Makerere University is set to host a geopolitics conference at the end of this month that will attract prominent Ugandan bloggers, journalists and comedians in an “eloquence contest” on randomly selected topics.
The conference, a first of its kind in Kampala dubbed “Kampala Geopolitics,” will be held on the Friday 27th and Saturday 27th October 2018.
“Most times we think conversations and debates about geopolitics is only a reserve for the intelligentsia. No, everyone needs to understand what’s happening around the world and how it affects them. That’s why we are convening the Kampala Geopolitics,” Rivoal said on Friday when the announcement was made at Makerere University. She was in the company of the university’s Vice Chancellor, Professor Barnabas Nawangwe.
“I have had an exciting press conference with Ambassador @srivoal of France and other partners regarding the forthcoming #KampalaGeopolitics conference which will bring experts from around the world to debate topical geopolitical issues with Mak experts, students, and the public,” Professor Nawangwe revealed on Twitter.
He added, “I urge Mak staff, students and members of the public to turn up in large numbers on 26th and 27th October for the #KampalaGeopolitics conference which is open to the Public. Come let’s debate the future of our planet, our continent and our country.”
Addressing the same press conference, Mathias Kamp of the Konrad Adenauer Stiftung (KAS) Uganda, spoke of the need to address Ugandan problems with a global perspective.
“We need to have more nuanced discussions on topics like migration. We should not be running away from complexity but look at problems in our environment out of a global perspective,” Mathias said.
Some of the topics lined up for discussion include; the economic cost of excluding minorities, implications of the Trump presidency on global power relations?/ Is there still hope for global citizens to fight climate change? / What are we doing to give hope to the young generation? / Are religions peacemakers or troublemakers? / Is the African economy in the hands of foreigners? / What are the pillars of democracy and the global trends that undermine it? /What leaders are we craving for? / Shall agriculture fill your stomach or your purse? / What are the avenues for peace and stability in Africa? / Are women in a position of power challenging male dominance? / Is the European Union a model or deterrent for regional integration in East Africa? / What are the side effects of unbridled capitalism? / Are we too many for the resources of our planet?
