Connect with us

General

6th Kampala Geopolitics – Proudly Associated with Mak

Published

on

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

General

Makerere University Fees Waiver for 40 First Year Female Students 2025/2026

Published

on

Makerere University Tuition and Functional Fees Waiver is a Scholarship Scheme that was initiated by Makerere University Gender Mainstreaming Directorate and was approved by the Makerere University Council in December 2010. The Scheme supports bright female students from disadvantaged socio-economic backgrounds to access education at Makerere University. The University waives off tuition and functional fees for the duration of the study of the beneficiaries of the scheme. With effect from 2021/2022 academic year, the Scheme has offered waiver of tuition and functional fees for 40 female students joining the University who meet the criteria. All Programmes in the Colleges at Makerere University Main Campus and at Makerere University Jinja Campus are eligible for this Scholarship support. These scholarships are administered by the Gender Mainstreaming Directorate, Makerere University. Persons with disabilities are highly encouraged to apply.

ELIGIBILITY

Scholarship applicants should meet the following criteria:

  1. Should be female of Ugandan Nationality
  2. Should be a first-year student admitted at Makerere University Main Campus and Jinja Campus for the academic year 2025/2026 under the Direct Entry Scheme.
  3. Should be from a genuinely disadvantaged socio-economic background.
  4. Those not admitted on Uganda Government sponsorship to any public university.
  5. Those who do not hold any other scholarship e.g. District Scholarship
  6. Must be willing to participate in a selection process as shall be determined by the Gender Mainstreaming Directorate Scholarship Committee.

THE SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION FORM SUBMITTED SHALL BE DEEMED COMPLETE ONCE IT CONTAINS THE FOLLOWING ATTACHMENTS;

  1. Copies of ‘O’ and ‘A’ level academic documents.
  2. One Passport size photograph.
  3. A Copy of the applicant’s birth certificate.
  4. Incase of deceased parent (s), a copy of death certificate(s)
  5. A hand drawn physical map of an applicant’s home/residence with clear directions of how to get to that home or residence from the nearest main road (indicate approximate distances in kilometres).
  6. A copy of the admission letter to Makerere University.

The scholarship covers only tuition and functional fees. The applicant must be able to pay for their feeding, accommodation and other learning necessities required by the University for the duration of the study period.

Interested and eligible applicants can pick application forms free of charge from the Gender Mainstreaming Directorate, Senate Building, Level 4, Room 402 OR download a copy from the Makerere University Website: https://mak.ac.ug/

You can also access more information on our X handle @MakerereGMD

For more information or inquiries, please contact us using the following contacts:

Office Mobile Numbers: +256702960616 / +256781866728
Email Address: director.gendermainstreaming@mak.ac.ug

The Application deadline is Monday, 8th August 2025 at 5:00pm.

Euzobia Mugisha Baine (PhD)
Chief Gender Mainstreaming Officer

Mak Editor

Continue Reading

General

Korean Language Courses-Semester

Published

on

Students walk into the Arts Quadrangle, College of Humanities and Social Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

Centre for Language and Communication Services (CLCS), College of Humanities and Social Sciences (CHUSS) Makerere University in collaboration with the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) invite applications for Korean Language Classes for students and members of the public.

Courses by Level

  • Beginner
  • Elementary
  • Intermediate
  • Online
  • TOPIK

Instructor: Wongo Yoon wongoyoon@gmail.com

Registration is open, you can register to join the class at any time.

Registration:

To register, call the Centre for Language and Communication Services (CLCS): +256 756 12 8046 / +256 775 424704

Fee: UGX 80,000 a semester

For more information Whatsapp: +256 790 505658 (Yoon) / +256 757 710511 (Mariam)

See downloads for Class Timetable

The Korean Corner is located on the 2nd floor of the Main Library at Makerere University.

Mak Editor

Continue Reading

General

NCBA Commits UGX 1.45 Billion to Makerere Marathon, Pledges Five-Year Support for Inclusive Education

Published

on

Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe (C) flanked by Dr. Maggie Kigozi (R) and Mr. Mark Muyobo (L) on 9th July 2025 at Makerere University. Makerere University Endowment Fund (MakEF)’s flagship initiative – the Makerere University Marathon unveiling of NCBA Bank Uganda as Platinum Sponsor with UGX 1.45 Billion over five years, 9th July 2025, Kampala, East Africa.

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.

Left to Right: Mr. Mark Muyobo, Dr. Maggie Kigozi and Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe pose for a photo at the Main Building entrance. Makerere University Endowment Fund (MakEF)’s flagship initiative – the Makerere University Marathon unveiling of NCBA Bank Uganda as Platinum Sponsor with UGX 1.45 Billion over five years, 9th July 2025, Kampala, East Africa.
Left to Right: Mr. Mark Muyobo, Dr. Maggie Kigozi and Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe pose for a photo at the Main Building entrance.

“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.”

Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe poses with the #MakRun2025 photo frame. Makerere University Endowment Fund (MakEF)’s flagship initiative – the Makerere University Marathon unveiling of NCBA Bank Uganda as Platinum Sponsor with UGX 1.45 Billion over five years, 9th July 2025, Kampala, East Africa.
Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe poses with the #MakRun2025 photo frame.

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.

Makerere University Endowment Fund (MakEF)’s flagship initiative – the Makerere University Marathon unveiling of NCBA Bank Uganda as Platinum Sponsor with UGX 1.45 Billion over five years, 9th July 2025, Kampala, East Africa.
Officials pose with runners in the Freedom Square.

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

Mak Editor

Continue Reading

Trending