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.
Under the theme, “Leveraging AI for Sustainable Transformation: Leading in Uganda’s Transformation in the Age of Disruptive AI,” the 16th Annual CEO Forum 2025 brought together government leaders, captains of industry, academia, and development partners to discuss how Artificial Intelligence (AI) can drive Uganda’s transformation agenda.
Representing the Vice Chancellor, Mr Yusuf Kiranda, University Secretary at Makerere University, reaffirmed the University’s pivotal role as a hub for AI research, innovation, and training anchored in strong partnerships across government, academia, and industry.
“Makerere University is responsible for research, innovation and training to ensure transferable knowledge that can be utilised by both the private and public sector,” Mr. Kiranda noted.
He emphasised that Uganda’s sustainable AI transformation will depend on effective policy, governance, and collaboration across sectors.
According to Mr. Kiranda, three key issues must be addressed for AI to realise its potential:
- Balancing control and facilitation: Policymakers must not only regulate AI but also actively enable its use to drive innovation and competitiveness.
- Sovereignty of AI: Uganda must safeguard its data and resources, especially in sectors like agriculture, where external mapping of local assets threatens national control and export competitiveness.
- Regional harmonisation: To ensure fair competition, AI policies must be aligned across East Africa so Ugandan, Kenyan, and Tanzanian businesses operate under a level playing field.
“In the utilisation of AI, if a policy is making Uganda less competitive, we must revise it now to allow private sector players to thrive in this disruptive age,” he added.
Mr. Kiranda further reiterated Makerere’s commitment to producing quality, AI-ready graduates and enhancing teaching and learning methods to integrate technology. He also acknowledged the Government’s continued investment in research at Makerere, which has seen a growing number of researchers focus on AI and technological innovations.
“I can attest to Makerere’s existing partnerships with government entities and development partners. These collaborations are making the market ready to deliver solutions through effective academia–industry partnerships,” he said.
Building Africa’s Digital Destiny
The forum opened with a powerful keynote from Dr. Robin Kibuka, Board Director at the CEO Summit Uganda, who spoke on “Building Africa’s Digital Destiny: Kampala Rising, Africa Inventing.”
Dr. Kibuka urged Africans to take ownership of their digital future, stressing that the continent must define how AI transforms its societies.
“Artificial Intelligence can empower Africa or divide it. The choice is ours,” he said.
He highlighted success stories from across Africa, including AI-powered drones delivering medical supplies and smart credit systems supporting small businesses — proof that the continent is already innovating its own digital solutions.
Leveraging AI for Sustainable Transformation
In her keynote address on “Leveraging Artificial Intelligence for Sustainable Transformation,” Dr. Preeti Aghalayam, Director of the Indian Institute of Technology Madras – Zanzibar Campus, described AI as “the defining disruptor of the 21st century.”
She emphasised that both Africa and India share a unique opportunity to collaborate in education, innovation, and human capital development to shape a more inclusive digital future.
“Artificial Intelligence must help us do better and be better,” she said, highlighting the need for responsible innovation that uplifts communities and promotes sustainability.
Digital Transformation in the Health Sector
Mr. Rashid Khalani, Chief Executive Officer of Aga Khan University Hospital, Uganda, presented on “Digital Transformation in the Health Sector,” sharing practical examples of how AI is redefining healthcare delivery.
From AI-powered radiology that detects anomalies faster, to predictive models for early sepsis detection and digital tools supporting mental health care, Mr. Khalani demonstrated how AI is improving patient outcomes and empowering medical professionals.
“AI is not replacing people. It is empowering them to deliver better care, faster,” he emphasised.
He noted that partnerships between hospitals, universities, and technology institutions are crucial in developing localised AI solutions that respond to real health needs.
Makerere at the Heart of Uganda’s AI Transformation
The discussions throughout the 16th Annual CEO Forum 2025 reaffirmed the critical importance of collaboration among academia, industry, and government in shaping Uganda’s AI-driven future.
Makerere University continues to play a leading role in this space, providing the research, innovation, and talent that power the country’s transition into a digital economy.
Through strategic partnerships, forward-looking policy engagement, and continuous innovation in research and training, Makerere stands at the forefront of preparing Uganda and the region for a smart, inclusive, and sustainable future powered by AI.
Caroline Kainomugisha is the Communications Officer, Advancement Office, Makerere University.
General
Scholars Discuss Techno-Colonialism and Decolonizing AI for African Identity at Makerere University
Betty Kyakuwa & Eve Nakyanzi
Scholars from across Africa and beyond convened at Makerere University for a workshop on “Techno-Colonialism: Decolonizing Artificial Intelligence (AI) for African Identity.” The event formed part of the ongoing African Research Universities Alliance (ARUA) Conference hosted at Makerere University, under the ARUA Centre of Excellence in Notions of Identity.
In her opening remarks, Prof. Sarah Ssali, Director of the ARUA Centre of Excellence in Notions of Identity, welcomed participants to what she described as a “thought-provoking engagement for early career researchers.” She noted that the Centre, hosted at Makerere University, now brings together over 10 universities across Africa and partner institutions in the Global North to examine evolving African identities in the face of global transformations.
“We don’t imagine a single African identity defined by class, tribe, or religion,” Prof. Ssali said. “We consider African identities as lived, negotiated, and continually reshaped by experiences such as colonialism, globalization, and technological change.”
The workshop was moderated by Dr. Kemi Kehinde, an ARUA–Carnegie Postdoctoral Fellow from Anchor University, Nigeria, who emphasized the need to critically examine the intersections between artificial intelligence, indigenous knowledge, and identity formation.
Dr. Kemi invited participants to reflect on a presentation by Dr. Sameen Musa on Indigenous Knowledge Systems and AI in the Context of Decoloniality and Sustainable Futures. She highlighted the importance of ensuring that AI systems recognize and integrate oral African traditions such as storytelling, proverbs, and performance arts—areas where current technologies often fall short.
“As young African scholars, we have a responsibility to shape the training models of AI so that future systems engage authentically with African oral traditions and worldviews,” Dr. Kemi noted.
The panel featured Prof. Aghogho Akpome from the University of Zululand, Dr. Isaac Tibasiima and Marvin Galiwango, a machine learning engineer at Makerere, and Dr. Nikolai Golovko from the Centre for African Studies at the Higher School of Economics, Moscow and Dr. Chongomweru Halimu, a lecturer at the Department of Information Technology, Makerere University.
Speaking from South Africa, Prof. Aghogho Akpome delivered a strong critique of what he termed “the intellectual dependency fostered by generative AI tools.” He cautioned that over reliance on artificial intelligence for writing and research risks eroding cognitive skills and perpetuating new forms of colonial dependence.
“The use of generative AI without critical engagement amounts to intellectual theft,” he said. “It replaces creative thought with algorithmic mimicry, and that is the essence of techno-colonialism.”
Dr. Isaac Tibasiima, from Makerere University’s Department of Literature, offered a balanced view, arguing that while AI poses risks of cultural misrepresentation, it also presents opportunities for Africans to reclaim their agency by shaping the data that powers these systems.
“We need to feed our own knowledge into AI systems—honest, transparent, contextually grounded African knowledge,” Dr. Tibasiima said. “That’s the path to inclusion and authentic representation.”
From Moscow, Dr. Nikolai Golovko provided a global policy perspective, noting that while 11 African countries have adopted national AI strategies, implementation remains limited by resource and data inequalities. He warned that foreign-designed algorithms often ignore local contexts, reinforcing what he called “algorithmic colonialism.”
“African governments and universities must prioritize indigenous participation in AI design,” Dr. Golovko urged. “Otherwise, we risk reproducing colonial hierarchies in digital form.”
Dr. Halimu Chongomweru discussed the theme “Techno-Colonialism and Decolonizing Artificial Intelligence (AI) for African Ideas.” He argued that today’s global digital ecosystem mirrors historical patterns of colonial exploitation—only now, instead of natural resources, Africa’s data is being extracted to fuel AI economies controlled by others.
He described this as a form of modern colonialism, not through armies or flags, but through algorithms, cloud servers, and digital platforms that define African problems and solutions without African participation. These systems enrich others while disempowering African communities.
Dr. Chongomweru emphasized that AI without culture is not intelligence but extraction. When AI models are trained on Western norms, they impose Western values globally, leading Africans to adopt technology without shifting the moral and cultural lenses behind it.
He urged a shift in focus from access to ownership, arguing that access without control only deepens dependency — another form of digital colonialism. True equalization, he said, means determining who owns, benefits from, and governs African data and AI systems.
To decolonize AI, Dr. Chongomweru proposed several actions:
- Build African-owned data repositories hosted on African soil and governed by African laws.
- Invest in AI research in African languages, moving from translation (copying) to representation (originating ideas).
- Develop home-grown technological infrastructure, ensuring computation and innovation occur within the continent.
He concluded that Africa’s AI agenda must be rooted in cultural, linguistic, historical, and sovereign identity, drawing from African philosophical traditions to create ethical and inclusive AI systems.
Marvin Galiwango cautioned that Africa’s growing engagement with AI still relies heavily on foreign tools, funding, and servers, creating digital dependency rather than empowerment. He argued that so-called “inclusion” often leaves Africans creating within systems they don’t control. Drawing parallels with genomics, he noted that Africa provides data but lacks ownership of infrastructure and outcomes. He concluded that true technological independence requires Africans to build and govern their own digital systems.
The session closed with a lively discussion on the ethics of AI use in research, the need for inclusive data models, and the role of African universities in decolonizing digital technologies. Participants agreed that decolonizing AI is not merely a technological issue but a cultural, ethical, and identity-driven imperative for Africa’s future.
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