General
Mak-CARTA Workshop Day Three concludes on a Digital Note
![[L-R]Prof. Akinyinka Omigbodun CARTA Board Chair, Prof Mukadasi Buyinza, Director Research and Graduate Training and Ms Mercy Machiya, CARTA Program Manager.](https://news.mak.ac.ug/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/field_image_ProfMBuyinza_0.jpg)
On Wednesday 23rd July 2014, over 100 participants from Institutions in Africa convened in the Conference Hall at the College of Engineering, Design, Art and Technology (CEDAT), Makerere University for the 5th Consortium for Advanced Research Training in Africa (CARTA) Workshop plenary session and closing ceremony.
The 5th CARTA Capacity Development Training workshop, which kicked off on Monday 21st July 2014 at Makerere University (Mak), was aimed at supporting research and postgraduate programmes in African Universities.
Professor Mukadasi Buyinza, Director of Research and Graduate Training (RGT) at Makerere University, thanked the participants for their valuable contributions during the training sessions held on Monday 21st July 2014 and Tuesday 22nd July 2014 respectively and further encouraged them to remain with the same level of energy during the presentations lineup for day three.
The highlights for day three of the training workshop focused on recruitment and enrolment of postgraduate students, and Educational Technology in Universities/institutions.
During the training session focusing on recruitment and enrolment of postgraduate students, participants were divided into groups and tasked to develop a recruitment plan for postgraduate students.
The guidelines for developing recruitment plans required participants to: consider the level of planning at Institutional, School and Individual levels; current context in which the university operates; develop a strategic aim, SMART goals and an action plan; and come up with a realistic budget.
Professor Buyinza chaired the group discussion during which the Makerere University team developed a plan for increasing the intake for postgraduate students. 
Presenting on behalf of the team, Mr. Tito Okumu from the College of Education and External Studies (CEES), highlighted the following:
- The strategic aim is to increase recruitment and retention of quality postgraduate students by 2018.
- The SMART goals are to: increase postgraduate population by 15% by 2018; increase International postgraduate student popuation by 10% by 2018; increase recruitment of female students in science based programmes by 5%.
- The recruitment plan for postgraduate students is institutional in scope.
- The current context is premised on the 10 year Makerere University Strategic Plan which stipulates the need for Makerere University to be a research-driven university.
- The Directorate of Research and Graduate Training (DRGT) is mandated to coordinate graduate training and research in the University in liaison with Departments, Schools and Committees, College Academic Boards and the University Senate.
- The Action plan focused on seeking approval from the institutional hierarchies; improving the learning and research facilities; communication to colleges; sensitization of key stakeholders on the need to increase postgraduate students; aggressive advertising, marketing and promotional campaigns, calling for applications, evaluation of applicants and admission; and continuous engagement sessions with the postgraduate students.
The aforementioned interactive group discussions set the pace for a captivating presentation on “Education Technology”, by Professor James R. Carey from University of California, USA.
Professor Carey who advised the University leadership, scholars and participants to embrace digital technology and the concept of hybrid and online instructions in academic institutions, equipped the participants from various African institutions with new knowledge on the management of online teaching and code named as ‘going digital in academia.’
Professor Carey added that the new idea “going digital in academia’ is related to education technology in the digital environment discovered to simplify education processes and ease the access of information.
Focusing on the global changes and the evolution of technology, Professor Carey stressed that technology is part and parcel of an individual’s life, and as such, could not be avoided.
“The world is developing and technology is evolving, it is high time Africans adopted academic digitalization for a proper and modern research. Apparently many institutions in the North have adopted the idea and are benefiting,” he said.
To attain this, the Professor Carey introduced new e-learning software known as camtasia to participants. This software encompasses the standard learning systems including Microsoft Word, Power point and Excel, a digital stream of recordings for audio and video plus a screen to enable a learning management system.
“You can manage a class room program, short courses, pedagogy curriculums and degree programs using digital education, and while using camtasia software, you are able to record a video, or audio for a lecture or even using the power point or a combination of all. This makes things easy because you can teach a class while you are far away from the institution. Through technological education, I have managed to teach classes in California while at the same time attending to the workshop here,” he remarked.
Giving his closing remarks,
Professor Buyinza, Director, RGT at Makerere University said: “The CARTA Capacity Development Training Workshop for University Faculty and Administrators has been a rewarding engagement. It has been focused and topical, and I therefore call upon all the participants to implement the knowledge they have acquired in their home institutions. I am looking forward to more collaborations and synergies among the partner institutions.”
The CARTA Board Chairperson, Prof. Akinyinka Omigbodun also emphasized the need for networking engagements among the participants to ensure the implementation of the knowledge obtained from the work shop.
On behalf of the participants, Dr. Justine Sikuku, Senior Lecturer, Moi University-Kenya, thanked the CARTA team, APHRC, Directorate of Research and Graduate Training, Makerere University for considering researchers and postgraduate students in African institutions for this educative workshop.
“We have really learnt a lot from this workshop. I hope that each one of us is going to implement the same skills gained from this workshop in our institutions. These memories of the warm welcome and hospitality Makerere University gave us since the first day of our arrival will always remain with us,” he remarked amidst applause.
Related Stories:
DRGT-CARTA Career Development Workshop for Africa Kicks Off
MAK-CARTA workshop day one examines research governance in Africa
CARTA's 5th Faculty and Administrators' Staff Workshop, Makerere University Kampala
Article by: Ritah Namisango and Prossy Nabatte, MAK Public Relations Office
General
Makerere University and World Bank Sign Partnership to Strengthen Environmental and Social Sustainability Capacity
On 5th March 2026, Makerere University signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the International Development Association (IDA), the financing arm of the World Bank Group, establishing a strategic partnership aimed at strengthening environmental and social sustainability systems in Uganda and the wider East African region.
The collaboration brings together Makerere University through the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES) and the College of Humanities and Social Sciences (CHUSS) and the World Bank to jointly advance training, research, and policy advisory in environmental and social sustainability.
The three-year agreement provides a framework for cooperation focused on building national capacity to manage environmental and social risks associated with large-scale development investments.
Advancing Sustainable Development through Knowledge Partnerships
The partnership will be anchored in the Environment and Social Sustainability Centre (ESSC) at Makerere University, a national hub established to promote applied research, policy engagement, and professional training in environmental and social governance.
Through the Centre, the two institutions will collaborate to strengthen Uganda’s ability to plan and implement development projects in ways that safeguard communities and the environment.
Speaking during the signing ceremony, Ms. Francisca Ayodeji (Ayo) Akala, the World Bank Country Manager emphasised that the collaboration reflects a shared commitment to strengthening systems that support sustainable growth.
“This partnership with Makerere University is an important step in strengthening Uganda’s systems for environmental and social sustainability. By working through the Environment and Social Sustainability Centre, we aim to build the capacity of professionals across government, the private sector, and development institutions to better manage environmental and social risks and deliver investments that promote sustainable growth while protecting people and the environment.” Ms. Francisca Ayodeji (Ayo) Akala, World Bank Country Manager, Uganda, noted.
The partnership will support training, research, and policy advisory activities through the ESSC, helping Uganda pursue a development trajectory that promotes economic growth while protecting people and the environment.
Building National Capacity for Environmental and Social Risk Management
Uganda’s development agenda under the Fourth National Development Plan prioritises large-scale investments in infrastructure, agro-industrialisation, energy, and science and technology. However, such investments require strong environmental and social risk management systems to ensure sustainable outcomes.
The new partnership, therefore, focuses on building a skilled workforce capable of applying international best practices in environmental and social governance.
Under the MoU, Makerere University will design and deliver demand-driven short-course training programs targeting public sector officials, development practitioners, financial institutions, civil society organisations, and private sector actors implementing major projects.
Seven certificate-level short courses have already been developed and approved across multiple colleges at the University. These courses cover areas such as environmental and social risk management, climate risk assessment, construction health and safety, and integrating environmental and social considerations into investment cycles.
“Makerere Universityis proud to partner with the World Bank in strengthening Uganda’s capacity to manage environmental and social risks in development investments. Through the Environment and Social Sustainability Centre, we have already developed and approved seven certificate-level short courses across multiple colleges, designed to equip professionals in government, the private sector, and development institutions with practical skills to plan and implement sustainable projects. This collaboration reflects Makerere’s commitment to providing knowledge-driven solutions that support Uganda’s development while safeguarding communities and the environment.” Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe noted.
Strengthening Collaboration between Academia and Development Partners
As part of the agreement, the World Bank will support the development and delivery of the training programs, including conducting Training of Trainers (ToT) on the Bank’s Environment and Social Standards and international best practices.
The Bank will also leverage its convening power to encourage participation from development partners, government institutions, and project implementers, while supporting impact monitoring of trained professionals to document improvements in project performance and job creation.
The collaboration will further promote professional networking, policy dialogue, knowledge exchange, and the development of knowledge hubs containing environmental and social tools, databases, and resources for practitioners.
Positioning Makerere as a Regional Knowledge Hub
Through this partnership, Makerere University seeks to position the Environment and Social Sustainability Centre as a leading knowledge hub for environmental and social governance in Africa.
By combining academic expertise with the World Bank’s global experience in development financing and technical assistance, the initiative is expected to strengthen the institutional capacity required to deliver sustainable and climate-resilient investments in Uganda.
The partnership also aligns with the World Bank’s broader commitment to supporting Uganda’s development agenda and strengthening country systems for environmental and social sustainability.
Together, the two institutions aim to equip professionals across government, the private sector, and development organizations with the skills required to ensure that Uganda’s development pathway remains inclusive, responsible, and environmentally sustainable.
Caroline Kainomugisha is the Communications Officer, Advancement Office, Makerere University
General
Makerere University Explores Expanded Partnership with Stanbic Bank to Advance Innovation and Investment
On 5th March 2025, the Vice Chancellor, Makerere University, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, paid a courtesy visit to Stanbic Bank Uganda’s Chief Executive Officer, Mr Mumba Kalifungwa. The purpose of the visit was to explore areas for further collaboration with Stanbic Bank Uganda to strengthen innovation, entrepreneurship, and strategic investment.
The engagement reaffirmed the long-standing relationship between the two institutions and provided an opportunity to explore how academia and the financial sector can work together to unlock opportunities for students, staff, alumni, and the broader Ugandan community.
Discussions during the meeting focused on innovation and entrepreneurship support, student development programs, infrastructure partnerships, and investment opportunities linked to the University’s strategic development agenda.
Driving Innovation and Youth Entrepreneurship
During the engagement, the Vice Chancellor highlighted Makerere’s continued efforts to position itself as a research-led and innovation-driven university, emphasising the importance of partnerships with industry in translating academic research and ideas into practical solutions.
He underscored the need to empower young people with the skills and support required to create enterprises and generate employment opportunities, given Uganda’s fast-growing population, particularly the mushrooming young population. According to UBOS, by 2024, the young population was approximately 22.8 million persons out of a total population of 45.9 million people.
“If we do not support young people to innovate and create enterprises, we risk facing serious economic and social challenges. The employment of the future will increasingly be created by young people themselves,” he noted.
Among the proposals discussed was the possibility of establishing a Stanbic-supported innovation competition, aimed at stimulating entrepreneurship and providing a platform for students and young innovators to transform ideas into viable businesses.
Such an initiative could build on existing innovation and incubation programs run at Makerere and Stanbic Bank while strengthening collaboration between academia and the private sector in supporting enterprise development.
Expanding Strategic Collaboration
Speaking during the meeting, Mr Mumba Kalifungwa, the Chief Executive Officer of Stanbic Bank Uganda reaffirmed the bank’s commitment to strengthening its partnership with Makerere University.
He noted that while the bank has long provided financial services to the university and its staff, there is a significant opportunity to deepen collaboration in areas that generate broader societal impact.
“As an institution, we are interested in partnerships that go beyond financial services to create meaningful impact in society through the Stanbic Bank positive impact agenda. Education is one of the most important sectors through which we can drive that impact,” he noted.
The CEO also highlighted Stanbic Bank’s National Schools Championship program, which promotes innovation among secondary school students across Uganda, noting that a similar approach could potentially inspire initiatives at the university level.
Exploring Investment and Infrastructure Opportunities
The meeting also explored opportunities for collaboration in investment and commercialisation initiatives linked to university infrastructure and land assets.
University representatives shared insights into ongoing efforts to explore public–private partnership (PPP) models for strategic investments aimed at improving infrastructure and unlocking value from underutilised university assets.
Potential development opportunities discussed include projects related to hospitality facilities, commercial spaces, and other revenue-generating infrastructure within and around the university. Such initiatives could provide sustainable revenue streams for the university while creating opportunities for private sector participation in campus development.
Supporting Students, Staff, and Alumni
Additional discussions focused on expanding programs that benefit the wider Makerere community. These include financial literacy initiatives for students, expanded internship and graduate training opportunities, and collaborative programs to support student entrepreneurship and enterprise development.
The meeting also explored opportunities for collaboration in alumni engagement, leveraging Makerere’s extensive global alumni network to strengthen partnerships between the university and industry.
Programs aimed at improving financial preparedness and retirement planning for staff were also discussed, alongside potential housing and asset financing solutions tailored to the needs of university employees.
“Through this partnership, we are exploring opportunities that support the entire Makerere community, from financial literacy and entrepreneurship programs for students to internship pathways, alumni engagement, and financial preparedness initiatives for staff. These efforts will be anchored within the renewed collaboration framework between Makerere University and Stanbic Bank Uganda,” said Mr Awel Uwihanganye, Chief Advancement Officer.
The Chief Advancement Officer further noted that these initiatives are expected to be anchored within a renewed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Makerere University and Stanbic Bank.
A Shared Vision for Impact
Both institutions expressed optimism about the potential of the partnership to contribute to national development by supporting innovation, enterprise creation, and the development of future leaders.
As Makerere University continues to strengthen its role as a leading research and innovation institution in Africa, partnerships with forward-looking institutions such as Stanbic Bank Uganda remain critical in advancing the university’s mission of generating knowledge, nurturing talent, and driving solutions that address national and global challenges.
Caroline Kainomugisha is the Communications Officer, Advancement Office, Makerere University
-
General2 days agoCall for Applications: Diploma Holders under Government Sponsorship 2026/2027
-
General2 days agoAdvert: Admissions for Diploma/Degree Holders under Private Sponsorship 2026/27
-
Humanities & Social Sciences2 weeks agoMeet Najjuka Whitney, The Girl Who Missed Law and Found Her Voice
-
General2 weeks ago76th Graduation Highlights
-
Agriculture & Environment1 week agoCAES Presents Overall Best Performing Student in the Sciences & a Record 28 PhDs at the 76th Graduation Ceremony