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Mak and Bunyoro-Kitara MoU signed amidst Royalty

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The Omukama of Bunyoro-Kitara, His Majesty Solomon Gafabusa Iguru The 1st amidst a mammoth crowd that welcomed him and the Queen of Bunyoro at Main Hall, Makerere UnversityIt was a moment of joy and pomp as the Royal Entourage of Bunyoro-Kitara Kingdom entered the Main Hall at Makerere University, to sign a Memorandum of Understanding. The loyal subjects to Omukama (King) of Bunyoro-Kitara, His Majesty Rukirabasaija Agutamba Solomon Gafabusa Iguru 1, prostrated before him as he made his way in traditional wear, side by side with his Queen, and the Makerere University Vice Chancellor, Prof. John Ddumba-Ssentamu, who was also clad in traditional wear.

Amidst jubilation and dancing the royal graceful dance to the tunes of Amakondere played by the Department of Performing Arts and Film, the Omukama proceeded to sign the MoU on behalf of Bunyoro Transformation Initiative (BTI), where he is the Patron. This was at an event in the University Main hall on 15th May 2014. The King was continuously hailed by his loyal subjects in the befitting Runyoro phrase ‘Hangiriza Agutamba! Hangiriza Mwebingwa!’

BTI is an umbrella organization of religious and development oriented organizations in Bunyoro-Kitara whose aim is to spearhead socio-economic transformation in Bunyoro-Kitara. It comprises Bunyoro-Kitara Kingdom, Church of Uganda, L-R The Vice Chancellor Prof. J Ddumba-Ssentamu, The Omukama of Bunyoro-Kitara, His Majesty Solomon Gafabusa Iguru The 1st and the Queen of Bunyoro-Kitara make their entry into the Main Hall, Makerere University, 15th May 2014the Roman Catholic Church and the National Fellowship of born-again Pentecostal Churches of Uganda.

The Memorandum of Understanding is geared towards social transformation of Bunyoro-Kitara Kingdom. BTI will partner with Makerere University to enhance each others’ areas of interests and development in order to stimulate growth of each party and contribute to societal transformation and national development. Makerere University shall execute this partnership through the Africa Institute for Strategic Animal Resource Services and Development (AFRISA), – an Academic-Community-Private-Public Partnership (ACPPP) engagement platform at the College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Biosecurity (CoVAB).

The event was graced by a number of dignitaries including the First Deputy Prime Minister of Uganda Hon. Henry Kajura, Members of Parliament, the Clergy, Members of Staff and Students of Makerere University. A powerful prayer said by Rt. Rev. Nathan Kyamanywa of Bunyoro Diocese, called upon the Almighty God to see the successful implementation of the collaboration.

Officials from BTI and Makerere University witness the signing of the MoU by the Vice Chancellor, Prof J. Ddumba-Ssentamu and The Omukama of Bunyoro-Kitara, His Majesty Solomon Gafabusa Iguru The 1st “Bunyoro is richly endowed with natural resources but people are very poor due to ignorance. People do not have skills to use the rich natural resources God gave us. I have spent many years searching for a remedy to address this gap. This Institute is now an answer. I am confident this institute will train my people in skills to use their hands in agriculture, animal husbandry, mining, commerce and other activities that will bring about development,” said His Majesty, the Omukama of Bunyoro-Kitara.

In his remarks, the Vice Chancellor of Makerere University, Prof. John Ddumba-Ssentamu observed that, “We are optimistic that this partnership is going to be one of the most successful ventures Makerere University has entered with Communities in Uganda, more so because of the unique blessing of Your Majesty. We hope that this is just the beginning and that many more sub-regions in Uganda will come on board so that we can all work together to promote the socio-economic development of our country.”

In explaining the nature of the partnership, the University Legal Officer, Goddy Muhumuza said that both parties will be engaged in fundraising for the initiative and the intellectual rights will be equally shared. In addition, he explained that the laws of Uganda will be used in the implementation of the initiative.

The Principal of CoVAB, Prof. John David Kabasa, explained that the AFRISA model “works in an organised framework to transform the youth and other groups by giving them skills in production. We address the stigma that production is for people who are not intelligent.”The Omukama of Bunyoro-Kitara's royalty and subjects alike could not hide their joy

The Royal Entourage then proceeded to CoVAB where the Omukama of Bunyoro-Kitara planted a tree in memory of his visit to Makerere University. Flanked by the Vice Chancellor, the Omukama of Bunyoro-Kitara and the Omugo (Queen) then toured an exhibition of products from the innovative programs under the Skills for Production, Employment, Development and Academic Growth and Academic growth (SPEDA) project. These innovative programs started by CoVAB through AFRISA have taken the university to the communities through coordinated efforts of the public and private sectors, with Makerere taking lead as an institution of higher learning. It is through these programs that the transformation of Bunyoro-Kitara will be implemented.

“We gathered to pray, study the word of God, repent and seek the face of God as we committed Bunyoro-Kitara in the hands of God on the 23rd of May 2013 at St. Peter’s Cathedral. This is therefore a historic function because we have witnessed the signing of the MoU with Makerere, to transform our region economically,” the Bishop of Bunyoro Diocese Rt. Rev. Nathan Kyamanywa said.

The Omukama was grateful to CoVAB for spearheading the initiative that will take Makerere University to the communities in Bunyoro-Kitara. “It is good news for us that Bunyoro-Kitara has started working with Makerere University and there is therefore reason for us to believe that a University will be built in Bunyoro soon,” he emphasized.

The Omukama of Bunyoro-Kitara, His Majesty Solomon Gafabusa Iguru The 1st tours an exhibition setup by AFRISA, CoVAB, Makerere UniversityProf. John Ddumba-Ssentamu thanked all the stakeholders who have seen the successful initiation of the partnership, stressing that Makerere University is committed to supporting this partnership and similar ones in Uganda.

Both the Vice Chancellor and Prof. John David Kabasa presented gifts to the Omukama and his dear Queen, on behalf of the University and CoVAB, in appreciation of their visit to Makerere University.

By Marion Alina and Jovia Musubika

 

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Makerere-BTI affiliation set to transform Bunyoro-Kitara
 

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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.

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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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