General
Role of the River Nile – now more important than ever before!
The Nile has for a long time been a rallying cause for regional cooperation, as well as a potential cause of conflict due to its waters. There have been several myths about the Nile that have all raised their fair share of queries for example, where is the true source of the Nile?
The Nile has for a long time been a rallying cause for regional cooperation, as well as a potential cause of conflict due to its waters. There have been several myths about the Nile that have all raised their fair share of queries for example, where is the true source of the Nile?
Is it in Uganda or Rwanda? Other commentators have gone as far as suggesting it is in Burundi, and others Ethiopia, with some even suggesting Egypt! The Masai culture was built around legends on the River Nile, should we then say that the Nile has its source in Masailand?
All these questions pose a challenge – there is need to do extensive research. These different Nile worlds should therefore each be appreciated and reevaluated for authenticity. The goal of research therefore is to reconstruct a nonpartisan evidence-based concept of the Nile.
“The role of researchers is to look at the Nile Region in a different way from politicians and community members. In order to reconstruct these diverse water worlds, you need some analytical concepts that are not reductionist but are as open as possible,” Prof. Terje Tvedt-University of Bergen noted, while giving the main Keynote address at the three day conference under the central theme “Collaboration in the Nile Basin: The Way Forward”
Makerere University hosted this conference, which ran from 25th – 27th October, 2010 at the Speke Resort Munyonyo, where alumni, policymakers, water managers and academic experts from the ten Nile Basin countries gathered for yet another landmark Annual Nile Basin Research Conference.
Discussions on the strengthening of research collaboration across the Nile Basin were undertaken, with several institutions presenting their experiences and models on the way forward. A series of panel debates were also held on topics ranging from climate and health to cultural heritage and the history of Nile Development.
The Nile Basin Research Programme (NBRP) was launched in 2007 with funding from the Norwegian Ministry for Foreign Affairs. Up to 60 researchers from the ten Nile Basin countries Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, Egypt, Sudan, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Rwanda, Burundi and DRC have so far participated in the guest researcher programme, clearly showing that the alumni stretches across borders and beyond politics.
Welcoming participants to the workshop, Prof. Edward Kirumira, Head, Nile Basin Research Programme (NBRP), Makerere University explained that the Makerere University-University of Bergen collaboration is a framework that highlights the importance of collaboration as playing a major role in the Nile Basin Region and within the African continent as a whole.
“We are looking at research as a commodity for public good and in collaboration, we have to think medium term and long term for meaningful partnerships that allow for growth of public good,” Prof. Kirumira remarked. He added that with guiding principles such as teacher exchange, Interdisciplinary collaboration, students’ exchange programmes and expansion of collaboration beyond academics, the Makerere-Bergen collaboration is surely on track with regard to achieving its objectives.
Addressing the conference on behalf of the Vice Chancellor Makerere University, Prof. Ikoja Odong highlighted that as an institution that prides itself positively in responding to the national cries for information gathering and its accurate dissemination, Makerere University was proud to play host to the Nile Basin Research Programme (NBRP). The Programme, through regional collaboration is contributing to informing the process of reaching an agreement on how best the resources of the great River Nile can be shared by the ten Nile Basin countries.
“By producing a knowledgebase bank through research, writing and publishing in various countries across the region, the programme will help mentor junior researchers.” Prof. Ikoja-Odongo remarked.
Professor Ikoja stressed that the Nile Basin Research Programme is pertinent and in line with the institution’s mandate to increase research output and adopt knowledge transfer partnerships
Representing the Minister of Water and Environment Uganda, Eng. Kashillingi Mugisha, the Director, Water Resources Management, assured the participants that the Government of Uganda will continue to support and encourage this research agenda, and the research results will be used by the government in making policy decisions regarding the management of the Nile Basin water resources.
Closing the conference on 27th October 2010, the Norwegian Ambassador to Uganda H.E. Thorbjørn Gaustadsæther launched the series of books that the researchers have published, to mark the end of the first phase of the Nile Basin Region Research Programme.
Downloads
The Vice Chancellor's Remarks MS Word version, PDF version
Burundi's Water Resource Management in the Context of the Nile Basin Powerpoint
Climate Change in Africa: the need to move from science to action Powerpoint
Nile Basin Map Powerpoint
Unlocking Econ Growth & Devt potentials in the Nile Basin Powerpoint
Article by Moreen Katushabe
General
NCBA Commits UGX 1.45 Billion to Makerere Marathon, Pledges Five-Year Support for Inclusive Education
By Eve Nakyanzi and Atwenda Nancy
Makerere University has officially unveiled NCBA Bank Uganda as the platinum sponsor for the 2025 Makerere University Marathon (#MakRun2025), marking a significant milestone in the institution’s journey toward inclusive and sustainable student support. The partnership was formally announced during a colourful event held at the university, attended by the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, Dr. Maggie Kigozi, Chairperson of the Makerere University Endowment Fund, and NCBA Bank Uganda CEO, Mr. Mark Muyobo.
NCBA Bank Uganda’s UGX 1.45 billion sponsorship over the next five years is the largest corporate contribution to the Makerere Marathon to date. It underscores the bank’s commitment to supporting quality education, community development, and equity. Mr. Muyobo said that, “We are driven by the desire to leave every community better than we found it”. He added that the goal is to empower disadvantaged students to live without limitations, describing this initiative as a bold stride toward establishing a world-class international marathon.
“This is more than just a sponsorship, it is a strategic partnership built on shared values,” Dr. Kigozi remarked. “With this support, we are positioned to establish a fully equipped Disability Support Unit and a sustainable pool of funds to assist economically disadvantaged students.”
The marathon, slated under the theme “Run the Hills for the Future,” seeks to unify students, alumni, corporate entities, and professional athletes in pursuit of a common cause. At its core, the MakRun2025 promotes active lifestyles, social inclusion, and a sense of communal responsibility.
“It’s not just a race,” Prof. Nawangwe emphasized. “It is a movement to break barriers, change lives, and build a resilient, inclusive university.”
The marathon’s broader impact includes fundraising for students living with disabilities and those facing financial hardship, contributing directly to the university’s Endowment Fund.
A major highlight of the event is the introduction of a full 42.2-kilometer marathon—bringing international standards to the annual run. Organizers have promised a professional, accredited experience with traffic-free routes and ample support for runners.
“This edition will elevate the MakRun into a world-class event,” said Mr. Muyobo. “We are proud to support Makerere University in realizing its dream of a globally recognized marathon that reflects Uganda’s commitment to education and inclusivity.”
Beyond the race itself, the event will feature a vibrant line-up of activities, including music, drama, and games for all age groups. It is designed to foster a festival-like atmosphere that welcomes every member of the community.
Organizers and university leaders have extended an open invitation to students, staff, alumni, corporate partners, and Kampala residents to participate, cheer, or donate to the cause.
“Every step taken is a step towards hope for a student,” Dr. Kigozi stated. “Together, we are building a Makerere that cares, includes, and uplifts.”
The partnership is expected to significantly enhance the university’s ability to support underprivileged students and improve campus infrastructure for students with disabilities. It also sets the tone for future collaborations that align with the values of compassion, excellence, and innovation. The fifth edition of the MakRun is scheduled to take place on August 17th, 2025.
The Writers are Interns in the Public Relations Office, Makerere University
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