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The 8th edition of the annual Kampala Geopolitics Conference officially kicked off on Wednesday at Makerere University, drawing hundreds of eager attendees, predominantly university students.
This year’s conference once again offered a platform for addressing pressing global issues and regional challenges, with several esteemed panel discussions lined up for the two-day event.
The conference, now an institutional fixture, is renowned for gathering intellectuals, policymakers, diplomats, and artists who collectively strive to influence the political discourse on crucial international matters.
Representing the Vice Chancellor of Makerere University, Prof Barnabas Nawangwe, Ass. Prof Helen Nambalirwa Nkabala, the Dean of the College of Humanities at Makerere University, welcomed the attendees with a powerful message.
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She mentioned the university’s role in advancing research on complex issues such as artificial intelligence (AI), which was set to be a key topic of discussion at the conference.
“It is amazing to see how well our researchers and students have been able to harness the power of AI for positive outcomes such as disease detection, air quality monitoring, and improvements in healthcare access,” she said.
However, she also cautioned the audience about the dual-use nature of technology, warning that AI could be exploited for harmful purposes, particularly in spreading misinformation.
“We have seen how this tech can be used for evil purposes,” she added, referring to the ongoing challenges at Makerere University in dealing with misinformation and its potential to destabilise societies.
Xavier Sticker, the French Ambassador to Uganda, acknowledged the partnership between Makerere University, the French Embassy, Konrad Adenauer Stiftung (KAS), and Allianz Francaise de Kampala in making the conference a success.
He also pointed out the growing significance of AI and the necessity to regulate it properly. “If AI is regulated, there have to be protections to restore equality and ensure that it does not become harmful,” he said, highlighting the need for fair regulation that would mitigate the risks associated with AI misuse.
Ambassador Sticker also spoke about the importance of discussions on global issues, such as the high seas, UNSC reforms, and peacekeeping efforts, particularly in regions like the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
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His comments were echoed by Nils Wörmer, the Director of KAS’s Regional Programme Security Dialogue for East Africa, who emphasised the need to address the escalating conflict in DRC. Wörmer stressed the significance of examining the root causes of the conflict and the role of regional actors, such as Uganda, in peacekeeping efforts.
“It is crucial that we discuss the situation in the DRC, learn about the root causes, and explore solutions,” Wörmer said.
The Role of Culture and Arts in Geopolitical Discourse
In addition to the academic discussions, Alliance Française de Kampala Director, Eric Touzé, noted the importance of including African culture in the broader conversation about geopolitics. He praised the conference for its ability to bring together intellectuals, artists, and social figures, noting the diverse performances that were part of the event.
The Umurisho drummers from Burundi and performances by Uganda’s Vinka, known for her vibrant music, were just a few highlights of the cultural offerings that accompanied the debates.
“We look forward to having African cultures at the centre of the debate in future conferences,” Touzé said, reflecting on the growing role of arts and culture in political discussions.
Navigating Peace and Development in the DRC
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The first panel discussion, “Navigating Pathways to Sustainable Peace and Development in the Democratic Republic of Congo,” delved into the complexities of conflict resolution in the DRC.
Uganda statesman Augustine Ruzindans provided insightful commentary on the political situation, calling for a stronger and more effective state to maintain peace in the region.
“We know that we are not about to have an effective state in Congo, so we need to forge other solutions to the impending insecurity,” Ruzindans argued.
From AI and misinformation to the conflict in DRC and the role of African culture in geopolitics, the event showcased the breadth of topics that require urgent attention.