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Development Grants for Governance

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The following grants are available in the area of Governance.

The following grants are available in the area of Governance.

 

Democratic governance and accountability programme in Uganda
EuropeAid

Funding supports actions to strengthen mechanisms for democratic accountability as a foundation for good governance. The budget for this call is 1.7 million euros and grants provide between 20 per cent and 90 per cent of eligible costs.
Closing date: 18 Nov 10
http://www.research-africa.net/award/994882

AusAID-DFID-3ie systematic reviews
Department for International Development (DFID)

Funding will support 59 commissioned studies in order to strengthen the international community’s capacity for evidence-based policy-making. An average-sized review will cost approximately $60,000.
Closing date: 29 Nov 10
http://www.research-africa.net/award/1002697

Canada conference grants
Government of Canada

These assist a learning institution or organisation in holding a conference and publishing the resulting papers and proceedings in a scholarly fashion. Grants are worth up to $20,000.
Closing date: 01 Dec 10
http://www.research-africa.net/award/1000633

Climate change and water call for concept notes
International Development Research Centre

Researchers from developing country institutions may submit proposals aimed at finding adaptive solutions to the water-related impacts of climate change on vulnerable communities living in coastal areas. Each project may request up to CAD$500,000 over a maximum of three years.
Closing date: 01 Dec 10
http://www.research-africa.net/award/1008552

IADR/Colgate community-based research award for caries prevention
International Association for Dental Research and American Association for Dental Research

This supports research into the field of cariology in order to promote oral health improvement globally, with a focus on community-based research for the prevention and management of caries. Up to $75,000 is available, which may be offered as one award or multiple smaller awards.
Closing date: 03 Dec 10
http://www.research-africa.net/award/965897

Clinical intervention awards
Michael J Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research

This program invites researchers to propose novel or critical clinical intervention trials of promising therapeutic approaches that can significantly improve treatments for Parkinson's disease. Awards will be given for up to three years. There are no fixed budget limits.
Closing date: 15 Dec 10
http://www.research-africa.net/award/258724

Target validation program
Michael J Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research

This program supports projects to determine whether manipulation of a defined biological target provides a disease-relevant beneficial outcome in a whole animal, mammalian model of Parkinson’s Disease. Up to $250,000 of funding is available for two years.
Closing date: 15 Dec 10
http://www.research-africa.net/award/251299

Catalonia international prize
Autonomous Government of Catalonia

This recognises a person whose creative work has made a significant contribution to the development of cultural, scientific or human values anywhere in the world. The prize is worth 100,000 euros.
Closing date: 31 Dec 10 (Forecast)
http://www.research-africa.net/award/793239

Civil society responsive grants
Commonwealth Foundation

These enable people from Commonwealth countries to participate in activities such as short training courses, workshops, seminars, conferences, cultural festivals, exchanges and study visits in other Commonwealth countries. In exceptional circumstances, the committee may award up to £25,000, with the average grant being given approximately £5,000.
Closing date: 31 Dec 10
http://www.research-africa.net/award/254648

Franklin W Kolk air transportation progress award
Society of Automotive Engineers

This award is presented annually to an individual for unique and outstanding contributions to air transportation or to the work of the aerospace technical committees in developing aerospace standards, specifications, technical reports and data through cooperative research. The award consists of a certificate and a $500 honorarium.
Closing date: 31 Dec 10
http://www.research-africa.net/award/246455

Young scientist research award
American Association of Cereal Chemists Foundation

This award recognises outstanding contributions in basic and applied research to cereal science, with the expectation that contributions will come. The award consists of a $1,000 honorarium and a plaque.
Closing date: 01 Jan 11
http://www.research-africa.net/award/257911

Mentored new investigator research grants to promote diversity
Alzheimer's Association

These aim to close the health disparities gap between diverse and non-diverse investigator populations conducting research on Alzheimer's and related dementias. Awards are limited to $170,000 each over a maximum of three years.
Closing date: 03 Jan 11
http://www.research-africa.net/award/610751

New investigator research grants to promote diversity
Alzheimer's Association

These grants support research into Alzheimer's or related dementias by investigators who are currently underrepresented at academic institutions. Up to four awards, limited to $100,000 each are available. The maximum duration of a project is two years.
Closing date: 03 Jan 11
http://www.research-africa.net/award/610746

Non-pharmacological strategies to ameliorate symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease
Alzheimer's Association

The aim of this request for applications is to stimulate the scholarly investigation and development of non-pharmacological strategies to improve the care of persons with Alzheimer's disease and related disorders. Each award is limited to $400,000 for two to three years.
Closing date: 03 Jan 11
http://www.research-africa.net/award/783787

Novel pharmacological strategies to prevent Alzheimer’s disease
Alzheimer's Association

The aim of this request for applications is to stimulate the development of new pharmacological strategies to prevent or treat Alzheimer's disease. Each award is limited to $400,000 for two to three years.
Closing date: 03 Jan 11
http://www.research-africa.net/award/783784

Dynamics of host-associated microbial communities (R01)
NIH: National Institute of General Medical Sciences

These grants will fund applications that propose genetic, physiological, and ecological studies designed to reveal the basic principles and mechanisms that govern the symbiotic systems dynamics of microbial communities. Budget requests should not exceed $250,000 per year for up to four years. An additional $100,000 may be available in the first year to cover exceptional equipment needs.
Closing date: 14 Jan 11
http://www.research-africa.net/award/770937

NIH rapid access to interventional development (NIH-RAID) program (X01)
NIH: National Institutes of Health

The purpose of this funding opportunity announcement is to invite investigators to apply for access to government-funded contract resources needed for the early and late stage preclinical development of small molecule, natural products, oligonucleotide, gene vectors and peptide therapeutic agents.
Closing date: 14 Jan 11
http://www.research-africa.net/award/251368

Belfer Center fellowships in science and international affairs
Harvard University

The center offers fellowships in five program areas: international security; science, technology and public policy; intrastate conflict and conflict resolution; religion in international affairs; and the Dubai initiative. Stipends are worth $34,000 for postdoctoral research fellows and $20,000 for predoctoral research fellows.
Closing date: 15 Jan 11 (Forecast)
http://www.research-africa.net/award/247193

Book awards
American Political Science Association

Prizes are awarded for the best political science work published in the previous calendar year in the following subject areas: ethnic and cultural pluralism; US national policy; women and politics; and government, politics or international affairs.
Closing date: 15 Jan 11
http://www.research-africa.net/award/254866

Research grants
Savoy Foundation

Research grants, up to $25,000 will be available to clinicians or established scientists working on epilepsy or related subjects.
Closing date: 15 Jan 11
http://www.research-africa.net/award/245471

Research seed grant
Radiological Society of North America Research and Education Foundation

This program is designed to enable young investigators to gain experience testing hypotheses and defining objectives before they apply for major grants from corporations, foundations or government agencies. All radiology-related areas are considered. These one-year grants are worth up to $40,000.
Closing date: 15 Jan 11
http://www.research-africa.net/award/245477

Collaborative hubs for international research on mental health (U19)
NIH: National Institute of Mental Health

NIMH solicits grant applications for cooperative agreements to establish regional research hubs to increase the evidence base for mental health interventions in World Bank designated low- and middle-income countries. An applicant may request up to $500,000 direct costs per year and a total project period of up to five years.
Closing date: 21 Jan 11
http://www.research-africa.net/award/993192

Congress travel grant
International Pharmaceutical Federation

The objective of awarding congress travel grants is to permit the recipient to travel to the FIP congress in order to develop, or to help others to develop, skills or knowledge in line with the objectives of the foundation. The maximum level of support is 2,500 euros, including the registration fee for the congress.
Closing date: 31 Jan 11 (Forecast)
http://www.research-africa.net/award/255440

Women and public policy program/international security program fellowship
Harvard University

One postdoctoral residential fellowship will be awarded to an outstanding scholar in security affairs from the US or elsewhere working to promote basic research in the broad area of international security with a particular focus on issues relating to gender. The stipend is $34,000.
Closing date: 31 Jan 11
http://www.research-africa.net/award/251306

International scholarships
Flemish Interuniversity Council

These enable students from developing countries to study on international master’s courses in Flanders, Belgium. Up to 180 scholarships are available for first-year master’s students, covering all related expenses.
Closing date: 01 Feb 11
http://www.research-africa.net/award/257731

Joan Shorenstein Center fellowship program
Harvard University

The purpose of the fellows program is to offer a unique opportunity for scholars and practitioners to share their knowledge and expertise in a collegial and intellectually stimulating environment. Fellows are required to live in residence for one semester. A stipend of $30,000 will be disbursed over the semester.
Closing date: 01 Feb 11
http://www.research-africa.net/award/247194

Alice L Beeman research awards in communications for educational advancement
Council for Advancement and Support of Education

The goal of the awards is to encourage research in communication for education, including such areas as marketing, public relations, government relations, issues management and institutional image enhancement.
Closing date: 18 Feb 11
http://www.research-africa.net/award/248295

High priority, short-term bridge award
Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation International

This award provides one year of funding of $55,000 for research grant applications that address a high priority research area for the JDRF and scored within 10 percent of the funding payline for a review cycle of a research agency up to a year prior to the request to the JDRF.
Closing date: 01 Mar 11
http://www.research-africa.net/award/256373

Wildlife without borders-Africa programme
National Fish and Wildlife Foundation

Projects must strengthen the ability of African institutions to manage and conserve species, habitats and ecological processes for the benefit of the people of Africa and the world. Preference is given to proposals requesting less than $50,000. Higher amounts may be requested with appropriate justification.
Closing date: 01 Mar 11
http://www.research-africa.net/award/946151

John Dorst-Felix Fleischner seed grant in pediatric thoracic radiology
Society for Pediatric Radiology Research and Education Foundation

The aim of the foundation's seed grant program is to assist investigators in defining objectives and testing hypotheses before they apply for major grants from corporations, foundations or government agencies. The John Dorst-Felix Fleischner seed grant provides up to $10,000 for a funding period of one year.
Closing date: 15 Mar 11
http://www.research-africa.net/award/259241

Seed grants
Society for Pediatric Radiology Research and Education Foundation

The aim of these grants is to assist investigators in defining objectives and testing hypotheses before they apply for major grants from corporations, foundations or government agencies. The grants provide up to $10,000 for a one-year funding period.
Closing date: 15 Mar 11
http://www.research-africa.net/award/259239

DoD breast cancer research program: innovator award
Department of Defense (DoD)

The intent of the innovator award is to identify and fund visionary individuals who have a history of creative, innovative work and leadership in any field including, but not limited to, breast cancer. Funding of up to $5 million over a five year period will be made for each individual ward.
Closing date: 24 Mar 11 (Forecast)
http://www.research-africa.net/award/247728

PhD fellowships
United Nations University

Two fellowships are available for candidates from educational institutions around the world who would benefit from a stay of up to ten months at UNU-IAS. The fellowship provides a monthly stipend of 260,000 yen, from which a monthly usage charge for accommodation is deducted. A one off installment of 80,000 yen will be granted to each fellow for adjustment expenses and costs.
Closing date: 31 Mar 11 (Forecast)
http://www.research-africa.net/award/256103

Earth and space awards
Earth and Space Foundation

The foundation offers five Earth and space awards each year for expeditions that further the vision of the Earth as an oasis cared for by a space-faring civilisation. Awards are worth £250 (or $500) each.
Closing date: 30 Apr 11
http://www.research-africa.net/award/247228

Senior research awards
Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation of America

The objective of this award is to provide established researchers with funds to generate sufficient preliminary data to become competitive for funds from other sources. Awards are for one to three years. Total direct costs may not exceed $130,000 per year and indirect costs may not exceed 10 per cent of direct costs or $13,000.
Closing date: 01 May 11
http://www.research-africa.net/award/245870

Lipid-based drug delivery outstanding research award
American Association of Pharmaceutical Scientists

The purpose is to acknowledge truly outstanding research promoting drug delivery by lipid based systems and technology. The awardee will receive a cash award of $10,000 and a commemorative plaque. The recipient will also be awarded a complimentary AAPS annual meeting registration.
Closing date: 14 May 11 (Forecast)
http://www.research-africa.net/award/704205

Economist visitors programme
Directorate-General for Enterprise and Industry

This enables leading economists to undertake short visits to the Directorate-General to present and discuss research work, and to share knowledge in the areas of microeconomics, quantitative methods, industrial policy and economic reforms. Visitors receive a weekly honorarium worth 750 euros to 1,250 euros, a subsistence allowance worth 92 euros per day and an accommodation allowance worth 100 euros per night.
Closing date: 30 Jun 11
http://www.research-africa.net/award/909579

Research grants in basic sciences programme
Academy of Sciences for the Developing World (formerly the Third World Academy of Sciences)

Funding aims to reinforce and promote scientific research in biology, chemistry, mathematics and physics carried out by either individual scientists or research units in S&T-lagging countries. Funding is worth up to $15,000 for individual scientists and up to $30,000 for research units.
Closing date: 31 Aug 11
http://www.research-africa.net/award/253569

Oral medicine and pathology research award
International Association for Dental Research and American Association for Dental Research

The purpose of this award is to recognize outstanding and sustained peer-reviewed research that has contributed to the understanding of the mechanisms governing the health and disease of the oral cavity and associated structures, principally encompassing skin, bone, and the oral soft tissue. The award consists of a $3,500 cash prize and a plaque.
Closing date: 03 Sep 11 (Forecast)
http://www.research-africa.net/award/250382

Established investigator award
Scleroderma Foundation

The award is designed to facilitate highly innovative or highly relevant and meritorious pilot projects by established investigators in areas of research related to systemic sclerosis that will culminate in more substantial funding from federal or non-federal granting agencies. Applicants may request up to $75,000 per year for up to two years.
Closing date: 15 Sep 11 (Forecast)
http://www.research-africa.net/award/249919

Pezcoller Foundation/AACR international award for cancer research
American Association for Cancer Research

This award recognizes a scientist who has made a major scientific discovery in basic cancer research or who has made significant contributions to translational cancer research. The award consists of 75,000 euros, travel expenses to the ACCR annual meeting and a commemorative plaque.
Closing date: 15 Sep 11 (Forecast)
http://www.research-africa.net/award/251970

AACR/American Cancer Society award for research excellence in cancer epidemiology and prevention
American Association for Cancer Research

This award honors outstanding achievements in the fields of cancer epidemiology, biomarkers and prevention. The winner will present a lecture during the AACR annual meeting and will receive an honorarium of $5,000 and support for attendance at the meeting.
Closing date: 30 Sep 11 (Forecast)
http://www.research-africa.net/award/776411

AACR Margaret Foti award for leadership and extraordinary achievements in cancer research
American Association for Cancer Research

The award is given to an individual whose leadership and extraordinary achievements in cancer research have made a major impact on the field. The recipient will receive an honorarium of $10,000, a commemorative plaque and support to attend the AACR annual meeting.
Closing date: 30 Sep 11 (Forecast)
http://www.research-africa.net/award/776418

AACR award for outstanding achievement in cancer research
American Association for Cancer Research

This award recognizes a young investigator on the basis of meritorious achievement in cancer research. The winner will present a lecture during the AACR annual meeting and will receive an honorarium of $5,000 and support for attendance at the meeting.
Closing date: 15 Oct 11 (Forecast)
http://www.research-africa.net/award/776412

AACR Joseph H Burchenal memorial award for outstanding achievement in clinical cancer research
American Association for Cancer Research

The award recognizes outstanding achievements in clinical cancer research. The winner will present a lecture during the AACR annual meeting and will receive an honorarium of $10,000 and support for attendance at the meeting.
Closing date: 15 Oct 11 (Forecast)
http://www.research-africa.net/award/776410

AACR minorities in cancer research Jane Cooke Wright lectureship
American Association for Cancer Research

The lectureship is intended to give recognition to an outstanding scientist who has made meritorious contributions to the field of cancer research and who has, through leadership or by example, furthered the advancement of minority investigators in cancer research. The winner will present a lecture during the AACR annual meeting and will receive an honorarium.
Closing date: 15 Oct 11 (Forecast)
http://www.research-africa.net/award/776416

AACR Richard and Hinda Rosenthal memorial award
American Association for Cancer Research

This award will recognize research that has made, or promises to soon make, a notable contribution to improved clinical care in the field of cancer. The winner will present a lecture during the AACR annual meeting and will receive an honorarium of $10,000 and support for attendance at the meeting.
Closing date: 15 Oct 11 (Forecast)
http://www.research-africa.net/award/776415

AACR women in cancer research Charlotte Friend memorial lectureship
American Association for Cancer Research

The lecture is intended to give recognition to an outstanding scientist who has made meritorious contributions to the field of cancer research and who has, through leadership or by example, furthered the advancement of women in science. The winner will present a lecture at the AACR annual meeting and will receive an honorarium and commemorative plaque.
Closing date: 15 Oct 11 (Forecast)
http://www.research-africa.net/award/776417

International awards
Ashden Trust

The intention is to reward organisations who have excelled in providing sustainable energy at a local level. There will be up to six international award winners. One will win the overall energy champion award worth £40,000, while the remaining five winners will each win £20,000.
Closing date: 19 Oct 11 (Forecast)
http://www.research-africa.net/award/254956

 

Denis Wamala

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First-Year Student’s Joining Instructions 2025/26

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Dear Students; Class of 2025/2026
I am very delighted to welcome you to Makerere University. You are joining a Premier University and I hope you all are excited to start your new academic journey. We would like to first congratulate all of you for successfully overcoming the many challenges you have all faced, from completing high school to choosing a university and a study program and the extensive delays in the admission process you experienced.

As you are about to begin one of the most exciting times in your life, you should acknowledge and appreciate your efforts and achievements so far. I am aware that as a fresher, you are filled with hope and ambition, and I encourage you to take a moment to reflect on the road that has brought you here. I know that you have worked hard and overcome many obstacles
to reach this point. So, take a moment to savor this achievement and be proud of yourselves.

Now, as you step into the next phase of your lives, I want to remind you that this is a time of growth and exploration. You will face new challenges, make new friends, and gain experiences that will shape you into the person you will become. This is the time to embrace new opportunities, learn from your mistakes, and never stop growing.

I also want to emphasise the importance of hard work, determination, and resilience. These are the qualities that will help you overcome any obstacle and succeed in your endeavors. Remember to keep your focus on your goals and work towards them with determination.
I encourage you to approach your studies with a growth mindset. This means that you believe that your abilities can be developed through hard work and perseverance. Remember that failure is not the end, but rather an opportunity to learn and grow.

Professor Buyinza Mukadasi (PhD)
Academic Registrar

Mak Editor

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Transform Ivory Tower into Impact Tower – First-ever CEOs’ Summit

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Rt. Hon. Rukia Nakadama Isanga (4th Right), Hon. Balaam Barugahara (4th Left), Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe (Rear: 3rd Left), and Mr. George Turyamureeba (3rd Right) with Members of Management and stakeholders at the First Ever Alumni CEOs Summit on 2nd September 2025. Makerere University Convocation (MUC) first-ever CEOs/Investors’ Round Table Summit, 2nd September 2025, Convocation House, Edge Road, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

Makerere University, through the Makerere University Convocation (MUC), has hosted the first-ever CEOs/Investors’ Round Table Summit on Tuesday, 2nd September 2025. The historic event brought together alumni, Chief Executive Officers (CEOs), and stakeholders in a distinguished assembly aimed at re-imagining the university’s role in national and continental transformation.

The Convocation, which serves as a critical forum for foresight and life-transformational dialogue, unveiled five transformative points carefully crafted to transform Makerere from a symbolic “ivory tower” into an “impact tower” that influences the country and the world more than ever before.

Government Endorsement and Call to Action

The Chief Guest, Prime Minister Rt. Hon. Robinah Nabbanja, was represented at the event by the 3rd Deputy Prime Minister, Rt. Hon. Rukia Nakadama Isanga. She conveyed warm greetings from H.E. the President of Uganda, Gen. Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, and the Rt. Hon. Prime Minister.

She commended the Convocation for convening under the summit under a significant and timely theme: “Exploring the Opportunities for Entrepreneurship, Innovation and Value Creation for Accelerated Socio-Economic Integration and Development of Sub-Saharan Africa.”

Rt. Hon. Rukia Nakadama Isanga. Makerere University Convocation (MUC) first-ever CEOs/Investors’ Round Table Summit, 2nd September 2025, Convocation House, Edge Road, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Rt. Hon. Rukia Nakadama Isanga.

She described the summit as not just a gathering but a journey and a call to action, urging academia, industry, and government to align efforts with Uganda’s and Africa’s transformation priorities.

Framing her remarks around the World Bank’s guiding principles—Trust, Humility, Inclusion, Collaboration, and Knowledge—she explained:

  • “Trust must be built between government, academia, and business… the gathering reflects the trust in CEOs and investors to walk this journey together.”
  • “Humility requires listening and learning, recognizing that no single institution has all the answers.”
  • “Inclusion reminds us that no youth, woman, or marginalized group should be left behind in transformation.”
  • “Collaboration is the currency of progress, necessary for solving complex challenges across sectors.”
  • “Knowledge remains our greatest asset, with Makerere University demonstrating its importance in moving from ivory towers to communities to transform lives.”
Current and Former Guild Leaders including Mr. Wilbrod Owor (CEO, Uganda Bankers Association) pose for a group photo with dignitaries. Makerere University Convocation (MUC) first-ever CEOs/Investors’ Round Table Summit, 2nd September 2025, Convocation House, Edge Road, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Current and Former Guild Leaders including Mr. Wilbrod Owor (CEO, Uganda Bankers Association) pose for a group photo with dignitaries.

She then unveiled a “massive transformation purpose”, commissioning five working teams led by CEOs and investors. The teams, nominated lead persons, and their respective objectives included:

  1. From Ivory Tower to Impact Tower – Dr. Patricia Ojangole (UDB) with Patrick Ayota (NSSF), translating research into market-ready innovations.
  2. Diaspora Dividend vs Brain Drain – Jennifer Bamuturaki (Uganda Airlines) with Michael Mugabi (Housing Finance Bank), harnessing diaspora capital, skills, and mentorship.
  3. Intergenerational Knowledge Bridges – Fabian Kasi (Centenary Bank) with Ajay Kumar (Quality Chemicals), institutionalizing mentorship and reverse mentorship.
  4. Climate and Infrastructure Leadership – Proscovia Nabbanja (UNOC) with Silver Mugisha (NWSC), anchoring research in energy security, green transition, and infrastructure.
  5. Pan-African Digital and AI Advantage – Sylvia Mulinge (MTN Uganda) with Mumba Kalifungwa (Stanbic Bank), positioning Makerere as Africa’s digital and AI hub.

She pledged full government support, noting that the teams would convene in the Office of the President. “This summit is not ceremonial but a covenant,” she stressed.

The Minister’s Reflection

Hon. Balaam Barugahara, State Minister for Gender, Labour and Social Development in charge of Children and Youth Affairs, emphasized that the summit was not a party but a process of transformation.

Hon. Balaam Barugahara gestures. Makerere University Convocation (MUC) first-ever CEOs/Investors’ Round Table Summit, 2nd September 2025, Convocation House, Edge Road, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Hon. Balaam Barugahara gestures.

Drawing from personal experience, he recalled joining Makerere in 2000 and completing his degree in seven years due to balancing work, hustling for fees, and studying. He praised the university’s role in shaping his success and highlighted recent developments such as the renovation of Mary Stuart Hall and revamping the Main and Western gates, as milestones that have enhanced Makerere’s image. He equally applauded the curbing of staff and student unrest.

He noted that the summit aimed to facilitate networking, mentorship, career opportunities, and university development, signalling collective commitment to Uganda’s transformation.

Council’s Vision: A Legacy Re-imagined

Representing Makerere University Council Chairperson Ms. Lorna Magara, Prof. Sarah Ssali described the summit as a “historic alumni CEO investor round table” and a reaffirmation of Makerere’s role in Africa’s development. She described the university as a “cradle of leadership, innovation and resilience”, noting that the gathering’s objectives included fostering partnerships, showcasing research, launching a fundraising drive, and strengthening alumni engagement. Prof. Ssali emphasized that alumni relations must go beyond occasional financial contributions during events, to continuous communication and genuine relationships. “This summit marks the start of a journey, not just an isolated event,” she reechoed.

Prof. Sarah Ssali. Makerere University Convocation (MUC) first-ever CEOs/Investors’ Round Table Summit, 2nd September 2025, Convocation House, Edge Road, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Prof. Sarah Ssali.

Vice Chancellor on Unlocking Makerere’s Potential

Reflecting on the theme of his bid for the Office of Vice Chancellor, “Unlocking the Potential of Makerere University,” Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe noted that while many only celebrate the absence of strikes, behind the calmness is a vibrant transformation.

He highlighted Makerere’s alumni strength, with over 20,000 CEOs globally, and underscored their contributions to Uganda’s economy, governance, health, sports, and research. “What would Uganda do without Makerere?” he pondered. Prof. Nawangwe quickly added that the moment was ripe for Makerere to collaborate more with diaspora alumni so as to tap into fast-evolving niches such as blockchain.

Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe. Makerere University Convocation (MUC) first-ever CEOs/Investors’ Round Table Summit, 2nd September 2025, Convocation House, Edge Road, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe.

Convocation’s Strategic Role

MUC Chairperson CPA George Mugabi Turyamureeba outlined the Convocation’s mission to support the university’s growth and well-being. He highlighted innovations such as the Convocation House, the annual luncheon for first-class graduates and their parents, mentorship programs, and the MUC SACCO as initiatives that his team had established and promoted during the term so far. The Chairperson nevertheless urged the CEOs present to enable the Convocation have greater impact collaborating on existing as well as envisaged projects such as the Convocation Innovation Centre.

CPA George Turyamureeba. Makerere University Convocation (MUC) first-ever CEOs/Investors’ Round Table Summit, 2nd September 2025, Convocation House, Edge Road, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
CPA George Turyamureeba.

Adding her voice, Vice Chairperson Ms. Grace Cherotich Ruto urged participants—described as “movers and shakers” of Uganda’s economy—to ensure that their decisions today would be celebrated by future generations.

CPA George Turyamureeba (Right) and Ms. Grace Cherotich Ruto (2nd Right) and members of the Convocation Team. Makerere University Convocation (MUC) first-ever CEOs/Investors’ Round Table Summit, 2nd September 2025, Convocation House, Edge Road, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
CPA George Turyamureeba (Right) and Ms. Grace Cherotich Ruto (2nd Right) and members of the Convocation Team.

Keynote Address: The Journey’s Just Began

In his keynote, Dr. Peter Kimbowa, Founder and Board Chair of the CEO Summit and Makerere alumnus, congratulated his alma mater on the initiative and reaffirmed the Convocation’s strategic role.

He emphasized that the Round Table Summit should not be seen as a one-time event but as an ongoing journey, echoing American Football Player Jalen Hurts’ mantra: “There’s no arrival. Only the journey.” Dr. Kimbowa defined the Convocation as a community of leaders, alumni, and faculty united by heritage and vision. He described it as a bridge connecting:

  • The past to the future,
  • Business and industry to academia, and
  • Learning to market needs.
Dr. Peter Kimbowa. Makerere University Convocation (MUC) first-ever CEOs/Investors’ Round Table Summit, 2nd September 2025, Convocation House, Edge Road, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Dr. Peter Kimbowa.

He stressed that the Convocation’s ultimate goal was to transform Makerere into a self-sustaining engine of innovation, opportunity, and national transformation. Drawing on corporate insights, he challenged participants to always ask “what is the next opportunity?” and warned against complacency. He unpacked the massive transformation purpose structured around five working teams which MUC has developed, whereby corporate chief executives from Uganda are called upon to lead collaboration with the university. He highlighted the importance of mobilizing talent to connect with successful Ugandan alumni, underscoring the need for local CEOs to harness talent in the diaspora. He emphasized deliberate action, mobilization of global alumni talent, and collaboration between CEOs and the university to sustain transformation

Members of Management from Left to Right: Mr. Paul Agaba-Procurement and Disposal Unit, Mr. Simon Kizito-Deputy University Secretary, Prof. Robert Wamala-Director Research Innovations and Partnerships, and Prof. Ruth Nalumaga-University Librarian. Makerere University Convocation (MUC) first-ever CEOs/Investors’ Round Table Summit, 2nd September 2025, Convocation House, Edge Road, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Members of Management from Left to Right: Mr. Paul Agaba-Procurement and Disposal Unit, Mr. Simon Kizito-Deputy University Secretary, Prof. Robert Wamala-Director Research Innovations and Partnerships, and Prof. Ruth Nalumaga-University Librarian.

Panel Discussions and Triple Helix Framework

The day’s panel discussion featured Mr. Samuel Mwogeza (Executive Director, Stanbic Bank), Mr. Peter Sibukule (Headmaster, Busoga College Mwiri), Mr. Clovice Bright Irumba (Petroleum Authority of Uganda), and Ms. Grace Cherotich.

Mr. Mwogeza stressed the need to commercialize university prototypes and ideas. He explained that banks like Stanbic use their networks to strengthen innovators’ business cases, preparing them for market entry. Mr. Sibukule on the other hand called for transformation of mindsets right from secondary school level so that students are well primed to communicate, collaborate, uphold integrity and good work attitudes over qualifications in the marketplace. Mr. Irumba highlighted efforts by the PAU to create more opportunities for Ugandan entities to get involved in the oil and gas sector thanks to gaps highlighted by a study undertaken by the Economic Policy Research Centre (EPRC). Ms. Cherotich on the other hand invited CEOs to take interest in research outputs of the Makerere University Research and Innovations Fund (Mak-RIF) and reassured the audience of the Convocation’s readiness to provide a trusted platform for engagement with industry.

Panelists from Left to Right: Ms. Grace Cherotich Ruto, Mr. Samuel Mwogeza, Mr. Peter Sibukule and Mr. Clovice Bright Irumba with Moderator-Dr. William Tayeebwa. Makerere University Convocation (MUC) first-ever CEOs/Investors’ Round Table Summit, 2nd September 2025, Convocation House, Edge Road, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Panelists from Left to Right: Ms. Grace Cherotich Ruto, Mr. Samuel Mwogeza, Mr. Peter Sibukule and Mr. Clovice Bright Irumba with Moderator-Dr. William Tayeebwa.

Contributing to the day’s discussion, Prof. Eriabu Lugujjo, Executive Director of the Uganda Vice Chancellors’ Forum (UVF), reminded the audience of the “Triple Helix” model and it’s underlying policy frameworks that in the recent past guided collaboration between universities, government, and the private sector. He observed Uganda’s lack of a robust framework, and called for policies that tie tax incentives to university support by corporations and other business entities.

Prof. Eriabu Lugujjo. Makerere University Convocation (MUC) first-ever CEOs/Investors’ Round Table Summit, 2nd September 2025, Convocation House, Edge Road, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Prof. Eriabu Lugujjo.

Proceedings

The inaugural edition of the summit was moderated by Dr. Tayeebwa William from the Department of Journalism and Communication who doubles as Managing Editor Makerere University Press and Dr. Viola Karungi from the Department of Performing Arts and Film (PAF).

Dr. Viola Karungi (Left) and Dr. William Tayeebwa (Right). Makerere University Convocation (MUC) first-ever CEOs/Investors’ Round Table Summit, 2nd September 2025, Convocation House, Edge Road, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Dr. Viola Karungi (Left) and Dr. William Tayeebwa (Right).

The PAF team took charge of the leading the anthems and day’s entertainment, which included a poetic presentation of the Makerere University Anthem.

Eve Nakyanzi
Eve Nakyanzi

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Admission Lists -Disability and District Quota Schemes 2025/26

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The Office of Academic Registrar, Makerere University has released the admission list of candidates admitted under the Disability and District Quota Schemes with Government sponsorship 2025/26 Academic Year.

Kindly follow the links below to access the lists:-

Mak Editor

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