General
Mak-ASLC to use research-based policies to enhance Africa’s Socio- Economic Development
On 1st August 2018, Makerere University Signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Africa Strategic Leadership Centre (ASLC), in which the two parties agreed to use research-based policies to enhance Africa’s social and economic Development. Signed by the Vice Chancellor of Makerere University, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe and the Chairman, Board of Africa Strategic Leadership Centre, Dr. Robert Mwesigwa Rukaari on behalf of the two institutions respectively, the MoU stipulated that the two parties will:
- Explore opportunities for collaboration in fostering relationships between political actors, civil societies, academia and private sectors in understanding the binding constraints to Africa’s development and identifying opportunities for Africa’s transformation.
- Foster peace and security on the continent through offering pro-active solutions to the cause of conflict in Africa
- Harmonize national, regional and continental interest and highlight a positive and balanced perspective on Africa
- Contribute and influence policy using independent evidence based research
The Africa Strategic Leadership Center (The Centre) is a collaborative initiative of leaders from public and private sectors, committed to Africa’s progress, cultivating growth opportunities and investing in the continent’s human capital. The Center engages key leaders from governments, business and industry, civil society, academia and other socio-economic influencers and opinion leaders to drive Africa’s next transformation agenda.
The Africa Strategic Leadership Centre was officially launched on Tuesday, July 31st 2018 by the Prime Minister of the Republic of Uganda Rt. Hon. Ruhakana Rugunda at Sheraton Hotel, Kamapala. The High Profile launch that focused on understanding the pivotal role of think-tanks towards Africa’s growth was attended by prominent persons among which; was Mrs. Samia Yaba Nkrumah, the daughter of the legendary Dr. Kwame Nkrumah.
“Our focus is to achieve a shared agenda, followed with complementary actions for building social order, political stability and inclusive economic growth across the African continent. We are equally committed to achieving actions representing a realistic image of Africa and supporting African countries in developing critically needed leadership and systems for catalyzing development,” said Awel Uwihanganye, the Associate Director and Secretary to the Board, Africa Strategic Leadership Centre.
The signing of the MoU at Makerere University, was graced by Samia Yaba Nkrumah and was witnessed by; Betty Bigombe, the Senior Director for Fragility, Conflict, and Violence at the World Bank; Rt. Hon. Daniel Kidega, Speaker of the 3rd East African Legislative Assembly (EALA); Irene Ikomu,member of Parliamentary Watch Uganda; Mr. Henry Mwebe, the Director Legal Affairs, Makerere University; Prof. Edward Kirumira, thePrincipal, College of Humanities and Social Sciences; Dr. Nansozi K. Muwanga, Former Head, Department of Political Science and Public Administration; Dr Andrew Elias State, Dean, School of Social Sciences; and Dr. Paul Omach, Head, Department of Political Science and Public Administration.
Commenting on the partnership, the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe said that Makerere University is ready to engage in research and develop policies that will inform several changes and developments in Africa. He applauded the Africa Strategic Leadership Centre (ASLC) for the commitment to pool resources with the aim of identifying leadership and institutional ingredients necessary to address Africa’s growth bottlenecks.
In a special way, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe welcomed Ms. Samia Yaba Nkrumah to Makerere University, the incubation Centre of African leaders.
“At Makerere University, we are committed to ensuring that this partnership succeeds. We have the best human resource; this means that the potential is huge. Many of our staffs have engaged in research to find solutions to Africa’s problems and we are therefore up to the task,” he said.
The Chairman to the Board of Africa Strategic Leadership Centre, Dr. Robert Mwesigwa Rukaari, commended Makerere University for the various initiatives that the institution has put in place to find home-grown solutions to Africa’s challenges. “You have made extensive research and found solutions on aspects such as transformational leadership, ICT, peace and security, climate change and environmental conservation, food security and agriculture, economy, trade and investment, leadership and governance. We greatly appreciate your efforts,” he said.
Samia Nkrumah thanked Makerere University for the warm welcome and applauded the institution for upholding Africa’s legacy through research, innovations, leadership training and mentorship, and the immense investment in production of human capital.
“I am happy to visit Makerere University, a renowned leadership academy that has groomed many African leaders. Your research has informed the world on the greatness of Africa as a continent,” she remarked.
The delegation led by Samia Yaba Nkrumah also visited the Nkrumah Hall, at Makerere University.
Africa Strategic Leadership Centre is soon organizing, the “Africa Now” conference. The conference will be an annual signature leadership event bringing together leading African minds to consider key constraints to socio-economic growth, an act of achieving drivers to secure a better future for Africa.
Article by: Mak Public Relations Office.
Makerere University and the University of Notre Dame, Indiana, USA (ND) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), which opens opportunities for collaboration between the two historic and leading research institutions in the areas of staff and student exchange, joint research and training, joint supervision of graduate students, and others.
The Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe signed on behalf of Makerere University and Rev. Robert A. Dowd, the 18th President signed on behalf of the University of Notre Dame. The ceremony, which was held at the University of Notre Dame campus at South Bend, Indiana was witnessed by Dr. Lorna Magara, the Chairperson of the Council of Makerere University, who led the Mak delegation.
Dr. Magara appreciated the institutionalisation of the collaboration between the two universities and the very warm hospitality accorded to the Mak delegation.
General
Press Release: Government of Uganda and Partners Launch SAY Plus+ to Scale Youth Sexual Reproductive Health & Rights (SRHR) Impact in Underserved Regions
USD 50 million national programme moves into full implementation, strengthening
adolescent and youth rights, empowerment, protection and access to youth-responsive
services in 13 districts across five sub-regions
KAMPALA, 7 MAY 2026: The Government of Uganda, through the Ministry of Health, today officially launched the SAY Plus+ Programme, a Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) initiative designed to strengthen adolescent and youth rights, empowerment, protection and access to quality services in Uganda’s underserved regions.
The launch, held at Makerere University‘s Freedom Square under the theme “My Voice Matters: Youth Voices for SAY Plus+” and the tagline “Nothing for us, without us”, marks the programme’s transition into full implementation.
SAY Plus+, formerly known as Strengthening Adolescents and Youth Rights and Empowerment: Scaling Impact, is led by the Ministry of Health, in coordination with other Ministries, with UNFPA Uganda serving as the Managing and Technical Agency.
Backed by a USD 50 million pooled fund from the Governments of Iceland, Denmark, the Netherlands, and Sweden, the initiative is scheduled to operate between 2024 and 2030. It is currently being rolled out across thirteen districts within five sub-regions, providing targeted assistance to regional referral hospitals in Jinja, Mbale, Moroto, Yumbe, Arua, and Gulu. Furthermore, the programme supports the Human Capital Development goals established in Uganda’s National Development Plan IV.
“SAY Plus+ represents a shift from fragmented interventions to a coordinated national effort that meaningfully places young people at the centre of both design and delivery. Through our partnership with the Government of Uganda, development partners, and implementing partners, we are investing not only in services, but in the systems, communities, and environments that enable adolescents and young people to thrive not only today but also in the future,” said Ms. Kristine Blokhus, Representative – UNFPA Uganda.
Officially launched by the Minister of State for Health Hon. Margaret Muhanga, the SAY Plus+ programme targets adolescents and young people aged 10 to 24 years, with particular focus on adolescent girls and young women, refugees and host-community youth, out-of-school young people, those not in employment, education or training, adolescents with disabilities, and young people in humanitarian and post-conflict settings.
“For many of us, things like this one are designed without listening to what we go through every day, think or even feel. SAY Plus+ feels different because it starts with our voices and gives us a real role in shaping solutions. It is not just about information, it is about being supported to make decisions, access services, and build the future we want.” – Jovia Dranzoa, Young person.
SAY Plus+ operates through three pillars. First, it empowers youth to exercise their rights and make informed choices. Second, it engages families, communities, and leaders to address harmful social norms. Third, it strengthens youth-responsive SRHR, HIV, and gender-based violence services via health facilities and community platforms, aiming to reach over 2.3 million direct and indirect beneficiaries.
The SAY Plus+ initiative stands as a model of international cooperation and multi-sectoral synergy. Through the combined support of the Governments of Iceland, Denmark, the Netherlands, and Sweden, and the technical leadership of UNFPA, Uganda is now equipped to scale-up critical interventions in HIV prevention, gender-based violence response, and reproductive health. With implementation now in high gear through 2030, the programme is poised to make a lasting contribution to the nation’s human capital development goals.
— ENDS —
Photos from the event
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