General
Makerere Volleyball Team set for Inter-University games
Makerere University Volleyball Team is in high spirits ahead of the November 2014 inter-university games. The team, comprised of a male and female wing, has been 
participating in an ongoing tournament that kicked off in June 2014 in Kumi district. While in Kumi, the male players in the Mak team (both staff and students of Makerere University) secured victory over Nkumba and Ndejje teams. In progressive matches, these players triumphed over Air force Entebbe, UCC, Loria and Old Kampala Volleyball teams.
This ongoing tournament brought together a total of 21 teams from around the country, playing against each other in clusters of six. Over the weekend on 4th Oct. 2014, the Mak male team played Jinja Volleyball Club (JVC) at Uganda Christian University; scoring 20 points against JVC’s 25. The Makerere team later beat Old Kampala Volleyball team 3 to 2. Sky volleyball team emerged overall winner of this tournament.
The vibrant female wing, comprised of 18 students, equally demonstrated zeal and skill by whacking Mulago Volleyball team in the weekend match. The Mak ladies scored 2 against 0 for Mulago; before finally succumbing to Uganda Christian University Volleyball team.
Although the Makerere University Volleyball team has not made it to the National finals, Coach Eric Kawoya is convinced that the momentum built can only get better. “We assembled this team in January this year and their performance, given the short period of practice, is impressive,” he says. “This team is getting more and more competence by the day. There is no need to hire mercenaries anymore. We should instead support and facilitate our team comprised of students and members of staff of Makerere University. We are now getting ready for the inter university games this November in Mbarara and Nairobi. I am confident we shall bring victory home,” adds Kawoya.
Kawoya reveals that the Mak Volleyball team is financially constrained, with the female wing lacking appropriate sports gear. “For this tournament we received facilitation from the University but for friendly matches we have to deep into our pockets,” he says.
Dr. Chris Bakuneeta from the College of Natural Sciences has been the Chairperson of the Competition Organizing Committee for close to two years. He is passionate about reviving the vibrancy of sports among members of Staff. “We initiated a lot of sports for Staff like swimming, football and volleyball. The turn up was initially promising, but of late we could do with a little more enthusiasm because sports is good for us all. I therefore encourage more members of Staff to get involved in a sport of their choice. I play volleyball myself,” he says.
Now Dr. Bakuneeta is organizing a sports-filled day, during which interested members of staff will participate in a variety of sports with prizes to be won for the top performers. This, he says, will be before the close of 2014.
Story by Marion Alina
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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