General
5th LEAP Conference: youth tipped on 4IR entrepreneurial skills
On 30th August 2019, Makerere University hosted the 5th LEAP Conference. Held at CTF 2 Auditorium, College of Business and Management Sciences, the conference engaged students from various universities in Uganda in an inspirational conversation and debate on enhancing entrepreneurship skills among youth.
The LEAP Conference is a students’ initiative designed to highlight the experiences of global leaders who have taken a leap of confidence and driven change throughout the world. Every year, students from all respective Universities in Uganda participate in this unforgettable event, which empowers them to explore thought-provoking topics and participate in both interactive workshops and networking activities.
According to Mr. Dennis Aguma the Founder of LEAP-Uganda, through Conference engagements and workshops, students are primed to become the next generation of game changers, ready to fight off the discomfort that might have held them back from setting the world ablaze.
The 5th LEAP Conference (2019) was officially opened by Dr. Peter Ngategize, the National Coordinator of Private Sector Development Unit (MOFPED). This year’s Conference was organized by Makerere University College of Business and Management Sciences (CoBAMS) together with the National Association of Student Enterprises (nase), and the Innovation Village under the theme; Entrepreneurial Bridging: The Youth in the 4th Industrial Revolution.
Remising on the day’s theme, Dr. Ngategize urged students to streamline their entrepreneurship ideas to meet the demands of the 4th industrial revolution era. He advised students to work hard towards the success and growth of their business ideas.
“Be creative and innovative, discover your passion, and attain basic training in order to get skills. With the ever changing world, we also need to be rational in business idea development and with the 4th industrial revolution, we expect an idea that accommodates changes such as technology,” he said.
According to Dr. Ngategize any successful entrepreneur knows that taking risks and exploring new opportunities are often accompanied by a feeling of uncertainty. Drawing from his own experience, he explained to students how welcoming discomfort with open arms has allowed him to achieve his goals and make an impact on the world.
“That feeling of discomfort can make or break you; success can depend on how you handle it. In order to drive change and make an impact on the world around us, we cannot avoid discomfort; we have to embrace it,” he said.
He condemned the spirit of extravagance which has sprouted among the youth and guided them on how to make good use of their money by spending it profitably through setting income generating activities.
Representing the keynote Speaker, Hon Frank Tumwebaze- the Minister of Information and Communication Technology and National Guidance, Mr. Ocero Michael-the Assistant Commissioner Information Technology recognized the role of entrepreneurship and innovation in creating a knowledge based economy in a competitive world. He appreciated the skills and agility of the young entrepreneurs and advised them to move beyond invention to practical solutions that alleviate societal problems.
“The value of your creation will be measured from the extent of its useful impact,” he said.
Mr. Ocero applauded the President of the Republic of Uganda H.E Yoweri Kaguta Museveni for being open to multidisciplinary governance and also, for supporting the ecosystem for ICT Research, Innovation Development, Translation and Commercialization.
He called upon all academic institutions to strategies in promoting key skills required for competency including cognitive, technical problem solving, creativity, work ethics and managerial skills for entrepreneurs. In the same spirit, he urged entrepreneurs to be cognizant of the unique needs of the population, diverse languages and ethical concerns in Uganda.
The Dean School of Business, Dr. Godfrey Akilenge urged Makerere University students to take advantage of the Entrepreneurship and Innovation Center that has been established by the College through the Department of Marketing and Management to nurture and grow their business ideas.
“The Entrepreneurship and Innovation Center provides mentorship and space for young people to start and nurture business ideas. It also gives us more flexibility in doing other activities such as research and outreach as well as raising financial resources for our activities,” he stated.
Dr. Peter K. Turyakira, the Head of Department Marketing and Management revealed that the LEAP Conference is one way of preparing the entrepreneurship students for the forthcoming Makerere Entrepreneurship Expo.
He thanked the organizers for extending an opportunity to Makerere University to host the 5th LEAP Conference and encouraged students to make good use of the knowledge attained in the conference to develop business ideas.
The function was further enriched by a Panel discussion on the Congruence between Incubation and Entrepreneurship Education. The panel discussants included;
- Ms. Rose Tuwine a founder of Echo stoves which was started with the aim of conserving the environment currently employing over 200 workers.
- Lyne Tukei the Public Relations Officer of Xente Tech, a mobile App that can be used to buy products and commodities online, make bill payments among others.
- Ms. Nansuuna of Tukole a company building a community of service providers, through training them and later recommends them to other companies for jobs.
Article by Kanyi Rachael, Volunteer Mak Public Relations Office
The Director of Makerere University Jinja Campus, Associate Professor Ronald Kakungulu-Mayambala, has urged students to familiarise themselves with the Safeguarding policy aimed at creating a safer and more inclusive learning environment.
Speaking during the safeguarding policy sensitization meeting held today Tuesday, April 15, 2025 at the Civil Service College, Jinja, Prof. Kakungulu-Mayambala, emphasized the importance of awareness and adherence to the policy, which seeks to protect students, staff, and other stakeholders from all forms of abuse, harassment, exploitation, and discrimination.
“As Management we want every student to enjoy their stay at the University without being tormented and that can only happen, if students know their rights by reading about different policies on our website. You are meant to be living in a safe environment. We do not want anybody’s dream to be shattered or somebody to drop out from University,” Prof. Kakungulu-Mayambala, said.
In his speech, Prof. Kakungulu-Mayambala, also called upon students who have complaints but do not know the reporting lines, to approach staff safeguarding champions to make sure that they live in a safe environment.
Addressing guests, Emmanuel Muchake, the Guild Administrator at Jinja Campus, pointed out that the launch of the safeguarding policy is timely because as a University, without creating a conducive environment for teaching and learning, they will not have students graduate.
On Friday, April 4,2025, the Third Deputy Prime Minister and Minister without Portfolio, Right Honourable Lukia Isanga Nakadama, officially launched the Safeguarding Policy and commended Makerere University for crafting a policy that lays out the University’s framework for embedding viable safeguarding measures into its ethos and all institutional activities and processes to: Identify, detect, and act swiftly on safeguarding risks.
The Safeguarding Policy was developed in response to the growing need for institutions of higher learning to implement proactive measures that address concerns related to student welfare, mental health, gender-based violence, and power imbalances in academic settings.
Some of potential safeguarding risks in Institutions of higher learning include emotional distress, Sexual Exploitation, Abuse and Harassment (SEAH); material loss, financial exploitation, discrimination and neglect, unfair and illegitimate response to civic engagements, cyber security/threats, psychological and emotional harm, substance abuse and physical assault. Discrimination and neglect which are often high risks for students with disabilities and international students.
The safeguarding policy sensitization meeting in Jinja Campus brought together students and staff in a meaningful dialogue on safeguarding issues affecting learning.
The event was graced by Dr. Rodney Rugyema, from the Dean of Students Office, who emphasized the University’s commitment to the well-being of all its members. In his remarks, he highlighted the importance of safeguarding policies in preventing abuse, harassment, exploitation, and other forms of misconduct within the Jinja Campus community.
“Safeguarding is not a one-time action, but a continuous culture of care and accountability. We all have a role to play in ensuring a safe and respectful space for learning and growth,” Dr Rugyema, said.
The sensitization session covered key topics including; recognizing signs of abuse, understanding reporting procedures on the MakSafeSpace and fostering mutual respect among peers.
Participants were encouraged to actively engage and reflect on their roles in upholding safety standards both on and off campus.
Students who attended the sensitization welcomed the initiative, with many expressing optimism that the policy would improve campus safety and encourage victims to come forward without fear of retaliation.
“We have seen issues go unreported in the past because students didn’t know where to turn. This policy provides clarity and assurance that the university is taking these matters seriously,” noted, a third-year student.
The University plans to conduct a series of sensitization workshops and distribute printed copies of the policy to ensure that every member of the campus community is well-informed. This initiative is part of Makerere University‘s broader strategy to reinforce its values of integrity, respect, and protection for all.
The Safeguarding Sensitization Meeting concluded with a collective pledge to uphold safety, dignity, and mutual respect within the University community.
-
General4 days agoGovernment Sponsorship Undergraduate Admission Lists 2025/26
-
General2 days agoApplications for Admission to Undergraduate Programmes 2025/26 AY
-
General2 weeks agoMSc Scholarship Opportunity: Biomedical Engineering
-
General1 week agoPresident Museveni Lauds RIF Progress, Promises More Funding
-
General2 weeks agoProf. Nawangwe encourages Mastercard Foundation Alumni to support each other in advancing their careers