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Makerere, Partners Sign MoU for the 6th Edition of Kampala Geopolitics Conference
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 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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NCBA Commits UGX 1.45 Billion to Makerere Marathon, Pledges Five-Year Support for Inclusive Education
By Eve Nakyanzi and Atwenda Nancy
Makerere University has officially unveiled NCBA Bank Uganda as the platinum sponsor for the 2025 Makerere University Marathon (#MakRun2025), marking a significant milestone in the institution’s journey toward inclusive and sustainable student support. The partnership was formally announced during a colourful event held at the university, attended by the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, Dr. Maggie Kigozi, Chairperson of the Makerere University Endowment Fund, and NCBA Bank Uganda CEO, Mr. Mark Muyobo.
NCBA Bank Uganda’s UGX 1.45 billion sponsorship over the next five years is the largest corporate contribution to the Makerere Marathon to date. It underscores the bank’s commitment to supporting quality education, community development, and equity. Mr. Muyobo said that, “We are driven by the desire to leave every community better than we found it”. He added that the goal is to empower disadvantaged students to live without limitations, describing this initiative as a bold stride toward establishing a world-class international marathon.
“This is more than just a sponsorship, it is a strategic partnership built on shared values,” Dr. Kigozi remarked. “With this support, we are positioned to establish a fully equipped Disability Support Unit and a sustainable pool of funds to assist economically disadvantaged students.”
The marathon, slated under the theme “Run the Hills for the Future,” seeks to unify students, alumni, corporate entities, and professional athletes in pursuit of a common cause. At its core, the MakRun2025 promotes active lifestyles, social inclusion, and a sense of communal responsibility.
“It’s not just a race,” Prof. Nawangwe emphasized. “It is a movement to break barriers, change lives, and build a resilient, inclusive university.”
The marathon’s broader impact includes fundraising for students living with disabilities and those facing financial hardship, contributing directly to the university’s Endowment Fund.
A major highlight of the event is the introduction of a full 42.2-kilometer marathon—bringing international standards to the annual run. Organizers have promised a professional, accredited experience with traffic-free routes and ample support for runners.
“This edition will elevate the MakRun into a world-class event,” said Mr. Muyobo. “We are proud to support Makerere University in realizing its dream of a globally recognized marathon that reflects Uganda’s commitment to education and inclusivity.”
Beyond the race itself, the event will feature a vibrant line-up of activities, including music, drama, and games for all age groups. It is designed to foster a festival-like atmosphere that welcomes every member of the community.
Organizers and university leaders have extended an open invitation to students, staff, alumni, corporate partners, and Kampala residents to participate, cheer, or donate to the cause.
“Every step taken is a step towards hope for a student,” Dr. Kigozi stated. “Together, we are building a Makerere that cares, includes, and uplifts.”
The partnership is expected to significantly enhance the university’s ability to support underprivileged students and improve campus infrastructure for students with disabilities. It also sets the tone for future collaborations that align with the values of compassion, excellence, and innovation. The fifth edition of the MakRun is scheduled to take place on August 17th, 2025.
The Writers are Interns in the Public Relations Office, Makerere University
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