&w=64&q=75)
Under the theme “The African Dimensions in International Debates,” the conference aims to address topics such as armed conflicts, oil governance, and regional pacification.
Barnabas Nawangwe, Vice-Chancellor of Makerere University, while opening the conference reflected on the transformation of the Kampala Geopolitics Conference since its inception seven years ago. He noted the importance of finding solutions to Africa's demographic revolution, particularly in terms of food security and employment creation.
He also underscored the significance of discussing current global conflicts such as the war in Gaza, the overlooked crisis in Sudan, and the broader implications of these wars on African nations.
“These are issues that concern us, and I am happy we are going to address some of them during the conference,” he said.
Uganda's role in fostering peace
Nils Woermer, the Regional Director at the Konrad Adenauer Stiftung, drew attention to the ongoing conflict in Sudan, which has deepened regional tensions and worsened the humanitarian crisis since its resurgence in April 2023.
Woermer highlighted the urgent need for regional interventions, particularly Uganda’s potential role in fostering a ceasefire and promoting peace.
He noted, “What seemed at first as a mere power struggle between military leaders has now escalated into a deeper regional conflict.”
The conference he said will feature discussions on how Uganda can leverage its geopolitical position to contribute to peace-building efforts in Sudan and the broader East African region.
Meanwhile, Janyce Obrecht, Deputy Head of Mission at the French Embassy in Uganda, who represented Ambassador Xavier Sticker commended the conference for attracting a diverse group of participants, including researchers, civil society, artists, and entrepreneurs.
According to Obrecht, the event reflects the “appetite of young Ugandans for debate and dialogue,” aligning with French diplomacy’s promotion of tolerance and open exchange.
One of the panels, she mentioned, will focus on the intersection between war crimes, gender-based violence (GBV), and justice in conflict situations.
Obrecht pointed out the use of sexual violence as a weapon during armed conflicts and emphasized the role of the International Criminal Court (ICC) in mitigating GBV in future conflicts.
Another panel will examine the impact of Uganda's oil revenue on the economy, particularly in relation to public policies on health, education, and infrastructure. This session is expected to delve into how transparent governance can ensure that the country’s oil wealth benefits its citizens.
The Alliance Française Kampala, represented by its director Eric Touze, stressed the importance of cultural exchange in the conference’s mission. He explained that the Alliance Française promotes partnerships based on equality and openness, with a focus on mutual respect.
Touze also shared plans to integrate cultural programs alongside the academic discussions, adding a creative dimension to the intellectual debates.
ICC and the fight against GBV
In one of the early panel discussions, Sarah Kihika Kasande from the International Center for Transitional Justice emphasised the primary role of domestic courts in tackling impunity related to sexual violence in conflicts.
She noted that while the ICC plays a major role in handling international war crimes, the responsibility to address sexual violence lies primarily with the states themselves. Kasande urged that more attention be given to strengthening domestic judicial systems to combat impunity effectively.
The 7th edition of the Kampala Geopolitics Conference will run until October 24, 2024, and is expected to cover a wide range of geopolitical, social, and economic topics.
Among the key themes to watch are Uganda’s oil governance, gender-based violence in conflicts, and regional peace-building efforts, especially in relation to the Sudanese conflict.