General
CAES takes lead in NORHED Projects Launch
The College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, CAES, took lead in launching its NORHED project at Makerere University in a highly interactive ceremony at the School of Food Technology, Nutrition and Bio-Engineering on Wednesday 15th January 2014.
The event was attended by representatives from the collaborating universities including the University of Juba, University of Addis Ababa and the Norwegian University of Life Sciences. The project entitled, ‘Regional Capacity Building for Sustainable Natural Resource Management and Agricultural Productivity under Climate Change,’ competitively won a NORAD grant of approximately 8 billion shillings to implement an array of capacity development activities for period of five years.
The project was launched by the Minister of State for Higher Education, Hon. Dr. John C. Muyingo, who was represented by the Vice Chancellor of Makerere University, Prof. John Ddumba-Ssentamu. The Vice Chancellor was grateful for the support from the Norwegian Government, which he said will be put to proper use.
“Makerere based on her technical capacity and competencies will train academic staff at master’s level from partner institutions particularly for the University of Juba staff in desired fields. It will also lead in the training of academic staff at PhD level who will largely be registered at Makerere University but co-supervised through a modified sandwich model with Norwegian University of Life Sciences. Makerere will also coordinate sites for joint research for all the four partner institutions. We therefore look forward to conducting joint research with Masters, PhD and post-doctoral students from the four partnering institutions in the areas of climate change adaptation and mitigation; sustainable natural resource use and management; agricultural productivity and food security,” he emphasized.
The representative of the Vice Chancellor of Juba, Mr. Bojoi Moses Tomor pointed out that there is need to improve the completion rates of Masters students at Makerere University to lessen the current clogging, while the President of the Addis Ababa pledged to support the project to ensure that maximum benefits are realized. Also in attendance were the Ambassadors of Norway and Ethiopia as well as a representative of the Embassy of South Sudan. The Norwegian Ambassador to Uganda, H.E. Thorbjørn Gaustadsæther emphasized that, “The overarching goal of the NORHED program is sustainable economic, social and environmental development in low and middle income countries.” He urged the NORHED funded projects to undertake research and innovations that that impact the communitie.
The Project Principal Investigator at CAES, Prof. Samuel Kyamanywa (Pictured Right), revealed that the funds had already been secured. “NORHED has sent us the first disbursement of funds and we are ready to start carrying out the project activities. Makerere University will lead other institutions on aspects of natural resource management, agriculture and climate change to deliver a range of outputs crucial to the development of Uganda, Ethiopia and South Sudan.”
The Principal of CAES, Prof. Bernard Bashaasha represented by the Deputy Principal, Dr. Goretti Nabanoga, emphasized that CAES will ensure that the project runs efficiently to deliver expected outcomes.
The inception meeting also had an interactive session, during which participants discussed key issues that might affect the smooth running of the programme including; lengthy procurement procedures, low completion rates of students, differences in exchange rates, choice of research sites in light of the insecurity in Southern Sudan, difficulty in recruitment of students, and imbalances in per diem. In the discussions that followed, Dr. Yazidhi Bamutaze of CAES proposed that the partner universities will continue sharing best practices and devising workable solutions without compromising the NORHED offer.
The Norwegain Government has historically supported projects at Makerere University through various programs over the years including NORAD, NOMA, NUFU and now NORHED. In 2013, Makerere University scoped 12 of the 46 available funded projects on the continent – the largest number won by any University that competed in the call. Of the 12, Makerere University will provide leadership to nine projects. Prof. Hannington Oryem Origa of NIDIC (Right) explained that the project will also focus on improved linkages amongst partners on a non-discriminatory basis. The Principal Investigators of other NORHED funded projects at Makerere shared highlights of planned outcomes and outputs in their projects including:
- Strengthening Media in Post-Conflict Societies through Education and Research: Bridging Gaps, Building Futures in Uganda, South Sudan, Nepal and Norway. Principal Investigator – Dr. William Tayeebwa.
- Improving Weather Information Management in East Africa for effective service provision through the application of suitable ICTs. Principal Investigator – Dr. Julianne Sansa Otim.
- Building capacity for REDD+ in East Africa for improved ecosystem health and for sustainable livelihoods in Eastern Africa (UGA-13/0019). Principal Investigator – Prof. John R.S Tabuti.
- Building and Reflecting on Interdisciplinary PhD Studies for Higher Education Transformation – Makerere Institute of Social Research (MISR). Principal Investigator – Prof. Mamdam represented by Adam Branch
- Leapfrogging 1st Generation Distance Education into 4th and 5th Generation Distance Education: A Strategy for Enhancing ICT Pedagogical Integration and Increasing Access to Education in Africa. Principal Investigator – Dr. Paul Muyinda Birevu.
- Borderland Dynamics in East Africa : A network program for capacity building within Departments of Social Anthropology in East African Universities. Principal Investigator –Dr. Eria Olowo
- Capacity building in Zoonotic diseases Management using Integrated Ecosystems health and gender-focused approach (CAPAZOMANITECO) at the human-livestock –wildlife interface in the Eastern and Southern Africa. Principal Investigator –Dr. Kanche
By Marion Alina, Public Relations Office
By Moses Lutaaya
Makerere University has challenged its newly admitted PhD students to go beyond pursuing academic qualifications and become independent scholars capable of generating knowledge, solving societal problems and contributing to Africa’s transformation.
The call was made by the Deputy Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, Prof. Sarah Ssali, during the orientation of the 2026/2027 PhD cohort at Makerere University’s Main Hall in the Main Building on 10th August 2026.
Prof. Ssali told the new scholars that a PhD marks a fundamental shift from previous levels of education, requiring students to take greater responsibility for their academic progress rather than depending entirely on lecturers and supervisors.
“You will have to push yourself and also push your supervisor to move with you,” Prof. Ssali said, urging the students to take ownership of their doctoral journey.
She acknowledged that many PhD students have to balance their studies with employment, family responsibilities and community leadership, making doctoral training demanding. However, she urged them to remain focused on completing their programmes within the prescribed three, four or five years.
Prof. Ssali said Makerere expects its doctoral training to produce scholars who can create knowledge, challenge existing ideas and develop solutions to societal problems.
She encouraged the students to embrace ambiguity and become comfortable questioning what they already know, noting that doctoral education requires scholars to identify important questions, investigate them and generate answers that advance knowledge.
The Deputy Vice Chancellor also urged the students to develop interdisciplinary collaborations and scholarly networks rather than confining their research to their individual disciplines.
She said the success of doctoral education should not be measured merely by the number of dissertations completed or papers published, but by the extent to which research contributes to society.
With Africa facing complex challenges, including climate change, disease, population growth and development pressures, Prof. Ssali said PhD scholars have a responsibility to generate evidence that can influence policy, strengthen institutions and advance innovation.
She challenged each scholar to continually ask what problem their research addresses, what solution it advances and whether that solution can create sustainable value.
The Director of Graduate Training, Prof. Julius Kikooma, said the new cohort was joining Makerere at a time when the University is implementing reforms aimed at strengthening graduate education and improving completion rates.
Prof. Kikooma revealed that Makerere received close to 12,000 applications across its master’s, postgraduate and PhD programmes but admitted about 6,000 students.
He said graduate education has been placed at the centre of the University’s efforts to strengthen research capacity and prepare scholars to contribute to knowledge production and innovation.
Under the reforms, PhD students will undertake compulsory cross-cutting courses designed to provide foundational knowledge and skills for doctoral research. They will also be required to undertake teaching in either their second or third year under the guidance of their supervisors.
In addition to completing their theses, students will be required to produce at least two publications before graduation, a requirement intended to prepare them to become the next generation of researchers, innovators, inventors and creators.
Makerere has also introduced a digital system to monitor the progress of every PhD student each semester. The system is intended to enable students, supervisors and university officials to identify challenges early and intervene in real time.
Prof. Kikooma urged the scholars to write regularly, think critically, maintain open and constructive relationships with their supervisors and protect their academic integrity and professional reputation.
He also encouraged them to build scholarly networks and remain resilient, noting that rejected papers, disappointing data and unexpected challenges are normal aspects of doctoral training.
The Director of Research, Innovations and Partnerships, Prof. Robert Wamala, challenged the scholars to ensure that the knowledge they produce is trustworthy, responsible and ethically sound.
Prof. Wamala emphasized the importance of respecting the dignity, rights, safety and autonomy of research participants, particularly where studies involve individuals, communities and personal information.
He highlighted informed consent, privacy, confidentiality, justice and accountability as critical principles of ethical research and urged students to maintain transparency throughout the research process, from developing research questions and collecting data to analyzing and reporting findings.
Prof. Wamala also cautioned the students on the responsible use of artificial intelligence in research.
He said although AI can assist researchers with activities such as language improvement, it does not remove the researcher’s responsibility for the final product.
Researchers, he said, must verify AI-generated information and remain accountable for inaccurate statements, misleading interpretations and incorrect references.
He further urged students involved in international and other research collaborations to establish clear agreements on roles, authorship, data ownership, access and intellectual property before commencing their research.
The Deputy University Librarian, Dr. Kizito Ongaya, meanwhile, urged the new scholars to make full use of Makerere’s library and information resources throughout their doctoral journey.
Dr. Ongaya said the University operates a hybrid library system combining physical and electronic resources, with more than 200,000 books, 45 e-journal databases and over 16,000 archival materials available to researchers.
He encouraged the students to participate in library training to learn how to access and effectively use electronic resources and to explore specialized libraries and information centers across the University’s colleges.
These include resources covering natural sciences, agriculture, veterinary medicine, health sciences, education and humanities, as well as museums, botanical gardens, specialized collections and other research facilities.
The newly admitted doctoral students were also addressed by Mr. Henry Nsubuga, the Manager Makerere University Counselling and Guidance Centre, Mr. George Mugabi Turyamureeba, the Deputy University Bursar and members of Makerere University Convocation.
Makerere University has once again cemented its place as a regional leader in academic excellence after successfully hosting the East African Universities Debate Championships (EAUDC) 2026, welcoming the continent’s brightest young minds for a week of intellectual competition, cultural exchange, and leadership development.
Held from 26th July to 1st August 2026, the championship brought together more than 200 student debaters, adjudicators and delegates from 25 universities across Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, South Sudan and other invited institutions, transforming the Ivory Tower into East Africa’s premier arena for ideas, innovation and public discourse.
The week-long tournament featured rigorous British Parliamentary debate rounds, public speaking competitions, adjudication workshops and networking sessions designed to sharpen critical thinking, leadership and persuasive communication. Participants debated contemporary issues ranging from governance and economic transformation to technology, public health, climate change and Africa’s future.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, the Deputy Vice Chancellor welcomed delegates to Makerere University, emphasizing the institution’s enduring commitment to nurturing graduates who are not only academically accomplished but also capable of leading meaningful conversations that shape society. The championship reflected Makerere’s vision of producing graduates who are innovative, analytical and prepared to address regional and global challenges.
Beyond competition, EAUDC 2026 became a celebration of East African unity. Delegates experienced Uganda’s rich cultural heritage through social events, campus tours and cultural showcases that fostered friendships beyond national borders. The interactions reinforced the championship’s belief that dialogue remains one of the strongest foundations for regional integration and peaceful cooperation.
The tournament concluded with an electrifying Grand Finale witnessed by students, alumni, university leaders, invited guests and debate enthusiasts. The Chairperson of the Parliamentary Committee on Education and Sports Hon. Eng. Cuthbert Abigaba represented the Speaker of Parliament as the Guest of Honour. In his remarks he congratulated Makerere University on the successful event and encouraged debate among students.
Prof Sarah Ssali the Deputy Vice Chancellor in charge of Academic Affairs at Makerere University pledged continuous support from the administration towards Makerere Debate Union. Teams demonstrated exceptional research, analytical reasoning and eloquence before a distinguished panel of international adjudicators, bringing to a close one of the most competitive editions of the championship.
The successful hosting of EAUDC 2026 marks another milestone in Makerere University‘s growing reputation as a centre of excellence for debating and public speaking. The event builds on the university’s long-standing tradition of producing outstanding debaters while providing students with opportunities to engage with peers from across the region in meaningful intellectual exchange.
As the championship drew to a close, participants departed Kampala with new friendships, stronger networks and renewed inspiration to continue using debate as a tool for leadership, democratic participation and social transformation.
With the East African chapter successfully concluded, attention now turns to the Pan-African Universities Debating Championship (PAUDC) 2026, where Makerere University will once again represent East Africa on the continental stage.
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