General
NBRP promoting regional competence building through publication
In true representation of the recently celebrated World Water Day and the Nile, guests were ushered into the Main hall, adorned in blue décor. On hand to receive guests who included The Norwegian Ambassador, Rwandan and United Republic of Tanzania High Commissioners were the Vice-Chancellor Prof. Venansius Baryamureeba, Prof Tore – Director NBRP and Prof. Edward Kirumira-The NBRP Regional Host.
In true representation of the recently celebrated World Water Day and the Nile, guests were ushered into the Main hall, adorned in blue décor. On hand to receive guests who included The Norwegian Ambassador, Rwandan and United Republic of Tanzania High Commissioners were the Vice-Chancellor Prof. Venansius Baryamureeba, Prof Tore – Director NBRP and Prof. Edward Kirumira-The NBRP Regional Host.
Emcee of the day and Regional Coordinator NBRP, Dr. Margaret Kyakuwa welcomed the Chief Guest, Hon. Jessica Eriyo – State Minister for Water, who represented Hon. Dr. Maria Mutagamba, Minister of Water and Environment as well as all the guests who’d spared time to attend the launch.
Prof. Edward K. Kirumira, who also coordinates the Makerere/University of Bergen (UiB) Collaboration, recognized the presence of Vice Chancellors from Sister Universities present, as well as former Vice Chancellor Prof. Livingstone Luboobi. In his address, Prof. Kirumira took note of the active relationships with the University of Khartoum, Juba, National University of Rwanda, and Addis Ababa University as well the recent bond with Cairo University. These relationships he added, were testament to the power of the Nile “The books we are about to launch are yet another confirmation of the jewel that the Nile Basin countries are privileged to own, share, study, nurture and guard jealously.” In relation to sustainable Land use and citing his recent trip to Egypt, he further testified “I saw trucks after trucks packed with tomatoes heading for the consumptive urban populations. This was contrasted against a nicely desert condition terrain. This for me drove home the power of the Nile than I had ever imagined.”
I
n his keynote address, Prof Tore Saetersdal – Director NBRP recognized the enormous potential for collaboration amongst the Nile Basin countries. He justified the hosting of this programme at UiB by recognizing that as Bergen is “in a faraway place”, it provided the most conducive atmosphere for Independent and Free research so as to be able to contribute to a peaceful and sustainable solution for the Nile agreement.
Prof. also appreciated the Nile Basin University Forum (NBUF), which was launched in Kampala in June 2009 with eighteen Nile Basin Universities as inauguration members. An initiative of the NBRP, the NBUF will promote collaboration, staff and student exchange and joint curricula on the Nile across language and cultural barriers.
A brief presentation on the book “The River Nile in post-colonial age” by Prof. James Muliira highlighted the first comprehensive and detailed account of the Nile Water as a resource. This was shortly followed by Dr. Godfrey Asiimwe’s presentation on the research experience in Bergen, which by his observation required more affirmative action for females to enable them undertake research in larger numbers. Dr. Roberts Muriisa, Mbarara University of Science and Technology (MUST) in his presentation acknowledged NBRP for diversifying the research component and opportunities to include MUST, Uganda Christian University, Mukono (UCU) as well as other Universities. With regard to Shaping Research Universities, he examined the need for Universities to establish the relevant research by examining its as well as who should determine the relevant research.
The Acting Vice-Chancellor Prof. Venansius Baryamureeba in his address commended the NBRP for the great strides made so far and appreciated the relevance of the book launch to Makerere University, as it currently holds the Chairmanship of the Inter-Universities Council for East Africa. Before inviting the Chief Guest, Prof. Baryamureeba challenged the Makerere community to utilize the opportunities in the Nile Basin region and contribute to knowledge creation, transfer and partnerships.
The Chief Guest Hon. Jessica Eriyo commended the NBRP for publishing their research but challenged other stakeholders to do more research in a relevant and continuous way so as to inform policy. “Research work should not remain in the shelves. It should be publicized so as to inform policy” she added. Referring to The United Nation’s declaration of the year 2010 as the International Year of Biodiversity (IYB), Hon. Eriyo encouraged to diversify their research “The Nile is not just water, the Nile habours a lot of biodiversity that we must focus on this year.” She then proceeded to officially launch the publications.
Dr. Tickodri Togboa, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor Finance & Administration and Host, Nile Basin Universities’ Forum proceeded to give closing remarks.
Click here for Prof. Saetersdal's presentation
Click here for the Vice-Chancellor's speech
Makerere University and the University of Notre Dame, Indiana, USA (ND) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), which opens opportunities for collaboration between the two historic and leading research institutions in the areas of staff and student exchange, joint research and training, joint supervision of graduate students, and others.
The Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe signed on behalf of Makerere University and Rev. Robert A. Dowd, the 18th President signed on behalf of the University of Notre Dame. The ceremony, which was held at the University of Notre Dame campus at South Bend, Indiana was witnessed by Dr. Lorna Magara, the Chairperson of the Council of Makerere University, who led the Mak delegation.
Dr. Magara appreciated the institutionalisation of the collaboration between the two universities and the very warm hospitality accorded to the Mak delegation.
General
Press Release: Government of Uganda and Partners Launch SAY Plus+ to Scale Youth Sexual Reproductive Health & Rights (SRHR) Impact in Underserved Regions
USD 50 million national programme moves into full implementation, strengthening
adolescent and youth rights, empowerment, protection and access to youth-responsive
services in 13 districts across five sub-regions
KAMPALA, 7 MAY 2026: The Government of Uganda, through the Ministry of Health, today officially launched the SAY Plus+ Programme, a Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) initiative designed to strengthen adolescent and youth rights, empowerment, protection and access to quality services in Uganda’s underserved regions.
The launch, held at Makerere University‘s Freedom Square under the theme “My Voice Matters: Youth Voices for SAY Plus+” and the tagline “Nothing for us, without us”, marks the programme’s transition into full implementation.
SAY Plus+, formerly known as Strengthening Adolescents and Youth Rights and Empowerment: Scaling Impact, is led by the Ministry of Health, in coordination with other Ministries, with UNFPA Uganda serving as the Managing and Technical Agency.
Backed by a USD 50 million pooled fund from the Governments of Iceland, Denmark, the Netherlands, and Sweden, the initiative is scheduled to operate between 2024 and 2030. It is currently being rolled out across thirteen districts within five sub-regions, providing targeted assistance to regional referral hospitals in Jinja, Mbale, Moroto, Yumbe, Arua, and Gulu. Furthermore, the programme supports the Human Capital Development goals established in Uganda’s National Development Plan IV.
“SAY Plus+ represents a shift from fragmented interventions to a coordinated national effort that meaningfully places young people at the centre of both design and delivery. Through our partnership with the Government of Uganda, development partners, and implementing partners, we are investing not only in services, but in the systems, communities, and environments that enable adolescents and young people to thrive not only today but also in the future,” said Ms. Kristine Blokhus, Representative – UNFPA Uganda.
Officially launched by the Minister of State for Health Hon. Margaret Muhanga, the SAY Plus+ programme targets adolescents and young people aged 10 to 24 years, with particular focus on adolescent girls and young women, refugees and host-community youth, out-of-school young people, those not in employment, education or training, adolescents with disabilities, and young people in humanitarian and post-conflict settings.
“For many of us, things like this one are designed without listening to what we go through every day, think or even feel. SAY Plus+ feels different because it starts with our voices and gives us a real role in shaping solutions. It is not just about information, it is about being supported to make decisions, access services, and build the future we want.” – Jovia Dranzoa, Young person.
SAY Plus+ operates through three pillars. First, it empowers youth to exercise their rights and make informed choices. Second, it engages families, communities, and leaders to address harmful social norms. Third, it strengthens youth-responsive SRHR, HIV, and gender-based violence services via health facilities and community platforms, aiming to reach over 2.3 million direct and indirect beneficiaries.
The SAY Plus+ initiative stands as a model of international cooperation and multi-sectoral synergy. Through the combined support of the Governments of Iceland, Denmark, the Netherlands, and Sweden, and the technical leadership of UNFPA, Uganda is now equipped to scale-up critical interventions in HIV prevention, gender-based violence response, and reproductive health. With implementation now in high gear through 2030, the programme is poised to make a lasting contribution to the nation’s human capital development goals.
— ENDS —
Photos from the event
-
General2 weeks agoApplications for Admission to Undergraduate Programmes 2026/27
-
Agriculture & Environment2 weeks agoRe-Advertised Call for Applications: QCF Postdoctoral Research Fellowships
-
General2 weeks agoDiploma Holders Admission Lists under Government Sponsorship for 2026/2027 AY
-
Education2 weeks agoProf. Senteza Kajubi Fulbright Lecture Re-ignites debate on learner-centred reforms
-
Education2 weeks agoSpecial University Entry Examinations for the Diploma in Performing Arts 2026/27