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Swedish State Secretary recognizes impact of Sida support

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Makerere University had the pleasure of hosting the Swedish State Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Joakim Stymne on Thursday 15th April, 2010.

Makerere University had the pleasure of hosting the Swedish State Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Joakim Stymne on Thursday 15th April, 2010.

L-R DVC(AA) Prof. Tibatemwa, Mr. Joakim Stymne,Swedish State Secretary and H.E. Anders Johnson during the Mak visitMakerere University is one of the major beneficiaries of research grants from the Swedish Government. Mr. Joakim Stymne therefore visited Makerere University to acquaint himself with the impact of the Swedish support to the development of research in the University and Uganda at large.

“Cooperation between Sweden and Uganda is a tangible manifestation of the importance we attach to the relevance of research in development and reduction of poverty,” Joakim Stymne said.

The Deputy Vice Chancellor, Professor Lillian Tibatemwa-Ekirikubinza, together with Deans, Directors and Professors from various faculties such as Technology, Social Sciences and Arts gathered to warmly welcome the State Secretary and his delegation.

L-R. Prof. Katunguka, Dir SGS makes his presentation as Dr. Nawangwe, Dean Faculty of Technology and Gloria Kempaka Mugambe, Economist, Swedish Embassy listenDuring this meeting, the Director School of Graduate Studies, Professor Katunguka-Rwakishaya showcased Makerere University’s achievements made in research and publications in the past 10 years through funding from the Swedish government.

On behalf of the University Management, Professor Lillian Tibatemwa-Ekirikubinza extended the appreciation to the Government and the generous people of Sweden, who through Sida have supported and continue to support groundbreaking research at Makerere University.

“Makerere University has been implementing the bilateral collaborative research program supported by Sida since 2000. This year, Makerere University and Sida signed Phase 111 Specific Agreement in Research Cooperation worth 180million Swedish Kronor to support research for four years (2010-2014),” Professor Tibatemwa-Ekirikubinza highlighted.

Professor Tibatemwa-Ekirikubinza also told the gathering that Makerere is repositioning itself to meet emerging development challenges and with the support from Sweden, we have been able to conduct meaningful research; build capacity and also been able to link this research to the Millennium Development Goals.

In a bid to solve the problem of inadequate dissemination of the research information to the right audiences, Prof. Tibatemwa-Ekirikubinza highlighted that the Makerere University Public Relations and Communications board had been constituted with one its objectives being to devise research dissemination strategies and provide training to the University Management and researchers on how best to package their research findings for the public. Professor Tibatemwa-Ekirikubinza thanked the Swedish government for funding the Gender Mainstreaming programme to ensure that women are supported and mentored into positions of leadership.

On behalf of management, Professor Tibatemwa-Ekirikubinza reassured the Swedish delegation that the phase III worth 180million Swedish Kronor will be put to good constructive use for development of the university and the community at large.

 

The Secretary poses for a group photo with the team at the Main Building

The Swedish Ambassador to Uganda, H.E. Anders Johnson added that Makerere University was a centre of academic excellence with agents of change. Drawing specific reference to Professor Tibatemwa-Ekirikubinza’s speech, he was glad that Makerere University had started the process of instituting systems to disseminate research to societies.

Prof.  Baryamureeba poses with Mr. Stymne during his visit to MakerereIn his speech, the State Secretary, Joakim Stymne said universities can play significant roles in all areas of research with provision of facts and information, generating new knowledge and innovations, being an open forum for exchange of ideas and debate, acting as “think tanks” for future developments and looking around the corner on how Uganda can position itself in the global economy.

“From the Swedish government we see the forthcoming elections as crucial for views and grading of Uganda also in the international context. We hope to see peaceful. Free and fair elections with credible elections based on trust between the main actors. Freedom of expression and access to information is crucial for democratic development and free and fair elections,” he said.

Amb. Johnson, Dr. Nawangwe and Mr. Stymne (2nd R) watch a demonstration of a Masters student at CREECThe meeting ended with a visit to the Faculty of Technology; one of the Faculties that has greatly benefited from the support of the Swedish Government. The team had the chance to tour a number of cutting edge research projects at the Center for Research in Energy and Energy Conservation, CREEC.

 

Click here for the VC's Speech

Download Prof. Katunguka's presentation here

 

Denis Wamala

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Call for Applications: Government Sponsorship 2026/27

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Makerere University -Main Building

The Academic Registrar, Makerere University informs all Head Teachers of Advanced Level (UACE) Schools with UNEB Centre Numbers that applications for admission to Public Universities and other Tertiary Institutions for 2026/2027 Academic Year for government sponsorship will be done electronically/online using the Academic Management Information
System (ACMIS) from 15th October, 2025 to 31st December, 2025. The Public Universities include:
(a) Makerere University
(b) Makerere University Business School
(c) Mbarara University of Science and Technology
(d)Kyambogo University
(e) Gulu University
(f) Busitema University
(g) Muni University
(h) Kabale University
(i) Lira University
(j) Soroti University
(k) Mountains ofthe Moon University

NB: The list of Other Tertiary Institutions is provided on the online application portal.

Other Important documents:

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PIM Centre Holds 9th Steering Committee Meeting, Set to Benefit from World Bank Support

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Mak PIM COE Steering Committee

The Public Investment Management (PIM) Centre of Excellence at Makerere University today, October 10th, 2025, held its 9th Steering Committee Meeting to review progress made in the first quarter of the financial year and plan for the months ahead.

The meeting was chaired by Ms. Getrude Basiima, who represented Mr. Hannington Ashaba, Director Budget at the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development (MoFPED). Ms. Basiima commended the Centre for its continued commitment to strengthening public investment management capacity across government institutions.

In her remarks, Ms. Basiima applauded the Centre for successfully hosting the Public Investment Management Conference held in August at Makerere University. The conference attracted key policymakers, development partners, and academics who deliberated on how to enhance the efficiency, sustainability, and impact of public investments in Uganda.

She further shared exciting news that the Government of Uganda has secured funding from the World Bank to support the public investment management function. The PIM Centre, she announced, will be among the key beneficiaries of these funds — receiving support for the construction and acquisition of a permanent home to enhance its institutional sustainability and training capacity.

Reviewing the Centre’s quarterly performance, Ms. Basiima congratulated the team for successfully conducting three specialized trainings in the first quarter, reaching officials from various Ministries, Departments, and Agencies. These trainings continue to strengthen the technical competencies required for effective project preparation, appraisal, and implementation in line with Uganda’s National Development Plan.

The PIM Steering Committee in a meeting held at Emin Pasha Hotel

She encouraged the Centre to integrate climate change considerations into its future training programmes, noting that sustainable public investment must now account for environmental resilience and climate adaptation.

The centre team presented the proposed  structure/ organogram, the financial performance of 2024/2025, research areas for 2025/2026 and the strategic plan for 2025 – 2030.

The Steering Committee reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the PIM Centre’s vision of becoming a regional leader in building capacity for efficient, transparent, and sustainable public investment management.

Betty Kyakuwa
Betty Kyakuwa

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Strengthening Collaboration between Makerere University and the University of Groningen

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Seated: Prof. Sarah Ssali (C), Dr. Dinie Bouwman (L) and Dr. Anita Veltmaat (R) with teams from Makerere University and the University of Groningen during the meeting on 7th October 2025. Strategic meeting between Makerere University and the University of Groningen, Netherlands to move beyond existing collaborations and formalize a new Double Doctorate (PhD) program, 7th October 2025, Main Building, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

A significant development unfolded at Makerere University during a strategic, hour-long meeting in the vice chancellor’s boardroom on 7th October 2025, marking a deepening bond with the University of Groningen in the Netherlands. The primary goal was to move beyond existing collaborations and formalize a new Double Doctorate (PhD) program. Prof. Sarah Saali, the Deputy Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, set the tone by emphasizing that institutional partnerships are crucial to Makerere University, which she proudly called the leading research and most collaborative university in the world.

The parties from Makerere University and the University of Groningen meeting in the Vice Chancellor's Boardroom. Strategic meeting between Makerere University and the University of Groningen, Netherlands to move beyond existing collaborations and formalize a new Double Doctorate (PhD) program, 7th October 2025, Main Building, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
The parties from Makerere University and the University of Groningen meeting in the Vice Chancellor’s Boardroom.

The discussion promptly formed the core structure of the program: a four-year PhD (or three if the master’s was research-based), with supervision duties split 50-50% between the two institutions. A key feature is the mobility requirement, stipulating that PhD candidates would spend a total of six months in the Netherlands, potentially divided into two three-month periods. Crucially, the University of Groningen confirmed there would be no teaching requirement during this stay, allowing students full access to focus on their research. A major financial hurdle was overcome with the adoption of a fee-waiver policy; Makerere would waive tuition for incoming Groningen candidates, and Groningen would reciprocate for Makerere‘s students, significantly boosting the program’s financial viability.

Prof. Sarah Ssali (R) presents a Mak Souvenir to Dr. Anita Veltmaat. Strategic meeting between Makerere University and the University of Groningen, Netherlands to move beyond existing collaborations and formalize a new Double Doctorate (PhD) program, 7th October 2025, Main Building, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Prof. Sarah Ssali (R) presents a Mak Souvenir to Dr. Anita Veltmaat.

However, the critical issue of the stipend remained. Dr. Anita Veltmaat explained that to meet the required living standard of approximately €1,875 per month in Groningen, the incoming candidate must secure a partial external scholarship of around €250 per month. The positive news is that if the candidate secures this minimum scholarship, the University of Groningen is prepared to top up the amount to the full living standard for the six months the student spends in the Netherlands. It was noted that this initial financial hurdle might be simplified for Makerere students, as many are already staff members receiving a salary, which could help cover the required €250.

The meeting in session. Strategic meeting between Makerere University and the University of Groningen, Netherlands to move beyond existing collaborations and formalize a new Double Doctorate (PhD) program, 7th October 2025, Main Building, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
The meeting in session.

The path forward was clear: it was to complete the agreement template guided by the setup committee from both institutions. The plan culminated in scheduling an online follow-up meeting for Tuesday, November 11th, to review the first revision of the agreement, capping a highly constructive discussion that solidified the two universities’ shared future in graduate education.

The Team from Makerere University from Left to Right: Dr. Ruth Nsibirano, Dr. Racheal Nuwagaba, Dr. Patricia Ndugga, Dr. Stella Achen, Dr. Joseph Watuleke, and Ms. Agatha Ainemukama. Strategic meeting between Makerere University and the University of Groningen, Netherlands to move beyond existing collaborations and formalize a new Double Doctorate (PhD) program, 7th October 2025, Main Building, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
The Team from Makerere University from Left to Right: Dr. Ruth Nsibirano, Dr. Racheal Nuwagaba, Dr. Patricia Ndugga, Dr. Stella Achen, Dr. Joseph Watuleke, and Ms. Agatha Ainemukama.

Makerere University was represented by Prof. Sarah Ssali, the Deputy Vice Chancellor in charge of Academics Affairs; Dr. Ruth Nsibirano, Head of the Department of Gender Studies; Dr. Patricia Ndugga, School of Statistics; Dr. Stella Achen and Dr. Joseph Watuleke, School of Distance and Lifelong Learning; Agatha Ainemukama, School of Engineering; Racheal Nuwagaba, School of Psychology; Awel Uwihanganye, Martine Rugamba, and Hawa Ndagire from the Advancement Office; and Muhammad Kiggundu from the Institute of Gender and Development Studies.

Prof. Sarah Ssali (R) presents a Mak Souvenir to Mrs. Alette Arendshorst. Strategic meeting between Makerere University and the University of Groningen, Netherlands to move beyond existing collaborations and formalize a new Double Doctorate (PhD) program, 7th October 2025, Main Building, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Prof. Sarah Ssali (R) presents a Makerere Souvenir to Mrs. Alette Arendshorst.

The University of Groningen was represented by Dr. Dinie Bouwman, Senior Policy Advisor, Internationalization and Quality Assurance; Dr. Anita Veltmaat, Faculty of Social Behavior and Social Sciences, Department of International Studies, involved in mentorship programs for women; and Dr. Alette Arendshorst, Faculty of Behavioral and Social Sciences, working on graduation/collaboration for students/staff.

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