General
Delegates from Institute for Security Studies inspired by Makerere University’s greatness and innovativeness
On 6th July 2018, Seventeen (17) delegates from the Institute of Security Studies Abuja, Nigeria visited Makerere University. The historical visit aimed at benchmarking the best practices of Makerere University as one of the premier and oldest Universities in Africa. The visit in line with deepening Uganda and Nigeria relations also focused on introducing the delegates to Makerere University’s research and innovation masterpieces in order to have a deeper understanding of the University as one of the leading institutions of higher learning.
In a Meeting with the Vice Chancellor of Makerere University Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, the team also discussed further collaborations between Makerere University and Institute of Security Studies that will culminate in the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding.
Prof. Nawangwe welcomed the delegates to Makerere University, a renowned hub of research and innovations. In a special way, he thanked the delegates for choosing to benchmark Makerere University during their visit.
“We are happy that you recognise the great work Makerere University is doing in nurturing, grooming and mentoring leaders. Choosing Makerere University as your benchmarking institution was the best decision ever. We welcome you to Makerere University and we shall be happy to positively influence your research prospects. Makerere University believes in partnerships and networks. We are therefore looking forward to collaborating with the Institute of Security Studies and many other universities in Nigeria,” he said.
The Head of Delegation, Mrs. Angela Oleseni appreciated the warm welcome the team received at Makerere University and thanked the Principals and other Makerere University Staff for leading the Delegates during their tour. She highly commended the great work Makerere University is doing in producing the best human resource capital as well as being the helm of research on the Africa continent.
“Our students who have studied here, have testified the standard and quality of this institution. We are happy that you have nurtured some of the Nigerian students and we humbly request that this kind of relationship continues,” she said.
During the historical visit, delegates toured Makerere University Agricultural Research Centre, Kabanyolo. Led by the Principal of the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, Prof. Bernard Bashaasha, the team was able to interact with Prof. Phinehas Tukamuhabwa, a plant breeder and the brain behind the breeding and development of new soybean variety that is resistant to soybean rust disease, harsh conditions, lodging and pod shuttering. The team also toured the Diary and the Coffee value chains.
At Makerere University Skilling and Incubation Centre- Nakyesasa which is under the College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Bio-security, the delegates were welcomed by the Principal Prof. David Kabasa. They visited the feeds farm and the feed processing area; the leather and the dairy processing industries. Prof. David Kabasa who is also the Principal Investigator of AFRISA, introduced the delegates to the Household Economic Transformation Initiative (HETI); a mobile training unit that is ready to take Makerere University to the community.
“This mobile training unit helps the institution to provide the missing link between traditional and Morden ways of attaining skills. With HETI, the university is able to interact with the community in a formal setting with trainers and organised classes where knowledge is perforated to community members,” he said.
From Makerere University Skilling and Incubation Centre- Nakyesasa, delegates also visited the College of Natural Sciences. They were recievedd by the Principal of the College represented by the Deputy Principal, Prof. Fredrick Muyodi and introduced the delegates to the College.
In a presentation, the Director Quality Assurance Dr. Vincent Ssembatya highlighted the Makerere University strategic goals and research agenda. His presentation was backed by a brief on Makerere University objectivies by the Deputy Registrar (Undergraduate Admissions and Records Division) Mr. Charles Ssentongo and the Principal of College of Business and Management Sciences Dr. Eria Hisali.
The Institute of Security Studies was established in 2004 and registered under the Companies and Allied Matters Act, as an independent, non-governmental, non-for-profit professional organization. Its main objective is to provide a forum for security and safety practitioners in both the private and public sectors to exchange ideas and share experience in the art and science of security. Since its establishment, it has developed considerable both in size and stature and achieves an influential status in security education. The institute was established to undertake research, teaching & professional training in the study of public disorder, crime control and prevention, security and risk, crises and disaster.
Article by Mak 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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