Preparations into the 11th International Conference on Community-Based Adaptation (CBA11) to climate change are complete. The Conference is being organized by the International Institute for Environment and Development (IIED), Uganda’s Ministry of Water and Environment (MWE), Makerere University Centre for Climate Change Research and Innovations (MUCCRI) and the International Centre for Climate Change and Development (ICCCAD).
The conference which started with field visits on 22nd -25th June 2017 will be officially opened on 26th June 2017 at the Royal Suites Hotel Bugolobi Kampala under the theme, “Harnessing natural resources and ecosystems for adaptation”.
The conference is expected to attract about 200 International participants and 100 Local participants focusing on empowering communities to use their own knowledge and decision making processes to take action on climate change.
As part of the conference, a parallel Youth Conference is scheduled to take place on 28th – 29th June 2017 at Hotel Africana in Kampala. The theme of the Youth conference is, ” Enhancing the ability of youth to build ecosystem resilence”.
The aim of the CBA conference is to: Share and consolidate the latest developments in CBA best practices, policy and theory across different sectors and countries; Strengthen existing networks of practitioners, policymakers, planners and donors working on CBA at all levels and; Enhance the capacity of practitioners, governments and donors to help those most vulnerable to climate change.
The overall events will take 7 days. The main conference is preceded by field visits to local organizations working with vulnerable communities in various parts of the country from 22 – 25 June, 2017. The field visits will take place in projects that are helping local communities to adapt to Climate Change. The visits will showcase projects in a variety of ecosystems across Uganda, ranging from drought and flood-prone areas, through to forest locations.
A total of (4) organizations have offered to host groups of 15- 20 delegates each for a period of 2 days. 75 participants registered and they will visiting 4 field sites. 2 of them from NGOs (Kikandwa Environmental Association Mityana) and 2 from government (Rakai Masaka area & Mubende Nakasongola).
The formal conference will start with opening session on day one (26th June, 2017), to be officiated by high level representatives from government (Rt. Hon. Prime Minister, Hon. Minister for Water and Environment, Hon. Minister of State for Environment, Vice Chancellor Makerere University etc), Development Partners and Civil Society Organizations.
On the first day of the conference, Government will host a dinner for high level dignitaries to interact with the international participants. Although government will be the official host, IIED will finance the cost of the dinner.
Conference organisation and management Following a briefing meeting between Makerere University (ERICCA/MUCCRI),IIED and Ministry of Water and Environment on 31st August, 2016 that was Chaired by the PS/MWE, it was agreed that Mr.Charles Esimu Okuraja (Under Secretary) and Mr. Joseph Epitu (Assistant Commissioner Sector Capacity Development) are the CBA11 link persons at MWE, while Prof. Bernard Bashaasha (Principal College of Agriculture & Environmental Sciences) and Dr. Revocatus Twinomuhangi (MUCCRI Coordinator) are the link persons for Makerere University.
The National Organising Committee was constituted under the Chairmanship of Mr. Charles Esimu Okuraja (Undersecretary – MWE), and Prof. Bernard Bashaasha (Principal College of Agriculture & Environmental Sciences) as the Co-Chairperson. The NoC has been meeting regularly (twice every month) since 28th February 2017. Relevant Sub committees were constituted to support the process.
To complement the work of the NoC, IIED has engaged a small team of event managers to coordinate the process at the international level, including day to day engagements with the NoC.
The NoC has undertaken the overall liaison and coordination within Uganda and provided support to the IIED Secretariat in the overall organization and management of the conference. The Ugandan NoC has been responsible for the management of all assignments in Uganda in terms of preparation or realization of the conference and of all issues of representation of Uganda within the conference.
The conference is largely financed by IIED. However, the hosting institutions (MAK and MWE) were required to meet the cost of local organizing preparations, such as allowances for the National Organizing Committee (NoC) and locally invited high level dignitaries, conference fees for the local delegates, transport expenses for the high level local dignitaries and delegates, hosting of the youth conference that is to be held on the sidelines of the CBA.
About the CBA The International Institute for Environment and Development (IIED) and partners created the International Community Based Adaptation (CBA) conferences to highlight that effective adaptation to climate change takes place at community level. A bottom-up approach to adaptation enables local knowledge and practices to be shared among communities, academics and project managers so that those most exposed to the impacts of climate change are better able to adapt.
Since 2005, nine (9) International CBA conferences have been held in different countries including Bangladesh, Kenya Nepal, Tanzania and Vietnam. Past CBA conferences have focused on scaling up best practice, ensuring a scientific basis to action, communicating and mainstreaming CBA, and ensuring adaptation funding reaches community level.
The ninth and most recent conference was held in Nairobi, Kenya, 24-30 April 2015, in partnership with the African Centre for Technology Studies (ACTS) and was hosted by the Government of Kenya.
The – CBA10 conference was held in Dhaka, Bangaldesh from 22-28 April 2016 on the theme 'Enhancing Urban Community Resilience'.
Having participated in the ninth International CBA Conference (CBA9) in Nairobi Kenya in April 2015, Makerere University and other Government of Uganda delegates became interested in hosting the eleventh CBA Conference (CBAll) in Uganda. Makerere University offered a proposal to host CBA11 in Kampala – Uganda in June 2017.
Regarding Financing, IIED in partnership with the Ministry of Water and Environment and Makerere University fundraised and managed funding and logistics. The Ministry and the university started local planning for the Conference with support from lIED. Both institutions worked closely with IIED to construct an appropriate Conference programme and identify participants.
Dear Students; Class of 2025/2026 I am very delighted to welcome you to Makerere University. You are joining a Premier University and I hope you all are excited to start your new academic journey. We would like to first congratulate all of you for successfully overcoming the many challenges you have all faced, from completing high school to choosing a university and a study program and the extensive delays in the admission process you experienced.
As you are about to begin one of the most exciting times in your life, you should acknowledge and appreciate your efforts and achievements so far. I am aware that as a fresher, you are filled with hope and ambition, and I encourage you to take a moment to reflect on the road that has brought you here. I know that you have worked hard and overcome many obstacles to reach this point. So, take a moment to savor this achievement and be proud of yourselves.
Now, as you step into the next phase of your lives, I want to remind you that this is a time of growth and exploration. You will face new challenges, make new friends, and gain experiences that will shape you into the person you will become. This is the time to embrace new opportunities, learn from your mistakes, and never stop growing.
I also want to emphasise the importance of hard work, determination, and resilience. These are the qualities that will help you overcome any obstacle and succeed in your endeavors. Remember to keep your focus on your goals and work towards them with determination. I encourage you to approach your studies with a growth mindset. This means that you believe that your abilities can be developed through hard work and perseverance. Remember that failure is not the end, but rather an opportunity to learn and grow.
Professor Buyinza Mukadasi (PhD) Academic Registrar
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.”
Rt. Hon. Rukia Nakadama Isanga.
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.”
Current and Former Guild Leaders including Mr. Wilbrod Owor (CEO, Uganda Bankers Association) pose for a group photo with dignitaries.
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.
Hon. Balaam Barugahara gestures.
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.
Prof. Sarah Ssali.
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.
Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe.
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.
CPA George Turyamureeba.
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.
CPA George Turyamureeba (Right) and Ms. Grace Cherotich Ruto (2nd Right) and members of the Convocation Team.
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.
Dr. Peter Kimbowa.
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
Members of Management from Left to Right: Mr. Paul Agaba-Procurement and Disposal Unit, Mr. Simon Kizito-Deputy University Secretary, Prof. Robert Wamala-Director Research Innovations and Partnerships, and Prof. Ruth Nalumaga-University Librarian.
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 UniversityResearch and Innovations Fund (Mak-RIF) and reassured the audience of the Convocation’s readiness to provide a trusted platform for engagement with industry.
Panelists from Left to Right: Ms. Grace Cherotich Ruto, Mr. Samuel Mwogeza, Mr. Peter Sibukule and Mr. Clovice Bright Irumba with Moderator-Dr. William Tayeebwa.
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.
Prof. Eriabu Lugujjo.
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).
Dr. Viola Karungi (Left) and Dr. William Tayeebwa (Right).
The PAF team took charge of the leading the anthems and day’s entertainment, which included a poetic presentation of the Makerere University Anthem.
The Office of Academic Registrar, Makerere University has released the admission list of candidates admitted under the Disability and District Quota Schemes with Government sponsorship 2025/26 Academic Year.
Kindly follow the links below to access the lists:-