Makerere University and the University of Zurich (UZH) held a two-day health-focused symposium aimed at strengthening the existing collaborations and paving way for new research partnerships.
The symposium was held in line with the Memorandum of Understanding signed between Makerere and the University of Zurich in 2008, as a foundation for the North-South cooperation, which promotes exchange of knowledge and mutual intercultural learning through supporting sustainably well-conceived research projects, teaching and institutional capacity development.
“Convening here today represents a great commitment from both institutions, and I would like to urge the two partners to maintain their mutual collaboration, for the future academic excellence,” remarked Dr. Okello Ogwang, who is also the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic Affairs), Makerere University. He also encouraged the participants to use the symposium to explore and facilitate new research collaborations.
Recounting the formative stages of the partnership, the Principal College of Health Sciences Professor Nelson Sewankambo, then Dean, Faculty of Medicine, expressed his pleasure at having been part of the team that visited UZH, and successfully negotiated the terms that culminated into the signing of the first Memorandum of Understanding in 2008. “I am therefore delighted to be part of this health-focused symposium today, as both institutions seek to strengthen the existing collaboration, and dialogue on the possibility of widening the partnership to encompass other academic disciplines,” he remarked.
Professor Sewakambo, also re-echoed to all partners and participants attending the symposium in the Makerere University Main Hall the need to uphold the clause on mutually beneficial engagements as this collaboration continues to grow.
Dr. Daniel Wyler, Vice President, University of Zurich (UZH) appreciated the partnership with Makerere University and reiterated, UZH’s support to research backed by the mutually beneficial activities as sealed by the MoU.
“I am really sure that this time, taking part in health issues affecting humans like the infectious disease is more important. Therefore I would like to encourage all researchers in both universities to engage in different research on both the environment and humans in a bid to reduce the rate transmission of infectious diseases in our countries,” he said.
The Executive Director, Infectious Diseases Institute (IDI), CHS, Makerere University Dr. Alex Coutinho highlighted that the symposium offered a great learning platform to science researchers in all health disciplines and expressed his belief that after the two days, participants and delegates alike would have acquired more knowledge.
Giving the day’s keynote address, Professor John David Kabasa, the Principal, CoVAB emphasized that the term health refers to the total wellbeing of the individual and appealed to participants to embrace a multi-disciplinary approach to research and problems affecting humanity and society in general. With reference to Makerere’s ten year strategic plan, which stipulates the need for the University to reposition herself to meet emerging development challenges, Professor Kabasa encouraged academicians, scholars and participants in the symposium to embrace the paradigm shift from the ivory tower mentality to one of knowledge transfer partnerships with the community. He further encouraged the audience to align their collaborative activities in, teaching and learning, research and innovations to those of a development-focused university.
The audience which had for the entire duration of morning sessions been captivated by the well-researched presentations on ideology, cause and implications of infectious diseases then had the chance to engage the panelists in a lively academic debate. Professor John David Kabasa, Prof. Dr. Paul Torgeson, Head of Epidemiology at the Vetsuisse Faculty, UZH and Dr. Taurai Tasara, Head of the Institute for Food Safety and Hygiene, Vetsuisse Faculty, UZH made up the panel that took on a broad range of questions from the eager audience.
At the College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Biosecurity, Dr. Clovice Kankya guided the participants on a tour of the teaching and research facilities such as the Small Animal Clinic, One-Health residency office, Avian Influenza laboratory among other facilities.
Article by: Ritah Namisango, Public Relations Office
The Academic Registrar, Makerere University invites applications from Ugandan, East African, and international applicants for the undergraduate programmes under the private sponsorship scheme for the 2025/2026 Academic Year for ‘A’ Level Leavers Only.
Each applicant should:
Have the Uganda Certificate of Education (UCE) with at least five (5) passes, or its equivalent and at least two (2) principal passes at Uganda Advanced Certificate of Education (UACE) obtained at the same sitting. For day programmes only candidates who sat A’ Level in 2024, 2023 and 2022 are eligible to apply. For evening, afternoon, and external programmes, a candidate is not restricted on the year of sitting A’ Level. Detailed information on the weighting system can be accessed by following this link.
Other relevant information can be obtained from UNDERGRADUATE ADMISSIONS OFFICE, LEVEL 3, SENATE BUILDING OR CAN BE found on the University Website https://www.mak.ac.ug. Effective Wednesday 16th April 2025.
A non-refundable application fee of shs.50,000/= for Ugandans, East African and S. Sudan applicants or $75 or equivalent for internationals plus bank charges should be paid in any of the banks used by Uganda Revenue Authority.
Candidates who hold grades X, Y, Z, 7 and 9 of ‘O’Levelresults should not apply because they are not eligible for admission. Below are the availble courses including respective fees structure.
Sign up by clicking on the REGISTER NOW. Use your full name, e-mail and Mobile No. Please note that your name must be similar to the one on your supporting academic documents for your application to be considered valid.
A password will be sent to you on your mobile phone and email.
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To fill an application form, click on the APPLY NOW button displayed on the appropriate running scheme.
Obtain a payment reference number by clicking on “Pay for Form” Button
Make a payment at any of the banks used by Uganda Revenue Authority
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The closing date for receiving applications to undergraduate programmes shall be Tuesday 20th May 2025.
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Applicants are strongly warned against presenting forged or other people’s academic documents to support their applications for admission. The consequences, if discovered, are very grave indeed.
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The Director of Makerere University Jinja Campus, Associate Professor Ronald Kakungulu-Mayambala, has urged students to familiarise themselves with the Safeguarding policy aimed at creating a safer and more inclusive learning environment.
Speaking during the safeguarding policy sensitization meeting held today Tuesday, April 15, 2025 at the Civil Service College, Jinja, Prof. Kakungulu-Mayambala, emphasized the importance of awareness and adherence to the policy, which seeks to protect students, staff, and other stakeholders from all forms of abuse, harassment, exploitation, and discrimination.
“As Management we want every student to enjoy their stay at the University without being tormented and that can only happen, if students know their rights by reading about different policies on our website. You are meant to be living in a safe environment. We do not want anybody’s dream to be shattered or somebody to drop out from University,” Prof. Kakungulu-Mayambala, said.
Prof. Ronald Kakungulu-Mayambala, the Director Makerere University Jinja Campus.
In his speech, Prof. Kakungulu-Mayambala, also called upon students who have complaints but do not know the reporting lines, to approach staff safeguarding champions to make sure that they live in a safe environment.
Addressing guests, Emmanuel Muchake, the Guild Administrator at Jinja Campus, pointed out that the launch of the safeguarding policy is timely because as a University, without creating a conducive environment for teaching and learning, they will not have students graduate.
On Friday, April 4,2025, the Third Deputy Prime Minister and Minister without Portfolio, Right Honourable Lukia Isanga Nakadama, officially launched the Safeguarding Policy and commended Makerere University for crafting a policy that lays out the University’s framework for embedding viable safeguarding measures into its ethos and all institutional activities and processes to: Identify, detect, and act swiftly on safeguarding risks.
The Safeguarding Policy was developed in response to the growing need for institutions of higher learning to implement proactive measures that address concerns related to student welfare, mental health, gender-based violence, and power imbalances in academic settings.
Mr. Emmanuel Muchake addressing guests.
Some of potential safeguarding risks in Institutions of higher learning include emotional distress, Sexual Exploitation, Abuse and Harassment (SEAH); material loss, financial exploitation, discrimination and neglect, unfair and illegitimate response to civic engagements, cyber security/threats, psychological and emotional harm, substance abuse and physical assault. Discrimination and neglect which are often high risks for students with disabilities and international students.
The safeguarding policy sensitization meeting in Jinja Campus brought together students and staff in a meaningful dialogue on safeguarding issues affecting learning.
The event was graced by Dr. Rodney Rugyema, from the Dean of Students Office, who emphasized the University’s commitment to the well-being of all its members. In his remarks, he highlighted the importance of safeguarding policies in preventing abuse, harassment, exploitation, and other forms of misconduct within the Jinja Campus community.
“Safeguarding is not a one-time action, but a continuous culture of care and accountability. We all have a role to play in ensuring a safe and respectful space for learning and growth,” Dr Rugyema, said.
Dr. Rodney Rugyema (Left) and Prof. Ronald Kakungulu-Mayambala (Right) during the sensitization.
The sensitization session covered key topics including; recognizing signs of abuse, understanding reporting procedures on the MakSafeSpace and fostering mutual respect among peers.
Participants were encouraged to actively engage and reflect on their roles in upholding safety standards both on and off campus.
Students who attended the sensitization welcomed the initiative, with many expressing optimism that the policy would improve campus safety and encourage victims to come forward without fear of retaliation.
“We have seen issues go unreported in the past because students didn’t know where to turn. This policy provides clarity and assurance that the university is taking these matters seriously,” noted, a third-year student.
The University plans to conduct a series of sensitization workshops and distribute printed copies of the policy to ensure that every member of the campus community is well-informed. This initiative is part of Makerere University‘s broader strategy to reinforce its values of integrity, respect, and protection for all.
The Safeguarding Sensitization Meeting concluded with a collective pledge to uphold safety, dignity, and mutual respect within the University community.