R-L: The Ambassador of France to Uganda-H.E Jules-Armand Aniambossou, KAS Uganda and South Sudan Country Representative-Ms. Anna Reismann, Principal CoBAMS-Dr. Eria Hisali, UN Women Uganda Deputy Country Representative-Ms. Adekemi Ndieli and Director of Alliance Française de Kampala-Dr. Patrice Gilles at the 4th Kampala Geopolitics Conference Press Briefing, 2nd November 2021, CTF2 Auditorium, Makerere University. Photo: #KampalaGeopolitics
Makerere University in conjunction with the Embassy of France in Uganda in partnership with Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung (KAS), the French Institute for International and Strategic Affairs (IRIS), Alliance Française de Kampala and UN Women Uganda is set to host the Fourth Edition of the Kampala Geopolitics Conference from Wednesday 10th to Friday 12th November 2021.
The Conference to be held in line with the theme Crisis and Opportunity: Mapping the Geopolitical Importance of Africa is aimed at creating an interactive and dynamic platform for dialogue and free exchange of ideas between experts from Uganda and their counterparts from the African continent as well as from around the world.
Speaking at the Press Conference held in the Central Teaching Facility 2 (CTF2) Auditorium on Tuesday 2nd November 2021 to officially launch the event, the Principal College of Business and Management Sciences (CoBAMS) Dr. Eria Hisali who represented the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe thanked the partners for choosing Makerere University to once again host the Kampala Geopolitics Conference.
Dr. Eria Hisali represented the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe. Photo: #KampalaGeopolitics
“We commit all our resources to ensuring that we have successful conference this November. Our job as academics will be to take discussion beyond the conference sessions of the three-day event” said Dr. Hisali.
Addressing the press, the Ambasssador of France to Uganda, H.E. Jules-Armand Aniambossou the Fourth Edition of the Conference will bring together researchers, representatives from the civil society, international organizations and governments, artists, and entrepreneurs.
“The conference aims to give room for these global-shapers, issued from the national, regional and international levels, to share their expertise and to make their voice heard regarding the pressing issues our society and our planet are facing” he remarked.
The Ambassador of France to Uganda, H.E Jules-Armand Aniambossou thanked the partners for believing in the conference’s vision to foster free debate on issues affecting and shaping society. Photo: #KampalaGeopolitics
He highlighted three issues of particular importance to France that the conference would help address. These are;
Sport as a soft power tool through the case study of Olympics and Paralympics, as France makes preparations to host the Olympic Games in 2024.
The development of a new Africa-European Union relationship within the framework of the post-Cotonou agreement signed in April 2020.
The adoption of a new format of global interaction through the use of Twitter Space so as to promote local and international involvement of the public particularly the youth.
UN Women Uganda Deputy Country Representative, Ms. Adekemi Ndieli shared that the conference would discuss gender inequality and women empowerment. Photo: #KampalaGeopolitics
The Press Conference was also addressed by Ms. Adekemi Ndieli, the Deputy Country Representative, UN Women Uganda who congratulated Makerere University upon 100 years of shaping millions of minds as well as 30 years of the School of Women and Gender Studies (SWGS). She pledged her organisation’s commitment to partner with SWGS to empower more women, promote gender equality and fight against gender-based violence (GBV) in all its forms.
“We have seen in across the world and in Uganda what we call the ‘twin pandemic’ that is gender-based violence in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, which has affected young girls the most” she observed, noting that we cannot discuss geopolitics without voices of women.
KAS Uganda and South Sudan Country Representative, Ms. Anna Reismann thanked partners for postponing the conference to November to allow for students’ participation. Photo: #KampalaGeopolitics
Ms. Anna Reismann, Country Representative of Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung in Uganda and South Sudan in her remarks appreciated the partners for their flexibility in postponing the Conference to November in order to allow for physical presence of students. “I come to Makerere often but it is good to now see students on the roads going about their business.”
She thanked Makerere University for accepting to host the Fourth Edition of the Conference, noting that, “this is an important path to return to normality and we take this opportunity to congratulate the university on its 100 years of existence.”
Director of Alliance Française de Kampala, Dr. Patrice Gilles shared that the Fourth Edition will offer an ardent cultural programme. Photo: #KampalaGeopolitics
Dr. Patrice Gilles, the Director of Alliance Française de Kampala shared that his organisation shall offer an ardent cultural program in preparation for the Fourth Edition of the Conference.
“In close collaboration with the French Embassy, Alliance Française, KQ Hub and Citizen Report UG will offer an ardent cultural programme at the Kampala Geopolitics Conference. We shall have a photo exhibition to promote work of visual storytellers and a Quiz” remarked Dr. Gilles.
The first quiz on the Kampala Geopolitics Conference will be held on Friday 5th November, 2021 in a live session hosted on the Citizen Report UG twitter page.
The Acting Vice Chancellor, Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi on Thursday 29th May, 2025 held a press conference to update members of the Media on the Infectious Diseases Institute (IDI) Medical Drone Programme, and the Kampala Status Summary 2023 on Road Safety Risk Factors, conducted under the Bloomberg Philanthropies Initiative for Global Road Safety, a collaborative effort between the Johns Hopkins International Injury Research Unit and the Trauma, Injury, and Disability (TRIAD) Unit at Makerere University School of Public Health (MakSPH). Also presented were updates on; Digital Certification of Academic Transcripts, Digital Supervision of Graduate Students, Inclusive e-Learning and Smart Classrooms, and Launch of the Artificial Intelligence (AI) Laboratory at the College of Computing and Information Sciences (CoCIS).
The event held in the Senior Common Room, Main Building, was on behalf of the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe presided over by the Acting (Ag.) DVC AA and substantive Academic Registrar, Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi. Presentations were made by Executive Director of the Infectious Diseases Institute (IDI), Dr. Andrew Kambugu and Head of the Trauma, Injuries, and Disability (TRIAD) Unit, Dr. Fredrick Oporia. Dr. Jimmy Osuret and Dr. Esther Bayiga from TRIAD supplemented Dr. Oporia’s presentation. In attendance were; the Director for ICT Support (DICTS)-Mr. Samuel Mugabi, Deputy Chief – Public Relations-Ms. Betty Kyakuwa, Deputy Chief Security Officer-Mr. Musa Mulindwa and other university officials.
The proceedings of the Press Conference follow below;
Vice Chancellors’ Press Statement
Good morning colleagues, members of the press,
It is my pleasure to welcome you to this important media briefing, where we share compelling findings from two groundbreaking studies that reflect Makerere University‘s ongoing commitment to impactful research, innovation, and community transformation.
The first is a pioneering initiative led by the Infectious Diseases Institute—the IDI Medical Drone Programme. This project explores the use of drone technology to deliver lifesaving HIV medications and test samples to hard-to-reach populations, particularly in Kalangala District and the West Nile region. The study demonstrates how drones can overcome logistical barriers, reduce costs, and enhance access to critical healthcare in some of Uganda’s most underserved communities.
The second study is the Kampala Status Summary 2023 on Road Safety Risk Factors, conducted under the Bloomberg Philanthropies Initiative for Global Road Safety. This collaborative effort between the Johns Hopkins International Injury Research Unit and our Trauma, Injury, and Disability Unit here at Makerere University presents over two years of data on vehicle speed and helmet use in Kampala. It provides vital insights into the human behaviours and systemic gaps contributing to road traffic injuries and fatalities—particularly among vulnerable road users. The study also offers evidence-based recommendations for enforcement, planning, and public health messaging aimed at making Kampala’s roads safer for all.
We are proud to support this kind of research that not only advances knowledge but also drives tangible improvements in public health and safety.
Before I invite the researchers to present their findings, allow me to briefly highlight some transformative developments in the areas of academic registry and ICT advancement here at Makerere University:
Digital Certification of Academic Transcripts:
Alumni can now certify their transcripts digitally through the Makerere Academic Records System (Mak-ARS https://makars.mak.ac.ug/), eliminating the need for physical visits. This user-friendly platform allows access from anywhere in the world, supported by comprehensive video tutorials and public communications.
Digital Supervision of Graduate Students
We have introduced the Research Information Management System (Mak-RIMS), piloted at the College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, to streamline the supervision of Master’s and PhD research. This initiative enhances accountability, timely feedback, and is now being rolled out university-wide to improve graduation rates.
Inclusive eLearning and Smart Classrooms
Through support from development partners and the Government of Uganda, we are establishing multimedia studios and smart classrooms across our colleges. These state-of-the-art facilities are designed to produce professional, accessible learning content, including tools tailored for students with visual and auditory disabilities. This aligns with our goal of equitable, globally competitive education.
Launch of the AI Laboratory at CoCIS:
The newly launched Artificial Intelligence Laboratory will spearhead the development of AI-enabled solutions tailored to Uganda’s socio-economic needs, including localized assistive eLearning tools and context-sensitive curriculum development.
These initiatives are part of our broader vision to transform Makerere University into a research-led, inclusive, and globally relevant institution.
The Senior Program Director, Higher Education and Research in Africa, International Program, Carnegie Corporation of New York, Prof. Omotade Akin Aina on 23rd May 2025 visited Makerere University during his short trip to Kampala. Prof. Aina was received on behalf of the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe by Prof. Tony Oyana, Principal of the College of Computing and Information Sciences (CoCIS).
During his visit, Prof. Aina met with the Project Implementation Committee, representatives from the Consolidating Early Career Academics Programme (CECAP) phase I Fellowship Cohort, and current Fellows of phase II. The meeting discussed the progress of CECAP II, which focuses on fostering academic development and research among early-career academics.
Left to Ritght: Dr. Jesca Nakavuma and Prof. Julius Kikooma alongside Prof. Omotade Akin Aina during the meeting.
CECAP II is being implemented by Makerere University in collaboration with four other Ugandan public universities, including; Busitema University, Gulu University, Kyambogo University and Mbarara University of Science and Technology. Prof. Mukadasi Buyinza, the Project Principal Investigator was represented at the meeting by the Director of Graduate Training, Prof. Julius Kikooma.
The Directorate of Graduate Training at Makerere University has equipped several Senior ranking lecturers with expert knowledge in a Training of Trainers’ workshop on “Philosophy of Methods”.
In his remarks at the opening of a 3-day training workshop at Level4 Conference Hall – Senate Building, the Director of Graduate Training Prof. Julius Kikooma said, “The teaching of Philosophy of Methods gives all participants the fundamentals to extend knowledge to other learners, hence its importance in upholding the Makerere University values.”
Kikooma urged and challenged the participants to also attend and actively participate in the follow up of learners’ training of students, stating that the PhD students need support as the directorate continues to coordinate the curriculum of PhD by-research that was approved by the senate recently.
“To holistically implement the senate approved PhD curriculum, we are coordinating capacity building trainings of all stake holders in a structured approach with the different units of the University. Many more trainings including Training of Trainers in advanced research methods course are on the way.”
He further urged the participants to be intentional in their teaching profession and in whatever they were doing, adding “Apart from focusing on practices as teachers and researchers, we can engage in wider philosophical debates in our research areas so that we are relevant in the society and in the empowerment of PhD research students.”
The participants for the Philosophy of Methods training were from College of Humanities and Social Sciences, College of Education and External Studies, Makerere University Business School among others.
During the same training, Dr. Dickson Kanakulya stressed the need to train senior lecturers in the Philosophy of Methods, saying, “The biggest connection is that societal problems require concrete research to find solutions. Our challenge in Africa is that we employ a short barrow approach to find solutions to problems. This cannot work. We need consistent researchers to solve problems. Lasting solutions to societal issues can only be got through training such as Philosophy of Methods, where researchers come up with new models for societal solutions.”
Prof. Julius Kikooma pose for a photo with participants and facilitators.
Dr. Kanakulya said that Makerere University remains the biggest research University in Africa and philosophy of Methods helps to come up with good research tools that produce good research outputs. “Research has shown that the higher the number of PhD researchers in any given country, the higher the levels of development of that country e.g. the USA, China etc., adding that research is not limited to only medicinal or agricultural related issues.”
He said philosophy of methods, encourages philosophical creativity in research, “It is meant to bring out philosophical generation of concepts, theories and ideas. It is meant to encourage students to question the existing philosophical assumptions and status quo in a given field of knowledge such that new philosophical concepts are created.”
For successful rollout of government programs like the National Development Plan 4, Dr. Kanakulya said that Philosophy of Methods training needs to be integrated into such systems. “Philosophy of Methods focuses on ethical thinking aspects. For example, for a better rollout of the Parish Development Model, we need implementers to be ethical.” He added.
Prof. Sulait Tumwiine, the associate Dean of Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research at MUBS said, “This is a discussion where new ideas are shared to guide and gauge applicability in the current knowledge diversity coupled with lots of technological development including Artificial Intelligence and Chat GPT.”
He added, “As professors of Universities, we need to understand how we leverage on what comes up so that it does not take our space, but also appreciate how we can support growth of knowledge. The Philosophy of Methods training is the answer.”
Dr. Jim Spire Ssentongo highlighted that Philosophy uses more of the critical mind than Science. He added that philosophy is more of speculation of the mind.
“Sustainability of philosophy Education encourages us to continue training. Philosophy being the oldest discipline retained special status in the academia as a pinnacle of pursuit of knowledge. All disciplines have major elements of philosophy citing examples in the philosophy of Mathematics and Physics.
Dr. Spire added, “If you do not understand philosophy, you cannot deeply investigate anything because philosophy is the reality of understanding everything. Philosophy is the basis of understanding what knowledge is and how it is arrived at.”
Also participating in the workshop was Prof. Joseph Ntaayi from MUBS, in his remarks he said PhD students need the philosophy of methods training to understand how to best to create knowledge. He added that ontological and epistemological questions that lead to good research design methods can only be answered by this training.
Dr. Robert Kakuru, a Lecturer in the College of Humanities and Social Sciences said that the Philosophy of Methods training is needed by every graduate student as well as supervisors to critically determine the choice of methods to use in academic research. For example, “If one wants to use a questionnaire as an interview approach, one should understand, why that approach and yet without this training, the why cannot be answered.” He added.