Accra, Ghana —Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, Vice Chancellor of Makerere University, has been named African Educationist of the Year by African Leadership Magazine, defeating strong competition, including a government minister and two vice chancellors from highly populous African countries.
Speaking on Saturday at the launch of the SoonPay App, Prof. Nawangwe expressed heartfelt gratitude to those who voted for him. “I beat a minister and two Vice Chancellors from very populous countries because you voted. Thank you,” he said.
Prof. Nawangwe shared his appreciation on social media, noting the close race: “The vote sponsored by African Leadership Magazine for African Educationist for 2025 was very tight, but we made it. I thank all my friends, followers, and everybody who believes in and appreciates what we are doing at Makerere University for your support.”
The African Leadership Magazine Persons of the Year 2025 Awards recognised distinguished African leaders across governance, innovation, enterprise, public service, and sustainable development.
Other honorees include:
African Political Leader of the Year: H.E. Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, President of Namibia
African Female Leader of the Year: H.E. Mandisa Maya, Chief Justice of South Africa
Africa Peace & Security Leader of the Year: Gen. Mbaye Cissé, Chief of the General Staff, Senegal
African Industrialist of the Year: Samuel Dossou-Aworet, Petrolin Group, Benin
Young African Leader of the Year: Khalil Suleiman Halilu, NASENI HQ, Nigeria
The awards ceremony celebrating all honorees is scheduled for 27–28 February 2026 in Accra, Ghana.
Prof. Nawangwe’s victory underscores his impact on higher education in Uganda and Africa, cementing his reputation as a transformative leader in African academia.