to view themselves as winners for contributing to East Africa’s shared vision of integration and development.
āAll of us are already winners simply by participating in this championship. Whether you finish first or sixth, you have strengthened your skills and contributed to building the future of our region,ā stated Prof. Alinaitwe.
Developing Responsible Leaders Through Debate
The Dean of Students Makerere University, Dr. Winifred Namuwonge Kabumbuli warmly welcomed participants and described the championship as an important opportunity for developing responsible and innovative leaders. Dr. Namuwonge noted that debate enables students to improve their communication skills, engage with diverse perspectives, and become better prepared for future leadership roles.
Dr. Winfred Namuwonge Kabumbuli
Dr. Namuwonge encouraged participants to uphold integrity, respect different viewpoints, and use the championship as a platform for learning and cultural exchange. āMakerere University is proud to host this championship because debate develops leaders who can engage society with knowledge, confidence, and respect,ā Dr. Namuwonge noted.
Communication Skills for Future Leaders
The Electoral Commission Uganda, Head of Public Relations and Spokesperson, Mr. Julius Mucunguzi congratulated the organizers and participants for promoting intellectual dialogue through the championship. He emphasized that debate plays a significant role in preparing young people to communicate effectively and participate in leadership.
Mr. Mucunguzi explained that the skills acquired through debating extend beyond competition and are valuable in professional and public spaces. āDebate equips young people with the ability to think critically, communicate effectively, and contribute meaningfully to society. Makerere is proud to provide this platform for East Africaās future leaders.ā
He encouraged students to continue embracing debate as a tool for knowledge sharing, understanding different perspectives, and contributing positively to society.
Transform Dialogue into Action
The keynote speaker and Executive Secretary of Inter University Council for East Africa (IUCEA), Prof. Idris A. Rai who was represented by Dr. Gervais Ndayizeye challenged young people across East Africa to move beyond discussions and take action in addressing challenges facing the continent. He described the championship as a platform for developing future leaders, innovators, and problem-solvers who will contribute to Africaās transformation.
‘We wish that the end comes not only with debate but with action. The role of youth in African transformation is very important,ā the keynote speaker said.
Dr. Ndayizeye emphasized that young people, who make up more than 70 per cent of Africaās population, have the potential to turn challenges into opportunities through innovation, entrepreneurship, and leadership. He encouraged the youth to change their mindset from seeking employment to creating solutions and opportunities for others.
‘The question should no longer be, āWho will employ me?ā The new question should be, āWhat problem can I solve?ā challenged Dr. Ndayizeye.
Prof. Henry Alinaitwe addresses at the EAUDC2026
Dr. Ndayizeye urged young leaders to actively participate in governance by voting, engaging in public affairs, and holding leaders accountable. He also highlighted the importance of East African integration, calling on young people to embrace regional cooperation and take advantage of opportunities across member states.
‘You must vote. You must engage. You must contribute. You must hold leaders accountable. You must become part of the leadership,ā Dr. Ndayizeye stated.
He further stressed that discipline is essential for success, noting that talent and education must be supported by commitment and responsibility. āTalent without discipline is wasted potential. Discipline is what transforms goals into achievements,ā Prof. Idris said.
Concluding his remarks, Dr. Ndayizeye challenged participants to become innovators, responsible citizens, and creators of opportunities who will turn ideas into action.Ā āThis generation will be remembered as the generation that transformed dialogue into action, challenges into opportunities, and possibilities into progress. The future of this East African Community is sitting in this room today,ā he concluded.
EAUDC ZAABU 2026 is organised by the Makerere University Debate Union (MDU), the official student organization that promotes debate, public speaking, poetry, and critical discourse. The debate will be held from 27th to 31st July 2026 at the Yusuf Lule Central Teaching Facility.