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Mak hosts the 9th Management of Social Transformation School

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Makerere University is hosting the 9th Management of Social Transformation (MOST) School. The event is bringing together youth leaders from Uganda, Kenya, South Africa, Somalia, Djibouti, Gambia, South Sudan and Ethiopia and Tanzania to discuss the role of African youth in provide lasting and sustainable solutions to African Problems.

The 9th MOST School was officially opened by the Minister of State for Higher Education Hon. Dr. Chrysostom Muyingo; represented by the Commissioner for Teacher Education, Dr. Jane Egau Okou on 2nd April 2019 in the Makerere University Senate Conference Hall.  

Organized by United Nations Educational Science Cultural Organization(UNESCO) in partnership with Regional Office for Eastern Africa, Uganda National Commission for UNESCO and Social Science Research Council (SSRC), the four days’ event is running from 2nd -5th April 2019 under the theme: “Youth, Peace and security in the Horn of Africa”.  

The Management of Social Transformation School is an innovative capacity-building initiative under UNESCO’s MOST programme. The School is designed to strengthen the competences of evidence-informed decision making for members States. It prioritizes interventions aimed at developing the capacity of researchers and decision makers to transfer knowledge into action.

According to the Secretary General, Uganda National Commission for UNESCO, Ms. Rosie Agio MOST aims at enhancing knowledge brokering among youth leaders. “The programme is centered on young men and women who are both part of today’s reflections on socio-economic development and transformations and at the same time. These are the people who hold keys to unlocking the potentials of tomorrow’s peaceful, secure and inclusive world,” she said.

MOST works together with governments, academic communities in the social and human sciences and civil society organizations; particularly youth led and focused; to improve connections between knowledge and action.

The Programme is tailored to meet the specific challenges of the IGAD Region. Within the Framework of the UN’s 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development Goals and the African Union’s Agenda 2063, MOST contributes to development by focusing on among others; eradication of poverty, building inclusive societies, sustainable responses to environmental change, and promotion of participatory, effective, and accountable governance.

In a speech read by Dr. Jane Egau Okou, at the official opening ceremony, the Minister of State for Higher Education, Hon. Dr. Chrysostom Muyingo commended UNESCO for developing a programme that is contributing to the realization of the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 4 in Africa. According to him, education is a fundamental pillar in building a formidable relationship between knowledge and action.

“I am happy that this programme was organized within the broader framework of the 70th Anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. As an international leader for the implementation of SDG 4, your work has contributed greatly to the achievement of other SDGs that benefit from education services. Thank you UNESCO,” he remarked

Hon. Muyingo thanked UNESCO and the respective partners for supporting African countries to improve their policy making processes. He applauded the organizers of the event and looked forward for the results and recommendations that can address the youth unemployment; a common challenge with serious implications on African peace and security.

On behalf of the Department of Political Science and Public Administration, Dr. Sabiiti Makara, highlighted Makerere University’s role in providing knowledge and shaping student’s minds to handle societal challenges when he said, “currently, over 3000 youths are enrolled at Makerere pursing various academic programmes. The youth at Makerere University are active in politics, science, coming up with research and innovations and harnessing their positive potential to contribute to the betterment of humanity.”

According to Dr. Sabiiti, Makerere University has significantly contributed to societal transformation through human resource development, leadership nurturing, research and innovations development. This tremendous work from students and staff has provide lasting and sustainable solutions to African Problems. He therefore, urged participants and MOST school partners to always link research to policy formulation.

The Chairperson, Uganda National Youth Council Ms. Lillian Aber, called upon the youth to take a center stage in transforming Africa. “African peace strongly rests on the shoulders of youthful population and it is therefore our role to ensure that we build lasting peace. It is our role as the youth to mobilize and be ambassadors of peace,” Ms. Aber advised.

Article by:  Nakibombo Esther Joy; Volunteer Makerere Univeriity Public Relations Office.

 

Proscovia Nabatte

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Uhuru Kenyatta, African Leaders Inspire Youth at Guild Leaders’ Summit

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Second Annual Guild Leaders’ Summit, organized by the Guild Presidents Leadership Academy, keynote address by Former President of Kenya, H.E. Uhuru Kenyatta, 24th April 2025, Yusuf Lule Central Teaching Facility Auditorium, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda.

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. Second Annual Guild Leaders’ Summit, organized by the Guild Presidents Leadership Academy, keynote address by Former President of Kenya, H.E. Uhuru Kenyatta, 24th April 2025, Main Building, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda.
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. Second Annual Guild Leaders’ Summit, organized by the Guild Presidents Leadership Academy, keynote address by Former President of Kenya, H.E. Uhuru Kenyatta, 24th April 2025, Main Building, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda.
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. Second Annual Guild Leaders’ Summit, organized by the Guild Presidents Leadership Academy, keynote address by Former President of Kenya, H.E. Uhuru Kenyatta, 24th April 2025, Yusuf Lule Central Teaching Facility Auditorium, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda.
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.

Betty Kyakuwa
Betty Kyakuwa

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Admission Lists for Diploma Holders under Government Sponsorship for 2025/2026 AY

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One of the First Class Graduands Shafik Senkubuge (2nd Right) in a group photo with part of the BEHS Class of 2024. 74th Graduation Ceremony, Day 1, School of Public Health, College of Health Sciences (CHS), 29th January 2024, Freedom Square, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

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:

Mak Editor

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Call For Applications: AlphaFold Workshop Uganda 2025

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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.

Deadline: 30th April 2025

Apply here: AlphaFold Workshop – Uganda 2025

Mak Editor

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