General
First Belt and Road Initiative Lecture Outlines Benefits of Global Connectivity
The First Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) Lecture hosted by Makerere University on 27th February 2020 in the Main Hall has outlined a series of benefits that Uganda, Africa and the World stand to gain by embracing the largest infrastructure project ever undertaken in history. The Lecture was presided over by Hon. Grace Freedom Kwiyucwiny, the State Minister for Northern Uganda who represented the Prime Minister, Rt. Hon. Dr. Ruhakana Rugunda.
Delivered by the Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to Uganda, H.E. Zheng Zhuqiang, the three-part lecture was discussed by the Chancellor, Prof. Ezra Suruma and a panel of eminent persons made up of; Dr. Maggie Kigozi, Eng. Ayub Sooma and Dr. Godfrey Akileng moderated by Dr. Josephine Ahikire, the Principal College of Humanities and Social Sciences (CHUSS).
Welcoming guests, the Host and Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe thanked Ambassador ZhuQiang for accepting to deliver the lecture at a time when his home country was trying to come to terms with the devastation caused by the ravaging Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19). “We stand in solidarity with the People’s Republic of China in general and our partner in the Confucius Institute; Xiangtan University, in particular.”
“I was deeply touched to learn that early this week Professor Barnabas Nawangwe flagged off a batch of surgical masks donated by Makerere University to Xiangtan University, her main collaborating university in China where more than 60 Ugandans mostly from Makerere are studying” Ambassador Zhuqiang remarked in response. “This is an epitome of the solidarity between Ugandan people and Chinese people” he added.
Delving into his presentation, the Ambassador outlined: the origin of the BRI, its main features, achievements, potentials and opportunities; opportunities the BRI brings to Africa; and opportunities the BRI brings to Uganda in particular, as the three parts of his lecture.
The BRI has its origins in the ancient Silk Road, formed over 2,100 years ago to connect China to Middle Asia and Europe over land, and to South East, South and West Asia, as well as East Africa over the sea. “I think the ancient Silk Road might be the first attempt in the human history for globalization, a trend that is still developing now” explained Ambassador Zhuqiang.
In September 2013, H.E. XI Jinping, President of the People’s Republic of China launched the current concept of the BRI or Silk Road Economic Belt and the 21st-century Maritime Silk Road as it is officially known, in Kazakhstan and Indonesia.
“Today, the BRI has become a major initiative in the broad international community, with the United Nations General Assembly welcoming it through Resolution A/71/9 on November 17, 2016. By the end of March 2019, the Chinese government had signed 173 cooperation agreements with 125 countries and 29 international organizations, including over 40 African countries” highlighted the Ambassador.
He went on to state that the fundamental element of the BRI was to offer connectivity to the global village on five fronts namely; Deepening policy, Enhancing infrastructure, Increasing trade, Resourceful financial support and Strengthening people-to-people as well as state-to-state relations.
On the opportunities it brings to the 1.3billion strong, natural and human resources-rich Africa, Ambassador Zhuqiang noted that the BRI seeks to address three bottlenecks hindering sustainable development namely, “lagging infrastructure, underdeveloped talents and shortage of funds.”
He articulated that infrastructure challenges not only push up the cost of domestic and regional trade but also hinder the continent’s efforts to attract foreign investment, a bottleneck that seems to have already been overcome by countries where the BRI has made landing. Citing Djibouti as an example, Ambassador Zhuqiang shared that the Nation’s railway and port development had helped with “job creation, economic development and created tax revenue and foreign exchange earnings for this country.”
Bringing the discussion home, the Ambassador shared; a stable political environment, rich natural and human resources, good investment policies and a hard-working and intelligent people, as the four strategic advantages Uganda has in further deepening its cooperation with China.
“On the front of infrastructure connectivity, one outstanding and tangible fruit would be the Kampala-Entebbe Expressway, the Ugandan gateway to the world. With the launch of the expressway in 2018, the commuting time between Kampala and Entebbe has been reduced from more than two hours to just about 30 minutes!” remarked Ambassador Zhuqiang.
On the trade front, he outlined six industrial parks opened by Chinese entrepreneurs, which have created more than 80,000 jobs. These include; Shandong Industrial Park in Luzira, Tiantang Industrial Park in Mukono, Liaoshen Industrial Park in Kapeeka, Uganda-China (Guangdong) Free Zone of International Cooperation in Sukulu, Mbale Industrial Park and Kehong Agricultural Industrial Park in Luweero.
Citing the Goodwill Tile Factory in Kapeeka, Ambassador Zhuqiang shared that in addition to creating 2,000 jobs, the facility reduced the price of tiles in Uganda by 25%, saved the nation foreign exchange worth US$35million in import substitution and generated US$10million in exports annually.
He touched on the current project to expand and upgrade Entebbe International Airport, which will enable the cargo centre to handle up to 150,000 metric tonnes of goods annually, up from 69,000 metric tonnes, after completion of the first phase. The project is being undertaken with financial support of US$200 million concessional loans from China.
In the discussion that followed, the Chancellor, Prof. Ezra Suruma applauded Ambassador Zhuqiang for demystifying and reducing to bare bones the hitherto mammoth and complex concept of the BRI. “I think that we can now say that we are better informed as a result of what you have told us.”
Speaking as an Economist, the Chancellor restricted his discussion of Ambassador Zhuqiang’s lecture to the three aspects of; infrastructure, trade and capital flows. On the infrastructure front, he noted that the coming in of China had brought great relief to Government’s efforts to build Karuma dam. “Your Excellency, we do welcome China’s willingness to provide alternative sources of capital, infrastructure and I think we are cooperating very well on these lines.”
He added that support to establishment of the Tororo Sukulu Phosphate project to produce organic fertilizer was extremely important to Uganda as an agricultural country and the region at large. “We had been wanting to build this factory for a long time with little success but the entry of China into the global arena brings alternative financing and alternative options for infrastructure development.”
On the trade front, the Chancellor mentioned the need to balance the trade between Uganda and China. He shared that whereas Uganda imports goods in excess of US$1billion from China, its exports to the same are worth less than US$30million. He nevertheless lauded the Chinese government for setting aside a special loan for the development of African Small and Medium size Enterprises (SMEs) under the Forum on China Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) arrangement. This, he thought, would be a good opportunity for the youth to secure gainful employment as they add value to agricultural produce.
Touching on the capital flows from China, the Chancellor emphasized the need to tread carefully by engaging in negotiations that will not put the Country into too more debt than we can handle. “As Minister of Finance, it would take me two to three years to negotiate a debt with the West. With China, it only takes two to three months. It is much easier but I hope we will be more careful so that we do not take on too much that we overburdened with debt.”
Prof. Suruma also stressed the need for countries to negotiate for capital flows under regional bodies like the East African Community (EAC) so as to increase individual nations’ bargaining power. “This is an important point that we shall hopefully consider going forward.”
The Chancellor emphasized the need to engage China so as to learn the strategies they deployed to achieve unprecedented speed in economic development. “In the past, we prided ourselves in being a mixed economy that is private sector-led” remarked the Chancellor. “I believe it has helped us as a country but we can move faster by learning from China which has in the last 20 to 30 years gone on to become the second largest economy in the world.”
He concluded his discussion by pointing out the need to maintain our freedom as a Nation. “We have a history of colonialism and neocolonialism which we are trying to shake off. We hope that as we move into the future, we will move with faster economic growth but also with freedom.”
Hon. Grace Freedom Kwiyucwiny in her closing remarks on behalf of the Prime Minister thanked Ambassador Zhuqiang for an illuminating lecture, Prof. Suruma for an articulate discussion and Makerere University for being proactive by organizing the event. “The Belt and road Initiative is set to transform the way global trade is done. The countries which will understand the initiative and tap into it at the right time will reap a lot of benefits.”
She noted that the BRI shows us that China has already positioned itself as a country that is offering solutions, which should prompt us all to think about solutions for Africa. “We should also place ourselves at a global level otherwise we shall be left out” she cautioned.
The State Minister lauded various infrastructure developments supported by China that are already transforming the country and called for additional interventions that can strategically create employment. She noted that land has already been identified in Northern Uganda, which offers virgin territory in as far as developing industrial parks is concerned.
Article by Public Relations Office
General
From Campus to Career: Makerere Advancement Office, 91st Guild and the DFCU Foundation Equip Students with Financial and Employability Skills
On 4th December, 2025, over 200 final-year students gathered at the School of Pharmacy Auditorium for the highly engaging Career & Financial Literacy Symposium, hosted by the 91st Students’ Guild, in partnership with the Makerere Advancement Office and the DFCU Foundation.
The symposium centred on student advancement through strategic partnership, convening students, administrators and development partners for a practical conversation on career readiness, financial literacy, employability, and personal development.
Advancement Through Partnerships
Speaking on behalf of the Makerere Advancement Office, Mr Awel Uwihanganye, Chief Advancement Officer, underscored the importance of partnerships such as the one with DFCU Foundation. He highlighted their importance in equipping students with marketplace skills and opportunities vital for individual growth after University.
He reflected on the university journey as a formative period for ideas, innovation, and lifelong relationships, noting that:
“University is where impressions are made, and future networks are born. The friendships, character, and collaborations you develop here become foundations for careers, enterprises and leadership later in life.”
Mr. Uwihanganye encouraged students to embrace entrepreneurship, creativity and innovation, arguing that the emerging workforce is driven by technology, multi-tasking ability and idea generation rather than traditional single-path employment. He challenged students to build businesses, use digital platforms productively, and regard employment as only one income stream, not the only one.
The Student Perspective — Discipline, Skills and Trust
Speaking on student growth and personal development, Dr. Rodney Rugyema, Deputy Dean of Students, highlighted the realities facing new graduates, especially those entering the job market for the first time. With humour and honesty, he urged students to approach growth intentionally and responsibly.
He called for delayed gratification, financial discipline and long-term decision-making, reminding students that wealth is built, not wished for. He emphasised the importance of skills beyond academic papers, stating that students must be equipped to create value, adapt, learn continuously, and gain competence relevant to modern work demands.
Dr. Rugyema underscored that trust, integrity and reliability remain the most non-negotiable pillars of professional advancement.
“Let people trust you enough to lend you an opportunity. Be a person who delivers. Your reputation is currency; it travels to rooms you are not in.” He noted
Financial Literacy for the Next Generation
The keynote training session was delivered by Mr. Simon Omara, Business Advisor representing the DFCU Foundation, who walked students through a highly practical presentation on financial planning, savings culture, credit management, record-keeping, career positioning and entrepreneurship.
With more than 10,000 graduates annually and less than 35% securing employment within the first year, Mr. Omara challenged students to practice financial and career ownership early. His presentation explored:
Key Competencies Students Must Build
- Financial management with a focus on budgeting, saving, and investing early
- Career readiness, CV development, interview skills, and personal branding
- Entrepreneurship and income diversification
- Record keeping and credit management
- Professional conduct and workplace preparation
He reminded students that the future belongs to those who are financially literate, skilled, trusted and entrepreneurial. Through relatable examples and actionable frameworks such as the 70–20–10 rule, the 7-second CV scan, and the 90-day post-graduation growth plan, Mr. Omara equipped participants with practical knowledge they could act upon immediately.
Why This Symposium Matters
This event stands as a testament to the power of partnership-driven student advancement, a core mandate of the Makerere Advancement Office. By convening industry partners like DFCU Foundation, the University continues to ensure that students graduate not only with knowledge, but with tools and readiness for opportunity.
The symposium strengthened linkages between academia and the labour market, expanded students’ perspective on financial independence, and emphasised the value of entrepreneurship, networks and character in shaping future leadership
The Makerere Advancement Office remains committed to facilitating opportunities that empower students to thrive beyond the gates of the University, through partnerships, mentorship, capacity-building, and exposure to real-world skillsets.
“ A degree alone is no longer enough. With partnership, preparation and purpose, our students can build futures anchored in knowledge, opportunity and resilience.” Mr Awel Uwihanganye noted during his remarks.
Caroline Kainomugisha is the Communications Officer, Makerere Advancement Office
Makerere University on 3rd December, 2025 hosted the Tumusiime Mutebile Annual Lecture, a tradition established to honour the life and legacy of the late Prof. Emmanuel Tumusiime-Mutebile, an outstanding alumnus and former Governor of the Bank of Uganda who passed away in 2022. The lecture not only reflects on his remarkable contribution to Uganda’s economic leadership, but also highlights how innovation, resilience, and intergenerational vision can shape Africa’s future.
This year’s edition was anchored on three key pillars—intergenerational leadership, economic resilience, and the power of innovation—themes that defined Prof. Mutebile’s career and continue to influence national development. Through this annual series, the University upholds his memory while also celebrating other African leaders whose work has left a lasting mark on the continent, using their legacies to inspire thoughtful dialogue, policy reflection, and the next generation of transformative thinkers.
Celebrating an Enduring Legacy
In her remarks, the Acting Vice Chancellor, Prof. Sarah Ssali, reflected on Prof. Mutebile’s lifelong commitment to excellence, integrity, and the transformative power of education. She highlighted his journey from a student leader at Makerere to one of the country’s most influential economic thinkers, noting how his leadership in monetary policy, fiscal reform, and economic stabilization reshaped Uganda’s economic trajectory.
Prof. Ssali emphasized that this public lecture series not only honours Mutebile’s legacy but also bridges academia and practice—challenging students, scholars, and national leaders to pursue knowledge that serves the public good. She expressed gratitude to the Bank of Uganda under Dr. Michael Atingi-Ego, dfcu Bank, the GRO Foundation, the Mutebile family, and the Advancement Office for their continued support in sustaining a platform that nurtures economic thought leadership and inspires future generations.
Rt. Hon. Emeritus Amama Mbabazi, a lifelong friend and contemporary of the late Prof. Emmanuel Tumusiime-Mutebile, delivered a deeply personal reflection during the lecture. He recalled their shared beginnings as young student leaders at Makerere, their early political activism, and the historical moments that shaped both their lives and the nation. Speaking as both confidant and colleague, he emphasized Mutebile’s disciplined approach to economic policy, his unwavering belief in strong, accountable institutions, and his commitment to evidence-based, long-term decision making. Mbabazi outlined three pillars of Mutebile’s legacy—policy integrity, institutional strength, and leadership that prepares the next generation—values he affirmed are central to the work of the Tumusiime Foundation, which he now chairs.
He underscored the critical role of the private sector in Africa’s transformation, stressing the need for productivity-driven economies, skilled young people, and policy ecosystems that encourage innovation. He further called for intergenerational leadership that deliberately transfers knowledge, builds enduring institutions, and creates real opportunities for young Africans to lead. In closing, he urged academia, policymakers, and industry to work in partnership, noting that Africa’s progress depends on disciplined leadership, investment in human capital, and a shared commitment to building a future stronger than the present.
Fiscal Policies that have stood the test of time
The Governor of the Bank of Uganda, Dr. Michael Atingi-Ego, honored the late Prof. Emmanuel Tumusiime-Mutebile with a heartfelt tribute, praising him as “a great tree whose roots ran deep beneath the soil of this nation, nourishing all who followed.” He noted that Uganda continues to benefit from the “shade” of the policies Mutebile planted during his 21-year tenure—policies that stabilized the economy, strengthened institutions, and protected the financial system through multiple crises. He highlighted Mutebile’s role in restoring price stability through cash budgeting, bringing inflation down from triple digits to single digits, guiding the country through the 2008 global financial crisis with disciplined monetary policy, and maintaining public trust during the 2011 inflation spike through clear and transparent communication.
Dr. Atingi-Ego also credited him for steering Uganda safely through the COVID-19 pandemic by introducing liquidity support for banks, credit relief for borrowers, and targeted foreign exchange interventions. Reflecting on Mutebile’s long-term impact, the Governor remarked, “These are the ideas he planted—he never lived to enjoy the shade of the tree, but today, the country rests under it.” He further celebrated Mutebile’s commitment to innovation, citing the 2016 amendments to the Financial Institutions Act that unlocked agency banking, bancassurance, and Islamic banking—reforms that today anchor Uganda’s impressive financial inclusion gains.
Intergenerational Leadership blends agility and emotional intelligence
Eng. Dr. F. F. Tusubira delivered a compelling and deeply reflective keynote, grounding the theme “Intergenerational Leadership, Economic Resilience and the Power of Innovation” in both history and lived institutional experience. He expressed serious concern that although Africa is the world’s youngest continent—with over 65% of its population below 35—its systems continue to sideline young people from leadership and national decision-making, even as they are repeatedly called “leaders of tomorrow.” He argued that this generational exclusion is not merely unfair but dangerous, warning that nations cannot secure economic resilience while locking out the very demographic best equipped to navigate a rapidly evolving, technology-driven world.
Drawing on African proverbs, global case studies, and personal anecdotes from Makerere and national institutions, he demonstrated how younger generations bring idealism, agility, innovation, and risk-taking—qualities essential for competitiveness—while older generations contribute emotional intelligence, institutional memory and a heightened sense of danger. He emphasized that progress requires blending these strengths through deliberate structures: fair representation of youth in boards and executive spaces, shared decision-making, reverse mentorship, and an institutional culture that values every generational perspective.
Dr. Tusubira also highlighted the urgent need for education reform, criticizing the continent’s entrenched “learning to pass exams” culture and calling for systems that cultivate creativity, problem-solving, and technical capability. He cautioned that without investing in human capital, digital literacy, and inclusive innovation ecosystems, Africa risks losing the very foundation of future competitiveness. His message was clear and powerful: intergenerational leadership is not optional—it is a survival strategy for institutions, businesses, and nations, especially in an era where, as he quoted, “it is not the strongest who survive, but those most responsive to change.”
The lecture was further enriched by an engaging panel discussion, which was moderated by Prof. Edward Bbaale, the Principal, College of Business and Management Sciences. He opened the discussion by deliberately centering today’s students and emerging leaders, framing the session as an intellectual reflection on the life, values and legacy of the late Prof. Emmanuel Tumusiime-Mutebile. He positioned the lecture’s theme — Shaping Africa’s Future: Intergenerational Leadership, Economic Resilience and the Power of Innovation — as urgent and practical, and introduced a cross-disciplinary panel whose expertise mirrors that urgency: Eng. Dr. F. F. Tusubira, Mr. Charles Mudiwa the Managing Director Dfcu Bank, and Prof. Faisal Buyinza the Ag. Dean, School of Economics.
Prof. Bbaale’s moderation enabled panelists to offer guidance on structural and cultural barriers to youth inclusion, the role of institutions in building resilience, and how academia, industry and policy can work together to turn innovation into jobs and scalable solutions — all the while reserving time for direct audience engagement and practical policy takeaways. Collectively, the panelists urged dismantling age-biased barriers and credential rigidities, creating new entry points and “tables” for youth leadership, scaling finance and training for startups and agribusiness, reforming pedagogy to prioritise skills and creativity, and deepening public-private-academic partnerships so innovation becomes inclusive growth rather than isolated experimentation.
The Family’s heartfelt appreciation
Mrs. Betty Tumusiime-Mutebile delivered heartfelt closing remarks, offering gratitude on behalf of the family and the Tumusiime-Mutebile Foundation. Speaking with deep emotion, she reflected on the late Professor’s character—his honesty, humility, hard work, and unwavering commitment to service above self. She thanked Makerere University, the Bank of Uganda, the Foundation’s leadership, and the many friends and colleagues who have continued to uphold his legacy, noting that although nearly four years have passed since his departure, his memory remains vivid and powerful for the family.
She recalled his devotion to both his public duty and his home, sharing personal stories of his leadership within the family and his steadfast faith that shaped their daily lives. Mrs. Tumusiime-Mutebile also highlighted the Foundation’s ongoing work in youth skilling, ethical governance, and private-sector development—initiatives rooted in his own vision. She concluded by inviting continued partnership to sustain the legacy he built, and led the gathering in singing his favourite chorus, a tender tribute to a man whose influence, she said, endures through the lives he touched.
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