The Independent Uganda: You get the Truth we Pay the Price
Kampala, Uganda | PATRICIA AKANKWATSA | The 7th edition of the Kampala Geopolitics Conference, held at Makerere University, cemented its reputation as a leading platform for critical discourse on international relations, global economics, and social issues specific to the African continent.
This year’s theme, “The African Dimensions in International Debates,” brought together a distinguished gathering of experts, policymakers, and stakeholders to explore pressing challenges and forge collaborative solutions with an African perspective.
Organized by the Konrad Adenauer Stiftung (KAS) in collaboration with Alliance Française Kampala, the French Embassy in Uganda, and Makerere University, the conference has become a cornerstone for intellectual exchange in Uganda.
Professor Barnabas Nawangwe, Vice-Chancellor of Makerere University, underscored the importance of addressing Africa’s unique geographical challenges and ensuring equitable distribution of resources across the continent. He emphasized the need for African nations to work together to develop solutions tailored to the continent’s specific needs and aspirations.
“The Kampala Geopolitics Conference should tackle issues of national and global significance, including gainful employment, food security, governance, and democracy,” he said.
Nils Wärmer, Director of the KAS Regional Programme Security Dialogue for East Africa, highlighted the conference’s evolution since its inception in 2018.
“We have established an interactive platform for dialogue on contemporary issues affecting Africa, drawing inspiration from France’s Nantes Geopolitics Conference,” he stated.
This year’s program tackled a diverse range of critical issues with a specific focus on Africa, including Sudan’s Path to Peace, combating Jihadism, East Africa’s Geopolitical Role, and Global Impacts on Africa.
The conference boasted a stellar lineup of experts from across Africa, including renowned specialists from Sudan, South Sudan, Egypt, Somalia, Nigeria, Ivory Coast, Kenya, Djibouti, and Somalia. Additionally, renowned experts from Mogadishu and Hargeisa provided valuable insights from the heart of conflict zones. This diverse range of expertise ensured that discussions were grounded in a deep understanding of the African context and its specific challenges.
Janyce Obrecht, First Counsellor of the Embassy of France in Uganda, emphasized the collaborative spirit that underpins the conference.
“This forum promotes open debate, knowledge sharing, and intellectual growth, encouraging new perspectives on international relations,” she noted.
Professor Dr. Guillemine Taupiac Nouvel, a renowned expert on international criminal justice, emphasized the critical role of judicial institutions in addressing sexual and gender-based violence as war crimes. She stressed the importance of combating impunity and strengthening legal frameworks to achieve lasting reconciliation.
Dr. Nouvel’s insights highlighted the need for strong institutions and a commitment to upholding the rule of law to foster peace and stability across Africa.
The two-day conference concluded with a powerful call to action, urging participants to contribute to Africa’s development and burgeoning global influence. The rich discussions and diverse perspectives solidified the Kampala Geopolitics Conference as a premier intellectual event in Uganda and a vital forum for fostering international collaboration.
