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Freedom of Speech is the essence of democracy, says Ambassador Stéphanie Rivoal

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The Ambassador of France to Uganda H.E Stéphanie Rivoal has emphasized the importance of freedom of speech and rights to participate in open discussions. Describing freedom of speech as the essence of democracy, H.E Stéphanie Rivoal said that people should have liberty to debate openly on any topic.

“Where you can debate, you can have freedom. Where you can have freedom, you can have peace, where you can have it all, you live in democracy,” remarked the Ambassador during the Opening Ceremony of the Kampala Geopolitics Conference held on Friday 26th October 2018 at Makerere University.

The conference was attended by professors, researchers, politicians, diplomats, journalists, activists and key leaders from various countries around world to engage in an interactive debate on the contemporary local and international issues.

The Kampala Geopolitics conference was organized by the Embassy of France in Uganda in partnership with Makerere University, Konrad Adenauer-Stiftung (KAS), Alliance Française de Kampala (AFK), UN Women and the Institute for International and Strategic Affairs (iRiS).

The two days’ conference (26th-27th October 2018) brings together professors, researchers, politicians, diplomats, journalists, activists and key leaders from various countries around world to engage in an interactive debate on the contemporary local and international issues.

L-R, the Vice Chancellor of Makerere University Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, the Ambassador of France to Uganda H.E Stéphanie Rivoal and The Country Representative of Konrad Adenauer-Stiftung, Mr. Mathias Kamp at the official opening of the Kampala Geopolitics Conference.

Addressing dignitaries, international delegates and participants in the Makerere University Main Hall, the Ambassador called for an intensive discussion to find solutions to the challenges that affect the world at large.

“Geopolitics is all about understanding the world. Ignoring it, is short-sided because soon enough it will catch up with you. You may want to close your eyes to climate change, but it is coming. You may want to ignore terrorism, but it is happening. You may choose to brush aside social inequalities, but they are growing,” she explained.

Using one of the famous quotes of Nelson Mandela; ‘a good leader can engage in a debate frankly and thoroughly, knowing that at the end he and the other side must be closer, and thus emerge stronger’; the Ambassador said that only a coward or a liar will run away from a debate, fearing that the mistruth will be uncovered.

Leave No One Behind. Panelists: Michel Maietta, Maggie Kigozi, Peter Kyambadde, Hon. Nalule Safia Jjuuko, Maxime Houinato discussing the economic cost of excluding minorities. The session was moderated by  Ramathan Ggoobi.

“Debate between genuine leaders will bring them closer by providing the opportunity to clear misunderstandings, build bridges between cultures, personal views and ideologies,” she said.

The Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe welcomed dignitaries, participants and international delegates to Makerere University; the vanguard of nurturing world-class political leaders and the alma mater of revolutionary, transformative and influential alumni.  

Prof. Nawangwe revealed that the shifting geopolitics of the region has significantly affected the higher education sector. Thus some of the ideas raised during the conference would inform the ongoing process of formulating the next ten-year 2020-2030 Makerere University Strategic Plan.

From L-R, Pascal Boniface, Robert Kirunda, Angelo Izam and Samuel Carcanague discussing discussing the topic; USA: "not the policeman of the world" anymore; implications of the Trump Presidency on global power relations.  The session was moderated by Charles Mwanguhya

The Country Representative of Konrad Adenauer-Stiftung, Mr. Mathias Kamp commended the panellists and moderators for accepting to guide the debate. He also called for a peaceful and constructive engagement.

Participants were thrilled by an interactive session involving Uganda’s best comedians Daniel Omara and Pablo. Other members included Aisha Ali, the Founder of I Profile Foundation and Deedan. The vibrant team improvised a blitz lecture on a number of issues namely: Are refugees’ beggars? Money, money, money; Minorities cost too much to society; and why black panther movie a hit; providing a platform for respective professors and experts to critically analyse the topics.

Black Panther Phenomenon: rethinking  Africa through fiction and arts. panelists of the day were; Nana Kagga, Moses Serugo, Sister Dominic Dipio, Hon. Kato Lubwama and Sammy Wetala. The session was moderated by  Kwezi Tabaro.

With the captivating engagement, the participants were ushered into panel discussions on the following topics:

  • USA: Not the "Policeman of the World" anymore? Implications of the Trump Presidency on the global power relations
  • Leave No One Behind: What is the economic cost of excluding minorities?
  • Black Panther Phenomenon: Rethinking Africa through Fiction and Arts
  • Social Media, Fake News and Online Manipulation: Are Beliefs winning over reason?
  • Opening Doors or Building walls?  Managing migration in US, Europe and Africa
  • Make the planet great again: Is there still hope to fight climate change?
  • Youth is the future: What are we doing to give hope to the young generation?
  • Long live diplomacy: Multilateralism in the 21st Century
  • Are Religions Peacemakers or troublemakers: The role of religion in volatile societies

 

On Saturday 27th October 2018, the following topics will be discussed;

  • Old masters, new players: Is the African economy in the hands of foreigners?
  • Democracy in danger? The basis of democracy and the global trends that undermine it
  • Sports, not just for fun anymore? Distraction, industry, soft power?
  • Alpha Males, newcomers, populists:  What leaders are we craving for?
  • Avenues for peace and stability:  Peacebuilding, regional diplomacy and military intervention in Africa
  • The power of food: Shall agriculture fill our stomach or your purse?
  • Powerful women:  Challenging male dominance
  • The future of East Africa:  Is the European Union a model or deterrent?
  • What is going to kill us first?  Global threats to human health
  • Countering the expansion of islamist terrorism: from Middle East, Maghreb, Horn of Africa to western Countries
  • Is money ruling the world? Side effects of unbridled capitalism
  • One planet too many people? Are we too many for the resources of our planet?

Other activities lined up included: art performances, market place of art and ideas, live studio by Media challenge Initiative, exhibitions by artists, innovators and start-ups, students and youth-led initiatives and a democracy expo by Konrad Adenauer-Stiftung, Alliance Française De Kampala and Campus France.

Article by Nabatte Proscovia, Mak Public Relations Office

 

 

 

Proscovia Nabatte

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PIM Centre Holds 9th Steering Committee Meeting, Set to Benefit from World Bank Support

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Mak PIM COE Steering Committee

The Public Investment Management (PIM) Centre of Excellence at Makerere University today, October 10th, 2025, held its 9th Steering Committee Meeting to review progress made in the first quarter of the financial year and plan for the months ahead.

The meeting was chaired by Ms. Getrude Basiima, who represented Mr. Hannington Ashaba, Director Budget at the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development (MoFPED). Ms. Basiima commended the Centre for its continued commitment to strengthening public investment management capacity across government institutions.

In her remarks, Ms. Basiima applauded the Centre for successfully hosting the Public Investment Management Conference held in August at Makerere University. The conference attracted key policymakers, development partners, and academics who deliberated on how to enhance the efficiency, sustainability, and impact of public investments in Uganda.

She further shared exciting news that the Government of Uganda has secured funding from the World Bank to support the public investment management function. The PIM Centre, she announced, will be among the key beneficiaries of these funds — receiving support for the construction and acquisition of a permanent home to enhance its institutional sustainability and training capacity.

Reviewing the Centre’s quarterly performance, Ms. Basiima congratulated the team for successfully conducting three specialized trainings in the first quarter, reaching officials from various Ministries, Departments, and Agencies. These trainings continue to strengthen the technical competencies required for effective project preparation, appraisal, and implementation in line with Uganda’s National Development Plan.

The PIM Steering Committee in a meeting held at Emin Pasha Hotel

She encouraged the Centre to integrate climate change considerations into its future training programmes, noting that sustainable public investment must now account for environmental resilience and climate adaptation.

The centre team presented the proposed  structure/ organogram, the financial performance of 2024/2025, research areas for 2025/2026 and the strategic plan for 2025 – 2030.

The Steering Committee reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the PIM Centre’s vision of becoming a regional leader in building capacity for efficient, transparent, and sustainable public investment management.

Betty Kyakuwa
Betty Kyakuwa

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Strengthening Collaboration between Makerere University and the University of Groningen

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Seated: Prof. Sarah Ssali (C), Dr. Dinie Bouwman (L) and Dr. Anita Veltmaat (R) with teams from Makerere University and the University of Groningen during the meeting on 7th October 2025. Strategic meeting between Makerere University and the University of Groningen, Netherlands to move beyond existing collaborations and formalize a new Double Doctorate (PhD) program, 7th October 2025, Main Building, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

A significant development unfolded at Makerere University during a strategic, hour-long meeting in the vice chancellor’s boardroom on 7th October 2025, marking a deepening bond with the University of Groningen in the Netherlands. The primary goal was to move beyond existing collaborations and formalize a new Double Doctorate (PhD) program. Prof. Sarah Saali, the Deputy Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, set the tone by emphasizing that institutional partnerships are crucial to Makerere University, which she proudly called the leading research and most collaborative university in the world.

The parties from Makerere University and the University of Groningen meeting in the Vice Chancellor's Boardroom. Strategic meeting between Makerere University and the University of Groningen, Netherlands to move beyond existing collaborations and formalize a new Double Doctorate (PhD) program, 7th October 2025, Main Building, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
The parties from Makerere University and the University of Groningen meeting in the Vice Chancellor’s Boardroom.

The discussion promptly formed the core structure of the program: a four-year PhD (or three if the master’s was research-based), with supervision duties split 50-50% between the two institutions. A key feature is the mobility requirement, stipulating that PhD candidates would spend a total of six months in the Netherlands, potentially divided into two three-month periods. Crucially, the University of Groningen confirmed there would be no teaching requirement during this stay, allowing students full access to focus on their research. A major financial hurdle was overcome with the adoption of a fee-waiver policy; Makerere would waive tuition for incoming Groningen candidates, and Groningen would reciprocate for Makerere‘s students, significantly boosting the program’s financial viability.

Prof. Sarah Ssali (R) presents a Mak Souvenir to Dr. Anita Veltmaat. Strategic meeting between Makerere University and the University of Groningen, Netherlands to move beyond existing collaborations and formalize a new Double Doctorate (PhD) program, 7th October 2025, Main Building, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Prof. Sarah Ssali (R) presents a Mak Souvenir to Dr. Anita Veltmaat.

However, the critical issue of the stipend remained. Dr. Anita Veltmaat explained that to meet the required living standard of approximately €1,875 per month in Groningen, the incoming candidate must secure a partial external scholarship of around €250 per month. The positive news is that if the candidate secures this minimum scholarship, the University of Groningen is prepared to top up the amount to the full living standard for the six months the student spends in the Netherlands. It was noted that this initial financial hurdle might be simplified for Makerere students, as many are already staff members receiving a salary, which could help cover the required €250.

The meeting in session. Strategic meeting between Makerere University and the University of Groningen, Netherlands to move beyond existing collaborations and formalize a new Double Doctorate (PhD) program, 7th October 2025, Main Building, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
The meeting in session.

The path forward was clear: it was to complete the agreement template guided by the setup committee from both institutions. The plan culminated in scheduling an online follow-up meeting for Tuesday, November 11th, to review the first revision of the agreement, capping a highly constructive discussion that solidified the two universities’ shared future in graduate education.

The Team from Makerere University from Left to Right: Dr. Ruth Nsibirano, Dr. Racheal Nuwagaba, Dr. Patricia Ndugga, Dr. Stella Achen, Dr. Joseph Watuleke, and Ms. Agatha Ainemukama. Strategic meeting between Makerere University and the University of Groningen, Netherlands to move beyond existing collaborations and formalize a new Double Doctorate (PhD) program, 7th October 2025, Main Building, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
The Team from Makerere University from Left to Right: Dr. Ruth Nsibirano, Dr. Racheal Nuwagaba, Dr. Patricia Ndugga, Dr. Stella Achen, Dr. Joseph Watuleke, and Ms. Agatha Ainemukama.

Makerere University was represented by Prof. Sarah Ssali, the Deputy Vice Chancellor in charge of Academics Affairs; Dr. Ruth Nsibirano, Head of the Department of Gender Studies; Dr. Patricia Ndugga, School of Statistics; Dr. Stella Achen and Dr. Joseph Watuleke, School of Distance and Lifelong Learning; Agatha Ainemukama, School of Engineering; Racheal Nuwagaba, School of Psychology; Awel Uwihanganye, Martine Rugamba, and Hawa Ndagire from the Advancement Office; and Muhammad Kiggundu from the Institute of Gender and Development Studies.

Prof. Sarah Ssali (R) presents a Mak Souvenir to Mrs. Alette Arendshorst. Strategic meeting between Makerere University and the University of Groningen, Netherlands to move beyond existing collaborations and formalize a new Double Doctorate (PhD) program, 7th October 2025, Main Building, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Prof. Sarah Ssali (R) presents a Makerere Souvenir to Mrs. Alette Arendshorst.

The University of Groningen was represented by Dr. Dinie Bouwman, Senior Policy Advisor, Internationalization and Quality Assurance; Dr. Anita Veltmaat, Faculty of Social Behavior and Social Sciences, Department of International Studies, involved in mentorship programs for women; and Dr. Alette Arendshorst, Faculty of Behavioral and Social Sciences, working on graduation/collaboration for students/staff.

Mak Editor

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Makerere and Nelson Mandela University Move to Actualize Existing MoU

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Prof. Winston Tumps Ireeta (6th L) and Prof. Azwinndini Muronga (5th L) with the delegation from NMU and officials from Makerere after the meeting on 7th October 2025. Delegation from Nelson Mandela University (NMU), South Africa meeting with officials from Makerere University on 7th October 2025, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

Makerere University on Tuesday, 7th October 2025 hosted a delegation from Nelson Mandela University (NMU), South Africa in the Vice Chancellor’s Boardroom in a bid to strengthen academic partnerships and operationalize their existing Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).

The delegation, led by Prof. Azwinndini Muronga, Deputy Vice Chancellor: Research, Innovation and Internationalisation, NMU, aimed to turn earlier agreements into actionable collaborations and build sustainable partnerships with various colleges.

The Acting (Ag.) Deputy Vice Chancellor; Finance and Administration, Prof. Winston Tumps Ireeta, provided an overview of the institution’s structure—nine colleges, two schools, and two institutes—while acknowledging the challenges of maintaining excellence amid resource limitations and post-pandemic recovery. He emphasized that collaboration must serve the broader goal of research-driven development, calling for teamwork and resilience among African universities. “We have to work together to sustain high academic standards and contribute to the continent’s progress,” he noted.

Prof. Winston Tumps Ireeta (L) presents a Mak necktie to Prof. Azwinndini Muronga (R). Delegation from Nelson Mandela University (NMU), South Africa meeting with officials from Makerere University on 7th October 2025, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Prof. Winston Tumps Ireeta (L) presents a Mak necktie to Prof. Azwinndini Muronga (R).

Prof. Muronga spoke passionately about the NMU’s “African footprint agenda.” He urged both institutions to start with small, practical projects that can build confidence and momentum for larger initiatives.  “We must grow partnerships within Africa first,” he stated, “before we expand globally. True collaboration begins when both sides contribute equally, share capacity, and build self-reliance.”

Prof. Muronga also expressed interest in joint research projects, doctoral supervision, and shared grant applications, noting that NMU and Makerere are strategically positioned to lead regional academic innovation.

In her remarks, Prof. Judy Peter, Senior Director in the International Office at NMU emphasized the University’s commitment to African-centered collaboration and the importance of internationalizing the curriculum and expanding research capacity.

Prof. Peter underscored the importance of student mobility, joint supervision of postgraduate students, and the recruitment of talented African scholars, noting that such exchanges enrich both institutions’ academic communities. She also emphasized the need to internationalize the curriculum, particularly through virtual learning platforms and co-teaching models, to ensure broader accessibility and shared expertise.

Contributions also came from Prof. James Wokadala, Deputy Principal, College of Business and Management Sciences (CoBAMS), further amplified the need to “start small and build on existing collaborations.” He proposed developing a clear roadmap that defines short-term goals and identifies areas for mutual growth.

From the College of Health Sciences, Dr. Richard Idro, the Deputy Principal highlighted opportunities for fellowship, training and collaboration in clinical subjects, emphasizing the need for practical exchanges that benefit students and staff alike. He also addressed logistical challenges such as transportation and coordination, urging for targeted partnerships that can yield tangible results.

Some of the Makerere officials that attended the meeting from Left to Right: Prof. Yazidhi Bamutaze, Dr. Richard Idro, Prof. James Wokadala, Prof. Eric Awich Ochen, and Prof. Godfrey Akileng. Delegation from Nelson Mandela University (NMU), South Africa meeting with officials from Makerere University on 7th October 2025, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Some of the Makerere officials that attended the meeting from Left to Right: Prof. Yazidhi Bamutaze, Dr. Richard Idro, Prof. James Wokadala, Prof. Eric Awich Ochen, and Prof. Godfrey Akileng.

The meeting reaffirmed the universities’ commitment to collaboration in areas including faculty exchange for guest lectures, seminars, and sabbaticals; joint research and grant applications for regional and international funding; co-supervision of postgraduate students; virtual classroom exchanges; curriculum internationalization and exchange of academic materials; and capacity development for academic and administrative staff.

The teams also identified “quick-win” projects that could be implemented in the short term and agreed to establish a joint implementation team to monitor progress. Further discussions will explore funding mechanisms, including the possibility of leveraging programs like Erasmus+, to support student exchange and joint research initiatives.

In his closing remarks, Prof. Muronga reaffirmed Nelson Mandela University’s commitment to ensuring that the partnership yields visible outcomes. Both universities agreed that future engagements will be structured around mutual respect, accountability, and measurable results.

The meeting concluded on a note of optimism, with both institutions expressing confidence that their partnership will not only advance academic excellence but also contribute to Africa’s broader vision of educational and research self-reliance.

The meeting was attended by several officials from Makerere including; Prof. Eric Awich Ochen-Deputy Principal, College of Humanities and Social Sciences (CHUSS), Prof. Yazidhi Bamutaze-Deputy Principal, College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES), Prof. Godfrey Akileng-Dean School of Business, Dr. Geoffrey Nuwagaba-CoBAMS, Mr. Martine Rugamba-Ag. Chief Advancement Office, and Ms. Hawa Kajumba-Advancement Office.

Eve Nakyanzi

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