General
Mak & UNISA Discuss International Collaboration & Joint Academic Interests
On Thursday 2nd November 2023 the Acting Vice Chancellor, Prof. Umar Kakumba hosted a delegation from the University of South Africa (UNISA) led by Prof. Tennyson Mgutshini, the Executive Dean, College of Graduate Studies and Prof. Thenjiwe Meyiwa, the Vice-Principal: Research, Postgraduate Studies, Innovation and Commercialisation. They were accompanied by Dr. Maxwell Otim Onapa, the Director Science Research and Innovation at the Science, Technology, and Innovation Secretariat-Office of the President (STI-OP).
Welcoming the delegation, Prof. Kakumba shared that Makerere had in 2022 completed year-long celebrations of 100 years of existence, during which the University renewed her commitment to serve community. He pointed out the large volume of research produced by Makerere that is slowly but progressively penetrating the community, with the aim of rallying behind Government programmes aimed at fostering transformation of society as evidence of this.
The Acting Vice Chancellor nevertheless emphasized that the University is earmarking a lot of knowledge translation initiatives with the aim of impacting policy and practice with well-researched evidence. This, he noted is undertaken through ten colleges, 30 Schools, 115 Departments, various research centres including African Centres of Excellence and various other research units.
On behalf of UNISA, the head of delegation Prof. Mgutshini noted that at 150 years of age his institution is the premier institution in South Africa with over 370,000 students, and graduating over 54,000 annually. In terms of diversity, UNISA students originate from 110 countries, with the majority belonging to Southern African Development Community (SADC) and other African countries, an attribute that contributes to the diversity of campus culture and research produced.
Additionally, more than 40% of the students study on part-time basis, with females constituting 70.7% of the population. UNISA’s strength as an open, distance and e-learning (ODeL) university accords students the flexibility to study as they pursue their careers, resulting in 62% of students being between twenty-five and thirty-nine years of age.
Prof. Mgutshini further shared UNISA’s ten catalytic niche areas, which act as research priorities and areas for scholarly collaborations. He particularly highlighted three; Aviation and Aeronautical Studies, Health Studies/Medicine, and Feminist, Womanist, Bosadi Theorizations as areas the institution is keen to address due to longstanding gender inequalities, racial divisions and the absence of communities of practice. The other seven catalytic niche areas are; Marine studies, Automotive, Energy, Space study and Square Kilometer Array, Fourth Industrial revolution and Digitalisation, Natural Sciences (Biotechnological studies), and Student Support and Co-Curricular activities.
Discussing international collaborative activities and academic areas of interest, the head of delegation expressed UNISA’s readiness and willingness to share best practices in ODeL, given the institutions substantive Learning Management System (LMS) and its rich collection of resources developed over the years. He further cited conducting collaborative multidisciplinary research projects, joint publications and joint academic meetings, joint conferences and symposia producing conference proceedings as some of the low-hanging fruits. Equally emphasized was the co-development and facilitation of research development and enhancement of programmes as a way of sharing best practices in building student entrepreneurship capacity and entrepreneurial activity in research.
Contributing to the discussion Prof. Thenjiwe Meyiwa explained that UNISA has been able to achieve high female enrolment thanks to comprehensive female student enablement programmes that start right from National Policies and trickle down to Colleges and individual performance plans. Programmes also support academic and administrative staff to undertake their Masters and PhD studies with annual awards for the best performing, youngest woman graduate, and other categories.
Discussing the way forward, Prof. Mgutshini proposed three members of delegation led by Makerere Alumnus, Prof. James Wabwire Oguttu to thresh out the finer areas of collaboration, and act as contact persons on the UNISA side. These were matched by nominations of six Makerere staff by the Acting Vice Chancellor.
The Makerere nominees will be led by Prof. Kikooma Julius and will include; Dr. Godfrey Mayende-Deputy Director IODeL, Prof. Bruno Yawe-Deputy Principal College of Business and Management Sciences (CoBAMS), Prof. Pamela Khanakwa- Dean, School of Liberal and Performing Arts (SPLA), Mr. Hudson Musoke-Director Legal Affairs, and Dr. Julia Kigozi-Dean, School of Food Technology, Nutrition, and Bioengineering.
Hosts Makerere University have officially kicked off the East African Universities’ Debate Championship EAUDC ZAABU 2026, bringing together student debaters, university leaders, and representatives from universities across the region to promote intellectual engagement, critical thinking, leadership development, and regional collaboration. The championship provides a platform for students to exchange ideas, strengthen public speaking skills, and develop solutions through constructive dialogue. This year’s theme is: From Dialogue to Action: The Role of Youth in Africa’s Transformation.
The event reflects Makerere University’s continued commitment to nurturing student leadership, academic excellence, and regional integration by providing opportunities for young people to engage in meaningful discussions and build networks beyond national borders.
Debate as a Platform for Regional Engagement
Chairperson of the Organizing Committee and Makerere University Debate Union (MDU), Mr. Arthur Akatwijuka highlighted the importance of hosting the championship and bringing together universities from different countries across East Africa. He noted that the event demonstrates the role of debate in connecting young leaders, promoting intellectual diversity, and strengthening collaboration among institutions of higher learning.
‘We are excited to have representation from the different countries and universities. This championship is not only about competition but also about creating a platform where young leaders can engage, share ideas, and shape the future of our region,’ said Mr. Akatwijuka.
Mr. Akatwijuka further explained that the championship provides participants with an opportunity to learn from different perspectives, develop confidence, and build skills that will contribute to their leadership journey. He encouraged students to embrace the experience as a platform for knowledge exchange and regional cooperation.
Reaffirming Makerere University‘s Commitment to Regional Integration
Speaking on behalf of the Vice Chancellor, Deputy Vice Chancellor (Finance and Administration), Prof. Henry Alinaitwe reaffirmed Makerere University’s commitment to advancing regional integration and nurturing future leaders through the EAUDC2026. He descried the championship as a vital platform for strengthening collaboration among universities.
‘Makerere was the first university in East Africa, so you are coming back home. This is your university, and its doors are always open to you,’ said Prof. Alinaitwe.
The Deputy Vice Chancellor noted that the championship builds on Makerere University‘s efforts to promote youth leadership and regional cooperation through debate. He said the competition equips participants with critical thinking, communication, research, and leadership skills while fostering unity among East African youth. ‘As we debate regionally, we are strengthening regional integration. By coming here, articulating your points and convincing others, you are being groomed to become formidable leaders and a force for production and transformation in our societies,’ he said.
Prof. Alinaitwe emphasized that beyond the competition, the championship creates opportunities for participants to build regional networks and lasting partnerships that can support future academic, professional, and leadership opportunities. He encouraged all participants to view themselves as winners for contributing to East Africa’s shared vision of integration and development.
‘All of us are already winners simply by participating in this championship. Whether you finish first or sixth, you have strengthened your skills and contributed to building the future of our region,’ stated Prof. Alinaitwe.
Developing Responsible Leaders Through Debate
The Dean of Students Makerere University, Dr. Winifred Namuwonge Kabumbuli warmly welcomed participants and described the championship as an important opportunity for developing responsible and innovative leaders. Dr. Namuwonge noted that debate enables students to improve their communication skills, engage with diverse perspectives, and become better prepared for future leadership roles.
Dr. Namuwonge encouraged participants to uphold integrity, respect different viewpoints, and use the championship as a platform for learning and cultural exchange. ‘Makerere University is proud to host this championship because debate develops leaders who can engage society with knowledge, confidence, and respect,’ Dr. Namuwonge noted.
Communication Skills for Future Leaders
The Electoral Commission Uganda, Head of Public Relations and Spokesperson, Mr. Julius Mucunguzi congratulated the organizers and participants for promoting intellectual dialogue through the championship. He emphasized that debate plays a significant role in preparing young people to communicate effectively and participate in leadership.
Mr. Mucunguzi explained that the skills acquired through debating extend beyond competition and are valuable in professional and public spaces. ‘Debate equips young people with the ability to think critically, communicate effectively, and contribute meaningfully to society. Makerere is proud to provide this platform for East Africa’s future leaders.’
He encouraged students to continue embracing debate as a tool for knowledge sharing, understanding different perspectives, and contributing positively to society.
Transform Dialogue into Action
The keynote speaker and Executive Secretary of Inter University Council for East Africa (IUCEA), Prof. Idris A. Rai who was represented by Dr. Gervais Ndayizeye challenged young people across East Africa to move beyond discussions and take action in addressing challenges facing the continent. He described the championship as a platform for developing future leaders, innovators, and problem-solvers who will contribute to Africa’s transformation.
‘We wish that the end comes not only with debate but with action. The role of youth in African transformation is very important,’ the keynote speaker said.
Dr. Ndayizeye emphasized that young people, who make up more than 70 per cent of Africa’s population, have the potential to turn challenges into opportunities through innovation, entrepreneurship, and leadership. He encouraged the youth to change their mindset from seeking employment to creating solutions and opportunities for others.
‘The question should no longer be, ‘Who will employ me?’ The new question should be, ‘What problem can I solve?’ challenged Dr. Ndayizeye.
Dr. Ndayizeye urged young leaders to actively participate in governance by voting, engaging in public affairs, and holding leaders accountable. He also highlighted the importance of East African integration, calling on young people to embrace regional cooperation and take advantage of opportunities across member states.
‘You must vote. You must engage. You must contribute. You must hold leaders accountable. You must become part of the leadership,’ Dr. Ndayizeye stated.
He further stressed that discipline is essential for success, noting that talent and education must be supported by commitment and responsibility. ‘Talent without discipline is wasted potential. Discipline is what transforms goals into achievements,’ Prof. Idris said.
Concluding his remarks, Dr. Ndayizeye challenged participants to become innovators, responsible citizens, and creators of opportunities who will turn ideas into action. ‘This generation will be remembered as the generation that transformed dialogue into action, challenges into opportunities, and possibilities into progress. The future of this East African Community is sitting in this room today,’ he concluded.
EAUDC ZAABU 2026 is organised by the Makerere University Debate Union (MDU), the official student organization that promotes debate, public speaking, poetry, and critical discourse. The debate will be held from 27th to 31st July 2026 at the Yusuf Lule Central Teaching Facility.
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