General
Mak and Bunyoro-Kitara MoU signed amidst Royalty
It 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, 
the 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.
“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 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.
Prof. 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 University on 23rd January 2026 hosted the National Council for Higher Education (NCHE) validation meeting of the draft minimum standards for implementing Competence-Based Education (CBE) in Higher Education Institutions. The meeting held in the Yusuf Lule Central Teaching Facility Auditorium brought together Vice Chancellors, Rectors, Principals and Academic Registrars from Higher Education Institutions in Uganda.
Hosted by the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe represented by the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic Affairs), Prof. Sarah Ssali, the meeting followed institutional input into the draft minimum standards and was aimed at validating them prior to their formal adoption by the NCHE Council at their next meeting in February 2026. The minimum standards cover nine areas namely; 1) Curriculum Design, 2) Teaching and Learning Approaches, 3) Assessment, 4) Faculty Training and Support, 5) Student Support Services, 6) Quality Assurance Systems, 7) Industry and Community Linkages, 8) Monitoring and Evaluation, and 9) Gender and Equity Mainstreaming.
Following feedback into presentations by the various leaders present, a motion to adopt the draft minimum standards, with institutional input incorporated, was moved by Bugema University, seconded by UMCAT School of Journalism and Mass Communication, and unanimously supported by institutions present.
At the conclusion of the meeting, Prof. Sarah Ssali appreciated NCHE for choosing Makerere to host the landmark event, reiterating that the University greatly respects each and every Higher Education Institution and regards them as partners and collaborators in the quest to improve Uganda’s Higher Education sector.
The Executive Director NCHE, Prof. Mary Okwakol reassured leaders present that all the pertinent issues raised for input into the draft minimum standards would be incorporated, and urged those with pressing issues to submit them before month’s end. She reiterated NCHE’s readiness to continue lobbying Government for the resources required by Higher Education Institutions, particularly Public Universities, to implement Competence-Based Education (CBE).
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