Makerere University to Host Second Kampala Geopolitics Conference

Makerere University to Host Second Kampala Geopolitics Conference

Makerere University is set to host the 2nd Kampala Geopolitics on 17th and 18th October 2019. This was revealed during the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the second edition which took place on Wednesday, 31st July 2019 in the Makerere University Council Room. The Kampala Geopolitics is organized by the Embassy of France in Uganda in partnership with Makerere University, Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung (KAS) Uganda and South Sudan, the French Institute for International and Strategic Affairs (IRIS), Alliance Francaise de Kampala and UN Women Uganda. 

The Memorandum of Understanding was signed by the Vice Chancellor of Makerere University Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, Ambassador of France to Uganda H.E Jules-Armand Aniambossou, Head of Finance at KAS, Ms Rhona Rugambwa on behalf of the Organization’s Representative Mathias Kamp, Programme Specialist at UN Women Ms Agrippiner Nandego and the Cultural Coordinator Alliance Francaise, Mr Gerald Odil. Addressing the audience, H.E. Aniambossou said that by organizing the Second Conference, the partners will create a platform for dialogue and free exchange of ideas about local and International politics. 

“The Conference provides a platform where we could together address the multiple challenges that affect people worldwide,” said H.E Aniambossou.

 He added that as one of the best universities in Africa, Makerere University is the perfect place to host the Conference since it brings together scholars, students, youths and the public. He thanked the partners for supporting the Kampala Geopolitics Conference and the French Embassy. The Vice Chancellor of Makerere University, Prof. Nawangwe revealed that the University Leadership was committed to building on the success of the first Geopolitics Conference to make the second edition even more successful.

The first Edition was hosted by Makerere University from 26th to 27th October 2018. “Makerere University is privileged to host the second edition of the Kampala Geopolitics Conference and reflecting on the success of the first edition, I believe that this edition will also be a success. The Conference will further cement the relationship between Makerere University and France,” said Prof. Nawangwe. 

The Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Academic Affairs at Makerere University, Dr Umar Kakumba, said that the Conference seeks to address ways of transformational democracy and to provide an opportunity for the public to discuss issues that will lead to social, economic and political development. “We live in a global village with many challenges. The second Kampala Geopolitics Conference will bring different stakeholders together to discuss solutions to the problems affecting not only Africa but the world at large,” said Dr Kakumba.

 The Programme Officer KAS, Mr. Ojok Donnas said that this year, the Conference is set to hold 18 panels with themes related to African and global affairs targeting over 5,000 participants mostly students, scholars, the media, diplomats, politicians and the general public. The first edition of Kampala Geopolitics held 21 round table discussions graced by over 100 panellists before more than 4000 students, academia, representatives from civil society, media and political decision-makers. 

Source: MAK Article by: Esther Joyce Nakibombo, Volunteer, Mak Public Relations Office