General
Former Lions Clubs International President Lion Douglas X. Alexander pays a courtesy visit to Vice Chancellor
On 23rd August 2022, the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe received a delegation of Lion leaders from Lions Clubs International in his office as a sign of friendship and recognition of Makerere@100 years.
The delegation included the Immediate Past International President (IPIP) Lion Douglas X. Alexander on his maiden visit to the Lions of the District 411B, Uganda. Douglas X. Alexander, from Brooklyn, New York, USA, was elected to serve as international president of Lions Clubs International at the association’s 103rd International Convention held on June 25 through June 29, 2021. As of June 28, 2022, Douglas will serve as Chairperson for Lions Club International Foundation (LCIF) through July 11, 2023. Douglas has been a Lion for the last 38 years. Douglas was accompanied by the respective and distinguished Lion leaders from the Multiple District 411 led by Past International Director Lion Dr. Manoj Shah, his spouse Lion Jayna Shah and District 411B Governor Lion Amongin Aporu Christine Hellen. Several other Lions leaders including Multiple Council Person, Past Council Chairpersons, Past Governors, Cabinet Officers and Club Presidents accompanied the visitor. During the brief meeting in the Vice Chancellor’s Board Room, Lion Douglas Alexander thanked Prof. Nawangwe for empowering and mentoring young people to serve humanity. He glorified Makerere University for nurturing leaders as was evidenced by the several Makerere Alumni being part of the delegation providing outstanding leadership at various levels in the leadership structures of Lions Club International. He pointed out that because of the great leadership, the Lions numbers in Uganda is growing very fast and that Makerere University could further contribute to this growth.
Currently there are 57 Clubs in Uganda with 1879 members and globally with about 1.4 million members. These members serve humanity through the main five global serve areas of Vision, Diabetes, Hunger, Childhood Cancer and Environment. In addition to these mentioned areas, Lions all over the world respond to community needs in their specific locations and any form of disasters that strike the world. “ Wherever there is a need, Lions are there” with their motto “We Serve”. The District Governor Lion Amongin Aporu Christine Hellen extended the invitation to Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe to join the association that serves humanity.
Vice Chancellor Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, welcomed the Lion Leaders with a special welcome to the Immediate Past International President (IPIP) Lion Douglas X. Alexander to Uganda and specifically to Makerere University as the university commemorates 100 years of existence. Prof. Nawangwe appreciated Douglas X. Alexander for finding time in the short stay of only 3 days in Uganda to visit Makerere University amidst tight schedules. He was extremely happy by the kind gesture of Lion leaders. He briefly narrated the history of Makerere University from 1922 and acknowledged that the journey has had some challenges and at the same time registered several achievements in providing quality education for generations. He noted that the Alumni of Makerere University can be found in every continent and if not every country serving in different positions. He was happy to see his members of staff among the top leaders of the association i.e Lion Eng. Dr. Dans Naturinda – from College of Engineering Art and Design, Prof. Mercy Mirembe Ntangaare – from College of Humanities and Social Sciences and Associate Professor Lawrence Mugisha – from College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Biosecurity as well as all other Makerere Alumni. The two leaders called for continued friendship and partnership in serving humanity. They exchanged the sign of friendship with label pins and flagship banner.
The Lion Leaders guided by the Lion Dr. Lawrence Mugisha, Club President, Kampala Central proceeded to plant trees in the Makerere Lions Leisure Park below Nsibirwa Hall of Residence.
Hosts Makerere University have officially kicked off the East African Universities’ Debate Championship EAUDC ZAABU 2026, bringing together student debaters, university leaders, and representatives from universities across the region to promote intellectual engagement, critical thinking, leadership development, and regional collaboration. The championship provides a platform for students to exchange ideas, strengthen public speaking skills, and develop solutions through constructive dialogue. This year’s theme is: From Dialogue to Action: The Role of Youth in Africa’s Transformation.
The event reflects Makerere University’s continued commitment to nurturing student leadership, academic excellence, and regional integration by providing opportunities for young people to engage in meaningful discussions and build networks beyond national borders.
Debate as a Platform for Regional Engagement
Chairperson of the Organizing Committee and Makerere University Debate Union (MDU), Mr. Arthur Akatwijuka highlighted the importance of hosting the championship and bringing together universities from different countries across East Africa. He noted that the event demonstrates the role of debate in connecting young leaders, promoting intellectual diversity, and strengthening collaboration among institutions of higher learning.
‘We are excited to have representation from the different countries and universities. This championship is not only about competition but also about creating a platform where young leaders can engage, share ideas, and shape the future of our region,’ said Mr. Akatwijuka.
Mr. Akatwijuka further explained that the championship provides participants with an opportunity to learn from different perspectives, develop confidence, and build skills that will contribute to their leadership journey. He encouraged students to embrace the experience as a platform for knowledge exchange and regional cooperation.
Reaffirming Makerere University‘s Commitment to Regional Integration
Speaking on behalf of the Vice Chancellor, Deputy Vice Chancellor (Finance and Administration), Prof. Henry Alinaitwe reaffirmed Makerere University’s commitment to advancing regional integration and nurturing future leaders through the EAUDC2026. He descried the championship as a vital platform for strengthening collaboration among universities.
‘Makerere was the first university in East Africa, so you are coming back home. This is your university, and its doors are always open to you,’ said Prof. Alinaitwe.
The Deputy Vice Chancellor noted that the championship builds on Makerere University‘s efforts to promote youth leadership and regional cooperation through debate. He said the competition equips participants with critical thinking, communication, research, and leadership skills while fostering unity among East African youth. ‘As we debate regionally, we are strengthening regional integration. By coming here, articulating your points and convincing others, you are being groomed to become formidable leaders and a force for production and transformation in our societies,’ he said.
Prof. Alinaitwe emphasized that beyond the competition, the championship creates opportunities for participants to build regional networks and lasting partnerships that can support future academic, professional, and leadership opportunities. He encouraged all participants to view themselves as winners for contributing to East Africa’s shared vision of integration and development.
‘All of us are already winners simply by participating in this championship. Whether you finish first or sixth, you have strengthened your skills and contributed to building the future of our region,’ stated Prof. Alinaitwe.
Developing Responsible Leaders Through Debate
The Dean of Students Makerere University, Dr. Winifred Namuwonge Kabumbuli warmly welcomed participants and described the championship as an important opportunity for developing responsible and innovative leaders. Dr. Namuwonge noted that debate enables students to improve their communication skills, engage with diverse perspectives, and become better prepared for future leadership roles.
Dr. Namuwonge encouraged participants to uphold integrity, respect different viewpoints, and use the championship as a platform for learning and cultural exchange. ‘Makerere University is proud to host this championship because debate develops leaders who can engage society with knowledge, confidence, and respect,’ Dr. Namuwonge noted.
Communication Skills for Future Leaders
The Electoral Commission Uganda, Head of Public Relations and Spokesperson, Mr. Julius Mucunguzi congratulated the organizers and participants for promoting intellectual dialogue through the championship. He emphasized that debate plays a significant role in preparing young people to communicate effectively and participate in leadership.
Mr. Mucunguzi explained that the skills acquired through debating extend beyond competition and are valuable in professional and public spaces. ‘Debate equips young people with the ability to think critically, communicate effectively, and contribute meaningfully to society. Makerere is proud to provide this platform for East Africa’s future leaders.’
He encouraged students to continue embracing debate as a tool for knowledge sharing, understanding different perspectives, and contributing positively to society.
Transform Dialogue into Action
The keynote speaker and Executive Secretary of Inter University Council for East Africa (IUCEA), Prof. Idris A. Rai who was represented by Dr. Gervais Ndayizeye challenged young people across East Africa to move beyond discussions and take action in addressing challenges facing the continent. He described the championship as a platform for developing future leaders, innovators, and problem-solvers who will contribute to Africa’s transformation.
‘We wish that the end comes not only with debate but with action. The role of youth in African transformation is very important,’ the keynote speaker said.
Dr. Ndayizeye emphasized that young people, who make up more than 70 per cent of Africa’s population, have the potential to turn challenges into opportunities through innovation, entrepreneurship, and leadership. He encouraged the youth to change their mindset from seeking employment to creating solutions and opportunities for others.
‘The question should no longer be, ‘Who will employ me?’ The new question should be, ‘What problem can I solve?’ challenged Dr. Ndayizeye.
Dr. Ndayizeye urged young leaders to actively participate in governance by voting, engaging in public affairs, and holding leaders accountable. He also highlighted the importance of East African integration, calling on young people to embrace regional cooperation and take advantage of opportunities across member states.
‘You must vote. You must engage. You must contribute. You must hold leaders accountable. You must become part of the leadership,’ Dr. Ndayizeye stated.
He further stressed that discipline is essential for success, noting that talent and education must be supported by commitment and responsibility. ‘Talent without discipline is wasted potential. Discipline is what transforms goals into achievements,’ Prof. Idris said.
Concluding his remarks, Dr. Ndayizeye challenged participants to become innovators, responsible citizens, and creators of opportunities who will turn ideas into action. ‘This generation will be remembered as the generation that transformed dialogue into action, challenges into opportunities, and possibilities into progress. The future of this East African Community is sitting in this room today,’ he concluded.
EAUDC ZAABU 2026 is organised by the Makerere University Debate Union (MDU), the official student organization that promotes debate, public speaking, poetry, and critical discourse. The debate will be held from 27th to 31st July 2026 at the Yusuf Lule Central Teaching Facility.
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