General
Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe elucidates the relevancy of financing Higher Education in Africa
The Vice Chancellor of Makerere University, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe has appealed to Institutions for Higher learning in Africa to utilize the various ways of generating funds and resources to cater for the rapid growth of the university students’ population. This was during the Mount Kenya University 14th Graduation Ceremony held on 03rd August 2018, at the Mount Kenya University, Graduation Pavillion Grounds Thika- Garissa.
In a speech he made on; Financing of Higher Education in Africa for Quality and Sustainability, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe said that the rapid growth in University students’ population is a challenge to the sustainable financing of higher education in Africa; in spite of the public investment in the higher education sector in the last 15 years.
“At the same time, our economies are struggling with many priorities to bring our countries out of poverty. Therefore, Universities are under pressure to increase financial base and control costs,” he explained.
He highlighted crucial areas that have enhanced Higher Education in Africa and among them included:
- Government Sponsorship of both public and private university students.
- The Governments’ commitment to offer Free Primary Education and Free Secondary Education in Kenya and elsewhere in Africa,
- Scholarships and Grants for enhancing education in Africa,
- Indirect External Aid,
- Diversification of Financing Sources,
- Scaling Faculty Research Revenue,
- Consultancy Services,
- Third stream revenue generation,
- University-Industry Partnerships, and
- Prudent financial management.
Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe acknowledged the founders of Mount Kenya University for the vision of contributing to Africa’s emancipation from marginalization and poverty. He congratulated all graduands upon reaching the tremendous milestone and encouraged them to live a life that is focused to a noble cause.
“My gratitude goes to all the graduands. I commend you for the great triumph as well as achievements in your academics. Indeed, I am delighted to celebrate this occasion with you and I bring you warm salutations from Makerere University,” he said.
“I encourage you to take the idea of freedom that you have found at this Great University and make it ideal. continue with your interest in education. We are living in a global knowledge economy and Africa’s hope is in young people who have acquired a good education. You may not all become professors, engineers, accountants or any of the other white collar destinations, but you have been empowered to think and live responsibly and create jobs for yourselves and others,” he added.
On 19th September 2017, Makerere University signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Mount Kenya University; were the two institutions agreed to improve higher education in the region.
The MoU stipulated that the two parties will;
- Stimulate communication, cooperation, and partnerships between the two Colleges including exchange of students and faculty and to develop twinned curriculum thus enhancing the educational quality and resources of both Colleges.
- Provide information on academic programmes of both Colleges so that students take full advantage of existing international education opportunities.
- Create a collaborative relationship between MakCHS and MKUCHS in which either party will recognize the other as a partner in training and research.
Attached is the Vice Chancellor’s Speech
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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