Makerere University Alumni Association hosted a high-level CEOs and Investors Roundtable Summit at Makerere University, bringing together top alumni, policymakers, business leaders, and investors to deliberate on strategies for entrepreneurship, innovation, and value creation to address Africa’s most pressing challenges.
Held under the theme “Entrepreneurship, Innovation & Value Creation,” the summit aimed to reposition Makerere University from an academic ivory tower into a “tower of impact” driving socio-economic transformation across Sub-Saharan Africa.
Representing the Prime Minister, Rt. Hon. Rukia Nakadama commended the alumni leadership for convening the summit, noting its alignment with the NRM government’s wealth creation agenda.
“This summit is not ceremonial,” she stressed. “It is a covenant. We can transform Makerere and Uganda. To all the CEOs and leaders—Uganda is counting on you. For God and my country.”
She further emphasised that knowledge is Makerere’s greatest asset, but it must directly benefit communities. “Inclusion ensures no youth, woman, or marginalised group is left behind, while collaboration remains the currency of progress across sectors,” Nakadama said.
Citing the World Bank’s THICK framework—Trust, Humility, Inclusion, Collaboration, and Knowledge—she underscored the importance of strong partnerships between government, academia, and the private sector for Africa’s transformation.
CEOs Call for Bold Investments in Youth and Innovation
Sam Mwogeza, Executive Director of Stanbic Bank Uganda, called for bold investments in young people and highlighted efforts to bridge the financing gap.
“We have made efforts through initiatives such as Stanbic for Her, which has provided over 30,000 women entrepreneurs with affordable financial solutions aimed at driving Uganda’s growth,” Mwogeza noted.
The Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, appealed to CEOs and investors to support Makerere’s young innovators. “Makerere alumni have demonstrated their commitment,” Nawangwe said.
He revealed plans to establish a Space Centre and praised research centres like the Infectious Diseases Institute (IDI) and the Economic Policy Research Centre (EPRC) for their role in research and innovation. “Now we call on CEOs and investors to help create employment and lift communities out of poverty.”
From Convocation to Covenant
Keynote speaker Dr. Peter Kimbowa, an international consultant on strategy and innovation, challenged participants to transform the summit’s resolutions into actionable outcomes.
“We need to move from convocation to covenant,” he said. “This cannot end as an event. By 2030, 40% of African jobs will require digital skills. Makerere professors themselves must be AI literate, and we need intergenerational bridges—reverse coaching from younger alumni and wisdom from older professors.”
Dr. Kimbowa further called for tapping into Uganda’s diaspora talent, creating knowledge hubs, and fostering partnerships with global technology centres like Silicon Valley to position Makerere at the forefront of digital transformation.
“Uganda loses over $500 million annually in intellectual capital through brain drain,” he noted. “We must reverse this by creating opportunities for innovation at home.”
Alumni Leaders Commit to Collaboration
Speaking on behalf of Makerere University Council, Prof. Sarah Ssali emphasised communication and mentorship between alumni and current students.
“The task before Makerere is big. From where we stand, we see this as a call for stronger communication. Alumni have demonstrated their support. They need to innovate,” she noted.
The State Minister for Gender, Labour, and Social Development in Charge Of Children and Youth Affairs, Hon. Balaam Barugahara, pledged continued support for alumni initiatives.
“This summit marks a new era of collaboration,” said Balaam. “United, we stand stronger to build opportunities for youth and transform Makerere into a hub of innovation.”
As the summit concluded, five thematic working teams were commissioned to spearhead private sector collaboration with Makerere University, ensuring that entrepreneurship, innovation, and value creation drive the next phase of Africa’s transformation agenda.
