General

Mak Set to Host Second Kampala Geopolitics Conference

Published

2 years ago

July 31, 2019

Mark Wamai

Ambassador of France to Uganda H.E Jules-Armand Aniambossou (4th R), Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe (3rd R) with R-L: DVCFA-Prof. William Bazeyo, DVCAA-Dr. Umar Kakumba, Ms. Rhona Rugambwa-KAS, Ms. Agrippiner Nandego-UN Women, Mr. Gerald Odil- Alliance Francaise and Dr. Muhammad Kiggundu Musoke at the MoU signing, 31st July 2019, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda

Makerere University is set to host the 2nd Kampala Geopolitics on 17th and 18th October 2019. This was revealed during the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the second edition which took place on Wednesday, 31st July 2019 in the Makerere University Council Room.

The Kampala Geopolitics is organized by the Embassy of France in Uganda in partnership with Makerere University, Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung (KAS) Uganda and South Sudan, the French Institute for International and Strategic Affairs (IRIS), Alliance Francaise de Kampala and UN Women Uganda.

The Memorandum of Understanding was signed by the Vice Chancellor of Makerere University Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, Ambassador of France to Uganda H.E Jules-Armand Aniambossou, Head of Finance at KAS, Ms. Rhona Rugambwa on behalf of the Organization’s Representative Mathias Kamp, Programme Specialist at UN Women Ms. Agrippiner Nandego and the Cultural Coordinator Alliance Francaise, Mr. Gerald Odil.

Addressing the audience, H.E Aniambossou said that by organizing the Second Conference, the partners will create a platform for dialogue and free exchange of ideas about local and International politics.

The Vice Chancellor-Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe (Left) hands over a Mak Necktie to H.E Jules-Armand Aniambossou, commemorating the French Ambassador's inaugural visit to Makerere University, Kampala Uganda

“The Conference provides a platform where we could together address the multiple challenges that affect people worldwide,” said H.E Aniambossou.

He added that as one of the best universities in Africa, Makerere University is the perfect place to host the Conference since it brings together scholars, students, youths and the public. He thanked the partners for supporting the Kampala Geopolitics Conference and the French Embassy.

The Vice Chancellor of Makerere University, Prof. Nawangwe revealed that the University Leadership was committed to building on the success of the first Geopolitics Conference to make the second edition even more successful. The first Edition was hosted by Makerere University from 26th to 27th October 2018.

“Makerere University is privileged to host the second edition of the Kampala Geopolitics Conference and reflecting on the success of the first edition, I believe that this edition will also be a success. The Conference will further cement the relationship between Makerere University and France,” said Prof. Nawangwe.

Some of the Members of Management who attended the MoU signing R-L: Director HR-Mr. Andrew Abunyang, Director Legal Affairs-Mr. Henry Mwebe, University Bursar-Mr. Evarist Bainomugisha and Acting University Secretary-Mr. Yusuf Kiranda.

The Deputy Vice Chancellor Academic Affairs Makerere University, Dr. Umar Kakumba, said that the Conference seeks to address ways of transformational democracy and to provide an opportunity for the public to discuss issues that will lead to social, economic and political development.

“We live in a global village with many challenges. The second Kampala Geopolitics Conference will bring different stakeholders together to discuss solutions to the problems affecting not only Africa but the world at large,” said Dr. Kakumba.

The Programme Officer KAS, Mr. Ojok Donnas said that this year, the Conference is set to hold 18 panels with themes related to African and global affairs targeting over 5,000 participants mostly students, scholars, the media, diplomats, politicians and the general public.

The first edition of Kampala Geopolitics held 21 round table discussions graced by over 100 panelists before more than 4000 students, academia, representatives from civil society, media and political decision makers.

Article by: Esther Joyce Nakibombo, Volunteer, Mak Public Relations Office

General

Veteran Professor changed Makerere and Higher Education

Published

4 days ago

June 21, 2021

Mark Wamai

Professor Pancras John Mukasa Ssebuwufu (L) receives a plaque and citation from RUFORUM Board Member and Vice Chancellor Ndejje University-Professor Eriabu Lugujjo (Right) on 6th May 2021 at the RUFORUM Secretariat, Plot 155 Garden Hill, Makerere University Main Campus,

When Professor John Ssebuwufu ambled up to receive a certificate of recognition for his ‘exceptional’ contribution to higher education from the Regional Universities Forum for Capacity Building in Agriculture (RUFORUM) at Makerere University (MU), he was thinking of many things, such as rewarding staff, that he could have done differently to impact university education more.

But he did what he could have done, under the circumstances.

He presided over MU (in 1993) when student enrolment was 5,000 and left in 2004 when the population was surging to more than 15,000.

He emphasised the use of information communication technologies in almost all the institutions he had been involved in and sent many academic staff on exchanges to boost research and innovation. Now, more African universities engage in ground-breaking research.

So, he proceeded to accept his recognition and make his acceptance speech, which was mostly about gratitude.

Ssebuwufu, 74, who is currently the chancellor at Kyambogo University and the vice-chancellor of the University of Kisubi, is credited for his exemplary leadership and pragmatic methods that have shaped higher education in Uganda and Africa as a whole.

General

Japan Africa Dream Scholarship (JADS) Program 2021/2022

Published

4 days ago

June 21, 2021

Mark Wamai

Japan Africa Dream Scholarship (JADS) Program 2021/2022. Photo credit: AfDB

The Japan Africa Dream Scholarship (JADS) Program is a capacity building project by the AfDB and Japan which was initiated in 2017 with the aim of providing two-year scholarship awards to highly achieving African graduate students to enable them to undergo post-graduate studies (i.e. a two-year Master’s degree program) in selected priority development areas on the continent and Japan. The overarching goal the AfDB and the Government of Japan seek to attain is to enhance skills and human resources development in Africa in under the Bank’s High 5s agenda (i.e. “Feed Africa”, “Light up Africa”, “Industrialize Africa”, “Integrate Africa” and “Improve the quality of life of the people of Africa”) and key Japanese development assistance initiatives. JADS core areas of study focus include energy, agriculture, health, environmental sustainability, and engineering. The program also seeks to promote inter-university collaboration and university-industry partnerships between Japan and Africa. Upon completion of their studies, the JADS scholars are expected to return to their home countries to apply and disseminate their newly acquired knowledge and skills in the public and private sectors, and contribute to national and continental socio-economic development.

About the JADS program

The JADS Program is open to applicants from AfDB member countries with relevant professional experience and a history of supporting their countries’ development efforts who are applying to a graduate degree program in energy development and related discipline. The program does not provide scholarships to any other graduate degree program.

The scholarship program provides tuition, a monthly living stipend, round-trip airfare, health insurance, and travel allowance.

Upon completion of their studies, the beneficiary scholars are expected to return to their home countries to apply and disseminate their newly acquired knowledge and skills, and contribute to the promotion of sustainable development of their countries.

Who is Eligible to Apply?

The program is open to those who have gained admission to an approved Masters degree course at a Japanese partner university. Candidates should be 35 years old or younger; in good health; with a Bachelor’s degree or its equivalent in the energy area or related area; and have a superior academic record. Upon completion of their study programs, scholars are expected to return to their home country to contribute to its economic and social development.

Application Procedures

Applicant requests for information and application forms and procedures from the chosen JADS partner university. For any inquiries, please contact JADS@AFDB.ORG
Applicant completes required documents and sends them to the university.
University evaluates and selects applicants.
University sends selected candidates to the AfDB.
AfDB reviews submissions from universities, prepares and approves the final list.
AfDB contacts selected awardees, and informs the universities.