The French Embassy in Uganda, Alliance Française de Kampala, KAS Uganda and Makerere University have signed an Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for the partnership implementation of the 7th edition of the Kampala Geopolitics Conference.
The #KGC2024 will take place from 23rd to 24th October 2024 at Makerere University under the theme, “The African Dimensions in International Debates.”
The French Ambassador to Uganda, H.E Xavier Sticker, noted that this year, 2024, marks the 7th edition of the Kampala Geopolitics Conference.
Since its inception, Makerere University has been the proud host, consistently drawing significant attention from the region.
“We have united in our belief in the power of debate to foster and enrich discussions on critical global issues that directly impact our lives,” noted Ambassador Sticker during the ceremony held at the French Residence in Nakasero, Kampala on Wednesday.
He said the Embassy, as a principal partner of this conference, will make significant contributions to discussions on human rights, war crimes, international justice, and oil production in Uganda.
Prof Buyinza Mukadasi, the Ag. DVC Academic Affairs at Makerere University, reiterated, “We are gathered to inaugurate a conference that holds great significance for us, as it embodies our dedication to learning, research, and the creation and consumption of knowledge.”
He added: “The Kampala Geopolitics Conference provides us with a platform to participate in intercontinental debates on pressing contemporary issues. It serves as an opportunity for us as a university to reflect on pivotal research topics that influence the global agenda.”
Nils Wörmer, KAS Sub-Saharan Africa Regional Program Security Dialogue for East Africa noted, “Our goal is to nurture a strategic debate culture that bolsters both Ugandan endeavours and the broader international agenda.”
“While Uganda and Africa were relatively insulated from global geopolitical shifts six years ago, we now confront a myriad of challenges, including regional conflicts such as the Syrian war, the Ukraine-Russia conflict, the Sudanese war, and the COVID-19 pandemic. These events have profound implications for the region.”
He said KAS Uganda will focus on the Sudanese conflict and its repercussions for Uganda and Kenya.
“Additionally, we will delve into the issues of terrorism and jihadism and their regional impact, as well as explore the underlying causes of violent extremism,” he added.
Eric Touzé, the director of Alliance Française de Kampala, also said he was thrilled to contribute to this synergy, which incorporates moments of cultural appreciation to foster relaxation amidst discussions on geopolitical issues.
“We believe that promoting mutual debates and understanding as a means to resolve conflict is central to our mission. Therefore, It is indeed an honour for us to participate in this conference, furthering our goal to cultivate knowledge.”
The conference will feature a number of panels with several topics including; a) Armed conflicts and peace building. What scope for reconciliation?, b) Interactions between war crimes, gender-based violence and justice, c) Oil’s impact on Uganda’s future: blessing or curse?, d) The impact of oil revenue on Uganda’s economy, society and geopolitics, e) Climate change and Environmental sustainability: “Balancing Global Environmental Policy Commitments and Africa’s Socio-Economic Development needs, f) Navigating New and Old Alliances: Africa’s Evolving Economic Partnerships with Emerging Powers and Traditional Allies, g) Jihadism, global networks and the African state: The cases of Somalia, Nigeria and Mali and h) A bloody stalemate : What lies ahead for Sudan amidst a myriad of failed interventions?
