General
Farmer, not Hunter Mentality Key to National Transformation
Following his delivery of the keynote address at the first-ever Symposium on National Transformation held on 30th March 2023, Makerere University on Monday 3rd April 2023 once again hosted Professor Vincent Anigbogu for an in-depth presentation to Top Management. Held in the Council Room, Frank Kalimuzo Central Teaching Facility, the interaction was graced by the Chairperson of Council, Mrs. Lorna Magara and later, the Presidential Advisor-Special Duties, Mr. Odrek Rwabwogo.
A holder of a PhD in Analytical Chemistry, Professor Anigbogu taught his specialization for over twenty years at four different universities in the USA before returning to Lagos, Nigeria in 2006 to pursue his passion, “the development of leaders with leadership and management competencies necessary for the transformation of Africa.” As Director General of the Institute of National Transformation (INT), he, together with his wife and partner, Mrs. Peggy Anigbogu has established training centres in Ivory Coast, Kenya, Rwanda, South Africa, and London, UK.
“Everyone that goes through the Institute of National Transformation in Uganda today is passionate about Uganda; they actually give their lives to build Uganda. Is that the typical attitude?” Professor Anigbogu paused to ask before clarifying “It has to be taught, and we teach it (at INT).”
He emphasized that it is only individuals who are passionate about Uganda that will transform the nation into ‘The Pearl of Africa’s Crown’, as stated by the third stanza of the National Anthem. Further unpacking the anthem, Professor Anigbogu could not help but appreciate how rich and embodying it is of Uganda’s vision.
Professor Anigbogu therefore urged all faculty in the room to make it their responsibility to teach students values such as Godliness, Unity, Hard work, Peace and Friendship as espoused by the National Anthem. “If you are to talk about changing education and you don’t understand national transformation, you will not be useful.”
Turning to Vision 2040 that aspires to create “A transformed Ugandan society from a peasant to a modern and prosperous country within 30 years”, Professor Anigbogu stressed that it is Makerere’s responsibility to provide holistic education that produces graduates who are passionate enough to build the nation. “Who is producing the Presidents? Who is producing the Members of Parliament?” he questioned to illustrate his point.
He further emphasized the need for Makerere to go beyond the first level of knowledge generation to producing graduates that are contextually in tune with both national and global trends. On one hand, they ought to be appraised of their personal responsibility in the national development agenda, while on the other hand, they ought to be equipped to weather storms from global trends.
Citing the Global Trends 2025 report produced by the National Intelligence Council USA, Professor Anigbogu noted that the current rise of China, India and other nations, the shift of wealth and economic power from West to East, and rapid population growth among others were predicted close to twenty years ago. “Of what value is education that’s not given in the context of anticipated challenges and opportunities?” he asked.
To achieve the much-anticipated national transformation, Professor Anigbogu noted that it was important for Makerere to produce graduates with the farmer rather than the hunter mentality. He explained that whereas we are all essentially hunters at birth – selfishly craving attention and loudly demanding that all our needs are instantly met, it was important for institutions such as Makerere to mould us into farmers – who are selfless, patient nurturers that regard every opportunity (seed), not as an answer to their immediate need (food) but as holding great potential for the future (a forest).
He noted that whereas lot of what Makerere is doing is good, the day’s interaction was aimed at reflecting on but how it could be done better, so as to have greater impact. He nevertheless concluded that this could only be achieved with a major shift in the way we conduct business.
Sharing his experience as a farmer that processes and markets his products, Mr. Odrek Rwabwogo outlined four interventions that should be undertaken in order to sail through the post-COVID headwinds. Firstly, he noted that venturing into international markets ought not to done blindly, but rather informed by market research conducted by trade representatives.
Secondly, he underscored the need to comply with market standards, which some countries employ as non-tariff trade barriers. Thirdly was the need for the necessary infrastructure to support both present and future investments as well as bring costs of utilities further down. And fourthly, the need for export credit funding to de-risk entry of Ugandan products into foreign markets.
These four interventions, he said, are hinged on research, and the private sector is keen to connect with Makerere University and tap into the resources and expertise herein to generate it. He reiterated that scientists and scientific findings have a strong advocate in the person of the President and Makerere partnering with the private sector would go a long way in amplifying both parties’ critical role of working with Government to reduce poverty.
Following the presentations and interactive discussions, the Vice Chancellor Professor Barnabas Nawangwe thanked Professor Anigbogu for sparing time to share great insights with the Makerere Top Management. He observed that some of the pertinent issues touched on needed further deliberation and expressed the University Management’s readiness to go into a retreat and deepen the conversation.
Furthermore, he observed the need to continue the conversation on the central role of the private sector and academia in national transformation. “In addition to initiatives such as setting up incubation hubs and reviving the Makerere University Private Sector Forum, we shall find a framework through which to continue this discussion until the next annual symposium on national transformation.”
Concluding the day’s discussion, the Chairperson of Council Mrs. Lorna Magara admitted that although Makerere continues to produce a lot of research, there was need for increased engagements with Government and the private sector to increase uptake and utilization of findings.
“We want to invite the private sector to come and see what Makerere is doing in the different colleges… creating that framework that will cause the engagement is already in the offing and once it is fully setup and operationalized we will inform faculty of the opportunities that are available” shared Mrs. Magara.
She prayed that the day’s presentations would stir up the staff to continuously reflect on how their teaching and research roles can propel the economy of Uganda forward and achieve national transformation.
Makerere University on October 8, 2026 commemorated Nkrumah Day with a Public Lecture at the Yusuf Lule Central Teaching Facility Auditorium. The Lecture gathered students, academics, historians and distinguished guests to discuss Kwame Nkrumah’s contribution and its relevance to Africa.
Organised by Nkrumah Hall under the theme “Leadership, Self-Reliance and Transformation: Reimagining Nkrumah’s Vision for the 21st Century African Youth,” the lecture explored how Nkrumah’s ideals of Pan-Africanism, self-reliance and African unity can guide the continent beyond political independence.
Endorsing Nkrumah’s Vision of Investing in Africa
The First Deputy Prime Minister and Chancellor of Makerere University, Rt. Hon. Dr. Crispus Walter Kiyonga, was the chief guest.
In remarks delivered on his behalf by Dr. Charles Kahigiriza, Dr. Kiyonga said the day was a moment to reflect on Nkrumah’s views on Pan-Africanism and the lessons on self-reliance still held for Africa today and emphasised the importance of keeping Africa’s young talent at home (in Africa).
He then discussed ways of encouraging young people to achieve Nkrumah’s vision, pointing out that Africa is losing skilled people to brain drain as many go abroad to work.
He encouraged young Africans to stay and contribute to the continent’s growth, describing Africa’s potential as a promising asset.
Transformation Requires Discipline
The keynote address was delivered by Prof. Gerald Karyeija, a political analyst and Head of Quality Assurance at the Uganda Management Institute (UMI).
He discussed Nkrumah’s role in championing Pan-Africanism and the formation of the African Union. He acknowledged that “his legacy was also very complex” due to a number of challenges.
Regarding leadership, the professor argued, “leadership does not begin with the title. It begins with responsibility,” adding that “leadership is not only about power, privilege, entitlement, or status. It’s about service. It’s about stewardship.”
He encouraged attendees to emulate Nkrumah by using their knowledge and power for good.
“Don’t get the intellectual power from Makerere to become evil,” he cautioned, stressing that transformation requires discipline.
Universities Turn Knowledge into Action
Associate Professor Gorettie Nabanoga, the Acting Deputy Vice Chancellor for Finance and Administration, represented Professor Barnabas Nawangwe, the Vice Chancellor of Makerere University.
She aligned herself with the previous speakers and urged participants to move beyond simply celebrating Kwame Nkrumah’s memory and begin implementing his vision.
She called for practical action, urging the mobilisation of Pan-Africanism beyond slogans. “Perhaps the Pan-Africanism of this generation must therefore move from solidarity to capacity, from rhetoric to institutions, from potential to production, and from aspirations to implementation,” she said.
On the role of universities, she reiterated that Makerere University is a hub for innovation rather than just a degree-granting institution.
“We are building for the future when we develop people who can think critically, when we generate knowledge, when we challenge perceived knowledge and wisdom, and when we innovate,” she said.
Addressing the students present, she said, “You are not simply the leaders of tomorrow; you are citizens of Africa today. The opportunity you enjoy at Makerere University comes with responsibility.”
Dr. Winifred Kabumbuli, the Dean of Students at Makerere University, set the tone at the 2026 Nkrumah Day Public Lecture.
She revealed that this lecture organised under Nkrumah Hall highlights its significance as a symbol of Makerere University‘s commitment to Pan-Africanism. “The name Nkrumah Hall has stood the test of time and sounds like a horn beautifully over the African continent and beyond,” she said.
She elaborated on the lecture’s theme of leadership, self-reliance and transformation, noting its alignment with the university’s mission to nurture future leaders.
Direction of Pan-Africanism
During a panel discussion, speakers questioned how far Africa has come. Associate Professor Zahara Napeewo, Deputy Dean of the School of Law at Makerere University, stated that the continent was still lagging behind the progress Nkrumah would have wanted.
She shared that while educational institutions provide knowledge, they must go further and encourage graduates to become problem-solvers who can create employment for themselves rather than wait to be employed.
Dr. Zaid Sekitto, a Lecturer in the Department of History, Archaeology and Heritage Studies at Makerere, added that the structures of colonialism that Nkrumah fought against were still in place. “They must be addressed”, he said, or Africa would remain trapped in colonialism and lose sight of Nkrumah’s vision.
The Youth and the Unfinished Struggle
The students also had an opportunity to share their perspectives on the unfinished struggle for Pan-Africanism.
Nkrumah Hall Chairperson Joseph Sekabira noted that the Africa Nkrumah fought for was not the Africa that exists today.
He urged young people to take up leadership now rather than wait until they were older.
Mark Kwikiriza, a final-year Bachelor of Arts in Music student and resident of Nkrumah Hall, said Nkrumah’s legacy remained relevant because the problems he faced in Ghana were similar to those society faces today.
He recommended that society could rejuvenate the spirit of “Osagyefo,” the title meaning “redeemer” by which Nkrumah was known.
Honouring 13 Years of Service
The event also recognised Mr. John Kamya for his 13 years of outstanding service as Warden of Nkrumah Hall, a position he held from 2007 to 2020.
He received an appreciation award presented by the Chief Guest’s representative in the presence of the Hall Chairperson and other dignitaries.
In his acceptance remarks, Mr. Kamya noted that the 2018 visit to the Hall by Kwame Nkrumah’s daughter, Ms. Samia Yaba Nkrumah, was one of the fondest memories of his time in office. He thanked Makerere for the opportunity to serve the University community and its stakeholders.
At the peak, the event concluded with tree planting and cake-cutting activity in front of Nkrumah Hall. The audience was left contemplating one message of Kwame Nkrumah’s vision of a united, self-reliant Africa, freed first in the mind, that remains unfinished and in the words of some speakers, has been handed to the current generation as a task to accomplish.
Today 8th October 2026, Makerere University has hosted the EU Uganda Research and Study Fair 2026, bringing together government officials, European Union representatives, researchers, academics, students, and young professionals to explore opportunities in education, research, innovation, and international collaboration.
The fair also marked 50 years of partnership between Uganda and the European Union, providing a platform for participants to learn about scholarships, research funding, exchange programmes, fellowships and opportunities for collaboration with European institutions.
Officially opening the fair, Acting Minister of Education and Sports Hon. Dr. John Chrysostom Muyingo commended the European Union, its member states, Makerere University and other partners for organising the event, describing international cooperation as important to Uganda’s education and research agenda.
The Minister said Uganda’s young population presents a significant opportunity for national development if supported with the right investments in education, skills, creativity, research, innovation and entrepreneurship.
He encouraged universities and research institutions to strengthen links between education, research, innovation and the world of work, noting that research should not only generate academic knowledge but also contribute to policies, technologies and practical solutions to national challenges.
Dr. Muyingo also encouraged students and young professionals to engage with the European Union, its member states and alumni to understand the opportunities available and prepare themselves for future applications.
Makerere highlights value of partnership
The Acting (Ag.) Vice Chancellor and Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic Affairs), Makerere University, Prof. Sarah Ssali said the fair provided an important platform for bringing education, research, innovation and international cooperation together.
She noted that the event was particularly significant as Uganda and the European Union celebrate five decades of partnership, with Makerere’s relationships with some European institutions extending even beyond 50 years.
Prof. Ssali said the partnerships have supported education, research, skills development, innovation, institutional strengthening and human capital development, creating opportunities for Ugandans to acquire knowledge and skills, conduct research and establish international networks.
She called for the next chapter of the partnership to place knowledge, research, innovation, technology and young people at the centre.
“Research needs to move beyond publication of research, to influence policy, improve practice, create products and services, strengthen communities and contribute to the economic development of our country,” she said.
Prof. Ssali also encouraged participants to explore opportunities for scholarships, research, exchange programmes, doctoral studies, joint research and fellowships available through European partnerships.
She said the ultimate value of international education and research partnerships lies in how knowledge, skills, networks and technologies acquired through such opportunities contribute to Uganda’s development.
Human Response programme strengthens partnerships
The fair also showcased Makerere’s partnerships through programmes such as the Humanitarian Response, Health and Displacement Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Programme (Human Response).
Dr. Justus Twesigye, the Dean, School of Social Sciences, Makerere University and Co-Principal Investigator of Human Response, explained that the programme has created partnerships between Makerere and universities in Europe and Africa.
These include the University Institute of Lisbon in Portugal, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, University of Athens in Greece, University of Cape Verde and University of Rovuma in Mozambique, alongside associate partners including the Uganda Red Cross Society, Allied Uganda, Refugee Led Organisation Network and the Ministry of Water and Environment.
Twesigye said the partnerships have introduced new approaches to teaching and learning by involving practitioners directly in training and giving students opportunities for concurrent field practice.
He noted that organisations such as the Uganda Red Cross Society have participated in delivering classes, while students also gain practical experience in the field before returning to class for reflective learning.
The programme is also promoting joint research between academics and practitioners, moving away from approaches where researchers and practitioners work separately.
CEES project supports competence based education
The College of Education and External Studies (CEES) also presented an EU supported project aimed at helping higher education institutions and regulators transition to competence based education.
Assoc. Prof. Josephine Esaete, Senior Lecturer in the Department of Science, Technology and Vocational Education, said the project brings together nine partners from Uganda, West Africa and Europe.
She explained that the project seeks to strengthen the capacity of universities and higher education regulators in designing competence based curricula, teaching, assessment, monitoring and evaluation.
Makerere University is coordinating the four year project, with Mountains of the Moon University among the Ugandan partners.
Assoc. Prof. Esaete said the project is timely as universities work towards transitioning their programmes and curricula to competence-based education.
The project also seeks to strengthen collaboration between higher education institutions and industry so that students can acquire skills relevant to the world of work.
Fair creates opportunities for students and researchers
The exhibition brought together different EU supported research projects, academic programmes and institutional partnerships, allowing students, researchers and other participants to interact directly with project teams and representatives of European institutions.
The fair also provided opportunities for participants to learn from Makerere alumni who have benefited from international study and research opportunities.
Prof. Ssali urged participants to use the opportunity to “engage, explore, connect, and discover” new possibilities while encouraging young people to dream boldly, seek knowledge, build networks and use what they learn to contribute to Uganda’s transformation.
Take ownership of your future
Officially closing the fair, the Director, Research Innovations and Partnerships (DRIP), Prof. Robert Wamala urged the students and young professionals who had participated in the fair to take ownership of their future because the Fair had shown that opportunities are real.
“Do not be afraid to ask questions, do not be afraid to apply, do not be discouraged by your first unsuccessful application, build your academic profile, build your research skills, build your networks, and remain curious”, Prof. Wamala encouraged.
On behalf of Makerere University, he sincerely appreciated Team Europe, the European Union and its Member States in Uganda, for organising this important Fair and the Ag. Minister, Hon. Dr. J.C. Muyingo for presiding over the event and reiterating the Ministry’s commitment to strengthening education, research and international cooperation.
“At Makerere University, the Directorate of Research, Innovations and Partnerships remains ready to work with our European partners, the Ministry, researchers, students and other stakeholders to help translate the opportunities identified today into meaningful collaborations and outcomes” Prof. Wamala reassured.
The fair reaffirmed Makerere University‘s commitment to strengthening international partnerships that support research, innovation, human capital development and national transformation.
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