By Felix Oketcho
Owek. Amb. Al-haj Prof. Badru D. Kateregga, the Founding Vice-Chancellor of Kampala University and the Chief Scout of Uganda, etched Uganda’s name in continental history after being honored with the highest Scout Award known as the Africa Elephant Award, the highest recognition in African Scouting.
The Award was presented during the 19th Africa Scout Conference, held from September 18th to 21st, 2025, in Antananarivo, Madagascar. This prestigious accolade celebrates Prof. Kateregga’s lasting impact on education, youth empowerment, and the Scouting movement both in Uganda, Africa and Beyond.
Prof. Kateregga’s commandership has been instrumental in promoting and expanding Scouting across his University campuses and borders, while his solid commitment to young people has created pathways for global employment and innovation. His legacy includes hosting the World Scout Interreligious Symposium that was in Kampala in 2009, spearheading initiatives for interfaith dialogue, collaboration and Securing Property for the Uganda Scouts Association to ensure Scouting remains accessible to future generations.
In their citation, the Chairman of the Africa Scout Committee, Maina Kiranga, and the African Regional Scouts Director Mr.Frederic Tutu Kama-Kama lauded Prof. Kateregga’s “servant leadership and spirit of service to Scouting and communities in Africa and the world.”
Beyond academia, Prof. Kateregga’s Scouting titles speak volumes of his devotion: Chief Scout of Uganda, Chairman of the National Union of Uganda Muslim Scouts, and Chief Commissioner of the Buganda Royal Scouts Movement, Chairman of the International Scouts and Guides Fellowship–Uganda Chapter, and Vice-President of the International Union of Muslim Scouts.
Representing Uganda at the Madagascar conference was a formidable delegation of 15 individuals which Prof. Kateregga led including: The Chairperson BOT of the Uganda Scouts Association Prof. Maggie Kigozi; The Chief Commissioner Alice Nyiramahoro; Representative from the Ministry of Education and Sports Gilbert Orikiriza; National Executive Commissioner Ashrafu Kizito; Assistant Commissioner Innovation Nkoyoyo Erisa Kiwana; Deputy Resident Director of Kampala University Muhammad Faquih Kateregga; International Relations and Partnerships Cleopatra John; among others, featuring Uganda’s strong presence in shaping Africa’s scouting agenda.
The Africa Elephant Award is reserved for only the most distinguished Scouts, recognizing outstanding service and lasting contributions to the growth and development of the Scout Movement. Prof. Kateregga’s achievement raises Uganda’s flag and also inspires a new generation of leaders committed to peace, leadership, and service.
