General
Kampala Geopolitics Conference 2019 Programme Released
![[L-R] Gerald Odil-Alliance Francaise Kampala, Dr. Maxime Houinato-UN Women Uganda, Ambassador of France to Uganda H.E Jules-Armand Aniambossou, Dr. Muhammad Kiggundu Musoke-Makerere University, Winnie Watera-Reach a Hand Uganda and Mathias Kamp-Konrad Adenauer-Stiftung at a Press Conference on 2nd October 2019, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda.](https://news.mak.ac.ug/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/field_image_Makerere-2nd-Kampala-Geopolitics-Press-Conference-2ndOct2019-Story.JPG)
The partners organising the Second Kampala Geopolitics Conference on Wednesday 2nd October, 2019 officially released the programme for the two-day event scheduled to take place on 17th and 18th October 2019. The release follows the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signing ceremony on 31st July 2019 between partners; the Embassy of France in Uganda, Makerere University, Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung (KAS) Uganda and South Sudan, UN Women Uganda, Alliance Francaise de Kampala and Reach A Hand Uganda.
Addressing the press conference ahead of the event, the Ambassador of France to Uganda H.E Jules-Armand Aniambossou could not hide his joy at once again visiting the famous Makerere University, which he described as “my second home in Kampala.” He noted that this year’s Kampala Geopolitics Conference will not only ride on the roaring success of the first edition but also seek to make it bigger and better.
“The Kampala Geopolitics Conference will for the first time incorporate the Student Debate featuring students from Makerere University. This is all aimed at training the young generation to embrace and promote the culture of academic debate at a global level,” added the Ambassador.
H.E. Aniambossou further noted that the world today is confronted by multifaceted challenges in the form of Climate Change, Insecurity, Global Health Challenges, as well as all those that the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) seek to address. These challenges, he said, were unfortunately being addressed by two radically opposing approaches of disintegration; where parties withdraw into their smaller national or sub-national alliances and illusion; where parties are oblivious of the dangers posed.
“Our role as partners of the Kampala Geopolitics Conference is to introduce a third approach through bringing leading academics from Africa and the world together with diplomats, students and the public to reflect, debate and through disruption come up with a right solution” explained H.E. Aniambossou.
Speaking on behalf of the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, the Manager Communication and International Relations, Dr. Muhammad Kiggundu Musoke thanked the partners for choosing Makerere University to host the successful Inaugural Kampala Geopolitics Conference in 2018. He added that this year’s event will host 18 roundtables and further exchange platforms on a variety of topics relating to; Global Challenges, Regional Trends, SDGs, Culture and Society.
“Makerere University is no longer the Ivory Tower where knowledge is generated and consumed internally. Through events such as Kampala Geopolitics Conference, we are reviving the spirit of debate and opening our gates to create an interactive and dynamic platform for dialogue and free exchange of ideas cutting across contemporary, local and international geopolitics” remarked Dr. Kiggundu-Musoke.
Mr. Mathias Kamp the Country Representative, KAS Uganda and South Sudan shared that the 2nd Kampala Geopolitics Conference is a fulfilment by the partners to Prof. Nawangwe and Makerere University that event would not be a one-off.
“In my view, the Kampala Geopolitics Conference is not just an event but an institution on its own already. This is the number one flagship event for KAS and the largest on our annual calendar. It provides us with the rare opportunity to bring the full force of our Think Tank Network from around the world to Makerere University to freely exchange ideas and debate various topics related to geopolitics” he shared.
Mr. Kamp added that the choice of Makerere University as host is a vote of confidence in its reputation as a Centre of Excellence in not only teaching, research and knowledge transfer but also in Academic Discourse and Debate. “I therefore urge us all to have a disruptive engagement at the Kampala Geopolitics Conference 2019 because the ideas that move the world are often born in universities.”
In his remarks, the UN Women Country Representative to Uganda, Dr. Maxime Houinato, shared that one of his biggest regrets is never having secured his PhD from Makerere University, an icon of academic excellence in Africa. He nevertheless congratulated Makerere upon the strong resolve to tackle head-on the vice of sexual harassment among students and staff.
He stated that the advent of the SDGs in 2015 marked a shift of the UN strategy from inward looking standalone solutions to outbound, broad based and interdependent approaches to making the world a better place by 2030.
“As such, partnership through platforms like the Kampala Geopolitics Conference and strategic thinking are critical to fuel discussion and development both globally and in Africa,” stated Dr. Houinato.
The UN Women Country Representative further challenged the media to raise the bar in terms of the conversation on geopolitics and carry the message beyond the immediate audience in Makerere University. “I know that the media is meant to be independent but in the face of extreme poverty, injustice and discrimination, the media needs to take sides in order to address inequality.”
The two-day event is set to be held in the Main Hall and Senior Common Room in the Main Building as well as the Freedom Square. It will be graced by a number of Heads of Diplomatic Missions in Uganda, in addition to the partner Ambassador, H.E Jules-Armand Aniambossou. These will include; the German Ambassador-H.E. Albrecht Conze, US Ambassador-H.E. Deborah Malac and the EU Ambassador-H.E. Attilio Pacific.
Please see Downloads for Conference Programme and Concept Note.
General
Makerere University and World Bank Sign Partnership to Strengthen Environmental and Social Sustainability Capacity
On 5th March 2026, Makerere University signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the International Development Association (IDA), the financing arm of the World Bank Group, establishing a strategic partnership aimed at strengthening environmental and social sustainability systems in Uganda and the wider East African region.
The collaboration brings together Makerere University through the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES) and the College of Humanities and Social Sciences (CHUSS) and the World Bank to jointly advance training, research, and policy advisory in environmental and social sustainability.
The three-year agreement provides a framework for cooperation focused on building national capacity to manage environmental and social risks associated with large-scale development investments.
Advancing Sustainable Development through Knowledge Partnerships
The partnership will be anchored in the Environment and Social Sustainability Centre (ESSC) at Makerere University, a national hub established to promote applied research, policy engagement, and professional training in environmental and social governance.
Through the Centre, the two institutions will collaborate to strengthen Uganda’s ability to plan and implement development projects in ways that safeguard communities and the environment.
Speaking during the signing ceremony, Ms. Francisca Ayodeji (Ayo) Akala, the World Bank Country Manager emphasised that the collaboration reflects a shared commitment to strengthening systems that support sustainable growth.
“This partnership with Makerere University is an important step in strengthening Uganda’s systems for environmental and social sustainability. By working through the Environment and Social Sustainability Centre, we aim to build the capacity of professionals across government, the private sector, and development institutions to better manage environmental and social risks and deliver investments that promote sustainable growth while protecting people and the environment.” Ms. Francisca Ayodeji (Ayo) Akala, World Bank Country Manager, Uganda, noted.
The partnership will support training, research, and policy advisory activities through the ESSC, helping Uganda pursue a development trajectory that promotes economic growth while protecting people and the environment.
Building National Capacity for Environmental and Social Risk Management
Uganda’s development agenda under the Fourth National Development Plan prioritises large-scale investments in infrastructure, agro-industrialisation, energy, and science and technology. However, such investments require strong environmental and social risk management systems to ensure sustainable outcomes.
The new partnership, therefore, focuses on building a skilled workforce capable of applying international best practices in environmental and social governance.
Under the MoU, Makerere University will design and deliver demand-driven short-course training programs targeting public sector officials, development practitioners, financial institutions, civil society organisations, and private sector actors implementing major projects.
Seven certificate-level short courses have already been developed and approved across multiple colleges at the University. These courses cover areas such as environmental and social risk management, climate risk assessment, construction health and safety, and integrating environmental and social considerations into investment cycles.
“Makerere Universityis proud to partner with the World Bank in strengthening Uganda’s capacity to manage environmental and social risks in development investments. Through the Environment and Social Sustainability Centre, we have already developed and approved seven certificate-level short courses across multiple colleges, designed to equip professionals in government, the private sector, and development institutions with practical skills to plan and implement sustainable projects. This collaboration reflects Makerere’s commitment to providing knowledge-driven solutions that support Uganda’s development while safeguarding communities and the environment.” Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe noted.
Strengthening Collaboration between Academia and Development Partners
As part of the agreement, the World Bank will support the development and delivery of the training programs, including conducting Training of Trainers (ToT) on the Bank’s Environment and Social Standards and international best practices.
The Bank will also leverage its convening power to encourage participation from development partners, government institutions, and project implementers, while supporting impact monitoring of trained professionals to document improvements in project performance and job creation.
The collaboration will further promote professional networking, policy dialogue, knowledge exchange, and the development of knowledge hubs containing environmental and social tools, databases, and resources for practitioners.
Positioning Makerere as a Regional Knowledge Hub
Through this partnership, Makerere University seeks to position the Environment and Social Sustainability Centre as a leading knowledge hub for environmental and social governance in Africa.
By combining academic expertise with the World Bank’s global experience in development financing and technical assistance, the initiative is expected to strengthen the institutional capacity required to deliver sustainable and climate-resilient investments in Uganda.
The partnership also aligns with the World Bank’s broader commitment to supporting Uganda’s development agenda and strengthening country systems for environmental and social sustainability.
Together, the two institutions aim to equip professionals across government, the private sector, and development organizations with the skills required to ensure that Uganda’s development pathway remains inclusive, responsible, and environmentally sustainable.
Caroline Kainomugisha is the Communications Officer, Advancement Office, Makerere University
General
Makerere University Explores Expanded Partnership with Stanbic Bank to Advance Innovation and Investment
On 5th March 2025, the Vice Chancellor, Makerere University, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, paid a courtesy visit to Stanbic Bank Uganda’s Chief Executive Officer, Mr Mumba Kalifungwa. The purpose of the visit was to explore areas for further collaboration with Stanbic Bank Uganda to strengthen innovation, entrepreneurship, and strategic investment.
The engagement reaffirmed the long-standing relationship between the two institutions and provided an opportunity to explore how academia and the financial sector can work together to unlock opportunities for students, staff, alumni, and the broader Ugandan community.
Discussions during the meeting focused on innovation and entrepreneurship support, student development programs, infrastructure partnerships, and investment opportunities linked to the University’s strategic development agenda.
Driving Innovation and Youth Entrepreneurship
During the engagement, the Vice Chancellor highlighted Makerere’s continued efforts to position itself as a research-led and innovation-driven university, emphasising the importance of partnerships with industry in translating academic research and ideas into practical solutions.
He underscored the need to empower young people with the skills and support required to create enterprises and generate employment opportunities, given Uganda’s fast-growing population, particularly the mushrooming young population. According to UBOS, by 2024, the young population was approximately 22.8 million persons out of a total population of 45.9 million people.
“If we do not support young people to innovate and create enterprises, we risk facing serious economic and social challenges. The employment of the future will increasingly be created by young people themselves,” he noted.
Among the proposals discussed was the possibility of establishing a Stanbic-supported innovation competition, aimed at stimulating entrepreneurship and providing a platform for students and young innovators to transform ideas into viable businesses.
Such an initiative could build on existing innovation and incubation programs run at Makerere and Stanbic Bank while strengthening collaboration between academia and the private sector in supporting enterprise development.
Expanding Strategic Collaboration
Speaking during the meeting, Mr Mumba Kalifungwa, the Chief Executive Officer of Stanbic Bank Uganda reaffirmed the bank’s commitment to strengthening its partnership with Makerere University.
He noted that while the bank has long provided financial services to the university and its staff, there is a significant opportunity to deepen collaboration in areas that generate broader societal impact.
“As an institution, we are interested in partnerships that go beyond financial services to create meaningful impact in society through the Stanbic Bank positive impact agenda. Education is one of the most important sectors through which we can drive that impact,” he noted.
The CEO also highlighted Stanbic Bank’s National Schools Championship program, which promotes innovation among secondary school students across Uganda, noting that a similar approach could potentially inspire initiatives at the university level.
Exploring Investment and Infrastructure Opportunities
The meeting also explored opportunities for collaboration in investment and commercialisation initiatives linked to university infrastructure and land assets.
University representatives shared insights into ongoing efforts to explore public–private partnership (PPP) models for strategic investments aimed at improving infrastructure and unlocking value from underutilised university assets.
Potential development opportunities discussed include projects related to hospitality facilities, commercial spaces, and other revenue-generating infrastructure within and around the university. Such initiatives could provide sustainable revenue streams for the university while creating opportunities for private sector participation in campus development.
Supporting Students, Staff, and Alumni
Additional discussions focused on expanding programs that benefit the wider Makerere community. These include financial literacy initiatives for students, expanded internship and graduate training opportunities, and collaborative programs to support student entrepreneurship and enterprise development.
The meeting also explored opportunities for collaboration in alumni engagement, leveraging Makerere’s extensive global alumni network to strengthen partnerships between the university and industry.
Programs aimed at improving financial preparedness and retirement planning for staff were also discussed, alongside potential housing and asset financing solutions tailored to the needs of university employees.
“Through this partnership, we are exploring opportunities that support the entire Makerere community, from financial literacy and entrepreneurship programs for students to internship pathways, alumni engagement, and financial preparedness initiatives for staff. These efforts will be anchored within the renewed collaboration framework between Makerere University and Stanbic Bank Uganda,” said Mr Awel Uwihanganye, Chief Advancement Officer.
The Chief Advancement Officer further noted that these initiatives are expected to be anchored within a renewed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Makerere University and Stanbic Bank.
A Shared Vision for Impact
Both institutions expressed optimism about the potential of the partnership to contribute to national development by supporting innovation, enterprise creation, and the development of future leaders.
As Makerere University continues to strengthen its role as a leading research and innovation institution in Africa, partnerships with forward-looking institutions such as Stanbic Bank Uganda remain critical in advancing the university’s mission of generating knowledge, nurturing talent, and driving solutions that address national and global challenges.
Caroline Kainomugisha is the Communications Officer, Advancement Office, Makerere University
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