By Fahad Muganga
Makerere University is set to host the 8th edition of the Kampala Geopolitics Conference. The Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung (KAS), Embassy of France in Uganda, Makerere University, and Alliance Française Kampala have renewed their partnership for the 8th edition of the Kampala Geopolitics Conference.
The Kampala Geopolitics Conference (KGC) is a two-day academic event discussing current geopolitical questions and trends. It is inspired by the flagship event of the “Geopolitics of Nantes” in France. Experts from Uganda and the African continent will be joined by international researchers to engage in participatory and documented debates on global topics.
The 2025 Edition of the Kampala Geopolitics Conference will take place from the 9th to the 10th of April 2025 at the emblematic and prestigious Makerere University. This year’s event shall comprise a variety of topics relating to international relations, regional security, peacekeeping and building peacebuilding. Cultural activities including visual art, dance and music performances on peace, security, gender and cultural identity, will also punctuate the event.
On the 13th of March, the organizers of the 2025 edition of the Kampala Geopolitics Conference gathered at the office of the Konrad Adenauer Stiftung’s Regional Programme Security Dialogue for East Africa to sign a Memorandum of Understanding to officially announce to the press and the public of the upcoming next edition of the Kampala Geopolitics Conference.
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.”