In recognition of his distinguished contribution to serving humanity, transformation of Turkey and nation states across the globe, peace keeping and state building programmes at national and international levels and his partnership in the development of Uganda, Makerere University will on Wednesday 1st June 2016 award the Honorary Doctorate of Laws (Honoris Causa) to His Excellency Recep Tayyip Erdogan, President of the Republic of Turkey.
H.E. Recep Tayyip Erdogan is the 12th President of the Republic of Turkey and the first to be elected by popular vote. H.E. Erdogan has previously served as the Prime Minister of Turkey, Mayor of Metropolitan Istanbul and is the founder of the Justice and Development Party (AK Party).
The decision to award H.E. Recep Tayyip Erdogan an honorary Doctor of Laws of Makerere University follows his successful nomination by the Department of Religion and Peace Studies, School of Liberal and Performing Arts, College of Humanities and Social Sciences (CHUSS) to the Honorary Awards Committee and subsequent consideration by the University Senate.
Makerere University has greatly benefited from H.E. Erdogan’s pro-development leadership style. Through the Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TIKA) the Makerere University’s Peace and Conflict Studies Centre (PCSC) received ICT equipment worth UGX 100M to enhance the smooth running of the Peace and Conflict Studies program. Negotiations between Makerere and TIKA are still ongoing for further support towards the construction of a state-of-the-art home for the PCSC which will include lecture theatres, office space for staff, conference facilities, visiting lecturers' research facilities, an e-Learning centre and baby care facilities.
At a National level H.E. Erdogan’s government annually offers a minimum of 60 scholarships under various disciplines to eligible Ugandans, to study in Turkey. Additionally, the Turkish Government has contributed towards the renovation and oftentimes expansion of schools. Furthermore, His Excellency is spearheading poverty eradication in Uganda by encouraging Turkish investment in agriculture value addition and infrastructure development. Annually, 30 journalists are taken to Turkey for training in Media for Peace and sustainable development, not to mention capacity building of the Ugandan armed forces through training and provision of equipment.
On the African continent, H.E. Erdogan took a bold step by establishing an Embassy in Somalia and has significantly contributed to democratic state building efforts, as well as humanitarian interventions in the face of drought and famine. The President has also championed efforts to make education systems in Africa more relevant and rewarding to the recipients so as to promote meaningful development. To help achieve this, an Academic and Scientific Cooperation protocol was signed between the Turkish Government and 40 Vice Chancellors from African countries, including Makerere University’s Prof. John Ddumba-Ssentamu.
Furthermore, on the world scene, under H.E. Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s leadership, Turkey has been ranked the number one (1) country in terms Overseas Development Aid and is ranked number two (2) in terms of Development Assistance especially to the Balkans, Central Asia & Caucasus, and African countries. H.E. Erdogan has also championed the wellbeing of the multitude of migrants that have either found themselves in Turkey or have been returned to Turkey from mainly European countries. Turkey currently hosts more than three million refugees.
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.”
H.E. Uhuru Kenyatta is received upon arrival at Makerere University by the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe.
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.”
H.E. Uhuru Kenyatta (2nd Right) poses for a group photo during the courtesy call on the Vice Chancellor with Left to Right: Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, Ms. Sarah Kagingo and Guild President-H.E. Churchill James Ssentamu.
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:
Left to Right: The Vice President-H.E. Jessica Alupo, Prime Minister Emeritus-Hon. Dr. Ruhakana Rugunda, Hon. Matthew Rukikaire and other dignitaries follow proceedings.
“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.
The Office of Academic Registrar, Makerere University has released lists of Diploma holders admitted under the Government Sponsorship Scheme for the Academic Year 2025/2026.
Under the Diploma Holders Government Sponsorship Scheme admission does not exceed 5% of the intake capacity to the respective Degree Programme.
The list can be accessed by following the link below:
Are you a researcher or student working in protein-related research, structural biology, or bioinformatics?
The African Center of Excellence in Bioinformatics and Data Intensive Sciences (ACE) Uganda with support from Google DeepMind, invites researchers and students seeking to integrate AlphaFold into their work to apply for the AlphaFold Workshop to be held at the Infectious Diseases Institute, Makerere University-Kampala, Uganda from 16th to 20th June 2025.