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Makerere University’s International Graduates Celebrate Victory
By Kevin Githuku
On Saturday, 25th February 2023, a section of the 73rd Makerere University’s international graduates celebrated their milestone at SS Hotel, in Makerere Kikoni. The event was graced by senior administrators from the University, alumni, recent graduates, student leaders among others, all from different nationalities.
This came two weeks after Makerere University had officially conducted its 73rd graduation ceremony. The students graduated with Bachelors and others Postgraduate degrees in various fields.
The event celebrated the tremendous efforts made by graduates at all capacities which include education, leadership, transition, among others.
This particular group beat all odds in their time, having managed to balance their academics and a well organised system of leadership. The cohort, together with a few continuing international students, happened to have been the pioneers of the formation of the official international students’ association known as Makerere University International Students Union (MUISU).
They also led a team that fronted their demands on equal representation in the Students’ Guild council, which saw international students granted two Guild Councillor Representatives, male and female, and a docket created for them under the Ministry of International Students’ Affairs. This is different from the former system that had international students represented under the Ministry of External Affairs in the guild council, which according to them did not address their issues to the core.
The team also managed to come up with a set of regulations which would formerly be referred to as a constitution, to guide the association, with a well-structured system of leadership that sees them united and meets their most desired needs.
The Officer-in-Charge of the International Students Office, Ms. Martha Muwanguzi appreciated the excellent organisation exhibited by the students through their leadership, social life and academics. She also emphasized on the importance of giving back to the community, and urged all graduates to emulate such values back in their different home countries.
The outgoing chairperson of the International Students’ Union, Deng Baak, from South Sudan, who graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Human Nutrition, called upon international leaders to balance their academics and leadership as well as maintain unity as international students.
“As a leader, you must balance between your academics and leadership. Leaders should also work together, consult, and serve the people that you are representing. We should all maintain unity and keep in touch.”
Duncan Bosire a Kenyan national, who graduated with a Masters degree in Public Infrastructure Management, encouraged the continuing students to serve and give back to the community while studying.
“You feel great when you serve and give back to the community. I encourage you to serve in churches, rotaract, and other leadership positions. As you serve, you are gaining more skills and experience in everything that you do.”
Soumaya Abdou Salam, a Comorian national who graduated with a Masters degree in Food Science and Technology says she advanced her education to support the food production industry in Comoros.
“Most of the food back at home is imported, we don’t process, we don’t package. The food section in Comoros is too low. I decided to study this course to help my people”.
Kamaleu Tania Ingrid, a Cameroonian who just graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Dental Laboratory Technology talked about how Makerere has helped her grow personally.
“I’m just really grateful for Makerere in the sense that I have grown. From where I came, to where I am right now, I believe there was growth. My stay in Makerere has given me friends, connections.”
Generally, the students were grateful to the institution for granting them an opportunity to advance their education, gain skills and knowledge that will help them develop their nations.
In a vibrant celebration of youth leadership and African unity, Makerere University hosted the Second Annual Guild Leaders’ Summit, an event that brought together high-profile dignitaries, student leaders, and international partners for a powerful dialogue on the future of the continent. The summit, organized by the Guild Presidents Leadership Academy, served as a rallying point for East Africa’s young leaders to confront Africa’s most urgent challenges—on their own terms and with their own solutions.
A Warm Welcome and Reflections on Makerere’s Legacy
The Vice Chancellor, Professor Barnabas Nawangwe, welcomed the distinguished guests, who included Former President Uhuru Kenyatta of Kenya, Uganda’s Vice President H.E. Jessica Alupo, former Prime Minister Rt. Hon. Ruhakana Rugunda, Justice Simon Byabakama, Hon. Mathew Rukikaire, and European Union Deputy Ambassador Mr. Guillaume Chartrain, among others.
In his address, Prof. Nawangwe reflected on Makerere’s deep historical ties to East Africa’s liberation and development movements. He reminded the audience that Makerere University has been a crucible for the continent’s leadership, stating:
“Jomo Kenyatta was the first person to receive a degree from Makerere when, in 1963, he was awarded an honorary doctorate by then Chancellor Julius Nyerere. All freedom fighters in East Africa studied at Makerere.”
Building on this rich history, Prof. Nawangwe affirmed the university’s current mission to tackle pressing continental issues. “Today,” he said, “Makerere is committed to addressing Africa’s challenges—climate change, disease, poverty, food security, conflict resolution, and economic development. But we cannot do this alone.”
He echoed sentiments later shared by the keynote speaker, stressing that Africa must no longer depend on external interventions:
“Foreign agencies will not solve all Africa’s problems. It is our young people who must step forward and lead the change.”
Uhuru Kenyatta: “You Are the Last Line of Defence”
In a keynote address that resonated deeply with the students and delegates in attendance, Former President Uhuru Kenyatta issued a bold and urgent call to action for Africa’s youth.
“No one is coming to save us,” Kenyatta declared. “You are the last line of defence in the battle to rescue the heart and soul of Africa.”
Positioning today’s youth as the heirs of the continent’s freedom fighters, Kenyatta described the current moment as a new “independence era”—not of political liberation, but of economic and intellectual sovereignty. He urged students to think critically about intra-African trade, which currently accounts for less than 2.5% of global commerce, and to advocate for the removal of internal barriers to trade, innovation, and mobility.
“You are the freedom fighters of this generation,” he said. “Universities must be incubators of change, and students must be the trustees of tomorrow’s Africa.”
Pan-Africanism, Leadership, and Action
Uganda’s Vice President H.E. Jessica Alupo encouraged students to take up the mantle of Pan-Africanism with unwavering commitment. She acknowledged that while the rhetoric of African unity is inspiring, real progress demands more than words:
“You must embrace the spirit of Pan-Africanism. But it is easy to say these words—the challenge lies in collective implementation.”
She emphasized the importance of action-oriented leadership and urged the youth to harness their creativity, energy, and education for the benefit of the continent.
European Union’s Message: Leadership with Integrity
Representing Team Europe, the EU Deputy Ambassador to Uganda, Mr. Guillaume Chartrain, gave a passionate speech on the values of authentic leadership, integrity, and inclusive development. He praised Makerere University as a space where “intellectual ambition meets civic responsibility” and emphasized that leadership is not about prestige, but purpose:
“Be a leader because of what you want to be—not because of what you want to have,” he said.
Citing former Makerere alumni such as Julius Nyerere and Wangari Maathai, Chartrain called on students to model courage, resilience, and humility:
“True leadership emerges in moments of loss—when resilience, not triumph, becomes the measure of one’s character.”
The EU, he said, remains committed to supporting youth through programs like Erasmus+, the EU Youth Sounding Board, and partnerships with organizations like Faraja Africa Foundation and Restless Development. These initiatives empower youth not as symbols, but as active participants in shaping policy and governance.
The Legacy Continues
Throughout the summit, speakers highlighted the importance of legacy and long-term impact. They challenged young leaders to think not just about the present, but about the systems and institutions they will leave behind. In the words of Former President Kenyatta:
“Leadership is not about the next election. It’s about the next generation.”
The summit ended on a high note, with students invigorated and inspired to lead with purpose. As global support grows less predictable and Africa stands at a crossroads, the message from Makerere was clear: the future of the continent is in the hands of its youth. And as the Guild Leaders’ Summit demonstrated, they are ready.
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