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Mak-SIU Somalia sign English Teaching Agreement
Makerere University’s School of Language, Literature and Communication, College of Humanities and Social Sciences (CHUSS) has signed an implementation agreement with the Somali International University (SIU) aimed at improving SIU students’ proficiency in the English language. The implementation agreement was a follow-up of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between the two institutions in March 2014 to establish partnerships in different academic collaborations including English teaching.
The 5th to 7th April 2014 visit to SIU was initiated by the President of the University, Prof.Yahye Ali Ibrahim during his visit to Makerere University in March 2014. The Makerere team was led by the Dean, School of 
Languages, Literature and Communication (SLLC), Assoc. Prof. Aaron Mushengyezi and comprised of the International Relations Officer, Ms. Martha Muwanguzi; the Senior Legal Officer and Head of the Legal Unit, Mr. Goddy Muhumuza; the Head, Department of Linguistics, English Language Studies and Communication Skills, Dr. Celestino Oriikiriza; and the representative from the Department of Political Science and Public Administration, Dr. Simba Kayunga.
SIU was established in 2012 by Somalis in the Diaspora, who mobilised funds to set it up after the Somali civil war. As such, SIU is a community university managed by a Trust. Alongside the University, the Somalis in the Diaspora have built a community hospital which also serves as the SIU teaching hospital as well as a host of other establishments. In his request for SIU to enter into a partnership with Makerere University, Prof.Yahye had indicated that the majority of students at SIU lack proficiency in the English language, and as such have challenges 
of expression. “This problem is rooted in the education system in Somalia, whereby in the past the mediums of instruction in school were Somali and Arabic. Students did not have sufficient exposure to English,” added Prof. Yahye
On day two of the visit, Sunday 6th April 2014, the team was invited to the launch of the Centre for English and Communication Skills at SIU. The high profile ceremony was attended by the Minister of Heritage and Education as well as other Ministers from the Somali Government and Members of the Somali. The ceremony which concluded with the signing of the Implementation Agreement between the School of Languages, Literature and Communication, Makerere University, and the SIU was covered both on the national and international media.
A meeting aimed at discussing the English curriculum currently used at SIU was later held with the Institution’s Teachers of English. From the meeting, it was noted that Makerere University is anticipated to carry out capacity building in terms of staff training, and English curriculum review and development. The meeting also deliberated on the modalities of starting a course in criminology and security studies, which will be implemented by the School of Social Sciences, Makerere University.
At the conclusion of the visit, SIU President, Prof.Yahye Ali Ibrahim, recommended that a specific agreement for modalities of teaching English should be written and signed by both SLLC and SIU, and that the English language classes under this agreement should begin by June 2014.
Prof. Edward Bbaale, Acting Deputy Vice Chancellor for Finance and Administration at Makerere University, on November 10 2026 welcomed a delegation from the International Water Association (IWA), led by Mr. Keith Robertson, the Learning and Events Director at International Water Association (IWA). Mr. Robertson, in his remarks, highlighted their visit to Makerere University as a fact-finding mission regarding the potential establishment of a new regional IWA office in Africa to support the continent in solving challenges relating to water.
The International Water Association is a leading global nonprofit organisation and knowledge hub for the water and sanitation sector. Connecting more than 10,000 individual members and 500 corporate entities across 140 plus countries, the association bridges the gap between scientific research and practical engineering to solve global water crises, improve sanitation, and secure clean water systems. Currently, IWA is evaluating potential host cities in Africa; Makerere University in Kampala is the first they have visited out of their three countries and venues earmarked.
This meeting held at Makerere Main Administrative Building, was attended by university leadership, faculty from College of Engineering, Design, Art and Technology (CEDAT), and representatives from the National Water and Sewerage Corporation (NWSC). Discussions explored possibilities of the yet to be established office bridging the gap between academic research and practical application in the water sector not only in Uganda but also on the continent.
On behalf of University Management, Prof. Edward Bbaale underscored this engagement that focused on possible Water and Sanitation advancement partnership as one that aligns well with the strategic direction of the University.
Projected Impact of a Kampala-Based IWA Office
Dr Philip Nyenje, Head of Department, Civil and Environmental Engineering (DCEE), expressed optimism about the collaboration, saying, “this is a very good opportunity for us to grow our interest in the sector of water and sanitation.”
In addition, Dr Seith Mugume, a Senior Lecturer at DCEE, noted that the regional office would unlock research and innovation opportunities in the real world for our students and also provide incentives for them to pursue projects within local research and innovation angles.
Eng. Zainab Mpakiraba, Acting Senior Manager at NWSC framed Kampala as a very unique venue for the centre and highlighted Makerere as one of the core academic partners for the regional Eastern and Southern Africa hub of the Global Sanitation Graduate School. Eng. Mpakiraba further endorsed Makerere, saying that, as a top-notch university in Uganda and in the region, when it leads on any aspect, it is able to pull most of the other universities.
Makerere’s Strategic Initiatives and Activities so far in the Area of Water
Dr Nyenje noted that his Department has a very strong base in water and sanitation, covering disciplines like water resources, environmental, structural, and highway engineering. Dr. Mugume added that they are conducting research on “modeling of water resource systems, hydrological and hydraulic modeling,” “water quality management,” and “fecal sludge management, sanitation in low-income and peri-urban areas.”
The two also mentioned that the department has introduced a “master’s in sanitation, and also a postgraduate program… a diploma in sanitation” to address growing interest in the sector.
All these strategies have been made possible through good will and funding from the Government of Uganda, strategic partnerships, and International Collaborations that have positioned Makerere as a key player in the region.
Concluding the session, Prof. Edward Bbaale reaffirmed Makerere’s ability to run this Office when established as the University has human resources in multidisciplinary research, global credibility and working relationships with many organisations and institutions on the continent and far.
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