Kampala, Uganda – 23rd October 2025: Makerere University’s Senior Common Room Main Hall hosted an occasion as the 8th Cohort of Rotary Peace Fellows presented their capstone social change initiatives, while Cohort 10 was welcomed into the Fellowship program. The event gathered faculty, Rotary representatives, management, and distinguished guests to celebrate the achievements of the Fellows and reinforce the mission of peacebuilding across Africa and the world.
The Principal, also the Director of the Rotary Peace Center, highlighted that peace is plural and emphasized the importance of recognizing the diversity and uniqueness of each of the 19 Fellows’ social change projects. She congratulated Cohort 8 for completing their initiatives on time and expressed appreciation for the support given by Rotary International.
She singled out Fellows Rafa and Falade (Bebti) for their mentorship of Cohort 10 in specialized trainings such as Genocide Studies and recognized Team Nigeria for their contributions. The Principal also assured the Fellows that the Rotary Peace Center never says goodbye; Cohort 8 would continue to be welcomed as alumni and encouraged to join the Rotary Peace Passport Club, an online community enabling continued engagement and global collaboration.
“Whatever you do, wherever you do it, always remember, you are Makerere University. You are a Rotary Peace Fellow. And always remember, you are the peace builder the world is looking out for. Please don’t drop the ball,” she said, underscoring the Fellows’ role as catalysts of global change.
She also thanked the funders and Rotary fraternity members for their unwavering support and welcomed Cohort 10, urging them to take every opportunity to learn from Cohort 8’s experience. The ceremonial transition between cohorts was highlighted through the symbolic blue and brown badges, signaling the progression of Fellows within the program.
The Deputy Principal welcomed the incoming Cohort 10 and acknowledged Cohort 8 for presenting exemplary social change initiatives. Highlighting Makerere University as Africa’s only Rotary Peace Center, he praised projects such as the cohort’s poetry publication, noting it as a unique contribution to peacebuilding.
He recognized Rotary Peace Center board members and the District Governor’s representative for their presence, emphasizing the importance of institutional and global partnerships in supporting the Fellows’ work. The Deputy Principal concluded by wishing everyone a productive and inspiring day.
Fred Masadde, representing Rotary International, expressed pride in the program’s evolution from inception to the current Cohort 10. He highlighted the transformative nature of the Fellowship, noting that social change initiatives impact both communities and the Fellows themselves, aligning with Rotary’s vision of service and leadership.
“Yeah, so wish you a wonderful day, and just looking forward to listening to your initiatives. At the heart of all of our amazing journey stands Rotary. They are a beacon of hope for global peace,” Masadde stated, recognizing Rotary’s continuous support and vision for nurturing peace leaders globally.
Representing Makerere University management, Dr. Mafumbo Charlotte welcomed all attendees and stressed the responsibility of Africa’s sole Rotary Peace Center to produce exceptional Fellows capable of addressing global peace challenges. She commended Cohort 8 for their initiatives and encouraged Cohort 10 to fully engage with the program.
Highlighting discipline, hard work, and personal responsibility as key to success, Dr. Mafumbo emphasized that all schedules, field activities, and resources had been designed to support the Fellows’ growth, but it was up to them to rise to the challenge. She also acknowledged Rotary International’s critical role in enabling the Fellowship’s success.
Chema Sarri, representing Cohort 8, reflected on the cohort’s transformative year, recounting the challenges of adjusting to life at Makerere, engaging in intensive coursework, and implementing field-based social change initiatives. He highlighted the cohort’s diversity, including Fellows from across Africa and Europe, and praised the collaborative spirit that sustained them through rigorous academic and practical experiences.
“Peace is something that we create every day in our communities, in our relationships, and in the choices we make. It is not only a subject we study; it is a way we live,” he said, offering this key lesson to Cohort 10. Sarri expressed gratitude to Rotary International, Makerere University, faculty, and everyone who supported the Fellowship, emphasizing the importance of community and mentorship in nurturing peacebuilders.
The representative of Cohort 10 Ilugo Cletus Chukinuemeke welcomed all attendees with enthusiasm, highlighting the importance of learning from Cohort 8’s experiences. He praised Rotary Peace International and Makerere University for their support, describing the opportunity to witness Cohort 8’s achievements as both inspiring and educational.
“Sit tight, watch, learn, and relearn what Cohort 8 has to offer, especially with the results and outcomes of their social change initiatives. Let us, those of us in Cohort 10, stick with our notes and paper, write what we need to learn, so that when we come next year we will do better,” he said, reflecting the cohort’s commitment to excellence and social impact. The event underscored Makerere University and Rotary International’s commitment to peacebuilding, leadership, and social innovation. Cohort 8’s transition into alumni and Cohort 10’s initiation into the program marks the continuation of a legacy dedicated to nurturing skilled and dedicated peacebuilders capable of driving change in Africa and beyond.
