A delegation from the King Abdul Aziiz International Centre for Arabic Language confirmed the Centre’s preparedness to establish a fully-fledged Institute of Arabic Language at Makerere University. This was revealed during a meeting with the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe and the Deputy Vice Chancellor Academic Affairs, Dr. Umar Kakumba on 13th January 2020. H.E. Mr. Bandar Al Faifi, Chargé d'Affaires of the Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia in Uganda accompanied the delegation.
In the 2015/2016 academic year, King Abdul Aziiz International Centre for Arabic Language donated USD $90,000 towards the teaching of Arabic at Undergraduate and Postgraduate levels to students in the College of Education and External Studies and College of Humanities and Social Sciences over a three-year period.
During the meeting, Dr. Sulaiman Alangari, the Head of the delegation announced the Centre’s approval to continue with the scholarship programme and establish an Institute of Arabic Language at Makerere University.
“The Institute once established will create space for students to learn and master the Arabic culture and norms, explore the historical background of Arab countries and lead to the promotion of Arabic both nationally and internationally. I call upon both Muslims and non-Muslims to take up the Arabic language course,” said Dr. Alangari.
Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe extended his gratitude to King Abdul Aziiz International Centre of Arabic Language for the generous support aimed at supporting the University’s core function of teaching and learning. He reflected on Uganda and Saudi Arabia’s historic background when he noted that the first traders to come to Uganda were Arabs.
“To trade, relate and communicate with the people from Arab countries, we have to study their language first. I therefore thank the Royal Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and King Abdul Aziiz International Centre for Arabic Language for funding the study of Arabic language at Makerere University. The Institute will not only promote the teaching of Arabic but also other aspects of cultural significance such as architecture, music and art,” said Prof. Nawangwe.
Dr. Umar Kakumba, said that the Institute for Arabic Language at Makerere University will lead to the visibility of Arabic language both locally and internationally, strengthen Saudi Arabia’s relationship with Makerere University and also promote cultural integration.
In his remarks H.E. Mr. Bandar Al Faifi, noted they are looking forward to seeing graduands utilize Arabic to develop and transform societies. He added that Makerere University is ranked highly globally thus the best University to collaborate with.
Dr. Ebraheem Ssali, Co-ordinator Arabic Language applauded the Royal Embassy of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in Uganda, King Abdul Aziiz International Centre for Arabic Language and Makerere University for their support towards the Programme.
“The project has benefitted 67 students, 52 Undergraduate and 15 Postgraduates. I thank King Abdul Aziiz International Centre of Arabic Language for renewing the three year grant to enable students in the Department of European and Oriental Languages to study Arabic. The study and teaching of Arabic has enhanced communication and friendship between the people of Uganda and the Royal Kingdom of Saudi Arabia,” said Dr. Ssali.
Article by: Esther Joy Nakibombo VolunteerMak Public Relations Office
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.
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.
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.
“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.
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:
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.