Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, the Vice Chancellor of Makerere University, has been honored with the prestigious African Educationist of the Year Award by African Leadership Magazine. This recognition comes amidst strong competition, including a government minister and two vice chancellors from highly populous African countries. The award ceremony, set for February 27-28, 2026, in Accra, Ghana, celebrates distinguished African leaders across various sectors.
Prof. Nawangwe expressed his gratitude, crediting his victory to the support of his peers and the community. He stated, 'I beat a minister and two Vice Chancellors from very populous countries because you voted. Thank you.' The voting process, sponsored by African Leadership Magazine, was highly competitive, with Prof. Nawangwe's close race highlighting the strength of African leadership.
The African Leadership Magazine Persons of the Year 2025 Awards recognized leaders in governance, innovation, enterprise, public service, and sustainable development. Other notable recipients include H.E. Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, President of Namibia, as the African Political Leader of the Year; H.E. Mandisa Maya, Chief Justice of South Africa, as the African Female Leader of the Year; Gen. Mbaye Cissé, Chief of the General Staff of Senegal, as the Africa Peace & Security Leader of the Year; Samuel Dossou-Aworet, Petrolin Group of Benin, as the African Industrialist of the Year; and Khalil Suleiman Halilu, NASENI HQ of Nigeria, as the Young African Leader of the Year.
Prof. Nawangwe's achievement highlights his significant contributions to higher education in Uganda and Africa, solidifying his reputation as a transformative leader in African academia. His success serves as an inspiration to aspiring educators and leaders across the continent.
