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Mak Press launches Nine Books, 40 in the Pipeline

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The atmosphere was festive on the warm Tuesday afternoon of 28th June 2022 as the Makerere University Press (MUP) presented its bumper harvest of nine (9) scholarly titles to the public. And, as any proud “parent” would, the Managing Editor, MUP, Dr. Samuel Siminyu took time to carefully introduce each of his “children”; the book titles and their respective authors. But first, he profusely thanked the authors for entrusting MUP with their intellectual property, an act he partly attributed to the reputation Makerere has earned itself over the century of existence.

“Makerere University Press is basing on that historic achievement to also make a name for you, for itself and for Makerere in the scholarly publishing arena” Dr. Siminyu praised. “Working with you personally has extended our circle of acquaintances and deepened our comradery” he added.

Dr. Samuel Siminyu, Managing Editor, Makerere University Press (MUP).
Dr. Samuel Siminyu, Managing Editor, Makerere University Press (MUP).

The nine books launched that afternoon were;

  1. Runyakitara Language Studies: A Guide for Advanced Learners and Teachers in Runyakitara edited by Oswald K. Ndoleriire,
  2. Contemporary Issues in Educational Research and Policy in the Global South edited by Connie Ssebbunga-Masembe and Samuel N. Siminyu,
  3. What I Saw When I Died by Jimmy Spire Ssentongo,
  4. Moving Back into the Future: Critical Recovering of Africa’s Cultural Heritage edited by Dominica Dipio,
  5. Countering Violent Extremism in Uganda: An Assessment of the History, Philosophies and Strategies by Veneranda Mbabazi and Others,
  6. Lulu ya Bara by Innocent Masengo,
  7. HIV/AIDS in Uganda: Achievements and Challenges edited by James Kiwanuka-Tondo,
  8. Statehood on Trial: Thoughts on the 1966 Uganda Political Crisis by Joseph Bossa, and
  9. (Mis) Management of sub-Nationalism and Diversity in “Nations”: The case of Buganda in Uganda, 1979-1980 by Godfrey Asiimwe

Author appreciation

After his brief appreciation to the hardworking Prof. Oswald Ndoleriire and his team for their book Runyakitara Language Studies: A Guide for Advanced Learners and Teachers in Runyakitara, Dr. Siminyu pondered, “if we cannot publish to promote and immortalise the study of our local languages, who will?” He was nevertheless happy to announce that relatedly, MUP had received and was processing manuscripts in and about Kiswahili, Luganda, Luo, Ateso and Lusoga.

Runyakitara Language Studies: A Guide for Advanced Learners and Teachers in Runyakitara edited by Prof. Oswald Ndoleriire.
Runyakitara Language Studies: A Guide for Advanced Learners and Teachers in Runyakitara edited by Prof. Oswald Ndoleriire.

Turning to Sr. Dominica Dipio, he thanked the prolific author, filmmaker and Professor of Literature and Film for not only transferring her book Moving Back into the Future: Critical Recovering of Africa’s Cultural Heritage from an international publisher to MUP but also reminding his team of our collective obligation to reach out to the whole world with our African voice.

Moving Back into the Future: Critical Recovering of Africa’s Cultural Heritage edited by Prof. Sr. Dominica Dipio.
Moving Back into the Future: Critical Recovering of Africa’s Cultural Heritage edited by Prof. Sr. Dominica Dipio.

Dr. Siminyu then thanked Prof. Connie Sebbunga-Masembe for reminding us all that higher education is not just the concern of educationists at the College of Education and External Studies. Describing the book Contemporary Issues in Educational Research and Policy in the Global South as “a rich mosaic of ideas that could help propel higher education in our region to another level,” he was happy to share that it had already been warmly received and labelled by scholars of higher education as “very informative”.

Contemporary Issues in Educational Research and Policy in the Global South edited by Prof. Connie Ssebbunga-Masembe and Dr. Samuel N. Siminyu.
Contemporary Issues in Educational Research and Policy in the Global South edited by Prof. Connie Ssebbunga-Masembe and Dr. Samuel N. Siminyu.

“As a public intellectual, Dr. Jimmy Spire Ssentongo endeared us to the common man on the street with his sweet satire – What I Saw When I Died. We have had to ship his popular title across the country and into neighbouring Kenya and Tanzania on taxis, buses and boda-bodas” complimented the Managing Editor.

What I Saw When I Died by Dr. Jimmy Spire Ssentongo.
What I Saw When I Died by Dr. Jimmy Spire Ssentongo.

Dr. Siminyu then thanked Dr. Veneranda Mbabazi and her team for showing through their book Countering Violent Extremism in Uganda: An Assessment of the History, Philosophies and Strategies that researchers can subject even fields as intimidating as terrorism to scholarly reflection. “We hope that their findings will contribute to our understanding of and fight against terrorism.”

Countering Violent Extremism in Uganda: An Assessment of the History, Philosophies and Strategies by Veneranda Mbabazi, Helen Nambalirwa-Nkabala, Dickson Kanakulya, Samson Barigye, Charlotte Karungi Mafumbo, Hilary Kiiza, Umar Serunjogi and Abdu Katende.
Countering Violent Extremism in Uganda: An Assessment of the History, Philosophies and Strategies by Veneranda Mbabazi, Helen Nambalirwa-Nkabala, Dickson Kanakulya, Samson Barigye, Charlotte Karungi Mafumbo, Hilary Kiiza, Umar Serunjogi and Abdu Katende.

He then described working with the late Joseph Bossa on his book Statehood on Trial: Thoughts on the 1966 Uganda Political Crisis as a journey of discovery. “Can you imagine an Acting President of the former ruling party coming to see you all by himself – without a bodyguard or personal assistant?…a UPC leader who can pinpoint faults in Obote’s performance as a political leader and also see some positive traits in Yoweri Museveni’s performance?…Bossa was an enigma! He beat every stereotype and stood out as an independent thinker.”

Statehood on Trial: Thoughts on the 1966 Uganda Political Crisis by Joseph Bossa.
Statehood on Trial: Thoughts on the 1966 Uganda Political Crisis by Joseph Bossa.

Of the next title (Mis) Management of sub-Nationalism and Diversity in “Nations”: The case of Buganda in Uganda, 1979-1980, Dr. Siminyu said, “When you read Dr. Godfrey Asiimwe’s work, you feel like telling the gentleman to stop talking and just concentrate on writing! His writing is so deep and sweet. He looks at what many other authors have already written about and comes up with fresh revelations.”

(Mis) Management of sub-Nationalism and Diversity in “Nations”: The case of Buganda in Uganda, 1979-1980 by Dr. Godfrey Asiimwe.
(Mis) Management of sub-Nationalism and Diversity in “Nations”: The case of Buganda in Uganda, 1979-1980 by Dr. Godfrey Asiimwe.

Dr. Siminyu described Prof. James Kiwanuka-Tondo’s book HIV/AIDS in Uganda: Achievements and Challenges as “another gem that was retrieved from another publisher and given to us as a statement of faith in Makerere and what it is capable of doing… Through these works, James has re-issued some pieces published in world-class journals, making them accessible and affordable for our local readers. This is a model that should be emulated.”

HIV/AIDS in Uganda: Achievements and Challenges edited by Prof. James Kiwanuka-Tondo.
HIV/AIDS in Uganda: Achievements and Challenges edited by Prof. James Kiwanuka-Tondo.

“Can you imagine a Ugandan writing Kiswahili poetry?” pondered Dr. Siminyu with reference to Dr. Innocent Masengo’s Lulu ya Bara (The Pearl of the Continent). “We are waiting to hear what our Kiswahili-speaking regional neighbours will say. They have previously alleged that Kiswahili was born in Tanzania, died in Kenya, and was buried in Uganda.” he humorously added.

Lulu ya Bara by Dr. Innocent Masengo.
Lulu ya Bara by Dr. Innocent Masengo.

Keynote address

In line with the yearlong centenary celebrations, the Keynote address was appropriately titled “100 Years of Scholarly Publishing at Makerere“. It was delivered by Prof. J. Robert Ikoja Odongo, a gallant alumnus, former Principal of the College of Computing and Information Sciences (CoCIS), currently serving as Vice Chancellor of Soroti University. The Keynote Speaker expressed happiness at being back home, where his destiny was shaped.

From the outset, Prof. Ikoja sought to distinguish scholarly publishing from other forms of publishing such as; book publishing, trade publishing, journal publishing, newspaper publishing, magazine publishing, self-publishing and music publishing.

“Scholarly publishing is one branch of publishing that specializes in publishing for an academic and professional or scholarly market or scholarly community and the public with interest in a particular area of research” he said.

Prof. Ikoja further clarified that the outputs of scholarly publishing are researched material that are disseminated in universities, at conferences and during seminars and symposia. Post dissemination, they may be published as proceedings or in refereed journals as articles. He clarified that monographs or books belong to this category.

Chronicling the journey of publishing at over the last 100 years, Prof. Ikoja paid tribute to Sir Philip Mitchell who served as Governor of Uganda from 1935 to 1940, for championing and forecasting Makerere University to be an icon of education in the region and recommending the establishment of the Press. Subsequently, in 1945 a production unit called the Printer was established in the basement of the Main Administration Building and University Managers at the time sent one Yeko Mukasa to Britain, to be equipped with skills to run the Printer.

Following its establishment the Printer began publishing titles such as Commercial law in East Africa by John W. Katende, Medical statistics, Psychiatry, and African indigenous education by Prof. Jakayo Peter Ociti. Prof. Ikoja further cited Professors such as David Rubadiri, Margaret Donohue, George Kanyeihamba, Fredrick Kayanja, John Mbiti, Austin Bukenya, Mahmood Mamdani, Ali Mazrui and Okot p’Bitek among others who wrote and published many books and monographs.

Prof. J. Robert Ikoja Odongo delivers the Keynote Address.
Prof. J. Robert Ikoja Odongo delivers the Keynote Address.

The keynote speaker elaborated that publications by Makerere researchers were done both within the University and abroad. “The reason for outside publishing was political safety in some cases, economic emancipation in some while in others, an inability of Makerere to handle their works internally and on time.”

In particular, Prof. Ikoja pointed to the period between 1940 and 1960 as one of growth of African nationalism, with Makerere becoming a hive of militant students. “African strand of students started a writing scheme from which Makerere harvested many story book manuscripts that were later published including those published under the Crow Press of the East African Literature Bureau.”

Detailing Makerere‘s history of Journals, Prof. Ikoja outlined the; Makerere Medical Journal (MMJ) 1964,  Mawazo 1968,  Makerere Law Journal 1975, Journal of African Religion and Philosophy 1989, East African Journal of Rural Economy, African Crop Science Journal, 1993, Dialogue 1994, African Journal of Peace and Human Rights 1995, Makerere Journal of Higher Education 1998 as evidence that Makerere had been engaged in journal publishing.

Despite this rich and vibrant history, Prof. Ikoja took issue with his Alma Mater’s limited usage of its own books and journals in teaching and research. He nevertheless called for more planning, recognition and enthusiasm to reverse the dominant use of foreign literature. He added that MUP could contribute to solving local problems by publishing well-illustrated manuals for farmers as well as artisans such as welders, builders, etc. and translating these into various local languages.

Furthermore, he called for the enactment of a publications policy to guide planning, financing, and book development among other activities and the elevation of MUP to the status Directorate. The Keynote speaker equally tasked MUP to work closely with the Directorate of Research and Graduate Training (DRGT) to scope for publishable theses or dissertations.

Prof. Ikoja challenged MUP to work together with other local, regional and international Presses such as; African Book Collective, Southern African Bibliographic Information Network (SABINET) and the Consortium of Uganda University Libraries (CUUL) to develop marketing for Makerere University imprint.

Additionally, he encouraged MUP to; consider co-publishing with Presses on other continents or partner with them to include book reviews in the lists. He reiterated the need for MUP to explore translations as a means expand their market, and take advantage of ICT for e- scholarly publications and online marketing.

Panel discussion

The keynote address was followed by a panel discussion graced by the Principal of the College of Humanities and Social Sciences (CHUSS), Prof. Josephine Ahikire and Dr. Jimmy Spire Ssentongo from the Department of Philosophy, CHUSS.

The Principal, College of Humanities and Social Sciences (CHUSS), Prof. Josephine Ahikire.
The Principal, College of Humanities and Social Sciences (CHUSS), Prof. Josephine Ahikire.

Moderated by Mr. Isaac Tibasiima from the Department of Literature, CHUSS, the panel discussion was a moment for the College to bask in the spotlight of scholarly publishing, as most of the books to be launched were authored by fellow faculty.

Dr. Jimmy Spire Ssentongo, Department of Philosophy, College of Humanities and Social Sciences (CHUSS).
Dr. Jimmy Spire Ssentongo, Department of Philosophy, College of Humanities and Social Sciences (CHUSS).

Key highlights from this session were;

  • The need for Makerere to create demand for knowledge by promoting multidisciplinary publication and content that speaks to all aspects of our human nature, be they spiritual, material, social, philosophical etc.
  • Writers ought to go beyond simply paying attention to producing new knowledge to caring about who is actually reading and making use of it. Academics should also never shy away from promoting their own works
  • The need to examine how favourable our scholar incentive structure is to the book writing and how policies on promotion have contributed to or disincentivised the same.
  • The need to decolonise publication and knowledge production in our promotion processes. Unwarranted extra scrutiny of articles published in local journals during promotion processes pushes authors to publish in international ones that don’t attract as much scrutiny.
  • The need to promote writing in our local languages as a political act. Furthermore, there is need include more of our writers in teaching and research course content as a way of motivating the younger generation to write and expand knowledge in our context
  • The culture of always seeking to go beyond the comforts of what we have achieved, what we know and what is celebrated by our society and peers as true success should be strongly encouraged.
  • It is our responsibility as inheritors to grow the body of knowledge beyond what already exists

Concluding remarks

The Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic Affairs) and Chairperson of the MUP Editorial Board, Prof. Umar Kakumba in his remarks sincerely appreciated the authors for having faith in the Press to publish their work. “I am also delighted to note that we have over 40 manuscripts in the pipeline under the Makerere University Press, which is a great sign of confidence in this institution.”

He appreciated the Vice Chancellor for entrusting him and the MUP Editorial Board and staff with the responsibility to promote scholarly publishing. The MUP mandate, he said, is in line with the core thrust of the Makerere Strategic Plan to make the University research-led.

Prof. Umar Kakumba, Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic Affairs) and Chairperson, Makerere University Press (MUP) Editorial Board.
Prof. Umar Kakumba, Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic Affairs) and Chairperson, Makerere University Press (MUP) Editorial Board.

Prof. Kakumba further noted that the cost recovery model employed by MUP unlike the return on investment model employed by other publishing houses would ensure that authors’ publications hit the market at a competitive cost, which will enable more people to purchase and read their works.

Prior to inviting the Chief Guest to officially launch the books, the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe expressed great pride at being at the helm of Makerere at a time when the University is progressing towards its goal of being a vibrant research university. He congratulated the authors upon investing time and energy in scholarly publishing and being good role models for other staff.

“My main objective as Vice Chancellor is the emancipation of our people from mental slavery. And so it makes me very happy to see authors beginning to publish about the issues that affect Uganda and Africa” remarked Prof. Nawangwe. He congratulated Prof. Kakumba and the Editorial Board as well as Dr. Siminyu and the MUP staff upon this achievement.

The Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe.
The Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe.

Prof. Nawangwe challenged the younger generation in the room to always remember that their continent and its people are marginalised. He added that it is the responsibility of youth to fight and overcome the present state of affairs.

The Chief Guest at the Book Launch was the Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Hon. Dr. Monica Musenero, who was represented by Dr. Cosmas Mwikirize, Member of Staff at the College of Engineering, Design, Art and Technology (CEDAT) currently serving as the Ministry’s Leader of the Engineering Economy.

Commending the scholars on their impressive publications, the Minister nevertheless warned that the race is far from over if this knowledge does not add value to society, make peoples’ lives better, create a conscious and transformed society, as well as contribute to reorientation of mindsets, value systems and policy.

Hon. Dr. Musenero nevertheless commended Makerere University for establishing a viable Press, which will serve as an example to other Ugandan Universities. “We are proud of the quality of publications that we have witnessed today and we encourage you to do more; it is important that we strive to maintain international quality standards in our scholarly publications.”

Furthermore, she challenged the University to ensure that most of her publications are availed electronically. “A small spark can light a fire and cause conflagration capable of consuming forests of intellectual ignorance. Today, electronic media are the chief enablers of this conflagration.”

Hon. Dr. Musenero concluded by thanking the Vice Chancellor and University Management for nurturing and supporting the spirit of innovation. She expressed the Government’s anticipation to seeing more publications in varied disciplines as well as from beyond the gates of Makerere.

Upon officially launching the nine (9) books, Dr. Mwikirize accompanied by the Vice Chancellor and Members of Management autographed dummies of the books and had a photo moment with the authors and their families. Mr. Tibasiima, assisted by the Principal Public Relations Officer (PRO), Ms. Ritah Namisango moderated the days proceedings.

Mak Editor

Business & Management

PIM CoE equips Public Officers to Make Better Public Investment Decisions

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PIM CoE equips Public Officers to Make Better Public Investment Decisions

The two-week training programme aims to equip government officers with practical skills to assess project viability, manage investment risks and ensure public resources deliver value for money.

The Public Investment Management Centre of Excellence (PIM CoE) is strengthening the capacity of government officers to undertake financial appraisal and risk analysis of public investment projects through a two-week training programme designed to improve the quality of project preparation, appraisal and decision-making in Uganda.

The training, which started in Fort Portal on October 19, 2026, brought together participants from various government ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs), alongside facilitators from Makerere University, the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, Cambridge Resources International (CRI), the National Planning Authority and the Uganda Development Bank.

Officially opening the training on behalf of the Permanent Secretary/Secretary to the Treasury, Ms Esther Ayebare, Acting Assistant Commissioner in the Project Analysis and Public Investment Department of the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, emphasised the importance of rigorous project appraisal in strengthening Uganda’s public investment management system.

She noted that projects admitted into the public investment plan must be aligned with national priorities, technically sound, financially viable and capable of delivering value for money.

“Government must be able to compare investment alternatives and ensure that only viable projects proceed through the public investment process,” she emphasised.

Ms Esther Ayebare, Acting Assistant Commissioner in the Project Analysis and Public Investment Department of the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development

Ms Ayebare explained that sound appraisal enables government to make informed investment decisions, maximise returns on public expenditure and ensure that limited public resources are directed towards projects with the greatest potential to deliver development outcomes.

Building practical skills for better investment decisions

The training builds on the Public Investment Management course conducted in June, which introduced participants to Uganda’s public investment management framework, including project conceptualisation, stakeholder analysis, project costing, implementation action plans, the Integrated Bank of Projects, and monitoring and evaluation of public investment reforms.

The current programme advances this foundation by equipping participants with technical competencies in financial appraisal, financial modelling and risk analysis.

Participants will explore integrated investment appraisal, alternative investment criteria, cash-flow statements, inflation and exchange-rate movements, asset valuation, project financing, project scale and timing, risk-sharing arrangements and cost-effectiveness analysis.

Through practical exercises and case studies, participants will apply these concepts to investment scenarios in sectors such as roads, health, education and water. The programme will also examine how climate change, social considerations and other risks can be integrated into project preparation and appraisal.

Ms Ayebare encouraged participants to engage actively with the facilitators, question the practical application of the tools and consider how the skills acquired could improve investment decisions within their respective institutions.

She also reminded participants that the programme includes an examination and that certification requires more than attendance. Participants are expected to demonstrate an understanding of the concepts and acquire practical skills that they can apply in their work.

Reducing dependence on externally prepared studies

A key objective of the training is to strengthen the ability of government institutions to undertake high-quality project appraisal studies using their own technical teams.

Public officers gather for a specialized training session at the Public Investment Management Center of Excellence (PIM COE) to enhance their skills in making sound and strategic public investment decisions.
Public officers gather for a specialized training session at the Public Investment Management Center of Excellence (PIM COE) to enhance their skills in making sound and strategic public investment decisions.

Ms Ayebare observed that many studies submitted to the Development Committee have traditionally been prepared by external consultants, often at considerable cost. Building the capacity of public officers to conduct these studies independently can help institutions strengthen their technical expertise and improve the quality of project proposals presented for consideration.

She urged participants to take full advantage of the facilitators’ expertise and return to their institutions equipped to undertake sound financial appraisals and provide evidence-based advice to decision-makers.

She further emphasised that project approval requires thorough preparation, analysis and justification, rather than simply identifying available funding and proposing a project to utilise it.

Strengthening public investment management through capacity development

In his remarks, Prof. Edward Bbaale, Director of the PIM CoE, thanked the Ministry of Finance for its financial support and for identifying participants from government institutions. He also recognised the contributions of the facilitators and partner institutions in delivering the programme.

Prof. Edward Bbaale, Director of the PIM CoE

Prof. Bbaale noted that the Centre’s work extends beyond training to include research and advisory services aimed at improving public investment management practices. He encouraged continued collaboration with government institutions and other partners to advance research, knowledge sharing and capacity development.

Speaking during the training, Dr John Sseruyange, Manager of the PIM CoE, highlighted the importance of commitment, active participation and punctuality throughout the programme. He encouraged participants to engage with the facilitators, ask questions and apply the knowledge gained to the projects they support.

Dr Sseruyange also acknowledged the Government of Uganda, through the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, for financing the training, and appreciated Cambridge Resources International for its continued support towards improving public investment preparation and analysis in Uganda.

The training reflects ongoing efforts to strengthen Uganda’s public investment management system by equipping public officers with the knowledge and practical competencies needed to assess projects rigorously, identify potential risks and make informed investment decisions.

By developing in-house expertise across government institutions, the programme seeks to contribute to better-prepared projects, more efficient use of public resources and improved delivery of Uganda’s development priorities.

Betty Kyakuwa
Betty Kyakuwa

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Complete Nyerere Historical Tasks of Uniting and Prospering Africa – President Museveni

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L-R: Dr. Nansozi Muwanga, Chief Guest- Rt. Hon. Dr. Crispus Walter Kiyonga, Prof. Henry Alinaitwe, and Prof. Saturninus Kasozi Mulindwa at the Nyerere Annual Symposium 2026: Nyerere-Museveni Dialogue on 14th October.

President Yoweri K. Museveni while officiating as Chief Guest at the Julius Nyerere Annual Symposium 2026: Nyerere-Museveni Dialogue at Makerere University called upon the audience not to merely hold Nyerere’s Legacy as a historical footprint but as a masterplan for the future that remains unfinished. Organised by the Julius Nyerere Leadership Centre (JNLC), the symposium was a two day event that started with “ekyooto” on 13th October at the JNLC gardens and climaxed on 14th October in Freedom Square. The second day hinged on the theme: Borrowing from the Past, Building the Future.

In the President’s message delivered by Rt. Hon. Dr. Crispus Walter Kiyonga the Second Deputy Prime Minister and Chancellor of Makerere University, the president spotlighted, “Mwalimu Nyerere as the greatest African that ever lived in terms of contribution to the African people’s efforts for freedom, human rights, and dignity.”

This greatness, he notes, spilled not just to political ideals but also to economics and security. The President agreed with him and warned that “freedom without economic transformation and economic prosperity, without a robust strategic security, remains incomplete.”

Reaching out to the younger generation of scholars and leaders, the President issued a strong warning to move beyond simply remembering Nyerere to action. He said, “you must carry forward the torch of pan-Africanism, reject sectarianism and tribalism, build our regional markets, and champion the total political integration of our motherland.”

Rt. Hon. Dr. Crispus Walter Kiyonga delivering the President's message at the Symposium.
Rt. Hon. Dr. Crispus Walter Kiyonga delivering the President’s message at the Symposium.

He appreciated Mwalimu for his; unwavering support for the struggle of the East African Federation, courageous backing of the armed anti-colonial struggles in the southern half of Africa, principled and decisive support for the anti-Idi Amin struggle, pro-people and pro-unity policies that kept Tanzania peaceful for decades, and ensuring that Tanzania remained a strategic rear base for the entire African resistance.

As a believer in Nyerere’s ideals, the President urged the audience to honor Mwalimu “not merely through commemorative speeches, but through completing the historical task of uniting, defending, and prospering our motherland,” for the motive is to ensure that the independence wars won by our predecessors were not in vain.

To this note, he reiterated  the case for Uganda, saying “we shall never forget his profound contribution” to Africa.

Professor Nyamsenda’s Keynote Unparked Pan-Africanism

During the Nyerere-Museveni Dialogue symposium at Makerere University, Professor Sabatho Nyamsenda, a lecturer at the University of Dar es Salaam delivered the Keynote Address titled “The Unfinished African Project: From Liberation Legacies to a New Generation of Transformation” during the symposium”.

He started on a lighter noticing “Nyerere is being Ugandanised.” This he said looking at the annual Public Lectures dedicated to his name and felt like challenging his home institutions to follow suit.

At the calm of the room, he presented a critique of the current state of Pan-Africanism, arguing that it has been grabbed by the ruling elites, a challenge Professor Nyamsenda identifies to have started in the period of 1960 -1980.

Professor Sabatho Nyamsenda delivering the Keynote Address.
Professor Sabatho Nyamsenda delivering the Keynote Address.

He explained that it was around this time period that Pan-Africanism was snatched away from the masses and it became a state project. Currently, he said the ideology exists in two forms: Boardroom and Street Pan-Africanism.

Professor, characterised Boardroom Pan-Africanism as a State Project. He said “boardroom Pan-Africanism sits comfortably with imperialism and elite-centered accumulation.” While Street Pan-Africanism to which Professor advocates, he emphasised that historically, this approach “united the African liberation movement and liberated the African continent from the most barbaric colonial powers.”

As he concluded, Professor Nyamsenda joined Mwalimu and the President of Uganda in urging youth to consider joining and leading the struggle for a better Africa.

Role of JNLC in Realising Nyerere’s Ideas

Professor Saturninus Kasozi Mulindwa, the JNLC Board Chair highlighted the primary objective of the center as “imparting knowledge and sharing experiences from the old generations to the new generations.” Therefore, JNLC contributes to the actualisation of Nyerere’s ideas by focusing on the development of the next generation of African leaders.

To supplement this, Dr. Nansozi K. Mwanga the Executive Director at JNLC said that the center is committed to “nurturing ethical, conscious, and transformative leaders inspired by Mwalimu’s ideas of service, human dignity, self-reliance, and Pan-African solidarity.”

She explained their focus is on several key areas with training as core. They have “trained over 1,500 young people and young leaders from across Uganda.”, and developed leadership programs “grounded in ethical decision-making, civic responsibility, public service, and action.”

Dr. Nansozi K. Mwanga
Dr. Nansozi K. Mwanga

In her remarks, it was observed that training alone is not enough; they are also doing mentorship, to provide opportunities for networking and learning from experienced leaders. There are already testimonies when you visit the Centre wall of fame. To which Dr. Nansozi revealed “leadership development matters when learning becomes service and meaningful action.” 

The Centre remains proud of those they have touched and are eager to support as many cohorts.

Julius Nyerere Family Pour their Heart out

Mama Maria Nyerere, addressed the Symposium virtually and commended the Centre for keeping Mwalimu’s values alive.

As a memory of her husband, she reminded the audience that his greatest legacy was anchored on the values by which he lived: service, humility, integrity, unity and love for Africa and its people. She also urged the young people to take up leadership responsibilities and lead with humility, integrity and always remember the people they serve.

Mama Nyerere also advised the youth to learn from those who came before them like her husband with courage to build a better Africa for their generation and those who will come after them.

Joining Mama Nyerere, on behalf of the Nyerere family was Ms. Julia Nyerere, a granddaughter, who attended physically and thanked H.E. Kaguta Museveni for supporting the establishment of the Julius Nyerere Centre at Makerere University and also commended the Keynote Speaker Professor Nyamsenda for Critiquing Nyerere’s ideas.

Julia further shared an understanding of her grand-father’s interest in preserving humanity as a moral. 

As a family they are happy that his (Nyerere) values and legacies continue to inspire Africa and beyond.

Ms. Julia Nyerere
Ms. Julia Nyerere.

Appreciation for All who Made the Symposium Possible

Addressing the symposium, the Vice Chancellor of Makerere University, represented by Professor Henry Alinaitwe the Deputy Vice Chancellor in Charge of Finance and Administration expressed the University’s appreciation and commitment. 

He thanked “the government of Uganda for the support they are giving to the Julius Nyerere Leadership Center,” and requested Dr. Kiyonga to “convey the message to the fountain of honour for this initiative that Makerere University is happy for, and is going on well.”

To the leadership of the Center, he specifically thanked the Director Dr. Nansozi for her focused leadership. He stated, “I commend my friend, Dr. Nansozi, for the work that you are doing.” 

Prof. Henry Alinaitwe
Prof. Henry Alinaitwe

Professor Alinaitwe also emphasized “we” value these symposiums, saying, “as a university, we acknowledge that such activities create great visibility.”

Dr. Kiyonga was also thanked for delivering the President’s message, together with veterans like Professor Kabwegyere, among other distinguished guests and partners that attended.

Professor Tarsis Bazana Kabwegyere as well appreciated all and emphasised the collective duty of the youth in building the next generation.

He advised “your responsibility is to identify and build Africa forward, building on the legacies and foundations of our forefathers,”.

The Professor also argued that “being young on its own is not a virtue. It is what you are when you are young.” He challenges the audience to avoid being ignorant and claim that you are young.

Background of the Nyerere Symposium

The Julius Nyerere Annual Symposium is an intergenerational gathering hosted at Makerere University. For more than six years now, it has been connecting past leadership legacies of Nyerere and other revolutionaries with current regional and continental priorities under the (JNLC) centre.

The Julius Nyerere Leadership Centre (JNLC) serves as a training ground and research hub designed to mentor the next generation of African leaders. Co-hosted by Makerere University and the Uganda Management Institute (UMI), the Centre bridges the gap between older statesmen and youth by focusing on Pan-African ideals, ethical governance, and social transformation.

Click to view picture gallery of the symposium on Flickr.

Elvis Lubanga, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Elvis Lubanga

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Applications Open: Short Course in Decision Modelling for Economic Evaluation

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Applications Open for a two-week online short course on Introduction to Decision Modelling for Economic Evaluation by the Department of Health Policy, Planning and Management, Makerere University School of Public Health (MakSPH), Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

Makerere University School of Public Health, through the Department of Health Policy, Planning and Management, is accepting applications for a two-week online short course on Introduction to Decision Modelling for Economic Evaluation.

The course will introduce participants to the principles and practical application of decision modelling in economic evaluation, covering Markov modelling, evidence synthesis, model development, validation, sensitivity analysis and interpretation of results to inform policy and resource allocation.

Convened by Dr. Elizabeth Ekirapa, Associate Professor of Health Economics at MakSPH, the course will feature Dr. Joseph Babigumira, Managing Consultant at GHE Consulting, as Guest Lecturer.

The training targets health professionals, researchers, policymakers, students and other individuals interested in applying decision modelling to economic evaluation.

Dates: 9–20 November 2026
Time: 3:00–6:00 PM EAT
Mode: Online via Zoom
Fees: UGX 800,000 (Ugandans) | USD 270 (non-Ugandans)
Application Deadline: 1 November 2026

Apply now: https://t.ly/sKdts

For inquiries:
Ms. Edith Namuleme, Short Course Coordinator
Email: carvell.andy@gmail.com
Tel: +256 759 761 161

John Okeya

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