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President Museveni Launches Kiira EV, Pledges More Support to Mak

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President Yoweri Kaguta on Thursday 24th November 2011, launched Makerere University's KIIRA EV, and two lines of production in the School of Food Technology, Nutrition and Bio Engineering Incubation Centre.

President Yoweri Kaguta on Thursday 24th November 2011, launched Makerere University's KIIRA EV, and two lines of production in the School of Food Technology, Nutrition and Bio Engineering Incubation Centre.

This was during his visit to Makerere University. The President was impressed by the number of innovations going on at Uganda’s premier and public university and asked the relevant ministries to look into more funding for the University and better remuneration for its staff.

President Museveni visits the CHS display-TB testing in inaccessible areas as Dr. Andrew Kambugu (IDI-Mak) 2nd L, The Vice Chancellor and Minister for Education and Sports (background) take him aroundThe President on arrival first toured some of the innovations from the Colleges which included, the low cost irrigation pump- College of Engineering Design, Art and Technology (CEDAT); the Incubation Centre- College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES); the role of natural products in health care delivery: Showcasing erbal/medicinal products in the treatment of Cancer and Diabetes-College of Natural Sciences (CoNAS); Extending HIV/AIDS testing and counseling, TB testing to inaccessible areas-College of Health Sciences (CHS); the Teacher: Pupil attendance monitoring tool – College of Computing and Information Sciences (CoCIS) and a training/education model that aims at universal production and development- College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Bio Security (CoVAB).

The President tours the newly launched sausage production line as the Chancellor (3rd L,rear) and Assoc. Prof. William Kyamuhangire, Head, Dept of Agricultural and Bio-Systems Engineering conduct him around.  With a smile on his face, the Head of State was then driven in the KIIRA EV from the exhibition ground at CEDAT upper parking to the School of Food Technology, Nutrition and Bio Engineering, where he addressed members of staff and students.
“I have told the ministries that in terms of remuneration, Scientists should be remunerated up to international standards. We are going to increase the support for the Institutions. I have nothing but happiness and pleasure to have been here to launch the KIIRA EV and the two production lines in Food Technology. I encourage you to continue. Do not worry about the money, we shall look for it. With our oil, the issue of money will be nothing,’’ he emphasized amidst cheer from the gathering. The President thanked both students and staff of Makerere University for the innovations and promised to come back at a later date to see more.

President Museveni receives the Kiira EV Medallion from Chancellor-Prof. Mondo Kagonyera as the University Secretary(R), Minister of Education and Sports (2nd R) and Chairperson Makerere University Council-Eng. Dr. Charles Wana-Etyem (4th R) witnessHis Excellency described these innovations at Makerere as a renaissance, adding that the institution has woken up from `a deep slumber,’ that has taken its toll on the African continent. He said Africa regressed technologically during the colonial era, but was glad that Makerere Universityis taking lead in innovations.

“I must salute Makerere. I will give you all the support. This is just a small beginning. Africa being out of technology has led to slavery, colonialism and marginalization but we can reverse and go back. I am really happy with what is happening here. You can be sure of all the support from Government in spite of our limited resources,’’ he added.

In his address, the Vice Chancellor of Makerere University, Prof. Venansius Baryamureeba, thanked Government for supporting Makerere, adding that the University was committed to graduating students with potential to impact on society. He added that Makerere embraces commercialization and is ready for mass production in partnership with the Private Sector. This however awaits the Public-Private-Partnership (PPP) bill before Parliament, to be passed into law.

 

A group photo with the President at the School of Food Technology, Nutrition and Bio-Engineering after H.E.'s tour of the facility and address

 

The Chancellor of Makerere University, Prof. Mondo Kagonyera asked Government to have a special unit in State House handling Small and Medium Enterprises, so that brilliant projects from students are not frustrated at the implementation phase.

The Deputy Vice Chancellor, Finance and Administration, Prof. Tickodri Togboa, Principal Investigator, Vehicle Design Project (VDP) – was proud that Makerere's Centre for Research in Transportation Technologies was beginning to bear fruit, and revealed that by June 2013, the Centre will have built an electric bus. He thanked the team that had put efforts in having the KIIRA EV take off and asked them not to tire.

 

Click here to visit the Picture Gallery 

 

Downloads

Programme of theVisit: doc(65KB), pdf(18KB)

Speech by the President: doc(84KB), pdf(61KB) 

Speech by the Chancellor: doc(86KB), pdf(41KB)

Speech by the Chair Council: doc(85KB), pdf(41KB)

Speech by the Vice Chancellor: doc(74KB), pdf(52KB)

Speech by the Principal Investigator: doc(110KB), pdf(66KB)

 

Related article 

President Museveni Launches Kiira EV

 

 

 

amarion@admin.mak.ac.ug, Public Relations Office

Denis Wamala

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ZAMREN Board Visits Mak, Discusses AI

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Prof. Sarah Ssali and Prof. Mundia Muya (C) with Members of Management, the ZAMREN delegation and other officials after the courtesy call on 14th October 2025. Zambia Research and Education Network (ZAMREN) Board led by the Chairperson, Prof. Mundia Muya courtesy call on the Vice Chancellor, 14th October 2025, Main Building, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

The Board of the Zambia Research and Education Network (ZAMREN) led by the Chairperson, Prof. Mundia Muya on 14th October 2025 paid a courtesy call on the Vice Chancellor, Makerere University. The Board which is on a two-day exposure visit to the Research and Education Network of Uganda (RENU) was received by the Acting (Ag.) Vice Chancellor and Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic Affairs), Prof. Sarah Ssali in the Vice Chancellor’s Boardroom.

The Chairperson was accompanied by Mr. Ronald Hatoongo and Mr. Stein Mkandawire, the Board Secretary and CEO of ZAMREN respectively, as well as RENU’s CEO-Mr. Nicholas Mbonimpa and RENUMESH Technologies CEO-Mr. Brian Masiga. In attendance were Mr. Samuel Mugabi-Director DICTS, Prof. Robert Wamala-Director Research, Innovations and Partnerships (DRIP), and Prof. Tonny Oyana-Principal College of Computing and Information Sciences (CoCIS).

Also present were; Prof. Paul Birevu Muyinda-Director Institute of Open, Distance and eLearning (IODeL), Dr. Godfrey Mayende-Deputy Director IODeL, Dr. Michael Walimbwa- College of Education and External Studies (CEES), Dr. Cathy Mbidde- Ag. Manager. Makerere University Innovation Pod, Ms. Eunice Rukundo-Deputy Chief-Public Relations and staff from the Office of the Vice Chancellor.

In her welcome remarks, Prof. Ssali thanked the ZAMREN Board for including the courtesy call on their Kampala itinerary and extended warm greetings from the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe. She noted that Makerere as a founding member of RENU has enjoyed a mutually beneficial collaboration, that has benefited both staff and students in the form of supporting growing connectivity needs, as well as training, mentorship, and development of technical skills for both continuing students and graduates.

Prof. Sarah Ssali (R) presents an assortment of Mak Souvenirs to Prof. Mundia Muya (L). Zambia Research and Education Network (ZAMREN) Board led by the Chairperson, Prof. Mundia Muya courtesy call on the Vice Chancellor, 14th October 2025, Main Building, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Prof. Sarah Ssali (R) presents an assortment of Mak Souvenirs to Prof. Mundia Muya (L).

Turning to the gist of the courtesy call, the Acting Vice Chancellor noted that the Makerere University through the Centre for Artificial Intelligence (MAK-AI) seeks to harness the transformative power of AI to address society’s most pressing challenges. “Projects undertaken by our Centre tackle real-world challenges in health, agriculture, languages, and beyond.”

Prof. Ssali nevertheless underscored the importance of upholding ethics in all AI undertakings “Mindful of global trends elsewhere, the work of the Makerere AI Centre is guided by the principles of Responsible AI, ensuring that systems are transparent, accountable, fair, and designed to benefit society.”

She therefore called upon the delegation to thoughtfully engage with the ideas presented during their visit with the aim of collectively exploring both institution can better equip staff and students to meaningfully make the most of this fast-evolving trend.

On behalf of the Board, Prof. Muya who is substantively the Vice Chancellor of the University of Zambia thanked Prof. Ssali and Members of Management present for according his delegation a warm reception to Makerere University, “one of Africa’s most distinguished centres of higher learning.

Makerere University is not only a symbol of academic excellence but also a beacon of leadership in higher education on the African continent”, remarked Prof. Muya.

The Chairperson equally expressed the delegation’s keenness to understand how AI is being adopted, and how the academia is embracing the technology as an enabler of teaching and research. “At ZAMREN, we view digital transformation and AI integration as critical enablers of academic excellence, efficiency, and competitiveness across higher education institutions,” he remarked, adding that “We therefore look to Makerere University’s experience to draw practical lessons that can inform and inspire our efforts back home.”

Prof. Mundia Muya headed the ZAMREN delegation. Zambia Research and Education Network (ZAMREN) Board led by the Chairperson, Prof. Mundia Muya courtesy call on the Vice Chancellor, 14th October 2025, Main Building, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Prof. Mundia Muya headed the ZAMREN delegation.

Turning to the lessons from Makerere in line with digital transformation and ICT, the Director DICTS shared that owing to the partnership with RENU, internet bandwidth, a vital enabler of AI transformation currently stands at 5 Gbps of monthly consumption, with plans to scale-up to 8 Gbps. He added that RENU has also facilitated Makerere’s access to Open Libraries, and Eduroam – a secure, encrypted Wi-Fi network across to staff and students freely access the internet across partner institutions in Uganda using their University emails.

Furthermore on the enablers of AI integration, Mr. Mugabi noted that in line with digitalization of institutional business process, the University Council took a bold step to develop all information systems in-house, a move that has reduced costs spent on offshore solutions, and hemorrhage of skills. He pointed to the introduction of open source solutions, and AI policy and global collaborations with corporations such as Google as additional enablers.

Addressing AI readiness, Prof. Tonny Oyana pointed out the need for the University of Zambia to start early, citing Makerere efforts which began as far back as 2007, when Dr. John Quinn joined the institution after his PhD. He added that Dr. Quinn together with other former staff from Makerere formed Sunbird AI, a thriving initiative creating practical systems for the benefit of community.

Prof. Oyana also pointed to AI initiatives that have attracted up to USD 5million from Google Awards, staff with specialized skills in the creation and development of sensor technologies, top notch students that win continental and global awards from companies such as Huawei, and active engagements with partners to produce solutions to enhance diagnosis of malaria, tuberculosis and cancer as some of areas that demonstrate Makerere’s AI readiness.

The meeting in session. Zambia Research and Education Network (ZAMREN) Board led by the Chairperson, Prof. Mundia Muya courtesy call on the Vice Chancellor, 14th October 2025, Main Building, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
The meeting in session.

Addressing academic and research innovation, Prof. Robert Wamala pointed out that Makerere, in recognition that the institution cannot achieve its vision alone is intentional about seeking and nurturing mutually beneficial partnerships. Furthermore, he shared that Vice Chancellor’s Annual Research Excellence Awards reward and recognize the efforts of staff who have excelled in publication, teaching and winning grants.

The Director DRIP equally underscored the need for dissemination of research produced by staff and students, pointing out the annual research and innovation week as a flagship event for not only showcasing research but also forging meaningful partnerships with stakeholders. In line with technology transfer, Prof. Wamala said that the University through the Intellectual Property Management Office ensures that innovations developed by staff and students packaged for adoption by other individuals or organisations.

Addressing the use of technologies in academic work, Prof. Birevu noted that IODeL conducts capacity building in instructional design, online facilitation, use of AI in teaching and digital assessments. “We have also advised the University on ODeL and Distance Education strategies, for instance, we have developed a ten-year masterplan for distance education with support from the Korean Government to outline how Makerere University is going to integrate distance education within its offering” he added.

At the close of the deliberations the ZAMREN expressed sincere appreciation to the Ag. Vice Chancellor and Members of Management for the free sharing that pointed out a number of priorities.

Mark Wamai

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Call for Applications: Government Sponsorship 2026/27

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Makerere University -Main Building

The Academic Registrar, Makerere University informs all Head Teachers of Advanced Level (UACE) Schools with UNEB Centre Numbers that applications for admission to Public Universities and other Tertiary Institutions for 2026/2027 Academic Year for government sponsorship will be done electronically/online using the Academic Management Information
System (ACMIS) from 15th October, 2025 to 31st December, 2025. The Public Universities include:
(a) Makerere University
(b) Makerere University Business School
(c) Mbarara University of Science and Technology
(d)Kyambogo University
(e) Gulu University
(f) Busitema University
(g) Muni University
(h) Kabale University
(i) Lira University
(j) Soroti University
(k) Mountains ofthe Moon University

NB: The list of Other Tertiary Institutions is provided on the online application portal.

Other Important documents:

Mak Editor

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Business & Management

PIM Centre Holds 9th Steering Committee Meeting, Set to Benefit from World Bank Support

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Mak PIM COE Steering Committee

The Public Investment Management (PIM) Centre of Excellence at Makerere University today, October 10th, 2025, held its 9th Steering Committee Meeting to review progress made in the first quarter of the financial year and plan for the months ahead.

The meeting was chaired by Ms. Getrude Basiima, who represented Mr. Hannington Ashaba, Director Budget at the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development (MoFPED). Ms. Basiima commended the Centre for its continued commitment to strengthening public investment management capacity across government institutions.

In her remarks, Ms. Basiima applauded the Centre for successfully hosting the Public Investment Management Conference held in August at Makerere University. The conference attracted key policymakers, development partners, and academics who deliberated on how to enhance the efficiency, sustainability, and impact of public investments in Uganda.

She further shared exciting news that the Government of Uganda has secured funding from the World Bank to support the public investment management function. The PIM Centre, she announced, will be among the key beneficiaries of these funds — receiving support for the construction and acquisition of a permanent home to enhance its institutional sustainability and training capacity.

Reviewing the Centre’s quarterly performance, Ms. Basiima congratulated the team for successfully conducting three specialized trainings in the first quarter, reaching officials from various Ministries, Departments, and Agencies. These trainings continue to strengthen the technical competencies required for effective project preparation, appraisal, and implementation in line with Uganda’s National Development Plan.

The PIM Steering Committee in a meeting held at Emin Pasha Hotel

She encouraged the Centre to integrate climate change considerations into its future training programmes, noting that sustainable public investment must now account for environmental resilience and climate adaptation.

The centre team presented the proposed  structure/ organogram, the financial performance of 2024/2025, research areas for 2025/2026 and the strategic plan for 2025 – 2030.

The Steering Committee reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the PIM Centre’s vision of becoming a regional leader in building capacity for efficient, transparent, and sustainable public investment management.

Betty Kyakuwa
Betty Kyakuwa

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