Makerere University on Friday hosted the launch of a new book celebrating the life and contribution of Dr Jotham Musinguzi, one of Africa’s foremost champions of population and development.
The publication, titled “Past, Present and Future Considerations in Advancing Population and Development in Africa: Essays in Honour of Dr Jotham Musinguzi,” was unveiled at the university’s School of Statistics and Planning, in collaboration with the Population Secretariat (PSDI Uganda).
Representing the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic Affairs) Prof. Sarah Ssali described the book as a landmark effort to document Dr Musinguzi’s transformative influence on public health, reproductive rights, and population policy across Africa.
“It gives me great pleasure to welcome you all to this book launch,” Prof. Ssali said. “This publication is a landmark effort by Makerere University staff working with the Population Secretariat to document, celebrate, and advance the enormous contribution of one of Africa’s leading champions of population and development.”
Prof. Ssali noted that Dr Musinguzi was the first Master of Public Health graduate from Makerere University’s School of Public Health in 1991, having trained as a medical doctor and obstetrician before dedicating his career to fighting HIV/AIDS at the height of Uganda’s epidemic.
“For over three decades, Dr Musinguzi has stood tall as a voice of reason and leadership in population,” she said. “He has been remarkable in championing sexual and reproductive health, gender equality, and youth empowerment. Through his guidance and mentorship, Uganda has remained a leading advocate for the International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD) Programme of Action and the Sustainable Development Goals.”
Prof. Ssali also applauded PSDI Uganda for spearheading the book project and fostering collaboration between scholars, policymakers, and practitioners.
“This is more than a book,” she remarked. “PSDI has built a platform for dialogue between generations and disciplines. Uganda’s development depends on how well we manage our population dynamics and harness our human capital. It is therefore encouraging to see institutions like PSDI leading efforts to document evidence, produce knowledge, and engage partners for inclusive and sustainable development.”
Dr Musinguzi Reflects on Africa’s Future
In his keynote remarks, Dr Jotham Musinguzi reflected on the vision of “The Africa We Want by 2063,” emphasising the continent’s demographic and economic potential.
“The population of Africa is expected to rise to four billion, and that of South-East Asia to five billion,” Dr Musinguzi said. “This means that 80 percent of the world’s economy will be in these two regions. If you want to manufacture materials, the market will be in Africa and Southeast Asia.”
He urged young Africans — including students at Makerere — to take responsibility for improving the continent’s wellbeing.
“My message to the young people is that they have a responsibility to ensure that the well-being of Africans is safeguarded, so that as our population increases, our people can play a meaningful role in global development,” he said.
Tributes and Reflections
Minister for ICT and National Guidance Hon. Chris Baryomunsi was among the dignitaries who attended the launch, joining scholars and former students in paying tribute to Dr Musinguzi’s lifelong commitment to evidence-based policy and mentorship.
Prof. Ssali concluded the ceremony by congratulating the authors and reminding them to deposit copies of the book in the Makerere University Library for future generations.
“Allow me to congratulate Dr Musinguzi for his exceptional contribution to scholarship, policy, and human development,” she said. “As per practice, I encourage the authors to deposit copies of this important book in our library so that current and future generations can benefit from it.”
