{"id":8088,"date":"2025-10-23T20:37:56","date_gmt":"2025-10-23T17:37:56","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/chuss.mak.ac.ug\/en\/?p=8088"},"modified":"2026-02-05T14:32:33","modified_gmt":"2026-02-05T11:32:33","slug":"makerere-celebrates-cohort-8-rotary-peace-fellows-welcomes-incoming-cohort-10-to-continue-social-change-journey","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/chuss.mak.ac.ug\/en\/makerere-celebrates-cohort-8-rotary-peace-fellows-welcomes-incoming-cohort-10-to-continue-social-change-journey\/","title":{"rendered":"Makerere Celebrates Cohort 8 Rotary Peace Fellows, Welcomes Incoming Cohort 10 to Continue Social Change Journey"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Kampala, Uganda \u2013 23rd October 2025:<\/strong> Makerere University\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\u2019 social change projects. She congratulated Cohort 8 for completing their initiatives on time and expressed appreciation for the support given by Rotary International.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Prof. Helen Nambalirwa Nkabala making her opening remarks<\/strong><\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

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<\/strong>; 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWhatever 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\u2019t drop the ball,\u201d she said, underscoring the Fellows\u2019 role as catalysts of global change.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\u2019s experience. The ceremonial transition between cohorts was highlighted through the symbolic blue and brown badges, signaling the progression of Fellows within the program.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Deputy Principal welcomed the incoming Cohort 10 and acknowledged Cohort 8 for presenting exemplary social change initiatives. Highlighting Makerere University as Africa\u2019s <\/strong>only Rotary Peace Center, he praised projects such as the cohort\u2019s poetry publication, noting it as a unique contribution to peacebuilding.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Prof. Helen Nkabala and Prof. Eric Awich addressing the fellows<\/strong><\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

He recognized Rotary Peace Center board members and the District Governor\u2019s representative for their presence, emphasizing the importance of institutional and global partnerships in supporting the Fellows\u2019 work. The Deputy Principal concluded by wishing everyone a productive and inspiring day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Fred Masadde, representing Rotary International, expressed pride in the program\u2019s 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\u2019s vision of service and leadership.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYeah, 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,\u201d Masadde stated, recognizing Rotary\u2019s continuous support and vision for nurturing peace leaders globally.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Rotary Peace Advisory Board member Representative Fred Masadde speaking to the fellows<\/strong><\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Representing Makerere University management, Dr. Mafumbo Charlotte welcomed all attendees and stressed the responsibility of Africa\u2019s sole Rotary Peace Center<\/strong> 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\u2019 growth, but it was up to them to rise to the challenge<\/strong>. She also acknowledged Rotary International\u2019s critical role in enabling the Fellowship\u2019s success.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Dr. Charlotte Mafumbo speaking to the fellows<\/strong><\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Chema Sarri, representing Cohort 8, reflected on the cohort\u2019s 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\u2019s diversity, including Fellows from across Africa and Europe, and praised the collaborative spirit that sustained them through rigorous academic and practical experiences.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cPeace 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,\u201d 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Representative of Cohort Chema Sarri making the remarks<\/strong><\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The representative of Cohort 10  Ilugo Cletus Chukinuemeke welcomed all attendees with enthusiasm, highlighting the importance of learning from Cohort 8\u2019s experiences. He praised Rotary Peace International and Makerere University for their support, describing the opportunity to witness Cohort 8\u2019s achievements as both inspiring and educational.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cSit 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,\u201d he said, reflecting the cohort\u2019s commitment to excellence and social impact. The event underscored Makerere University and Rotary International\u2019s commitment to peacebuilding, leadership, and social innovation. Cohort 8\u2019s transition into alumni and Cohort 10\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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A member from the the public views the posters for the fellows social change initiatives<\/strong><\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n