Princess Zahra Aga Khan (Centre) flanked by her daughter Sarah Boyden (to her Left) and Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi (to her Right) poses for a group photo with members of her delegation and Staff at the Main Building Entrance.
On 20th January 2025, the blazing afternoon sun was temporarily obscured by cloud cover as a convoy complete with VVIP security detail quietly made its way to the Main Building. As the convoy came to a stop at the Main Building’s Eastern staircase, all eyes were peeled to see who this VVIP was. As she emerged, there was no fanfare whatsoever as she proceeded to pleasantly greet the welcoming party. Princess Zahra Aga Khan, graceful by all standards, had arrived at Makerere University, an institution fondly talked about by her father His Late Highness Prince Karim Aga Khan IV.
It was indeed humbling that Princess Zahra Aga Khan, a Member of the Board of Directors of the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) and Trustee of the Aga Khan University (AKU) could include Makerere University on her itinerary. She had earlier on the same day paid a courtesy call on the President H.E. Yoweri Kaguta Museveni at State House Nakasero, and presided over the graduation of 120 students of the Aga Khan University-Kampala.
Princess Zahra who was received by the Acting Vice Chancellor, Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi and the Dean Makerere University School of Public Health (MakSPH), Prof. Rhoda Wanyenze was thankful for the warm reception and Makerere’s unwavering legacy.
Princess Zahra Aga Khan (Right) is received upon arrival in the Vice Chancellor’s Office by Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi (Left).
“My whole life, my father always told me that Makerere was the best University in Africa,” relayed Princess Zahra, before adding “And my whole life he told me how sad it was that tertiary level degrees had been de-funded and what fragility that bred in these countries.” She went on to explain that her father’s philosophy was that if a country cannot train its upper degrees, it cannot build a free, fair and successful economy.
Princess Zahra nevertheless expressed how glad she was to see that Makerere still remains a beacon of higher education, and that the Main Building that was gutted by fire was reconstructed to perfection. “So to come here and see it looking so amazing and beautiful is really good.”
She confessed that her itinerary, though involving many hops to preside over graduations in Kenya, Tanzania and finally Pakistan, was testimony of how much Aga Khan Institutions had evolved over the past twenty years. Princess Zahra explained that partnerships with Makerere and other universities, especially in the aftermath of events such as CoVID-19, were crucial in helping Aga Khan Institutions to adjust. “An institution can become far stronger and more resilient,” she explained.
Princess Zahra Aga Khan (Centre) flanked by her daughter Sarah Boyden (Left) and Dr. Tania Bubela (Right) reacts during the courtesy call.
In his welcome remarks, Prof. Buyinza thanked Princess Zahra for including Makerere on her eventful itinerary. “We are more than a century old and have greatly impacted the development and economy of this country, not on our own, but with the big network of our partners in many respects. Your coming reinforces the resolve that we must work together for the good of humanity.”
The Acting Vice Chancellor equally welcomed members of Princess Zahra’s delegation who included; her daughter Sarah Boyden, Mr. Zakir Mahmood-Chairman Board of Trustees AKU, Mr. Amin Mawji, OBE-Trustee AKDN, Dr. Sulaiman Shahabuddin-President and Vice Chancellor AKU, Dr. Tania Bubela-Provost and Vice President Academic AKU, Zeenat Shahabuddin-Regional CEO for Aga Khan Health Services (AKHS) in East Africa, and Joseph Mwizerwa-Associate Vice Provost AKU-Uganda.
Contributing to the day’s discussion, Dr. Sulaiman Shahabuddin the President and Vice Chancellor AKU who has been in Kampala for the last twenty years, admitted that the new campus in Nakawa heralds a new era of growth as they commence student activities in June 2025.
Princess Zahra Aga Khan (Centre) signs the Visitors Book as Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi (Left) and Dr. Sulaiman Shahabuddin (Right) witness.
“Makerere has been and is a distinguished University in Africa. We look forward to engaging and discussing how best we can come up with programmes that can benefit Uganda and Ugandans” he remarked.
As a rejoinder, Prof. Rhoda Wanyenze admitted that AKU’s and Makerere’s academic programmes present a number of potential synergies both in training and research. “Cancer clinical care and research is a big issue for us here; the burden is growing and we need to do more work to be able to characterize exposures and what it is that’s driving it.”
Other areas singled out in the discussion as potential for collaboration included; the environment, climate change and its linkage with health and other issues, and harnessing of the potential Electronic Medical Records (EMR). Makerere University currently partners with the Ministry of Health to roll out EMR systems nationwide, so as to optimize health service delivery in line with the Uganda Vision 2040.
Princess Zahra Aga Khan is received upon arrival at the Mak UniPod by Dr. Cathy Ikiror Mbidde (Right) as Prof. Rhoda Wanyenze (2nd Right) and other officials witness.
“We have already done quite a number of facilities across the country for HIV, probably more than 1,000, but right now we are moving towards having an integrated electronic system for all care, the interoperability of multiple systems that exist, and being able to scale that up” complemented Prof. Wanyenze.
Prof. Buyinza who brought the lively discussion to a close concurred that a lot of potential areas for collaboration exist between the two partners and reassured Princess Zahra Aga Khan and her delegation of the Makerere’s readiness to undertake joint activities for the good of humanity. He also used the occasion to observe a moment of silence in honour of His Late Highness Prince Karim Aga Khan IV, who passed away on 4th February 2025.
Following the signing of the Vice Chancellor’s Visitors Book, Princess Zahra Aga Khan and her delegation proceeded to the Makerere University Innovation Pod (Mak UniPod), where they received a guided tour from Dr. Cathy Ikiror Mbidde, the Director.
Makerere University has reaffirmed its commitment to building strong global partnerships through a high-level engagement with Goucher College (USA), represented by Ms. Nenelwa Tomi. The meeting, chaired by Deputy Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, Prof. Sarah Ssali, also brought together academic leaders from the College of Humanities and Social Sciences (CHUSS) led by the Deputy Principal Dr. Eric Awich Ocen.
Opening the discussions, Prof. Ssali emphasized the importance of partnerships in driving Makerere University’s mission of knowledge generation, innovative teaching, research, and societal transformation. She highlighted her office’s role in supporting the Vice Chancellor’s vision and noted that the university has cultivated over 1,000 partnerships worldwide, ranging from global universities to community-based organizations. However, she stressed that the humanities, in particular, needed more collaboration to match the momentum already seen in the sciences.
The spotlight of the meeting was on Goucher College, with Nenelwa Tomi making a strong case for collaboration. She outlined the college’s unique strengths, including its liberal arts model, global education approach, and emphasis on experiential learning. Tomi emphasized Goucher College’s readiness to create synergies with Makerere University, ranging from faculty and student exchange programs to joint research, innovation projects, and alumni engagement opportunities. She noted that the shared values of diversity, community-centered learning, and innovation make the two institutions natural partners.
Ms. Nenelwa Tomi
Nenelwa Tomi highlighted Goucher College’s global perspective, noting that every student is required to engage in international learning as part of their degree. This, she explained, positions Goucher College as an institution deeply committed to cross-cultural exchange, making collaboration with Makerere University a natural extension of its mission. She emphasized the college’s strong tradition in liberal arts and humanities, pointing out that this could complement Makerere University’s growing interest in broadening partnerships beyond the sciences. She further mentioned that Goucher College has well-established student support systems, career readiness programs, and digital learning innovations, which could create synergies with Makerere University’s own efforts to integrate technology and experiential learning into academic programs.
In addition, she shared success stories of Goucher College’s collaborations with other international institutions, illustrating how these partnerships had not only expanded academic opportunities but also enhanced community impact. Finally, she stressed the importance of sustainable, people-centered partnerships, noting that collaboration should be designed to empower both students and staff, while also producing solutions that address pressing societal challenges in Uganda, the United States, and beyond.
Dr. Cathy Mbidde the Manager Makerere University Innovation Pod (UNIPOD) spoke on behalf Makerere University Technology and Innovation Center, established in 2022 to commercialize research outputs. The UNIPOD with facilities such as maker spaces, food technology labs, textile and electrical sections, and a multimedia studio, the center has already incubated five student-owned companies in areas like health, irrigation, coffee, wine, and wood production. Its focus on nurturing innovation and entrepreneurship aligns closely with Goucher’s experiential learning philosophy, opening new pathways for co-creation between the two institutions.
In closing, the meeting underscored the vast potential for Makerere–Goucher collaboration, with both sides expressing optimism about partnerships that could benefit students, staff, and the broader community. The dialogue marked the beginning of what stakeholders described as a promising journey of innovation, knowledge exchange, and global academic synergy.
The meeting was held on the 2nd of October 2025 and was attended by Dr. Pamela Khanakwa (Dean of the School of Liberal and Performing) Dr. Dickson Kanakulya (Head of the Department of Philosophy) and Dr. Charlotte K. Mafumbo (Head of the Department of History).
In commemoration of the Africa’s iconic leader, the late Kwame Nkrumah, a public lecture was celebrated on Friday, 26th September 2025. It was a day to celebrate and reiterate Nkrumah’s history and his dream of a one and united Africa through Pan-Africanism. The event was held under the theme ‘Transforming Young African Minds: Lessons We Can Draw from Kwame Nkrumah’s Ideas.’ As echoed by the Nkrumah hall’s chairman, Mr. Arinaitwe Peter, it was a day to transform the minds of activists. “Nkrumah Hall is not just a building but a temple of ideas, innovation and research.” he added highlighting the remarkable importance of Nkrumah’s legacy. With this spirit, Nkrumah hall’s leadership made it a responsibility to organise sports and charity works to the needy aiming at building brotherhood and lifting one another.
In the same regard, the Chief Guest and the Keynote Speaker, Hon. Maj. Gen. Kahinda Otafiire the State Minister for Internal Affairs highlighted the theme of the event affirming that Nkrumah lived dream for the unity of the African continent and that that is what inspires him. Reflecting on his journey as a student at Makerere 53 years ago, he mentioned that him and other colleagues became part time students and full-time guerrillas fighting for the love, peace and stability of their country, Uganda to liberate it from Idd Amin’s regime. “I rather live fighting than live on my knees begging…” he added.
He urged the youths to embrace the Africanism and unite Africa following Nkrumah’s dream therefore reinstating that if youths rise as Ugandans in oneness altogether, they shall be unbreakable. He added that we are living in a continent that encompasses countries that are democratically poor thus cannot do great things like going to the moon, inventing high end machinery and so on.
Maj. Gen. Kahinda, emphasized youths to do away with their cultural and religious beliefs and indifferences to develop the desire for the unity of Uganda, East Africa and Africa. Showing his worry, he stated that youths should wake up and stop being used fighters hence uniting the good as opposed to the bad ones. “I want you, young people to be Africans because I am an African and will be enough for me to go to my grave and rest.” he made a call to the youths. He articulated that Africa shouldn’t confine itself in the colonial borders forced on it by the colonialists but rather a border-less continent for all Africans thus cherishing in being a mayor in Africa than being a minister in Uganda.
Representing the Vice Chancellor of Makerere University, Dr. Winfred Kabumbuli pointed it out that the university focuses at interesting students towards leadership and aims to honour the legacy of Kwame Nkrumah by raising a generation that will respect Africa’s values and stand the taste of time as Nkrumah’s name has done. Honoured to host the event, she added that the university prides in research and innovation.
As a norm to digest the Nkrumah’s dream of ‘Pan Africanism and Unity,’ a panel discussion moderated by Dr. Suzie Muwanga was conducted. On this platform, it was addressed that;
The African people failed to get dignity and thus for Pan Africanism to prevail, dignity needs to be attached to the people.
Nkrumah’s dream was to see an Africa that could stand on its own; Intra-African, intra-state and intra-regional.
Africa still holds its strength and wealth which key in attracting Africa’s enemies to continually endeavour to destabilise it to obtain Africans’ wealth. This therefore calls for Africans to discard such for Africa to stand.
Nkrumah’s efforts continued to inspire the next generations thus a call to every African to embrace the great duty of advancing the ideals, principles and values of Pan Africanism and not only expecting it from the existing leaders but as everyone’s personal duty.
With the spirit to shape the pathway of Pan Africanism, young people should understand that they live because their forefathers fought and should carry on the same spirit to also fight for where their children will live.
As the event came to an end, it was re-echoed that it is very is important for youths/young people to shift their mindset from being a special group of people that should be only catered for. Therefore, young people should harness the international community and embrace diversity to awaken and expose their mindset. As a call, young people/youths were called to action to ensure that the right decisions are done for the betterment of a united people of Africa as it was foreseen by Kwame Nkrumah.
The Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Academic Affairs, Prof. Sarah Ssali, hailed Makerere University for its longstanding partnership with the Mastercard Foundation, which has produced tangible results and impact. She made these remarks while officiating the launch and strategic plan co-creation workshop of the Africa Climate Collaborative, another initiative between Makerere University and the Mastercard Foundation, held on 30th September 2025, at the Senate Conference Hall, Makerere University.
“These initiatives illustrate how deeply the partnership between Makerere University and the Mastercard Foundation has become. The Africa Climate Collaborative builds on this foundation, broadening opportunities for scholarships, mentorship, and support for innovations that promote climate-resilient futures,” Prof. Ssali remarked.
Prof. Sarah Ssali delivering opening remarks.
Prof. Ssali highlighted that the Africa Climate Collaborative is a university-wide initiative created to tackle the ongoing challenges in graduate education in Africa, such as low completion rates, weak industry connections, and the disconnect between academic research and practical solutions.
“I strongly commend Makerere’s longstanding partnership with the Mastercard Foundation, which began in 2013, supporting transformative initiatives such as the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program, Action Research in Psychosocial Services, the E-learning Initiative, and the enhancement of Safeguarding at the university.” Prof. Ssali pointed out.
The Program Director for the Africa Climate Collaborative at Makerere University and Principal of the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, Prof. Gorettie Nabanoga, used the workshop to elaborate on the Collaborative’s mission and its four strategic pillars;
Prof. Gorettie Nabanoga explaining of the Africa Climate Collaborative’s interests
Pillar 1:Workforce Development: Enable talented young professionals to lead the development of climate solutions through quality education
Extend comprehensive Scholarships to 250 Masters and 40 PhD Students
Develop new curricula of 2 Masters and 1 PhD programmes
Upskill 150 Faculty in academic research supervision to improve the research experience of all graduate students
Pillar 2: Entrepreneurship: Empower youth to drive green economies through enhanced green entrepreneurship skilling programs
Skilling Programme for 500 youth who have not had the opportunity to pursue University Education
Provide seed funding for 200 viable entrepreneurship projects
Extend business mentorship to entrepreneurs for a period of 2 years
Provide boost funding for 40 women and youth-led green community innovations
Pillar 3: Research and Innovation: Catalyze high-quality research and innovation through a Climate Resilience Support Centre
Support 30 post-doctoral fellows.
Establishment of the Climate Resilience Support Centre to catalyze high-quality research and innovation.
Seed funding for 101 Innovations (MSc, PhD, & Postdoctoral fellows) with facilitated mentorship for a period of 2 years.
Boost the research and innovation infrastructure at the University.
Pillar 4: Networks, Policy, and Learning: Strengthen networks to disseminate research outputs and innovations to enhance resilience to climate change
Support 15 Local Governments to develop their Climate Change Strategies and Action Plans
Engage 40 multi-generational community liaisons to promote uptake of research innovations.
Prof. Justine Namaalwa, the Lead of Mastercard Foundation initiatives at Makerere University, expressed her gratitude to university management for entrusting the Program Delivery Team with the responsibility of implementing the Programme. She also thanked participants for their highly productive engagement, noting that their valuable contributions will significantly guide the Program’s operations.
Prof. Justine Namaalwa – Program Director, Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program
Prof. Namaalwa further indicated that more targeted engagements with university units will be conducted to support the effective implementation of the Program. She emphasised that the Programme will collaborate closely with various units and projects to deliver the following course:
Cross-cutting course on Innovation and Entrepreneurship: The Program will partner with the Directorate of Graduate Training and the Makerere University Innovation Pod (UniPod) to co-develop and co-deliver this course, making it accessible to all master’s and PhD students across the University.
Course on Human-Centred Design in Teaching and Learning: In collaboration with the Directorate of Graduate Training and the Centre for Teaching and Learning Support, the Program will co-develop and co-deliver this course for all faculty members.
Regarding the pillar aimed at skilling youth who have not had the opportunity to pursue university education, Prof. Namaalwa observed that the Program will leverage the expertise of the Africa Institute for Strategic Resource Services and Development (AFRISA) and other innovation centres and hubs across the University to equip the youth in creating and sustaining green enterprises.