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Board Inauguration set to take FSF to New Heights

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The renowned Makerere University Main Hall was filled to capacity as distinguished guests joined the Makerere University Female Scholarship Foundation (FSF) at a colourful gala dinner on Saturday 3rd December 2011 to witness the inauguration of the

The renowned Makerere University Main Hall was filled to capacity as distinguished guests joined the Makerere University Female Scholarship Foundation (FSF) at a colourful gala dinner on Saturday 3rd December 2011 to witness the inauguration of the

Board of Trustees and the launch of the Carnegie Corporation of New York US $1million matching grant, to support the Foundation from 2011 to 2014.

The Nnabagereka of Buganda Her Royal Highness Sylvia Nagginda Luswata, Patron of the Makerere University Female Scholarship Foundation (FSF)The Nnabagereka (Queen) of Buganda, Her Royal Highness Sylvia Nagginda Luswata, is the Patron of the  Female Scholarship Foundation (FSF) and a strong advocate for the train a woman, train a nation adage. The Nnabagereka who is exceedingly passionate about her role as Patron, visited Makerere University on 21st October 2011 and donated 15 computers to the Gender Mainstreaming Directorate, aimed at increasing access to learning and ICT facilities for the FSF beneficiaries.

The Chancellor Prof Mondo Kagonyera (R) adorns Dr. Charles Mbire with the Makerere University Stoll during the Board of Trustees InaugurationAt the dinner that evening, the Chancellor of Makerere University Professor George Mondo Kagonyera evoking the power of authority entrusted to him inaugurated the Board of Trustees comprising eminent personalities with a wealth of experience needed to take the foundation to a higher level. The cheerful Chancellor then proceeded to adorn each member with the Makerere University Stoll, as a symbol of their inauguration and commission to undertake this noble task.

Dr. William S. Kalema is the Chairperson of the Board of Trustees of the FSF. The members of the Board include: Dr. Thelma Awori, Dr. Katherine Namuddu, Professor Venansius Baryamureeba, Dr. Alex Coutinho, Professor Catherine Odora Hoppers, Ms Diana L. Ofwona, Dr. Charles Mbire, Mr. Ali Mufuriki, Professor Ruth Mukama and Mr. Alfred M. Namoah. Ms. Catherine Kanabahita is the Secretary to the Board of Trustees.

Dr. William Kalema, Chairman Board of Trustees, Makerere University Female Scholarship Foundation (FSF)Giving his acceptance speech, The Chairperson of the Board of Trustees, Dr. William S. Kalema informed the audience that he was honoured and pleased to serve on this board. “We take this responsibility to promote bright, but disadvantaged girls humbly and seriously. We have here an African team from Tanzania, Kenya, Liberia and Uganda. We are ready to commit our time and resources to volunteer our services to the Female Scholarship Foundation,” remarked Dr. Kalema, on behalf of the Board.

As the Chairperson of the Board of Trustees for the next three years (2011-2014), Dr. William Kalema pledged to ensure that the Foundation is run efficiently and effectively. He added that the Board would focus on increasing enrolment, retention and improving the academic performance of female students at Makerere University with specific emphasis on sciences, and giving priority to applicants from disadvantaged backgrounds and under-represented geographical areas in Uganda.

Ms. Catherind Kanabahita, Director, Gender Mainstreaming Directorate (GMD) and Secretary to the Board of Trustees Makerere University Female Scholarship Foundation (FSF)The Makerere University Female Scholarship Foundation (FSF) was launched on 20th November 2010 to sustain the Female Scholarship Initiative (FSI) which had supported 691 girls from disadvantaged social-economic backgrounds to access university education.

Ms. Catherine Kanabahita, Director, Gender Mainstreaming Directorate, said the Female Scholarship Foundation (FSF) was an effort to consolidate the gains made during the ten-year Carnegie Corporation of New York’s support to the Female Scholarship Initiative (FSI), and to continue addressing the increasing gender and equity needs in access into higher education.

 Ms. Kanabahita recognized the presence of Rt. Hon. Professor Apolo Nsibambi, a distinguished alumnus L-R Eng. Dr. Charles Wana Etyem, Rt. Hon. Rebecca Kadaga, Rt. Hon. Prof. Apolo Nsibambi, Dr. William S. Kalema, and Dr. Thelma Awori at the FSF Dinner 3rd December 2011, Makerere University Main Halland first Non-Head-of-State Chancellor of Makerere University, who as the former Prime Minister of the Republic of Uganda launched the Female Scholarship Foundation (FSF) in November 2010. She further applauded Prof. Nsibambi’s support as Prime Minister, which has facilitated the Foundation's growth over the year, leading up to the inauguration of the Board of Trustees on Saturday 3rd December 2011. Ms. Kanabahita also commended the Chairperson of the Makerere University Council, Eng. Dr. Charles Wana-Etyem for hosting the gala dinner, which also marked the Launch of the matching grant from the Carnegie Corporation of New York to support the FSF.

Prof. B. Baryamureeba receives his inauguration plaque from the Chancellor Prof. Mondo Kagonyera (R) at the gala dinner. The Acting Vice Chancellor of Makerere University, Professor Venansius Baryamureeba, as he traversed the country had observed that the dire poverty levels especially in Northern Uganda, were a great impediment to the girl-child making it to Makerere University, unless someone lent them a helping hand. “As we gather here this evening, I speak with the renewed hope of a man who has seen the light at the end of the tunnel for the University education of the disadvantaged Girl-Child,” added Professor Baryamureeba.

Professor Baryamureeba commended the University administration for providing tuition waivers that have benefited 20 female students in the last two consecutive academic years. He also thanked the Carnegie Corporation of New York for sowing the seed, which has benefited 691 girls for the last ten years, and their continued support to provide a matching grant to Makerere University to support FSF from 2011 to 2014.

Rt. Hon. Kadaga (2nd L) hands over a scholarship to one of the 2011/2012 academic year beneficiaries at the dinnerProfessor Baryamureeba informed the audience that FSF had laid fundraising strategies to enable as many poor and disadvantaged female students as possible, to access University education.

The strategies include: Setting up an endowment fund using corporate donations, donations from foundations, donations from government, individual donations; setting up named institutional scholarships in the names of those that have either made great contributions or sacrifices or are role models for the girl child; and allowing individuals to sponsor scholarships upfront.

The Guest of Honour at the gala dinner, Rt. Hon. Rebecca Kadaga, the Speaker of Parliament of Uganda Rt. Hon. Rebecca Kadaga, Speaker of the Uganda Parliament was the Guest of Honour at the gala dinner, 3rd Dec 2011, Makerere University Main Hallofficiated at the hand-over of scholarship certificates to 26 beneficiaries under the Female Scholarship Foundation (FSF) for the Academic year 2011/2012.

Rt. Hon. Kadaga requested the innovative Vice Chancellor of Makerere University, Professor Venansius Baryamureeba to improve the facilities of the female students including re-visiting the aspects of their accommodation and learning facilities. She also appealed to the University Administration to explore the possibility of Female Alumni of Makerere University setting up a Fund to support the women in rural areas.

Prof. Peter Anyang' Nyong'o, Makerere University Alumnus, MP and Minister of Medical Services, Government of Kenya, gave a keynote address at the Dinner, 3rd December 2011, Makerere University Main HallFocusing on President Julius K. Nyerere’s Equality Call for the Liberation of women, The keynote Speaker at the dinner, Professor Peter Anyang’ Nyongo’, a distinguished alumnus of Makerere University, and Minister of Medical services in the Republic of Kenya reiterated his call for a cultural revolution aimed at ending the servitude of life givers. “The struggle to liberate women should be a social issue, not only left to women’s movements. We also need more men on board to promote the cultural revolution,” emphasized Professor Anyang’ Nyongo.’

Professor Anyang’ Nyongo’ appealed to the most recent beneficiaries FSF to demonstrate that they indeed deserved this scholarship by concentrating on their Mr. Juma Kisaame, MD, Dfcu Bank, announces the Bank's contribution to the Makerere University Female Scholarship Foundation (FSF)studies and excelling in all aspects of life.

Dfcu Bank, who graciously sponsored the evening’s gala dinner pledged to continue supporting the activities of the Female Scholarship Foundation (FSF). “We shall contribute 10 million shillings per year to FSF. We shall also offer internships to students sponsored under the FSF,” announced Mr. Juma Kisaame, The Bank’s Managing Director.

 

Ms. Phoebe Tucungwire gives her testimony on how FSi changed her life

 

Ms Pheobe Tucungwire, an FSI alumna who graduated in 2006 with a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science, touched the guest’s hearts during her testimony when she announced that had been making monthly contributions to the Foundation. Emphasing the role of Giving Back, Ms Tucungwire said: “After you have benefited from the FSF, you have the firm belief that no matter how little you earn, the little you give will count a mile in someone’s life.”

 

 

 

Ritah Namisango, Public Relations Office, Makerere University

Denis Wamala

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Vice Chancellor Updates Media on Medical Drones, Road Safety Research & Various Issues

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Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi (Centre) with Dr. Andrew Kambugu (Left) and Dr. Fredrick Oporia (Right) at the Press Briefing on 29th May 2025. Press Conference featuring Infectious Diseases Institute—the IDI Medical Drone Programme and Kampala Status Summary 2023 on Road Safety Risk Factors, conducted under the Bloomberg Philanthropies Initiative for Global Road Safety. This collaborative effort between the Johns Hopkins International Injury Research Unit and our Trauma, Injury, and Disability Unit (TRIAD) Makerere University School of Public Health (MakSPH), Senior Common Room, Main Builing, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

The Acting Vice Chancellor, Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi on Thursday 29th May, 2025 held a press conference to update members of the Media on the Infectious Diseases Institute (IDI) Medical Drone Programme, and the Kampala Status Summary 2023 on Road Safety Risk Factors, conducted under the Bloomberg Philanthropies Initiative for Global Road Safety, a collaborative effort between the Johns Hopkins International Injury Research Unit and the Trauma, Injury, and Disability (TRIAD) Unit at Makerere University School of Public Health (MakSPH). Also presented were updates on; Digital Certification of Academic Transcripts, Digital Supervision of Graduate Students, Inclusive e-Learning and Smart Classrooms, and Launch of the Artificial Intelligence (AI) Laboratory at the College of Computing and Information Sciences (CoCIS).

The event held in the Senior Common Room, Main Building, was on behalf of the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe presided over by the Acting (Ag.) DVC AA and substantive Academic Registrar, Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi. Presentations were made by Executive Director of the Infectious Diseases Institute (IDI), Dr. Andrew Kambugu and Head of the Trauma, Injuries, and Disability (TRIAD) Unit, Dr. Fredrick Oporia. Dr. Jimmy Osuret and Dr. Esther Bayiga from TRIAD supplemented Dr. Oporia’s presentation. In attendance were; the Director for ICT Support (DICTS)-Mr. Samuel Mugabi, Deputy Chief – Public Relations-Ms. Betty Kyakuwa, Deputy Chief Security Officer-Mr. Musa Mulindwa and other university officials.

The proceedings of the Press Conference follow below;

Vice Chancellors’ Press Statement

Good morning colleagues, members of the press,

It is my pleasure to welcome you to this important media briefing, where we share compelling findings from two groundbreaking studies that reflect Makerere University‘s ongoing commitment to impactful research, innovation, and community transformation.

The first is a pioneering initiative led by the Infectious Diseases Institute—the IDI Medical Drone Programme. This project explores the use of drone technology to deliver lifesaving HIV medications and test samples to hard-to-reach populations, particularly in Kalangala District and the West Nile region. The study demonstrates how drones can overcome logistical barriers, reduce costs, and enhance access to critical healthcare in some of Uganda’s most underserved communities.

The second study is the Kampala Status Summary 2023 on Road Safety Risk Factors, conducted under the Bloomberg Philanthropies Initiative for Global Road Safety. This collaborative effort between the Johns Hopkins International Injury Research Unit and our Trauma, Injury, and Disability Unit here at Makerere University presents over two years of data on vehicle speed and helmet use in Kampala. It provides vital insights into the human behaviours and systemic gaps contributing to road traffic injuries and fatalities—particularly among vulnerable road users. The study also offers evidence-based recommendations for enforcement, planning, and public health messaging aimed at making Kampala’s roads safer for all.

We are proud to support this kind of research that not only advances knowledge but also drives tangible improvements in public health and safety.

Before I invite the researchers to present their findings, allow me to briefly highlight some transformative developments in the areas of academic registry and ICT advancement here at Makerere University:

  1. Digital Certification of Academic Transcripts:
    • Alumni can now certify their transcripts digitally through the Makerere Academic Records System (Mak-ARS https://makars.mak.ac.ug/), eliminating the need for physical visits. This user-friendly platform allows access from anywhere in the world, supported by comprehensive video tutorials and public communications.
  2. Digital Supervision of Graduate Students
    • We have introduced the Research Information Management System (Mak-RIMS), piloted at the College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, to streamline the supervision of Master’s and PhD research. This initiative enhances accountability, timely feedback, and is now being rolled out university-wide to improve graduation rates.
  3. Inclusive eLearning and Smart Classrooms
    • Through support from development partners and the Government of Uganda, we are establishing multimedia studios and smart classrooms across our colleges. These state-of-the-art facilities are designed to produce professional, accessible learning content, including tools tailored for students with visual and auditory disabilities. This aligns with our goal of equitable, globally competitive education.
  4. Launch of the AI Laboratory at CoCIS:
    • The newly launched Artificial Intelligence Laboratory will spearhead the development of AI-enabled solutions tailored to Uganda’s socio-economic needs, including localized assistive eLearning tools and context-sensitive curriculum development.

These initiatives are part of our broader vision to transform Makerere University into a research-led, inclusive, and globally relevant institution.

Detailed Presentations

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Prof. Aina Visits Mak, Evaluates CECAP II Progress

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Prof. Omotade Akin Aina (Left) receives the Makerere Souvenir Book from Prof. Tonny Oyana as Prof. Julius Kikooma (2nd Right) and Mr. Charles Lwanga (Right) witness. Prof. Omotade Akin Aina-Carnegie Corporation of New York meeting to discuss progress of Consolidating Early Career Academics Programme (CECAP) phase II, which focuses on fostering academic development and research among early-career academics, 23rd May 2025, Main Building, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

The Senior Program Director, Higher Education and Research in Africa, International Program, Carnegie Corporation of New York, Prof. Omotade Akin Aina on 23rd May 2025 visited Makerere University during his short trip to Kampala. Prof. Aina was received on behalf of the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe by Prof. Tony Oyana, Principal of the College of Computing and Information Sciences (CoCIS).

During his visit, Prof. Aina met with the Project Implementation Committee, representatives from the Consolidating Early Career Academics Programme (CECAP) phase I Fellowship Cohort, and current Fellows of phase II. The meeting discussed the progress of CECAP II, which focuses on fostering academic development and research among early-career academics.

Left to Ritght: Dr. Jesca Nakavuma and Prof. Julius Kikooma alongside Prof. Omotade Akin Aina during the meeting. Prof. Omotade Akin Aina-Carnegie Corporation of New York meeting to discuss progress of Consolidating Early Career Academics Programme (CECAP) phase II, which focuses on fostering academic development and research among early-career academics, 23rd May 2025, Main Building, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Left to Ritght: Dr. Jesca Nakavuma and Prof. Julius Kikooma alongside Prof. Omotade Akin Aina during the meeting.

CECAP II is being implemented by Makerere University in collaboration with four other Ugandan public universities, including; Busitema University, Gulu University, Kyambogo University and Mbarara University of Science and Technology. Prof. Mukadasi Buyinza, the Project Principal Investigator was represented at the meeting by the Director of Graduate Training, Prof. Julius Kikooma.

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Directorate of Graduate Equips Schools and Colleges with Training in Philosophy of Methods

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By Moses Lutaaya

The Directorate of Graduate Training at Makerere University has equipped several Senior ranking lecturers with expert knowledge in a Training of Trainers’ workshop on “Philosophy of Methods”.

In his remarks at the opening of a 3-day training workshop at Level4 Conference Hall – Senate Building, the Director of Graduate Training Prof. Julius Kikooma said, “The teaching of Philosophy of Methods gives all participants the fundamentals to extend knowledge to other learners, hence its importance in upholding the Makerere University values.”

Kikooma urged and challenged the participants to also attend and actively participate in the follow up of learners’ training of students, stating that the PhD students need support as the directorate continues to coordinate the curriculum of PhD by-research that was approved by the senate recently.

“To holistically implement the senate approved PhD curriculum, we are coordinating capacity building trainings of all stake holders in a structured approach with the different units of the University. Many more trainings including Training of Trainers in advanced research methods course are on the way.”

He further urged the participants to be intentional in their teaching profession and in whatever they were doing, adding “Apart from focusing on practices as teachers and researchers, we can engage in wider philosophical debates in our research areas so that we are relevant in the society and in the empowerment of PhD research students.”

 The participants for the Philosophy of Methods training were from College of Humanities and Social Sciences, College of Education and External Studies, Makerere University Business School among others.

During the same training, Dr. Dickson Kanakulya stressed the need to train senior lecturers in the Philosophy of Methods, saying, “The biggest connection is that societal problems require concrete research to find solutions. Our challenge in Africa is that we employ a short barrow approach to find solutions to problems. This cannot work. We need consistent researchers to solve problems. Lasting solutions to societal issues can only be got through training such as Philosophy of Methods, where researchers come up with new models for societal solutions.”

Prof. Julius Kikooma pose for a photo with participants and facilitators.

Dr. Kanakulya said that Makerere University remains the biggest research University in Africa and philosophy of Methods helps to come up with good research tools that produce good research outputs. “Research has shown that the higher the number of PhD researchers in any given country, the higher the levels of development of that country e.g. the USA, China etc., adding that research is not limited to only medicinal or agricultural related issues.”

He said philosophy of methods, encourages philosophical creativity in research, “It is meant to bring out philosophical generation of concepts, theories and ideas. It is meant to encourage students to question the existing philosophical assumptions and status quo in a given field of knowledge such that new philosophical concepts are created.”

 For successful rollout of government programs like the National Development Plan 4, Dr. Kanakulya said that Philosophy of Methods training needs to be integrated into such systems. “Philosophy of Methods focuses on ethical thinking aspects. For example, for a better rollout of the Parish Development Model, we need implementers to be ethical.” He added.

 Prof. Sulait Tumwiine, the associate Dean of Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research at MUBS said, “This is a discussion where new ideas are shared to guide and gauge applicability in the current knowledge diversity coupled with lots of technological development including Artificial Intelligence and Chat GPT.”

He added, “As professors of Universities, we need to understand how we leverage on what comes up so that it does not take our space, but also appreciate how we can support growth of knowledge. The Philosophy of Methods training is the answer.”

 Dr. Jim Spire Ssentongo highlighted that Philosophy uses more of the critical mind than Science. He added that philosophy is more of speculation of the mind.

“Sustainability of philosophy Education encourages us to continue training. Philosophy being the oldest discipline retained special status in the academia as a pinnacle of pursuit of knowledge. All disciplines have major elements of philosophy citing examples in the philosophy of Mathematics and Physics.

Dr. Spire added, “If you do not understand philosophy, you cannot deeply investigate anything because philosophy is the reality of understanding everything. Philosophy is the basis of understanding what knowledge is and how it is arrived at.”

Also participating in the workshop was Prof. Joseph Ntaayi from MUBS, in his remarks he said PhD students need the philosophy of methods training to understand how to best to create knowledge. He added that ontological and epistemological questions that lead to good research design methods can only be answered by this training.

Dr. Robert Kakuru, a Lecturer in the College of Humanities and Social Sciences said that the Philosophy of Methods training is needed by every graduate student as well as supervisors to critically determine the choice of methods to use in academic research. For example, “If one wants to use a questionnaire as an interview approach, one should understand, why that approach and yet without this training, the why cannot be answered.” He added.

The Philosophy of Methods training was organized by Directorate of Graduate Training with funding support from the Consortium for Advanced Research Training in Africa (CARTA).

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