General
TIKA Donation takes Mak-Turkey Partnership to Higher Level
At a highly colourful ceremony, the Ambassador of Turkey to Uganda, H.E Ayşe Sedef Yavuzalp handed over equipment worth UGX 100M to Makerere University Peace and Conflict Studies Centre on 14th September 2015. The equipment was donated by the Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TIKA) to enhance the smooth running of the Peace and Conflict Studies program at Makerere University.
According to the Project Coordinator, Dr. Helen Nkabala, the equipment will help the project to fulfil its role of contributing to culture of peace through teaching, learning, research, publication and community outreach in the Great Lakes Region.
“We have received eight PC computers, four laptops, a power projector, one photocopying machine, one digital camera, four printers and a scanner among others. It is therefore my pleasure to thank the Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency, the Government of Turkey and Sabanci University for the efforts you have put in to make this project a success,” said the Project Coordinator.
Dr. Nkabala thanked the Ambassador for initiating the collaboration between Makerere University and TIKA, as well as between Makerere University and Sabanci University. With great honour, she also commended Haji Abdu Katende, a Memeber of Staff in the Mak Peace and Conflict Studies Centre for playing an instrumental role in the Mak-TIKA Partnership which resulted into fruitful donation.
Addressing the audience in the Main Hall, the Ambassador of Turkey to Uganda said that Turkey has profound expectations of her long term collaboration with Makerere University; one of the most prestigious and renowned universities in the world.
“As you know knowledge is power. With the aim of empowering African people, Turkey contributes to his African brother in the academic area both theoretically and practically such as giving scholarships and donating relevant equipment. Today we are witnessing another one of Turkey’s steps in its contribution efforts through Sabanci University’s Istanbul Policy Centre, to share its experience and assist its Ugandan counterparts," she explained.
Her Excellency also mentioned that Istambul Policy Centre (IPC) has taken its first step towards the improvement of bilateral academic relations between Uganda and Turkey, with their team of academicians from Turkey set to hold fruitful panel discussions with Makerere University.
“Turkey also extends her hand in humanitarian and development assistance, especially in the area of education which is a priority, as we believe that highly qualified and well-educated human resources are indispensable for spearheading growth on the continent. Currently over 3000 students are studying in Turkey through these scholarships with 151 students coming from Uganda,” she said.
In a speech read by the Deputy Vice Chancellor in charge of Academic Affairs (DVCAA), Assoc. Prof. Okello Ogwang, the Vice Chancellor Prof. John Ddumba-Ssentamu acknowledged the mutual relationship Makerere University has with TIKA which is in alignment with the Makerere University core function of Knowledge Transfer Partnerships and Networking.
“We value partnership, and we thank you for choosing to partner with Makerere University, as we continue to reflect on the University Vision, to be the leading institution for academic excellence and innovations in Africa. In the spirit of partnership, I am confident to mention that the equipment we have received today, Monday 14th September 2015, will greatly advance teaching and learning as well as the research capacity for students and staff,” the Vice Chancelor said.
He further noted that Makerere University operates in a globalised world hence the need for implementation of her internationalisation agenda, aimed at ensuring that Makerere remains relevant and visible in the global arena.
“In the pursuit of this agenda, we enter into partnership with reputable universities; we offer joint degree programmes; undertake staff and student exchanges; participate in capacity building opportunities in form of scholarships and seminars among other initiatives. Your Excellency, The Ambassador, together with the TIKA team, and the delegation from Sabanci University, we once again, invite you to be key partners in the implementation of the Makerere University internationalisation agenda,” he urged.
Speaking on behalf of TIKA, Mr. Selahattin Cansiz noted that Turkey’s relations with African countries have in recent years gained momentum in many spheres ranging from trade to political dialogue, as well as from education activities to economic investments and development cooperation.
“Sharing common values such as democratic governance, boasting young and promising population, having strong potential and independence, African countries and Turkey are the rising stars of the world today,” he said.
In the framework of developing relations on the principles of “equal partnership and mutual benefit,” Mr. Selahattin said Turkey aspires to mold her experience in the same melting pot with the potential of African countries. Today Turkey’s main operations in Africa include; Health, Social infrastructure and services, Production sector, Capacity building, Water and sanitation and Vocational training.
The Principal College of Humanities and Social Sciences (CHUSS), Prof. Edward Kirumira said that Makerere University Peace and Conflict Studies Centre is multi-disciplinary unit that brings together different departments and units in the Humanities.
“The centre plays a fundamental role in national development. We are therefore pleased with your support towards a program which so vital to national growth and expansion. We are also grateful to TIKA which came to us in the partnership and not in the donation way. We hope to develop this partnership further,” he said.
The Dean of School of Liberal and Performing Arts, Assoc Prof. Patrick Mangeni commended TIKA team together with the Government of Turkey for enabling the university to extend the horizon of capacity through the support they rendered to the Peace and Conflict Studies Centre.
The Makerere University Peace and Conflict Studies Centre is an academic unit of Makerere University established to contribute to the culture of peace through teaching, training, research, publication and community outreach in the Great Lakes Region. The programme brings together a pool of experts: primarily lecturers and other academic staff from all conflict-related disciplines such as Law, Social and Political Sciences, Economics, Psychology and Religion, The aim of this is to contribute to efficiency and effectiveness in the analysis and response to conflict transformation processes undertaken by government, the UN, NGOs, cultural institutions, religious organizations, and the private sector.
Makerere University Peace and Conflict Studies Centre through partnerships seeks to enhance and facilitate the ability of stakeholders to transform violent conflicts through efficient, effective and sustainable events and processes. As such, the Centre provides expertise in the area of peace building and conflict transformation.
Please see Downloads for the Turkish Ambassador's Remarks
Article by: Mak Public Relations Office
Makerere University, through the Makerere University Convocation (MUC), has hosted the first-ever CEOs/Investors’ Round Table Summit on Tuesday, 2nd September 2025. The historic event brought together alumni, Chief Executive Officers (CEOs), and stakeholders in a distinguished assembly aimed at re-imagining the university’s role in national and continental transformation.
The Convocation, which serves as a critical forum for foresight and life-transformational dialogue, unveiled five transformative points carefully crafted to transform Makerere from a symbolic “ivory tower” into an “impact tower” that influences the country and the world more than ever before.
Government Endorsement and Call to Action
The Chief Guest, Prime Minister Rt. Hon. Robinah Nabbanja, was represented at the event by the 3rd Deputy Prime Minister, Rt. Hon. Rukia Nakadama Isanga. She conveyed warm greetings from H.E. the President of Uganda, Gen. Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, and the Rt. Hon. Prime Minister.
She commended the Convocation for convening under the summit under a significant and timely theme: “Exploring the Opportunities for Entrepreneurship, Innovation and Value Creation for Accelerated Socio-Economic Integration and Development of Sub-Saharan Africa.”
She described the summit as not just a gathering but a journey and a call to action, urging academia, industry, and government to align efforts with Uganda’s and Africa’s transformation priorities.
Framing her remarks around the World Bank’s guiding principles—Trust, Humility, Inclusion, Collaboration, and Knowledge—she explained:
- “Trust must be built between government, academia, and business… the gathering reflects the trust in CEOs and investors to walk this journey together.”
- “Humility requires listening and learning, recognizing that no single institution has all the answers.”
- “Inclusion reminds us that no youth, woman, or marginalized group should be left behind in transformation.”
- “Collaboration is the currency of progress, necessary for solving complex challenges across sectors.”
- “Knowledge remains our greatest asset, with Makerere University demonstrating its importance in moving from ivory towers to communities to transform lives.”
She then unveiled a “massive transformation purpose”, commissioning five working teams led by CEOs and investors. The teams, nominated lead persons, and their respective objectives included:
- From Ivory Tower to Impact Tower – Dr. Patricia Ojangole (UDB) with Patrick Ayota (NSSF), translating research into market-ready innovations.
- Diaspora Dividend vs Brain Drain – Jennifer Bamuturaki (Uganda Airlines) with Michael Mugabi (Housing Finance Bank), harnessing diaspora capital, skills, and mentorship.
- Intergenerational Knowledge Bridges – Fabian Kasi (Centenary Bank) with Ajay Kumar (Quality Chemicals), institutionalizing mentorship and reverse mentorship.
- Climate and Infrastructure Leadership – Proscovia Nabbanja (UNOC) with Silver Mugisha (NWSC), anchoring research in energy security, green transition, and infrastructure.
- Pan-African Digital and AI Advantage – Sylvia Mulinge (MTN Uganda) with Mumba Kalifungwa (Stanbic Bank), positioning Makerere as Africa’s digital and AI hub.
She pledged full government support, noting that the teams would convene in the Office of the President. “This summit is not ceremonial but a covenant,” she stressed.
The Minister’s Reflection
Hon. Balaam Barugahara, State Minister for Gender, Labour and Social Development in charge of Children and Youth Affairs, emphasized that the summit was not a party but a process of transformation.
Drawing from personal experience, he recalled joining Makerere in 2000 and completing his degree in seven years due to balancing work, hustling for fees, and studying. He praised the university’s role in shaping his success and highlighted recent developments such as the renovation of Mary Stuart Hall and revamping the Main and Western gates, as milestones that have enhanced Makerere’s image. He equally applauded the curbing of staff and student unrest.
He noted that the summit aimed to facilitate networking, mentorship, career opportunities, and university development, signalling collective commitment to Uganda’s transformation.
Council’s Vision: A Legacy Re-imagined
Representing Makerere University Council Chairperson Ms. Lorna Magara, Prof. Sarah Ssali described the summit as a “historic alumni CEO investor round table” and a reaffirmation of Makerere’s role in Africa’s development. She described the university as a “cradle of leadership, innovation and resilience”, noting that the gathering’s objectives included fostering partnerships, showcasing research, launching a fundraising drive, and strengthening alumni engagement. Prof. Ssali emphasized that alumni relations must go beyond occasional financial contributions during events, to continuous communication and genuine relationships. “This summit marks the start of a journey, not just an isolated event,” she reechoed.
Vice Chancellor on Unlocking Makerere’s Potential
Reflecting on the theme of his bid for the Office of Vice Chancellor, “Unlocking the Potential of Makerere University,” Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe noted that while many only celebrate the absence of strikes, behind the calmness is a vibrant transformation.
He highlighted Makerere’s alumni strength, with over 20,000 CEOs globally, and underscored their contributions to Uganda’s economy, governance, health, sports, and research. “What would Uganda do without Makerere?” he pondered. Prof. Nawangwe quickly added that the moment was ripe for Makerere to collaborate more with diaspora alumni so as to tap into fast-evolving niches such as blockchain.
Convocation’s Strategic Role
MUC Chairperson CPA George Mugabi Turyamureeba outlined the Convocation’s mission to support the university’s growth and well-being. He highlighted innovations such as the Convocation House, the annual luncheon for first-class graduates and their parents, mentorship programs, and the MUC SACCO as initiatives that his team had established and promoted during the term so far. The Chairperson nevertheless urged the CEOs present to enable the Convocation have greater impact collaborating on existing as well as envisaged projects such as the Convocation Innovation Centre.
Adding her voice, Vice Chairperson Ms. Grace Cherotich Ruto urged participants—described as “movers and shakers” of Uganda’s economy—to ensure that their decisions today would be celebrated by future generations.
Keynote Address: The Journey’s Just Began
In his keynote, Dr. Peter Kimbowa, Founder and Board Chair of the CEO Summit and Makerere alumnus, congratulated his alma mater on the initiative and reaffirmed the Convocation’s strategic role.
He emphasized that the Round Table Summit should not be seen as a one-time event but as an ongoing journey, echoing American Football Player Jalen Hurts’ mantra: “There’s no arrival. Only the journey.” Dr. Kimbowa defined the Convocation as a community of leaders, alumni, and faculty united by heritage and vision. He described it as a bridge connecting:
- The past to the future,
- Business and industry to academia, and
- Learning to market needs.
He stressed that the Convocation’s ultimate goal was to transform Makerere into a self-sustaining engine of innovation, opportunity, and national transformation. Drawing on corporate insights, he challenged participants to always ask “what is the next opportunity?” and warned against complacency. He unpacked the massive transformation purpose structured around five working teams which MUC has developed, whereby corporate chief executives from Uganda are called upon to lead collaboration with the university. He highlighted the importance of mobilizing talent to connect with successful Ugandan alumni, underscoring the need for local CEOs to harness talent in the diaspora. He emphasized deliberate action, mobilization of global alumni talent, and collaboration between CEOs and the university to sustain transformation
Panel Discussions and Triple Helix Framework
The day’s panel discussion featured Mr. Samuel Mwogeza (Executive Director, Stanbic Bank), Mr. Peter Sibukule (Headmaster, Busoga College Mwiri), Mr. Clovice Bright Irumba (Petroleum Authority of Uganda), and Ms. Grace Cherotich.
Mr. Mwogeza stressed the need to commercialize university prototypes and ideas. He explained that banks like Stanbic use their networks to strengthen innovators’ business cases, preparing them for market entry. Mr. Sibukule on the other hand called for transformation of mindsets right from secondary school level so that students are well primed to communicate, collaborate, uphold integrity and good work attitudes over qualifications in the marketplace. Mr. Irumba highlighted efforts by the PAU to create more opportunities for Ugandan entities to get involved in the oil and gas sector thanks to gaps highlighted by a study undertaken by the Economic Policy Research Centre (EPRC). Ms. Cherotich on the other hand invited CEOs to take interest in research outputs of the Makerere University Research and Innovations Fund (Mak-RIF) and reassured the audience of the Convocation’s readiness to provide a trusted platform for engagement with industry.
Contributing to the day’s discussion, Prof. Eriabu Lugujjo, Executive Director of the Uganda Vice Chancellors’ Forum (UVF), reminded the audience of the “Triple Helix” model and it’s underlying policy frameworks that in the recent past guided collaboration between universities, government, and the private sector. He observed Uganda’s lack of a robust framework, and called for policies that tie tax incentives to university support by corporations and other business entities.
Proceedings
The inaugural edition of the summit was moderated by Dr. Tayeebwa William from the Department of Journalism and Communication who doubles as Managing Editor Makerere University Press and Dr. Viola Karungi from the Department of Performing Arts and Film (PAF).
The PAF team took charge of the leading the anthems and day’s entertainment, which included a poetic presentation of the Makerere University Anthem.
-
General3 days agoAdmission Lists -Disability and District Quota Schemes 2025/26
-
General3 days agoChange of Course/Programme for Undergraduate Admissions 2025/2026
-
General1 week agoProf. Sarah Ssali Commits to Strengthen Makerere’s Teaching–Research Nexus
-
General1 week agoMakerere, Stanbic Bank Set to Renew Strategic Partnership
-
General1 week agoMakerere Signs Open MoU with London School of Economics and Political Science