General
July 2010 events
Published
15 years agoon
July 2010
30th July 2010: Google launch of the Google Interface into local languages
Translator Google interface was translated into Runyakitara and Luo languages by CIT as part of its public-private sector contribution. Runyakitara is a family of the Bantu language that standardizes four linguistically closely related languages of western Uganda which are Rutooro, Rukiiga, Runyankole and Runyoro.
29th – 30th July 2010: VC and Management visit to Kibale Field Station
The Makerere University Biological Field Station (MUBFS) is located in the tranquil Kibale Forest at the peripherals of Kibale National Park (KNP). Established in 1970 as Kibale Forest Project-KFP by Dr. Thomas Struhsaker, a renown primatologist and scholar from Duke University, USA, the project was handed over to Makerere University for its long-time survival by Dr. Struhsaker, shortly before his departure in 1987.
The high-quality research being conducted at this world renown field station is being conducted by local and international scholars and includes:
- Ecological & Behavioral Studies of Various Animal Species in KNP.
- Studies of Forest Regeneration in Logged & Formerly Encroached Areas.
- Long-term Ecological Monitoring of Kibale National Park Eco-Systems.
- Socio-Economic & Ecological Studies Including Crop Raiding By Park Wildlife.
27th July 2010: Signing MOU between the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University South Africa (NMMU) and Mak
The MOU is aimed at making it possible exchange 2 students on continuing basis for each academic year.
27th July 2010: Launch of the Africa Institute for Strategic Animal Resource Services and Development (AFRISA)
AFRISA is a Public-Private Academic Partnership Platform, where the two parties have come together through special agreements, to establish problem solving programs. The primary objective of AFRISA is to reposition and align animal sector education, research and services in the diverse Animal Resources Value chains to meet national, regional and International demands. This will be done alongside promoting holistic and superior Skills, Technology, and Innovation for Production, Employment, Health and Development.
27th July 2010: Public lecture by Dr. Thoraya Ahmed Obaid (UN Under-Secretary General)
The public lecture was on “Reproductive Health and Rights- Perspectives for further Development in Africa” Dr. Thoraya is also the Executive Director of UNFPA.
26th July 2010: ACBF Grant Signing Ceremony
The African Capacity Building Foundation (ACBF) signed a grant with the Economic Policy Research Centre (EPRC) aimed at supporting regional initiatives in the areas of specialized training, policy analysis, applied policy research, negotiation and policy advocacy.
15th July 2010: Handover of book donation from the Swedish Embassy
The Swedish Embassy handed over boxes of books to the Dept. of History, Faculty of Arts. These books were given to the department in 2009.
13th July, 2010: Signing MOU between Mak, University of Southern Carlifornia and IBM East Africa Limited (IBM)
This MOU is meant to establish a collaborative institute (Joint Institute for Mobile Innovations JIMI)
12th July 2010: Signing MOU between Makerere and Orange (U) Ltd.
This collaboration is in areas limited of but not limited to; ICT Application Development, Research and Development, Joint Community Outreach Projects and Knowledge Exchange. It will run for 3years.
9th July 2010: A farewell party for Top Management whose contracts ended this year
This took place at the Makerere Guest House gardens. Some of the top management members included the former Vice Chancellor Prof. Livingstone Luboobi.
8th July 2010: Meeting with Wellcome Trust UK
A delegation from Wellcome Trust, UK led by the Head, Sir. Mark Wallport paid a courtesy call on the VC. Discussions touched on offering Post-Doctoral training in form of academic fellowships to Makerere University staff so as to enhance their research skills, and strengthen health workers’ capacity in Africa, as well as partnering on virus research.
8th July 2010: Meeting with University of Sydney.
The Vice Chancellor met with a team from the University of Sydney and held talks on a partnership aimed at providing scholarships for postgraduate degree programmes in areas of Public Health, Medicine as well as other disciplines in the Australian University.
6th July 2010: Tripartite letter of Agreement for RUFORUM, Fac. of Agric and The National Crops Resources Research Institute
This is aimed at supporting research and training of one student (Dr. Okori). The amount involved is USD 10,000, a laptop and computer.
5th July 2010: 7th Vice Chancellors Media briefing
The 7th monthly media briefing featured the Institute of Statistics and Applied Economics and the Faculty of Technology. The Vice Chancellor made presentations on the successful restructuring and revision of academic programmes by all units by the 30th June 2010 deadline, Capital Investments: Public Private Partnerships (PPP) to develop Makerere land through the Build Operate Transfer (BOT) arrangement, and the issuance of transcripts from August to October 2010 for students meant to graduate in January 2011. He also made presentations on the repair of the road network within the University and halls of residence, redesign/beautification of the Main Gate by the Faculty of Technology & MTSIFA, minor repairs on halls of residence by the Estates and Works Department except for Lumumba hall, which was earmarked for the Renovate Operate Transfer (ROT) arrangement with the private sector, and the setting up of a Technical Committee to handle the issue of academic programmes’ revision at MUBS.
2nd July 2010: Signing MOU between Bergen University College Norway and Mak
The purpose of this MOU is academic and research collaboration. This was under the Dept. of Nursing, Medical School. It will run for 5years
2nd July 2010: Signing MOU between Hawassa University Ethiopia and Mak
The purpose of this MOU is to promote cooperation in teaching and research between the two universities. It will run for 5years
1st – 2nd July 2010: Qualilty Assuarance MURM workshop
Makerere University Management held this all day workshop at L. Victoria Hotel, Entebbe
July 2010
30th July 2010: Google launch of the Google Interface into local languages
Translator Google interface was translated into Runyakitara and Luo languages by CIT as part of its public-private sector contribution. Runyakitara is a family of the Bantu language that standardizes four linguistically closely related languages of western Uganda which are Rutooro, Rukiiga, Runyankole and Runyoro.
29th – 30th July 2010: VC and Management visit to Kibale Field Station
The Makerere University Biological Field Station (MUBFS) is located in the tranquil Kibale Forest at the peripherals of Kibale National Park (KNP). Established in 1970 as Kibale Forest Project-KFP by Dr. Thomas Struhsaker, a renown primatologist and scholar from Duke University, USA, the project was handed over to Makerere University for its long-time survival by Dr. Struhsaker, shortly before his departure in 1987.
The high-quality research being conducted at this world renown field station is being conducted by local and international scholars and includes:
- Ecological & Behavioral Studies of Various Animal Species in KNP.
- Studies of Forest Regeneration in Logged & Formerly Encroached Areas.
- Long-term Ecological Monitoring of Kibale National Park Eco-Systems.
- Socio-Economic & Ecological Studies Including Crop Raiding By Park Wildlife.
27th July 2010: Signing MOU between the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University South Africa (NMMU) and Mak
The MOU is aimed at making it possible exchange 2 students on continuing basis for each academic year.
27th July 2010: Launch of the Africa Institute for Strategic Animal Resource Services and Development (AFRISA)
AFRISA is a Public-Private Academic Partnership Platform, where the two parties have come together through special agreements, to establish problem solving programs. The primary objective of AFRISA is to reposition and align animal sector education, research and services in the diverse Animal Resources Value chains to meet national, regional and International demands. This will be done alongside promoting holistic and superior Skills, Technology, and Innovation for Production, Employment, Health and Development.
27th July 2010: Public lecture by Dr. Thoraya Ahmed Obaid (UN Under-Secretary General)
The public lecture was on “Reproductive Health and Rights- Perspectives for further Development in Africa” Dr. Thoraya is also the Executive Director of UNFPA.
26th July 2010: ACBF Grant Signing Ceremony
The African Capacity Building Foundation (ACBF) signed a grant with the Economic Policy Research Centre (EPRC) aimed at supporting regional initiatives in the areas of specialized training, policy analysis, applied policy research, negotiation and policy advocacy.
15th July 2010: Handover of book donation from the Swedish Embassy
The Swedish Embassy handed over boxes of books to the Dept. of History, Faculty of Arts. These books were given to the department in 2009.
13th July, 2010: Signing MOU between Mak, University of Southern Carlifornia and IBM East Africa Limited (IBM)
This MOU is meant to establish a collaborative institute (Joint Institute for Mobile Innovations JIMI)
12th July 2010: Signing MOU between Makerere and Orange (U) Ltd.
This collaboration is in areas limited of but not limited to; ICT Application Development, Research and Development, Joint Community Outreach Projects and Knowledge Exchange. It will run for 3years.
9th July 2010: A farewell party for Top Management whose contracts ended this year
This took place at the Makerere Guest House gardens. Some of the top management members included the former Vice Chancellor Prof. Livingstone Luboobi.
8th July 2010: Meeting with Wellcome Trust UK
A delegation from Wellcome Trust, UK led by the Head, Sir. Mark Wallport paid a courtesy call on the VC. Discussions touched on offering Post-Doctoral training in form of academic fellowships to Makerere University staff so as to enhance their research skills, and strengthen health workers’ capacity in Africa, as well as partnering on virus research.
8th July 2010: Meeting with University of Sydney.
The Vice Chancellor met with a team from the University of Sydney and held talks on a partnership aimed at providing scholarships for postgraduate degree programmes in areas of Public Health, Medicine as well as other disciplines in the Australian University.
6th July 2010: Tripartite letter of Agreement for RUFORUM, Fac. of Agric and The National Crops Resources Research Institute
This is aimed at supporting research and training of one student (Dr. Okori). The amount involved is USD 10,000, a laptop and computer.
5th July 2010: 7th Vice Chancellors Media briefing
The 7th monthly media briefing featured the Institute of Statistics and Applied Economics and the Faculty of Technology. The Vice Chancellor made presentations on the successful restructuring and revision of academic programmes by all units by the 30th June 2010 deadline, Capital Investments: Public Private Partnerships (PPP) to develop Makerere land through the Build Operate Transfer (BOT) arrangement, and the issuance of transcripts from August to October 2010 for students meant to graduate in January 2011. He also made presentations on the repair of the road network within the University and halls of residence, redesign/beautification of the Main Gate by the Faculty of Technology & MTSIFA, minor repairs on halls of residence by the Estates and Works Department except for Lumumba hall, which was earmarked for the Renovate Operate Transfer (ROT) arrangement with the private sector, and the setting up of a Technical Committee to handle the issue of academic programmes’ revision at MUBS.
2nd July 2010: Signing MOU between Bergen University College Norway and Mak
The purpose of this MOU is academic and research collaboration. This was under the Dept. of Nursing, Medical School. It will run for 5years
2nd July 2010: Signing MOU between Hawassa University Ethiopia and Mak
The purpose of this MOU is to promote cooperation in teaching and research between the two universities. It will run for 5years
1st – 2nd July 2010: Qualilty Assuarance MURM workshop
Makerere University Management held this all day workshop at L. Victoria Hotel, Entebbe
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General
Makerere University Council and Top Management Convene Strategic Planning Retreat
Published
13 hours agoon
September 17, 2025
The Makerere University Council and Top Management have today convened at Speke Resort Munyonyo to deliberate on the University’s Strategic Plan 2025/2026 – 2029/2030. The retreat seeks to align Makerere’s priorities with the Fourth National Development Plan (NDP IV) and ensure that all key stakeholders contribute to shaping the institution’s next five years.
Opening the discussions, the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, underscored the centrality of planning in the University’s growth trajectory. He called on members of management to actively participate in the drafting of the new strategic plan. Prof. Nawangwe highlighted Makerere’s progress in recent years, noting that the University has drawn a roadmap to becoming a research-led institution, with publications rising from 700 five years ago to 2,000 currently.
He further pointed out the revision of research policies to align with the University’s research agenda, as well as the establishment of innovation hubs that support product development, commercialisation, and intellectual property management. Commending staff for their resilience and success, Prof. Nawangwe congratulated them on winning significant individual grants, some of which now surpass institutional grants. “NDP IV is intended to grow the country tenfold, and I am confident Makerere will make a huge contribution,” he remarked.

In her keynote remarks, the Chairperson of the University Council, Mrs. Lorna Magara, described the retreat as a defining moment for Makerere’s role in Uganda’s transformation. She urged the University to move beyond traditional teaching and research, positioning itself as a central driver of national development.
“Our mandate extends beyond academia. The knowledge we generate, the leaders we shape, and the innovations we deliver must directly fuel Uganda’s growth,” Mrs. Magara stated.
She outlined priority national development areas— agro-industrialisation, tourism, mineral-based development, and advances in science and technology—where Makerere’s expertise can make a decisive impact. Emphasising the urgency of challenges such as youth unemployment, climate change, food insecurity, and fragile health systems, she noted that within these lie opportunities for Makerere to lead in testing and scaling solutions.

“This retreat is about discipline and focus. Our strategy cannot be a wish list; it must be a blueprint for measurable national impact,” she said, challenging participants to critically reflect on how Makerere can anchor Uganda’s food security, nurture digital innovators, strengthen health resilience, and raise transformative leaders.
She concluded with a call for boldness and clarity in execution: “The next five years are decisive. Makerere must shift from being a participant in national development to being its strongest driver. What we agree here must position Makerere not only as Uganda’s premier university but also as a trusted national partner and a beacon of Africa’s transformation.”

The retreat involved detailed discussions and contributions from University leaders, aimed at developing a practical and impact-driven strategic plan that cements Makerere’s role in advancing Uganda’s development agenda.
Education
Makerere University signs Memorandum of Understanding with International Rescue Committee to Advance Research, Innovation and Partnerships
Published
3 days agoon
September 15, 2025
Makerere University has signed a five-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the International Rescue Committee to formalize undertakings in research, innovation & partnerships.
Signed in September 2025 by the Vice Chancellor of Makerere University, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe and the Country Director, International Rescue Committee, Mr. Elijah Okeyo, the MoU provides a framework to implement research intensive programmes, promote innovative teaching and learning, internationalization, and contribute to societal transformation.
According to Mr. Okeyo, the MoU re-affirms Makerere University as the academic partner of the International Rescue Committee (IRC). “This MoU formalizes IRC’s working relationship with Makerere University. This framework empowers both institutions to tap into opportunities together. We believe in equal partnership. Makerere University commits to being our partner in research to contribute to evidence based humanitarian undertakings,” he said.
Under this collaboration, Makerere University and IRC will work on developing child-centered learning resources, innovative curricula, and policy-relevant research to enhance the quality of education in crisis-affected regions.
At Makerere University, the MoU brings on board, the College of Education and External Studies (CEES), Makerere University Institute of Teacher Education and Research (MITER), and the Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) Research Centre.
To concretize the MoU, the Principal of the College of Education and External Studies, Prof. Anthony Muwagga Mugagga convened a partnership meeting on Friday 12th September 2025 involving a delegation from the International Rescue Committee (IRC), Dr. David Kabugo, the Deputy Director of Makerere University Institute of Teacher Education and Research (MITER), and Ms. Ritah Namisango, the Principal Communication Officer.

The delegation from the International Rescue Committee (IRC) consisted of the following: Mr. Elijah Okeyo-Country Director, Mr. Vincent Wanyama-Senior Program Development and Quality Coordinator, Mr. Richard Omasete-Policy and Advocacy PlayMatters, and Ms. Janet Nambuya-Grants and Partnerships Coordinator.
The MoU focuses on the following areas of interest: Early Childhood Development, joint research and capacity building in education, the plight of refugees and the host communities, humanitarian aid, as well as, evidence based research to inform the education policy.
In line with its mandate, IRC brings onboard, its unmatched expertise in helping children in crisis-affected areas. The MoU therefore positions both institutions to undertake a leading role in the protection of children and families through evidence based research, access to education, and humanitarian undertakings.
Dr. Kabugo, the Deputy Director MITER, noted that the MoU opens new opportunities for joint efforts in research, training, and policy. He said: “We are committed to co-designing practitioner research, engaging in professional development, and generating evidence to guide the education policy in Uganda and beyond.” Dr. Kabugo explained that this partnership builds on years of cooperation between CEES and IRC, especially in child-centered methods such as play-based learning.
Prof. Mugagga described the MOU as a practical framework that connects Makerere University’s research with IRC’s field experiences. He stated that the College of Education and External Studies (CEES) conducts programmes focused on the future of the young people through training and empowering students/teachers. He articulated that the College significantly impacts on the education sector through delivery of quality academic programmes and research under the School of Education, School of Distance and Lifelong Learning, and the East African School of Higher Education Studies and Development.
“Our strongest synergy is education and early child-focused care,” Prof. Mugagga emphasized. He revealed that the collaboration presents CEES with a strong and reliable partner (IRC), which stands for protection and the well-being of children and families. “Through this MoU, both CEES and IRC, will significantly contribute to improving education for children, families, and communities impacted by conflict and crisis.”
Prof. Mugagga commended IRC for the earlier support and expertise extended to the College in the development of the early childhood centre, and working together to provide valuable input during the Ministry of Education and Sports’ consultative process that led to the Early Childhood development policy.
Reflecting on the increasing number of refugees enrolling for studies at Makerere University, Prof. Mugagga said: “ IRC has come at the right time. The College will tap into the IRC expertise to teach our staff and learners components in refugee education. They will equip our students and teachers with knowledge and skills in refugee education. Some of our students will cooperate with IRC to undertake research in refugee settlement and host communities.”

Prof. Mugagga implored both MITER and IRC to undertake research and develop modules on refugee education, parenting, re-tooling street children, integration of a health component into the curriculum, and management of truamatised students/learners who come from areas affected by war, conflict and crisis.
On the issue of play materials, Prof. Mugagga stressed that already made play materials derial creativing. “Both CEES and IRC should work towards a context that empowers children and learners to ignite their creative potential by developing home-made play materials,” he submitted.
About IRC
Stating a brief profile history about IRC, Mr. Okeyo explained that IRC is a global non-profit organisation that provides humanitarian aid and assistance to people affected by conflict and disaster. IRC has been active in Uganda since 1998, originally assisting displaced populations in Northern Uganda and later expanding its efforts to refugee settlements and urban areas.. Currently, IRC operates more than 35 health facilities in refugee settlements and runs a variety of programs in health, education, protection, and economic recovery. IRC also undertakes projects focusing on early childhood development, prevention of gender-based violence, and protection of refugees and families.
General
Mastercard Foundation Scholars at Makerere University encouraged to participate in philanthropy work
Published
1 week agoon
September 10, 2025By
Mak Editor
By Carol Kasujja Adii and Bernard Buteera
Mastercard Foundation Scholars at Makerere University have been encouraged to embrace the spirit of philanthropy as a vital foundation for fostering stronger and more resilient communities. This inspiring call to action took place during the 2025 Community Open Day at the Freedom Square on Saturday, September 6, 2025, where hundreds of Mastercard Scholars, Scholar-alumni, and partners of the Scholars Program gathered to initiate a fundraising drive for the signature Annual Scholars Day of Service.
The Annual Scholars Day of Service stands as a hallmark event through which the Scholars give back to the community in impactful and sustainable ways. During a keynote address titled “How Philanthropy Shapes Resilient Communities,” Prof. Winston Tumps Ireeta, the Deputy Vice Chancellor of Finance and Administration, emphasised that while local philanthropy is not a new concept in Uganda, a more intentional mobilisation of this giving back power is necessary to address broader social challenges.
“Communities that mobilise their own resources—financial, human, and material—are empowered to take ownership of their development. Ownership naturally leads to sustainability, ensuring that solutions emerge from local knowledge, context, and values rather than being imposed from the outside. This approach is essential for effectively tackling our social challenges,” Prof. Ireeta stated.

In his remarks delivered by Prof. Helen Nambalirwa Nkabala, the Principal of the College of Humanities and Social Sciences, Prof. Ireeta highlighted the importance of nurturing the inherent power of local giving. He urged the celebration of current local philanthropic efforts, which can be initiated at the individual, religious, and community levels.
“To foster a culture of giving, we need to create platforms that promote structured, transparent, and impactful contributions,” he argued. “It’s crucial to strengthen our generosity, particularly among the youth, and cultivate a society where giving is valued as a core aspect of leadership and citizenship.”
Prof. Ireeta further noted, “The future of our Communities’ strength lies not in distant promises but in our own hands and collective actions. By fostering local philanthropy, we can build a society that is not only fairer but also more resilient and united.

In his welcoming remarks, Mr. John Osuna, Transition Lead for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Makerere University, who spoke on behalf of the Program Director, Prof. Justine Namaalwa, expressed gratitude to the Scholars for their collaborative efforts in turning the idea of giving back into reality.
“Let us embody humility, kindness, and compassion through actionable philanthropy. By doing so, we can create lasting impacts, enhancing our reputation as a community that genuinely cares,” Mr. Osuna stated.
The Community Open Day was organised under the inspiring theme: “Nurturing Philanthropy for Resilient Communities,” paving the way for future initiatives that strengthen community bonds through collective generosity.

“We believe that through nurturing philanthropy for resilient communities, our communities shall be able to organise themselves to build resilience beyond what we shall give back,” Mr. Osuna explained.
The vibrant event saw Scholars and Scholar-alumni actively participating by bringing items for auction and buying tickets for the raffle draw as a means of mobilising resources for the construction of a ventilated pit latrine, renovation of two classroom blocks and providing tanks for harvesting clean water for Bwera Primary School in Kabale District.
Speaking at the event, Mrs. Agnes Katumba, the Director of Katumba Estates, one of the long-standing partners of the Scholars Program at Makerere University, tasked the Scholars to embrace the heart of giving back without expecting something in return.

“I thank the Mastercard Foundation; they not only provide scholarships but also give back to the community. I have been able to grow because of them. For scholars, you do not have to wait to be wealthy to give back; every coin counts,” Mrs. Katumba said.
Katumba Estates Ltd contributed three million shillings to the Scholars Give Back project. Another long-standing partner, DFCU Bank, pledged over sh10 million towards the Scholars’ building project.

In her presentation, Ms. Malvin Akwara, a Mastercard Foundation Scholar-alumna, urged current Scholars to contribute to their communities in various ways, including mentorship and guiding young people.

“We are all here because someone chose to give. During my first year at Makerere, I contributed to some young man’s school fees back home in my community. The young man is now in his second year at Makerere. You don’t have to be wealthy to make an impact; be intentional in your giving, and you will witness the difference it makes. There is no greater fulfilment than helping someone in need,” Akwara stated.

The event was punctuated with a number of activities that ranged from auctioning items, raffle draws, exhibitions, quizzes and a lot of games and fun.

Carol Kasujja and Bernard Buteera form the communications team for the Scholars Programme at Makerere University.
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