Connect with us

General

Development Grants for Governance

Published

on

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

Continue Reading

General

The 3rd Fundis and Technicians sensitization event and exhibition held successfully

Published

on

The 3rd annual Fundis and Technicians sensitization event and exhibition by manufacturers of building materials organized by the Department Architecture and Physical Planning at the College of Engineering, Design, Art and Technology (CEDAT), Makerere University came to a close with a call for increased partnerships between training institutions and the community.

The event that attracted 200 participants including masons, fundis, painters, builders, metal and electrical fabricators ran from Thursday 24th to Friday 25th October 2024 at CEDAT. It was supported by several stakeholders and was characterized by training sessions and an exhibition of building materials by different companies that make cement, paint, water tanks tiles and many more.

Prof. Henry Alinaitwe, the Deputy Vice Chancellor in charge of Finance and Administration, Makerere University.

Prof. Henry Alinaitwe, the Deputy Vice Chancellor in charge of Finance and Administration represented the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe at the opening of the training. In his remarks, he extended appreciation to the technicians for accepting to take part in the training which he said was key in ensuring that they gain from continuous learning. Prof. Alinaitwe observed that although some of them did not get through formal training, it was important that they took part in such training programs to keep abreast of the developments in the construction industry where they undertake the bulk of the work as masons, technicians, plumbers, and metal fabricators.

‘Keep improving, we need to up our game in terms of quality’, he said while making reference to the need for quality output.  He cautioned them on issues of cost and cheating of their clients by making realistic costs.  ‘We need to cost the work well taking into account the materials, the labor, the equipment used, and the overheads’.  The other area that needed to be taken care of by the technicians included time management, which reflects on attitudes towards work, team work.   While addressing the gathering in his capacity as Chairman of the Engineers Registration Board, Prof. Alinaitwe said the upcoming engineering Registration Bill, if approved, has a provision for the registration of all artisans and hence the need to have the minimum requirements for the stakeholders to be registered. He also stressed the need to bring on board as more women as possible.  ‘We want to see more women, who can do some aspects in construction better than men like painting.

Prof. Moses Musinguzi, the Principal of the College of Engineering, Design, Art and Technology, Makerere University.

Prof. Moses Musinguzi, the Principal of the College of Engineering, Design, Art and Technology while welcoming the trainees to the college said the training is a good initiative that will help address challenge of skill and work match.  He encouraged the trainees to do smart work, and take due consideration of ethics and customer care. He encouraged the department to extend the training opportunity to other units of the college and the university and also make it more formal, as part and parcel of the training program of the college in liaison with bodies like UBTEB.

Assoc. Prof. Kizito Maria Kasule, the Deputy Principal CEDAT while appreciating the initiative of the department said countries like Germany have apprenticeship training that help the training of students to gain skills equivalent to those acquired while in formal institutions of learning.  He said the academia in Uganda is increasingly recognizing the importance of the informal sector in the growth of the country. ‘We need to learn from you. Almost 90% of the people in the construction industry have been informally trained’. He said by learning from each other, the two sectors jointly make a contribution towards the development of the country.

Dr. Amin Tamale Kiggundu, the head of the Department of Architecture and Physical Planning said the initiative, a community outreach program of the college started three years ago in the year 2022 with 60 Fundis and masons, in 2023, the number was increased to 120 Fundis and the current 2024, was 200 Fundis of various categories, including painters, builders, metal fabricators, plumbers and electrical fabricators. He said this community outreach program aims at sharing the accumulated scientific knowledge in building, design and construction technologies at CEDAT, sharing the expertise, knowledge and experiences with communities in greater Kampala and hence bridging the existing knowledge and skills gap between the training institutions and the communities.

Dr. Amin Tamale Kiggundu, the head of the Department of Architecture and Physical Planning, Makerere University

The 21st century is characterized by collaboration, partnerships, and establishment of knowledge economies.  He said based on the trainings held so far, it is clear that partnerships between the training institutions and the communities were possible especially the Fundis who are closer to the communities. ‘We also want to learn from the Fundi’s experiences, how they are able to connect to the communities in some cases better than those who have gone through the training institutions’, he said. He further noted that the majority of fundis are young people that need to be supported with skills and other ways of nurturing them. The dream of the department, he said is to introduce an open door policy that allows fundis and other university students to come to learn.  

Several organizations supported the event and participated in the exhibition and they included Habitat for Humanity, Uganda, Green Building Council Uganda, The National Building Board, Uganda Clays Limited, Centenary Bank, Steel and Tube Industries Ltd, Simba Cement, Plascon, Goodwill, Cresttanks among others.

Alex Isemaghendera

Continue Reading

General

MURBS has declared 13.40% interest on members’ balances for the financial year that ended on 30th June 2024.

Published

on

By: Ritah Namisango

Dr. Elizabeth Patricia Nansubuga, Chairperson of the Makerere University Retirement Benefits Scheme (MURBS) Board of Trustees, announced this milestone during the 14th Annual General Meeting (AGM) for the year 2023/24 held on Thursday, 24th October 2024, at Makerere University Main Campus, School of Public Health Auditorium.

The AGM attracted various stakeholders, including trustees, Audit Committee Chairperson CPA David Ssenoga, Board Evaluation Consultant Vincent Kaheeru, URBRA Representative Mark Lotukei, Audit Committee members, co-opted members, and university administrators.

Presenting the performance report, on behalf of the Board of Trustees, Dr. Nansubuga highlighted that this is the highest interest declared by the scheme in the past five years, and she anticipates continued improvements. She noted that for the previous financial year, which ended in June 2023, the Board of Trustees declared an interest an interest of 12.34%.

Dr Nansubuga also announced that the scheme has achieved a Net Investment Income of UGX 44.6 billion, far higher than the UGX34.4 billion collected in Contributions during the year.

The Chairperson of the Board also revealed that the fund value had grown from UGX352.4 billion recorded at the end of the last financial year to UGX409.2 billion, indicating an increase of 16.1%.

“By 30th June 2023, MURBS had a fund value of UGX 352.4 billion. The Board of Trustees targeted Fund growth of 17%, and I am glad to inform you, that the fund value of MURBS, as per the Audited Financial Statements of 30th June 2024 is UGX 409.2 billion, which is an increase of 16.1%. This achievement was made possible by strategic periodical activities undertaken by the Board and our fund managers, supported by the strong oversight committees of the Board,” she reported.

Dr. Elizabeth Patricia Nansubuga(Centre) responding to questions from members.

She attributed the positive growth to factors such as improved debt recovery, operational efficiency, timely remittance of contributions by the sponsor (Makerere University), an increase in project and contract contributions, and the recovery of UGX8.85 billion in debts.

Dr. Nansubuga also expressed gratitude to Makerere University, the scheme’s sponsor, for consistently remitting contributions, a key factor that has significantly contributed to MURBS’ smooth operation. “I am happy to announce that the sponsor-Makerere University remitted your retirement benefits for the financial year 2023/24,” she said.

In the same development, Dr. Nansubuga reported that MURBS registered a legal victory against Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) over a real estate investment in Sonde undertaken in 2019, and which URA sought to tax heavily. She notified the AGM that MURBS won the case and was awarded costs which also set a precedent.

Consultant Mr. Vincent Kaheeru and CEO of Profiles International

“On behalf of the Board of Trustees, I am pleased to inform you that during the financial year, we received a favorable outcome on a key court case. How did we end up with this case? In 2019, MURBS invested in real estate, we bought land in Sonde,” Dr Nansubuga explained.

“Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) then charged us with a tax assessment worth UGX600 million. It has been four (4) years in the tax appeals tribunal. Since then, the lawyers, the former and current trustees, have been appearing before the appeals tribunal, but in December 2023, MURBS won the case. We challenged URA, and this case was awarded with costs. URA has to pay MURBS. We therefore saved UGX600 million,” she added.  

In terms of governance, Dr Nansubuga said that the scheme made changes in the board. Initially, the trustees were six and they needed a seventh member, and following a competitive race, they recruited another trustee; CPA Edina Rugumayo who has over thirty years in accounting.

Part of the MURBS members who physically attended the Annual General Meeting

“In terms of governance, we continue to uphold good governance practices and we align with international standards. Last year during the presentation, I said we were six and we needed to have the seventh trustee because the Board composition is supposed to be seven,” she explained.

“So, following a competitive process, we recruited an independent trustee. It was a very competitive position. You must have served on board which has over UGX50 billion. So, from that process, we were able to recruit CPA Edna Rugumayo Simbwa. She is a certified public accountant with over thirty years of experience in accounting, taxation, and corporate governance,” she mentioned.

She also thanked other stakeholders for making sure that MURBS activities run smoothly. These entities include Makerere University, KPMG, Gen Africa, Arcadia Advocates, Zamara, URBRA, and Stanbic Bank among others.

While discussing investments, Dr. Nansubuga mentioned that 86% of MURBS’ funds are currently invested in government bonds, but added that the Board is exploring diversification to reduce risks. 

“86% percent of our money is invested in government bonds, and sometimes, you do not have to put all your eggs in one basket, there is a high concentration of risk. so that is one of the key material risks that we want to address to reduce the amount we have in government securities. We want to diversify our portfolio and avoid investing heavily in government securities. The Board will venture into other fields in order to earn money or return on investment from the diverse undertakings,” she said.

Mr. Mark Lotukei, represented the CEO of Uganda Retirement Benefits Regulatory Authority

In terms of membership, Dr. Nansubuga reported a 4.4% increase, with the number of members rising from 8,229 to 8,590. She attributed this growth to the reinstatement of in-house beneficiaries and an increase in project and contract staff.

Dr. Kakuba also thanked the sponsor-Makerere University for remitting the membership contributions timely which has helped the scheme to grow.

Dr. Godwin Kakuba -Secretary, MURBS Board of Trustees, who presented the record of the 13th Annual General Meeting stressed that the AGM climaxes a financial year and the Board of Trustee has been vigilant on this and has not missed any AGM for 14 years now.

“We applaud the sponsor because many of these positives in the chairperson’s report can only be attributed to the support by the sponsor through fulfilling the obligation of remitting members’ contributions to the scheme,” he added.

Dr. Godwin Kakuba (L) and Asad Ssenoga

Partner Asad Ssenoga, an independent auditor who audited the scheme said that he was impressed with the level of compliance that the scheme exhibited in all aspects. He said they focused on ensuring that the member contributions are supported with statements and allocated to members appropriately.

“Overall we were satisfied with the work we did on the audit, the numbers that were presented by the Chairperson are the correct numbers that we audited. We were comfortable with those numbers, due process was followed during the audit,” he said.

Mr. Mark Lotukei who represented the CEO of Uganda Retirement Benefits Regulatory Authority (URBRA) thanked the Trustees for always prioritizing governance, which has helped them to reach several milestones.

Members of the MURBS Secretariat led by Ms Susan Khaitsa(Centre)

“As URBRA, we look at governance as the biggest component of our compliance. MURBS Trustees from the former to the current, have taken governance as the most important aspect. We really encourage them to continue with this good practice because governance informs all the other aspects,” he said.

Mr. Arthur Kibira, a member in attendance, expressed his appreciation for the Board’s efforts. He urged them to explore higher-risk investments for potentially greater returns. He expressed concern over the scheme’s heavy reliance on government bonds.

“Dr Elizabeth Nansubuga, I want to congratulate you, and your team and also congratulate ourselves. But, I want to believe that there is room for improvement. I am one of those who do not believe that the sky is the limit, we are limited by our own thinking. I am thinking that high risks give high returns. Is there a way of managing those risks, so that we could push this 13.40% interest to a figure much higher? If we do so, we shall say we have learnt how to manage risks,”, he guided.

Ritah Namisango

Continue Reading

General

Makerere University at the 2024 O.R. Tambo Africa Research Chairs Annual Gathering in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso

Published

on

Uganda’s Chair elect, Prof. David Meya of Makerere University’s College of Health Sciences (extreme left) and other O.R. Tambo Africa Research Chairs

The Research Chairs concept is similar to Centers of Excellence (for instance in supporting world-class research in a priority area), but also has many distinguishing features. Most notably, it recognizes individual excellence, leadership and talent. The O.R. Tambo Africa Research Chairs Initiative (ORTARChI) builds on the work of Oliver Tambo, a prominent South African and pan-Africanist with a science education background, who believed in creating change through education and in cooperation and solidarity among African nations. The Initiative focuses on celebrating his legacy in building knowledge-based economies for the advancement of Africa.

ORTARChI builds on and leverages existing continental frameworks and interventions geared towards institutional capacity strengthening; recruitment and retention of excellent researchers; and incentives to support research that contributes to socio-economic and transformative development. 

Ten (10) O.R. Tambo Africa Research Chairs across seven (7) countries in Africa, namely; Botswana, Burkina Faso, Ghana, Mozambique, Tanzania, Uganda and Zambia have been selected for funding through a rigorous and competitive two-stage review process. These research chairs are focused on research priorities identified by each host institution in conjunction with, especially the Science Councils, and in alignment with AU Agenda 2063 and STISA 2024.

[L-R] Prof. Henry Alinaitwe (DVC F&A, Mak), Dr. Dorothy Ngila (Director, NRF), Ms. Natasha Allie (CEO Oliver and Adelaide Tambo Foundation), Dr. Martin Ongol (Ag. Executive Secretary, UNCST), Associate Professor David Meya (Uganda Chair Elect, ORTARChI) and Assoc. Prof. Robert Wamala (Director, DRGT)

Prof. Noble Banadda from the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences had been inaugurated as one of the first 10 (ten) Oliver Tambo (ORTARChi) Chairs. Unfortunately, Prof. Banadda (R.I.P) passed on in July 2021, which created a vacuum. To ensure that Uganda and Makerere University continue to tap into the ORTARChi, we are glad to announce the appointment of Associate Professor David Meya from the College of Health Sciences at Makerere University for the purpose. The appointment will attract USD 170,000 annually for 5 years for graduate research with a target of training 5-6 PhDs, 10-15 Post-doctoral fellows and 10-12 Masters of Medicine and Master of Science Students at Makerere University and Mbarara University of Science and Technology.

Makerere University has had the pleasure of attending 2024 O.R. Tambo Africa Research Chairs Annual Gathering in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso. The annual gathering is co-hosted by the Joseph Ki-Zerbo University, National Research and Innovation Fund for Development (FONRID) and the National Research Foundation (NRF) of South Africa. The theme for this year’s gathering is: African Sovereignty: A Catalyst for Research Collaborations and Social Impact in the Continent“. At the annual gathering, Uganda was represented by Associate Prof. David Meya (Uganda Chair Elect, ORTARChI), Prof. Henry Alinaitwe (Deputy Vice Chancellor Finance and Administration, Mak), Associate Prof. Robert Wamala (Director, Research and Graduate Training) and Dr. Martin Ongol (Ag. Executive Secretary, UNCST). Assoc. Prof. David Meya – ORTARChI Chair Elect – is from Makerere University’s School of Medicine at the College of Health Sciences.  

[L_R] Prof. Henry Alinaitwe (DVC F&A, Makerere University), Dr. Dorothy Ngila (Director, NRF), and Assoc Prof. Robert Wamala (Director, Mak DRGT)

Mak Editor

Continue Reading

Trending