General
CAES takes lead in NORHED Projects Launch
The College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, CAES, took lead in launching its NORHED project at Makerere University in a highly interactive ceremony at the School of Food Technology, Nutrition and Bio-Engineering on Wednesday 15th January 2014.
The event was attended by representatives from the collaborating universities including the University of Juba, University of Addis Ababa and the Norwegian University of Life Sciences. The project entitled, ‘Regional Capacity Building for Sustainable Natural Resource Management and Agricultural Productivity under Climate Change,’ competitively won a NORAD grant of approximately 8 billion shillings to implement an array of capacity development activities for period of five years.
The project was launched by the Minister of State for Higher Education, Hon. Dr. John C. Muyingo, who was represented by the Vice Chancellor of Makerere University, Prof. John Ddumba-Ssentamu. The Vice Chancellor was grateful for the support from the Norwegian Government, which he said will be put to proper use.
“Makerere based on her technical capacity and competencies will train academic staff at master’s level from partner institutions particularly for the University of Juba staff in desired fields. It will also lead in the training of academic staff at PhD level who will largely be registered at Makerere University but co-supervised through a modified sandwich model with Norwegian University of Life Sciences. Makerere will also coordinate sites for joint research for all the four partner institutions. We therefore look forward to conducting joint research with Masters, PhD and post-doctoral students from the four partnering institutions in the areas of climate change adaptation and mitigation; sustainable natural resource use and management; agricultural productivity and food security,” he emphasized.
The representative of the Vice Chancellor of Juba, Mr. Bojoi Moses Tomor pointed out that there is need to improve the completion rates of Masters students at Makerere University to lessen the current clogging, while the President of the Addis Ababa pledged to support the project to ensure that maximum benefits are realized. Also in attendance were the Ambassadors of Norway and Ethiopia as well as a representative of the Embassy of South Sudan. The Norwegian Ambassador to Uganda, H.E. Thorbjørn Gaustadsæther emphasized that, “The overarching goal of the NORHED program is sustainable economic, social and environmental development in low and middle income countries.” He urged the NORHED funded projects to undertake research and innovations that that impact the communitie.
The Project Principal Investigator at CAES, Prof. Samuel Kyamanywa (Pictured Right), revealed that the funds had already been secured. “NORHED has sent us the first disbursement of funds and we are ready to start carrying out the project activities. Makerere University will lead other institutions on aspects of natural resource management, agriculture and climate change to deliver a range of outputs crucial to the development of Uganda, Ethiopia and South Sudan.”
The Principal of CAES, Prof. Bernard Bashaasha represented by the Deputy Principal, Dr. Goretti Nabanoga, emphasized that CAES will ensure that the project runs efficiently to deliver expected outcomes.
The inception meeting also had an interactive session, during which participants discussed key issues that might affect the smooth running of the programme including; lengthy procurement procedures, low completion rates of students, differences in exchange rates, choice of research sites in light of the insecurity in Southern Sudan, difficulty in recruitment of students, and imbalances in per diem. In the discussions that followed, Dr. Yazidhi Bamutaze of CAES proposed that the partner universities will continue sharing best practices and devising workable solutions without compromising the NORHED offer.
The Norwegain Government has historically supported projects at Makerere University through various programs over the years including NORAD, NOMA, NUFU and now NORHED. In 2013, Makerere University scoped 12 of the 46 available funded projects on the continent – the largest number won by any University that competed in the call. Of the 12, Makerere University will provide leadership to nine projects. Prof. Hannington Oryem Origa of NIDIC (Right) explained that the project will also focus on improved linkages amongst partners on a non-discriminatory basis. The Principal Investigators of other NORHED funded projects at Makerere shared highlights of planned outcomes and outputs in their projects including:
- Strengthening Media in Post-Conflict Societies through Education and Research: Bridging Gaps, Building Futures in Uganda, South Sudan, Nepal and Norway. Principal Investigator – Dr. William Tayeebwa.
- Improving Weather Information Management in East Africa for effective service provision through the application of suitable ICTs. Principal Investigator – Dr. Julianne Sansa Otim.
- Building capacity for REDD+ in East Africa for improved ecosystem health and for sustainable livelihoods in Eastern Africa (UGA-13/0019). Principal Investigator – Prof. John R.S Tabuti.
- Building and Reflecting on Interdisciplinary PhD Studies for Higher Education Transformation – Makerere Institute of Social Research (MISR). Principal Investigator – Prof. Mamdam represented by Adam Branch
- Leapfrogging 1st Generation Distance Education into 4th and 5th Generation Distance Education: A Strategy for Enhancing ICT Pedagogical Integration and Increasing Access to Education in Africa. Principal Investigator – Dr. Paul Muyinda Birevu.
- Borderland Dynamics in East Africa : A network program for capacity building within Departments of Social Anthropology in East African Universities. Principal Investigator –Dr. Eria Olowo
- Capacity building in Zoonotic diseases Management using Integrated Ecosystems health and gender-focused approach (CAPAZOMANITECO) at the human-livestock –wildlife interface in the Eastern and Southern Africa. Principal Investigator –Dr. Kanche
By Marion Alina, Public Relations Office
The Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe on 20th April 2026 inaugurated the Second Makerere University Health User Committee (Mak-HUC). The Committee was established by the Vice Chancellor in 2022 as part of his strategic mandate to strengthen and oversee the University Hospital services delivery.
Chaired by Dr. Allen Kabagenyi from the College of Business and Management Sciences (CoBAMS), Mak-HUC has as its members; Prof. Josaphat K. Byamugisha-Director Makerere University Health Services (MakHS) and Dr. Daniel Ronald Ruhweza-Department of Law and Jurisprudence, School of Law.
Other members include; Dr. Arthur Kwizera-Department of Anaesthesia and Critical Care, College of Health Sciences (CHS) and Makerere University Academic Staff Association (MUASA) Representative, Dr. Lillian Tukahirwa-Makerere University Administrative Staff Association (MASA) Representative, Mr. Godfrey Othieno- National Union of Educational Institutions (NUEI) Representative, and as Secretariat, Ms. Kevin M. Nabiryo-Directorate of Human Resources.
The 2nd Mak-HUC has been appointed for a period of four years effective 1st January 2026 with a mandate to: Guide, monitor and oversee delivery of health services by MakHS; Represent the interests and concerns of staff and students that use MakHS; Advise on alignment with sustainable health financing and insurance models; Strengthen systems for fraud prevention, digital transformation and access to specialized treatment, among other responsibilities.
The 1st Mak-HUC was chaired by Dr. Allen Kabagenyi and had as members; Prof. Josaphat Byamugisha, Dr. Fred Mayambala, Dr. Zahara Nampewo, Mr. Othieno Godfrey, Mr. Apunyo Paul Okiria and Ms. Ikiriza Racheal. Milestones during the first era included; Outpatient Department visits growth from 4,802 (2022) to 7,388 (Nov 2025) for staff and 14,641 (2022) to 19,069 (Nov 2025) for students.
Others milestones included; Commissioning of a fully equipped Operating Theatre, Establishment of a modern Imaging Hub, Development of a fully functional Audiology Unit, Expansion of the Temporal Bone Laboratory, Launch of the Olink Proteomics Platform and Enhancement of the Dental Unit with 32 dental chairs and experienced personnel.
Related article: https://news.mak.ac.ug/2025/12/three-years-of-impact-makerere-university-health-user-committee-presents-status-report/
By Gerald Ochwo
On Monday, 20th April 2026, the Academic Registrar, Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi and his Senior Management Team (SMT) convened to witness the official handover of office within the Senate Division. The ceremony, attended by representatives from the Directorate of Internal Audit, marked an important moment of transition and continuity in the University’s academic administration. The outgoing Deputy Academic Registrar in charge of the Senate Division, Mrs. Patience Mushengyezi, formally handed over office to Ms. Gladys Khamili, who assumes the role in an acting capacity.
In his remarks, Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi underscored the significance of the transition, situating it within a broader institutional context. He observed that the Department of the Academic Registrar has, over the years, experienced a steady wave of retirements, particularly among senior staff. He noted that this trend is expected to continue, with a considerable number of experienced personnel due to retire within the next two years.
While acknowledging the institutional gaps created by these departures, he reassured staff that the University is actively addressing the situation to ensure the continued efficiency of the Department.
“You will agree with me that the Department has, over the years, witnessed the retirement of many senior colleagues. Their departure leaves behind a significant institutional gap. However, the University is fully aware and will address it through targeted recruitment,” he stated.
In her detailed handover report, which she delivered verbatim, Mrs. Patience Mushengyezi reflected on her tenure with gratitude and a deep sense of fulfillment. She paid tribute to the Vice-Chancellor, in his capacity as Chairperson of the University Senate, for his steadfast guidance and support throughout her service. She also expressed sincere appreciation to the Academic Registrar, Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi, for his pragmatic and results-oriented leadership.
“I remain deeply grateful for the support from the Vice-Chancellor and all members of Senate for the trust they accorded me. I equally thank the Academic Registrar, Prof. Buyinza, for his results-oriented approach to administration. His support enabled us to achieve remarkable progress under the DARP (Digitalization of Academic Records and Processes) Project, including the successful digitalization of Senate minutes, some dating as far back as the 1990s, which are now easily retrievable,” she noted.
Her remarks painted a picture of dedication, progress, and institutional strengthening, leaving behind a legacy that will continue to benefit the University.
In her acceptance remarks, Ms. Gladys Khamili expressed heartfelt appreciation to the Academic Registrar for the confidence placed in her. She acknowledged the weight of responsibility that comes with the role and pledged her commitment to upholding the standards and gains established by her predecessor.
She paid glowing tribute to Mrs. Mushengyezi’s exceptional service, noting that her impact within the Senate Division is both profound and enduring.
“I am truly honored by the trust bestowed upon me. I am committed to building on the strong foundation laid by Mrs. Mushengyezi, whose remarkable contribution and dedication will continue to inspire us all,” she said.
The ceremony not only marked the end of a distinguished era in the Department of the Academic Registrar, but also the beginning of a new phase, underscored by continuity, renewal, and a shared commitment to excellence in academic administration at Makerere University.
Gerald Ochwo is the Liaison and Communication Officer, Office of the Academic Registrar
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