Makerere University, in collaboration with the Australian Alumni Association of Uganda (A3-U) and the Australian High Commission, hosted a historic Commemorative Lecture and Exhibition to mark 60 years of diplomatic relations between Uganda and Australia.
The milestone celebrates a partnership built on education, research, trade, and development cooperation.
The event, themed "Australia-Uganda at 60: A Legacy of Partnerships and a Shared Vision," brought together diplomats, academics, government officials, alumni, students, and private-sector leaders to reflect on the achievements of the bilateral relationship and explore opportunities for future collaboration.
Makerere University Council Chairperson, Lorna Magara, described the anniversary as both a celebration and a call to action.
"This is not just a celebration of Australia-Uganda relations. It is a call to co-create the next 60 years of engagement through innovation, shared prosperity, and stronger institutional partnerships,” she said.
Makerere University Vice Chancellor, Barnabas Nawangwe, highlighted Australia's decades-long contribution to Ugandan academia through research collaborations and scholarship support.
"Hundreds of Ugandan scholars have built successful careers in academia, government, and industry through this partnershipZ Makerere and Australian researchers are doing a great job searching for solutions to challenges affecting Uganda's and global development,” Nawangwe said.
He also thanked the Australian Alumni Association for choosing Makerere as the host for the event and commended the presence of high-level diplomats.
Australia’s High Commissioner to Uganda, Jenny Da Rin, reflected on the evolution of bilateral ties, emphasizing Australia’s support across education, agriculture, and research.
She highlighted that Australia contributes approximately AUD 30 million annually to various development programs in Uganda through NGOs and multilateral institutions.
"We have worked with partners such as the World Food Programme to enhance food security in the Karamoja region,"she said.
Through the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR), Australia has strengthened agricultural productivity, empowered women and youth, and supported technical and vocational skills development. ACIAR has also offered PhD opportunities to Ugandan researchers.
"I encourage our academic institutions to deepen this collaboration, leverage technology, and foster research that is practical and responsive to Uganda's national priorities," she added.
The High Commissioner reaffirmed Australia’s commitment to supporting Ugandans through the Australia Awards Scholarships, enabling postgraduate studies that directly contribute to Uganda’s Vision 2040.
Da Rin expressed optimism about growing economic ties. Current two-way trade stands at AUD 64 million, with significant opportunities for growth.
She highlighted increasing Australian investments in mining and oil, including the Makuutu Rare Earths Project by Rwenzori Rare Metals, a subsidiary of Ionic Rare Earths (Australia), and the East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP), where Australian engineering firm Worley holds the EPCM contract.
Interest in agriculture and tourism is also growing, with companies like Intrepid Travel opening offices in Uganda.
"Australian companies are global leaders in resource development and renowned for their environmental, social, and governance standards," she said.
The event also celebrated thousands of Ugandan alumni of Australian institutions, acknowledging their contributions to leadership, public service, academia, civil society, and the private sector.
"Graduates of these programmes become part of a growing and dynamic network of professionals who help deepen our bilateral ties," she said.
In her closing remarks, Da Rin reaffirmed Australia’s long-term commitment;
"Australia wants to expand our innovation, knowledge, and collaborative partnerships; uphold our shared Commonwealth values; and ensure that the next generation inherits a world that is more sustainable, equitable, and peaceful."
The Commemorative Lecture and Exhibition highlighted the enduring Australia-Uganda partnership and set the stage for continued collaboration across education, research, trade, and development for decades to come.