General
6th Kampala Geopolitics – Proudly Associated with Mak
The sixth (6th) edition of the Kampala Geopolitics Conference got underway at 10:00 AM on Tuesday 17th October 2023 in the Yusuf Lule Central Teaching Facility Auditorium with the partners expressing pride at being associated with Makerere and what the University represents. It was truly a day for the century-old institution to bask in the limelight as accolade after accolade poured in.
“We are here today together because Makerere University is actually a temple of knowledge, a temple of academic freedom, of research, of science and of humanity” remarked the Ambassador of France to Uganda, H.E. Xavier Sticker. “We are together in this temple because we are believers in Makerere University, we are partners today and beyond on a number of other activities, but we are also believers in what university represents… the words are so close between university and universality” added the Ambassador.
“We at Konrad-Adenauer Foundation are very pleased to once again co-host this prestigious conference alongside the French Embassy in Uganda, Makerere University, UN Women and the Alliance Française” continued Mr. Nils Wörmer, the Director of the Konrad Adenauer Stiftung’s (KAS) Regional Programme Security Dialogue for East Africa.
“Every time I come to this great university I feel proud and privileged” exuded UN Women Country Representative, Dr. Paulina Chiwangu. “We have some of the great leaders from the region who went through this great university, the likes of William Mkapa, former President of Tanzania, the likes of Julius Kambarage Nyerere, the father of the Nation of Tanzania” she added.
Dr. Chiwangu further lauded the Kampala Geopolitics Conference as “a beacon of intellectual discourse” dedicated to achieving several vital objectives namely; creating a dynamic platform that bridges expertise between Europe and Africa, as well as fostering open conversations in a manner that is both creative and informative.
It was on this creative and informative note that the Director of Alliance Française Kampala, Mr. Eric Touzé shared that his organization in addition to teaching French promotes the local Ugandan cultures in their own languages. “Thus it is quite natural that as part of the Kampala Geopolitics 2023, the Alliance was tasked with developing a program of cultural and artistic events… the idea is to introduce as a counterpoint to scholarly discussions, moments of reflections, moments of relaxation and moments of beauty.”
Mr. Touzé then took time to introduce the artists; Charlene Komuntale and Mona Taha, whose art pieces hang from the auditorium walls. “The Ugandan, East African and African cultural and creative industries are key to the geopolitics of the region and the works presented here reflect this” he added, thereafter, introducing Destiny Gladys Chaiga a poet and spoken word artist. Destiny is a first cohort fellow at the Content Catalyst Program under the Media Challenge Initiative funded by the French Embassy in Uganda. On the occasion, she recited one of her pieces, “Voices of Africa’s Renaissance”.
In his welcome remarks, the Acting Vice Chancellor, Prof. Umar Kakumba shared that it was truly an honour and a privilege for Makerere University to annually provide a platform to debate current geopolitical trends in light of sustainable development, global peace and international cooperation. He noted that a lot has transpired on the global scene since Makerere University held the first Kampala Geopolitics Conference on 26th and 27th October 2018, most notably, the advent and rapid growth of Artificial Intelligence (AI) as well as COVID-19 and its aftermath.
“One of the most important lessons that the pandemic taught us was the need to embrace blended teaching and learning, as an approach to ensure that we not only reconstruct our nations but also create more innovative ways of extending our services to our wider stakeholder communities” remarked Prof. Kakumba.
He was pleased to note that the 6th Kampala Geopolitics Conference would be accessible to both physical and virtual audiences. In this regard, he thanked the French Embassy and partner institutions for their generous contributions that have made the Kampala Geopolitics Conference an annual highlight on the calendars of staff, students, alumni, stakeholders and experts from various fields.
The 6th Kampala Geopolitics Conference was not only about applauding Makerere University as host but also deliberating on pertinent geopolitical issues by various thought leaders and experts. The topics covered by various panels included;
- Scenarios for Somalia and the Region after ATMIS moderated by Dr. Susanne Conrad (Konrad Adenauer Stiftung Headquarters, Germany) with panelists;
- Lt. Gen. Osman Noor Soubagle – Djibouti Armed Forces, former Commander of AMISOM,
- Ms. Samira Gaid – Regional Analyst, Horn of Africa, and
- Ms. Selam Tadesse Demissie – Research Officer, Horn of Africa Security Analysis – Institute for Security Studies (ISS).
- The Role of Cultural and Creative Industries for the African Soft Power moderated by Mr. Fredrick Nsibambi – The Cross Cultural Foundation of Uganda (CCFU), with panelists;
- Ms. Barbra Atusasiire – Director, TASSLES Films,
- Mr. Philip Luswata – Lecturer, Makerere University, and
- Ms. Phina Mugerwa (aka Masanyalaze) – Artist, Musician, General Secretary for the Uganda Musicians Association.
- The New Scramble for Africa – Emerging Geopolitics and International Relations in Africa moderated by Mr. Charles Mwanguhya Mpagi – Journalist, NBS, with panelists;
- Prof. Kasaija Phillip Apuuli – Department of Political Science, Makerere University,
- Dr. Nansozi K. Muwanga – Executive Director, Julius Nyerere Leadership Centre (JNLC),
- Mr. Ahmed Hadji – Senior Fellow, Africa Institute for Strategy and Policy, and
- Mr. Louis Namwanja Kizito – Partner at Pentagon Advocates.
- Closing the Global Digital Divide – Advancing Digital Inclusion and Economic Opportunities for All moderated by Mr. Richard Ndahiro – Technical Advisor, Inclusive Finance & Fintech (UNCDF), with panelists;
- Ms. Diana Akullu Wanyama – Intervention Manager for Market Infrastructure at the Financial Sector Deepening (FSD) Uganda, and
- Ms. Renita Nabisubi – Lead Digital Economy, Mastercard Foundation (virtual attendance).
- East Africa as Part of the “Indo Pacific Theatre” moderated by Mr. Konstantin Krome – Policy Advisor German Armed Forces and Civil Affairs, Konrad Adenauer Foundation Headquarter, Germany, with panelists;
- Mr. Ahmed Hadji – Senior Fellow, Africa Institute for Strategy and Policy,
- Mr. Mohamed Abdilahi Duale – Director General, Ministry of Environment and Climate Change, Somaliland,
- Mr. Abdullahi Hamud Mohamed – Executive Director, Management Institute for National Development (MIND) Somalia, and
- Mr. Mohamed Abdoulkader Moussa – Director, Institute of Diplomatic Studies of Djibouti.
- The Rapidly Growing African Population – Is the Continent Set for a Demographic Dividend? moderated by Dr. Allen Kabagenyi – Senior Lecturer, Department of Population Studies, Makerere University with panelists;
- Assoc. Prof. Sarah Ssali – Dean of the School of Women and Gender Studies, Makerere University,
- Dr. Peter Kisakye – Lecturer at the Department of Population Studies, Makerere University,
- Mr. Samuel S. Omwa – Ag. Director General of the National Population Council, Uganda, and
- Dr. Fred K. Muhumuza – Director of the MUBS Economics Forum.
- Water Governance, Transboundary Water, Peace and Democracy moderated by Mr. Andrew Aijuka – Environment Multimedia Journalist, InfoNile with panelists;
- Mr. Bosco Asiimwe – Director, Democratic Governance & Strategic Studies, The Center for Multilateral Affairs,
- Dr. Callist Tindimugaya – Commissioner for Water Resources Planning and Regulation in the Ministry of Water and Environment,
- Mr. Lucas Cornet – Consultant, Water & Sanitation, The World Bank, DR Congo, and
- Mr. Marc Trouyet – Country Director of the French Development Agency (AFD) in Uganda.
- Empowering the Youth of Effective Leadership and Participation – Opportunities and Challenges moderated by Mr. Emolot Allan David – Chairperson of the Independent Continental Youth Advisory Council for the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), with panelists;
- Ms. Thembela Misibi – Vice Chairperson of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Youth Advisory Council (virtual attendance),
- Ms. Esther Pomwene – Professional Assistant to the Presidential Advisor on Economics and Green Hydrogen Commissioner in Namibia (virtual attendance), and
- Ms. Maleehah Khandwalla – Project and Programme Coordinator at the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Youth Advisory Council (virtual attendance).
Beyond the panel sessions were a workshop on Fact Checking and Artificial Intelligence (AI) delivered by Mr. Edgar Mathew Karuhanga, a Fact Checker with the Debunk Media Initiative. The initiative is in a process of building an AI platform to detect and alert the public on disinformation, misinformation and malinformation.
The 6th Kampala Geopolitics Conference was moderated by Mr. Patrick Kamara, a senior reporter and talk-show host at NTV Uganda.
Please click the embedded videos below to view event proceedings.
The Makerere University School of Public Health (MakSPH) has honored Ms. Gladys Khamili for her 12 years of service as Registrar, as she transitions to a senior role in the Senate Division of Makerere University.
During the School’s 239th Management Meeting, colleagues recognized her contribution to academic administration and formally handed over the office.
Ms. Khamili assumes the role of Deputy Academic Registrar in charge of the Senate Division, where she will oversee academic standards, policy, and governance at the University. She replaces Mrs. Patience Rubabinda Mushengyezi, who officially retires after 26 years of dedicated service.
At the ceremony, Dr. Rhoda Wanyenze, Professor and Dean, together with members of MakSPH management, presented Ms. Khamili with a plaque in recognition of her service, noting that she “served the School of Public Health with distinction, demonstrating exceptional dedication, professionalism, and commitment to excellence,” and that her contribution strengthened academic administration at the School.
Dr. Wanyenze described Ms. Khamili as a steady and dependable presence. “She’s been with us and supported us in many ways. We thought we should meet here together to see her off. And I wish her the very best… we shall continue to work with her. She will continue to serve us in a different capacity,” she said.
Ms. Khamili joined the School of Public Health on March 15, 2012, from the College of Computing and Information Sciences, where she served as an Assistant Registrar.
Over the years, she has been central to the School’s academic operations—coordinating student admissions, managing records, overseeing examinations, and serving as secretariat to key governance structures, including the Academic Board, Examinations and Results Committee, and Appointments and Promotions Committee. Her role also involved handling student matters and ensuring compliance with University policies and Senate decisions.
Reflecting on her tenure, Ms. Khamili pointed to improvements in registration systems, records management, and examination processes. “In my tenure, I have had some achievements that have improved efficiency in the students’ registration processes and strengthened records management and data accuracy… and coordinated successful university graduation ceremonies,” she said.
She also highlighted areas for further strengthening, including improving documentation and follow-up of pending tasks, enhancing coordination across departments, and decentralising selected services, including transcript issuance.
The handover process was overseen by Internal Auditor Amos Dembe, who emphasized the importance of continuity in such a critical office. “The office of the registrar is very sensitive… It is at the core of what we do and what we stand for as a school. It calls for integrity and professionalism,” he said, adding that Ms. Khamili’s handover report provides “a strong body of knowledge for Ms. Annet Khabuya to build on and to hit the ground running.”
Mr. Dembe also commended Ms. Khamili’s professional and ethical record. “We have not had student issues of marks, money, or related concerns as a School… Thank you for making my work easier. That is not always the case. Some people make it hard for us, but this has not been the case here,” he noted.
Colleagues described her as thorough and dependable in a role that often operates behind the scenes. Dr. Joan Mutyoba, Head of the Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, said the incoming Registrar would be stepping into a demanding position. “The shoes you are stepping into are really big. I have seen her work… She is extremely professional, one of the most professional people I have worked with. She takes her work very seriously and goes beyond the line,” she said.
In her farewell remarks, Ms. Khamili spoke candidly about her experience at the School. “My work has been with everybody… everything here is different—the people, the work culture—it has been very, very worthwhile,” she said, thanking colleagues for their support.
“If I had a choice, I would stay… but I don’t have that choice. Thank you so much for the support and for the love,” she added, acknowledging the demands of her role. “In my line of work, like in any space where you work with people, you certainly step on some toes… I ask that you find it in your heart to forgive and forget where necessary.”
The meeting also marked the official handover to Ms. Annet Khabuya, who takes over as Registrar. She commended the School’s approach to transition and organization.
“I have seen the systems, I have seen the organization, and I can confidently say there is continuity. I look forward to building on this work and working with all of you,” she said.
Ms. Khabuya joins MakSPH from the Examinations and Transcripts Division of the Senate and brings experience from the College of Natural Sciences and the School of Statistics and Planning.
Ms. Khamili’s transition marks a shift from School-level administration to University-wide academic governance, extending her impact beyond MakSPH to the broader Makerere system.
General
Makerere’s CHUSS Embraces Digital Future as RIMS Training Sparks Push for Faster Graduate Completion
By Moses Lutaaya
KAMPALA, April 17, 2026 — The College of Humanities and Social Sciences (CHUSS) at Makerere University has taken a decisive step toward strengthening graduate training and accountability following a comprehensive hands-on Research Information Management System (RIMS) training by a team from the Directorate of Graduate Training (DGT) and Directorate for ICT Support (DICTS) held yesterday, April 16, in the CHUSS Smart Room.
Opening the session, the Director of Graduate Training, Prof. Julius Kikooma, underscored CHUSS’s central role in producing graduate students and contributing to Uganda’s development agenda. He cautioned that the college’s leading position could easily be overtaken if vigilance wanes.
“I’m glad we are back here to focus on something that can propel CHUSS to its rightful position,” Prof. Kikooma said. “Your contribution to graduate student production is highly envied across the university, but if you sleep even briefly, that position can be taken.”
He emphasized that beyond competition, the real goal is national transformation. According to Prof. Kikooma, increased graduate output directly supports Uganda’s Fourth National Development Plan (NDP IV), which prioritizes building relevant human capital.
“More than ever before, the country needs human resources from the humanities and social sciences,” he noted.
Prof. Kikooma explained that the RIMS platform builds on CHUSS’ pioneering cohort-based PhD model by introducing a digital solution to track student progress, enhance supervision, and improve completion rates. The system, developed in collaboration with the Directorate for ICT Support, allows both supervisors and students to log and monitor academic activities in real time.
“This is not optional,” he stressed. “By the end of this month, we must report on who is using the system. It is a strategic priority of the University Council.”
Welcoming participants, the Deputy Principal of CHUSS, Assoc. Prof. Eric Awich Ochen, described the training as timely and necessary in a rapidly digitizing academic environment.
“Makerere today is very different from the Makerere of 15 or 20 years ago,” he said. “We are moving from an analogue past to a digital future.”
He noted that while the college has improved its graduate output in recent years, gaps in tracking student progress remain a concern.
“We celebrate the numbers we graduate, but we may still have many students in the pipeline whom we cannot fully account for,” he said. “This system will help us track supervision and improve accountability.”
The training drew participation from the CHUSS Principal and Deputy Principal, senior lecturers, lecturers, and registrars from the School of Psychology, School of Social Sciences, School of Liberal and Performing Arts, and the School of Languages, Literature and Communication.
In an interview after the session, Dr. Jim Spire Ssentongo offered a more reflective perspective, welcoming RIMS as a timely innovation while highlighting key realities in graduate training.
“I think RIMS is a good idea with strong potential,” he said, noting that the system could help address long-standing supervision gaps by ensuring that interactions between students and supervisors are tracked and visible.
However, he pointed out that delays in graduate completion are not solely the fault of supervisors. According to him, student-related factors—particularly lack of consistency and self-discipline during the research phase—play a significant role.
“At the coursework level, students are guided by timetables and structured assessments, which keeps them active,” he explained. “But once they transition to research, much depends on their own discipline. Some students simply become unresponsive.”
Dr. Ssentongo observed that RIMS could help counter this by introducing a level of accountability on both sides. If properly used, the platform would enable students to track feedback from supervisors while also making it clear when they themselves have delayed progress.
He also noted that the system’s monitoring aspect could encourage improved completion rates, as both supervisors and students become more conscious of timelines and expectations.
At the same time, he cautioned that implementation would be key. He explained that while systems that enhance accountability are beneficial, they must be introduced in a way that supports rather than intimidates users.
“There is an element of monitoring, which is good,” he said, “but it should be balanced so that it does not create an environment where people feel over-policed.”
Dr. Ssentongo further emphasized that RIMS should be seen as part of a broader strategy to strengthen research culture at the university. Beyond improving completion rates, he said, there is need to encourage publication, collaboration between students and supervisors, and greater visibility of research outputs.
“If it is implemented well and supported by other initiatives, it can contribute not just to completion, but also to improving research productivity and impact,” he added.
The RIMS training marks a significant step in Makerere University’s efforts to modernize graduate education, improve accountability, and align academic output with national development priorities.
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