General
Nkrumah’s Legacy, Influence on Future Generations Endures
Published
1 year agoon

By Ritah Namisango
On September 21, 2024, the walls of the Yusuf Lule Auditorium at Makerere University reverberated with tributes of the powerful legacy of Kwame Nkrumah, a titan of Pan-Africanism and a visionary leader whose influence continues to shape the aspirations of the African continent. As the university celebrates the 70th anniversary of Nkrumah Hall, tribute was paid to titan’s unwavering commitment to African unity, as students, scholars, and dignitaries gathered to reflect on the profound impact of his ideals.
This momentous occasion which featured a public lecture and celebrations at Nkrumah Hall grounds, was a resounding call to action for today’s students and young people to embody Nkrumah’s dream of a unified and independent Africa. With the weight of history on their shoulders, speakers such as Rt. Hon. Dr. Ruhakana Rugunda inspired the audience to envision a future where African nations stand together against the forces of division and exploitation.

Dr. Ruhakana Rugunda, Prime Minister Emeritus and special envoy of His Excellency the President of Uganda, urged the younger generation to embrace the legacy of Kwame Nkrumah in the pursuit of a unified and independent African continent, calling for collective action in the face of adversity.
He highlighted Kwame Nkrumah as a prominent African leader and a pivotal figure in the quest for African unity. He emphasized that African continental agreements are a direct outcome of the philosophy of Pan-Africanism and African unity that Nkrumah championed during the challenging times when many African countries were still under colonial rule.
Dr. Ruhakana Rugunda noted that there is much to learn from Kwame Nkrumah, but what stands out most is his unwavering commitment to seeing Africa united, free, and independent—determining its own destiny, making its own decisions, and achieving enlightenment. He stressed that Nkrumah’s vision for a united Africa was rooted in the belief that political and economic cooperation among African nations is vital for achieving true independence and sustainable development. He argued that colonialism and imperialism can only be effectively confronted through unity and collective action.
“Upon Ghana’s independence in 1957, Kwame Nkrumah stated that the freedom of Ghana would be meaningless unless it was linked to the liberation of the entire continent. To this end, he ensured that Ghana served as a political and military base for training African freedom fighters to prepare for their respective nations’ liberation. This commitment inevitably created tension between Nkrumah and several oppressive colonial regimes across Africa, but he remained resolute in his mission. Ultimately, his efforts gained significant momentum,” Dr. Rugunda remarked.

Dr. Ruhakana further highlighted that Nkrumah, alongside his political party, the Convention People’s Party (CPP), collaborated with numerous freedom fighters and Pan-Africanists both from the diaspora and within the continent. He emphasized the mutual influence among these leaders, which propelled their shared causes forward. Dr. Ruhakana identified key allies such as Julius Nyerere (Tanzania), Gamal Abdel Nasser (Egypt), and Patrice Lumumba (Democratic Republic of the Congo), along with Dr. W.E.B. Du Bois from the diaspora. He noted that Dr. Du Bois, the first Black individual to earn a PhD from Harvard University, was dedicated to connecting the diaspora with the African continent. He was also a pivotal intellectual leader in the struggle for African American rights and equality.
He explained that Nkrumah recognized how colonial powers aimed to weaken and divide Africa in order to exploit its natural resources and people, leading to the enslavement of Africans while developing other parts of the world. This exploitation served the interests of others, rather than those of the African people. Consequently, Nkrumah understood that Africans needed protection.
“Nkrumah realized that without protection, Africans would continue to be exploited. He asserted that Africa must unite. He authored a classical text titled ‘Africa Must Unite,’ in which he passionately articulated the importance of trade and collaboration among African nations. Even 45 years ago, his insights into the dangers of colonialism and neo-colonialism, which he described as the final stage of independence, were profoundly relevant,” he stated.
“President SékouTouré of Guinea declared Kwame Nkrumah co-President of Guinea—an honor I have not heard being bestowed upon anyone else in the world. His special duty as co-president was to champion the cause of African liberation. He had previously done so in Ghana, and President Sékou believed he would do it again. A year later, in 1967, Nkrumah organized the All-African Peoples’ Conference in Accra, resolutely inspiring the struggle for independence and liberation across Africa,” Dr. Ruhakana Rugunda noted.

Reflecting on his time at Makerere University, Dr. Ruhakana Rugunda shared that he joined the institution in 1969 as a medical student under the chancellorship of Mwalimu Julius Nyerere, a distinguished alumnus of Makerere. At that time, the university was relatively small, and had only a few halls of residence. He was assigned to a hall known as New Hall, which was later renamed Nkrumah Hall in 1970.
Dr. Ruhakana Rugunda emphasized the significance of the renaming of the New Hall. He recounted that when he joined Makerere University, there was considerable student activism that mirrored the broader movements both in Uganda and across the African continent. The struggle against colonialism was intensifying, and Africa was on a path to liberation, with Kwame Nkrumah serving as an iconic figure in this quest. He was a leader who dedicated Ghana’s resources to the collective benefit of the continent.
“So, the students at New Hall convened in the Senior Common Room and passed a resolution to give New Hall a name that honored its significance. The name selected was Nkrumah. This resolution was passed overwhelmingly, and I am proud to have been part of that decision. The name Nkrumah was then forwarded to the warden and the university administration, who accepted it. That is how the name came about. I am also glad to see that there is an appropriate statue in front of the hall, commemorating an iconic figure in Africa’s history,” Dr. Ruhakana Rugunda remarked.

He urged the audience to continually add value to the teachings and philosophy of Kwame Nkrumah in order to support the independence, self-determination, and decision-making of the African people, as well as to promote their unity. He emphasized that unity is essential for harnessing Africa’s vast natural resources, which are often exploited by others. He commended Makerere University for hosting the event and suggested that it should become an annual celebration.
“I would like to express my gratitude to Makerere University and the leadership of Nkrumah Hall for organizing this event and fostering an environment conducive to symposia and discussions of this nature. I recommend that this become an annual event to ensure that more students and the general public are reminded of the vision, ideals, and significant contributions of the iconic Pan-Africanist Kwame Nkrumah and what he advocated for,” he concluded.
Reflecting on the colonial powers’ efforts to weaken and divide Africa, Maj. Gen. Henry Masiko, Chief Political Commissar of the Uganda People’s Defense Forces (UPDF), remarked that Africa was treated like a cake, with its resources plundered and controlled. He noted that Nkrumah recognized that independence would be meaningless without addressing the distortions, particularly the issue of division.
“Nkrumah understood the four essential goals of independence, which can be summarized as five key objectives: First, ensuring that liberation is not exclusive to a select few. Second, that Africa must be free, as the struggle in many places was for immediate independence. Third, it is not enough for people to be free, they must also prosper. Nkrumah viewed the prosperity of the African people as a crucial aim of independence. Fourth, reassembly of Africa as one united entity. Lastly, the need to recover African dignity, heritage, culture, and identity. He fully grasped these five objectives and was especially passionate about the reintegration of Africa,” Maj. Gen. Masiko stated.

In his description of Africa, Maj. Gen. Masiko referred to it as the cradle of humankind, a continent rich in resources and the origin of civilization. He emphasized that Africa pioneered civilization, boasting of great empires like the Ghana Empire, the Mali Empire, and the Timbuktu civilization. Despite this, he noted that over the last 600 years, Africa has found itself at the bottom of the global hierarchy, regarded as the most marginalized and despised continent. He pointed out that this represents a contradiction that intrigued heroes namely Kwame Nkrumah and his compatriots.
“Africa, glorious in many ways, is now seen as the last. They understood that this decline resulted from a combination of mistakes and natural challenges that led to disastrous outcomes. The first disaster was the enslavement of our people, forcibly shipped away and scattered across the globe. This was a degrading catastrophe, as many Africans were reduced to the status of slaves. Following the horrors of slavery came the further degradation through colonization, which devastated Africa,” Maj. Gen. Masiko lamented.
As a champion in the formation of the Organization of African Unity (OAU), Maj. Gen. Masiko highlighted that Nkrumah’s dream during the founding meeting in Addis Ababa was to establish a United States of Africa (USA). According to Maj Gen. Masiko, Nkrumah urged all those gathered in Addis Ababa to leave their individual flags behind and raise the flag of a united Africa, advocating for one president, one army, and one government. He even expressed his willingness to step down as President of Ghana if other leaders would agree to form a unified African government in Addis Ababa. While he envisioned a cohesive and united Africa, today we still find ourselves categorized as the Fragmented States of Africa (FSA)! He reiterated that as we gather to commemorate Kwame Nkrumah, we must embrace his dream of unity.
“Kwame Nkrumah had a dream of reuniting Africa, and we must return to that vision. It remains relevant today. Nkrumah leaves us with the challenge he could not fulfill, but his spirit lives on. Imagine that reality of a unified Africa—why not? Perhaps in your lifetime, you could serve as a commander of the United Forces of Africa or serving in the federal government for the continent. That dream should not be regarded as in vain,” Maj. Gen. Masiko stated.

Reflecting on the Berlin Conference, which resolved to scramble and partition the continent, Maj. Gen. Masiko noted that European colonialists spent four months – from November to February devising ways to divide and share Africa among themselves, with no African representatives present at that meeting. He suggested starting a symbolic initiative by declaring these months as a “Months of Disaster” for Africa.
“The meeting in Berlin took place over November, December, January, and concluded in February. So why don’t we designate these four months as African Month of Remembrance for the disaster that occurred in Berlin? We could preach about and condemn the outcomes of the Berlin Conference while wearing black ribbons on our shoulders. I believe this could help awaken Africans to the reality of that disaster,” he proposed.
He revealed to the audience that there is still hope for Africa to reunite, citing a notable example: if Berlin, a city once divided to form East and West Germany, was reunited after the fall of the Berlin Wall, why can’t Africa, which only has imaginary borders, do the same? He thus urged the younger generation to carry forward the gospel of unity as Kwame Nkrumah did.

“The same Berlin was divided, not by rivers or natural boundaries like ours, but by a brick wall that separated Germany. I don’t know how many years they spent as East and West Germany, but they eventually woke up, broke down the wall, and reunited. For us Africans, since 1884, there have been no brick walls. So, young people, if we are unhappy with the divisions that exist, what should we do? I often hear phrases like ‘porous borders.’ Who told you there are porous borders? Porous implies there are holes, but these are merely artificial, imaginary colonial lines in your minds, and you call them porous borders,” he highlighted.
Discussing regional integration, particularly the East African Community (EAC), which currently comprises seven member states, including South Sudan, and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), he shared his experience visiting refugee camps in Uganda. He noted that most of the refugees in these camps were from South Sudan and the DRC. He questioned the efficacy of the EAC by asking, “How can members of a community be refugees within their own community?”
In her speech, Mrs. Lorna Magara, Chairperson of the Makerere University Council, emphasized that Kwame Nkrumah’s vision for a politically united and economically independent Africa is as relevant today as it was during his lifetime. As a champion of Pan-Africanism, Nkrumah advocated for a united front against colonialism and the self-determination of African nations. Mrs. Magara asserted that Nkrumah’s dream extended beyond Ghana; it encompassed the aspiration for the entire continent to unite as one.
“Kwame Nkrumah was a great and charismatic man who inspired the fight for independence for Africa. His vision for a politically united, economically independent, and socially equitable Africa is an ideal we must integrate into our educational culture, social, and political environments. Today, we learned of Kwame Nkrumah’s tremendous influence and how he inspired the change of name from New Hall to Nkrumah Hall. Listening to these stories reaffirms the importance of intergenerational conversations to inspire the young generation to live by conviction and for a greater cause,” she said.
She called for a renewed commitment to Nkrumah’s ideals, particularly among the youth, who represent the future of Africa with 73% of Uganda’s population under the age of 17. She said that it is crucial to inspire the next generation to embrace the values of unity and cooperation that Nkrumah championed. She encouraged young people to engage in conversations about their history and the legacies of those who fought for their freedom.
“There is a growing and urgent need to prioritize these conversations, where values and norms are communicated from one generation to another. The recent population census statistics recorded that 45,900,000 Ugandans, out of which 73% are under 17, and only 5% are above 60. With these statistics, there is an incredible opportunity and also a challenge to influence the most significant percentage of the population. The idea of passing on values and knowledge from the old to the young through conversations and storytelling, like we used to do in the past, is the heart of this effort. This is one of the reasons why this engagement of bringing our esteemed alumni to engage with current students is of great importance,” Mrs. Magara stated.
Mrs. Magara proposed the establishment of “Ekyooto,” a fireside discussion for young people to engage in discussions about Nkrumah’s vision and explore ways to actualize it in today’s context. She emphasized the importance of bridging the generational gap and empowering the youth to carry forward the torch of unity and purpose.
“We have begun having what we call “Ekyooto” where young people and university students, come around to discuss these matters. I have a proposal that from this discussion, we have a ‘kyooto’, to articulate together with our elders what we need to do, to actualize the ideals of Kwame Nkrumah and his colleagues.We have to bridge the gap. We talked about passing on the baton, and we heard that Kwame Nkrumah picked the baton from his elders,” she said.

In today’s digital age where social media significantly shapes the cultures and attitudes of the young generation, often to the detriment of their mental and social well-being, Mrs. Magara emphasized the importance of prioritizing mentorship and guiding students toward purposeful living. She expressed particular delight, acknowledging the efforts of students, especially the chairperson and her council, in initiating the vital dialogue. Mrs. Magara urged them to remain curious about the history and the narrative of the African continent as well as the legacies of the great leaders who fought for independence and shaped the society we have today.
Mrs. Magara expressed her gratitude to all participants for their dedication to preserving Nkrumah’s legacy. She said that their presence was a testament to their commitment to the shared cause of preserving and promoting Kwame Nkrumah’s legacy whose ideals are vital for shaping a future where Africa stands united and strong.
Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi, the Acting Vice Chancellor of Makerere University, reaffirmed that Kwame Nkrumah remains a symbol of African pride. His vision and hope for a united Africa continue to inspire leaders across the continent and instill pride in Africans regarding their heritage and identity. He commended the students and residents of Nkrumah Hall for organizing the event, with support from the Office of the Dean of Students.
“I am very much delighted to join you all in celebrating the legacy and the day of birth of our African icon, the late Kwame Nkrumah. It is an indication that his ideals and legacy continue to inspire these generations. And for this, we shall be grateful for his contributions and his works for eternity,” he remarked.
Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi credited the Guest of honor, Dr. Ruhakana Rugunda for his contribution towards good leadership and revolutionary ideas. He also welcomed him and Maj. Gen. Henry Masiko back to Makerere University, their alma matter.
With profound pleasure, Dr. Winifred Namuwonge Kabumbuli, the Dean of Students at Makerere University, remarked that the name Kwame Nkrumah has stood the test of time, resonating like a beautiful horn across the African continent and beyond. She emphasized the importance of focusing on Nkrumah’s views on integration and Pan-Africanism that he championed and articulated to address the challenges of our time.
“Nkrumah saw all those things and realized that there was a need to have home-bred solutions to address the challenges of Africa in order to have a stable and strong nation. Therefore, this symposium aims to honor the legacy of Kwame Nkrumah as well as inspire a new generation of leaders to work towards a strong, prosperous, economically and politically strong African nation.
Kwame Rugunda, son of Dr. Ruhakana Rugunda and named in honor of the great Pan-Africanist Kwame Nkrumah, acknowledged the responsibility young people have to continue the work laid down by previous generations of Africans. He reiterated that while Kwame Nkrumah is celebrated as the father of Pan-Africanism, he also inherited the baton from earlier Africanists who championed the ideals of unity and cooperation across the continent.

“Kwame Nkrumah picked up the baton from a previous generation, leading Ghana to independence in 1957 and continuing the vital work of Pan-Africanism. As a remarkable champion for the continent, he eventually passed the baton to the next generation, including leaders like Dr. Rugunda and others. Our task as young people is to receive this baton and carry forward the significant mission of advancing the African cause,” Kwame Rugunda emphasized.
He called upon young Africans to contribute actively to the ongoing struggle for their destiny, unity, and Pan-Africanism. “If there is one lesson to take away from today, it is the importance of learning from those who came before us and playing our part in advancing the African continent. We must not look to the West or the East for our direction; we are the architects of our own destiny,” he concluded.
The celebration of Kwame Nkrumah at Makerere University serves as a poignant reminder of the enduring legacy of one of Africa’s greatest visionaries. His unwavering commitment to Pan-Africanism and unity continues to inspire generations, urging us to confront the challenges of our time with a collective spirit. As leaders and students reflected on Nkrumah’s ideals, it became apparent that the path to a truly independent and prosperous Africa lies in our hands.
You may like
General
Mak and University of the West of England Sign MoU to Advance Research, Innovation and Skills Development
Published
4 days agoon
October 17, 2025By
Eve Nakyanzi
Makerere University and the University of the West of England (UWE) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at strengthening collaboration in research, innovation, and enterprise development. The signing ceremony took place on Friday, 17th October 2025, in the Vice Chancellor’s Boardroom, Main Administration Building, Makerere University.
The partnership will focus on joint research initiatives in climate science, early childhood development and elderly care, wildlife ecology and conservation management, technology, and sustainable agriculture.
The Uganda High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, H.E. Nimisha Madhvani, who witnessed the signing, congratulated both institutions and reaffirmed the Government of Uganda’s commitment to strengthening international collaborations that enhance education, innovation, and investment.
“We are not only promoting education, but also tourism, business, and investment. This partnership is a great bridge between Uganda and the United Kingdom,” said H.E. Madhvani. “With the full support of His Excellency the President and the First Lady, we look forward to building on this momentum to establish impactful initiatives, including a proposed teaching hospital.”

Speaking during the event, the Vice Chancellor of Makerere University, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, reaffirmed the University’s commitment to producing graduates who are not only employable but also capable of creating jobs and transforming their communities.
“Our goal is to train students who go out to create their own jobs and employ others who have not had the opportunity to attend university,” said Prof. Nawangwe. “We are working seriously on issues of food security, health, and conflict management — particularly in the Great Lakes region, which has one of the highest numbers of conflicts per capita. Through research and collaboration, we aim to address these challenges while ensuring Africa is not left behind in the digital economy.”
Prof. Nawangwe also highlighted Makerere’s initiatives in the digital and peace sectors, including the work of the Rotary Peace Center, which plays a vital role in promoting peace across the world by equipping fellows with academic training, practice, and global networking opportunities through a year-long, blended-learning professional certificate program.
Representing the University of the West of England, the Vice Chancellor Ms. Jo Midgley commended Makerere University for its strong research focus and expressed enthusiasm for the partnership.
“Like Makerere, we are a comprehensive university. We want this partnership to go beyond conversations and translate into action,” she said. “Our areas of strength include sustainability, climate change, future technology, health, and community placemaking. We believe this collaboration offers a unique opportunity to co-create programmes that prepare students for the evolving global workforce.”

She further emphasized the need for universities to work closely with industry partners to co-design programs that meet current skill demands while promoting innovation and enterprise among students.
The Deputy High Commissioner, Ambassador Miriam Otengo, commended Makerere for its leadership in higher education and shared ongoing efforts to mobilize the Makerere alumni in the United Kingdom. She also revealed plans to host a Makerere Alumni Symposium in London, aimed at showcasing the University’s excellence and strengthening ties with its diaspora community.
Also in attendance was Mr. Hefin Rees KC, Chairman of Spotlight on Africa, a UK-based charitable organization, who expressed interest in partnering with Makerere University to establish a teaching hospital in Mbale focused on women and children’s health. He praised Makerere for producing world-class professionals and reaffirmed his organization’s commitment to supporting health-related initiatives.
In his closing remarks, Prof. Nawangwe thanked the High Commission for facilitating the partnership and welcomed the opportunity to discuss the proposed teaching hospital, describing it as “a timely and vital project for Uganda’s health sector.”
“This collaboration represents a new chapter for Makerere University and the University of the West of England. Together, we will advance research, promote innovation, and equip our students to respond to global challenges,” he said. The ceremony concluded with the formal signing of the MoU, marking the beginning of a long-term partnership built on shared values of excellence, innovation, and community impact.
General
Makerere is No.1 in the Region – THE University Rankings
Published
4 days agoon
October 17, 2025By
Mak Editor
The Acting (Ag.) Vice Chancellor, Prof. Sarah Ssali on Thursday 16th October, 2025 held a press conference to update members of the Media on the 2026 World University Rankings by Times Higher Education (THE).
The event held in the Vice Chancellor’s Boardroom, Main Building, was attended by the Director Graduate Training-Prof. Julius Kikooma, Director Quality Assurance-Dr. Cyprian Misinde, Dean of Students-Dr. Winifred Kabumbuli, Director Research, Innovations, and Partnerships-Prof. Robert Wamala, Deputy Chief – Public Relations-Ms. Eunice Rukundo, Ag. Manager International Relations-Mr. Matthias Ssemanda, and staff from the Offices of the Vice and Deputy Vice Chancellors.
The proceedings of the Press Conference follow below;
Vice Chancellor’s Press Statement
UNIVERSITY RANKINGS: MAKERERE STILL NUMBER ONE IN THE REGION
It gives me great pleasure to share with our stakeholders and the general public that Makerere University has been ranked Number 1. in the East African region, in the Times Higher Education rankings released this month of October 2025.
In its 2026 World University Rankings, Times Higher Education (THE) places Makerere University in top position in East Africa, and in the 801-1000 band globally. The ranking considers five performance indicators, namely: Teaching; Research environment; Research quality; International Outlook; and Industry. Makerere’s overall score was 37.2, significantly outperforming peer institutions in the Region that average scores of 18.8.
In particular, Makerere University continues to thrive in Research Quality where we scored 54.2% but even better in International Outlook where we scored highest with 69.7%. See Table 1 for details. On the continent, Makerere University ranked 8th in the 2024 Sub-Saharan African University Rankings.
We would like to reassure all stakeholders and well-wishers that Makerere University continues to hold steadfast as the regional leader in higher education. Our commitment to deliver excellence in our teaching, research, and socioeconomic impact has not wavered.
WE BUILD FOR THE FUTURE.
Thank you.
Fact Sheet
UNIVERSITY RANKINGS
Table 1: East African Universities – 2025 Ranking Comparison
Rank | Name | Overall | Teaching | Research Env. | Research Quality | Industry | Int. Outlook |
801–1000 | Makerere University | 35.5–38.9 | 21.5 | 26.6 | 54.2 | 32.8 | 69.7 |
1501+ | Kenyatta University | 10.3–27.2 | 14.3 | 9.1 | 34.2 | 17.4 | 54.6 |
1501+ | Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences | 10.3–27.2 | 21.6 | 14.9 | 30.3 | 27.5 | 54.6 |
1501+ | University of Dar es Salaam | 10.3–27.2 | 14.5 | 11.1 | 26.5 | 21.9 | 47.2 |
1501+ | University of Nairobi | 10.3–27.2 | 15.9 | 16.1 | 39.7 | 22.5 | 49.4 |
1501+ | University of Rwanda | 10.3–27.2 | 14.1 | 14.9 | 25.6 | 21.1 | 57.5 |

End

The Board of the Zambia Research and Education Network (ZAMREN) led by the Chairperson, Prof. Mundia Muya on 14th October 2025 paid a courtesy call on the Vice Chancellor, Makerere University. The Board which is on a two-day exposure visit to the Research and Education Network of Uganda (RENU) was received by the Acting (Ag.) Vice Chancellor and Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic Affairs), Prof. Sarah Ssali in the Vice Chancellor’s Boardroom.
The Chairperson was accompanied by Mr. Ronald Hatoongo and Mr. Stein Mkandawire, the Board Secretary and CEO of ZAMREN respectively, as well as RENU’s CEO-Mr. Nicholas Mbonimpa and RENUMESH Technologies CEO-Mr. Brian Masiga. In attendance were Mr. Samuel Mugabi-Director DICTS, Prof. Robert Wamala-Director Research, Innovations and Partnerships (DRIP), and Prof. Tonny Oyana-Principal College of Computing and Information Sciences (CoCIS).
Also present were; Prof. Paul Birevu Muyinda-Director Institute of Open, Distance and eLearning (IODeL), Dr. Godfrey Mayende-Deputy Director IODeL, Dr. Michael Walimbwa- College of Education and External Studies (CEES), Dr. Cathy Mbidde- Ag. Manager. Makerere University Innovation Pod, Ms. Eunice Rukundo-Deputy Chief-Public Relations and staff from the Office of the Vice Chancellor.
In her welcome remarks, Prof. Ssali thanked the ZAMREN Board for including the courtesy call on their Kampala itinerary and extended warm greetings from the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe. She noted that Makerere as a founding member of RENU has enjoyed a mutually beneficial collaboration, that has benefited both staff and students in the form of supporting growing connectivity needs, as well as training, mentorship, and development of technical skills for both continuing students and graduates.

Turning to the gist of the courtesy call, the Acting Vice Chancellor noted that the Makerere University through the Centre for Artificial Intelligence (MAK-AI) seeks to harness the transformative power of AI to address society’s most pressing challenges. “Projects undertaken by our Centre tackle real-world challenges in health, agriculture, languages, and beyond.”
Prof. Ssali nevertheless underscored the importance of upholding ethics in all AI undertakings “Mindful of global trends elsewhere, the work of the Makerere AI Centre is guided by the principles of Responsible AI, ensuring that systems are transparent, accountable, fair, and designed to benefit society.”
She therefore called upon the delegation to thoughtfully engage with the ideas presented during their visit with the aim of collectively exploring both institution can better equip staff and students to meaningfully make the most of this fast-evolving trend.
On behalf of the Board, Prof. Muya who is substantively the Vice Chancellor of the University of Zambia thanked Prof. Ssali and Members of Management present for according his delegation a warm reception to Makerere University, “one of Africa’s most distinguished centres of higher learning.
“Makerere University is not only a symbol of academic excellence but also a beacon of leadership in higher education on the African continent”, remarked Prof. Muya.
The Chairperson equally expressed the delegation’s keenness to understand how AI is being adopted, and how the academia is embracing the technology as an enabler of teaching and research. “At ZAMREN, we view digital transformation and AI integration as critical enablers of academic excellence, efficiency, and competitiveness across higher education institutions,” he remarked, adding that “We therefore look to Makerere University’s experience to draw practical lessons that can inform and inspire our efforts back home.”

Turning to the lessons from Makerere in line with digital transformation and ICT, the Director DICTS shared that owing to the partnership with RENU, internet bandwidth, a vital enabler of AI transformation currently stands at 5 Gbps of monthly consumption, with plans to scale-up to 8 Gbps. He added that RENU has also facilitated Makerere’s access to Open Libraries, and Eduroam – a secure, encrypted Wi-Fi network across to staff and students freely access the internet across partner institutions in Uganda using their University emails.
Furthermore on the enablers of AI integration, Mr. Mugabi noted that in line with digitalization of institutional business process, the University Council took a bold step to develop all information systems in-house, a move that has reduced costs spent on offshore solutions, and hemorrhage of skills. He pointed to the introduction of open source solutions, and AI policy and global collaborations with corporations such as Google as additional enablers.
Addressing AI readiness, Prof. Tonny Oyana pointed out the need for the University of Zambia to start early, citing Makerere efforts which began as far back as 2007, when Dr. John Quinn joined the institution after his PhD. He added that Dr. Quinn together with other former staff from Makerere formed Sunbird AI, a thriving initiative creating practical systems for the benefit of community.
Prof. Oyana also pointed to AI initiatives that have attracted up to USD 5million from Google Awards, staff with specialized skills in the creation and development of sensor technologies, top notch students that win continental and global awards from companies such as Huawei, and active engagements with partners to produce solutions to enhance diagnosis of malaria, tuberculosis and cancer as some of areas that demonstrate Makerere’s AI readiness.

Addressing academic and research innovation, Prof. Robert Wamala pointed out that Makerere, in recognition that the institution cannot achieve its vision alone is intentional about seeking and nurturing mutually beneficial partnerships. Furthermore, he shared that Vice Chancellor’s Annual Research Excellence Awards reward and recognize the efforts of staff who have excelled in publication, teaching and winning grants.
The Director DRIP equally underscored the need for dissemination of research produced by staff and students, pointing out the annual research and innovation week as a flagship event for not only showcasing research but also forging meaningful partnerships with stakeholders. In line with technology transfer, Prof. Wamala said that the University through the Intellectual Property Management Office ensures that innovations developed by staff and students packaged for adoption by other individuals or organisations.
Addressing the use of technologies in academic work, Prof. Birevu noted that IODeL conducts capacity building in instructional design, online facilitation, use of AI in teaching and digital assessments. “We have also advised the University on ODeL and Distance Education strategies, for instance, we have developed a ten-year masterplan for distance education with support from the Korean Government to outline how Makerere University is going to integrate distance education within its offering” he added.
At the close of the deliberations the ZAMREN expressed sincere appreciation to the Ag. Vice Chancellor and Members of Management for the free sharing that pointed out a number of priorities.
Trending
-
General1 week ago
Call for Applications: Government Sponsorship 2026/27
-
General4 days ago
Makerere is No.1 in the Region – THE University Rankings
-
General2 weeks ago
Vice Chancellor Updates Media on DVC AA Appointment, Acquisitions, Research & Various Issues
-
General2 weeks ago
Strengthening Collaboration between Makerere University and the University of Groningen
-
General2 weeks ago
Makerere and Nelson Mandela University Move to Actualize Existing MoU