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Makerere, Partners Sign MoU for the 6th Edition of Kampala Geopolitics Conference

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By Ritah Namisango

On September 11th 2023, Makerere University Vice Chancellor Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe signed a memorandum of understanding with the Embassy of France in Uganda, the Konrad Adenauer Foundation, UN women and Alliance Française Kampala for the 6th edition of the Kampala Geopolitics Conference scheduled to take place on the 17th and 18th October 2023.

The aim of the Kampala Geopolitics Conference is to stimulate debate and exchange between national and regional actors, the academia, scholars, researchers, civil society, students, media, and interested public, with experts from Eastern Africa and also Europe.

During the signing ceremony, the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe re-affirmed the readiness of Makerere University to host the 6th edition of the Kampala Geopolitics conference. Prof. Nawangwe revealed that the conference provides students and the youth an opportunity to participate in high quality debate and intellectual discourse.

“The need to engage our students and youth who will end up taking on various leadership positions in the country with knowledge and a balanced perception as well as appreciation of national and global affairs on the topic of population growth cannot be overstated. It is our hope and prayer this year’s conference will fill our students and the youth with hope and a renewed sense of responsibility to take charge of their future,” he said. He also used the opportunity to welcome Mr. Eric Touzé who arrived in Uganda last week to assume his new role as the Director of Alliance Francaise Kampala.

According to the French Ambassador to Uganda H.E. Xavier Sticker, debate of ideas is a French value that his country cherishes since the era of the Philosophers of Enlightenment. “This embassy commits to continue to organize events to keep debates alive throughout the years with the special highlight taking place during the flagship plenary sessions of the Kampala Geopolitics Conference.”

The Partners are joined by the University Secretary, Mr. Yusuf Kiranda (Left) to show off the signed MoU. Rotary Peace Centre Boardroom, Level 3, Yusuf Lule Central Teaching Facility, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
The Partners are joined by the University Secretary, Mr. Yusuf Kiranda (Left) to show off the signed MoU.

The Ambassador acknowledged the IRIS (Institut de Relations Internationales et Stratégiques), a French think tank specialized in the studies of geopolitics, which first came up with the idea of organizing, on a yearly basis, in the French city of Nantes, a global conference to debate major contemporary international relations.

Speaking on behalf of Konrad Adenauer Foundation, Director for the Regional Programme Security Dialogue for East Africa, Mr. Nils Wörmer highlighted that the East African region is a geopolitical theatre for great power conflicts and international projection and influence.  “As the Western coast of the so-called Indo-Pacific theatre, East Africa plays an important role in the main unfolding geopolitical conflict of the 21st century, namely between China and US. What some experts call the “Red Sea Security Arena” in this regard, is right on our doorsteps and will be one of the topics to be discussed at the conference.”

Mr. Wörmer noted that during the last decade, international relations, for numerous reasons, developed more into the direction of conflict than cooperation. That a new systemic conflict is ever-present and great power rivalries make it difficult for almost any actor to remain in a neutral position, both in Africa and in Europe.

The UN Women Country Representative, Dr. Paulina Chiwangu said the 6th Kampala Geopolitics Conference will provide a platform to discuss the advancement of digital inclusion and economic opportunities for all, particularly in Uganda. “We hope to discuss the challenges in representation in the tech sector and how that has implications in bias in products design – including AI, the need for increasing education for girls in tech, and the need to enhance safety and access as critical for economic growth and inclusive job creation,” she said.

Dr. Paulina Chiwangu further said Kampala Geopolitics Conference is an excellent platform to bring diverse female voices and networks together to foster a culture of academic excellence, critical thinking, and inclusive policy making from the bottom up.

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Uhuru Kenyatta, African Leaders Inspire Youth at Guild Leaders’ Summit

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Second Annual Guild Leaders’ Summit, organized by the Guild Presidents Leadership Academy, keynote address by Former President of Kenya, H.E. Uhuru Kenyatta, 24th April 2025, Yusuf Lule Central Teaching Facility Auditorium, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda.

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.”

H.E. Uhuru Kenyatta is received upon arrival at Makerere University by the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe. Second Annual Guild Leaders’ Summit, organized by the Guild Presidents Leadership Academy, keynote address by Former President of Kenya, H.E. Uhuru Kenyatta, 24th April 2025, Main Building, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda.
H.E. Uhuru Kenyatta is received upon arrival at Makerere University by the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe.

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.”

H.E. Uhuru Kenyatta (2nd Right) poses for a group photo during the courtesy call on the Vice Chancellor with Left to Right: Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, Ms. Sarah Kagingo and Guild President-H.E. Churchill James Ssentamu. Second Annual Guild Leaders’ Summit, organized by the Guild Presidents Leadership Academy, keynote address by Former President of Kenya, H.E. Uhuru Kenyatta, 24th April 2025, Main Building, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda.
H.E. Uhuru Kenyatta (2nd Right) poses for a group photo during the courtesy call on the Vice Chancellor with Left to Right: Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, Ms. Sarah Kagingo and Guild President-H.E. Churchill James Ssentamu.

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:

Left to Right: The Vice President-H.E. Jessica Alupo, Prime Minister Emeritus-Hon. Dr. Ruhakana Rugunda, Hon. Matthew Rukikaire and other dignitaries follow proceedings. Second Annual Guild Leaders’ Summit, organized by the Guild Presidents Leadership Academy, keynote address by Former President of Kenya, H.E. Uhuru Kenyatta, 24th April 2025, Yusuf Lule Central Teaching Facility Auditorium, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda.
Left to Right: The Vice President-H.E. Jessica Alupo, Prime Minister Emeritus-Hon. Dr. Ruhakana Rugunda, Hon. Matthew Rukikaire and other dignitaries follow proceedings.

“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.

Betty Kyakuwa
Betty Kyakuwa

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Admission Lists for Diploma Holders under Government Sponsorship for 2025/2026 AY

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One of the First Class Graduands Shafik Senkubuge (2nd Right) in a group photo with part of the BEHS Class of 2024. 74th Graduation Ceremony, Day 1, School of Public Health, College of Health Sciences (CHS), 29th January 2024, Freedom Square, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

The Office of Academic Registrar, Makerere University has released lists of Diploma holders admitted under the Government Sponsorship Scheme for the Academic Year 2025/2026.

Under the Diploma Holders Government Sponsorship Scheme admission does not exceed 5% of the intake capacity to the respective Degree Programme.

The list can be accessed by following the link below:

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Call For Applications: AlphaFold Workshop Uganda 2025

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Are you a researcher or student working in protein-related research, structural biology, or bioinformatics?

The African Center of Excellence in Bioinformatics and Data Intensive Sciences (ACE) Uganda with support from Google DeepMind, invites researchers and students seeking to integrate AlphaFold into their work to apply for the AlphaFold Workshop to be held at the Infectious Diseases Institute, Makerere University-Kampala, Uganda from 16th to 20th June 2025.

Deadline: 30th April 2025

Apply here: AlphaFold Workshop – Uganda 2025

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