IAA Healthcare has partnered with the Makerere University to provide world-class medical services during the 3rd FISU World University Netball Championship 2018. The package that includes a fully equipped Ambulance that will be working 24/7, a team of well-trained personnel and other medical support was announced by the IAA Healthcare Sales Manager Mr. Aurthur Esimat at the Press Conference that was held on 5th September 2018, at IAA Healthcare offices.
“All the medical supplies required for the event will be at disposal of the organizing committee. In addition, we have earmarked IHK hospital as the referral hospital in case of any eventuality. We can only build on the priceless experience and ensure that the hundreds of guests that will participate in the World University Netball Championship leave with exceptional memories from our unparalleled service,” he said.
Uganda is set to host the 3rd FISU World University Netball Championship 2018 from 17th -21st September 2018 at Makerere University. According to the Head-Secretariat, Local Organizing Committee Ms. Penninah Kabenge, eight countries including; USA, Sri Lanka, Singapore, South Africa, Zimbawe, Namibia, Kenya, and the host (Uganda) have confirmed participation.
“We expect these teams together with other delegates to start arriving on 14th September 2018. We have organized a grand opening ceremony on 17th September 2018 in the Makerere University Freedom Square and we call upon all Ugandans to attend. I would like to say that we are ready and eagerly waiting for the D-day to come,” said Peninnah Kabenge.
Represented by the 1st Vice President of the Local Organizing Committee of the 3rd FISU World University Netball Championship Dr. Sarah Ssali, the Vice Chancellor of Makerere University Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe who is also the President of the Local Organizing Committee; thanked IAA Healthcare for coming on board to ensure better health conditions during the days of the competitions.
"IAA has better services which meet both local, national and international levels. I am confident that they will provide the best medical services to our international guests during the competitions,” he stated.
Prof. Nawangwe applauded organizations, companies, institutions and individuals that have partnered with Makerere University and other organizing committees to ensure that the 3rd FISU World University Netball Championship 2018 is a success. He called upon all Ugandans to participate in the 3rd FISU World University Netball Championship 2018 and witness their team winning the Championship.
“On behalf of Makerere University Hospital, I would like to assure the public that we are going to work with IAA Healthcare to ensure that the players and other participants receive the best healthcare services,” said Dr. Ebuk Ruth Acen, Head of Clinical Services at Makerere University Hospital.
Ms. Ritah Namisango- The Principal Public Relations Officer of Makerere University called upon staff, students, alumni, corporate bodies and well-wishers to popularize and support the Netball championship.
“This is a national event. Makerere University is hosting the Netball Championship on behalf of Uganda. We therefore call upon you to turn up in big numbers to cheer Team Uganda (The Mighty Cranes), which comprises 21 competent students from Makerere University and other universities in the country. I cannot hear all Ugandans cheering the Uganda Netball Team will with pleasure chorus the Netball Slogan: #Ettuuke, #Ettuuke, #Ettuuke, #Ettuuke,” she said.
The 2nd FISU World University Netball Championship was held in Miami, Florida in 2016 at St. Thomas University. In 2017, the Association of Uganda University Sports (AUUS) in conjunction with Makerere University and the support of several stakeholders won the bid to host the 3rd FISU World University Netball Championships 2018. Uganda was awarded the hosting rights for the event, beating Namibia, England and Jamaica. The award was based on the successful hosting of the 5th All Africa Games in 2008, the 2nd FISU World University Woodball Championship 2010, and the 19th World University Cross Country Championship 2014 among others.
The bidding was initiated by the Sports and Games Union during the Student committee to council meeting, during which the Union proposed that Makerere University hosts the 2018 World University Netball Championship. The proposal was fully embraced and received the blessing of the University Council. The 3rd Edition of the World University Netball Championship was officially launched on Tuesday 1st August 2017 at Makerere University.
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.”
H.E. Uhuru Kenyatta is received upon arrival at Makerere University by the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe.
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.”
H.E. Uhuru Kenyatta (2nd Right) poses for a group photo during the courtesy call on the Vice Chancellor with Left to Right: Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, Ms. Sarah Kagingo and Guild President-H.E. Churchill James Ssentamu.
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:
Left to Right: The Vice President-H.E. Jessica Alupo, Prime Minister Emeritus-Hon. Dr. Ruhakana Rugunda, Hon. Matthew Rukikaire and other dignitaries follow proceedings.
“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.
The Office of Academic Registrar, Makerere University has released lists of Diploma holders admitted under the Government Sponsorship Scheme for the Academic Year 2025/2026.
Under the Diploma Holders Government Sponsorship Scheme admission does not exceed 5% of the intake capacity to the respective Degree Programme.
The list can be accessed by following the link below:
Are you a researcher or student working in protein-related research, structural biology, or bioinformatics?
The African Center of Excellence in Bioinformatics and Data Intensive Sciences (ACE) Uganda with support from Google DeepMind, invites researchers and students seeking to integrate AlphaFold into their work to apply for the AlphaFold Workshop to be held at the Infectious Diseases Institute, Makerere University-Kampala, Uganda from 16th to 20th June 2025.