General
Mak Hosts 3rd Hadithi Ya Mzizi in honour of Nshuti Balaam Kabaasa
Makerere University on 29th August 2025 hosted the 3rd edition of Hadithi Ya Mzizi, an event held under the theme “Shaded Economy” at the Yusuf Lule Central Teaching Facility Auditorium. The gathering was marked by an exhibition and panel discussion, serving two main purposes: to celebrate the resilience and innovation of the informal sector through the Hadithi Ya Mzizi exhibition and to memorialize its founder, the late Nshuti Balaam Kabaasa. Balaam a final year student awaiting graduation in January 2026 passed away suddenly on 22nd June 2025.
The platform, conceived by Balaam, was designed to allow Africans to tell their own stories, inspire younger generations, and promote Pan-Africanism by celebrating Black excellence, re-centering the African experience, and encouraging youth engagement in continental and global challenges.
Representing the Vice Chancellor, the Acting Deputy Vice Chancellor for Finance and Administration, Prof. Winston Tumps Ireeta, described the event as a befitting gesture by the University. He noted that the exhibition was an important event utilizing art to celebrate Balaam’s life, “an individual who was an economist by profession but deeply loved art.” He pointed to the art pieces displayed outside as a reflection of his passion and thanked all funders and organizers for their support in remembering Balaam’s life. Prof. Ireeta expressed hope that the exhibition will become an annual event to ensure that Balaam’s life “is continuously remembered, as he was a nice gentleman.”
Mr. Yusuf Kiranda, the University Secretary, also spoke at the event, sharing the emotional difficulty of the day since it had only been a few months since the University lost Balaam, whom he referred to as his son. He explained the absence of some friends who were still overwhelmed by grief and prayed for strength for all members of the family and friends present. He emphasized that Balaam’s vision was to promote the connection between art and economic development, noting that “art transcends mere beauty, carrying profound messages.” He further highlighted that Balaam created a platform to help those less familiar with art to understand these deeper meanings. Mr. Kiranda, encouraged all to carry forward Balaam’s vision with confidence, emphasizing its importance “beyond a mere memory, as it addresses the necessity of a functional economy.”
Prof. Sarah Ssali, Director of the Institute of Gender and Development Studies—whom Balaam fondly referred to as kaaka (grandmother in Runyakore)—welcomed participants to the event. She explained that Kabaasa conceived the Hadithi Ya Mzizi platform and the themes for the previous exhibitions. Hadithi Ya Mzizi, meaning “Tales of the Roots” in Kiswahili, is a Pan-African social advocacy initiative dedicated to reclaiming African narratives through creative expression. “Founder Balaam Kabaasa believed art was a tool for memory, liberation, and voice for the marginalized,” she said.
Prof. Ssali outlined the platform’s four objectives: to celebrate Black excellence, unite Pan-Africans across borders, re-center the African experience for youth, and encourage active youth engagement in addressing challenges. She also highlighted the success of the two previous exhibitions. The first, Tales of Black Excellence in the Eyes of Winnie Mandela, celebrated the end of Black History Month in 2023, paying tribute to Winnie Mandela’s life, her role in Africa’s liberation, and her influence on women’s empowerment through art and dialogue. The second exhibition, Hymns of the Nation, was a multidisciplinary showcase of visual art, music, and poetry held in 2024 that addressed themes such as domestic violence, girl-child empowerment, and community relationships.
She explained that this third exhibition, themed The Shaded Economy, celebrates the resilience of those working in the informal economy, particularly young people in the gig economy who thrive despite being excluded from formal economic metrics. Prof. Ssali thanked the event funders, including the Office of the Deputy Speaker, Makerere University’s Advancement Office, Switch Africa, and the Media Challenge Initiative (MCI).
The keynote address was delivered by Prof. Ibrahim Mike Okumu, Dean of the School of Economics, who expressed delight at speaking about the shaded economy, a subject he extensively covered in his PhD research. He illustrated this economy by highlighting the resilience of young Ugandans engaged in diverse activities such as providing boda-boda rides, food delivery, graphics design, online sales, and coding. He defined it as “the livelihood and creativity existing between informal survival and formal employment,” ranging from mobile money agents and street vendors to musicians, digital freelancers, and artists. Prof. Okumu emphasized that these individuals “constitute the pulse of Uganda’s everyday economy,” and dedicated the discussion to the memory of Balaam Kabaasa.
On behalf of the family his mother, Mrs. Pamela Kabaasa thanked Makerere University, the Guild leadership, Balaam’s friends, and all attendees for honoring her son. She described him as her “sonshine,” as a non-conformist who consistently chose not to follow the crowd, recalling his early passion for fine art alongside mathematics and economics. She shared memories of his entrepreneurial spirit, family devotion, and leadership ambitions. “He was full of ideas, but his strongest passion was for fine art,” she said. She also spoke of his role as a dependable “deputy parent” to his siblings, always looking out for their well-being.
A touching poem was delivered by Nicole Kabaasa in tribute to her late brother, while Steven Kiwanuka Kafeero, a friend of Balaam, also presented a poem in his memory.
The panel discussion, moderated by Ssali Richard a third year Law Student, featured young entrepreneurs who had started informal businesses while still at university. These included Ethan Kaweesi of Mbio Za Mungu Fashion Brand, Beatrice Eyotaru, who runs a laundry business and participates in the student work scheme, Akanyihayo Joshua, who sells mattresses, Victor, who owns a perfume business, and Mr. Amos Desmond Wambi of Switch Africa.
Joy Eve Serunjogi who spoke on behalf of Hadithi Ya Mzizi (Tales of the roots) explained that the initiative name symbolizes that the strength of a tree comes from its roots rather than its branches. She emphasized that the movement, founded at Makerere by Balaam, is one of art, identity, and storytelling, with a vision to reclaim African narratives and a mission to empower youth through art, dialogue, and innovation.
In his remarks, H.E. Ssentamu Churchill James, the Guild President, described the gathering as “a unique intersection of beauty and burden, reflection and resilience.” He observed that it not only celebrated artistry but also confronted pressing economic realities. “The event also honors the memory of a departed soul whose light continues to shine through the displayed works,” he noted. He further emphasized that “art speaks where statistics fail, effectively telling human stories, reflecting inflation, embodying struggle, and inspiring hope in ways that reports or policies rarely do.” The exhibition was dedicated to the memory of Nshuti Balaam Kabaasa, a non-conformist lover of art, brother, friend, and student whose passing left a significant void.
The event was attended by several Makerere University officials and friends of the late, including Prof. Wamala of the Directorate of Research, Innovation and Partnerships, Dr. Winifred Kabumbuli, Dean of Students, and H.E. Rose Nabwire, Guild President of Makerere University Business School among others.
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.
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