General
Empower the Youth to take advantage of AfCFTA-H.E. Jallow-Tambajang
The Julius Nyerere Leadership Centre (JNLC) Presidential Lecture Series (PLS) is an annual event that brings together prominent speakers, great leaders and thinkers to Makerere University to engage in thought-provoking conversations with stakeholders particularly students and the youth. Held from 6th to 8th June, the 2023 edition of the PLS was graced by Her Excellency Fatoumata Jallow-Tambajang, former Vice President of The Gambia. As such, Her Excellency held one-on-one discussions with Young Female Leaders at a Media Blitz Roundtable on 6th, steered a Cross-generational Fireside (Ekyooto) Conversation with Female University Student Leaders on 7th and crowned it all with a Keynote Address on 8th June on the theme “Celebrating Women, Pan-Africanism and Community”.
“Coming back to Uganda, Kampala, Entebbe makes me feel very proud and honoured and happy to see that Uganda is growing both in terms of economic and social development but also the friendliness, the fraternity that I have always known” H.E. Jallow-Tambajang cheerfully remarked as she commenced her address. Her joy was indeed tangible as she recalled with nostalgia the time she spent in Uganda as a newly-married sixteen (16) year old housewife, later returning as a UN Expert for Missions around 1993.
In the same breath, she paid tribute to her Ugandan “Father” Ambassador Matiya Lubega, with whom she worked for close to five years in The Gambia. Amb. Lubega served as Resident Representative and Co-coordinator of United Nations activities in The Gambia in the late 1980s and was commended by Her Excellency for being truly Pan-African in ensuring that UNDP programs were responsive to needs and realities of the Gambian people. In so doing, she noted, Amb. Lubega transcended the elitist attitude often exuded by international experts and used the opportunity to connect with and empower the people.
Empowerment, particularly of the youth, is important in the African context where only 5-10% of national resources are invested in their programmes. “What we need to do is knock at every door and see what opportunities are available” remarked H.E. Jallow-Tambajang. “The AfCFTA (African Continental Free Trade Area) provides billions of dollars for entrepreneurship; the African Development Bank also has a programme (The Youth Entrepreneurship and Innovation Multi-Donor Trust Fund) which is giving so much money to the African Youth” she added, addressing political and other leaders.
Her Excellency’s remark was premised on the need for Africa to invest in her youth in order to sustain the continent’s aspirations to put people at the centre of development programmes, as envisioned by the “unify and uplift” principle of Pan-Africanism. She explained that the Pan-African spirit is rooted in the African culture of solidarity, sharing, leaving the comfort zone, and opting to serve mankind, aspects that she said have slowly been erased.
“The talent Africa has is a talent that has been underutilized, when we have everything. What we need is a sense of justice, really including the Pan-African spirit; rather than sitting in our corners and saying ‘I’m Gambian, I’m Ugandan,’ we say we are Pan-Africans” she remarked.
Turning to the area of Women, H.E. Jallow-Tambajang outlined misconceptions about Islam and the older more experienced women not communicating enough as some of challenges experienced in the quest to economically and politically empower women.
“People who do not understand religion will say that Islam suppresses women whereas when you look at the Holy Quran, God has confined two verses to women… the other challenge we have had is the fact that the elderly women have not been communicating enough with the young people to impart knowledge and pass the baton to prepare them for leadership” she noted.
To address the latter, Her Excellency demonstrated her commitment to pass the baton of leadership to the younger generation by introducing her granddaughter, Ms. Ejatou Barry, a personal assistant in her philanthropic work. In the same breath, she recognized Ms. Charlene Ruto, a Youth Champion and Advocate for Climate Change Action for her work, despite sections of the public linking it to State funding by virtue of her being a daughter to Kenyan President H.E. William Ruto.
H.E. Jallow-Tambajang saluted President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni for embodying the Pan-African spirit by waiving her requirement for a visa in order to attend the Lecture Series. She equally recognized Dr. Nansozi K. Muwanga, Executive Director, JNLC for her role in ensuring that she made the trip to attend the PLS and pledged as a Senior Citizen, to establish twinning relationships between JNLC and institutions in The Gambia.
“When I go back, I will look at how I can influence to have more students come to Makerere University and vice-versa, I can try as much as possible to influence how Makerere University students can also go to other parts of Africa that I have visited, because that is the way we can develop the culture of Pan-Africanism, the culture of solidarity, and the culture of sharing knowledge” she added.
Her Excellency had some nuggets of wisdom to share with the youth too. “Young men usually think when they are educated and have their PhDs, they no longer need the elders” she observed, before emphasizing “this is the time you need elders. What the elders are going to give you in terms of wisdom, you cannot read from books… the elders have the experience; they have journeyed through life with little resources and are able to help you.”
She equally urged the youth to use social media as a tool to empower each other, reach out to peers in the Pan-African setting and learn from their good experiences. And whereas the Former Vice President respected the youth’s right to protest, she urged them to choose the path of dialogue instead. “Every time you go onto the streets, you are losing something. If you break infrastructure and want to become leaders, where will you find the resources to rebuild your countries?” she reasoned.
H.E. Jallow-Tambajang concluded by urging African political leaders, thinkers and policy makers to make the dream of a borderless Africa a reality so as to eliminate the barriers to free trade imposed on us by colonial boundaries. “Africa’s vision is shared prosperity and this can no longer hold without empowering the youth through entrepreneurship and different leadership fora they want.”
The Chairperson of Council, Mrs. Lorna Magara who graced the PLS thanked H.E. Jallow-Tambajang for making the trip to Makerere to deliver her keynote address. Quoting from Mwalimu Julius Nyerere’s famous book “Women’s Freedom: Women are Eagles, Not Chickens” she reiterated the University leadership’s commitment to ensuring that the youth, particularly women that go through the gates of Makerere University will be empowered to straighten their wings and fly like the eagles that they truly are.
She noted that Makerere has consistently been an advocate of women’s emancipation, right from the 1945 admission of the first six females and the 1990 enactment of 1.5 extra points for all female students to the 2019 policy providing for a 40 percent enrollment quota for female students in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) and the 2021 policy doubling the number of awards under the Female Scholarship Initiative (FSI) from 20 to 40.
“All these milestones notwithstanding, it is of utmost importance that our students enjoy an environment that is conducive to academic excellence and free of any form of abuse… with support of our partners, we have revised our Policy and Regulations Against Sexual Harassment and empowered our Gender Mainstreaming Directorate to receive and investigate any allegations of sexual harassment levelled against our staff and students” she added.
Mrs. Magara congratulated the Julius Nyerere Leadership Centre on their efforts to groom and equip our young leaders with the moral campus for leadership and a willingness to serve through various courses, which have even been used to induct Student Leaders of the 88th Guild.
Elaborating further on the JNLC’s role in empowering students, Executive Director Dr. Suzie Nansozi Muwanga said that Centre’s youth leadership training programme is aimed at addressing skills gaps among young leaders through short courses in Financial Literacy, self-awareness as well as mental health and wellbeing. “One of the products we are particularly proud of; a tailored leadership course, will be made available on the Makerere University E-Learning Environment (MUELE) platform and accessible to all students starting this academic year.”
She added that in H.E. Jallow-Tambajang, the JNLC had found the perfect candidate to deliver the 2023 PLS. “Her Excellency’s track record as a mediator, human rights defender, political activist, and effective advocate for women’s rights, in addition to being a champion of basic education, maternal care, healthcare and women in entrepreneurship is nothing short of remarkable. Furthermore, her ability to do all this while fulfilling her obligations as a mother paints an amazing picture for our young women and aspiring female university student leaders to emulate.”
PLS 2023 also featured a panel discussion moderated by Ms. Charlene Ruto, with the 89th Guild President H.E. Maseruka Robert, Vice President Uganda Management Institute (UMI) Guild Union, Ms. Akatukunda Maureen, and former Makerere Guild Minister and Lawyer, Ms. Kirabo Marion as panelists.
Delivering the closing remarks, Director General UMI, Dr. James Nkata clarified that Pan-Africanism is neither an agenda, nor an event, nor a political slogan but rather a supra philosophy that all other philosophies on the continent are supposed to fit within. He added that leaders are not made but grown through the process of socialization. “The social structures that bring up the human beings that live in those communities are the ones that grow the leaders.”
Consequently, Dr. Nkata clarified that Pan-Africanism cannot be promoted through legislative announcements but through societal socializations. He therefore urged JNLC to initiate research on how we can 1) re-socialize our societies to develop a new conscience of Pan-Africanism where everybody is accorded equal opportunity and 2) de-construct human constructs in Africa that demean women, “because it is through academia that knowledge is generated and value is created.”
The day would have been incomplete without a display of culture and creativity, and the Department of Performing Arts and Film was on hand to deliver a thrilling display of dance as well as an original composition by Dr. Milton Wabyona. To crown it all, the 89th Guild represented by President H.E. Maseruka Robert and Finance Minister Ms. Kiranda Sharifah presented a portrait by the School of Liberal and Performing Arts GRC, Mr. Ainamaani Brian to H.E. Jallow-Tambajang. PLS 2023 was moderated by the Acting Deputy Principal, School of Law, Dr. Zahara Nampewo and Principal Public Relations Officer, Ms. Ritah Namisango.
General
Career Expo 2026 Concludes as Students Gain Industry Insights, Career Guidance, and Networking Opportunities
The Makerere University Careers Expo 2026 has successfully concluded, offering a wealth of opportunities to students from diverse academic backgrounds. Held from March 11–13, 2026, the three-day event climaxed under the theme “Connecting Potential to Purpose: Partnerships for Sustainable Impact.” It provided a dynamic platform for career guidance, job opportunities, entrepreneurship training, networking, innovation, and insights into evolving workplace dynamics.
Associate Professor Anthony Gidudu, Chairperson of the Organizing Committee, expressed gratitude to sponsors and participants for their support.
“Thank you, Makerere University, for entrusting me with this immense responsibility,” he said, acknowledging the collective effort behind the event’s success.
He encouraged students to fully utilize the opportunities presented at the expo. “Make the most of it,” he urged.
The expo attracted prominent partners, including the Parliament of Uganda and the Uganda Police Force, who offered valuable career insights and opportunities. Gidudu also welcomed Professor Buyinza Mukadasi, the Academic Registrar of Makerere University, recognizing his pivotal role in shaping students’ academic journeys.
On behalf of the University, Professor Buyinza Mukadasi emphasized the significance of the Career Expo 2026.
“This event gives us a chance to support our students in transitioning from the academic world to the world of work,” he noted.
He commended the theme for underscoring the importance of aligning students’ abilities with purpose and societal contribution. Prof. Mukadasi also expressed appreciation to key partners, including the MasterCard Foundation, NSSF, and the Parliament of Uganda, as well as collaborators such as the Makerere University Advancement Office, Stanbic Bank, Old Mutual, DFCU Bank, Uganda Baati, and ABSA.
Reflecting on the role of technology, he noted that artificial intelligence enhances efficiency but does not replace human potential. He urged students to embrace lifelong learning, referencing the well-known assertion that “the illiterate of the 21st century will not be those who cannot read and write, but those who cannot learn, unlearn, and relearn.”
In his keynote address, Paul Rumanda Rugambwa, Head of Human Resources at the Infectious Diseases Institute, emphasized the importance of aligning potential with purpose.
“Potential is what you have, while purpose is what the world expects from you tomorrow,” he said.
Rugambwa encouraged students to develop transferable skills, seek mentorship, and uphold integrity. He highlighted agility and digital literacy as essential competencies in today’s job market.
“It doesn’t matter what course you are pursuing, you must be digitally literate,” he emphasized.
He also urged students to view their peers as future collaborators, drawing inspiration from global success stories built on partnerships.
The closing session featured a panel discussion with representatives from various organizations who deliberated on key issues across multiple sectors.
Israel Arinaitwe, Head of Personal Banking at Stanbic Bank Uganda, highlighted the bank’s commitment to supporting youth entrepreneurship through targeted initiatives. He noted the availability of internship opportunities, skills training, and the Stanbic Business Incubator, which equips young people with practical business skills. He encouraged students to build financial discipline and relationships early.
On inclusion, Gorretti Byomire, Director of the Disability Research and Learning Centre at Makerere University Business School, emphasized the need for inclusive employment practices for persons with disabilities. She called for stronger commitments from both government and the private sector, including the adoption of employment quotas and incentives. She also underscored the importance of building confidence and resilience among persons with disabilities.
Addressing technology adoption, Fred Percy Kisa, Senior Manager Transformation at NSSF Uganda, urged students to embrace artificial intelligence as a complementary tool.
“It is not machine versus human; it is human plus machine versus human,” he noted, encouraging a focus on critical thinking and problem-solving.
He highlighted the growing global AI economy and called on Africa to strengthen its contribution to research and innovation.
On employment dynamics, Evelyn Kisakye, Placement Officer at the Federation of Uganda Employers, emphasized the importance of flexibility and adaptability in today’s job market. She highlighted initiatives such as the Work Readiness Project, which connects graduates to opportunities in sectors like agriculture and tourism while equipping them with essential soft skills.
Commissioner of Police Anatoli Muleterwa, Head of Community Policing Department, outlined career opportunities within the Uganda Police Force. He noted that the institution accommodates a wide range of professional qualifications and highlighted four entry pathways, from constable to officer level. He encouraged students to prepare for and consider careers in national service.
The Career Expo 2026 concluded with a strong call to action, urging students to harness their potential, embrace innovation, and pursue purpose-driven careers. Participants, predominantly students, left with renewed clarity and direction, equipped with the knowledge, skills, and networks needed to make meaningful contributions to Uganda’s development.
General
Unlocking Global Opportunities: Makerere University Career Fair – Day Two Connects Students to Scholarships and Fellowships
By Christopher Kaahwa
After an engaging opening day that explored the growing role of artificial intelligence in shaping the future of work, the second day of Makerere University Careers Fair – 2026 focused on scholarship and fellowship opportunities for students and graduates.
Day one of the Careers Fair highlighted how emerging technologies, particularly AI, are transforming industries and the skills that young professionals need to remain competitive in the evolving global job market. Building on these conversations, Day Two of the Careers Fair, held on Thursday, 12th March 2026, provided participants with practical guidance on accessing funding opportunities for further study, research, and professional development, both locally and internationally.
The day featured a series of presentations, information sessions, and interactive engagements delivered through a panel discussion. This approach was designed to help participants better understand the wide range of scholarship and fellowship opportunities available to support their academic and professional journeys. Participants interacted directly with program representatives and alumni who have previously benefited from international scholarships and fellowships.
Throughout the discussions, speakers encouraged students to prioritize early preparations for such opportunities by identifying programs that align with their academic interests, leadership aspirations, and long-term career goals. They emphasized that while academic excellence is important, most of the scholarship and fellowship programs also look out for individuals who demonstrate leadership potential, community engagement, and a clear commitment to addressing societal challenges.
Mastercard Foundation Scholarships at Makerere University
Speaking during the session, Prof. Justine Namaalwa Jjumba, Program Director, Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Makerere University, highlighted the scholarship opportunities available for both undergraduate and graduate students. Prof. Namaalwa stated that the Mastercard Foundation extends scholarships across the entire University, and this year, the Program would soon advertise 260 scholarships, with 70 per cent reserved for female students and 30 per cent for male students.
Prof. Namaalwa highlighted the Program’s dedication to inclusion, referencing the Mastercard Foundation initiatives that aim to serve all categories of prospective applicants in the quest to promote gender equity in higher education. “Beyond the gender percentages, we are very keen on inclusion,” she stated, noting that 25 per cent of the scholarships are allocated to refugees and internally displaced persons, while 10 per cent are reserved for young people with disabilities.
She explained that the Mastercard Foundation initiatives prioritize students from economically dis-advantaged and hard-to-reach regions such as Karamoja, Teso, Busoga, and West Nile, with 20 per cent of the scholarships designated for applicants from such areas. An additional 20 per cent are for students from refugee-hosting communities, 10 per cent allocated to international students, and the remaining opportunities remain open to other Ugandan applicants.
In addition, Prof. Namaalwa announced graduate scholarships under the Africa Climate Collaborative, which will provide 50 scholarships for master’s students and 12 scholarships for PhD students across the university. She revealed that the scholarships offer comprehensive support, including full tuition and functional fees, and urged prospective applicants to demonstrate academic excellence, leadership potential, and a commitment to community service.
She encouraged participants to carry on the mantle of sharing the information widely within their communities, particularly with bright learners who may lack the financial means to pursue university education. “So, I call upon every one of you present today to extend a hand of charity by sharing this information,” she urged.
U.S. Exchange and Fellowship Opportunities
Representatives from the United States Exchange Program shared a wide range of scholarship, fellowship, and leadership opportunities available to students and young professionals who aspire to study or undertake any programme in the United States.
Ms. Blessing Owomugisha Immaculate, President of the U.S. Exchange Program Alumni Network in Uganda, explained that Uganda currently has a vibrant Alumni Network of more than 6,000 members comprising individuals who have previously participated in Exchange Programs in the United States and returned to contribute to community development and mentorship.
She stated that there are several United States-sponsored exchange programs available for students, graduates, and professionals, primarily focusing on leadership, academic research, and professional development. The key programs include the Fulbright Foreign Student Program (master’s/research), Mandela Washington Fellowship (young leaders), Study of the U.S. Institutes (SUSI), Pan-Africa Youth Leadership Program, Academy for Women Entrepreneur Program, Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI), Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship,EducationUSA Scholars Program, and many more tailored to meet the diverse needs and aspirations of Ugandan youth.
EducationUSA Scholars Program
In the same session, participants received valuable guidance on pursuing higher education in the United States during a presentation by Mr. Ezra On’rel Nuwenyine, an EducationUSA Adviser in Kampala. Mr. Nuwenyine mentioned that EducationUSA is a global network of over 430 advising centres in more than 175 countries, including Uganda, providing accurate and comprehensive information for international students aspiring to study in the U.S.
He presented the benefits of studying in the United States and guided the participants through the five key steps to consider for their studies abroad. The steps included researching suitable academic institutions that match one’s interests, financial support for their studies, completing application forms with the necessary supporting documents, applying for a student visa, and preparing for their departure to the U.S for their academic journey. He highlighted important resources such as educationusa.state.gov, collegeboard.org, and finaid.org, which can be visited for accurate and credible information.
“Make sure to always check the eligibility criteria before applying to any university and focus on finding institutions that match your academic, financial and personal goals,” he advised, while encouraging participants to carefully plan their academic journey.
Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI)
Sharing his personal experience, Mr. Joseph Luswabi, a veterinary medicine student at Makerere University, shared about his remarkable participation in the Young Africa Leaders Initiative (YALI). He explained that the program provides leadership and professional development opportunities to young people across Africa.
Mr. Luswabi informed students that his selection to participate in the YALI program required persistence, revealing that he applied four times before being selected in 2024. He shared that his experience, which included intensive training on leadership and networking with fellows across the continent, has broadened his perspective beyond his academic discipline.
“Before you leave the University, make sure you apply and gain an opportunity to participate in any fellowship program,” he said. He encouraged students to take advantage of fellowship opportunities while still at the university, emphasizing that such experiences provide exposure, leadership training, and access to influential professional networks that can significantly shape their career path.
Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship
Another speaker, Mr. James Katumba, President – Hubert Humphrey Fellowship alumni association in Uganda, shared insights about the prestigious fellowship designed for mid-career professionals. The program, named after former U.S. Vice President Hubert Humphrey, focuses on leadership, public service, and professional development.
Mr. Katumba elaborated that the fellowship takes professionals to the United States for a 10-month non-degree academic study, during which fellows are placed at different universities where they can attend courses, engage with faculty members, and undertake professional placements aligned with their career goals.
Reflecting on his journey, Mr. Katumba encouraged students not to be discouraged by rejection during competitive applications, and emphasized that persistence often pays off, sharing that many successful fellows apply multiple times before being selected.
The second day of the Fair also featured presentations from several partner universities – Ashesi University, Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA), and industry players – Tamani Solutions and AniScholar, who presented study and employment opportunities available to students and graduates. These equipped participants with the knowledge and resources needed to take the next step in their academic and professional journeys. Ms. Ritah Namisango, a Public Relations and Communication Specialist at Makerere University moderated the proceedings of the Career Fair.
Writer: Christopher Kaahwa is an alumnus of the Mastercard Foundation Scholars’ Program at Makerere University
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