General
H.E. Xingwana Visits Mak, Discusses Next Mandela Lecture
The new South African High Commissioner to Uganda Her Excellency Lulama Mary-Theresa Xingwana on Friday 9th April, 2021 made her inaugural visit to Makerere University where she was received by the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe. H.E. Xingwana who presented her credentials to the President H.E. Yoweri Kaguta Museveni on 11th March 2021 was accompanied by her First Secretary: Political, Mr. A.E. Munaka.
“Your Excellency, you are most welcome to Uganda and Makerere University in particular”, remarked Prof. Nawangwe as he received the Diplomat. He noted that the University had enjoyed a cordial working relationship with the outgoing High Commissioner H.E. Prof. Maj. Gen. (Rtd) Lekoa Solly Mollo and looked forward to continuing the same with H.E. Xingwana.
In her remarks, H.E. Xingwana noted that Makerere University is a very prestigious institution on the African continent that is appreciated for both its history and current standing. “As young girls who grew up under apartheid, we always dreamt that we would one day study at the prestigious Makerere University because there were no opportunities for blacks to study in our Universities then.”
The High Commissioner then delved into the purpose of her visit, which was to revive the Annual Nelson Mandela Commemorative Lecture, despite the disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The lecture is an initiative of the South African High Commission in Uganda and Makerere University, spearheaded by the Department of Political Science and Public Administration. The inaugural lecture was launched on 31st August 2017 by H.E. Yoweri Kaguta Museveni and delivered by Nelson Mandela’s granddaughter, Ms. Zoleka Mandela.
“When I presented my credentials, I informed His Excellency the President of our readiness to revive the Annual Nelson Mandela Lecture and as part of the events celebrating Mandela Day this year, unveil a statue erected at the Mandela National Stadium” continued the High Commissioner.
H.E. Xingwana then proposed the weeks either preceding or following Mandela Day on Sunday 18th July, 2021 as possible dates for holding the Annual Nelson Mandela Commemorative Lecture and Unveiling Ceremony. “I thank you for hosting us and contributing your time and resources to ensure that the Nelson Mandela Lecture lives on as an educative, conscientiousness and awareness raising programme especially for the young people.”
In response, the Vice Chancellor said it was a privilege and honour for Makerere University to host the Annual Nelson Mandela Commemorative Lecture in appreciation of the former President’s selfless sacrifice.
“We are delighted to host the Annual Nelson Mandela Lecture in recognition of the dignity that the black South Africans and indeed blacks all over the world regained when the icon was released from prison” said Prof. Nawangwe before adding that he had been a privileged to visit Mandela’s Soweto home on 2nd February 2018 and meet Ms. Winnie Madikizela Mandela.
“Although she was frail, she was extremely glad when I dressed her in the Makerere University PhD gown and cap” added the Vice Chancellor.
The Vice Chancellor and High Commissioner also discussed the possibility of establishing a Centre of Excellence in honour of Ms. Winnie Mandela. The centre would help champion Human rights and Gender activism, fight against oppression of the underprivileged and uplift economically disadvantaged women, issues that Winnie Mandela was passionate about.
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President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni launches Annual Nelson Mandela Commemorative Lecture
Makerere University and the University of Notre Dame, Indiana, USA (ND) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), which opens opportunities for collaboration between the two historic and leading research institutions in the areas of staff and student exchange, joint research and training, joint supervision of graduate students, and others.
The Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe signed on behalf of Makerere University and Rev. Robert A. Dowd, the 18th President signed on behalf of the University of Notre Dame. The ceremony, which was held at the University of Notre Dame campus at South Bend, Indiana was witnessed by Dr. Lorna Magara, the Chairperson of the Council of Makerere University, who led the Mak delegation.
Dr. Magara appreciated the institutionalisation of the collaboration between the two universities and the very warm hospitality accorded to the Mak delegation.
General
Press Release: Government of Uganda and Partners Launch SAY Plus+ to Scale Youth Sexual Reproductive Health & Rights (SRHR) Impact in Underserved Regions
USD 50 million national programme moves into full implementation, strengthening
adolescent and youth rights, empowerment, protection and access to youth-responsive
services in 13 districts across five sub-regions
KAMPALA, 7 MAY 2026: The Government of Uganda, through the Ministry of Health, today officially launched the SAY Plus+ Programme, a Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) initiative designed to strengthen adolescent and youth rights, empowerment, protection and access to quality services in Uganda’s underserved regions.
The launch, held at Makerere University‘s Freedom Square under the theme “My Voice Matters: Youth Voices for SAY Plus+” and the tagline “Nothing for us, without us”, marks the programme’s transition into full implementation.
SAY Plus+, formerly known as Strengthening Adolescents and Youth Rights and Empowerment: Scaling Impact, is led by the Ministry of Health, in coordination with other Ministries, with UNFPA Uganda serving as the Managing and Technical Agency.
Backed by a USD 50 million pooled fund from the Governments of Iceland, Denmark, the Netherlands, and Sweden, the initiative is scheduled to operate between 2024 and 2030. It is currently being rolled out across thirteen districts within five sub-regions, providing targeted assistance to regional referral hospitals in Jinja, Mbale, Moroto, Yumbe, Arua, and Gulu. Furthermore, the programme supports the Human Capital Development goals established in Uganda’s National Development Plan IV.
“SAY Plus+ represents a shift from fragmented interventions to a coordinated national effort that meaningfully places young people at the centre of both design and delivery. Through our partnership with the Government of Uganda, development partners, and implementing partners, we are investing not only in services, but in the systems, communities, and environments that enable adolescents and young people to thrive not only today but also in the future,” said Ms. Kristine Blokhus, Representative – UNFPA Uganda.
Officially launched by the Minister of State for Health Hon. Margaret Muhanga, the SAY Plus+ programme targets adolescents and young people aged 10 to 24 years, with particular focus on adolescent girls and young women, refugees and host-community youth, out-of-school young people, those not in employment, education or training, adolescents with disabilities, and young people in humanitarian and post-conflict settings.
“For many of us, things like this one are designed without listening to what we go through every day, think or even feel. SAY Plus+ feels different because it starts with our voices and gives us a real role in shaping solutions. It is not just about information, it is about being supported to make decisions, access services, and build the future we want.” – Jovia Dranzoa, Young person.
SAY Plus+ operates through three pillars. First, it empowers youth to exercise their rights and make informed choices. Second, it engages families, communities, and leaders to address harmful social norms. Third, it strengthens youth-responsive SRHR, HIV, and gender-based violence services via health facilities and community platforms, aiming to reach over 2.3 million direct and indirect beneficiaries.
The SAY Plus+ initiative stands as a model of international cooperation and multi-sectoral synergy. Through the combined support of the Governments of Iceland, Denmark, the Netherlands, and Sweden, and the technical leadership of UNFPA, Uganda is now equipped to scale-up critical interventions in HIV prevention, gender-based violence response, and reproductive health. With implementation now in high gear through 2030, the programme is poised to make a lasting contribution to the nation’s human capital development goals.
— ENDS —
Photos from the event
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