Makerere University signed a Memorandum of Understanding, MoU, with Al-zahra University, Tehran-Iran on 30th June 2014. The MoU will witness the two Universities collaborate in a number of areas including Student and Staff exchanges, Research partnerships and Curricula development. The MoU is geared towards sharing experiences and knowledge from the two universities and extending their contributions internationally, especially in science disciplines.

The Vice Chancellor Prof. John Ddumba-Ssentamu, was grateful to the partnership as a fulfillment of Makerere University’s core functions. “One of the core functions of Makerere University is knowledge transfer partnerships and networking. The university reaches out to the communities to seek their involvement in coming up with programs that best address the respective needs. I am happy that we are signing an MoU with Al-zahra University,” he said.

“This partnership will be among the most successful ventures Makerere University has entered. I believe that this MoU in the area of research and development will help improve the science fields in both universities,” he added.

The President of Al-zahra University appreciated the partnership, the first of the kind with Makerere University saying that the mutually beneficial academic collaborations are long overdue. “Collaborating is extremely important. Through sharing of knowledge, experience and Academic staff, we shall address our local concerns,” Dr. Ensiyeh Khazali remarked.

In explaining the nature of the partnership, the University’s Senior Legal Officer, Mr. Goddy Muhumuza said both parties will be engaged in fundraising for the partnership and the intellectual property rights will be equally shared. He explained that the international law, the common law and equity shall apply should the need for arbitration ever arise.  

The Iranian Ambassador to Uganda, H.E. Amir Hossein Nik Bin, emphasized that Iran has a good working relationship with Uganda in a number of field including agricultural and several business ventures.  He was optimistic that the three year renewable partnership with Makerere University will be highly rewarding.

According to Dr. Ensiyeh Khazali, Al-zahra University chose to partner with Makerere University because of her long history, admirable reputation and undisputable ground breaking research.

Al-zahra University, exclusively for women, was founded in 1964. It is multidisciplinary in nature, with over 10,000 students. Two thirds of Al-zahra University's 350 Professors are female.

By Marion Alina and Prossy Nabatte, Public Relations Office