The Chairperson and Members of the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) Board of the Higher Education Council on Tuesday 29^th July 2025 paid a courtesy visit to Makerere University following the 5^th Meeting of the IGAD Universities Forum held in Kampala from 28^th to 29^th July. The delegation was received by the Acting Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic Affairs), Prof. Edward Bbaale in the presence of Dr. Muhammad Kiggundu Musoke, Makerere University’s representative to IGAD.

In his welcome remarks, Prof. Bbaale on behalf of the Vice Chancellor and the University Management thanked the delegation for including a visit to Makerere on their Kampala itinerary, “It is an honour and privilege to host you here today,” he remarked.  He equally thanked Dr. Kiggundu Musoke for representing the University on IGAD and facilitating the visit.

Prof. Bbaale acknowledged that IGAD continues to play a critical role in fostering regional cooperation, peacebuilding, and sustainable development in the Greater Horn of Africa. “The inclusion of higher education in IGAD’s strategic priorities speaks volumes about the importance you attach to knowledge, skills, and research as tools for transforming societies,” he supplemented.

The Acting DVCAA reiterated that Makerere University takes great pride in her IGAD membership, as well as the collaborative research partnerships, capacity-building initiatives, and policy dialogues that seek to harmonise and strengthen higher education in the region undertaken therein. He equally lauded the participation of regional Vice Chancellors and Senior Academic Leaders in IGAD’s activities, “Your presence affirms our collective resolve to build stronger institutions and knowledge systems that respond to the developmental needs of our communities.”

He noted that Makerere in pursuit of her strategic research-led agenda takes cognizance of the importance of partnerships at regional and international levels and urged the leaders present to nurture them. “We need to build a strong academic and research network so that we have seamless flow staff and students on the African continent,” adding that “We hope this visit will further deepen the bonds between our institutions and inspire new opportunities for collaboration in teaching, research, innovation, and regional integration.”

Dr. Kebede Kassa Tsegaye, the IGAD Senior Coordinator of Education, Science, Technology and Innovation Program expressed delight at visiting Makerere, noting that the University and Republic of Uganda are strategic and extremely valuable partners of the regional body.

In her remarks, Dr. Victoria Anib Majur the Head, IGAD Health and Social Development Division thanked Makerere and other regional universities for promoting mobility among learners by endorsing the implementation of the IGAD Regional Qualifications Framework (IGADQF). “It is our pleasure that your institution and all other partner institutions in the region are joining IGAD in fulfilling the mission of regional integration through skills development and through qualifications.”

She reiterated IGAD’s commitment to push for; excellence in education, inclusivity of gender and persons with disabilities, and promotion of skills that will prepare learners, especially refugees, returnees, and those from host communities in the IGAD region for the marketplace. The IGAD Secretariat is hosted by the Republic of Djibouti and region covers the host country-Djibouti, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Kenya, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan and Uganda.

By Moses Lutaaya

The Directorate of Graduate Training concluded a 3-day training of trainers in Advanced Research Methods for lecturers selected from different schools and colleges, including College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES), College of Education and External Studies (CEES), College of Business and Management Sciences (COBAMS), College of Humanities and Social Sciences (CHUSS) and College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Biosecurity (COVAB). The training took place between 16^th-18^th July 2025.

The training which was organized by the Directorate of Graduate Training and supported by CARTA, Emerging and Re-emerging Infectious Diseases (TERID) Research Hub at Makerere University, took place at the Senate Building Conference Hall.

In his opening remarks, the acting Deputy Vice Chancellor –Academic Affairs Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi emphasized that each of the PhD cross cutting courses has got their unique role and importance that it adds to everyone including lecturers and other scholars.

He commended the wealth of experience of the trainers and thanked them for coming up with different core methods of teaching the Advanced Research Methods course.

“It takes courage to stand before PhD holders and train them. However, the more you listen, the more you understand that there is a lot you don’t know”, Prof. Buyinza added.

Prof. Buyinza emphasized that these PhD cross cutting course were approved by the Senate and that they are now regular programs of the University, adding that participants must now be assessed, sit examinations and avail certificates to the participants.

“We need the seriousness of the trainees while attending these courses. You are the crop that we look to in training and meeting the demands of the over 500 PhD students we admit each year.” He said.

He further said, “Once you have the skills we require of you in these courses, we will avail you with the course description to teach and train the PhD students. We need a multi- disciplinary team because Advanced Research Methods requires so.”

He called upon the Graduate Training Directorate to train many more to enable the university have a sizeable number of facilitators. “Train as many as you can. Give them the basic principles and we shall have a crop of facilitators that Makerere University needs.”

Prof. Buyinza also informed the participants that the package and course content of the training were very relevant and that even if one did not do research methods at Masters, then at PhD, with this course, it makes a lot of sense to such learners. “With Pedagogy, the learner is at the center of learning and this calls for special skills in addition to integration of technology.” He added.

Relatedly, the Director of Graduate Training Prof. Julius Kikooma challenged the participants to have great knowledge takeaways from the trainers, as these will be the building blocks of future trainings to doctoral students.

“You are our building blocks and we want to use this training to strengthen your ability to take on knowledge creation and dissemination to another level through facilitating graduate trainings, even after these trainers have left.” He added.

He further added, “I challenge you to be creative and innovative. We are now competence based. How prepared are you to handle students since the curriculum has been changed to competence based approach? Focus is now on competence based teaching.” 

Prof. Kikooma further added that the Advanced Research Methods training encourages and promotes competent capacity building for learners and that it is an opportunity for the university to prepare for the students who are going to join the university education after going through the new teaching curriculum that is competence based.

 Dr. Moses Okech, a participant from the Department of Extension and Innovation Studies at CAES said, “My hope is that this training is cascaded to all colleges and schools of the university to ensure uniformity. It is a training everyone needs to go through. It is broad knowledge in enhancing the quality of doctoral studies is unmatched.”

He added, “We need to implement this training to all doctoral students according to design and anticipated outcome because this Advanced Research Methods has the potential to transform our higher education system and provides more potential to produce students with transformative mindsets that can easily internalize and deliver government priority interventions like the Parish Development Model (PDM) and Emyoga.

Dr. Okech added, “Great training in terms of offering opportunity for instructors to check the standards that are used to support graduate students during their masters and doctoral studies.”

Prof. Joseph Ntaayi, a trainer from the Department of Procurement and Logistics Management at Makerere University Business School (MUBS) said, “Traditionally we have been receiving students and they are given to doctoral committees. However, such students have not been going through trainings like Philosophy of Science, Advanced Research Methods and scholarly writing and publications, yet students are required to write and defend research proposals, design, implement and validate a research instrument and also be able to anticipate and deal with ethical issues, write a research thesis and at least publish two (2) papers before they defend the final thesis and graduate.”

He therefore added that this training will help improve on the PhD students’ proposals and thesis, as well as their scholarly publications and this will eventually improve on the completion rates of graduate studies.

On the National Development Plan, Prof. Ntaayi said that the Students’ research areas of focus will impact positively on the policy development and implementation.

“The selection of research topics by students has been mechanical because they lacked the competence to undertake research. This training hence focuses them to select topics that have issues of national importance.” He added.

The National Enterprise Corporation (NEC) has successfully delivered yet another milestone project to Makerere University with the handover of a fully refurbished Mary Stuart Hall. The renovation, which cost UGX 10.5 billion, began on 26^th July 2024 and was completed exactly a year later, on 25^th July 2025.

Mary Stuart Hall is one of three major projects entrusted to NEC by the university, the others being the renovation of Lumumba Hall and the construction of a perimeter wall. These developments follow a presidential directive to renovate all halls of residence at Makerere University, aimed at enhancing student welfare and improving living conditions on campus.

Speaking at the event, Vice Chancellor Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe commended NEC for their exceptional work. “I must thank NEC for the job well done,” he said, adding that “this facility looks better than some hotels.” He also expressed gratitude to the First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Mama Janet Museveni, whom he credited as the driving force behind the renovations. He urged students and stakeholders to take care of the newly renovated facility: “Let us try to maintain the facility the way it has been handed over.” The Vice Chancellor emphasized that the purpose of these renovations is to foster an environment conducive for leadership development.

Prof. Anthony Muwagga Mugagga, Principal of the College of Education and External Studies (CEES), represented the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Finance and Administration). He commended the Vice Chancellor for fulfilling his campaign promise to transform university infrastructure and expressed appreciation to the Government for the financial support. “I can report from what I’ve seen, that there is value for money,” he stated. Prof. Muwagga further encouraged student leaders to promote responsible behaviour that protects and preserves university property for future generations.

Lieutenant General James Mugira, Managing Director of NEC, emphasized the significance of the project, describing the refurbished building as a symbol of “female empowerment and liberation.” He applauded the university leadership for their trust and confidence and reaffirmed NEC’s commitment to quality and timely project delivery. He highlighted the role of proper accommodation in fostering health, safety, academic performance, and social interaction among students. “A healthy mind, in a healthy body,” he said, adding that good housing promotes “safe and hygienic living and physical and mental health.” He also underscored the importance of regular maintenance to preserve the facility and avoid expensive renovations.

Mr. Simon Kizito, Deputy University Secretary equally extended appreciation to the President, the Ministry of Education and Sports, and the Directorate of Estates and Works for their role in the project’s success. He thanked the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development for ensuring that the necessary funds were released on times.

Representing the Dean of Students’ Office, Dr. Rodney Rugyema hailed the project as a significant milestone in enhancing student welfare. He revealed that Mary Stuart Hall will accommodate 521 students and includes facilities for persons with disabilities, such as lifts and ramps. He pledged to uphold the standards and purpose of the hall.

Guild President H.E. Ssentamu Churchill James expressed his gratitude to NEC and the university administration, particularly applauding the Vice Chancellor’s for his hands-on approach and consistent involvement in the university’s affairs.

The Hall Chairlady Ms. Anthea Ampaire described the reopening as a landmark moment, calling Mary Stuart Hall “a beacon of hope and a sanctuary for students.” She highlighted the importance of providing spaces that empower women and support their academic journeys.

Dr. Kenneth Ssemwogerere, Head of the Department of Architecture at the College of Engineering, Design, Art and Technology (CEDAT) who led the Project Management Team, noted that the renovation was a collaborative effort involving both students and staff. He commended all involved for their dedication.

Following this successful handover, NEC is set to begin renovation works on the Centre for Continuing Education (CCE) Hall commonly referred to as Complex Hall, as it continues to implement the presidential directive to revamp student accommodation across public universities.