Makerere University, the Konrad Adenauer Foundation (KAS), the French Embassy in Uganda, and the Alliance Française have signed the 8th edition of the Kampala Geopolitics Conference (MOU).
The signing ceremony held at the Konrad Adenauer Stifung office in Kampala reaffirmed the long-standing partnership that positioned the conference as the premier forum of East African intellectual discourse.
The event featured notable guests, including his Xavier Sticker, the French ambassador to Uganda. Nils Wörmer, Director of KAS Security Dialogue in East Africa. Eric Tuze, director of the Alliance's Française de Kampala.
Professor Mukadasi Buyinza, Associate Vice-Chancellor (Academic Affairs) of Makerere University, emphasized the importance of the conference in moving forward with the university's mission.
He said the event expands the institution's mission by addressing contemporary global challenges and equipping students with knowledge.
“Makerere University has a century of legacy and produces famous figures in a variety of fields. Our motto reflects our commitment to promoting critical thinking and global engagement, saying, “We build for the future,” “we're going to build for the future,”” he said.
Now, in the 8th edition, the Kampala Geopolitics Conference has grown into an important platform for geopolitical discussions in East Africa.
Buyinza especially praised the resilience of the partnership during the pandemic. This allowed the conference to successfully migrate to digital formats and expand its scope.
“The 2023 and 2024 editions allowed a global voice to contribute and enrich the discussion,” he said.
The conference stands out by combining academic research with real-world policy debate and bringing together academics, policymakers, diplomats and the public.
“It's splitting and addressing pressing issues like climate security, digital governance and transition, with a focus on Africa and the global South,” Buyinza said.
He also highlighted an upcoming photo exhibition on gender that incorporates insights from the UN Commission on the status of women.
The 8th edition, scheduled for April 9-10, 2025, will focus on international relations, regional security and peacekeeping.
“Incorporating cultural activities like gender exhibitions reflects our belief that geopolitical analysis must include living experiences and cultural aspects,” he added.
Makerere University is deeply invested in events, with students actively participating in organizations and documentation.
Buyinza highlighted the strengths of the collaboration that brought together the academic excellence of Makerere University, the policy expertise of the Konrad Adenauer Foundation, the diplomatic insights of the French Embassy, and the cultural involvement of Alliance Française.
“Together, we make something greater than the sum of our contributions,” he said.
Nils Wellmer reflected these feelings and highlighted the conference's role in amplifying African perspectives.
“It bridges academia, policy and practice, addressing issues such as UN Security Council reform and the future of peacekeeping in Africa,” he said.
As the Kampala Geopolitics Conference approaches, organizers are working to promote meaningful discussions on global issues, ensuring that African voices are at the heart of international debate.
By sharing visions, our partners continue to build bridges and shape the future of geopolitical discourse.
