General
All is Set for the Kampala Geopolitics Conference 2018
The Embassy of France in Uganda in partnership with Makerere University, Konrad Adenauer-Stiftung (KAS), Alliance Française de Kampala (AFK), UN Women, Uganda and the Institute for International and Strategic Affairs (iRiS) is organizing the Kampala Geopolitics Conference. Scheduled to take place from 26th to 27th October 2018, the two-day conference aims at creating an interactive and dynamic platform for dialogue and free exchange of ideas cutting across contemporary local and international issues.
The Kampala Geopolitics Conference is bringing on board professors, researchers, politicians, diplomats, journalists, activists and key leaders to engage in an interactive debate and find solutions to the challenges affecting world’s political and international relations.
During the Press Conference held on Friday, 5th October 2018, in the Council Room, the Makerere University Vice Chancellor Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe extended an open invitation to stakeholders, policymakers, politicians, Makerere University staff and students and members of the general public to attend the Kampala Geopolitics Conference.
“We are re-launching our debates by hosting the Kampala Geopolitics Conference. Over the years, Makerere University has maintained its reputation as the icon of debate among institutions of higher learning. Shortly after Uganda’s Independence in 1962, we hosted the First Makerere African Writers Conference of 1962, which was a milestone in African literature that directly addressed the legacy of colonialism. The conference attracted prominent writers such as Chinua Achebe, Wole Soyinka, Ezekiel Mphahlele, Lewis Nkosi, Ngugi wa Thiong’o and Rajat Neogy among others,” said the Vice Chancellor.
“The 1960s were dominated by icons such as the late Prof. Ali Mazrui who began his career at Makerere University. It was said that Prof. Mazrui’s Political debates in the Makerere University Main Hall often led some of the attendees to skip lunch rather than miss out on the wisdom from the critical thinker and Professor of Political Science. Other gallant academicians that went on to shape academic debate over the years include but are not limited to Prof. Mahmood Mamdani, Rt. Hon. Apolo Robin Nsibambi, Prof. James Rubadiri among others,” he added.
Prof. Nawangwe commended Makerere University Professors and academic staff that graciously accepted to serve as panelists and moderators during the Conference. He acknowledged, the Kampala Geopolitics Conference Steering Committee at Makerere University chaired by Dr. Eria Hisali for the job well done.
Preceding the Media Briefing, on Wednesday 25th July 2018, the Embassy of France in Uganda together with Makerere University, Konrad Adenauer-Stiftung (KAS), Alliance Française de Kampala (AFK), UN Women, Uganda and the Institute for International and Strategic Affairs (iRiS) had signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to organize the Kampala Geopolitics Conference. The purpose of the Conference as stipulated in the MoU, is to provide a platform for building strong networks of expertise from Africa, France and Germany by engaging in a free flow of ideas and open discussions in a creative yet informative way while contributing to generation of knowledge.
Speaking at the Press Conference on 6th October 2018, the Ambassador of France to Uganda H.E Stéphanie Rivoal confirmed the team’s readiness for the event. She also mentioned that the debates will be held in form of round tables, interactive and creative discussion on issues of global concern.
“The conference will start on Friday, 26th October 2018 at 09:00am. Interactive discussions will continue on Saturday, 27th October 2018 from 09:00am up to 5:30pm. We expect 100 speakers from various countries including France, Germany, South Africa, Kenya, South Sudan and Uganda to discuss 21 topics vital to global concerns. The topics selected, cut across the global issues such as politics, economics, health, demography, gender, environment, youth, social issues in the Africa and the global context,” said stated.
According to the Ambassador, a vibrant team; including Daniel Omara, Sarah Kagingo, Pablo and Ife Piankhy will extemporize a blitz on the geopolitics themes; providing a platform upon which respective professors and experts will critically analyse the topics.
Other members present during the Press Conference included: the Country Representative of Konrad Adenauer-Stiftung, Mr. Mathias Kamp; the Country Representative of UN Women-Uganda, Dr. Maximu Houinato; the Cultural Coordinator- Alliance Française de Kampala, Ms. Charity Atukunda; the Focal Person of Makerere University Kampala Geopolitics Conference Steering Committee Dr. Eria Hisali; the Principal Public Relations Officer- Makerere University, Ms. Ritah Namisango; a team from the French Embassy and Konrad Adenauer-Stiftung.
The Friday activities will climax with a concert at 5:30pm in the Makerere University Freedom Square. The Concert will feature Jose Chameleon as the guest artist, DJ Slick Stuart and Roja plus a live band A Ka Dope. Other activities that will take place during the days’ conference include: art performances, market place of art and ideas, live studio by Media challenge Initiative, exhibitions by artists, innovators and startups, students and youth-led initiatives and a democracy expo by Konrad Adenauer-Stiftung, Alliance Française De Kampala and Campus France.
Article by Mak Public Relations Office
Today, Monday 18th May 2026, most students will begin their End of Semester Two Examinations, and they have been encouraged to remain confident and calm during the examination season.
Data from the University Counselling and Guidance Centre shows that even the best-prepared students experience anxiety, pressure, fear of failure, sleep difficulties and emotional exhaustion during examinations.
Addressing students during a pre-examination mental health workshop organised by the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Makerere University on 15th May 2026, Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi, Academic Registrar, reminded students that their mental health is far more important than any grade.
“This workshop comes at the right time. I encourage all students to understand that your worth is not defined by a single examination or grade. Examinations are only one part of your educational journey. What matters equally is your ability to remain healthy, focused, ethical and hopeful throughout the process,” Prof Buyinza, said.
Prof. Buyinza shared practical tips to help students avoid fatigue and excessive stress during this period.
“Prepare a realistic reading timetable and avoid last-minute cramming. Take short breaks while studying to allow your mind to recover and improve concentration. Get adequate sleep and avoid excessive consumption of caffeine and energy drinks,” he noted.
During the session, he also encouraged students to engage in light physical activity, stretching or short walks to refresh their minds and reduce tension.
“Maintain a positive mindset and avoid comparing yourself excessively with others. Stay connected with supportive friends, family members, mentors or counsellors whenever you feel overwhelmed,” Prof. Buyinza advised.
He reaffirmed the University’s commitment to supporting students not only academically, but also in their mental and psychosocial wellbeing, encouraging learners to seek help from counsellors, lecturers, mentors, peers, family members and available support systems whenever necessary.
Speaking at the event, Ms. Prossy Nakayiki, the Deputy Academic Registrar in charge of Examinations and Transcripts warned students against examination malpractice and urged them to uphold academic integrity.
“Anxiety should never push anyone into examination malpractice, do not enter an examination room with a smart watch, phone or any hidden paper commonly known as bullets. Preparation, honesty, rest and self-belief remain the best approaches to success,” Ms. Nakayiki, said.
She also advised students who had not yet printed their examination cards to do so early, noting that delays at the last minute could cause unnecessary panic and disorganisation.
In her presentation about the reality of examination stress and coping strategies, Connie Evelyn Kharono, a Counselling Psychologist at the Counselling and Guidance Center, called upon students to adopt the 5, 4,3,2,1 Ground technique before an exam or intense study session.
The 5, 4,3,2,1 ground technique, is one of the easiest mindfulness strategies designed for managing stress and anxiety, as it can be done almost anywhere and at any time. You name 5 things you can see, 4 you can touch, 3 you can hear, 2 you can smell and 1 you can taste.
She advised students to focus on what they can control.
“You can control your study schedule, your sleep and how kindly you speak yourself. You cannot control the exact questions that will be on the paper, so channel your energy only into the preparations you can influence,” Ms Kharono, said.
Ms Kharono encouraged students to maintain a regular sleep schedule and ensure that they are eating balanced meals and staying hydrated.
Ms Christine Nimusiima, a senior Psycho-Social Officer at the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Makerere University, called upon the students to practise positive self-talk and maintain a healthy mindset.
“During this examination season, avoid comparing your revision progress or predicted grades with your peers. Your only competition is who you were yesterday. Take a deep breath, trust in the work you have done and remember that you have the resilience to succeed. Best of luck with your preparations,” Ms. Nimusiima said.
By Dr. Racheal Ddungu Mugabi
The Alliance for African Partnership, Africa Office, today received a delegation from the University of Bergen (UiB)’s Division of Research and Innovation. The visiting team comprised Kristin Svartveit, Vivil Valvik Haraldsen, and Emmanuel Ovon Babatunde.
The delegation was officially introduced by Prof. Sylvia Antonia Nakimera Nannyonga-Tamusuza, Head, Grants Administration and Management Support Unit (GAMSU), together with Dr. Ronald Semyalo (Makerere University coordinator for UiB)
The visit aimed to strengthen institutional collaboration and promote research excellence through international partnerships. The key objectives of the meeting included:
- UiB team sharing information and experiences on enhancing success in EU grant acquisition and management.
- UiB application support process for Postdoc fellowships at Bergen up to a period of 2 years
- AAP Africa Office providing insights into the AAP consortium programs and activities in order to foster collaboration between the AAP consortium and UiB.
The engagement provided an important platform for knowledge exchange, networking, and exploring opportunities for future collaborative research initiatives between Makerere University, the AAP consortium, and the University of Bergen.
The Author is the Director of the AAP Africa Office
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