, Main Administration Building, Auditorium.

Another key discussion will focus on the future of peacekeeping in Africa. With Africa facing numerous conflicts, the continent hosts the highest number of peacekeeping missions globally. The panel will explore the effectiveness of these missions by comparing the situations in Somalia, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), and Chad. The aim is to assess the evolving role of peacekeeping forces in maintaining peace and security.French Ambassador to Uganda, Xavier Sticker, highlighted additional discussions, including the strategic importance of oceans for landlocked countries like Uganda, which rely on ports in Mombasa and Dar es Salaam for trade. The impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on governance and its role in spreading misinformation will also be examined, with a focus on the challenges and opportunities AI presents.Alongside the academic debates, the conference will feature cultural performances such as music, dance, and art, organised by Alliance Française, offering attendees a chance to engage with the cultural aspects of peace, security, and identity.Professor Buyinza Mukadasi, Acting First Deputy Vice Chancellor of Makerere University, expressed enthusiasm for discussions on sustainable peace in the DRC and the future of US-Africa relations under the Biden administration.

He noted that the event extends the institution’s mandate by addressing contemporary global challenges and equipping students with the knowledge to navigate them.“Makerere University, with its century-long legacy, has produced luminaries across various fields. Our motto, ‘We Build for the Future,’ reflects our commitment to fostering critical thinking and global engagement,” he said. Now in its 8th edition, the Kampala Geopolitics Conference has grown into a key platform for geopolitical discussions in East Africa. Buyinza praised the resilience of the partnership, particularly during the pandemic, which saw the conference successfully transition to digital formats, expanding its reach.

“The 2023 and 2024 editions allowed global voices to contribute, enriching the discussions,” he noted. The conference stands out for merging academic inquiry with real-world policy discussions, bringing together scholars, policymakers, diplomats, and the public. “It bridges divides and addresses pressing issues such as climate security, digital governance, and migration, with a strong focus on Africa and the Global South,” Buyinza said. He also highlighted the upcoming photo exhibition on Gender, which will incorporate insights from the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women. Scheduled for April 9-10, 2025, the 8th edition will focus on international relations, regional security, and peacekeeping.“Incorporating cultural activities like the Gender exhibition reflects our belief that geopolitical analysis must include lived experiences and cultural dimensions,” he added.

Makerere University remains deeply invested in the event, with students actively participating in its organization and documentation.Buyinza emphasized the strength of the collaboration, which brings together the academic excellence of Makerere University, the policy expertise of the Konrad Adenauer Foundation, the diplomatic insights of the French Embassy, and the cultural engagement of Alliance Française. “Together, we create something greater than the sum of our contributions,” he said. Mr. Nils Wörmer echoed these sentiments, stressing the conference’s role in amplifying African perspectives. “It bridges academia, policy, and practice, tackling issues such as UN Security Council reform and the future of peacekeeping in Africa,” he said. As the Kampala Geopolitics Conference approaches, organizers are committed to fostering meaningful discussions on global challenges while ensuring that Africa’s voice remains central to international debates. With a shared vision, the partners continue to build bridges and shape the future of geopolitical discourse.

Speaking at the Launch, H.E. Xavier Sticker, Ambassador of France in Uganda, said that. “I’m thrilled to hear about the upcoming conference, particularly the two outstanding debates on de-seeding in Africa and the reform of the UN Security Council. Geopolitics lies at the heart of this event, and I’m excited to explore these topics further.” Adding; “This conference has come a long way since its inception. The first seed was planted eight or nine years ago, drawing inspiration from a similar event in North geopolitics. Today, it has grown into a prominent gathering in East Africa, kindly hosted and co-organized by Macquarie University.” On his part Mr. Nils Wörmer, Director of the Regional Programme Security Dialogue for East Africa at KAS, echoed the ambassador’s sentiments. “As a partner in the organization of the Kampala Geopolitics Conference from its inception, we’re proud to participate in this year’s preparations. Our long-standing collaboration with the Embassy of France in Uganda, Alliance Francaise, and Macquarie University has been invaluable.” He added; “The current state of international politics and security affairs is complex and unpredictable. Despite these challenges, we’re committed to fostering a deeper understanding of the issues at hand. This year’s conference will focus on two critical topics: the reform of the United Nations Security Council and the future of peacekeeping in Africa.”

Part of the discussions will include evaluating the rationale and predictability of this quest, considering the interests of bigger powers like Germany and Japan. The second discussion will examine the future of peacekeeping in Africa.  “With the continent facing numerous conflicts and peacekeeping missions, it’s essential that we analyze different approaches and project what future missions might look like. We’ll be discussing case studies from Somalia, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and the Lake Chad Basin.” Wörmer, said Other debates will focus on the oceans, which may seem surprising given Uganda’s landlocked location, while another one will focus on the goods and defects that come with the growing rise of artificial intelligence

Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi, Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Makerere University in charge of Academic affairs said that; “The past seven editions, in particular, stand as a testament to the What distinguishes the Kampala Geopolitics Conference from numerous other academic gatherings is its unique positioning at the intersection of theoretical analysis and practical application. Unlike purely academic conferences, our event brings together scholars, policymakers, diplomats, civil society representatives, and the public in a dynamic dialogue that bridges multiple divides. He added; “The conference’s focus on contemporary geopolitical issues ensures its relevance to pressing regional and global challenges. Past editions have tackled complex topics such as climate security, digital governance, migration patterns, regional integration, and evolving security paradigms – all with a particular emphasis on their implications for Africa and the Global South. “Furthermore, the conference’s timing – coming shortly after the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women – provides an opportunity to incorporate fresh insights from global gender equality discussions, particularly relevant to the planned photo exhibition on Gender that will accompany this year’s conference.

“This eighth edition continues our mission to foster dialogue on critical issues shaping our world. The partnership we renew today has a rich history that deserves celebration. When we embarked on this collaboration for the first Kampala Geopolitics Conference, we could scarcely have imagined the profound impact it would have on Uganda’s intellectual landscape,” he said. The Professor outlined two central themes for this year’s discussions: navigating pathways for peace and development in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and examining US- Africa relations from 2025 to 2029, including reflections on the legacy of President Trump’s “America First” policy. These topics, he noted, are crucial for understanding the evolving dynamics of global and regional politics.

Highlighting Makerere University’s centenary celebration in 2022, the Professor underscored the institution’s transformation from a technical school to a comprehensive university and its enduring commitment to academic excellence and knowledge creation. “Makerere has long been a beacon of intellectual leadership in Uganda and beyond,” he said, pledging the university’s full support for the conference, including providing venues and intellectual resources.

This year’s conference will also feature two landmark debates. The first will focus on oceans, a topic of strategic importance for landlocked Uganda, which relies heavily on ports like Mombasa and Dar-es-Salaam for trade. The second debate will explore artificial intelligence (AI), a rapidly evolving field with profound implications for Africa. The Ambassador noted Rwanda’s recent hosting of an AI conference and emphasized both the opportunities and challenges posed by AI, including its potential to spread misinformation and influence democratic processes. The Xavier Sticker French Ambassador to Uganda said that these debates, broadcast widely, engage a diverse audience, including students, researchers, professors, the press, and the general public.

“From a small beginning in 2016, this initiative has grown into a significant and visible presence in Kampala and is strongly supported by Makerere University. We believe in the importance of expanding such spaces for collective reflection, and we are committed to doing so.” Nils Wörmer, Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung’s director of the regional programme security dialogue for East Africa, addressed the current state of international politics, describing it as increasingly unpredictable with the formation of new alliances and rising tensions. While these developments are more visible in Europe and America, their impact on Africa is profound, the speaker noted. Two critical topics were highlighted for discussion: the reform of the UN Security Council and the future of peacekeeping in Africa. The speaker emphasized Africa’s growing demand for a permanent seat with veto power on the Security Council, pointing out that while 70% of its resolutions concern Africa, the continent remains underrepresented.

“In today's rapidly evolving and unpredictable international landscape, marked by institutional disruptions, transactional foreign policies, and new alliances, Africa faces significant consequences. It is time for Africa to have a permanent voice in global decision-making,” Wörmer asserted. The second panel will examine peacekeeping efforts in Africa, comparing strategies in Somalia, the DRC, and the Lake Chad Basin. The aim is to bridge academic theory with practical solutions, fostering high-quality debate that resonates with a broad audience.

Wörmer also highlighted successful collaborations with Macquarie University, including leadership training programs and joint research projects, emphasizing their continued commitment to building for the future. “We deeply value our strong partnership with the French Embassy in Uganda, Alliance Francaise, and particularly Macquarie University. Beyond the Kampala Geopolitics Conference, our collaboration extends to joint leadership training for students and research projects leveraging the expertise of Makerere faculty. Notably, we conducted two major leadership workshops last year alone. We are honored to contribute to this esteemed institution’s mission of building for the future.”

The Kampala Geopolitics Conference has grown significantly since its launch in 2016, inspired by the North Geopolitics model. Over the years, it has become a vital platform for public debates, engaging students, researchers, professors, and the wider public. This year’s edition promises to continue this tradition, offering a space for diverse perspectives and collaborative problem-solving.As preparations for the conference enter their final stages, organizers expressed confidence in its potential to drive meaningful change.“By bringing together such a wide range of voices, we hope to contribute to a more peaceful, equitable, and prosperous future,” the Professor concluded. The eighth Kampala Geopolitics Conference will take place from the 9th to the 10th of April 2025 at Makerere University

He went on to highlight the conference’s growth, saying, “This conference has come a long way since its inception. The first seed was planted eight or nine years ago, drawing inspiration from a similar event in North geopolitics. Today, it has grown into a prominent gathering in East Africa, kindly hosted and co-organized by Macquarie University.”Ambassador Sticker emphasized the importance of creating a space for public debates, bringing together stakeholders from various backgrounds, including students, researchers, professors, press, and the wider public. “Year after year, this event has grown, and I’m proud to say that the small seed planted in 2016 has now become a big tree, well-established in the Kampala landscape.”

Mr. Nils Wörmer, Director of the Regional Programme Security Dialogue for East Africa at KAS, echoed the ambassador’s sentiments. “As a partner in the organization of the Kampala Geopolitics Conference from its inception, we’re proud to participate in this year’s preparations. Our long-standing collaboration with the Embassy of France in Uganda, Alliance Francaise, and Macquarie University has been invaluable.”

He highlighted the current state of international politics and security affairs, saying, “The current state of international politics and security affairs is complex and unpredictable. Despite these challenges, we’re committed to fostering a deeper understanding of the issues at hand. This year’s conference will focus on two critical topics: the reform of the United Nations Security Council and the future of peacekeeping in Africa.”     Mr. Wörmer emphasized the importance of Africa’s quest for a permanent seat with veto power at the UN Security Council, saying, “With over 70% of UN Security Council resolutions concerning Africa, it’s imperative that the continent has a stronger voice in international affairs. Our panel discussion will evaluate the rationale and predictability of this quest, considering the interests of bigger powers like Germany and Japan.”

He also highlighted the importance of examining the future of peacekeeping in Africa, saying, “Our second panel discussion will examine the future of peacekeeping in Africa. With the continent facing numerous conflicts and peacekeeping missions, it’s essential that we analyze different approaches and project what future missions might look like. We’ll be discussing case studies from Somalia, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and the Lake Chad Basin.”

In addition to the geopolitical topics, Ambassador Sticker highlighted two other debates that would take place at the eighth edition of the Kampala Geopolitics. One debate would focus on the oceans, which may seem surprising given Uganda’s landlocked location. However, access to the sea is crucial for the country’s imports and exports, and the ambassador acknowledged the challenges that come with it, including environmental concerns. Another debate would center around artificial intelligence, a highly topical issue in the region. While AI presents opportunities, it also raises challenges, such as misinformation and disruption to democratic processes. Ambassador Sticker emphasized the importance of stimulating reflections on these topics and hearing from knowledgeable individuals.

Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi, Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Makerere University, reflected on the event’s growth, saying, “The past seven editions, in particular, stand as a testament to the maturation of this partnership. We have successfully navigated the challenges posed by the global pandemic, adapted our formats to ensure continuity, and emerged with an even stronger commitment to fostering dialogue across boundaries.”

He highlighted the unique positioning of the Kampala Geopolitics Conference, saying, “What distinguishes the Kampala Geopolitics Conference from numerous other academic gatherings is its unique positioning at the intersection of theoretical analysis and practical application. Unlike purely academic conferences, our event brings together scholars, policymakers, diplomats, civil society representatives, and the public in a dynamic dialogue that bridges multiple divides.” Prof. Mukadasi emphasized the relevance of the conference’s focus on contemporary geopolitical issues, saying, “The conference’s focus on contemporary geopolitical issues ensures its relevance to pressing regional and global challenges. Past editions have tackled complex topics such as climate security, digital governance, migration patterns, and regional integration.”

The conference is organised by Makerere University in partnership with Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung (KAS), UN Women, and the Embassy of France. It is scheduled to focus on discussing current geopolitical questions and trends – inspired by the flagship event of the “Geopolitics of Nantes” in France.

This year’s conference will host 14 roundtables on a variety of topics relating to global challenges, security, regional trends, sustainable development, sport, culture, and society among others.

The high-level conference will offer an interactive platform for dialogue and free exchange on contemporary, regional, and international debates to move global debates to an African stage. Experts from Uganda and the African continent will be joined by international researchers to engage in participatory and documented debates on global topics.

The COVID-19 pandemic has restructured relations between African states and other external partners necessitating the need for re-prioritization of strategic issues. The Geopolitics panel on global health partnerships will seek to address this.

“The conference will focus on key points like democracy and freedom of speech as one of the biggest issues in France. We are not saying we are the only ones to talk about democracy and freedom of speech, but it’s very important that we debate on those kinds of issues,” said Julie-Armand Aniambossou the French Ambassador to Uganda.

The conference will also feature cultural performances and an exhibition, plus training of journalists on how to report different topics.

African experts, international researchers set for Kampala geopolitics dialogue

Nils Wormer, the Director of the Konrad Adenauer Stiftung’s regional program on security dialogue for East Africa, said that the conference aims at offering an interactive platform for dialogue and free exchange on contemporary, regional, and international debates to move global debates to an African stage.

“The COVID-19 pandemic is restructuring relationships between African governments and external partners, creating an opportunity for a hard reset and a re-prioritization of strategic
issues.” “The geopolitics panel on global health partnerships will seek to address this,” Wormer said. According to Wormer, this year’s conference will largely focus on key points like democracy
and freedom of speech as two of the biggest issues. “Today, the African region continues to face serious challenges that temper many countries’ ability to project power.” Relatively low economic recovery, civil wars, and climate change

“Those will be some of the debates to get solutions to address the challenges,” Wormer said. Africa is home to some of the world’s fastest-growing economies, despite a sharp economic decline since the COVID-19 pandemic. Many experts have identified Africa as the next big frontier – as a global economic and political force. Thus, it is unsurprising that many global powers have again turned their attention to the continent. The conference will address new challenges such as energy insecurity excavated by external factors such as the Russia-Ukraine Invasion among others. “Regional governments and publics have been increasingly forthright with their frustrations with foreign partners—criticizing vaccine nationalism, racism abroad, and the asymmetry of bilateral ties,” reads a document from the organizers.

Other organizers of the KGC include the UN Women, and the Embassy of France. It is inspired by the flagship event of the “Geopolitics of Nantes” in France. The conference will also feature cultural performances and an exhibition, plus training of journalists on how to report different topics.