General
VUB Rector-Prof. Pauwels Visits Mak, Looks Forward to Collaboration
The Vrije University Brussels (VUB) Rector-Prof. Dr. Caroline Pauwels, accompanied by a delegation of VUB Staff and Alumni on Thursday, 19th April 2018 paid a courtesy call on the Vice Chancellor-Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe and Members of Management. The delegation’s visit to Uganda also took them to Kyambogo University (KYU) and Mbarara University of Science and Technology (MUST).
Following a brief session of introductions, Prof. Nawangwe welcomed Prof. Pauwels and her delegation to Makerere University and thanked VUB for offering postgraduate training to Makerere Staff and alumni. “I can tell that Molecular Biology is an outstanding discipline in VUB as mentioned by most of the alumni here, and I am very happy that you have called on us at Makerere University.”
The Vice Chancellor further noted that Makerere University is currently formulating the 2019/20 – 2029/30 strategic plan as the institution marks its 96th year of existence, wherein the university seeks to further prioritise research. “Whereas we have always considered ourselves to be a research-led university, we think that we can do more, and always look forward to new collaborations with institutions such as VUB” added Prof. Nawangwe.
In her remarks, Prof. Pauwels thanked Prof. Nawangwe for the warm welcome and couldn’t hold back her emotion at seeing so many VUB alumni in the room. VUB alumni present currently work with institutions such as the; College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Biosecurity (CoVAB), National Agricultural Research Organisation (NARO), National Water and Sewerage Corporation (NWSC), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Uganda and Gulu University (GU) among others.
“Although VUB will be celebrating its 50th anniversary in two years, the original French-speaking institution from which it was split was founded in 1834. We may not be as comprehensive as Makerere University, since we do not have Veterinary Medicine and other disciplines, but we are keen on research and innovations and strongly believe that research holds the answer to the common challenges that Europe and Africa both face” added Prof. Pauwels.
Contributing to the discussion, the Principal, College of Education and External Studies (CEES)-Prof. Fred Masagazi Masaazi noted that “without research, we cannot move our people forward. Makerere University is therefore privileged to contribute to the work that VUB is already doing in this respect.”
Prof. Pauwels conceded that VUB desires to understand Africa better and increasing staff and student exchanges as well as joint research could serve as a good starting point. “The Belgian Flemish Government and the European Commission both offer a number of scholarships to students from African countries and we encourage universities to take advantage of these” she added.
In conclusion, the Vice Chancellor once again thanked Prof. Pauwels and her delegation for visiting Makerere University and concurred that the two institutions have a lot of common ground to embark on mutually beneficial collaboration.
“If your intention is to study Africa, I must say that you are in the right place. Uganda by virtue of the diverse ethnicities that make up its population offers a very good starting point and I invite you to start right here” offered Prof. Nawangwe.
Prof. Nawangwe later on handed over an assortment of Makerere University souvenirs to Prof. Pauwels and her delegation.
Article by Public Relations Office
In a vibrant celebration of youth leadership and African unity, Makerere University hosted the Second Annual Guild Leaders’ Summit, an event that brought together high-profile dignitaries, student leaders, and international partners for a powerful dialogue on the future of the continent. The summit, organized by the Guild Presidents Leadership Academy, served as a rallying point for East Africa’s young leaders to confront Africa’s most urgent challenges—on their own terms and with their own solutions.
A Warm Welcome and Reflections on Makerere’s Legacy
The Vice Chancellor, Professor Barnabas Nawangwe, welcomed the distinguished guests, who included Former President Uhuru Kenyatta of Kenya, Uganda’s Vice President H.E. Jessica Alupo, former Prime Minister Rt. Hon. Ruhakana Rugunda, Justice Simon Byabakama, Hon. Mathew Rukikaire, and European Union Deputy Ambassador Mr. Guillaume Chartrain, among others.
In his address, Prof. Nawangwe reflected on Makerere’s deep historical ties to East Africa’s liberation and development movements. He reminded the audience that Makerere University has been a crucible for the continent’s leadership, stating:
“Jomo Kenyatta was the first person to receive a degree from Makerere when, in 1963, he was awarded an honorary doctorate by then Chancellor Julius Nyerere. All freedom fighters in East Africa studied at Makerere.”
Building on this rich history, Prof. Nawangwe affirmed the university’s current mission to tackle pressing continental issues. “Today,” he said, “Makerere is committed to addressing Africa’s challenges—climate change, disease, poverty, food security, conflict resolution, and economic development. But we cannot do this alone.”
He echoed sentiments later shared by the keynote speaker, stressing that Africa must no longer depend on external interventions:
“Foreign agencies will not solve all Africa’s problems. It is our young people who must step forward and lead the change.”
Uhuru Kenyatta: “You Are the Last Line of Defence”
In a keynote address that resonated deeply with the students and delegates in attendance, Former President Uhuru Kenyatta issued a bold and urgent call to action for Africa’s youth.
“No one is coming to save us,” Kenyatta declared. “You are the last line of defence in the battle to rescue the heart and soul of Africa.”
Positioning today’s youth as the heirs of the continent’s freedom fighters, Kenyatta described the current moment as a new “independence era”—not of political liberation, but of economic and intellectual sovereignty. He urged students to think critically about intra-African trade, which currently accounts for less than 2.5% of global commerce, and to advocate for the removal of internal barriers to trade, innovation, and mobility.
“You are the freedom fighters of this generation,” he said. “Universities must be incubators of change, and students must be the trustees of tomorrow’s Africa.”
Pan-Africanism, Leadership, and Action
Uganda’s Vice President H.E. Jessica Alupo encouraged students to take up the mantle of Pan-Africanism with unwavering commitment. She acknowledged that while the rhetoric of African unity is inspiring, real progress demands more than words:
“You must embrace the spirit of Pan-Africanism. But it is easy to say these words—the challenge lies in collective implementation.”
She emphasized the importance of action-oriented leadership and urged the youth to harness their creativity, energy, and education for the benefit of the continent.
European Union’s Message: Leadership with Integrity
Representing Team Europe, the EU Deputy Ambassador to Uganda, Mr. Guillaume Chartrain, gave a passionate speech on the values of authentic leadership, integrity, and inclusive development. He praised Makerere University as a space where “intellectual ambition meets civic responsibility” and emphasized that leadership is not about prestige, but purpose:
“Be a leader because of what you want to be—not because of what you want to have,” he said.
Citing former Makerere alumni such as Julius Nyerere and Wangari Maathai, Chartrain called on students to model courage, resilience, and humility:
“True leadership emerges in moments of loss—when resilience, not triumph, becomes the measure of one’s character.”
The EU, he said, remains committed to supporting youth through programs like Erasmus+, the EU Youth Sounding Board, and partnerships with organizations like Faraja Africa Foundation and Restless Development. These initiatives empower youth not as symbols, but as active participants in shaping policy and governance.
The Legacy Continues
Throughout the summit, speakers highlighted the importance of legacy and long-term impact. They challenged young leaders to think not just about the present, but about the systems and institutions they will leave behind. In the words of Former President Kenyatta:
“Leadership is not about the next election. It’s about the next generation.”
The summit ended on a high note, with students invigorated and inspired to lead with purpose. As global support grows less predictable and Africa stands at a crossroads, the message from Makerere was clear: the future of the continent is in the hands of its youth. And as the Guild Leaders’ Summit demonstrated, they are ready.
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