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CoCIS Hosts Huawei Seeds For The Future Program 2017 Launch

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The College of Computing and Information Sciences (COCIS), Makerere University hosted Huawei Technologies Co. Ltd Uganda that was launching the second edition of its Seeds for the Future program 2017. The guest of honor at the launch was the Hon. Frank Tumwebaze (Minister of ICT and National Guidance) accompanied by Mr. Chu Mao Ming (Deputy Chief of Mission Chinese Embassy to Uganda), Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe (DVC, F & A, Makerere University), Mr. Patrick Muinda (Assistant Commissioner, Communications and Information Management, Ministry of Education and Sports Association), Assoc. Prof. G. Maiga (Ag. Principal, CoCIS), and Dr. G. Kiyingi (Dean, EASLIS).

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Denis Wamala

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UVCF Makes Case for HEAC Programme

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Members of the UVCF pose for a group photo with their host, Acting Vice Chancellor Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi (4th L) after the extraordinary sitting on 23rd June 2025. Extraordinary sitting of the Uganda Vice Chancellors Forum (UVCF) meeting to discuss Higher Education Access Certificate (HEAC) programme and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Act, 2025, Senior Common Room, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa on 23rd June 2025. Extraordinary sitting of the Uganda Vice Chancellors Forum (UVCF) meeting to discuss Higher Education Access Certificate (HEAC) programme and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Act, 2025, Senior Common Room, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa on 23rd June 2025.

An extraordinary sitting of the Uganda Vice Chancellors Forum (UVCF) meeting at Makerere University on 23rd June 2025 has made a special appeal for the scientific evaluation of the impact of the Higher Education Access Certificate (HEAC) programme as its future hangs in a balance. The sitting was hosted by the Acting Vice Chancellor, Prof. Mukadasi Buyinza and addressed by the Executive Director UVCF, Prof. Eriabu Lugujjo, Chairperson UVCF and Vice Chancellor Busitema University, Prof. Paul Waako and representative from the National Council for Higher Education (NCHE), Dr. Maria Nakachwa and a representative from the HEAC programme, Prof. David Orema.

Welcoming members of the Forum to Makerere University, Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi expressed warm regards from the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe who was away on official duty. Turning to the agenda of the day, he said “I find the proposed items on the order paper quite pertinent given the time, as we offer guidance and input towards our next journey in higher education.

The Host, Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi (L) makes the opening remarks. Extraordinary sitting of the Uganda Vice Chancellors Forum (UVCF) meeting to discuss Higher Education Access Certificate (HEAC) programme and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Act, 2025, Senior Common Room, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa on 23rd June 2025.
The Host, Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi (L) makes the opening remarks.

“We believe that by the close of the day, we should be able to come up with a position paper that will inform the next course of action in this regard” remarked Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi in reference to the scheduled updates from NCHE on the HEAC Programme.

The ED UVCF, Prof. Eriabu Lugujjo in his remarks thanked Makerere University for accepting to host the extraordinary session at short notice. Commenting on the successful reconstruction of the Main Building he said, “90% of the Vice Chancellors gathered today had not been here since the conflagration so we wish to commend you on the quality of work, especially the preservation of history.” He reiterated the host Vice Chancellor’s hope that the sitting would come up with unified resolution on important issues pertaining to the Higher Education sector.

Prof. Eriabu Lugujjo makes his remarks. Extraordinary sitting of the Uganda Vice Chancellors Forum (UVCF) meeting to discuss Higher Education Access Certificate (HEAC) programme and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Act, 2025, Senior Common Room, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa on 23rd June 2025.
Prof. Eriabu Lugujjo makes his remarks.

The Chairperson, Prof. Paul Waako thanked the Africa Renewal University for the warm hospitality accorded during the 75th meeting of the UVCF and congratulated Universities upon participating in the National Science Week and Summit 2025.

“This is a very good forum for institutions to interact, share progress on innovations and catch up with how far the country is progressing in science, technology and innovation. The new addition this year was the Science Summit, which is supposed to bring together all scientists in this country and out of that we would like to generate a position paper on science, technology and innovation, which we are insisting should be discussed by Cabinet every year” Prof. Waako remarked.

The Chairperson UVCF, Prof. Paul Waako. Extraordinary sitting of the Uganda Vice Chancellors Forum (UVCF) meeting to discuss Higher Education Access Certificate (HEAC) programme and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Act, 2025, Senior Common Room, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa on 23rd June 2025.
The Chairperson UVCF, Prof. Paul Waako.

The Chairperson UVCF noted that the extraordinary meeting had been called on short notice to feed into ongoing discussions at high levels regarding the HEAC programme and the recently passed Uganda Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Act, 2025. He noted that the TVET Act has big implications on Higher Education training at Diploma and Certificate level, warranting a discussion by Vice Chancellors.

Stakeholders from NCHE and the Commissioner for Higher Education and Training in the Ministry of Education and Sports (MoES) were invited to enrich the discussion. Equally invited were; Prof. David Orema who worked with NCHE to develop the HEAC programme and the first training programme at Busitema University, Incoming and 24th Guild President of Gulu University and HEAC beneficiary Mr. Alex Opio Ongom, a student representative from Kabale University, and the first female graduate engineer from Buyende District – also a HEAC beneficiary.

Dr. Maria Nakachwa presents on the HEAC programme. Extraordinary sitting of the Uganda Vice Chancellors Forum (UVCF) meeting to discuss Higher Education Access Certificate (HEAC) programme and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Act, 2025, Senior Common Room, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa on 23rd June 2025.
Dr. Maria Nakachwa presents on the HEAC programme.

Giving an overview of the HEAC programme, Dr. Nakachwa observed that Uganda remains a hub of Higher Education in the region and the programme acts as a good bridge for international students who need to meet entry requirements of Ugandan institutions. She also pointed to the fact that the HEAC programme acts as a remedial programme for students who sat and completed the Uganda Advanced Certificate of Education (UACE) but did not attain sufficient grades to enroll for Diplomas or Degree programmes.

“Looking at the recently released UNEB exams, people with one principal pass were 29,000. Where are they going? Are they going to repeat? Very few do. In 2023, 18,000 students got one principal pass. Should we deny them access to the Ugandan Higher Education?” she pondered.

Prof. David Orema makes his presentation. Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi takes UVCF Members on a guided tour of reconstructed Main Building. Extraordinary sitting of the Uganda Vice Chancellors Forum (UVCF) meeting to discuss Higher Education Access Certificate (HEAC) programme and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Act, 2025, Senior Common Room, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa on 23rd June 2025.
Prof. David Orema makes his presentation.

Dr. Nakachwa added that NCHE, which is mandated by the Universities and Other Tertiary Institutions Act to set minimum entry requirements to any certificate, diploma or degree programme developed minimum standards for the HEAC programme in 2016, with institutions having the leeway to add two or three courses to help students cope with the rigour.

“This is well prescribed in Instrument 34 of 2008. It is a Level 4 of the Uganda Education qualifications framework because it is Post-A-Level, and the Higher Education Certificate Programme was approved by the National Council for Higher Education in 2016” elaborated Dr. Nakachwa.

She added that the HEAC is intended for four categories of students; 1) foreign students whose education system differs from Uganda’s, 2) a remedy programme for students with A-Level qualifications but not admissible for Diplomas and Bachelors, 3) holders of vocational qualifications i.e. holders of national certificates from the Directorate of Industrial Training (DIT) intending to pursue higher education, and 4) a bridge for the science/arts divide for students who may have passed sciences at O-Level but pursued arts at A-Level and thereafter, seek to pursue clinical or nursing programmes.

Furthermore, she noted that the change in nomenclature from the Higher Education Certificate (HEC) to the Higher Education Access Certificate (HEAC) programme was as recommended by a 2022 review, that also recommended an increase in subject content for the Biological and Physical sciences tracks of the programme. The HEAC also offers a third General track for arts. Nevertheless, students on all three tracks are required to interact with content in the three areas of; Life Skills Education, Study Skills and Academic Writing, and Foundations of Mathematics and Statistics.

Sharing results as at December 2024, Dr. Nakachwa noted that 21 out of the 56 registered Higher Education Institutions in Uganda are accredited to run the HAEC programme, with a total of 3,908 students enrolled. “We have learnt some lessons which include; having the regulatory frameworks reviewed is critical, and continuous engagement with stakeholders is paramount.”

Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi takes UVCF Members on a guided tour of reconstructed Main Building. Extraordinary sitting of the Uganda Vice Chancellors Forum (UVCF) meeting to discuss Higher Education Access Certificate (HEAC) programme and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Act, 2025, Senior Common Room, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa on 23rd June 2025.
Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi takes UVCF Members on a guided tour of reconstructed Main Building.

The presentation by the National Council for Higher Education guided the discussions for the rest of the UVCF sitting, which concluded with the resolution to develop a position paper. Thereafter, the UVCF was led on guided tour of the reconstructed Main Building by the Acting Vice Chancellor, Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi.

Mark Wamai

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Mastercard Foundation Board pays its inaugural visit to Makerere University

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Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, H.E. Ellen Johnson and Ms. Reeta Roy, pose for a photograph at the Main Building Entrance. Mastercard Foundation Board Inaugural visit to Makerere University led by H.E. Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, former President of Liberia, 17th June 2025, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

On Tuesday, 17th June 2025, a distinguished delegation from the Mastercard Foundation Board visited Makerere University for the first time since the establishment of the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at the university. The visit underscored the progress achieved through the partnership and its positive impact on the university community, Uganda and the African continent over the past decade. The delegation was welcomed to Makerere by the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, accompanied by Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi, Acting Deputy Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, and Prof. Justine Namaalwa, the Program Director for Mastercard Foundation at Makerere University.

The high-profile delegation was led by Her Excellency President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, the former President of Liberia and the first woman to hold the presidential office on the African continent. She serves on the Board alongside other members such as Mr. Zein M. Abdalla, the Board Chairperson; Ms. Jennifer Fonsted; Mr. Jim Leech; Mr. Stephen Toope; Ms. Sewit Ahderom; Ms. Baroness Valerie; Hon. Louise Arbour; Ms. Tsega Gebreyes; Mr. Jay Ireland; Mr. Michael Sabia; Ms. Carole Wamayu; Ms. Robin Washington; and Ms. Reeta Roy, the President and Chief Executive Officer of the Mastercard Foundation. Additionally, the Board members were accompanied by the leadership team of the Mastercard Foundation, including Mr. Doug Kasambala, Chief Financial Officer; Ms. Ivy Mwai, Education and Skills Lead; Mr. Adrian Bukenya, Country Director for Mastercard Foundation-Uganda Programs; and Ms. Rachel Nandelenga, Head of Country Program Communications.

Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, welcoming H.E. Ellen Johnson, Ms. Reeta Roy and other members of Mastercard Foundation Board to Makerere University. Mastercard Foundation Board Inaugural visit to Makerere University led by H.E. Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, former President of Liberia, 17th June 2025, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, welcoming H.E. Ellen Johnson, Ms. Reeta Roy and other members of Mastercard Foundation Board to Makerere University.

The Mastercard Foundation Board conducted a series of meetings with various stakeholders at Makerere University. The meetings begun with the University Leadership, which featured key figures such as Rt. Hon. Daniel Kidega, the Deputy Chairperson of the University Council and Chairperson of the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program Advisory Board at Makerere; Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, the Vice Chancellor; Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi, the Acting Deputy Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs and Chairperson of the Steering Committee for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program; and Mr. Yusuf Kiranda, the University Secretary.

While addressing the delegation, Vice Chancellor Prof. Nawangwe expressed gratitude for the partnership between the Mastercard Foundation and Makerere University. He highlighted the Foundation’s impact on Africa’s higher education sector and the livelihoods of young people across the continent.

Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi and Prof. Justine Namaalwa, interacting with Members of the Board. Mastercard Foundation Board Inaugural visit to Makerere University led by H.E. Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, former President of Liberia, 17th June 2025, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi and Prof. Justine Namaalwa, interacting with Members of the Board.

“We are privileged to host Her Excellency Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, along with other Members of the Board of Mastercard Foundation and the Foundation’s President and CEO, Ms. Reeta Roy, for the first time at Makerere University. The Mastercard Foundation has significantly impacted Uganda and Africa’s higher education sector and the livelihoods of young people, for which we are very grateful,” Prof. Nawangwe remarked.

Prof. Nawangwe also expressed appreciation to the Mastercard Foundation for its partnerships with Makerere University, which began with the Scholars Program and now encompasses additional initiatives such as the E-learning Initiative and, most recently, the Climate Resilience and Sustainability Collaborative project.

During the meeting with the Scholars Program staff, the Program Director, Prof. Justine Namaalwa, had the opportunity to outline the achievements of the first 10 years (First phase) of the Scholars Program at Makerere University and shed light on the future of the second phase of the Program at Makerere University.

Rt. Hon. Dan Kidega, Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi and Mr. Yusuf Kiranda interacting with the Board Members during their meeting with the Scholars Program staff. Mastercard Foundation Board Inaugural visit to Makerere University led by H.E. Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, former President of Liberia, 17th June 2025, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Rt. Hon. Dan Kidega, Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi and Mr. Yusuf Kiranda interacting with the Board Members during their meeting with the Scholars Program staff.

Among the achievements highlighted by Prof. Namaalwa during the first phase were the following:

  • The Program supported 1,032 young people, of whom 76% were females and 24% were males.
  • As of January 2025, 965 Scholars had graduated, achieving an exceptional completion rate of 94%.
  • Scholar Alumni have moved on to various pursuits, including formal employment (34%), entrepreneurship (11%), and further education (3%).
  • Strengthening the Student Mentorship Engagements through capacity-building sessions for 97 university staff across the colleges, which benefits both the Scholars and other students.
  • Drafting the Makerere University Career Guidance and Mentorship Policy to streamline mentorship engagements across the university. The Policy is currently under review by the University Council.
  • As of 2024, the Scholars Entrepreneurship Fund has created 86 jobs across various communities.
  • The Scholars made a positive impact on communities through their Annual Day of Service, supporting twelve communities by constructing boreholes for clean water access in two communities and building and equipping classrooms in three communities.
Prof. Justine Namaalwa, making a presentation to the Board during the meeting with Scholars Program staff. Mastercard Foundation Board Inaugural visit to Makerere University led by H.E. Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, former President of Liberia, 17th June 2025, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Prof. Justine Namaalwa, making a presentation to the Board during the meeting with Scholars Program staff.

Prof. Namaalwa also elaborated on the accomplishments thus far in the second phase of the Scholars Program by highlighting the following;

  • 101 Scholars recruited into the Program across different categories.
  • Prioritizing the safety of students and staff, emphasized by the well-articulated Makerere University Safeguarding Policy and its implementation activities.
  • A fully operational Disability Inclusion Support Centre.
A Board Member posing a question to Program Staff during their interaction with the team. Mastercard Foundation Board Inaugural visit to Makerere University led by H.E. Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, former President of Liberia, 17th June 2025, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
A Board Member posing a question to Program Staff during their interaction with the team.

On the other day’s activities, the Board also had the chance to view a mini-exhibition showcasing projects implemented by the alumni scholars. Furthermore, they engaged in a focus group discussion with both the Scholars and alumni.

On their part, the Board members expressed gratitude to Makerere University Management, led by Prof. Nawangwe, for the tremendous achievements the university had attained through the implementation of the Scholars Program and other initiatives aimed at uplifting underprivileged young people in Uganda and Africa. The Board members also expressed their appreciation to Prof. Namaalwa and the Scholars Program for the excellent job done in implementing the Scholars Program and for the continuous support provided to the Scholars and Scholar-alumni.

Ms. Reeta Roy, the President & CEO of Mastercard Foundation inspecting one of the alumni stalls during the exhibition. Mastercard Foundation Board Inaugural visit to Makerere University led by H.E. Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, former President of Liberia, 17th June 2025, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Ms. Reeta Roy, the President & CEO of Mastercard Foundation inspecting one of the alumni stalls during the exhibition.

The Vice Chancellor, Prof. Nawangwe, concluded the day by presenting each visitor with an unforgettable souvenir of Makerere, which included exquisite Makerere University coffee mugs and executive pens.

Prof. Nawangwe presenting a souvenir to H.E. Ellen Johnson at the end of her visit to Makerere University. Mastercard Foundation Board Inaugural visit to Makerere University led by H.E. Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, former President of Liberia, 17th June 2025, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Prof. Nawangwe presenting a souvenir to H.E. Ellen Johnson at the end of her visit to Makerere University.

Mr. Bernard Buteera is the Principal Communication and Public Relations Officer of the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Makerere University

More photos from the visit

Members of the Board interacting with a cross-section of the Scholars and alumni of Mastercard Foundation during a focus group discussion. Mastercard Foundation Board Inaugural visit to Makerere University led by H.E. Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, former President of Liberia, 17th June 2025, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Members of the Board interacting with a cross-section of the Scholars and alumni of Mastercard Foundation during a focus group discussion.

H.E. Ellen Johnson and other Board Members interact with a student during a visit to the Disability Support Centre. Mastercard Foundation Board Inaugural visit to Makerere University led by H.E. Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, former President of Liberia, 17th June 2025, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
H.E. Ellen Johnson and other Board Members interact with a student during a visit to the Disability Support Centre.

Prof. Nawangwe, H.E. Ellen Johnson, Ms. Reeta Roy and other Board Members pose for a photograph with Scholars Program Staff. Mastercard Foundation Board Inaugural visit to Makerere University led by H.E. Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, former President of Liberia, 17th June 2025, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Prof. Nawangwe, H.E. Ellen Johnson, Ms. Reeta Roy and other Board Members pose for a photograph with Scholars Program Staff.

Prof. Nawangwe, H.E. Ellen Johnson, Ms. Reeta Roy, and other Board members pose in a photograph with a cross-section of Scholars and alumni of Mastercard Foundation at Makerere. Mastercard Foundation Board Inaugural visit to Makerere University led by H.E. Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, former President of Liberia, 17th June 2025, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Prof. Nawangwe, H.E. Ellen Johnson, Ms. Reeta Roy, and other Board members pose in a photograph with a cross-section of Scholars and alumni of Mastercard Foundation at Makerere.

Bernard Butare

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Meet Safali Libia, a Mastercard Foundation Scholar-alumnus who rebuilt his life as a refugee in Uganda

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Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Makerere University, International World Refugee Day 2025, themed “solidarity with refugees,” highlights of remarkable achievements of Scholars and alumni with refugee backgrounds, June 2025, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

In recognition of International World Refugee Day this year, themed “solidarity with refugees,” the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Makerere University proudly highlights the remarkable achievements of our Scholars and alumni with refugee backgrounds. These individuals have shown incredible resilience and determination, making a profound impact in their communities. Today, we are excited to share the inspiring story of Safali Libia, a Scholar-alumnus who, despite facing numerous challenges, successfully joined Makerere University through the Mastercard Foundation Scholarship, graduated, and actively contributes to his community at Kyangwali Refugee Settlement. He launched a transformative social venture project, A Hand for a Refugee, aimed at advancing the agriculture sector and enhancing livelihoods.

I was born in 1997 in Bunagana, Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. In 2013, I fled to Uganda due to the armed conflict in my home country. My life was rebuilt in Kyangwali Refugee Settlement, where I found a new beginning.

Despite the challenges, I worked hard through school and was eventually admitted to Makerere University. There, I graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Economics as a proud Mastercard Foundation Scholar. Accessing education in a peaceful environment changed the trajectory of my life. While at university, I decided to change the narrative about refugees. Too often, we are viewed through a lens of pity rather than potential. In my second year at Makerere, I allocated part of my scholarship stipends to support my family and also fund youth activities in the settlement. I mentored younger students, encouraged girls to stay in school, and advocated for inclusive development policies that recognise refugees as contributors, not burdens.

Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Makerere University, International World Refugee Day 2025, themed “solidarity with refugees,” highlights of remarkable achievements of Scholars and alumni with refugee backgrounds, June 2025, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
One of the Seedling Ventures run by ‘A hand for a Refugee’ that serves refugee farmers in Kyangwali.

I also noticed how refugees have limited access to resources and opportunities. Many can only engage in small-scale agriculture or petty trade, yet they have dreams and abilities far beyond that. This realisation led me to co-found ‘A Hand for a Refugee, a youth-led social enterprise driven by a profound understanding of the urgent need to strengthen the socio-economic well-being of refugee communities. We envision a future where refugees are not solely reliant on aid but are empowered towards self-reliance and can sustainably meet their diverse household needs, including ensuring access to education for their children, providing sufficient and nutritious food, securing safe drinking water, and fostering improved living conditions.

We focus on practical and sustainable solutions, providing comprehensive skilling and training in the two thematic areas of climate-smart agriculture livelihood for refugees and youth/women economic empowerment. Recognising the diverse experiences of refugee farmers, we provide support through comprehensive extension services and market linkage initiatives. These efforts are designed to enhance agricultural productivity, foster economic self-reliance, and promote sustainable livelihoods.

One of the refugee young men excited with his harvest of watermelon, a result of the training offered by Safali Libia in Kyangwali Refugee Settlement. Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Makerere University, International World Refugee Day 2025, themed “solidarity with refugees,” highlights of remarkable achievements of Scholars and alumni with refugee backgrounds, June 2025, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
One of the refugee young men excited with his harvest of watermelon, a result of the training offered by Safali Libia in Kyangwali Refugee Settlement.

So far, we have trained fellow refugees in modern, climate-smart farming techniques and supported them in growing high-value crops like passion fruits, tomatoes, onions, and cabbages, which could thrive on small plots of land. Through these efforts, we strengthened food security and restored dignity. Our initiative has trained over 50 farmers, empowered women and youth, and demonstrated that refugee-led solutions are practical and sustainable. The Anzisha Prize and the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program have recognised my work as a shining example of refugee-led innovation and a testament to whatrefugees can achieve when given the opportunity.

Today, I serve as the General Secretary of the Kyangwali Refugee-Led Organisations Umbrella. I encourage fellow refugee youth to take up leadership roles. We are not helpless; we are resourceful, determined, and resilient. All we need is trust, tools, and opportunity.

Some of the refugee young women being trained on how to make traditional mats, courtesy of 'A hand for a Refugee' project. Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Makerere University, International World Refugee Day 2025, themed “solidarity with refugees,” highlights of remarkable achievements of Scholars and alumni with refugee backgrounds, June 2025, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Some of the refugee young women being trained on how to make traditional mats, courtesy of ‘A hand for a Refugee’ project.

On this World Refugee Day, I call upon refugee youth not to wait for change but to be the change. We carry the solutions to our own problems. With education, courage, and unity, we can build more than survival; we can build thriving futures.

Let my journey remind the young people in different settlements that leadership, resilience, and hope can grow even in difficult conditions. I represent a new generation of refugees who do not see themselves as victims of circumstance but as architects of change, ready to rebuild their communities from the ground up. As we commemorate this day, let us celebrate young visionaries for surviving, thriving, and illuminating the way forward for millions of others displaced by conflict and crisis. In this struggle, I have planted seeds of hope, demonstrating that from within the refugee settlements of Africa can emerge the leaders of tomorrow. If I can do it, you can too.

Mak Editor

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