General
President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni launches Annual Nelson Mandela Commemorative Lecture
The President of the Republic of Uganda, H.E. Gen. Yoweri Kaguta Museveni last week launched the Makerere University Annual Nelson Mandela Commemorative Lecture. The launch followed a public lecture in honour of Nelson Mandela organized by the Department of Political Science and Public Administration in collaboration with the South African High Commission. Held under the theme; Mandela the Legend: A Message for the Youth, the lecture took place in the University Main Hall and was attended by among others, several dignitaries from the Governments of Uganda and South Africa, members of the University Council and Management as well as staff and students. At the public lecture, Mandela’s granddaughter, Ms Zoleka Mandela, delivered a keynote address in which she shared moving testimonies of her personal experience growing up under apartheid with absent parents involved in the liberation struggle, later on giving a message of hope to young people experiencing similar challenges.
“My personal experiences growing up as a child were largely afflicted by the repercussions of growing up in an unconventional and unstable home environment that was mostly vulnerable. I had my first drink at the age of nine, followed by multiple encounters with sexual and physical abuse. The severity of my drinking and drug use at the age of thirteen had escalated to a seventeen-year addiction to alcohol and suicidal behavior that was accompanied by a decade of drug dependency. An unsheltered life, poorly protected from the demoralizing ills of society is a narrative commonly shared by many youth and those like me who are born in politically famous families. I however assure you that much as you may feel unimportant, uninvolved and unheard, there are seeds of greatness that exist within you, seeds that will inevitably blossom whatever way the winds of life may blow you,” Ms Zoleka explained. Despite her tragic life as a youth, Ms. Zoleka has grown into a responsible adult now managing the Zoleka Mandela Foundation. Established in 2013, the foundation aims to educate young people about breast cancer, road safety and social responsibilities. The foundation also seeks to assist young people with personal growth, volunteerism and accountability to become responsible citizens.
Like her grandfather, Ms Zoleka emphasized the importance of education in fostering personal development noting that the quality of education has great impact on the quality of someone’s life. “My grandfather was passionate about education and always thought of it as a formidable approach to changing the world. Young people must therefore take it upon themselves to receive the highest level of education to represent us well as future leaders,” she said.
Ms Zoleka further said her grandfather believed so much in the youth as determinants of society’s future and greatly emphasized the need for all children to have political, social and cultural protection.
The discussants who included Prof. Mahmood Mamdani, Hon. Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, Dr Julius Kiiza, Hon. Anna Adeke Ebaju and Brig. Henry Masiko, applauded Nelson Mandela’s selfless contribution to the liberation struggle of South Africa saying he exhibited servant leadership skills and was indeed a true legend. They underscored the need to empower young people pointing to their critical role in the social, economic and political transformation of nation states across the globe.
In his remarks, President Museveni paid glowing tribute to Nelson Mandela for his selfless contribution to the liberation of South Africa in particular and the African Continent in general. He noted that Nelson Mandela played a crucial role in the liberation of South Africa by injecting a spirit of activism into the African National Congress as the first leader of the youth wing in 1944, which redefined the ANC’s struggle in the eyes of the apartheid regime.
He further noted that Mandela played a critical role in the launching of the freedom charter of 1955 that emphasized the fight for freedom for all South Africans no matter their color or race.
He said Mandela’s involvement in recruiting and fighting in the armed resistance, his refusal to collaborate with his oppressors even after a long jail period and preaching the message of reconciliation between South Africans without revenging against his former oppressors, made him a unique freedom fighter.
The President, however, said that the plight and suffering of the generation of the late Nelson Mandela, is closely related to the plight and history of the African continent. He noted that although the African continent derives pride in being the origin of humanity, a pioneer of civilization and also being blessed with abundant natural resources, on account of lack of a clear ideology and poor governance, the continent has suffered several setbacks in the last 500 years putting it and her people behind all other continents in terms of development.
The President said that because of being poorly governed under many fragmented kingdoms and chiefdoms, the African people became more vulnerable when they were confronted by foreign forces of domination especially from Europe that led Africa into suffering from slave trade, colonialism and neo-colonialism.
He said that to honour the late Nelson Mandela and other African freedom fighters for independence, the current leaders on the continent as well as the coming generations need to work to economically and politically unite the African continent to ensure economic prosperity and strategic security.
Speaking at the public lecture, the South African High Commissioner expressed gratitude to the Government of Uganda and Makerere University in particular for providing a platform to carry forward the legacy of Mandela through the Annual Nelson Mandela Commemorative Lectures.
The Vice Chancellor, Prof. John Ddumba-Ssentamu, thanked the Department of Political Science and Public Administration for spearheading the initiative to recognize the contribution of the Mandela family to the liberation of the African Continent. He extended appreciation to the South African High Commission for the support rendered to Makerere University in its effort to recognize the great works of the Mandela family.
The Principal of CHUSS, Prof. Edward K. Kirumira, explained the contribution of the humanities and social sciences to national development calling for the amendment of the policy that emphasizes the natural sciences over behavioral sciences. He appealed to the youth to emulate Mandela’s legacy by “working towards leaving a good name”.
The Dean, School of Social Sciences, Dr Andrew Elias State, called for the establishment of a Nelson Mandela Scholarship Fund to carry forward his legacy. He also called for the establishment of a Y.K Museveni Scholarship Fund to promote and strengthen the training of peace and security studies.
In her remarks, the Head Department of Political Science and Public Administration, Dr Suzie Nansozi Muwanga extended her sincere appreciation to the sponsors of the public lecture. The sponsors included Eskom, Toyota Uganda, Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung, Stanbic Bank and Pinnacle Security Group.
Education
Makerere University signs Memorandum of Understanding with International Rescue Committee to Advance Research, Innovation and Partnerships
Makerere University has signed a five-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the International Rescue Committee to formalize undertakings in research, innovation & partnerships.
Signed in September 2025 by the Vice Chancellor of Makerere University, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe and the Country Director, International Rescue Committee, Mr. Elijah Okeyo, the MoU provides a framework to implement research intensive programmes, promote innovative teaching and learning, internationalization, and contribute to societal transformation.
According to Mr. Okeyo, the MoU re-affirms Makerere University as the academic partner of the International Rescue Committee (IRC). “This MoU formalizes IRC’s working relationship with Makerere University. This framework empowers both institutions to tap into opportunities together. We believe in equal partnership. Makerere University commits to being our partner in research to contribute to evidence based humanitarian undertakings,” he said.
Under this collaboration, Makerere University and IRC will work on developing child-centered learning resources, innovative curricula, and policy-relevant research to enhance the quality of education in crisis-affected regions.
At Makerere University, the MoU brings on board, the College of Education and External Studies (CEES), Makerere University Institute of Teacher Education and Research (MITER), and the Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) Research Centre.
To concretize the MoU, the Principal of the College of Education and External Studies, Prof. Anthony Muwagga Mugagga convened a partnership meeting on Friday 12th September 2025 involving a delegation from the International Rescue Committee (IRC), Dr. David Kabugo, the Deputy Director of Makerere University Institute of Teacher Education and Research (MITER), and Ms. Ritah Namisango, the Principal Communication Officer.
The delegation from the International Rescue Committee (IRC) consisted of the following: Mr. Elijah Okeyo-Country Director, Mr. Vincent Wanyama-Senior Program Development and Quality Coordinator, Mr. Richard Omasete-Policy and Advocacy PlayMatters, and Ms. Janet Nambuya-Grants and Partnerships Coordinator.
The MoU focuses on the following areas of interest: Early Childhood Development, joint research and capacity building in education, the plight of refugees and the host communities, humanitarian aid, as well as, evidence based research to inform the education policy.
In line with its mandate, IRC brings onboard, its unmatched expertise in helping children in crisis-affected areas. The MoU therefore positions both institutions to undertake a leading role in the protection of children and families through evidence based research, access to education, and humanitarian undertakings.
Dr. Kabugo, the Deputy Director MITER, noted that the MoU opens new opportunities for joint efforts in research, training, and policy. He said: “We are committed to co-designing practitioner research, engaging in professional development, and generating evidence to guide the education policy in Uganda and beyond.” Dr. Kabugo explained that this partnership builds on years of cooperation between CEES and IRC, especially in child-centered methods such as play-based learning.
Prof. Mugagga described the MOU as a practical framework that connects Makerere University’s research with IRC’s field experiences. He stated that the College of Education and External Studies (CEES) conducts programmes focused on the future of the young people through training and empowering students/teachers. He articulated that the College significantly impacts on the education sector through delivery of quality academic programmes and research under the School of Education, School of Distance and Lifelong Learning, and the East African School of Higher Education Studies and Development.
“Our strongest synergy is education and early child-focused care,” Prof. Mugagga emphasized. He revealed that the collaboration presents CEES with a strong and reliable partner (IRC), which stands for protection and the well-being of children and families. “Through this MoU, both CEES and IRC, will significantly contribute to improving education for children, families, and communities impacted by conflict and crisis.”
Prof. Mugagga commended IRC for the earlier support and expertise extended to the College in the development of the early childhood centre, and working together to provide valuable input during the Ministry of Education and Sports’ consultative process that led to the Early Childhood development policy.
Reflecting on the increasing number of refugees enrolling for studies at Makerere University, Prof. Mugagga said: “ IRC has come at the right time. The College will tap into the IRC expertise to teach our staff and learners components in refugee education. They will equip our students and teachers with knowledge and skills in refugee education. Some of our students will cooperate with IRC to undertake research in refugee settlement and host communities.”
Prof. Mugagga implored both MITER and IRC to undertake research and develop modules on refugee education, parenting, re-tooling street children, integration of a health component into the curriculum, and management of truamatised students/learners who come from areas affected by war, conflict and crisis.
On the issue of play materials, Prof. Mugagga stressed that already made play materials derial creativing. “Both CEES and IRC should work towards a context that empowers children and learners to ignite their creative potential by developing home-made play materials,” he submitted.
About IRC
Stating a brief profile history about IRC, Mr. Okeyo explained that IRC is a global non-profit organisation that provides humanitarian aid and assistance to people affected by conflict and disaster. IRC has been active in Uganda since 1998, originally assisting displaced populations in Northern Uganda and later expanding its efforts to refugee settlements and urban areas.. Currently, IRC operates more than 35 health facilities in refugee settlements and runs a variety of programs in health, education, protection, and economic recovery. IRC also undertakes projects focusing on early childhood development, prevention of gender-based violence, and protection of refugees and families.
General
Mastercard Foundation Scholars at Makerere University encouraged to participate in philanthropy work
By Carol Kasujja Adii and Bernard Buteera
Mastercard Foundation Scholars at Makerere University have been encouraged to embrace the spirit of philanthropy as a vital foundation for fostering stronger and more resilient communities. This inspiring call to action took place during the 2025 Community Open Day at the Freedom Square on Saturday, September 6, 2025, where hundreds of Mastercard Scholars, Scholar-alumni, and partners of the Scholars Program gathered to initiate a fundraising drive for the signature Annual Scholars Day of Service.
The Annual Scholars Day of Service stands as a hallmark event through which the Scholars give back to the community in impactful and sustainable ways. During a keynote address titled “How Philanthropy Shapes Resilient Communities,” Prof. Winston Tumps Ireeta, the Deputy Vice Chancellor of Finance and Administration, emphasised that while local philanthropy is not a new concept in Uganda, a more intentional mobilisation of this giving back power is necessary to address broader social challenges.
“Communities that mobilise their own resources—financial, human, and material—are empowered to take ownership of their development. Ownership naturally leads to sustainability, ensuring that solutions emerge from local knowledge, context, and values rather than being imposed from the outside. This approach is essential for effectively tackling our social challenges,” Prof. Ireeta stated.
In his remarks delivered by Prof. Helen Nambalirwa Nkabala, the Principal of the College of Humanities and Social Sciences, Prof. Ireeta highlighted the importance of nurturing the inherent power of local giving. He urged the celebration of current local philanthropic efforts, which can be initiated at the individual, religious, and community levels.
“To foster a culture of giving, we need to create platforms that promote structured, transparent, and impactful contributions,” he argued. “It’s crucial to strengthen our generosity, particularly among the youth, and cultivate a society where giving is valued as a core aspect of leadership and citizenship.”
Prof. Ireeta further noted, “The future of our Communities’ strength lies not in distant promises but in our own hands and collective actions. By fostering local philanthropy, we can build a society that is not only fairer but also more resilient and united.
In his welcoming remarks, Mr. John Osuna, Transition Lead for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Makerere University, who spoke on behalf of the Program Director, Prof. Justine Namaalwa, expressed gratitude to the Scholars for their collaborative efforts in turning the idea of giving back into reality.
“Let us embody humility, kindness, and compassion through actionable philanthropy. By doing so, we can create lasting impacts, enhancing our reputation as a community that genuinely cares,” Mr. Osuna stated.
The Community Open Day was organised under the inspiring theme: “Nurturing Philanthropy for Resilient Communities,” paving the way for future initiatives that strengthen community bonds through collective generosity.
“We believe that through nurturing philanthropy for resilient communities, our communities shall be able to organise themselves to build resilience beyond what we shall give back,” Mr. Osuna explained.
The vibrant event saw Scholars and Scholar-alumni actively participating by bringing items for auction and buying tickets for the raffle draw as a means of mobilising resources for the construction of a ventilated pit latrine, renovation of two classroom blocks and providing tanks for harvesting clean water for Bwera Primary School in Kabale District.
Speaking at the event, Mrs. Agnes Katumba, the Director of Katumba Estates, one of the long-standing partners of the Scholars Program at Makerere University, tasked the Scholars to embrace the heart of giving back without expecting something in return.
“I thank the Mastercard Foundation; they not only provide scholarships but also give back to the community. I have been able to grow because of them. For scholars, you do not have to wait to be wealthy to give back; every coin counts,” Mrs. Katumba said.
Katumba Estates Ltd contributed three million shillings to the Scholars Give Back project. Another long-standing partner, DFCU Bank, pledged over sh10 million towards the Scholars’ building project.
In her presentation, Ms. Malvin Akwara, a Mastercard Foundation Scholar-alumna, urged current Scholars to contribute to their communities in various ways, including mentorship and guiding young people.
“We are all here because someone chose to give. During my first year at Makerere, I contributed to some young man’s school fees back home in my community. The young man is now in his second year at Makerere. You don’t have to be wealthy to make an impact; be intentional in your giving, and you will witness the difference it makes. There is no greater fulfilment than helping someone in need,” Akwara stated.
The event was punctuated with a number of activities that ranged from auctioning items, raffle draws, exhibitions, quizzes and a lot of games and fun.
Carol Kasujja and Bernard Buteera form the communications team for the Scholars Programme at Makerere University.
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