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Mak & Rotary Launch Peace Centre, Inaugurate Advisory Board

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Makerere University and Rotary International on Thursday 9th January 2020 held a signing ceremony marking the official launch of the First Rotary Peace Centre on the African continent. The Centre will run a postgraduate certificate program in Peacebuilding, Conflict Transformation and Development. The hands-on program will entail coursework that addresses topics including human rights, governance, and the role of the media in conflict. Other studies will focus on refugees and migration, as well as resource and identity-based conflicts.  

Addressing delegates at the launch, the Vice Chancellor Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe expressed delight that the Rotary Governing Board had found it deserving that Makerere hosts the Rotary Peace Centre after beating worthy competitors; the Kofi Annan International Peace Keeping Centre, Ghana and University of Nairobi-African Leadership Centre.

The Vice Chancellor-Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe (L) and Rotary VP-Olayinka Babalola (in white) prepare to release doves symbolizing the launch of the Makerere University Rotary Peace Centre, Kampala Uganda as Rotary District 9211 Governor-Francis Xavier Sentamu (R) and other officials witness.

Makerere University is situated at the heart of the Great Lakes region, which has experienced the most strife and the most conflicts in Africa,” said the Vice Chancellor. “We’ve had frequent experience with conflict, so we established our peace program more than 15 years ago to expand our expertise and augment our engagement in the area of conflict and peace.”

Prof. Nawangwe admitted that Makerere’s selection would not have been possible without the support of Rotary District 9211 led by District Governor (DG) Francis Xavier Sentamu. He also paid special tribute to Past District Governor (PDG) Emmanuel Katongole, the College of Humanities and Social Sciences (CHUSS) led by Dr. Josephine Ahikire and the Local Organising Committee led by Dr. Hellen Nkabala supported by Past Assistant Governors (PAGs) Hon. Mike Sebalu and Ann Nkutu for selflessly supporting the University’s bid.

The Vice Chancellor shared that Makerere University has already put in place the necessary infrastructure to support smooth running of the programme. “The Acting Deputy Vice Chancellor (Finance and Administration), Prof. William Bazeyo has already made space allocations for student lecture rooms and accommodation.”

The Acting Principal CHUSS-Dr. Josephine Ahikire (Left) receives the Rotary delegation upon arrival at Makerere University on 9th January 2020 for the MoU signing and Media Launch of the Rotary Peace Centre.

He then introduced members of the Rotary Peace Centre Advisory Board notably;

  • Prof. William Bazeyo (Chairperson)
  • Dr. Umar Kakumba, Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic Affairs)
  • Dr. Josephine Ahikire
  • Prof. Grace Kyomuhendo Bantebya, School of Women and Gender Studies (SWGS)
  • PDG Emmanuel Katongole
  • PAG Hon. Mike Sebalu
  • PAG Ann Nkutu
  • PAG Fred Masadde-Kabuye
  • Mr. Henry Mwebe, Director Legal Affairs
  • Dr. Patrick Mangeni, Dean School of Liberal and Performing Arts
  • Prof. Sylvia Antonia Nannyonga-Tamusuza, Head Department of Performing Arts and Film
  • Ms. Victoria Kirunda Kobel

In her remarks read by Council Member and Dean SWGS, Dr. Sarah Ssali, the Chairperson of Council, Mrs. Lorna Magara noted that establishment of a Rotary Peace Centre provides Makerere University with an opportunity to offer research leadership and capacity development in a critical topic of development.

Council Member and Dean SWGS-Dr. Sarah Ssali represented the Chairperson of Council-Mrs. Lorna Magara at the launch of the Rotary Peace Centre, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda.

“The Peace Centre initiative is especially important for Africa and several parts of the world where several nations remain trapped in the shadow of violence with disastrous consequences of loss of life and property and other human rights violations. Building a knowledgebase and capacity for sustainable peace on the continent is a matter of urgent necessity for African development and human rights protection” added the Chairperson.

The Vice President (VP), Rotary International Board of Directors, Olayinka Babalola expressed great pride as an African at witnessing the launch of the First Rotary Peace Centre on the continent at Makerere University, during his term.

“For centuries, we have looked at peace as the absence of violence, without fully considering the other drivers in play. Instead of merely examining the causes of war, Rotary Peace Fellows at Makerere University will explore the underpinnings of peace to achieve tangible measures of human wellbeing and progress” said the Vice President.

Rotary VP-Olayinka Babalola (Right) addresses Media at the launch event as Chair Rotary Peace Centers Committee, Bryn Styles (Left) listens on 9th January 2020, Kampala Uganda.

VP Babalola took note of the great strides made by Rotary’s Global Polio Eradication Initiative over the last 30 years and that as a result, Africa was on the verge of being declared polio-free. He added that with this nearly achieved, Rotary was now turning its focus to global peace by using the Centers as a vehicle for training peacebuilders from all over the world.

The Chair Rotary Peace Centers Committee, Bryn Styles shared that serving on this body had been one of his most rewarding honours. He added that peace holds a unique status in Rotary and as such, the organization remains committed to addressing the root causes of peace and conflict in the world by training the next generation of peace advocates.

“Every year, Rotary awards up to 130 fully funded scholarships for dedicated peace and development leaders from around the world to study at any of its seven peace centers programs. In just over 15 years, Rotary Peace Centers have trained over 1,300 individuals for careers in peacebuilding in more than 115 countries” he shared.

R-L: Past District Governors-Hon. Henry Kyemba, Dr. Francis Tusubira and Emmanuel Katongole attended the Launch event on 9th January 2020, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda.

Mr. Styles said that in choosing Makerere University to host the 7th Peace Centre, Rotary wanted to give students and future peace advocates the credibility of studying in an institution with a rich history in peace and conflict management and research. “Rotarians in Uganda and Staff at Makerere University have been wonderful to work with and I think we made the right choice.”

DG Francis Xavier Sentamu in his remarks recognized other PDGs present at the ceremony namely; Hon. Henry Kyemba, Dr. Francis Tusubira, Kenneth Mugisha, Steven Mwanje as well as other leaders. He reiterated the readiness of Rotarians from District 9211 to help identify prospective scholars, provide the right mentorship and participate in all ways that will guarantee that the Rotary Peace Centre at Makerere University succeeds.

Article by Public Relations Office

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Uhuru Kenyatta, African Leaders Inspire Youth at Guild Leaders’ Summit

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Second Annual Guild Leaders’ Summit, organized by the Guild Presidents Leadership Academy, keynote address by Former President of Kenya, H.E. Uhuru Kenyatta, 24th April 2025, Yusuf Lule Central Teaching Facility Auditorium, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda.

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. Second Annual Guild Leaders’ Summit, organized by the Guild Presidents Leadership Academy, keynote address by Former President of Kenya, H.E. Uhuru Kenyatta, 24th April 2025, Main Building, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda.
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. Second Annual Guild Leaders’ Summit, organized by the Guild Presidents Leadership Academy, keynote address by Former President of Kenya, H.E. Uhuru Kenyatta, 24th April 2025, Main Building, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda.
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. Second Annual Guild Leaders’ Summit, organized by the Guild Presidents Leadership Academy, keynote address by Former President of Kenya, H.E. Uhuru Kenyatta, 24th April 2025, Yusuf Lule Central Teaching Facility Auditorium, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda.
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.

Betty Kyakuwa
Betty Kyakuwa

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Admission Lists for Diploma Holders under Government Sponsorship for 2025/2026 AY

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One of the First Class Graduands Shafik Senkubuge (2nd Right) in a group photo with part of the BEHS Class of 2024. 74th Graduation Ceremony, Day 1, School of Public Health, College of Health Sciences (CHS), 29th January 2024, Freedom Square, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

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:

Mak Editor

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Call For Applications: AlphaFold Workshop Uganda 2025

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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.

Deadline: 30th April 2025

Apply here: AlphaFold Workshop – Uganda 2025

Mak Editor

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