Kampala Geopolitics Conference 2025: Africa Talks AI and Peace talks

The 8th edition of the Kampala Geopolitics Conference started on Wednesday at Makerere University, drawing many attendees—mostly university students, experts, diplomats, and artists. The event has become a major yearly platform where people discuss important global and African issues.

This year’s conference focused on topics like artificial intelligence (AI), maritime security, United Nations Security Council (UNSC) reforms, and peace efforts in Africa, especially in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

Global Problems and Africa’s Role

Makerere University Vice Chancellor Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe (through Ass. Prof. Hellen Nkabala) welcomed guests and said the conference helps people discuss global challenges that affect Africa. He said issues like the "America First" policy under former U.S. President Trump had already affected Uganda’s research programs and that African voices are important in such global discussions.

French Ambassador to Uganda, Xavier Sticker, said the event is possible thanks to teamwork between the French Embassy, Konrad Adenauer Stiftung (KAS), and Alliance Française Kampala. He praised Uganda for becoming a regional peace pillar but said the country still faces challenges in the DRC and South Sudan.

Sticker also talked about maritime security, saying even though Uganda is landlocked, it depends heavily on imports, so sea safety and smooth trade routes are crucial. He mentioned new global agreements like BBNJ, which aims to protect ocean resources.

Artificial Intelligence: Good or Dangerous?

AI was a hot topic at the conference. Makerere's Dr. Hellen Nkabala said students and researchers are using AI in healthcare, disease detection, and air quality checks. But she warned that AI can also be misused, especially to spread misinformation.

Ambassador Sticker agreed, saying AI brings both opportunities and risks. He stressed that regulations are needed to make sure AI is used fairly and doesn't harm societies.

Prof. Nawangwe added that misinformation powered by AI could damage young societies like Uganda’s if not addressed. He said it is important to balance innovation with safety.

Peace and the DRC Conflict

One of the first big panel talks was about finding lasting peace in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Uganda’s Augustine Ruzindans said the DRC lacks a strong government, so new ways to bring peace must be found.

Dr. Frederick Golooba-Mutebi, a political expert, said peace in Eastern Congo depends on building a strong state that can protect its borders and support refugees. He criticized foreign involvement, saying that some Western countries act like they’re helping, but are really after Congo’s mineral wealth.

Dr. Nkabala added that real solutions must go beyond the 1994 Rwandan Genocide and look back at how colonial borders divided African ethnic groups, which caused many problems today.

KAS’s Nils Wörmer also called attention to the DRC conflict. He said it’s important to understand its root causes, the role of neighboring countries like Uganda, and how peacekeeping missions can be improved. He added that global politics, such as a possible Trump return in the U.S., may also affect African peace efforts.

Culture at the Heart of the Conference

The conference wasn't just about politics. It also included music and art. Eric Touzé, head of Alliance Française Kampala, said African culture should be a bigger part of geopolitics.

Performances from Uganda’s singer Vinka and the Umurisho drummers from Burundi brought energy and creativity to the event, showing that culture can help bring people together and spark meaningful conversations.

A Regional Platform for Global Discussions

The conference has grown into a key event in East Africa, evolving from a small meeting into a major space for international dialogue. Prof. Nawangwe said Africa must keep having these talks to shape how the world sees and treats African issues.

He also said geopolitical discussions must include African perspectives and that Makerere is proud to be part of those global conversations.

From AI and misinformation to conflict in the DRC, sea safety, and African culture, the Kampala Geopolitics Conference tackled many urgent issues. The event showed how Africa is no longer just watching global events—it’s part of the discussion and ready to shape its future.Kampala Geopolitics Conference 2025: Africa Talks AI, Peace, and Global Issues