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2nd Kampala Geopolitics Conference: The Role of Africa in the Geopolitical Space

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The Second Kampala Geopolitics Conference was officially opened by the Ambassador of France to Uganda H.E Jules-Armand Aniambossou on 17th October 2019 in the Makerere University Main Hall.  The event, attracted professors, researchers, politicians, diplomats, journalists, activists and key leaders from various countries around world to engage in an interactive debate on contemporary local and international issues.

Charles Onyango-Obbo giving a  rich keynote address opened doors for a discussion on the critical role of Africa and its culture in the geopolitical space. Photo credit: KAS Uganda & S. Sudan

Charles Onyango-Obbo’s rich keynote address opened doors for a discussion on the critical role of Africa and its culture in the geopolitical space. He triggered the audience’s minds to understand Africa at the extreme sides of benefits and losses using the Kategaya Doctrine; Africa in the world and the world in Africa.  

According to Onyango-Obbo, Africa has a place in geopolitics defined by its natural resources and culture. Citing the Great Green Wall as one of Africa’s biggest contribution to the world, the legendary journalist said, “We are not as helpless as we seem, we have a greater good to give to the world, The Great Green Wall is a symbol of hope in the face of our biggest challenges of our time.”

The conference was well attended by professors, researchers, politicians, diplomats, journalists, activists and key leaders from various countries around world. Photo credit: KAS Uganda & S. Sudan

The presentation was further enriched by several speakers discussing the role of Africa in various perspectives such as; technology, gender, economy, politics, culture among others.

The Second 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, the Institute for International and Strategic Affairs (iRiS) and Reach A Hand Uganda.

Mr. Mathias Kamp the Country Representative, KAS Uganda and South Sudan make a speech. Photo credit: KAS Uganda & S. Sudan

Mr. Mathias Kamp the Country Representative, KAS Uganda and South Sudan shared that the two days’ Event (17th and 18th October 2019) also aimed at training the young generation to embrace and promote the culture of academic debate at a global level.

He said that the Kampala Geopolitics Conference is not just an event but an institution on its own. He added that Kampala Geopolitics is the grand platform for KAS Uganda and South Sudan to bring its Think Tank Network from around the world to Makerere University to debate various topics related to geopolitics.

The Ambassador of France to Uganda H.E Jules-Armand Aniambossou addressing dignitaries, international delegates and participants in the Makerere University Main Hall. Photo credit: KAS Uganda & S. Sudan

Addressing dignitaries, international delegates and participants in the Makerere University Main Hall, H.E Jules-Armand Aniambossou cited the need for a new model to balance the world away from nationalism and unilateralism. According to him, the model must be based on new forms of regional and international cooperation in the respect of sovereignty.

“Universal values such as human rights, dignity and gender equality are also very important and to implement these values, we need to work on access to education, basic care and sustainable development. The battle is in front of us and that is the reason why France has decided to increase its development and humanitarian assistance,” he mentioned.

The Vice Chancellor of Makerere University making remarks at the second Geopolitics Conference. Photo credit: KAS Uganda & S. Sudan

H.E. Aniambossou reiterated the French President, H.E. Emmanuel Macron’s statement that, “there is hope to save future generation from war by building world order based on law and helping humanity to move towards economic and social progress.”

The Vice Chancellor of Makerere University Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe applauded African scholars for preserving and marketing African culture on the global map. The Vice Chancellor said that there is need for African universities to document the rich African history and the way it is influencing the people’s behavior globally.

Prof Anyang' Nyong'o recollecting past memories of his time as a student at  Makerere University. Photo credit: KAS Uganda & S. Sudan

“We are now truly part of the global economy and politics. We can no longer sit on one side and the world can no longer imagine that they will continue marginalizing Africans,” he said

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

Diverse Power Struggle: transition to a multipolar political landscape
Who is Stealing Africa’s Wealth: Investment, trade and exploitation on the continent
Smart Cities for a Smarter Future: Urban trends transforming our daily lives
Happily, Ever After: Aftermath of revolution and uprising
Energy is the Key: Powering Africa’s economic transformation
World without Hunger: Utopia or a matter of time?
 

On Friday 18th October 2019, the following topics will be discussed;
The Machines are taking over: How robotics and Al will transform our societies?
The United States of Africa: Where is African Unity heading?
Major Targets, Minor Voices: Reflecting on conflicts through a female lens
Stealing the show: Are non-state actors ruling Global Governance?
Destructive Allies, Supportive Enemies? Revealing political influence of the Red Sea Arena
The Future of Aid: Administering the bitter medicine?

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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2025 K-POP Festival: Online Auditions

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2025 K-POP Festival, 8th November 2025, Yusuf Lule Auditorium, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

The Embassy of the Republic of Korea in Uganda is organizing the 2025 K-POP Festival in Uganda. K-POP stands for Korean Popular Music and this festival will include a K-POP singing or dancing contest open to both individuals and groups. There will be online auditions and a grand festival open to the public.

1. Eligibility

  • The contest is open to all Ugandans
  • Participation is as an individual or in a group

2. How to apply

Record a video of yourself of about 3 minutes of dancing or singing to a K-POP song. Upload the video on your Social Media or YouTube with the hashtag #2025KPOPUG and copy and paste the link to the video in the application form at https://han.gl/kE1xN. The application deadline is 17th October 2025.

The GRAND K-POP FESTIVAL will be held on 8th November 2025 starting 1:00PM at the Yusuf Lule Central Teaching Facility Auditorium, Makerere University.

There will also be a K-POP Random Play Dance Event and everyone is invited to participate and watch.

Mak Editor

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Makerere University Council and Top Management Convene Strategic Planning Retreat

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Members of the University Council together with Management in a group photo at consultative meeting towards the formulation of the University’s Strategic Plan 2025/2026–2029/2030.

The Makerere University Council and Top Management have today convened at Speke Resort Munyonyo to deliberate on the University’s Strategic Plan 2025/2026 – 2029/2030. The retreat seeks to align Makerere’s priorities with the Fourth National Development Plan (NDP IV) and ensure that all key stakeholders contribute to shaping the institution’s next five years.

Opening the discussions, the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, underscored the centrality of planning in the University’s growth trajectory. He called on members of management to actively participate in the drafting of the new strategic plan. Prof. Nawangwe highlighted Makerere’s progress in recent years, noting that the University has drawn a roadmap to becoming a research-led institution, with publications rising from 700 five years ago to 2,000 currently.

He further pointed out the revision of research policies to align with the University’s research agenda, as well as the establishment of innovation hubs that support product development, commercialisation, and intellectual property management. Commending staff for their resilience and success, Prof. Nawangwe congratulated them on winning significant individual grants, some of which now surpass institutional grants. “NDP IV is intended to grow the country tenfold, and I am confident Makerere will make a huge contribution,” he remarked.

Mrs. Lorna Magara

In her keynote remarks, the Chairperson of the University Council, Mrs. Lorna Magara, described the retreat as a defining moment for Makerere’s role in Uganda’s transformation. She urged the University to move beyond traditional teaching and research, positioning itself as a central driver of national development.

“Our mandate extends beyond academia. The knowledge we generate, the leaders we shape, and the innovations we deliver must directly fuel Uganda’s growth,” Mrs. Magara stated.

She outlined priority national development areas— agro-industrialisation, tourism, mineral-based development, and advances in science and technology—where Makerere’s expertise can make a decisive impact. Emphasising the urgency of challenges such as youth unemployment, climate change, food insecurity, and fragile health systems, she noted that within these lie opportunities for Makerere to lead in testing and scaling solutions.

Vice Chancellor Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe.

“This retreat is about discipline and focus. Our strategy cannot be a wish list; it must be a blueprint for measurable national impact,” she said, challenging participants to critically reflect on how Makerere can anchor Uganda’s food security, nurture digital innovators, strengthen health resilience, and raise transformative leaders.

She concluded with a call for boldness and clarity in execution: “The next five years are decisive. Makerere must shift from being a participant in national development to being its strongest driver. What we agree here must position Makerere not only as Uganda’s premier university but also as a trusted national partner and a beacon of Africa’s transformation.”

Participants in a group discussion

The retreat involved detailed discussions and contributions from University leaders, aimed at developing a practical and impact-driven strategic plan that cements Makerere’s role in advancing Uganda’s development agenda.

Betty Kyakuwa
Betty Kyakuwa

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Makerere University signs Memorandum of Understanding with International Rescue Committee to Advance Research, Innovation and Partnerships

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Prof. Anthony Mugagga (Left), Principal of MakCEES exchanging the MoU with Mr. Elijah Okuyo, Country Director, IRC

Makerere University has signed a five-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the International Rescue Committee to formalize undertakings in research, innovation & partnerships.

Signed in September 2025 by the Vice Chancellor of Makerere University, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe and the Country Director, International Rescue Committee,  Mr. Elijah Okeyo, the MoU provides a framework to implement research intensive programmes, promote innovative teaching and learning, internationalization, and contribute to societal transformation.

According to Mr. Okeyo, the MoU re-affirms Makerere University as the academic partner of the International Rescue Committee (IRC). “This MoU formalizes IRC’s working relationship with Makerere University. This framework empowers both institutions to tap into opportunities together. We believe in equal partnership. Makerere University commits to being our partner in research to contribute to evidence based humanitarian undertakings,” he said.

Under this collaboration, Makerere University and IRC will work on developing child-centered learning resources, innovative curricula, and policy-relevant research to enhance the quality of education in crisis-affected regions.

At Makerere University, the MoU brings on board, the College of Education and External Studies (CEES), Makerere University Institute of Teacher Education and Research (MITER), and the Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) Research Centre.

To concretize the MoU, the Principal of the College of Education and External Studies, Prof. Anthony Muwagga Mugagga convened a partnership meeting on Friday 12th September 2025  involving a delegation from the International Rescue Committee (IRC), Dr. David Kabugo, the Deputy Director of Makerere University Institute of Teacher Education and Research (MITER),  and Ms. Ritah Namisango, the Principal Communication Officer.

Mak CEES and IRC partnership meeting in progress

The delegation from the International Rescue Committee (IRC) consisted of the following: Mr. Elijah Okeyo-Country Director, Mr. Vincent Wanyama-Senior Program Development and Quality Coordinator,  Mr. Richard Omasete-Policy and Advocacy PlayMatters, and Ms. Janet Nambuya-Grants and Partnerships Coordinator.

The MoU focuses on the following areas of interest: Early Childhood Development, joint research and capacity building in education, the plight of refugees and the host communities, humanitarian aid, as well as, evidence based research to inform the education policy.

In line with its mandate, IRC brings onboard, its unmatched expertise in helping children in crisis-affected areas. The MoU therefore positions both institutions to undertake a leading role in the protection of children and families through evidence based research, access to education, and humanitarian undertakings.

Dr. Kabugo, the Deputy Director MITER, noted that the MoU opens new opportunities for joint efforts in research, training, and policy. He said: “We are committed to co-designing practitioner research, engaging in professional development, and generating evidence to guide the education policy in Uganda and beyond.” Dr. Kabugo explained that this partnership builds on years of cooperation between CEES and IRC, especially in child-centered methods such as play-based learning.

Prof. Mugagga described the MOU as a practical framework that connects Makerere University’s research with IRC’s field experiences. He stated that the College of Education and External Studies (CEES) conducts programmes focused on the future of the young people through training and empowering students/teachers. He articulated that the College significantly impacts on the education sector through delivery of quality academic programmes and research under the School of Education, School of  Distance and Lifelong Learning, and the East African School of Higher Education Studies and Development.

“Our strongest synergy is education and early child-focused care,” Prof. Mugagga emphasized. He revealed that the collaboration presents CEES with a strong and reliable partner (IRC), which stands for protection and the well-being of children and families. “Through this MoU, both CEES and IRC, will significantly contribute to improving education for children, families, and communities impacted by conflict and crisis.”

Prof. Mugagga commended IRC for the earlier support and expertise extended to the College in the development of the early childhood centre, and working together to provide valuable input during the Ministry of Education and Sports’ consultative process that led to the Early Childhood development policy.

Reflecting on the increasing number of refugees enrolling for studies at Makerere University, Prof. Mugagga  said: “ IRC has come at the right time. The College will tap into the IRC expertise to teach our staff and learners components in refugee education. They will equip our students and teachers with knowledge and skills in refugee education. Some of our students will cooperate with IRC to undertake research in refugee settlement and host communities.”

[L-R] Dr. David Kabugo, Deputy Director (MITER), Mr. Vincent Wanyama (IRC), Prof. Anthony Mugagga (Principal, MakCEES), Mr. Elijah Okeyo( Country Director-IRC), Ms. Janet Nambuya (IRC), Mr. Richard Omasette (IRC) and Ms. Ritah Namisango, PCO (MakCEES)

Prof. Mugagga implored both MITER and IRC to undertake research and develop modules on refugee education, parenting, re-tooling street children, integration of a health component into the curriculum, and management of truamatised students/learners who come from areas affected by war, conflict and crisis.

On the issue of play materials, Prof. Mugagga stressed that already made play materials derial creativing. “Both CEES and IRC should work towards a context that empowers children and learners to ignite their creative potential by developing home-made play materials,” he submitted.

About IRC

Stating a brief profile history about IRC, Mr. Okeyo explained that IRC is a global non-profit organisation that provides humanitarian aid and assistance to people affected by conflict and disaster. IRC has been active in Uganda since 1998, originally assisting displaced populations in Northern Uganda and later expanding its efforts to refugee settlements and urban areas.. Currently, IRC operates more than 35 health facilities in refugee settlements and runs a variety of programs in health, education, protection, and economic recovery. IRC also undertakes projects focusing on early childhood development, prevention of gender-based violence, and protection of refugees and families.

Ritah Namisango
Ritah Namisango

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