General
EU Climate Diplomacy Week Lecture calls For Burden Sharing
By 11:00am on 16th September 2016, the usually silent Senior Common Room in the Main Administration Building was abuzz with activity as Staff and Students of Makerere took up every available seat, expectantly awaiting the start of the Public Lecture. As part of activities to mark the Climate Diplomacy Week, the EU Delegation in Uganda in partnership with the Makerere University Centre for Climate Change Research and Innovation (MUCCRI) organized a Public Lecture aimed at raising climate change awareness among University students.
The Moderator of the event and Acting Director MUCCRI, Dr. Revocatus Twinomuhangi thanked his audience for keeping time and introduced the day’s theme “Innovative and effective approaches to climate change adaptation in Uganda”. He noted that Makerere University is engaged in a number of activities such as teaching, curriculum review and outreaches, all aimed at highlighting the impact of climate change and the appropriate adaptation strategies that can be adopted.
The Public Lecture was jointly presided over by H.E. Ambassador Kristian Schmidt, Head of the EU Delegation in Uganda and Alhaji Momodou Jallow, FAO Country Representative. In his opening remarks, Prof. Bernard Bashaasha, Principal, College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES) thanked the EU Delegation in Uganda for choosing Makerere to host the all important Public Lecture. He noted that bringing students on board is the right thing to do and urged the students present to work together with today’s researchers to build rather than destroy their future.
Prof. Edward Kirumira is no stranger to the Climate Change Adaptation debate. The Principal of the College of Humanities and Social Sciences (CHUSS) is also the Academic Coordinator for the Makerere-University of Bergen collaboration and as such, played a key role in organizing the first EA Norway Climate and Business Conference. The outcome of this conference was a Communique to COP21 on Climate Change and Opportunities for Sustainable Business. Representing the Vice Chancellor, Prof. John Ddumba-Ssentamu, Prof. Kirumira noted that climate adaptation is a multidisciplinary, multifaceted, multi sector undertaking that calls for concerted effort to accomplish.
“Issues of climate change and climate adaptation are part and parcel of the curriculum review process that the University is undertaking now. This Public Dialogue comes at a very opportune time to make sure that climate change issues are on the agenda of curriculum review” said Prof. Kirumira
He urged the students to listen attentively and thereafter, actively participate in the discussions so as to guarantee themselves internship and possibly employment positions. He observed that the public lecture had in addition to the EU Head of Delegation and FAO Country representative attracted some of the most important parties in the climate change circles, all of whom presented very good future prospects for students.
“It is indeed important to have the academia, training and research institutions on board to contribute knowledge and information in addressing the climate change challenge. This forum is therefore timely and significant, and similar forums should be organised” remarked Alhaji Jallow, the FAO Country Representative in his keynote address. He noted that FAO is already working with MUCCRI on a project aimed at enhancing Knowledge Management and Communication Systems for climate change adaptation. The project is being carried out in six out of twenty nine Districts of Uganda’s cattle corridor. These six Districts are Sembabule, Luweero, Nakaseke, Nakasongola, Mubende and Kiboga.
Alhaji Jallow hoped that the Public Lecture would identify priority areas that need concerted effort in contributing knowledge, information and technologies for building resilience to climate change challenges. “Resilience to climate change will surely maintain food and nutrition security for all and sustain development themes” he said.
H.E. Ambassador Kristian Schmidt is a lively speaker who likes to engage his audience. Noting that his speech had a number of acronyms, the Ambassador occasionally paused whenever he met one and asked the students to give him the full version, and none disappointed. He noted that Uganda had the best climate in the world and it would be a pity if this enviable fact were to change.
“You the youth are well-placed and crucial in society in addressing and also living with the consequences of climate change” said Ambassador Schmidt. He commended the Ministry of Water and Environment (MWE) for spearheading efforts that led to Uganda playing a very constructive role at COP21 (Congress of Parties 21). COP21 was the 2015 Paris Climate Conference aimed at achieving a legally binding and universal agreement on climate, with the aim of keeping global warming below 2°C.
“Climate Diplomacy is about countries working together to agree on burden sharing and collective action, when acting alone will not solve the problems that we face… It is about countries saying ‘we all have to do our share’ and then committing to doing it together” Ambassador Schmidt explained. He therefore urged Uganda to press on and ratify the COP21 Agreement as this will pile pressure on emitting countries to do the same.
Ambassador Schmidt then shared four examples of the EU Delegation in Uganda’s Green Projects that other parties could borrow a leaf from. These include: the Sawlog Production Grant Scheme III (SPGS III) for Commercial Agroforestry; Green Transport to support multimodal transportation; the Largest On-grid Solar Energy Plant in East Africa currently under construction in Soroti and working with KCCA (Kampala Capital City Authority) on its Climate Change Action Strategy to address congestion.
Following the Ambassador’s presentation, the day’s discussion would have been incomplete without expert opinions on the four themes of: climate change policy and practice in Uganda; the role of education in addressing climate change; climate change and the youth; and climate change and gender. The Moderator, Dr. Revocatus Twinomuhangi then invited the day’s panelists who included Mr. Bob Natifu-Climate Change Department (CCD)-MWE and Prof. John Baptist Kaddu-Lead Government of Uganda Negotiator for COP to share their views. Others included Mr. Sadam Kiwanuka-President Makerere University Climate Change Association, Ms. Catherine Mulinde-PhD Candidate on Climate Change Adaptation and Dr. May Sengendo-School of Women and Gender Studies, CHUSS
At the conclusion of the open discussion, Hon. Chebet Maikut, the UNFCCC (United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change) National Focal Point and Coordinator, CCD-MWE commended the audience for being keen listeners and active discussants.
“The Youth have a daunting responsibility, more so in our National circumstances where Uganda’s economy is predominantly based on our natural resources… Our natural resources are under the biggest threat; they are bleeding! If we don’t do anything now, the future is very bleak” he warned.
Hon. Chebet Maikut nevertheless reiterated Government’s total commitment to addressing climate change as demonstrated by the various national policies and strategies in place. He then thanked the EU for their generous support to the Government’s Development programmes and negotiations at COP.
Article by Public Relations Office
Kampala – Braving the morning downpour, participants started gathering as early as 5:00 AM. University roads were awash with green and gold kits clad by thousands of runners who gathered at the Hill to participate in the 6th edition of the Makerere Marathon that took place on September 27 2026.
Attendance was representative, with students, alumni, corporate teams and distinguished guests present to run under the featured race categories including the 5km, 10km, 21km, and 42km, alongside a 3km wheelchair race. These options gave persons of different abilities and fitness levels the opportunity to take part.
All races were officially flagged off at the Makerere Main Building parking lot by various dignitaries from Makerere, and partnering institutions led by the Chief Runner, the Speaker of Parliament Rt. Hon. Jacob Marksons Oboth. He was joined by the Chancellor of Makerere University and Second Deputy Prime Minister, Hon. Dr. Crispus Walter Kiyonga.
The other dignitaries that accompanied the Speaker included; Dr Lorna Magara the Chairperson of Makerere University Council, Mr. Mark Anthony Muyobo CEO NCBA Bank Uganda, Mr. Phrase Lubega Managing Director of MTN Mobile Money (U) Limited, and Dr Maggie Kigozi, the Board Chairperson of the Makerere University Endowment Fund (MakEF). Representatives from partner institutions and sponsors for this year’s Marathon were also present to witness the lively flag-off ceremony.
Welcoming the dignitaries who convened in the Vice Chancellor (VC)’s Boardroom, Professor Barnabas Nawangwe echoed Makerere University‘s commitment and deep appreciation for the high-level government and private sector support received during the Marathon.
He reiterated that the institution feels privileged to host the Speaker of Parliament and the Chancellor, who also serves as the Deputy Prime Minister, thanking them for their dedication to flagging off the runners despite the heavy downpour.
The same dedication was on full display throughout all race categories up to the finish line. Large crowds lined the university road sides, cheering wildly, blowing trumpets, and waving flags as the runners made their final sprint. Tired but smiling runners crossed the finish line one after the other, raising their hands in victory.
Impact of the Mak Marathon on Disability Support Centre
The Marathon serves as more than just a sports activity, it comes in as a conduit for institutional progress and student empowerment.
During the Speaker Rt. Hon. Oboth’s guided tour of the Disability Support Centre, the Manager, Ms. Elizabeth Rwabu acknowledged that so far, proceeds from the Marathon have directly transformed their services.
She elaborated, “the Makerere Marathon has been the primary driver of our growth as a centre, allowing us to support approximately one hundred and fifty-five students who rely on our services.”
The highlight of the delegation of distinguished guests and runners visit was a guided tour of the Center’s facilities, where technologies so far secured were displayed and existing as well as future needs were put forth.
She pointed out an all-in-one printer, explaining, “this printer is special because it has regular print. We also use it for large print… and scanning.”
She highlighted the machine used for tactile learning, saying, “we have an embosser here. And when students have their soft copy and hard copy notes, they bring them to the center, and we transcribe them to braille format.”
She also described the emergency solution for mobility, stating, “we also procured electric wheelchairs, which students with disabilities can actually borrow and use.”
Among students who added their voice to Ms. Rwabu’s was Ms. Catherine Nakibuuka, Chairperson of the Makerere University Disability Students Association. She is a student with visual impairment pursuing a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) who volunteered to explain to the Speaker how important some of the machines current in use are;
1. Eye Magnifier – This is a complex machine used to magnify small prints. It assists students who have visual impairments and rely on large print to read.
2. Focus Blue 40 – This is a modern device used for taking notes. It replaces older, large, and noisy Braille machines. It is portable enough to fit in a bag, making it suitable for use in meetings or courtrooms. Additionally, it can connect to a computer to display the Braille information on a screen, allowing sighted individuals to see what the user is reading.
Ms. Nakibuuka expressed deep gratitude for the support received through the Endowment Fund, Makerere University, and the organizers of the Marathon.
She stated, “We love these things,” noting that the Makerere Marathon’s goal to support the center makes education more inclusive.
The sharing by staff and students at the centre moved Dr Maggie Kigozi, who in turn appreciated them noting that “I’m glad to hear we are being useful as the Makerere Endowment Fund” and pledged that the Fund “will continue to work with the centre until they achieve more.”
Institutional Vision
The Chairperson of the Makerere University Council Dr. Lorna Magara acknowledged that the current Student with Disability Support Centre space may not be enough for the entire university.
In the spirit of remedying this, she shared that, “one of our goals is to have these centers in every other department of the university.”
“If we can have four or five or even maybe in every Hall of Residence, a smaller unit like this, then students with disabilities don’t have to walk long distances, that’s our target,” Dr. Magara explained.
Rt. Hon. Oboth Commends Makerere for the Marathon and Inclusivity
The Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Hon. Jacob Marksons Oboth thanked the leadership for the Marathon, stating, “we want to thank the leadership of this university for innovative leadership that has brought the sixth Makerere Marathon to fruition.” He added that it is “gaining traction and momentum” and is “going a long way in creating awareness for persons with disability and its other yearly themes.”
While touring the Disability Centre at the Frank Kalimuzo Central Teaching Facility, Rt. Hon. Oboth addressed the students with disabilities, and emphasised a distinction between sympathy and compassion, noting, “what the students with disability need is not our sympathy. you need our compassion. You need the support. Sympathy will not help because it varies, but compassion remains.”
Regarding Parliamentary support, the Speaker made an individual contribution and also pledged, “as Parliament of Uganda, we are here to support the cause.”
He specifically invited the University to partner with Parliament for future events, saying, “we want to further pledge that for the next Marathon, please work with us through the Clerk of Parliament, so that we can take center stage.”
On a lighter note, he encouraged the students with disability to persevere, remarking, “after all, Makerere University is built on a hill, so every day you climb the hill, you are breaking a barrier. So take those barriers as a hill you are breaking.”
Makerere Marathon from a Student with Disability’s Perspective
Nalumansi Sharon, a student with disability in her third-year pursuing a Bachelor of Applied Psychology secured first place in the 3-kilometer wheelchair race. Beyond her athletic success, Sharon is a passionate advocate for fellow students with disabilities.
In an interview with Makerere Public Relations team, Sharon confessed that her personal motivation to participate in this event was the appreciation of challenges faced by persons with disabilities and desire to contribute to causes that support her peers.
“It feels good to be part of this mobilisation because I also have a disability, and I feel good if I do something that will help my other colleagues,” Sharon confessed.
She added that Makerere University‘s hilly terrain makes mobility difficult but with resilience, students with disability can overcome. She urged donors to contribute toward electric wheelchairs, which would significantly improve students’ ability to study and navigate campus.
Sharon therefore appreciated the Makerere University Endowment Fund for bringing together sponsors and the general public to raise funds for the betterment lives of students with disability at Makerere.
As the conversation deepened, Sharon praised the Makerere Disability Support Center for providing an environment where students with disability can complete coursework, receive guidance, and access printing services, allowing them to focus on their studies without unnecessary distractions.
She concluded by praying that God blesses all who pool their resources for the good of Persons with Disability.
Sponsors’ Inspiration to partner and support Mak Students with Disability
Speaking at the launch on July 1, 2026, Mr. Mark Muyobo, the Chief Executive Officer of NCBA, the Platinum Sponsor of the Makerere Marathon, highlighted that the partnership reflects a shared belief in the power of education to shape the future.
He said “our partnership with Makerere University is founded on a shared conviction that education remains one of the greatest investments any nation can make. For generations, Makerere has produced leaders, innovators and professionals who continue to shape Uganda and Africa. Supporting its future is an investment in our country’s future.”
In an interview, the Managing Director Mr. Phrase Ronald Lubega emphasized that MTN Mobile Money is driven by the belief that every Ugandan deserves the benefit of a modern quality of life.
He stated that MTN aims to positively impact communities within Uganda, ensuring they are healthy, supported, and progressing. By focusing on these areas, the company believes they help communities serve the country more effectively.
Beyond their core mobile money services, Lubega highlights the importance of connecting people through initiatives like sports, which help individuals integrate and network. He explained that these connections are essential for innovation and moving forward.
Organised through the Makerere University Endowment Fund (MAKEF) together with partners, this 6th edition will equip Makerere University’s Disability Support Centre and provide students with disabilities with assistive equipment that enables them to read, type, and hear university assignments and participate more fully in academic life.
This initiative reflects Makerere’s commitment to ensuring that disability does not become a barrier to accessing quality university education.
Photography by Benite Uwase, Public Relations Office, Makerere University
View Flickr Album: https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjD68fW
During the afternoon of September 21, 2026, Makerere University played host to regional discussions as students, academics, and government officials gathered to commemorate the International Day of Peace under the theme “Investing in Regional Peace and Trade for Shared Prosperity”.
The event organised by the Makerere University 92nd Guild Security Ministry in partnership with the Global Peace Guild, served as the official launch of the East African Peace and Trade Law Moot Court Competition. The idea was conceived as an annual event where the youth across East Africa will gather to deliberate on the nexus between regional peace and trade in fostering regional integration.
Acting Vice Chancellor (VC) of Makerere University Prof. Anthony Muwagga Mugagga graced the event, welcomed the distinguished guests and set a reflective tone for the day.
Reminiscing about his old days the VC noted, “lecturers were the ones who used to come and talk about politics, economics, and law but somehow, somewhere, things never went well”. He appreciated the Students’ Guild, and all who were involved in organising the celebration and launch for a good job done.
Prof. Mugagga further encouraged students to look beyond the classroom, urging them to engage in critical debates in different sectors while emphasising that peace is a prerequisite for all development.
People anchor Trade – Keynote address
Representing the guest of honor who was the Minister of State for East African Community Affairs Hon. James Magode Ikuya, Dr. Andrew Musiime – Commissioner for Political Affairs, delivered a keynote address.
His entry was that you cannot talk about trade and not talk about people. Trade is done by people, and therefore as a Ministry, they facilitate free movement of people.
Dr. Musiime provided a comprehensive breakdown of the East African Community (EAC) as an intergovernmental organisation.
“So it is an intergovernmental organisation. Therefore, the governments remain with their constitution, the governments remain with their sovereignty, the governments remain with their national boundaries, the governments remain with their national laws, Musiime explained.”
He mentioned that the East African Community is anchored on the four pillars for integration that is the Customs Union, the Common Market, the Political Federation and Monetary Union.
Dr. Musiime equally challenged the students to move beyond theory, urging them to research the EAC treaty and actively participate in regional integration.
In a gesture of togetherness, he told the distinguished guests that the Ministry operates an open door policy for students and those interested in engaging can apply for opportunities across the Ministry’s various departments.
From UPE to the Halls of Parliament
The event also featured inspiring remarks from the National Female Youth Member of Parliament, Hon. Mercy Kanyesigye. Reflecting on her own journey from Universal Primary Education (UPE) to the halls of Parliament, she delivered a powerful message on peace and security.
In agreement with Prof. Muggaga, she linked the day’s theme to the practical realities of trade, noting that sustainable trade can not exist without peace.
“This moot competition is therefore not just academic exercise. It’s a training ground for the next generation of East African traders, lawyers, negotiators, judges, policy makers who will defend the spirit of our East African common market and our custom union”, Kanyesigye told the attendees.
92nd Guild Calls for Embracing Dialogue
Hon. Denis Mabirizi, the Minister of Security for the Makerere University 92nd Guild, underscored the event’s purpose by highlighting that peace is the foundation for justice, opportunity, and cooperation. He then called upon the student community to reject violence and intolerance, urging them to use dialogue and established leadership structures to address their concerns.
Mabirizi also emphasized that universities are not just centers of academic excellence, but places where the leaders of tomorrow are shaped.
“Universities are not only centers of academic excellence, they are also places where future leaders are shaped. The conversations we have, the values we promote, and the decisions we make today will influence the kind of society we create tomorrow. Peace begins with each one of us, Mabirizi noted.”
The Global Peace Guild Initiative
Mr. Joseph Micheal Tenywa, the founder and President of the Global Peace Guild, shared the vision behind the organization. He explained that the Global Peace Guild was born out of a desire to involve young people in the promotion of peace, trade, and regional integration.
“Global Peace Guild is an initiative born out of a desire to have young people get involved into the promotion of peace, trade, and regional integration.”
He reminded the audience that regional integration would only become a reality when young people actively participate in the market and hold policy makers accountable.
“As we commemorate the International Day of Peace, it’s an invitation for young people to get involved, not only in ensuring that there is no violence, but that we also put in place the conditions that take our strength, and these are our economic provisions, we call it trade.”
The launch of the East African Peace and Trade Law Moot Court Competition marks a significant milestone for the student community as it brings together academic rigor with a focus on regional policy.
International Day of Peace is observed globally on September 21, 2026, under the unified United Nations theme: “Invest in Peace – For Everyone, Everywhere, Every Day”. The day emphasizes that achieving lasting peace requires continuous local action, shared civic responsibility, and strategic conflict mitigation to ensure long-term regional development.
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