Dr Sinobia Kenny, the Academic Manager of AIMSSEC, the Schools Enrichment Centre of AIMS South Africa, was recently honoured as the keynote speaker at the 44th Teachers’ Conference in Kampala, Uganda. This prestigious event brought together educators, mathematicians, and thought leaders from across Africa, focusing on advancing mathematics on the continent.

The conference was notably marked by the significant contributions of two distinguished AIMS alumni: Dr Joseph Ssebuliba, an alumnus of AIMS South Africa (2006-2007) and the current President of the Uganda Mathematical Society (UMS), and Ronaldo Arinaitwe Munyane, an AIMSSEC alumnus (2018) and the UMS Primary Schools’ Representative. Their leadership and dedication to mathematics in Uganda have been instrumental in shaping the success of this year’s conference, a testament to the impact of AIMS alumni in mathematics.

Dr Kenny shared the stage with esteemed academics, including Prof. Sunday Angoma Okello from the Institute of Peace and Security Studies at the University of Addis Ababa, Prof. Livingstone Luboobi, former Vice Chancellor of Makerere University and founder of the UMS in 1971, and Satish Guna of the Rotary Club of Kampala Maisha, among other distinguished guests.

The conference provided a platform for rich discussions on the future of mathematics in Africa under the theme of Mathematics is the hinge for all careers. Dr Kenny’s keynote address not only highlighted the critical role of educators in nurturing young mathematicians but also underscored their value and importance in the field, as well as the significance of programmes like AIMSSEC that prioritise mathematical thinking in supporting teachers and students alike.

This year’s event underscored the growing influence of AIMS alumni in educational leadership across the continent and reinforced the collaborative spirit necessary for continued progress in mathematical sciences.