General

IPCC Lead Authors tip Mak KYU Young Scientists on Climate Change

Published

12 years ago

August 25, 2014

Mark Wamai

L-R: Kyambogo University Vice Chancellor-Prof. Eli Katunguka-Rwakishaya, Ms. Simbisai Zhanje-CDKN, Dr. Youba Sokona-IPCC Co-Chair Working Group III, Dr. Shuaib Lwasa-Lead Author, IPCC Working Group III address the Young Scientists Seminar, 22nd August 2014, FST-CAES, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda

“Given the interdependence between countries in today’s world, the impacts of climate change on resources or commodities in one place will have far-reaching effects on prices, supply chains, trade, investments and political relations in other places. Thus, climate change will progressively threaten economic growth and human security,” highlighted Dr. Youba Sokona while sharing the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) Fifth Assessment Report (AR5) with over 50 young scientists at Makerere University.

On Friday 22nd August 2014, Makerere University hosted the Young Scientists Seminar where students from Makerere and Kyambogo University held an interactive discussion with Lead Authors of the IPCC AR5, the academia and officials from the Ministry of Water and Environment.

In his remarks, the Country Engagement Leader, Climate and Development Knowledge Network (CDKN), Dr. Revocatus Twinomuhangi said that the IPCC AR5 Event in Uganda comprised a series of dissemination activities- the media training held on 20th August 2014 as a pre-cursor to the event, the IPCC Outreach event/workshop held on 21st and 22nd August 2014 at Hotel Africana, Kampala; and the Young Scientists Seminar held on 22nd August 2014, from 2:30pm to 5:30pm at Makerere University, Kampala.

On behalf of Makerere University, Dr. Twinomuhangi, who is also a Lecturer in the Department of Geography, Geo-informatics and Climate Sciences, College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES) highlighted the importance of sharing with Young Scientists the key findings and recommendations contained in the IPCC’s Fifth Assessment Report: What does it mean for Uganda’s development?

“The Young Scientists will face the consequences of climate change. We are aware that some of them are involved in research on climate change, and most of them are conducting research whose dissemination or impact will be affected by climate change. As part of the IPCC Outreach event, we felt it important to interact with the young scientists so that together we can take on the climate change mitigation and adaptation agenda,” he said.

Opening the Young Scientists Seminar, the Ag. Vice Chancellor of Kyambogo University, Professor Eli Katunguka-Rwakishaya, who joined Makerere University in 1976 and served until 2013, thanked the organizers-the Ministry of Water and Environment (MWE), and CAES for prioritizing engagement of the youth in the climate change agenda on mitigation, adaptation and building resilience.

Professor Katunguka-Rwakishaya, a former Director of Research and Graduate Training at Makerere University, and Professor of Veterinary Medicine said:

“Climate Change is a reality. I have seen and experienced the effects of climate change. I am able to observe the change in weather patterns. Rains are unpredictable, and this means that our agricultural productivity is now unpredictable yet Uganda is an agricultural country whose economy Is dependent on weather.”

Continuing with the key note address, Professor Katunguka-Rwakishaya pointed out that increased interaction of human beings and animals as a result of the impacts of climate change, such as drought and floods has led to emerging diseases which have affected economic activities. He warned that the situation would get worse if Ugandans did not actively participate in the mitigation process.

The IPCC authors then shared with the young scientists the mandate and role of IPCC and the key findings of the IPCC Fifth Assessment report. Some of the key messages included:

Each of the last three decades has been successively warmer at the Earth’s surface than any preceding decade since 1850.
The Fifth Assessment report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change finds, beyond reasonable doubt that the Earth’s climate is warming.
Climate Change will have widespread impacts on African Society and Africans interaction with the natural environment.
The IPCC finds that there is 95% scientific certainty that human activity, by increasing concentrations of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, has been the dominant cause of the observed warming since the mid-20th century.
Current science provides the clearest evidence yet that human activity is changing our environment.
The impacts of climate change will affect food security, water availability and human health in Africa significantly.
Further climate change is inevitable in the coming decades unless something is done now
Climate change poses challenges to economic growth and development.
Adaptation is fundamentally about risk management, and Adaptation experience in Africa is growing and will have an effect of reducing the effects of climate change as it expands.
Some low-carbon development options may be less costly in the long run and could offer new economic opportunities for Africa.
Africa stands to benefit from integrated climate adaptation, mitigation and development approaches.
International cooperation is vital to avert dangerous climate change and African governments can promote ambitious global action.

The Session Chair, Dr. Fred Tanga Odoi, a renowned historian at Makerere University captivated the audience when reminisced his study of Geography, and aligned it to the findings of the IPCC Fifth Assessment Report as well as the current changes in weather and climate in Uganda.

Dr. Tanga Odoi informed the participants that since the adverse effects of climate change were affecting all Ugandans, the key stakeholders including the academia and students both in the Sciences and Humanities disciplines should be involved.

“We all have a role to play. This is not an area for only scientists. Climate Change is not an area for those studying sciences. It is important that even those studying humanities and social sciences are actively involved,” he advised.

Dr. Tanga Odoi also emphasized the need for the Government and all Ugandans involved in implementation of urbanization and industrialization processes, to always ensure that the effects on the environment and climate are fully analyzed and appropriate mitigation and adaptation measures considered and included in the contract and implementation.

How can young scientists contribute to the climate science agenda?

During her presentation, Dr. Lynne Carter from Makerere University Centre for Climate Change Research and Innovations (MUCCRI) advised the young scientists/students to contribute to the climate change agenda:

Be willing to work beyond your specific discipline
Be willing to work with people in other disciplines such as the journalists to ensure that your research results are better understood and thus more readily to be implemented.
Be willing to look for interesting research questions beyond your field answered by science
Bring your skills, youthful enthusiasm, curiosity and willingness to work. It energizes many research efforts

On behalf of MUCCRI, Dr. Carter expressed their readiness to nurture and mentor upcoming students/youths with a passion for undertaking research in climate change.

Representing the Ministry of Water and Environment, the Adaptation Officer in the Climate Change Department, Mr. Muhammad Semambo reiterated the Government of Uganda’s commitment to keeping climate change issues on the priority list of the development agenda.

He appealed to the young scientists and youth to join climate change mitigation and adaptation efforts at all levels with special focus on agricultural research as well as research on the emerging field of oil and gas.

Mr. Semambo also commended Makerere University for training and providing knowledge on climate science and climate change and also informed the audience that the Ministry of Water and Environment was coming up with a Climate Change Research Centre that would further inform the research and policies in the field of Climate Science and Climate Change.

This was followed by 20 minutes interactive question and answer session, which climaxed with the young scientists and youth appealing to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) and the Ministry of Water and Environment to come up with more dialogues with the youths, and nurturing and mentorship programmes.

The Young Scientists Seminar was held in the School of Food Technology, Nutrition and Bioengineering, Conference Hall, CAES, Makerere University.

Article by Ritah Namisango, Public Relations Office

General

Job Opportunities: NETOMA Study

Published

8 hours ago

October 12, 2026

Mak Editor

Kickoff training for teams tasked with collecting data for the Uganda Population-Based HIV Impact Assessment (UPHIA) 2024-2025, held 19th May 2025, Makerere University School of Public Health (MakSPH) Auditorium, Main Campus, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

Makerere University School of Public Health invites applications from suitably qualified candidates for three positions under the Wellcome Trust-supported NETOMA study, which examines the coexistence of health worker shortages and unemployment among qualified health professionals in Africa.

Available Positions

Research Officer
To coordinate longitudinal research, data management, quality assurance, and statistical analysis across study sites.
Full details and application: https://sph.mak.ac.ug/careers/?view_job=21465
Policy Scientist
To undertake health workforce policy research, evidence synthesis, qualitative analysis and knowledge translation.
Full details and application: https://sph.mak.ac.ug/careers/?view_job=21468
Research Assistants
To support participant recruitment, field data collection, research documentation, and analysis.
Full details and application: https://sph.mak.ac.ug/careers/?view_job=21470

Application deadline: Friday, 16 October 2026, at 11:59 p.m. EAT .

General

Nkrumah’s Ideas Still Live: Makerere Commemorates Him with a Public Lecture 2026

Published

3 days ago

October 9, 2026

Elvis Lubanga

Seated L-R: Chief Guest-Dr. Charles Kahigiriza, Prof. Gerald Karyeija, Dr. Winifred Kabumbuli and Assoc. Prof. Gorettie Nabanoga with other dignitaries (Standing) at the Nkrumah Day Celebrations on 8th October 2026. Nkrumah Day and Public Lecture organised by Nkrumah Hall under the theme “Leadership, Self-Reliance and Transformation: Reimagining Nkrumah's Vision for the 21st Century African Youth,” 8th October 2026, Yusuf Lule Central Teaching Facility Auditorium, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

Makerere University on October 8, 2026 commemorated Nkrumah Day with a Public Lecture at the Yusuf Lule Central Teaching Facility Auditorium. The Lecture gathered students, academics, historians and distinguished guests to discuss Kwame Nkrumah’s contribution and its relevance to Africa.

Organised by Nkrumah Hall under the theme “Leadership, Self-Reliance and Transformation: Reimagining Nkrumah’s Vision for the 21^st Century African Youth,” the lecture explored how Nkrumah’s ideals of Pan-Africanism, self-reliance and African unity can guide the continent beyond political independence.

Endorsing Nkrumah’s Vision of Investing in Africa

The First Deputy Prime Minister and Chancellor of Makerere University, Rt. Hon. Dr. Crispus Walter Kiyonga, was the chief guest.

In remarks delivered on his behalf by Dr. Charles Kahigiriza, Dr. Kiyonga said the day was a moment to reflect on Nkrumah’s views on Pan-Africanism and the lessons on self-reliance still held for Africa today and emphasised the importance of keeping Africa’s young talent at home (in Africa).

Dr. Charles Kahigiriza. Nkrumah Day and Public Lecture organised by Nkrumah Hall under the theme “Leadership, Self-Reliance and Transformation: Reimagining Nkrumah's Vision for the 21st Century African Youth,” 8th October 2026, Yusuf Lule Central Teaching Facility Auditorium, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa. — ***Dr. Charles Kahigiriza.***

He then discussed ways of encouraging young people to achieve Nkrumah’s vision, pointing out that Africa is losing skilled people to brain drain as many go abroad to work.

He encouraged young Africans to stay and contribute to the continent’s growth, describing Africa’s potential as a promising asset.

Transformation Requires Discipline

The keynote address was delivered by Prof. Gerald Karyeija, a political analyst and Head of Quality Assurance at the Uganda Management Institute (UMI).

He discussed Nkrumah’s role in championing Pan-Africanism and the formation of the African Union. He acknowledged that “his legacy was also very complex” due to a number of challenges.

Prof. Gerald Karyeija delivers his keynote address. Nkrumah Day and Public Lecture organised by Nkrumah Hall under the theme “Leadership, Self-Reliance and Transformation: Reimagining Nkrumah's Vision for the 21st Century African Youth,” 8th October 2026, Yusuf Lule Central Teaching Facility Auditorium, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa. — ***Prof. Gerald Karyeija delivers his keynote address.***

Regarding leadership, the professor argued, “leadership does not begin with the title. It begins with responsibility,” adding that “leadership is not only about power, privilege, entitlement, or status. It’s about service. It’s about stewardship.”

He encouraged attendees to emulate Nkrumah by using their knowledge and power for good.

“Don’t get the intellectual power from Makerere to become evil,” he cautioned, stressing that transformation requires discipline.

Universities Turn Knowledge into Action

Associate Professor Gorettie Nabanoga, the Acting Deputy Vice Chancellor for Finance and Administration, represented Professor Barnabas Nawangwe, the Vice Chancellor of Makerere University.

She aligned herself with the previous speakers and urged participants to move beyond simply celebrating Kwame Nkrumah’s memory and begin implementing his vision.

Associate Professor Gorettie Nabanoga. Nkrumah Day and Public Lecture organised by Nkrumah Hall under the theme “Leadership, Self-Reliance and Transformation: Reimagining Nkrumah's Vision for the 21st Century African Youth,” 8th October 2026, Yusuf Lule Central Teaching Facility Auditorium, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa. — ***Associate Professor Gorettie Nabanoga.***

She called for practical action, urging the mobilisation of Pan-Africanism beyond slogans. “Perhaps the Pan-Africanism of this generation must therefore move from solidarity to capacity, from rhetoric to institutions, from potential to production, and from aspirations to implementation,” she said.

On the role of universities, she reiterated that Makerere University is a hub for innovation rather than just a degree-granting institution.

Nkrumah Hall Activists lead keynote speaker Prof. Karyeija to the Auditorium ahead of the Public Lecture. Nkrumah Day and Public Lecture organised by Nkrumah Hall under the theme “Leadership, Self-Reliance and Transformation: Reimagining Nkrumah's Vision for the 21st Century African Youth,” 8th October 2026, Yusuf Lule Central Teaching Facility Auditorium, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa. — ***Nkrumah Hall Activists lead keynote speaker Prof. Karyeija to the Auditorium ahead of the Public Lecture.***

“We are building for the future when we develop people who can think critically, when we generate knowledge, when we challenge perceived knowledge and wisdom, and when we innovate,” she said.

Addressing the students present, she said, “You are not simply the leaders of tomorrow; you are citizens of Africa today. The opportunity you enjoy at Makerere University comes with responsibility.”

Dr. Winifred Kabumbuli, the Dean of Students at Makerere University, set the tone at the 2026 Nkrumah Day Public Lecture.

Dr. Winifred Kabumbuli. Nkrumah Day and Public Lecture organised by Nkrumah Hall under the theme “Leadership, Self-Reliance and Transformation: Reimagining Nkrumah's Vision for the 21st Century African Youth,” 8th October 2026, Yusuf Lule Central Teaching Facility Auditorium, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa. — ***Dr. Winifred Kabumbuli.***

She revealed that this lecture organised under Nkrumah Hall highlights its significance as a symbol of Makerere University‘s commitment to Pan-Africanism. “The name Nkrumah Hall has stood the test of time and sounds like a horn beautifully over the African continent and beyond,” she said.

She elaborated on the lecture’s theme of leadership, self-reliance and transformation, noting its alignment with the university’s mission to nurture future leaders.

Direction of Pan-Africanism

During a panel discussion, speakers questioned how far Africa has come. Associate Professor Zahara Napeewo, Deputy Dean of the School of Law at Makerere University, stated that the continent was still lagging behind the progress Nkrumah would have wanted.

Panelists L-R: Rt. Hon. Rodney Adroni, Dr. Zaid Sekitto, Dr. Zahara Nampewo, and Kyajja Peter Claveri (R) with Moderator-Samson Kasumba (2nd R). Nkrumah Day and Public Lecture organised by Nkrumah Hall under the theme “Leadership, Self-Reliance and Transformation: Reimagining Nkrumah's Vision for the 21st Century African Youth,” 8th October 2026, Yusuf Lule Central Teaching Facility Auditorium, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa. — ***Panelists L-R: Rt. Hon. Rodney Adroni, Dr. Zaid Sekitto, Dr. Zahara Nampewo, and Kyajja Peter Claveri (R) with Moderator-Samson Kasumba (2nd R).***

She shared that while educational institutions provide knowledge, they must go further and encourage graduates to become problem-solvers who can create employment for themselves rather than wait to be employed.

Dr. Zaid Sekitto, a Lecturer in the Department of History, Archaeology and Heritage Studies at Makerere, added that the structures of colonialism that Nkrumah fought against were still in place. “They must be addressed”, he said, or Africa would remain trapped in colonialism and lose sight of Nkrumah’s vision.

The Youth and the Unfinished Struggle

The students also had an opportunity to share their perspectives on the unfinished struggle for Pan-Africanism.

Nkrumah Hall Chairperson Joseph Sekabira noted that the Africa Nkrumah fought for was not the Africa that exists today.

He urged young people to take up leadership now rather than wait until they were older.

Joseph Sekabira makes his speech. Nkrumah Day and Public Lecture organised by Nkrumah Hall under the theme “Leadership, Self-Reliance and Transformation: Reimagining Nkrumah's Vision for the 21st Century African Youth,” 8th October 2026, Yusuf Lule Central Teaching Facility Auditorium, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa. — Joseph Sekabira makes his speech.

Mark Kwikiriza, a final-year Bachelor of Arts in Music student and resident of Nkrumah Hall, said Nkrumah’s legacy remained relevant because the problems he faced in Ghana were similar to those society faces today.

He recommended that society could rejuvenate the spirit of “Osagyefo,” the title meaning “redeemer” by which Nkrumah was known.

Honouring 13 Years of Service

Mr. John Kamya. Nkrumah Day and Public Lecture organised by Nkrumah Hall under the theme “Leadership, Self-Reliance and Transformation: Reimagining Nkrumah's Vision for the 21st Century African Youth,” 8th October 2026, Yusuf Lule Central Teaching Facility Auditorium, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa. — ***Mr. John Kamya.***

The event also recognised Mr. John Kamya for his 13 years of outstanding service as Warden of Nkrumah Hall, a position he held from 2007 to 2020.

He received an appreciation award presented by the Chief Guest’s representative in the presence of the Hall Chairperson and other dignitaries.

Mr. John Kamya (L) receives his appreciation award from Dr. Charles Kahigiriza (R) and Joseph Sekabira (C). Nkrumah Day and Public Lecture organised by Nkrumah Hall under the theme “Leadership, Self-Reliance and Transformation: Reimagining Nkrumah's Vision for the 21st Century African Youth,” 8th October 2026, Yusuf Lule Central Teaching Facility Auditorium, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa. — ***Mr. John Kamya (L) receives his appreciation award from Dr. Charles Kahigiriza (R) and Joseph Sekabira (C).***

In his acceptance remarks, Mr. Kamya noted that the 2018 visit to the Hall by Kwame Nkrumah’s daughter, Ms. Samia Yaba Nkrumah, was one of the fondest memories of his time in office. He thanked Makerere for the opportunity to serve the University community and its stakeholders.

Mr. John Kamya with Ms. Samia Yaba Nkrumah at the Kwame Nkrumah Statue outside Nkrumah Hall during her visit in 2018. Nkrumah Day and Public Lecture organised by Nkrumah Hall under the theme “Leadership, Self-Reliance and Transformation: Reimagining Nkrumah's Vision for the 21st Century African Youth,” 8th October 2026, Yusuf Lule Central Teaching Facility Auditorium, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa. — ***Mr. John Kamya with Ms. Samia Yaba Nkrumah at the Kwame Nkrumah Statue outside Nkrumah Hall during her visit in 2018.***

At the peak, the event concluded with tree planting and cake-cutting activity in front of Nkrumah Hall. The audience was left contemplating one message of Kwame Nkrumah’s vision of a united, self-reliant Africa, freed first in the mind, that remains unfinished and in the words of some speakers, has been handed to the current generation as a task to accomplish.

Dignitaries cut cake in the Nkrumah Hall parking lot as part of the celebrations. Nkrumah Day and Public Lecture organised by Nkrumah Hall under the theme “Leadership, Self-Reliance and Transformation: Reimagining Nkrumah's Vision for the 21st Century African Youth,” 8th October 2026, Yusuf Lule Central Teaching Facility Auditorium, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa. — ***Dignitaries cut cake in the Nkrumah Hall parking lot as part of the celebrations.***

General

Makerere Hosts EU Uganda Research and Study Fair

Published

4 days ago

October 8, 2026

Allan Ainematsiko

Hon. Dr. J.C. Muyingo, Prof. Sarah Ssali and H.E. Jan Sadek (Centre) with Heads of Missions and other representatives at the Fair on 8th October 2026. European Union-Uganda Research and Study Fair, 8th October 2026, Freedom Square, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

Today 8^th October 2026, Makerere University has hosted the EU Uganda Research and Study Fair 2026, bringing together government officials, European Union representatives, researchers, academics, students, and young professionals to explore opportunities in education, research, innovation, and international collaboration.

The fair also marked 50 years of partnership between Uganda and the European Union, providing a platform for participants to learn about scholarships, research funding, exchange programmes, fellowships and opportunities for collaboration with European institutions.

Officially opening the fair, Acting Minister of Education and Sports Hon. Dr. John Chrysostom Muyingo commended the European Union, its member states, Makerere University and other partners for organising the event, describing international cooperation as important to Uganda’s education and research agenda.

***Dr John Chrysostom Muyingo speaks at the Uganda EU Research and Study Fair at Makerere University.***

The Minister said Uganda’s young population presents a significant opportunity for national development if supported with the right investments in education, skills, creativity, research, innovation and entrepreneurship.

He encouraged universities and research institutions to strengthen links between education, research, innovation and the world of work, noting that research should not only generate academic knowledge but also contribute to policies, technologies and practical solutions to national challenges.

Dr. Muyingo also encouraged students and young professionals to engage with the European Union, its member states and alumni to understand the opportunities available and prepare themselves for future applications.

Makerere highlights value of partnership

The Acting (Ag.) Vice Chancellor and Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic Affairs), Makerere University, Prof. Sarah Ssali said the fair provided an important platform for bringing education, research, innovation and international cooperation together.

She noted that the event was particularly significant as Uganda and the European Union celebrate five decades of partnership, with Makerere’s relationships with some European institutions extending even beyond 50 years.

Prof. Sarah Ssali (left), EU Ambassador to Uganda Jan Sadek (centre), and Acting Minister of Education and Sports Dr John Chrysostom Muyingo tour exhibition stands during the EU Uganda Research and Study Fair at Makerere University. European Union-Uganda Research and Study Fair, 8th October 2026, Freedom Square, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa. — Prof. Sarah Ssali (left), EU Ambassador to Uganda Jan Sadek (centre), and Acting Minister of Education and Sports Dr John Chrysostom Muyingo tour exhibition stands during the EU Uganda Research and Study Fair at Makerere University.

Prof. Ssali said the partnerships have supported education, research, skills development, innovation, institutional strengthening and human capital development, creating opportunities for Ugandans to acquire knowledge and skills, conduct research and establish international networks.

She called for the next chapter of the partnership to place knowledge, research, innovation, technology and young people at the centre.

“Research needs to move beyond publication of research, to influence policy, improve practice, create products and services, strengthen communities and contribute to the economic development of our country,” she said.

***The Ag. Vice Chancellor and Deputy Vice Chancellor Academic Affairs Academic Prof. Sarah Ssali***

Prof. Ssali also encouraged participants to explore opportunities for scholarships, research, exchange programmes, doctoral studies, joint research and fellowships available through European partnerships.

She said the ultimate value of international education and research partnerships lies in how knowledge, skills, networks and technologies acquired through such opportunities contribute to Uganda’s development.

Human Response programme strengthens partnerships

The fair also showcased Makerere’s partnerships through programmes such as the Humanitarian Response, Health and Displacement Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Programme (Human Response).

Dr. Justus Twesigye, the Dean, School of Social Sciences, Makerere University and Co-Principal Investigator of Human Response, explained that the programme has created partnerships between Makerere and universities in Europe and Africa.

These include the University Institute of Lisbon in Portugal, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, University of Athens in Greece, University of Cape Verde and University of Rovuma in Mozambique, alongside associate partners including the Uganda Red Cross Society, Allied Uganda, Refugee Led Organisation Network and the Ministry of Water and Environment.

Twesigye said the partnerships have introduced new approaches to teaching and learning by involving practitioners directly in training and giving students opportunities for concurrent field practice.

He noted that organisations such as the Uganda Red Cross Society have participated in delivering classes, while students also gain practical experience in the field before returning to class for reflective learning.

***Part of the audience at the Uganda-EU Research and Study Fair at Freedom Square, Makerere University***

The programme is also promoting joint research between academics and practitioners, moving away from approaches where researchers and practitioners work separately.

CEES project supports competence based education

The College of Education and External Studies (CEES) also presented an EU supported project aimed at helping higher education institutions and regulators transition to competence based education.

*Prof. William Tayebwa briefs Acting Minister of Education and Sports Dr John Chrysostom Muyingo as EU Ambassador to Uganda Jan Sadek and Prof. Robert Wamala look on during a tour of exhibition stands.*

Assoc. Prof. Josephine Esaete, Senior Lecturer in the Department of Science, Technology and Vocational Education, said the project brings together nine partners from Uganda, West Africa and Europe.

She explained that the project seeks to strengthen the capacity of universities and higher education regulators in designing competence based curricula, teaching, assessment, monitoring and evaluation.

Makerere University is coordinating the four year project, with Mountains of the Moon University among the Ugandan partners.

Assoc. Prof. Esaete said the project is timely as universities work towards transitioning their programmes and curricula to competence-based education.

The project also seeks to strengthen collaboration between higher education institutions and industry so that students can acquire skills relevant to the world of work.

Fair creates opportunities for students and researchers

The exhibition brought together different EU supported research projects, academic programmes and institutional partnerships, allowing students, researchers and other participants to interact directly with project teams and representatives of European institutions.

The fair also provided opportunities for participants to learn from Makerere alumni who have benefited from international study and research opportunities.

***Stella Kakeeto interacts with students during the EU Uganda Research and Study Fair***

Prof. Ssali urged participants to use the opportunity to “engage, explore, connect, and discover” new possibilities while encouraging young people to dream boldly, seek knowledge, build networks and use what they learn to contribute to Uganda’s transformation.

Take ownership of your future

Officially closing the fair, the Director, Research Innovations and Partnerships (DRIP), Prof. Robert Wamala urged the students and young professionals who had participated in the fair to take ownership of their future because the Fair had shown that opportunities are real.

“Do not be afraid to ask questions, do not be afraid to apply, do not be discouraged by your first unsuccessful application, build your academic profile, build your research skills, build your networks, and remain curious”, Prof. Wamala encouraged.

Prof. Robert Wamala (3rd R) with other officials at the closing ceremony. European Union-Uganda Research and Study Fair, 8th October 2026, Freedom Square, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa. — ***Prof. Robert Wamala (3rd R) with other officials at the closing ceremony.***

On behalf of Makerere University, he sincerely appreciated Team Europe, the European Union and its Member States in Uganda, for organising this important Fair and the Ag. Minister, Hon. Dr. J.C. Muyingo for presiding over the event and reiterating the Ministry’s commitment to strengthening education, research and international cooperation.

“At Makerere University, the Directorate of Research, Innovations and Partnerships remains ready to work with our European partners, the Ministry, researchers, students and other stakeholders to help translate the opportunities identified today into meaningful collaborations and outcomes” Prof. Wamala reassured.

The fair reaffirmed Makerere University‘s commitment to strengthening international partnerships that support research, innovation, human capital development and national transformation.