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6th Kampala Geopolitics – Proudly Associated with Mak

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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.

Ambassador of France to Uganda, H.E. Xavier Sticker makes his speech. 6th Kampala Geopolitics Conference, Yusuf Lule Central Teaching Facility Auditorium, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda. East Africa.
Ambassador of France to Uganda, H.E. Xavier Sticker makes his speech.

“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.

Mr. Nils Wörmer, the Director of the Konrad Adenauer Stiftung's (KAS) Regional Programme Security Dialogue for East Africa. 6th Kampala Geopolitics Conference, Yusuf Lule Central Teaching Facility Auditorium, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda. East Africa.
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.

UN Women Country Representative, Dr. Paulina Chiwangu. 6th Kampala Geopolitics Conference, Yusuf Lule Central Teaching Facility Auditorium, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda. East Africa.
UN Women Country Representative, Dr. Paulina Chiwangu.

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.”

Director of Alliance Française Kampala, Mr. Eric Touzé. 6th Kampala Geopolitics Conference, Yusuf Lule Central Teaching Facility Auditorium, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda. East Africa.
Director of Alliance Française Kampala, Mr. Eric Touzé.

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”.

Destiny Gladys Chaiga recites her piece "Voices of Africa's Renaissance". 6th Kampala Geopolitics Conference, Yusuf Lule Central Teaching Facility Auditorium, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda. East Africa.
Destiny Gladys Chaiga recites her piece “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.

Ag. Vice Chancellor. Prof. Umar Kakumba addresses the 6th Kampala Geopolitics Conference. Yusuf Lule Central Teaching Facility Auditorium, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda. East Africa.
Ag. Vice Chancellor. Prof. Umar Kakumba addresses the 6th Kampala Geopolitics Conference.

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;

  1. 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).
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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).
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
  7. 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.
  8. 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.

6th Kampala Geopolitics Conference Day 1, 17th October 2023.

Debunk Workshop – 6th Kampala Geopolitics Conference Day 2, 18th October 2023.

6th Kampala Geopolitics Conference Day 2, 18th October 2023.

Mark Wamai

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End of Semester Memo for Academic Year 2024/2025

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Africa, one of three On-Campus Halls of Residence for ladies, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda.

All Resident Students

1. Congratulatory Message

On behalf of Makerere University Management, I congratulate and thank you for the successful completion of Semester Two: 2024/2025.

2.End of the Second Semester

The second Semester holiday break will begin on 17th May, 2025 up to Saturday 9th August, 2025.

3. Resident Students

All resident students are expected to vacate the Halls of Residence by mid-day on Saturday, 17th May, 2025.

4. University Property

Please hand over all University property in your possession (such as: room keys, Sports & Games equipment, College property etc) before you leave the Hall of Residence.

5. Security of personal property

Please make sure that you carry with you all your property.

Dean of Students
Makerere University

Mark Wamai

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Inter-college Debate 2025 Seeks to Nurture Confident, Articulate, and Visionary Leaders

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Winners of the Inter-college debates Daphine Kemigisha and Jibiril Ssekandi (School of Law) pose for a photo with debaters and the GRCs of the Debate Union. Organised by the Makerere Debating Union – a student-led initiative, the Inter-college Debate Tournament was held on 11th and 12th April 2025 with a vision to leave no student behind by nurturing a community of confident, articulate, and visionary leaders who will drive positive change in society. Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

Organised by the Makerere Debating Union – a student-led initiative, the Inter-college Debate Tournament was held on 11th and 12th April 2025 with a vision to leave no student behind by nurturing a community of confident, articulate, and visionary leaders who will drive positive change in society. The tournament was held in three preliminary rounds, followed by semi-finals and a grand finale.

The first round covered democracy and youth participation in politics, while the second round covered inequality and wealth distribution, and the third, the ban on export of raw materials. The semi-final round debated apprenticeship for blue-collar jobs, while the grand finale debated national budget allocations for healthcare and education. In the spirit of inclusivity, all colleges, including the Jinja Campus participated in the tournament.

One of the preliminary rounds in session at Lumumba Hall. Organised by the Makerere Debating Union – a student-led initiative, the Inter-college Debate Tournament was held on 11th and 12th April 2025 with a vision to leave no student behind by nurturing a community of confident, articulate, and visionary leaders who will drive positive change in society. Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
One of the preliminary rounds in session at Lumumba Hall.

Commenting on the choice of topics, the organisers noted Makerere University as a bastion of academic excellence has a profound responsibility to cultivate the next generation of leaders who will shape the future of our nation. These leaders, they added, ought to be equipped with 21st century skills of self-expression, critical thinking, and problem-solving so as to navigate the complexities of an ever-evolving world.

On the whole, Makerere Inter-college Debates were conceived as a strategic initiative to foster a culture of intellectual curiosity, creativity, and innovation. The Debating Union aims to empower the future leaders by providing a platform for students to engage in respectful discourse, articulate their thoughts, as well as develop their critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

Daphine Kemigisha submitting at the debate grand finale. Organised by the Makerere Debating Union – a student-led initiative, the Inter-college Debate Tournament was held on 11th and 12th April 2025 with a vision to leave no student behind by nurturing a community of confident, articulate, and visionary leaders who will drive positive change in society. Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Daphine Kemigisha submitting at the debate grand finale.

Furthermore, the Debates serve as a platform for not only honing the intellectual prowess of students but also cultivating leadership skills, teamwork, and communication abilities that are essential for success in an increasingly complex and interconnected world. It is envisaged that this initiative will have a lasting impact on the lives of students, by exposing them to debates on topical issues that can shape the mindsets of transformative leaders our nation needs.

After a thrilling two days of debate, Daphine Kemigisha and Jibril Ssekandi from the School of Law (SoL) emerged as winners of the Makerere University Inter-college Debate Tournament 2025, while Olara Emmanuel George from the College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Biosecurity (CoVAB) was the Public Speech Champion, and Namujuzi Martha Mociita from the College of Business and Management Sciences (CoBAMS) was the Poetry Champion.

Debate Winners; Daphine Kemigisha (Right) and Jibril Sekandi (Left) from the School of Law (SoL). Organised by the Makerere Debating Union – a student-led initiative, the Inter-college Debate Tournament was held on 11th and 12th April 2025 with a vision to leave no student behind by nurturing a community of confident, articulate, and visionary leaders who will drive positive change in society. Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Debate Winners; Daphine Kemigisha (Right) and Jibril Sekandi (Left) from the School of Law (SoL).

The 2025 Tournament was organized by Mayanja Owen and Nkalubo Oprah – 91st Guild Representative Councils (GRCs) of the Debate Union, Akatwijuka Arthur – Chairperson Debate Union, and Debate Union Representatives from colleges. The Uganda National NGO Forum (UNNGOF) partnered with the Debate Union to deliver the 2025 edition.

Addressing students at the award ceremony, UNNGOF’s Mr. Derrick Baluuku encouraged the youth to step out of their comfort zones and think of solutions to inspire change in their communities.

Mak Editor

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Accommodation during the Recess Term: 2024/2025

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A section of the renovated Lumumba Hall. Date taken: 26th July 2024. Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

All Students
Makerere University

This is to inform you that the Recess Term for this Academic Year 2024/2025 will commence from 17th May to 26th July, 2025 and the following accommodation arrangements have been made for you.

  1. Male students from Livingstone Hall shall be accommodated at Mitchell Hall, while students from Nkrumah and Nsibirwa Halls of Residence shall be accommodated at University Hall.
  2. Female students shall be accommodated at Lumumba Hall.
  3. Students from the College of Health Sciences who were allocated accommodation space for the Academic Year 2025/2026 at Galloway House are expected to take it up at the
    start of recess while those from the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences with recess at Kabanyolo Agricultural site shall be accommodated at Kabanyolo Hostel.
  4. Private students who would like to reside in Halls of Residence are required to pay a fee
    of UGX176,500/=(one hundred seventy six thousand, five hundred shillings only) using a PRN to the bank for the ten-week duration upon confirming availability of space for accommodation.

By copy of this letter, all Wardens are requested to make the necessary arrangements to ensure a smooth transition.

Rodney Rugyema (PhD)
AG. DEAN OF STUDENTS

Mak Editor

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