General
Makerere Staff pay tribute to Prof. Ali Mazrui
Following the opening of a condolence book at the office of the Makerere University Vice Chancellor, a number of members of staff of Makerere University have written moving messages to pay tribute to the departed Scholar. Prof. Ali Mazrui was pronounced dead in the U.S.A on Monday, 13th October 2014.
In the condolence book the Chancellor Makerere University, Prof. George Mondo Kagonyera, wrote: ‘Prof. Mazrui led an intellectually honest life. He maximized his exposure to many civilizations in shaping his positions on issues that affected the human race. I loved Prof. Mazrui’s simple approach to life. He was a man you ought to love. We remember with affection his last visit to Makerere University. We are proud to have identified ourselves with this giant of a person. It is not only his family, not Kenya, not East Africa and not Africa that have lost but the whole world. May his soul rest in eternal peace, he so richly deserves.’
The Chairperson Makerere University Council, Eng. Dr. Charles Wana Etyem wrote: ‘I learnt of Prof. Mazrui when I was a young student in 1969. His oratory and intellectual power shook Makerere and Uganda. He challenged the political leadership throughout Africa without fear. He inspired young African intellectuals up to his death. We shall miss him. May his soul rest in eternal peace.’
The Vice Chancellor Makerere University, Prof. John Ddumba-Ssentamu wrote: ‘Makerere University will forever remember the blessing that Prof Ali Mazrui was to us. He was a selfless person, who sought to impact the world through his God-given intellectual abilities. He is one of the few people who stood up to be counted for their views irrespective of the tumultuous post-colonial political period across the African continent. He laid a firm foundation for many in academia. At Makerere University, his candle will forever burn bright. We thank the Almighty God for his life. May his soul rest in the fine heavens, forever at peace.’
The Chairperson of Appointments Board, Stephen Maloba wrote: ‘What a rare gift from the Almighty! Many of us will always remember you for the inspiration, guidance, love and always being available. You always kept track of your former students and I was one such person that you graced with your acceptance of being a Guest Speaker to my history students at St. Peters College Tororo in Eastern Uganda. I was just a classroom teacher. Condolences to the family. I take this opportunity to convey our most sincere condolences from the Appointments Board of Makerere University, an institution you served to the best of your ability. Almighty God, grant Prof. Ali Mazrui eternal rest.’
Other members of Staff of Makerere Universityhave written that they will remember Prof. Ali Mazrui forever and ever, and that he will remain in their hearts. They all wish him a peaceful eternal rest.
Many well wishers have also signed the condolence book. One of them is Henry Kyemba of the Judicial Service Commission who wrote: ‘It was a great pleasure for me to interact with the late Prof. Ali Mazrui both in Uganda and in exile during the difficult years in Uganda. He was a brilliant debator during the Obote 1 regime (1962 – 1971) on Uganda’s way forward and he was an academician not to be ignored. May his soul rest in peace.’
By press time, more Members of Staff and well wishers were at the Vice Chancellor’s office to sign the condolence book. Many others who opted for the mailing lists such as Prof. James Ntozi noted ‘it was under him as a Dean of Social Sciences that courses in accounting and rural economics were started in 1968. These two courses later evolved into current MUBS and Department of Agricultural Economics, respectively. I know this because I joined Makerere at the same time with the pioneers of the two courses and graduated with them in 1971, having done both courses as my optional papers. May the soul of Ali Mazrui rest in Peace.’
The view of an Artist. An artist at Makerere University, Rolands Tibirusya says the late Ali Mazrui loved art. “Professor Ali Mazrui personally loved art which he believed to be an effective communication tool for diversity exhibited within our cultures. He gladly accepted to sign on the art work painted in his honor for his contribution to human kind. He signed two art works I painted; one at his 77th birthday at Makerere university in 2009 and another during his 80th birthday in 2013; held in the USA alongside the African studies conference. This was a great gesture of humility which I will live to emulate.”
Burial: Prof. Ali Mazrui will be burried on Saturday 18th October 2014 at his family’s graveyard in Fort Jesus, Mombasa Kenya.
Compiled by Marion Alina, Public Relations Office
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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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