General
North Korea to partner with Makerere University
The Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs of North Korea, Hon. Kung Suk Ung, has expressed willingness to partner with Makerere University in mutual areas of interest. The Minister who was responding to a call from the Chancellor, Prof. George Mondo Kagonyera, on 31st October 2014, observed that North Korea has had bilateral relations with Uganda for a long time and collaborating with Makerere University would be an added advantage.
“Makerere University is a big institution of higher learning in the region. 25% of our students study science courses and the other 75% are in the arts discipline. We have trained many of the world leaders like the late Julius Nyerere of Tanzania and Mwai Kibaki of Kenya and continue to be hungry for knowledge. We look forward with excitement to pick knowledge from your country. Many of our students would like t be exposed to the technology in your country and we look forward to opportunities of collaboration,” said Chancellor Kagonyera.
“Seventy years ago we had only one university but as of today we have over 260 universities with thousands of students. President Museveni told us that the first tank force in Uganda was trained by the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, DPRK. I also know that many of your doctors trained in North Korea. We fully give attention to your opinion on collaborating with North Korea and we will discuss it further when we return home. We will come back and discuss with you,” responded Hon. Kung Suk Ung.
Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, the Acting Vice Chancellor observed that “As the leading academic institution in the region, Makerere University is passionate about innovations generated through knowledge transfer partnerships and networking. We are particularly hopeful, that partnerships with universities and research institutions in the DPRK will enable us leverage the rich experience of those institutions, as we search for solutions for our national development. We also believe that such partnerships will help further cement the friendly relations between the people of Uganda and the DPRK. It is therefore my sincere wish that your visit will facilitate these partnerships.”
The delegation informed Makerere University that North Korea has been looking forward to developing further relations with Uganda, which hosts the only Korean Embassy in the whole of the Eastern region.
The fifteen member visiting delegation, was led by Hon. Kang Ha Kuk, Minister of Health of DPRK. They toured the School of Food Technology, Nutrition and Bioengineering, where they saw the production line and other key innovations as explained by Prof. John Muyonga.
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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