The 8th edition of the Kampala Geopolitics Conference (KGC) will take place on April 9th and 10th, 2025, at Makerere University, bringing together experts, policymakers, and academics to discuss pressing global issues. Organised by the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung (KAS), the Embassy of France in Uganda, Makerere University, and Alliance Française Kampala, the event aims to provide a platform for meaningful discussions on geopolitical trends and challenges, with a strong focus on Africa’s role in global affairs .At a press conference held on March 13, 2025, the organisers revealed the key topics for the conference, including the ongoing debate about Africa’s representation in the United Nations Security Council (UNSC). Nils Wörmer, Director of KAS’s Regional Programme Security Dialogue for East Africa, pointed out that while over 70% of UNSC resolutions pertain to Africa, the continent remains without permanent representation. The panel will discuss the feasibility of Africa gaining a permanent seat and veto power, a topic that has gained increasing momentum in recent years, with support from several African nations.
Another key discussion will focus on the future of peacekeeping in Africa. With Africa facing numerous conflicts, the continent hosts the highest number of peacekeeping missions globally. The panel will explore the effectiveness of these missions by comparing the situations in Somalia, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), and Chad. The aim is to assess the evolving role of peacekeeping forces in maintaining peace and security.French Ambassador to Uganda, Xavier Sticker, highlighted additional discussions, including the strategic importance of oceans for landlocked countries like Uganda, which rely on ports in Mombasa and Dar es Salaam for trade. The impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on governance and its role in spreading misinformation will also be examined, with a focus on the challenges and opportunities AI presents.Alongside the academic debates, the conference will feature cultural performances such as music, dance, and art, organised by Alliance Française, offering attendees a chance to engage with the cultural aspects of peace, security, and identity.Professor Buyinza Mukadasi, Acting First Deputy Vice Chancellor of Makerere University, expressed enthusiasm for discussions on sustainable peace in the DRC and the future of US-Africa relations under the Biden administration.
