General

CODESRIA HELP Call for Proposals for National Working Groups & Comparative Research Networks

Published

14 years ago

August 10, 2012

Mark Wamai

Within the framework of its mandate to build knowledge on Africa produced in the African continent or by the African scholars, the Council for the Development of Social Science Research in Africa (CODESRIA) invites
proposals from researchers based in African universities and research centres to constitute *National Working Groups (NWGs), and/ or Comparative Research Networks (CRNs)*, to undertake studies around its newly launched research programme on higher education leadership in Africa (HELP).

This call for proposals is intended for university based scholars and researchers from the six countries that are, for the time being, covered by the project. These are Ghana, Nigeria, Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda and South Africa.

The Higher Education Leadership Programme (HELP)
Globally, higher education has undergone profound changes over the last two decades. Traditional conceptions of the university have been challenged by the forces of globalization, the increased use of ICTs, and the
introduction and spread of the market logic into the higher education sector. Today, a variety of new types of higher education institutions exists. Student demographics, access and delivery modes have changed too.
In the midst of these changes traditional modes of higher education governance and leadership have come under close scrutiny. Central to this questioning especially with regard to higher education institutions in
Africa is not only how traditional governance structures (where they still exist), are responding to these changes, but also what kind of leadership and governance is needed to position the institutions to confront the
challenges and positively respond to the development challenges of their societies. Higher education leadership in the continent face continued pressures to innovate and adapt to the rapid changes affecting the sector, and those affecting the societies more generally.

With the advent of a global consensus on the importance of knowledge for development, African higher education is receiving much greater attention than before. The strategic importance of Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) in the education systems has now been widely recognized and acknowledged. However, the leadership of universities in Africa is increasingly obliged to respond to or adapt to changes coming from Europe and the United States, such as those associated with the Bologna Process, and the introduction of the LMD (the French acronym for Bachelors, Masters, and Doctorate degree programmes) in Francophone Africa, and the broad allay of forces in global higher education categorized as Internationalization

What are the implications of such changes for HE leadership and how have the adaptation processes contributed to the evolution of leadership roles in African universities? How can African HE leaders ensure that African HE continues to be informed by, and relevant to Africa’s realities and needs for democratic transformation and development, rather than being primarily driven by concerns that are far removed from those of the African continent and its peoples?

A key issue that this Programme will seek to address, therefore, is to better understand the various changes taking place with regard to the governance and leadership of higher education institutions in Africa, the
nature and forces at play in constituting leadership and governance organs in HEIs in Africa, the extent to which changes in governance and leadership of African HE have contributed or not to changing the general
perceptions of the mission and roles of HEIs, documenting of case studies of governance and leadership that have had a positive impact in repositioning the institutions to respond to their missions (weather such
leadership has emanated from the core institutional management team, faculty boards, etc., or student and staff Unions, or both). Furthermore, the Program seeks to encourage research that will focus on investigating
how changes in the higher education system and the perceptions of the mission and roles of HEIs are impacting on HE leadership, the types of adaptation that HE leadership has had to make to respond to the challenges associated with globalization and the spread of managerialism in the HE sector?

CODESRIA’s history is inextricably linked to the challenges which the African higher education system have faced at various stages of its development, and the changing contexts within which different generations
of African scholars have evolved and strived to function. The Programme therefore seeks to deepen scholarly understanding of the nature of, trends in and challenges associated with Higher Education Leadership and
university governance in Africa in the second decade of the 21st Century.

The universities form the core constituency of CODESRIA, and the main site of the bulk of CODESRIA’s research and research training activities. CODESRIA is also one of the few institutions that have been carrying out
social science research on HE in Africa. In the past ten years alone, CODESRIA has launched several national working groups (NWG), and comparative research networks (CRN), as well as a multinational working
group (MWG) on HE. In addition to the Journal of Higher Education in Africa, CODESRIA has published many books on HE and academic freedom. This Programme is therefore informed to a large extent by CODESRIA’s own experience working with the HEIs of Africa, and by the research it has already carried out on the dynamics and challenges facing the HE sector in Africa. These experience and materials have tended to identify governance and leadership as some of the most important issues for African HE in the 21st Century. So, this programme on HE leadership will bring the knowledge on HE and, more specifically, on HE governance and leadership to new and higher levels, both scientifically and from a policy perspective.

Objectives
The objectives of the Higher Education Leadership Programme are:

1) to provide a rigorous historical and social science analysis on higher education leadership and higher education governance in Africa;
2) to examine the changes which are occurring , and challenges facing, HE governance and leadership in Africa in the 21st century;
3) to identify and analyse ways in which the leadership and governance of African universities are constituted and exercised and how leadership is trying to address global, regional and local challenges facing the HE
sector.
4) to elaborate models of university leadership that can ultimately serve as a basis for new policy on the governance of the rapidly expanding higher education sector.

Strategies
The High Education Leadership Programme aims to produce high quality knowledge on HE leadership through 1) comparative research experiences shared across countries, both at the institutional level and at the more
general system level; 2) research teams on HE that are similar to National Working Groups or Comparative Research Networks 3) research grants and fellowships on a competitive basis, 4) case studies; 5) publications of research findings.

Researchers who are interested are requested to send a research proposal (in form of National Working Groups-NWG or Comparative Research Networks-CRN) that highlight clearly the questions they want to address.

** **

NWG are set up to mobilise national-level research capacities and to channel these into autonomous organised reflections on research themes of their choice. They have been an important instrument for promoting research into and publications about different national-level experiences pertinent to the pre-occupations of African scholars active in the Social Sciences and Humanities. The size of an NWG will vary from country to country but on average, most of the groups sponsored by CODESRIA in the past have had between five and seven members. ****

** **

The primary purpose of CRNs is to encourage the development and
consolidation of a comparative analytic perspective in the work of African
social researchers. In so doing, it is hoped to establish a strong corpus
of comparative studies produced by African scholars that could help to
advance theoretical knowledge and discussion. ****

** **

For more information on NWG and CRN see www.codesria.org.

** **

Each proposal should include:-an introduction, a problem statement, a literature review, the objectives of the study, the research methodology, the expected results, the outline of the proposed budget and time frame
knowing that the total duration of the study is 18 months from the date of launch. Furthermore, the proposal should include information on the research team, including the coordinator(s) of the group, the bio data of
researchers, their institutional affiliations, and the curriculum vitae of the coordinator and members of the network.

A proposal should not exceed 12 pages (font Times New Roman, size 12, line spacing: single).

Authors of proposals are requested to pay close attention to the methodology they intend to apply and to demonstrate a good understanding of the leadership and governance challenges facing the HE sector in Africa.
For CRNs, a comparative approach involving scholars from at least two countries out of the six covered by the project (Ghana, Nigeria, Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda and South Africa) is highly encouraged. The teams are
requested to ensure that they are multidisciplinary in composition, sensitive to gender issues, and accommodative of younger scholars.

Each team will be entitled to organise three meetings/workshops during its lifespan, the first one is a methodological workshop; the second to evaluate the progress of the work, and the third to review draft research reports, and identify policy recommendations, and begin disseminating the results. For indicative purposes, the budget for each group will vary from USD 10,000 to USD 35,000, based on past grants that have been awarded by CODESRIA under similar programmes. Similarly, although no specific format is required for the presentation of the budget, authors are requested to note that resources will be allocated by the Council to cover the following costs:

i)     A methodological workshop for the members of the NWG/CRN;
ii)    A mid-term review workshop on the progress of the research;
iii)   The field work to be undertaken by the members of the network;
iv)   Books to be purchased for the research;
v)    The honorarium to be paid to the members of the research network for the work undertaken.
vi)   A final workshop

For this call for proposals, CODESRIA will be open to receive proposals up to 15th September 2012. Notification of the result of the selection committee will be done by 30th September 2012. Proposals (Electronic version) for the constitution of NWGs or CRNs should be sent to:

Higher Education Research Leadership Programme (HELP)
CODESRIA,
BP 3304, CP 18524
Dakar, Senegal.
Tel: +221-33 825 98 22/23
Fax:+221-33 824 12 89
E-mail: help@codesria.sn
Web Site: http://:www.codesria.org
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/CODESRIA/181817969495
Twitter: http://twitter.com/codesria

NB: In addition to the CVs of the team members required, the identification sheet (Please see Attachments Below) for the updated database of the Council should be filled and sent along with the proposal .The applicants should clearly indicate on the outer page of the proposal if they are submitting for NWG or CRN, with the
designated group or network coordinator(s) identified. Incomplete proposals and those sent outside the deadline will not be considered.

General

Nkrumah’s Ideas Still Live: Makerere Commemorates Him with a Public Lecture 2026

Published

3 days ago

October 9, 2026

Elvis Lubanga

Seated L-R: Chief Guest-Dr. Charles Kahigiriza, Prof. Gerald Karyeija, Dr. Winifred Kabumbuli and Assoc. Prof. Gorettie Nabanoga with other dignitaries (Standing) at the Nkrumah Day Celebrations on 8th October 2026. Nkrumah Day and Public Lecture organised by Nkrumah Hall under the theme “Leadership, Self-Reliance and Transformation: Reimagining Nkrumah's Vision for the 21st Century African Youth,” 8th October 2026, Yusuf Lule Central Teaching Facility Auditorium, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

Makerere University on October 8, 2026 commemorated Nkrumah Day with a Public Lecture at the Yusuf Lule Central Teaching Facility Auditorium. The Lecture gathered students, academics, historians and distinguished guests to discuss Kwame Nkrumah’s contribution and its relevance to Africa.

Organised by Nkrumah Hall under the theme “Leadership, Self-Reliance and Transformation: Reimagining Nkrumah’s Vision for the 21^st Century African Youth,” the lecture explored how Nkrumah’s ideals of Pan-Africanism, self-reliance and African unity can guide the continent beyond political independence.

Endorsing Nkrumah’s Vision of Investing in Africa

The First Deputy Prime Minister and Chancellor of Makerere University, Rt. Hon. Dr. Crispus Walter Kiyonga, was the chief guest.

In remarks delivered on his behalf by Dr. Charles Kahigiriza, Dr. Kiyonga said the day was a moment to reflect on Nkrumah’s views on Pan-Africanism and the lessons on self-reliance still held for Africa today and emphasised the importance of keeping Africa’s young talent at home (in Africa).

Dr. Charles Kahigiriza. Nkrumah Day and Public Lecture organised by Nkrumah Hall under the theme “Leadership, Self-Reliance and Transformation: Reimagining Nkrumah's Vision for the 21st Century African Youth,” 8th October 2026, Yusuf Lule Central Teaching Facility Auditorium, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa. — ***Dr. Charles Kahigiriza.***

He then discussed ways of encouraging young people to achieve Nkrumah’s vision, pointing out that Africa is losing skilled people to brain drain as many go abroad to work.

He encouraged young Africans to stay and contribute to the continent’s growth, describing Africa’s potential as a promising an asset.

Transformation Requires Discipline

The keynote address was delivered by Prof. Gerald Karyeija, a political analyst and Head of Quality Assurance at the Uganda Management Institute (UMI).

He discussed Nkrumah’s role in championing Pan-Africanism and the formation of the African Union. He acknowledged that “his legacy was also very complex” due to a number of challenges.

Prof. Gerald Karyeija delivers his keynote address. Nkrumah Day and Public Lecture organised by Nkrumah Hall under the theme “Leadership, Self-Reliance and Transformation: Reimagining Nkrumah's Vision for the 21st Century African Youth,” 8th October 2026, Yusuf Lule Central Teaching Facility Auditorium, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa. — ***Prof. Gerald Karyeija delivers his keynote address.***

Regarding leadership, the professor argued, “leadership does not begin with the title. It begins with responsibility,” adding that “leadership is not only about power, privilege, entitlement, or status. It’s about service. It’s about stewardship.”

He encouraged attendees to emulate Nkrumah by using their knowledge and power for good.

“Don’t get the intellectual power from Makerere to become evil,” he cautioned, stressing that transformation requires discipline.

Universities Turn Knowledge into Action

Associate Professor Gorettie Nabanoga, the Acting Deputy Vice Chancellor for Finance and Administration, represented Professor Barnabas Nawangwe, the Vice Chancellor of Makerere University.

She aligned herself with the previous speakers and urged participants to move beyond simply celebrating Kwame Nkrumah’s memory and begin implementing his vision.

Associate Professor Gorettie Nabanoga. Nkrumah Day and Public Lecture organised by Nkrumah Hall under the theme “Leadership, Self-Reliance and Transformation: Reimagining Nkrumah's Vision for the 21st Century African Youth,” 8th October 2026, Yusuf Lule Central Teaching Facility Auditorium, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa. — ***Associate Professor Gorettie Nabanoga.***

She called for practical action, urging the mobilisation of Pan-Africanism beyond slogans. “Perhaps the Pan-Africanism of this generation must therefore move from solidarity to capacity, from rhetoric to institutions, from potential to production, and from aspirations to implementation,” she said.

On the role of universities, she reiterated that Makerere University is a hub for innovation rather than just a degree-granting institution.

Nkrumah Hall Activists lead keynote speaker Prof. Karyeija to the Auditorium ahead of the Public Lecture. Nkrumah Day and Public Lecture organised by Nkrumah Hall under the theme “Leadership, Self-Reliance and Transformation: Reimagining Nkrumah's Vision for the 21st Century African Youth,” 8th October 2026, Yusuf Lule Central Teaching Facility Auditorium, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa. — ***Nkrumah Hall Activists lead keynote speaker Prof. Karyeija to the Auditorium ahead of the Public Lecture.***

“We are building for the future when we develop people who can think critically, when we generate knowledge, when we challenge perceived knowledge and wisdom, and when we innovate,” she said.

Addressing the students present, she said, “You are not simply the leaders of tomorrow; you are citizens of Africa today. The opportunity you enjoy at Makerere University comes with responsibility.”

Dr. Winifred Kabumbuli, the Dean of Students at Makerere University, set the tone at the 2026 Nkrumah Day Public Lecture.

Dr. Winifred Kabumbuli. Nkrumah Day and Public Lecture organised by Nkrumah Hall under the theme “Leadership, Self-Reliance and Transformation: Reimagining Nkrumah's Vision for the 21st Century African Youth,” 8th October 2026, Yusuf Lule Central Teaching Facility Auditorium, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa. — ***Dr. Winifred Kabumbuli.***

She revealed that this lecture organised under Nkrumah Hall highlights its significance as a symbol of Makerere University‘s commitment to Pan-Africanism. “The name Nkrumah Hall has stood the test of time and sounds like a horn beautifully over the African continent and beyond,” she said.

She elaborated on the lecture’s theme of leadership, self-reliance and transformation, noting its alignment with the university’s mission to nurture future leaders.

Direction of Pan-Africanism

During a panel discussion, speakers questioned how far Africa has come. Associate Professor Zahara Napeewo, Deputy Dean of the School of Law at Makerere University, stated that the continent was still lagging behind the progress Nkrumah would have wanted.

Panelists L-R: Rt. Hon. Rodney Adroni, Dr. Zaid Sekitto, Dr. Zahara Nampewo, and Kyajja Peter Claveri (R) with Moderator-Samson Kasumba (2nd R). Nkrumah Day and Public Lecture organised by Nkrumah Hall under the theme “Leadership, Self-Reliance and Transformation: Reimagining Nkrumah's Vision for the 21st Century African Youth,” 8th October 2026, Yusuf Lule Central Teaching Facility Auditorium, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa. — ***Panelists L-R: Rt. Hon. Rodney Adroni, Dr. Zaid Sekitto, Dr. Zahara Nampewo, and Kyajja Peter Claveri (R) with Moderator-Samson Kasumba (2nd R).***

She shared that while educational institutions provide knowledge, they must go further and encourage graduates to become problem-solvers who can create employment for themselves rather than wait to be employed.

Dr. Zaid Sekitto, a Lecturer in the Department of History, Archaeology and Heritage Studies at Makerere, added that the structures of colonialism that Nkrumah fought against were still in place. “They must be addressed”, he said, or Africa would remain trapped in colonialism and lose sight of Nkrumah’s vision.

The Youth and the Unfinished Struggle

The students also had an opportunity to share their perspectives on the unfinished struggle for Pan-Africanism.

Nkrumah Hall Chairperson Joseph Sekabira noted that the Africa Nkrumah fought for was not the Africa that exists today.

He urged young people to take up leadership now rather than wait until they were older.

Joseph Sekabira makes his speech. Nkrumah Day and Public Lecture organised by Nkrumah Hall under the theme “Leadership, Self-Reliance and Transformation: Reimagining Nkrumah's Vision for the 21st Century African Youth,” 8th October 2026, Yusuf Lule Central Teaching Facility Auditorium, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa. — Joseph Sekabira makes his speech.

Mark Kwikiriza, a final-year Bachelor of Arts in Music student and resident of Nkrumah Hall, said Nkrumah’s legacy remained relevant because the problems he faced in Ghana were similar to those society faces today.

He recommended that society could rejuvenate the spirit of “Osagyefo,” the title meaning “redeemer” by which Nkrumah was known.

Honouring 13 Years of Service

Mr. John Kamya. Nkrumah Day and Public Lecture organised by Nkrumah Hall under the theme “Leadership, Self-Reliance and Transformation: Reimagining Nkrumah's Vision for the 21st Century African Youth,” 8th October 2026, Yusuf Lule Central Teaching Facility Auditorium, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa. — ***Mr. John Kamya.***

The event also recognised Mr. John Kamya for his 13 years of outstanding service as Warden of Nkrumah Hall, a position he held from 2007 to 2020.

He received an appreciation award presented by the Chief Guest’s representative in the presence of the Hall Chairperson and other dignitaries.

Mr. John Kamya (L) receives his appreciation award from Dr. Charles Kahigiriza (R) and Joseph Sekabira (C). Nkrumah Day and Public Lecture organised by Nkrumah Hall under the theme “Leadership, Self-Reliance and Transformation: Reimagining Nkrumah's Vision for the 21st Century African Youth,” 8th October 2026, Yusuf Lule Central Teaching Facility Auditorium, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa. — ***Mr. John Kamya (L) receives his appreciation award from Dr. Charles Kahigiriza (R) and Joseph Sekabira (C).***

In his acceptance remarks, Mr. Kamya noted that the 2018 visit to the Hall by Kwame Nkrumah’s daughter, Ms. Samia Yaba Nkrumah, was one of the fondest memories of his time in office. He thanked Makerere for the opportunity to serve the University community and its stakeholders.

Mr. John Kamya with Ms. Samia Yaba Nkrumah at the Kwame Nkrumah Statue outside Nkrumah Hall during her visit in 2018. Nkrumah Day and Public Lecture organised by Nkrumah Hall under the theme “Leadership, Self-Reliance and Transformation: Reimagining Nkrumah's Vision for the 21st Century African Youth,” 8th October 2026, Yusuf Lule Central Teaching Facility Auditorium, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa. — ***Mr. John Kamya with Ms. Samia Yaba Nkrumah at the Kwame Nkrumah Statue outside Nkrumah Hall during her visit in 2018.***

At the peak, the event concluded with tree planting and cake-cutting activity in front of Nkrumah Hall. The audience was left contemplating one message of Kwame Nkrumah’s vision of a united, self-reliant Africa, freed first in the mind, that remains unfinished and in the words of some speakers, has been handed to the current generation as a task to accomplish.

Dignitaries cut cake in the Nkrumah Hall parking lot as part of the celebrations. Nkrumah Day and Public Lecture organised by Nkrumah Hall under the theme “Leadership, Self-Reliance and Transformation: Reimagining Nkrumah's Vision for the 21st Century African Youth,” 8th October 2026, Yusuf Lule Central Teaching Facility Auditorium, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa. — ***Dignitaries cut cake in the Nkrumah Hall parking lot as part of the celebrations.***

General

Makerere Hosts EU Uganda Research and Study Fair

Published

4 days ago

October 8, 2026

Allan Ainematsiko

Hon. Dr. J.C. Muyingo, Prof. Sarah Ssali and H.E. Jan Sadek (Centre) with Heads of Missions and other representatives at the Fair on 8th October 2026. European Union-Uganda Research and Study Fair, 8th October 2026, Freedom Square, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

Today 8^th October 2026, Makerere University has hosted the EU Uganda Research and Study Fair 2026, bringing together government officials, European Union representatives, researchers, academics, students, and young professionals to explore opportunities in education, research, innovation, and international collaboration.

The fair also marked 50 years of partnership between Uganda and the European Union, providing a platform for participants to learn about scholarships, research funding, exchange programmes, fellowships and opportunities for collaboration with European institutions.

Officially opening the fair, Acting Minister of Education and Sports Hon. Dr. John Chrysostom Muyingo commended the European Union, its member states, Makerere University and other partners for organising the event, describing international cooperation as important to Uganda’s education and research agenda.

***Dr John Chrysostom Muyingo speaks at the Uganda EU Research and Study Fair at Makerere University.***

The Minister said Uganda’s young population presents a significant opportunity for national development if supported with the right investments in education, skills, creativity, research, innovation and entrepreneurship.

He encouraged universities and research institutions to strengthen links between education, research, innovation and the world of work, noting that research should not only generate academic knowledge but also contribute to policies, technologies and practical solutions to national challenges.

Dr. Muyingo also encouraged students and young professionals to engage with the European Union, its member states and alumni to understand the opportunities available and prepare themselves for future applications.

Makerere highlights value of partnership

The Acting (Ag.) Vice Chancellor and Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic Affairs), Makerere University, Prof. Sarah Ssali said the fair provided an important platform for bringing education, research, innovation and international cooperation together.

She noted that the event was particularly significant as Uganda and the European Union celebrate five decades of partnership, with Makerere’s relationships with some European institutions extending even beyond 50 years.

Prof. Sarah Ssali (left), EU Ambassador to Uganda Jan Sadek (centre), and Acting Minister of Education and Sports Dr John Chrysostom Muyingo tour exhibition stands during the EU Uganda Research and Study Fair at Makerere University. European Union-Uganda Research and Study Fair, 8th October 2026, Freedom Square, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa. — Prof. Sarah Ssali (left), EU Ambassador to Uganda Jan Sadek (centre), and Acting Minister of Education and Sports Dr John Chrysostom Muyingo tour exhibition stands during the EU Uganda Research and Study Fair at Makerere University.

Prof. Ssali said the partnerships have supported education, research, skills development, innovation, institutional strengthening and human capital development, creating opportunities for Ugandans to acquire knowledge and skills, conduct research and establish international networks.

She called for the next chapter of the partnership to place knowledge, research, innovation, technology and young people at the centre.

“Research needs to move beyond publication of research, to influence policy, improve practice, create products and services, strengthen communities and contribute to the economic development of our country,” she said.

***The Ag. Vice Chancellor and Deputy Vice Chancellor Academic Affairs Academic Prof. Sarah Ssali***

Prof. Ssali also encouraged participants to explore opportunities for scholarships, research, exchange programmes, doctoral studies, joint research and fellowships available through European partnerships.

She said the ultimate value of international education and research partnerships lies in how knowledge, skills, networks and technologies acquired through such opportunities contribute to Uganda’s development.

Human Response programme strengthens partnerships

The fair also showcased Makerere’s partnerships through programmes such as the Humanitarian Response, Health and Displacement Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Programme (Human Response).

Dr. Justus Twesigye, the Dean, School of Social Sciences, Makerere University and Co-Principal Investigator of Human Response, explained that the programme has created partnerships between Makerere and universities in Europe and Africa.

These include the University Institute of Lisbon in Portugal, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, University of Athens in Greece, University of Cape Verde and University of Rovuma in Mozambique, alongside associate partners including the Uganda Red Cross Society, Allied Uganda, Refugee Led Organisation Network and the Ministry of Water and Environment.

Twesigye said the partnerships have introduced new approaches to teaching and learning by involving practitioners directly in training and giving students opportunities for concurrent field practice.

He noted that organisations such as the Uganda Red Cross Society have participated in delivering classes, while students also gain practical experience in the field before returning to class for reflective learning.

***Part of the audience at the Uganda-EU Research and Study Fair at Freedom Square, Makerere University***

The programme is also promoting joint research between academics and practitioners, moving away from approaches where researchers and practitioners work separately.

CEES project supports competence based education

The College of Education and External Studies (CEES) also presented an EU supported project aimed at helping higher education institutions and regulators transition to competence based education.

*Prof. William Tayebwa briefs Acting Minister of Education and Sports Dr John Chrysostom Muyingo as EU Ambassador to Uganda Jan Sadek and Prof. Robert Wamala look on during a tour of exhibition stands.*

Assoc. Prof. Josephine Esaete, Senior Lecturer in the Department of Science, Technology and Vocational Education, said the project brings together nine partners from Uganda, West Africa and Europe.

She explained that the project seeks to strengthen the capacity of universities and higher education regulators in designing competence based curricula, teaching, assessment, monitoring and evaluation.

Makerere University is coordinating the four year project, with Mountains of the Moon University among the Ugandan partners.

Assoc. Prof. Esaete said the project is timely as universities work towards transitioning their programmes and curricula to competence-based education.

The project also seeks to strengthen collaboration between higher education institutions and industry so that students can acquire skills relevant to the world of work.

Fair creates opportunities for students and researchers

The exhibition brought together different EU supported research projects, academic programmes and institutional partnerships, allowing students, researchers and other participants to interact directly with project teams and representatives of European institutions.

The fair also provided opportunities for participants to learn from Makerere alumni who have benefited from international study and research opportunities.

***Stella Kakeeto interacts with students during the EU Uganda Research and Study Fair***

Prof. Ssali urged participants to use the opportunity to “engage, explore, connect, and discover” new possibilities while encouraging young people to dream boldly, seek knowledge, build networks and use what they learn to contribute to Uganda’s transformation.

Take ownership of your future

Officially closing the fair, the Director, Research Innovations and Partnerships (DRIP), Prof. Robert Wamala urged the students and young professionals who had participated in the fair to take ownership of their future because the Fair had shown that opportunities are real.

“Do not be afraid to ask questions, do not be afraid to apply, do not be discouraged by your first unsuccessful application, build your academic profile, build your research skills, build your networks, and remain curious”, Prof. Wamala encouraged.

Prof. Robert Wamala (3rd R) with other officials at the closing ceremony. European Union-Uganda Research and Study Fair, 8th October 2026, Freedom Square, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa. — ***Prof. Robert Wamala (3rd R) with other officials at the closing ceremony.***

On behalf of Makerere University, he sincerely appreciated Team Europe, the European Union and its Member States in Uganda, for organising this important Fair and the Ag. Minister, Hon. Dr. J.C. Muyingo for presiding over the event and reiterating the Ministry’s commitment to strengthening education, research and international cooperation.

“At Makerere University, the Directorate of Research, Innovations and Partnerships remains ready to work with our European partners, the Ministry, researchers, students and other stakeholders to help translate the opportunities identified today into meaningful collaborations and outcomes” Prof. Wamala reassured.

The fair reaffirmed Makerere University‘s commitment to strengthening international partnerships that support research, innovation, human capital development and national transformation.

General

Action Taken on Allegations Against Dr. Faisal Buyinza

Published

4 days ago

October 8, 2026

Mak Editor

An older photo of the Main Building, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda as seen from across the Freedom Square. Date taken: 22nd October 2012. Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

Further to the University’s statement of 1^st October 2026, I write to inform the University community of the specific action Management has taken on the allegations against Dr. Faisal Buyinza, Associate Professor and Head, Department of Economic Theory and Analysis, College of Business and Management Sciences.

Management notes with deep concern the serious allegations made against a senior member of our academic staff, and the strong feelings this matter has raised among our students, staff, alumni and the wider public. We share that concern. We also recognise the courage it takes for anyone to speak about experiences of harassment or violence, and we assure everyone who has come forward, or who may yet do so, that they will be heard.

Makerere University does not tolerate sexual harassment, abuse of authority or gender-based violence in any form. Some of the matters now raised were the subject of police investigations and criminal proceedings between 2011 and 2014. Irrespective of those proceedings, the University has its own duty, under its Policy and Regulations against Sexual Harassment, its Safeguarding Policy and its Human Resources Manual, to establish the facts in this matter and to act on them.

Management has therefore taken the following steps:

1. Investigation Committee

I have appointed a Committee to investigate the allegations. The Committee is constituted as follows:

Eng. Assoc. Prof. Dorothy K. Okello, Dean, School of Engineering, CEDAT – Chairperson
Prof. Engineer Bainomugisha, Principal, College of Computing and Information Sciences – Member
Dr. Christine Mbabazi Mpyangu, Department of Religion and Peace Studies, CHUSS – Member
Ms. Sumaiyah Nanyondo Sebuta, Legal Advisor – Member
Dr. Joelia Nasaka, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Resources, CoVAB – Member
Mr. Deus T. Mujuni, Chief Human Resource Officer – Secretary

The Committee will hear every complainant and witness, and will give Dr. Buyinza the full opportunity to respond to each allegation, in accordance with the principles of natural justice. It is required to submit its report to the Vice Chancellor not later than Friday, 6^th November 2026.

2. Stepping Aside from Leadership

With immediate effect and for the duration of the investigation, Dr. Buyinza has been directed to step aside from the headship of the Department of Economic Theory and Analysis and from any other leadership or administrative position he holds in the University. The Dean, School of Economics, will oversee the Department in the interim. Dr. Buyinza has also been directed not to contact, influence or interfere with any complainant or witness.

These are administrative measures to protect the integrity of the investigation and those who take part in it. They are not a disciplinary sanction and are not a finding of guilt. The University will not pre-judge the outcome. Should the Committee find that there is a case to answer, the matter will proceed to the Appointments Board, where Dr. Buyinza will be accorded a fair hearing in accordance with University procedures. The University will inform the community of the outcome of this process.

3. Submissions and Protection from Retaliation

Management encourages all complainants, and anyone with information relevant to this matter, to come forward and make submissions to the Committee.The Secretary to the Committee will shortly communicate the email address and telephone numbers through which submissions may be made. All information will be handled in strict confidence, and the Committee has been directed to protect the confidentiality, safety and dignity of everyone who comes forward.

The University guarantees that anyone who takes part in, or provides information to, this process will be protected from intimidation, victimisation or retaliation. I also appeal to all members of the University community to engage on this matter responsibly, including on social media, and to avoid comments that could expose complainants, intimidate witnesses or prejudice a fair process.

The safety and dignity of every member of our community is not negotiable. I thank you for your support and cooperation as we see this process through fairly, thoroughly and without delay.

Professor Sarah N. Ssali
Ag. VICE CHANCELLOR

Access the official circular below:

Circular to ALL Staff and Students – UPDATE ON MANAGEMENT ACTION TAKEN ON ALLEGATIONS AGAINST ASSOC. PROF. FAISAL BUYINZA-1 Download