January Intake Ongoing
Cavendish University Uganda (CUU) successfully hosted the 4th Benjamin Mkapa Memorial Lecture on 20 November 2025 at the Sheraton Kampala Hotel, bringing together distinguished leaders, scholars, students, and policy practitioners to reflect on “Political Pluralism, Democracy, and Social Integration in East Africa.” The lecture honoured the enduring legacy of H.E. Benjamin Mkapa, Tanzania’s trailblazing president under multiparty democracy, while engaging critically with contemporary governance and integration challenges facing the region.
The event was graced by the Rt. Hon. Amama Mbabazi, former Prime Minister and Special Envoy of the President, who served as the Guest of Honour, while Hon. James Magode Ikuya, State Minister for East African Community Affairs, represented the Rt. Hon. Rebecca Alitwala Kadaga, Uganda’s First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for East African Community Affairs as the Chief Guest.
Other notable dignitaries included Gen. (Rtd) Kale Kayihura, H.E. Maj. Gen. Paul Kisesa Simuli, High Commissioner of the United Republic of Tanzania to Uganda, as well as diplomatic representatives from South Africa, Australia, Angola, and South Sudan. The CUU team was led by Vice Chancellor, Dr Olive Sabiiti and Executive Director, Mr David Mutabanura. The lecture attracted over 100 participants, including CUU staff, students, alumni, and Benjamin Mkapa Scholars, enriching the depth and diversity of the dialogue.
The keynote address was delivered by Dr Jude Kagoro, a Postdoctoral Fellow at the University of Bremen’s Institute for Intercultural and International Studies, who examined the role of knowledge production in peace and security policy. Drawing from his doctoral research and consultancy experience with the Uganda Police Force and GIZ, Dr Kagoro offered critical insights into evidence-based policymaking and democratic governance.
Dr Jude Kagoro, Keynote Speaker
A robust panel discussion followed, featuring Mr Andrew Mwenda (CEO, The Independent Magazine), Mr Godber Tumushabe (Director, Great Lakes Institute), AIGP Dr Hadijah Namutebi, Maj. (Rtd) Awich Pollar (NRM Secretariat), and Ms Grace Munezero, a CUU Master of International Diplomacy student. Panellists explored key themes including political inclusion, protection of minority rights, the impact of misinformation on social cohesion, youth participation in governance, and the socio-political empowerment of women.
Moderated by Dr William Tayebwa of Makerere University, the lecture fostered vibrant and critical engagement among students, staff, and alumni from CUU’s Faculty of Socio-economic Sciences. The event further reinforced CUU’s strategic partnerships with the University of Dodoma and the Benjamin Mkapa Foundation, while affirming the University’s role as a hub for democratic discourse, regional collaboration, and policy-relevant scholarship.
The 4th Benjamin Mkapa Memorial Lecture accentuated Cavendish University Uganda’s firm commitment to thought leadership, inclusivity, and the preparation of globally aware graduates equipped to navigate and shape East Africa’s evolving political landscape.
