ARUA Conference - African Research Universities Alliance - Biennial International Conference 2025 -- October 2025 at Makerere University

The International Relations Office (IRO) at Makerere University invited me to join them at their table at the African Research Universities Alliance (ARUA) Biennial Conference.  

This year's conference theme focused on the impact of AI in research in higher ed. and attracted university leaders from all across African continent to Makerere.

The IRO table was situated near the entrance and conference registration area, so it provided a wonderful opportunity to network and to showcase what Makerere is doing in its efforts to internationalize the campus and the curriculum.

At one point - I was standing at the table (beneath the IRO video that featured international faculty and students) under a video of myself!

If you look above me on the wall -- you can see the IRO video playing - featuring yours truly.  Many international students and faculty were interviewed about their experiences at Makerere

For a link to the IRO video, see  

with the IRO Team

books published by Makerere University Press were also available at the table

 - I bought a book of Ugandan political satire to read on the way home

 

Betty Nabisubi from the IRO Office - Thanks for all you have done to make me feel at home at Makerere!

with a representative of the European Union

with the President of a university in Mozambique

with the Vice Chancellor of Makerere University Barnabas Nawangwe  

with the Director of the International Relations Office (IRO) Matthias Ssemanda

For more about the African Research Universities Alliance Biennial Conference 2025 see

https://arua.org/conferences/conference2025/

Follow-Up meeting and donations for the Treasure Children's Charity NGO, founded by Makerere University political science student Amon Byaruguba

I was so impressed with the work of Amon Byarugaba, the political science student who came to meet with me about youth community engagement after my America@250: Opportunity for Civic Renewal in the US lecture

See this blog post

https://drjsmafricanacademicadventures.blogspot.com/2025/10/dr-jsm-office-hours-meeting-with.html

I wanted to do something to help the children served by the Treasure Children's Charity in Nansana.

As I had already started packing my things for the return trip - it occurred to me that I would have some school supplies and toiletries that I could donate. I was glad that Amon could come back and see me again before I flew back to the US.

We have several ideas for collaboration -- and I am planning to invite him to speak to the USFSP YMCA Civic Fellows at our Civics Institute -- about youth empowerment and stepping up to meet community needs.

For more about the Treasure Children's Charity see https://www.treasurechild.org/

with some donations for the children -- school supplies and toiletries that I could spare from my luggage -- look forward to doing more to support this NGO

I really wasn't expecting a gift myself - but - I do so very much appreciate these beautiful sandals!

will share a pic of me enjoying these sandals in Florida, where we can wear sandals year-round 

the soles are made of recycled tires!!