General
MPs Praise CHS Research Output Despite Constraints
The Parliamentary Committee on Science and Technology has appreciated the level of research programs at Makerere University and called for increased networking between the University and Parliament.
This came up during a visit to Makerere University by the said committee to monitor, evaluate and assess;
- Research programmes being undertaken by the University,
- The mechanisms the university has established to ensure that research translates into development at all levels,
- The challenges the institution is facing in achieving its research and development objectives and
- The suggested way forward, policy and the role Parliament can play.
The Committee met with the University Management, on this occasion headed by the Ag. Deputy Vice Chancellor in charge of Finance and Administration Professor S.S. Tickodri Togboa, and received background information on research in the University, including achievements and challenges.
Management informed the MPs that whereas a lot of ground has been covered in Research in Makerere University, most of the funding was from development partners. The government was called upon to set a side a research fund that would be competitively accessed, so as to help address topical areas high up on the research agenda of the country.
It was revealed that Uganda as a country lacks a research agenda and has therefore not come in to support the research. Most of the research efforts at Makerere are attributed to individuals who write proposals to development partners and are then able to access funding after competing globally.
At the College of Health Sciences, the team was conducted around some of the facilities used in training health sector personnel by the Deputy Principal, Prof. Celestino Obua. These included the Microbiology Laboratory, the Immunology Laboratory and the Library.
The team learnt that the College lacked funding to be able to secure the infrastructure required to adequately train students. While emphasizing the practical nature of the health-related training the Deputy Principal decried the various inadequacies in terms of equipment like microscopes as well as reagents. Most of the equipment in use has been acquired through a number of development partners. The Deputy Principal called on Government to urgently lend a helping hand, especially in the maintenance of medical equipment which is quite costly.
At the College Library, the committee noted the inadequacies in terms of limited space and computers which have since been addressed by installing internet access points at various locations to enable students utilize their personal computers to access electronic library material.
Prof. Obua also took time off to share with committee some of the research outputs that have resulted into development in terms of policy, practices or products such as Medical Education for Equitable Services to all Ugandans. The research brings together all medical training institutions in Uganda like Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Gulu University, Busitema University and Kampala International University, with the aim of strengthening their capacity. The programme aims at ensuring transformative innovative medical education built on strong sustainable systems to produce more health workers of high quality able to address health priorities like HIV and AIDS.
The College’s research on Multi-drug resistant Tuberculosis has also made significant contribution through evaluation of various tests to detect resistant TB, with some of the results approved by WHO for use in Uganda and other countries in the world. The College, working with Welcome Trust, a UK charity pioneered the treatment of Drug resistant TB which is very difficult to cure, with over 500 new cases of multi resistant TB cases in occurrence in Uganda every year. In line with this, the National TB Laboratory will be renovated and upgraded to world class level and will in addition to providing training receive and analyse samples from other countries.
Supporting use of research evidence for Policy in African Health systems (SURE) is yet another research initiative that has set up rapid response services, where policy makers call in and get briefs prepared for them on any policy queries on health systems in a short time. This has influenced a number of decisions including the soon to be enacted mandatory food fortification policy.
Research in newborn and maternal health care is yet another area, implemented in Iganga and Mayuge. This has resulted into increase in mothers attending antenatal services, increase in the number of health units deliveries, improvement in new born care practices and more.
The Committee commended the College Management for the groundbreaking research and innovations despite the persistent challenges of tedious procurement processes, intellectual property rights, limited laboratory space and funding for research as well as low staff establishment. The legislators expressed concern over the externally funded research which raises queries on its ownership and sustainability.
Story by
Ms. Harriet Musinguzi
Communication Officer, School of Law
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
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.
-
General1 week agoMastercard Foundation Scholars at Makerere University encouraged to participate in philanthropy work
-
Business & Management2 weeks agoPIM Centre Makerere, Graduates Second Cohort of Certificate in Financial Implications – Integrated Regulatory Cost-Benefit Analysis
-
Agriculture & Environment2 weeks ago13th International Working Conference on Stored Product Protection – October 2026
-
Business & Management2 weeks agoPIM Centre of Excellence Steering Committee Charts Way Forward
-
Health1 week agoEkyaalo Diagnostics; Johns Hopkins University Partners with Makerere and MUST to Advance AI Innovation for Breast Cancer Diagnosis