General
Minister Janet Museveni Launches Emerging Leaders Program at Makerere University
The First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Hon. Janet Kataaha Museveni, officially launched the Emerging Leaders Program and commissioned the first cohort of SAFE champions at Makerere University on Friday 27th September 2024.
“It gives me great pleasure to commission you as Emerging Leaders Program Champions. I charge you to become role models. Please take the training that you have received as your moral campus at the University and beyond,” said Hon. Janet Museveni amidst applause from the audience.
The launch, held at Makerere University’s Freedom Square, was attended by notable figures including the Chairperson of the University Council- Mrs. Lorna Magara, Deputy Chairperson of Council- Rt. Hon. Dan Fred Kidega, the Vice Chancellor-Professor Barnabas Nawangwe, Program Chairperson-Professor Henry Alinaitwe, Co-Chair- Mrs. Barbara Kaija, and Bishop Joshua Lwere-Board Chair of the Global Leadership Summit.
The formulation of the Emerging Leaders Program followed a discussion between Hon. Janet Museveni and Makerere University Council members held on February 2, 2023. Burdened by the challenges that were being faced by students and the disastrous effects of addiction to alcohol, drug and substance abuse, corruption, HIV/AIDS, the First Lady and Hon. Minister of Education and Sports tasked the University Council headed by Mrs. Lorna Magara to partner with her and come up with a solution to save the students and young people from destruction.
The launch of the Emerging Leaders Program at Makerere University, therefore marked the beginning of the actualization of Hon. Janet Museveni’s vision to implement a national Anti-Corruption and HIV/AIDS campaign in Uganda. The SAFE campaign stands for Sexually Fortified, Addiction Free, Financially Faithful and Education Focused.
Speaking at the launch, Hon. Janet Museveni said the Emerging Leaders Program is an initiative that she holds dear in her heart because it has the potential to nurture the young generation and shape the destiny of our nation.
“My desire is that this program expands beyond Makerere University to all universities in Uganda. I pray that God will make that possible,” she said.
The Minister credited the leadership of Makerere University and the program’s partners namely the Global Leadership Summit and Life Ministry Uganda for taking up the challenge to craft the Emerging Leaders Program that will instill character in university students throughout the country.
The Emerging Leaders Program is a life skills capacity-building and behavioral intervention coded “The SAFE Campaign.” The initiative seeks to address critical challenges threatening students’ education and well-being such as addiction to drugs, corruption, substance abuse, gambling, and the risks of HIV/AIDS. These issues were viewed as not only jeopardizing students’ health and academic performance, but also affecting the social well-being of graduates entering the workforce.
According to Mrs. Barbra Kaija, the Co-Chair of the Emerging Leaders Program, this was intended to help the parents who risk a lot to educate their children so that they become important and resourceful people, but sometimes disappoint them when they engage in harmful practices which eventually threaten their education and future.
“Parents take a lot of risks to educate their children, and when your child reaches a University level, you always want to see him or her succeed and become an important person, therefore what we are trying to do is to remove those barriers which are stopping them from becoming important people,” she said.
“Through this emerging leaders program, we can help shape the new generation. What we do in this program is that; we interact with these students and talk to them, teach them, and invite experts in these fields to share ideas,” she added.
Mrs. Kaija mentioned that the Emerging Leaders Program focused on Universities because university students are the most productive and as such, we must ensure their safety.
“University students are at the most productive age, and the workforce that is building our country, so we must make sure that they are safe. The emerging leaders program will help them in character development. While our students graduate with academic degrees, they need the right set of values and character to succeed in life,” she emphasized.
In her remarks, Mrs. Kaija informed the audience comprising students who filled the Freedom Square to capacity, Makerere University stakeholders and the media that the Emerging Leaders Program implementation team conducted a baseline study, which enabled them to understand the challenges that a few of the students at Makerere University were grappling with.
According to Mrs. Kaija, the Emerging Leaders Program team targeted 473 first year students and 1041 continuing students. Some of the vices include: achohol and drug abuse, sex before marriage, and betting primarily due to peer pressure. She noted that, although some results were worrying, they also registered some good news that they can build on.
Minister Janet Museveni said young people have been grappling with many challenges, some of which have been imposed on them because of peer pressure. She noted with concern, that gambling in the form of sports betting is also spreading very fast in Uganda.
“Over the past few years, we have all experienced our young people grapple with many challenges such as alcohol, drug, and other substance abuse, sexual immorality, and gambling which has led to many university students dropping out. Through this program, we desire to help students rise above what has been the norm of negative peer pressure that compromises their innocence,” said the Minister.
The First Lady reiterated that the Emerging Leaders Program has the potential to engage the students and significantly save lives. The Program provides an inclusive process to nurture the young generation into impactful people by instilling values into them and improving their health. It provides life skills to enable students and youth in general to make the right choices while at the University, at places of work, in the communities and with their families.
“This program is not just about imparting leadership skills; it is about the total transformation of lives through instilling values. Furthermore, through this program young people are being prepared to make the right choices in life, that will safeguard their health and wellbeing while enabling them to succeed in their academics,” she said.
In the same vein, Mrs. Lorna Magara, the Chairperson of Makerere University Council said that the program will help to curb societal moral degradation and refocus our young people on values and life skills to secure their future.
She explained that the program is timely because the country and the continent’s development relies on the quality of its leaders.
“The development of Uganda and indeed Africa hinges on the quality of its people, therefore the Emerging Leaders Program is a strategic tool to this cause with a fully-fledged behavior change program, curriculum, and messaging campaigns,” she stated.
She also revealed that Makerere University Council had approved the developed Emerging Leaders Program mandatory course and students will be required to take it over three years of their study. The course will soon be presented to the University Senate for approval. Some of the short courses of the Emerging Leaders Program are ready to be rolled out.
The Vice Chancellor, Professor Barnabas Nawangwe commended the First Lady and Hon. Minister of Education and Sports for the initiative that is highly anticipated to reshape the future generation. Prof. Nawangwe also seized the opportunity to thank the First Lady for supporting the University’s infrastructure development initiatives.
“We thank you for the support towards the development of infrastructure at Makerere University particularly the reconstruction of the Main Building,” he remarked.
He appreciated Hon. Janet Museveni for championing the fight to save the emerging leaders from destruction and committed himself to ensure Emerging Leaders Program succeeds.
“Makerere University is committed to ensuring the safety of her students and staff. The University Council has approved the safeguarding policy, and the counselling and career guidance policy is in the offing. The University Management will make every necessary effort to ensure the success of the Emerging Leaders Program,” he said.
Prof. Nawangwe acknowledged the Students’ Guild leadership for their contribution towards the success of ELP noting that; “The Guild Leadership has implemented activities that complement the efforts of the Emerging Leaders Program.” He also appreciated Prof. Henry Alinaitwe, the Chair of the Emerging Leaders Program, Mrs. Barbra Kaija, the Co-Chair and the entire implementation team for accepting to serve.
Dr. Ronald Semyalo, a Lecturer in the department of Zoology at the College of Natural Sciences and one of the Emerging Leaders Program trainees, noted that the Emerging Leaders Program is not just another academic course, but a catalyst for personal transformation, empowering each individual to reach their full potential for the betterment of themselves and the community.
Ms Julian Kanyesigye, a student of Makerere University studying Bachelor of Science in Quantitative Economics, and one of the SAFE champions, noted that the Emerging Leaders Program has come at a time when youth are battling pandemics on multiple fronts from high rates of drug abuse to high rates of sexual immorality, with an alarming increase in the number of HIV infections among young people.
With the Emerging Leaders Program being student centred, the audience listened to a poem titled “For God and My Country,” recited by two Makerere University Students namely Grace Deborah Mirembe and Paul Tumwesigye studying Literature and English Language Studies from the College of Education and External Studies. The poem calls on students and young people to focus on the values which emphasize the need to uphold good character, humanness, knowing to say NO and when to say YES for the good of the individual and the whole society.
In addition, the students from the Department of Performing Arts and Film, which is headed by Dr. Benon Kigozi captivated the audience with beautiful melodies and sounds. The Department of Performing Arts and Film is under the College of Humanities and Social Sciences.
In a landmark event symbolizing Uganda’s stride towards sustainable transportation, Hon. Dr. Monica Musenero Masanza, Minister of Science, Technology, and Innovation, commissioned the first Electric Fast-Charging Station at Makerere University on Friday 13th March 2026. The ceremony, held at the Senate Building Parking Lot, marks a pivotal moment in the nation’s e-mobility journey, blending academic innovation with industrial application and governmental support.
The station, a DC Fast Charger C6-180 installed in collaboration with Kiira Motors Corporation (KMC), is designed to power electric vehicles efficiently, supporting Uganda’s shift from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources. This setup ensures high-power DC charging ideal for fleet operations.
Hon. Dr. Musenero, in her keynote remarks, highlighted the profound significance of the occasion, tracing its roots back to 2011 when Makerere unveiled the Kiira EV – Uganda’s first electric vehicle prototype. “This infrastructure is the physical manifestation of a journey that began on this very hill nearly two decades ago,” she stated, emphasizing how the university’s initial proof-of-concept challenged skepticism about Africa’s role in automotive technology.
The event, she noted, completes a narrative full circle, with the birthplace of the Kiira EV now hosting the infrastructure to sustain a modern electric fleet. The commissioning aligns seamlessly with Uganda’s National E-Mobility Strategy, which aims to localize 65% of the e-mobility value chain by 2040 and create over 500,000 high-quality green jobs.
Hon. Dr. Musenero underscored the strategy’s focus on reducing dependence on imported fossil fuels while enhancing environmental well-being. “We are transforming Uganda into a net source of e-mobility solutions,” she declared, pointing to the potential for Ugandan intellect to produce vehicle parts and charging systems domestically.
In his remarks at the event, the Vice Chancellor Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe described the launch as a “multi-faceted achievement,” not only advancing the institution’s inclusive agenda but also setting an example for public institutions in adopting e-mobility. In so doing, Makerere University has positioned itself at the forefront of this transition.
On September 26, 2025, President Yoweri Museveni commissioned the Kiira Vehicle Plant in Jinja and handed over three Kiira Motors Corporation (KMC) buses to Makerere University to enhance staff and student mobility. The fleet included two diesel-powered Kayoola Coaches and one electric Kayoola EVS 8.5m bus donated by KMC specifically to aid the movement of differently-abled staff and students. This move demonstrates academia’s capacity to integrate home-grown solutions into daily operations, impacting the economy through practical science.
The commissioning of the fast-charging station is rooted in a long history of collaboration. The Kiira Electric Vehicle Project, hatched in the former Faculty of Technology, has evolved into a national movement for automotive manufacturing. Hon. Dr. Musenero praised this progression: “We have moved beyond proving that an electric vehicle can be built in Uganda. We are now ensuring our electric vehicles are deployed across the continent, solving Africa’s mobility problems.”
Academia’s role remains central, as Hon. Dr. Musenero elaborated. While government provides policy frameworks and the private sector offers capital, universities supply the essential knowledge. The E-Mobility Skilling Programme at Makerere University‘s Innovation Pod (Mak-UniPod) is training the next generation of electric vehicle engineers, who are tackling “moonshot projects” to redefine urban transport. Research into optimizing local resources, such as Uganda’s lithium and cobalt deposits for battery production, is also underway.
A key environmental highlight of this development is Uganda’s renewable energy advantage. With over 95% of the national grid powered by hydroelectric dams, every charge at this station utilizes clean energy. “We are using our own water to power our own vehicles, keeping our wealth within our economy rather than exporting it to purchase foreign oil,” Hon. Dr. Musenero remarked, framing the launch as Uganda plugging into the global renewable shift. She pledged the Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI) Secretariat’s continued collaboration with Makerere University, KMC, and partners to proliferate such stations across Kampala and beyond.
Addressing Makerere students, Hon. Dr. Musenero issued a challenge: “See this charging station as a symbol of your own potential. The engineers who built the first Kiira EV were once sitting exactly where you are. They did not wait for permission to be great.” She urged them to leverage available resources to innovate, building on a legacy that has shifted national conversations.
The event drew distinguished guests, including Members of Management, Eng. Paul Isaac Musasizi, KMC’s CEO and his management team, private sector partners, development agencies, and university faculty.
Looking ahead, this launch propels Uganda towards a “Qualitative Leap” in its economy, as Hon. Dr. Musenero described. By fostering innovation and investing in young minds, the nation aims to lead in technological advancement. The station not only powers vehicles but ignites progress, ensuring Uganda remains at the forefront of Africa’s e-mobility revolution.
As the ceremony which was intermittently “blessed” by drizzles drew to a close, the feeling of hope for a cleaner, self-reliant future – one charged by Ugandan ingenuity, was unmistakable.
General
Makerere University and International Partners Sign MoU for the 9th Kampala Geopolitics Conference
Makerere University, on 10th March, 2026, signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Embassy of France in Uganda, the Konrad Adenauer Foundation (KAS), and Alliance Française de Kampala to organize the 9th edition of the Kampala Geopolitics Conference (KGC), scheduled to take place on 15–16 April 2026 at Makerere University.
The signing formalizes the continued partnership that has established the Kampala Geopolitics Conference as one of the region’s leading platforms for dialogue on global affairs, bringing together scholars, policymakers, civil society leaders, and students to debate the major geopolitical and socio-economic transformations shaping the world.
The conference, inspired by the Nantes Geopolitics Conference in France, was first launched in Kampala in 2018 and has since grown into a unique intellectual space for cross-continental exchange between Africa and Europe.
A Platform for Ideas, Dialogue, and Youth Engagement
Speaking at the signing ceremony, Makerere University Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, emphasized the importance of the Kampala Geopolitics Conference as a platform that connects academic discourse with global policy conversations while empowering students to engage with the complex challenges shaping the international system.
The Vice Chancellor noted that hosting the conference reflects Makerere University’s long-standing commitment to fostering intellectual exchange and positioning the institution as a hub for regional and global dialogue.
“Makerere University is proud to host the Kampala Geopolitics Conference because it creates an important platform for debate and exchange on the global issues shaping our world, while giving our students the opportunity to engage directly with leading thinkers and policymakers,” said Prof. Nawangwe.
Prof. Nawangwe further commended the Embassy of France in Uganda, the Konrad Adenauer Foundation, and Alliance Française de Kampala for their continued collaboration with Makerere University in organizing the conference over the years. He expressed confidence that the 2026 edition will once again provide a dynamic platform for dialogue, bringing together scholars, policymakers, and students to examine the geopolitical trends shaping Africa and the wider world.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, H.E. Virginie Leroy, Ambassador of France to Uganda, highlighted the significance of the conference as a platform that encourages dialogue on global issues while empowering young people to participate in shaping the future.
Since its inception, the Kampala Geopolitics Conference has created opportunities for students, researchers, policymakers, and entrepreneurs to engage with some of the most pressing global debates. The Ambassador noted that the curiosity and engagement of Ugandan students have become one of the defining features of the conference.
“This conference has become a unique space where students, researchers, policymakers and civil society exchange ideas on the major transformations shaping our world,” Ambassador Leroy said, adding that the event demonstrates the intellectual vitality of Uganda’s youth and the strength of the partnerships that sustain it.
Strengthening Partnerships for Global Dialogue
The Konrad Adenauer Foundation, a long-standing partner in the initiative, reaffirmed its commitment to supporting platforms that foster meaningful discussions on international affairs and regional dynamics.
Speaking during the ceremony, Anna Reismann, Director of the Konrad Adenauer Foundation in Uganda, emphasized the importance of the conference in connecting local perspectives with global debates.
She noted that Africa has increasingly become a focal point in global geopolitics, attracting engagement from a wide range of international actors through investments, trade, security cooperation, and diplomatic partnerships. While these engagements create new opportunities for economic growth and technological advancement, they also raise important questions about sustainability, governance, and the terms of international cooperation.
According to Reismann, the conference provides an important forum to examine these issues and to encourage dialogue that bridges academic perspectives with practical policy considerations.
The 2026 edition of the Kampala Geopolitics Conference will focus on key global and regional issues shaping international relations and development.
Among the themes to be explored are the future of development cooperation, particularly as global aid dynamics evolve and countries explore more sustainable and balanced partnerships. Another panel will examine youth and public policy in Africa, recognizing the critical role that young people play in shaping governance, innovation, and development across the continent.
With Africa home to the youngest population in the world, discussions will highlight the importance of ensuring that young people are not only beneficiaries of public policies but also active contributors to their design and implementation.
Makerere University at the Centre of Global Conversations
Hosting the conference reflects Makerere University’s continued commitment to fostering intellectual exchange and positioning the institution as a hub for regional and international dialogue.
Through its partnerships with global institutions such as the Embassy of France, the Konrad Adenauer Foundation, and Alliance Française de Kampala, Makerere continues to create platforms that connect academic knowledge with policy discussions and real-world challenges.
The Kampala Geopolitics Conference is expected to once again bring together leading experts, scholars, and practitioners from across Africa and Europe, while providing students with a rare opportunity to engage directly with global debates.
As preparations for the 2026 edition gather momentum, the partners expressed confidence that the conference will continue to inspire critical thinking, encourage dialogue across disciplines and generations, and strengthen cooperation between Africa and its international partners.
Caroline Kainomugisha is the Communications Officer, Advancement Office, Makerere University.
Makerere University has kicked off the three-day Careers Fair 2026, bringing together students, industry leaders, and policymakers to discuss the future of work in the era of Artificial Intelligence (AI).
The first day of the expo, held under the theme “Man or Machine: Exploring AI’s Impact on Careers” and sponsored by the National Social Security Fund (NSSF), explored the impact of AI on industries and careers.
The annual expo offers career guidance, job opportunities, entrepreneurship training, and networking platforms for students. It builds on previous themes focused on employability, innovation, and adapting to rapidly changing work environments.
In her keynote address, Hon. Dr. Monica Musenero Masanza, Minister for Science, Technology and Innovation, stressed the need for Uganda to strategically position itself in the digital economy.
She noted that Africa missed the first and second industrial revolutions and warned that the current digital revolution could also bypass the continent if deliberate efforts are not made to participate in it.
“Africa was just here, minding her own business, hunting her animals, resting. A distant industrial revolution impacted us very negatively,” she said, referencing the slave trade and colonization that followed the first industrial revolution.
The minister emphasized that Uganda must focus on producing digital goods and services rather than merely consuming them.
“We are still down there, but we are facing up. We must give Uganda a clear chance at sustainable and progressive transformation,” she said.
She observed that Uganda’s digital economy is currently skewed toward consumption, resulting in significant financial outflows.
“Our net flow in this digital economy, including AI, is negative. We are losing money, jobs, and opportunities,” she added.
Musenero urged young people to move beyond simply using digital tools and instead focus on creating value.
“Mind or machine, it must give us a positive economic voice. Whichever one gives us that, we should go for it,” she said.
Speaking on behalf of the Vice Chancellor, Professor Moses Musinguzi, the Principal of the College of Engineering, Design, Art and Technology acknowledged the inevitability of Artificial Intelligence in modern society and urged stakeholders to focus on harnessing its potential.
“The general consensus worldwide is that we cannot condemn AI. Instead, we should see how we can make better and more productive use of it,” he said.
Musinguzi highlighted some of the challenges posed by AI in academia, noting that students can easily generate answers within minutes, potentially undermining the learning process.
“A student using AI can generate your answer in less than a minute. And that’s not what we want. We want to impart knowledge and skills to students,” he stressed.
He encouraged institutions to adopt AI responsibly while maintaining the core objective of producing skilled graduates.
“We are now trying to see better methods of using AI while still maintaining the objective of producing students who have the skills and knowledge to advance the world,” Musinguzi said.
He further noted that AI will inevitably affect traditional careers, making adaptation essential.
“If we don’t innovate, there is a threat that we shall be exterminated,” he warned, urging students to embrace innovation and contribute to Africa’s development.
Earlier, Lameck Kavuma from AI Studio Uganda explained the fundamentals of AI, describing it as a system built on pattern recognition and mathematical models that predict the next word or action.
“AI is all about pattern recognition,” he said, noting that the technology still has limitations, particularly when dealing with noise or changes in context.
Kavuma observed that AI has existed since the 1990s in forms such as spam filters and recommender systems. However, recent advances in generative AI now allow machines to process long texts and hold conversations, making it appear as though AI is crossing into traditionally human roles.
He emphasized that AI could level the playing field by increasing productivity and removing traditional barriers to access.
“AI is a leveler. It removes gatekeepers,” Kavuma said.
On his part, Gerald Paul Kasato, Deputy Managing Director of NSSF, stressed the importance of collaboration between humans and machines.
“The future is not about humans competing with machines. It is about humans learning how to work with machines,” he said.
Kasato noted that AI, automation, and digital technologies are rapidly reshaping the workplace and creating new opportunities.
“AI, automation, and digital technologies will transform industries, but they will also create new careers, new businesses, and new opportunities,” he said.
He urged students to equip themselves with the right skills, mindset, and adaptability to thrive in the evolving job market.
“The real challenge is ensuring that young people are equipped with the right skills, mindset, and adaptability to thrive in this new world,” Kasato emphasized.
Kasato revealed that NSSF continues to promote financial literacy among young people, with more than 130,000 students registered and over UGX 235 billion saved.
“The future belongs to those who are curious, adaptable, innovative, and willing to continuously learn,” he said.
Also speaking at the event, Michael Ssegwaya, Executive Director and Chief Financial Officer at ABSA Bank, emphasized the need to adapt to a rapidly changing world driven by AI.
“The world is changing, and the banking sector is also changing. We handle millions of transactions, many of which are processed through AI systems,” he said.
Ssegwaya encouraged students to use AI tools to enhance productivity while maintaining independent thinking.
“I told my daughter, you can use AI, but your answers should not look like they came directly from AI. I need you to think and think differently,” he said.
He also highlighted ABSA’s “Ready to Work” program, which aims to prepare students for the evolving job market.
Ssegwaya urged students to develop skills such as creativity, communication, and empathy, which are less likely to be replaced by machines.
“Critical thinking is going to be important. Creativity may not necessarily be replaced,” he said.
He challenged students to become job creators rather than job seekers.
“I hope you are going to the university to become a job creator and not just a job seeker,” he added.
Similarly, Charlotte Kukunda from ACCA highlighted the need for professionals to adapt to the rapidly evolving technological landscape.
“The pace of change in AI is phenomenal, and it is also scary,” she said.
Kukunda revealed that ACCA is reimagining its qualification structure to include employability modules such as entrepreneurship, digital technology, and innovation.
“We have included optional employability modules so that students can choose what makes sense for their career paths,” she explained.
ACCA’s revised qualification, set to launch in June and September 2027, will emphasize skills such as data analysis, financial investment, and sustainability reporting.
She encouraged students to embrace AI while strengthening human intelligence.
“Accountants are embracing artificial intelligence and exploring its potential while paying attention to the risks,” she said.
Meanwhile, Douglas Opio, Executive Director of the Federation of Uganda Employers, challenged students to consider becoming employers.
“We have an acute shortage of employers,” he said.
Opio emphasized the importance of strong theoretical foundations, describing theory as the basis for practical innovation.
“Theory is like the operating system of practice,” he noted.
He urged students to view skills as a renewable resource that can drive growth and innovation.
“AI must be part of the skill set that you actively look for,” he added.
The NSSF Career Expo, launched in 2010, aims to bridge the gap between education and employment by equipping students and graduates with the skills, knowledge, and networks needed to thrive in the modern workforce.
The event promotes a culture of saving, innovation, and entrepreneurship while bringing job opportunities closer to students.
Key features of the expo include career guidance and counseling, job opportunities, entrepreneurship training, mentorship, and networking platforms. This year’s expo is being held in 15 universities across Uganda, including Makerere University, Kyambogo University, and Uganda Martyrs University, Nkozi.
-
General1 week agoCall for Applications: Diploma Holders under Government Sponsorship 2026/2027
-
General1 week agoAdvert: Admissions for Diploma/Degree Holders under Private Sponsorship 2026/27
-
General1 week agoExtension of Application Deadline for Diploma/Degree Holders 2026/2027
-
General2 weeks agoMakerere University commemorates 13 transformative years of partnership with Mastercard Foundation
-
General1 week agoMakerere University and World Bank Sign Partnership to Strengthen Environmental and Social Sustainability Capacity