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Al Hajji Kagimu to help Mak produce Uganda’s first electric car

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Makerere University Faculty of Technology is conducting extensive research aimed at producing Uganda’s first electric car. The Student team leader, Mr. Richard Madanda explained that the Vehicle Design Project is an innovative research project aimed at developing a cost effective and environmentally friendly car.

Makerere University Faculty of Technology is conducting extensive research aimed at producing Uganda’s first electric car. The Student team leader, Mr. Richard Madanda explained that the Vehicle Design Project is an innovative research project aimed at developing a cost effective and environmentally friendly car.

Mr. Madanda added that this two-seater electric car will have electrical, mechanical and communication systems, each with their own team of student developers.

This was disclosed on Monday 15th November 2010 when a prominent business man, Habib Kagimu visited the Faculty of Technology at Makerere University on a familiarization tour.

L-R Al Hajji Habib Kagimu, Dr. Barnabas Nawangwe & Dr. Tickodri-Togboa listen as Richard Madanda (R) make shis presentation

In his speech, the Dean, Faculty of Technology, Dr. Barnabas Nawangwe happily noted that the research and innovations in the Faculty of Technology were in line with the Makerere University Strategic Plan, which prioritizes the transformation of Makerere into a research led university.

The team led by Dr. Tickodri proceeds to the Faculty of TechnologyDr. Nawangwe said that when President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni visited Makerere University in December 2009, the Faculty of Technology presented a case for support, which resulted into the Government’s support towards ten (10) research projects in the Faculty of Technology.

The Vehicle Design Project is one of the research projects funded by the Government of Uganda. Some of the other projects include the iLabs@MAK project, Innovation Systems and Clusters Program Uganda and the Technology Development and Transfer Center.

Dr. S.S. Tickodri-Togboa, Deputy Vice Chancellor (Finance and Administration) and the Principal Investigator of this project said that the President of the Republic of Uganda, H.E. Yoweri Kaguta Museveni named this research project, the Kiira Electric Vehicle.

Al Hajji Habib Kagimu pledged to use his contacts with the private sector to help the Faculty of Technology to turn the theory of the Kiira Electric Vehicle into practice. Whereas most of the Electric, Mechanical and Communications components have been covered under procurement, the project is appealing for support in procuring/fabricating the lightweight Carbon Polymer body.

Al Hajji Habib Kagimu at the Faculty of TechnologyAl Hajji Kagimu stressed the importance of research and development. “If we want to be like developed countries, we should focus on research and development. The University should focus on teaching students how to think as researchers.”

Al Hajji Kagimu cited Malaysia and Thailand as countries which had less robust economies than Uganda when she gained independence in 1962. However, the above countries have managed to develop at a faster rate because they focused on research and development.

In his conclusion, Al Hajji Kagimu challenged the Government of Uganda and Makerere University to re-visit the budget figures allocated to research and development, so as to nurture a strong generation of researchers and developers.

The Team's group photo with students after the meeting

Downloads

Richard Madanda: Kiira Electric Vehicle Concept presentation

Vehicle Design Project History MS Word version , PDF version 

 

 

 

 

mwamai@admin.mak.ac.ug, Public Relations Office

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Call for Applications: Third U.S.-Africa Frontiers Symposium

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Call for Applications: Third U.S.-Africa Frontiers Symposium Kigali, Rwanda, February 18-20, 2025. Photo: Courtesy.

The U.S. National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine is pleased to announce the 3rd U.S.-Africa Frontiers of Science, Engineering, and Medicine Symposium in partnership with and hosted by the Republic of Rwanda. The upcoming meeting will be held on February 18-20, 2025 in Kigali, Rwanda. The application is now open for scientists, engineers, and medical professionals from the United States and African Union member countries to submit their application online before the deadline of July 7, 2024, 11:59 PM ET (Washington D.C. time).

This program brings together outstanding early/mid-career scientists, engineers, and medical professionals (within 15 years of most recent degree), from the United States and the member countries of the African Union for a series of symposia to discuss exciting advances and opportunities in their fields. The goal of these meetings is to enhance scientific exchange and dialogue among early-to-middle career researchers in African countries and the United States, including the African science diaspora, and through this interaction facilitate research collaboration within and beyond the region. Another unique aspect of the Frontiers events is the pluri-disciplinarity of the participants’ backgrounds and research interests.

One of the main objectives of this Frontiers symposium is to advance our understanding of cutting-edge S&T trends in the U.S. and Africa and to foster dialogue and collaborations across disciplines. The upcoming symposium will address the following topics:

  • Session I: New Solutions for Decarbonization
  • Session II: Biotechnology
  • Session III: Precision Agriculture
  • Session IV: Advances in Space Research
  • Session V: Smart and Connected Cities

We encourage early-career scientists, engineers and medical professionals working on related research to apply to this multidisciplinary meeting, as long as they fulfill the eligibility criteria. Each general participant will also have the opportunity to present their research during poster sessions. Travel of selected participants will be covered. More details on the symposium, organization, and program can be found on the symposium webpage.

Please submit your application online by 11:59 PM ET on July 7, 2024. For more information on the U.S.-Africa Frontiers Program, please visit our program website. Please email USAfricaSTEM@nas.edu with any questions.

APPLY BY JULY 7

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Call for scholarship applications for PhDs and MSc positions in the framework of the Intra Africa Homegrown Clean Energy Project

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Some of the CAES PhD graduates with the Chair of the University Ceremonies Committee, also member of staff at the College, Prof. Jackie Bonabana (Right). 74th Graduation Ceremony, Day 2, College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES), 30th January 2024, Freedom Square, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

Homegrown Clean Energy Project:

Mobility for Clean Energy Solutions to promote energy independence and environmental well-being through collaboration and innovation, addressing climate challenges across Africa.

Background:

Africa, a continent brimming with potential, faces a critical challenge: ensuring energy access and tackling climate change. Over 50% of its population lacks electricity, and relying on unsustainable practices threatens their health and the environment. Yet, Africa possesses a wealth of untapped renewable resources – a golden key to unlocking a brighter future.
The Homegrown Clean Energy (HCE) Solutions Project steps in to address these challenges with a vision driven by African ingenuity. We are empowering universities, the private sector, and local communities to develop clean energy solutions tailored to their specific needs.

The objectives of Homegrown Clean Energy:

  • Promote the development of Homegrown Clean Energy (HCE) solutions for underrepresented communities.
  • Facilitate knowledge sharing and technology transfer among participating institutions.
  • Enhance entrepreneurship skills in clean energy solutions for climate change adaptation and mitigation in Africa.
  • Promote gender equality and social inclusion in clean energy solutions.

Participating Institutions:

  • Federal University of Technology Minna (FUTMIN), Nigeria
  • Makerere University, Uganda
  • University of Abomey-Calavi (UAC), Benin
  • Uganda Martyrs University (UMU), Uganda
  • University of Nigeria (UNN), Nigeria
  • University of Zimbabwe (UoZ)

Application Documents:

  1. Filled Application Form
  2. CV
  3. A three-page proposal document

See Downloads for detailed application.

How to Apply for the Scholarship:

To apply: click here to apply: Masters https://bit.ly/HCE_MScApply
To apply: click here to apply: PhD https://bit.ly/HCE_PhDApply

Application Deadline

The deadline for the application is 27th July 2024 by Midnight GMT +1. Results will be announced on September 3, 2024

Contact Details

For further enquiries or guidance required kindly contact the following.

  • FUT Minna – Caroline Alenoghena; carol@futminna.edu.ng +234 8035015984
  • UNN- Cynthia Nwobodo; cynthia.nwobodo@unn.edu.ng +234 803 946 2574
  • MAK– Grace Nakabonge; grace.nakabonge@mak.ac.ug +256 782356607
  • UMU- Dr Robinah S. Nakabo; rnakabo@umu.ac.ug +256 776 802981
  • UAC- Michel Dossou; michel.dossou@uac.bj +229 97 54 27 44
  • UoZ- Dr Blessing Magonziwa; blessing.magonziwa21@alumni.colostate.edu. +263 775990146

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Job Opportunity at MakSBSREC: Assistant Administrative Officer

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The Davies Lecture Theatre (Right), School of Biomedical Sciences (Blue) and other buildings at the College of Health Sciences (CHS), Mulago Campus, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

Makerere University is pleased to announce a vacancy for the position of Assistant Administrative Officer (REC Administrator) within the School of Biomedical Sciences Research Ethics Committee (MakSBSREC). This is an excellent opportunity for qualified individuals to contribute to the ethical oversight of research involving human participants.

Position Details:

  • Job Title: Assistant Administrative Officer (REC Administrator) – MakSBSREC
  • Reports to: Chairperson MakSBSREC
  • Engagement: Full-time
  • Duration: 1 Year, renewable upon satisfactory performance
  • Duty Station: Kampala

Qualifications, Desired Skills, and Experience:

  • Bachelor’s degree in Social Sciences and Humanities, Medicine and Surgery, Ethics and Human Rights, or any related field.
  • Master’s degree in Bioethics (an added advantage).
  • Up-to-date training in Human Subject Protection or Good Clinical Practice.
  • Proficiency in English (both spoken and written).
  • Prior experience in regulatory work in research studies or projects.
  • Excellent communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills.
  • Ability to work independently with minimal supervision and meet deadlines.

How to Apply:

Qualified and interested candidates are invited to submit a soft copy of their application documents and a motivation letter to deansbs.chs@mak.ac.ug with the subject line “Application for the position of Assistant Administrative Officer (REC Administrator)”. Address your application to the Dean, School of Biomedical Sciences.

Deadline for submission: July 2, 2024, by 5:00 pm Ugandan time.

Please provide a reliable 24-hour phone contact. Only short-listed candidates will be contacted for interviews.

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