The Vice Chancellor Makerere University Prof. John Ddumba-Ssentamu (L) exchanges the signed Frame Agreement with The Rector University of Bergen, Prof. Dag Rune Olsen on 30th September 2014 at Makerere University.
Makerere University has signed a Frame Agreement to extend the cooperation with University of Bergen, UiB, for a period of ten years. The Agreement, signed on 30th Sept. 2014, will see the two universities partner in joint research and teaching; exchange of staff and graduate students, and exchange of information and publications.
The initial frame agreement between the two universities was signed in 1999 for 15 years, and was set to expire this November. This Frame Agreement was the longest single North-South Institutional Agreement that both Universities have ever signed.
In his remarks, the Vice Chancellor Makerere University, Prof. John Ddumba-Ssentamu was grateful to University of Bergen for renewing the fruitful collaboration to strengthen critical areas. “We would like to strengthen the relationship in the areas of students and staff exchange that should go hand in hand with research collaboration, curriculum development, joint degree awards, and institutional capacity strengthening in human resources, administrative and financial management systems, Library resources, and research grants management capabilities in the context of the greater number of research programmes,” he said. He assured University of Bergen of Makerere University‘s commitment to the renewed Frame Agreement, which he referred to as a sign of consolidating the mutual friendship and ensuring greater internationalization of the two universities.
The Collaboration Coordinators of Makerere University and University of Bergen Prof. Edward Kirumira (L) and Prof. Thorkild Tylleskar (2nd L). Looking on is Jennifer Greenwood (R) and her husband.
The Rector of University of Bergen, Prof. Dag Rune Olsen, pointed out that the long life span of the collaboration is healthy for enabling research. “In research there are no quick wins. We have to invest over a long period of time. We would like to develop global citizens. Our task is to prepare students to work anywhere in the world,” he said.
The Coordinator of Mak UiB collaboration at Makerere University, who is also the Principal of the College of Humanities and Social Sciences, Prof. Edward Kirumira, emphasized that the two universities will collaborate for as long as they still want to collaborate. “We are hoping that this collaboration expands into serving the region and we are already discussing this possibility. As a collaboration office, we commit to provide support to the members coming through and we would like to see more of the staff exchanges. We hope this collaboration will set the pace for both institutions to reflect on the slogan of our strategic plan to reposition Makerere University to meet the development challenges,” he asserted.
Since the start of the collaboration, Makerere University has benefitted through exchange visits between researchers and administrators, over 160 Ugandan students have studied at the University of Bergen for their post-graduate courses including MPhil and PhD, and 6 NUFU projects. In January 2012, Makerere University launched the Seismic laboratory and received equipment as part of the Geosciences collaboration between Makerere University and the University of Bergen. This collaboration is supporting the MSc programme in Petroleum Geoscience, under the Department of Geology and Petroleum Studies. Makerere University also coordinated six NORHED Projects collaborating with University of Bergen plus a 7th one coordinated at Khartoum University but also involving Makerere and Bergen.
The delegation from the University of Bergen and Makerere University Management pose for a photo after the signing of the Frame Agreement.
The Director Research and Graduate Training at Makerere University, Prof. Mukadasi Buyinza emphasized that such collaborations are critical in advancing Makerere University‘s research agenda. “Partnering with a superior institution has enormous multiplier effects. We are grateful to the people and Government of Norway for the support. We hope to get spin offs because a collaboration like this, is an asset. As a Directorate, such agreements help us in fulfilling our mandate,” he said.
Prof. Thorkild Tylleskar, the Coordinator at UiB observed that Makerere University is a worthwhile partner. “One of our strategic focuses is on the global South in terms of development. We need as much knowledge as possible for our students in this collaboration. Some of the institutions in Africa are really weak. Many are new and this may cause problems in collaboration. But Makerere University is a comfort zone. It has all the necessary ingredients for a well functioning institution and from here we can invite other younger universities into the collaboration,” he said.
Giving the vote of thanks, Prof. Livingstone Luboobi, the first Coordinator of the collaboration in Makerere University, commended the partnership, which he said started as a dream he shared with a colleague-Andreas Steigen at the University of Bergen. He was grateful that the collaboration has stood the test of time and was optimistic that its fruits will have lasting impact.
On 25th March 2025, a delegation of Registrars from Mbarara University of Science and Technology (MUST) undertook a benchmarking exercise at Makerere University, with a specific focus on the latter’s pioneering efforts in academic records digitalization. The delegation, led by Dr. Dickson Kalungi, Ag. Deputy Academic Registrar was received by Mr. Charles Ssentongo, Deputy Academic Registrar in charge of Admissions and Records Division, who represented the Academic Registrar (AR), Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi.
The visit was prompted by Makerere University‘s trailblazing achievements in digitalizing academic records, as exemplified by the Digitalization of Academic Records Project (DARP). This initiative has been instrumental in creating a centralized, digital one stop repository of all University’s academic records, thereby enhancing the efficiency, accuracy, and security of academic records management.
In his welcoming remarks, Mr. Ssentongo conveyed the Academic Registrar’s message and highlighted Makerere University‘s efforts to digitalize all its processes and records. He further noted that the university is intentional about creating a digital ecosystem that makes academic records retrieval easy and efficient.
“As a university, we are now intentional with the digitalization of all our processes including, digitization of our manual records that date as way back as the inception of Makerere University. Currently, the DARP project as gone as far as creating a one stop center for both Academic document verification and certification, whereby our former graduates, will only need to access the online verification and certification portal and submit their documents without necessarily having to travel many physical distances to Makerere University” Mr. Ssentongo remarked.
Registrars from MAK and MUST pose for a group photo after the meeting. Left is article author Gerald Ochwo.
In his appreciation remarks, the MUST head of delegation, Dr. Dickson Kalungi, thanked the Academic Registrar for honoring their request to come and learn from the best practices that exist at Makerere University and particularly commended the Department for the great steps and strides made in pioneering modern Academic records storage management systems.
“I want to sincerely thank the Office of the Academic Registrar for sparing time and organizing this meeting. As a University, we have embarked on a transformative change drive whereby we intend to automate all our registry processes including, the management of Academic Records. The DARP project at Makerere University, has been one project where we draw a number of lessons and we are eager to go and implement some of the best practices we have observed here today”
Conclusion
The benchmarking exercise undertaken by Mbarara University of Science and Technology demonstrates the significance of Makerere University and particularly, the Office of the Academic Registrar’s achievements in academic records digitalization. The DARP project serves as a model for other institutions to follow, highlighting the importance of investing in digital solutions to enhance the efficiency, accuracy, and security of academic records management. It further demonstrates the university’s commitment to sharing knowledge and best practices with other institutions. Makerere University‘s efforts in digitalizing academic records have set a high standard for other universities to emulate, and the DARP project is a shining example of innovation and excellence in academic records management.
Gerald Ochwo is the Liaison Officer, Office of the Academic Registrar
LAUNCH OF THE 5TH EDITION OF THE MAKERERE UNIVERSITY MARATHON (#MakRun2025)
Makerere University is pleased to announce the launch of the 5th edition of the Makerere University Marathon, also known as #MakRun2025, under the theme “Run the Hills for the Future” which is scheduled to take place on 17th August 2025.
The MakRun2025 is targeting 10,000 participants drawn from the university community, corporate entities, sports enthusiasts, and the general public. Proceeds from this year’s marathon will go towards further equipping the Makerere University Disability Support Unit and strengthening the Makerere University Endowment Fund.
Speaking as the Guest of Honour, the Minister for Sports, Hon. Peter Ogwang, emphasized the unifying power of sports, stating that the “#MakRun2025 is not only about physical endurance it is a uniting force that brings people together from all walks of life, driving us towards a common goal, advancing education and inclusivity for all.”
As part of the launch event, Makerere University officially handed over assistive equipment to the Disability Support Unit, procured from proceeds of the #MakRun2024. The equipment includes:
Focus Blue 40 Braille Display – 5th Generation for the Visually Impaired
Everest D5 Braille Embosser
DUXBURY Braille Transcription Software
And other essential assistive tools to support students living with disabilities.
The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, reaffirmed the importance of this annual event, stating that “This event has become one of the most significant social and community engagement activities in our university calendar, bringing together students, staff, alumni, corporate partners, and members of the wider public for a good cause.”
In his remarks, the Ag. Chairperson of the Makerere University Endowment Fund, Mr. Barnabas Tumusingize, highlighted the growth of the initiative: “What started as a small university event has now evolved into a major attraction. To professionalize the event, we are incorporating race timing chips, cash prizes for winners, among other enhancements, with a vision of making it a regionally recognized major race by 2027.”
We call upon all members of the Makerere University community and the general public to participate and support this noble cause.
For media inquiries, please contact:
Tuhirirwe Karane Communications Officer Makerere University Endowment Fund +256 414 660 416/+256 703 647496
Makerere University, in collaboration with Michigan State University, invites researchers, development actors, regulators, and practitioners to submit abstracts for the Global Symposium on Insects for Food, Feed, and Food Security in Africa.
The symposium will be held from 5th–6th June 2025 at Onomo Hotel in Kampala, under the theme: Advancing the role of insects in African farming systems for feed, food, and food security. The symposium aims to share knowledge and experiences in advancing the use of insects as a solution to Africa’s food, feed, and food security challenges. Contributions on the following sub-themes are welcome.
Insects as animal feed for sustainable livestock production livelihoods
Insects for human food and food security, including indigenous insect food systems
Insects for improved soil health and crop production
Commercialization of insect farming and products, including regulation and standardization
Important Dates: Abstract Submission Deadline: 18th April 2025 Feedback to Participants: 2nd May 2025
Registration Fee: Participants will be required to pay a fee of USD 45, which will cover meals and venue costs. Limited scholarship slots are available for students and farmers. Please note that participants are responsible for their transportation and accommodation.
Submission Guidelines: Abstracts should align with the symposium themes and must be submitted by the deadline. Further details on submission formats and requirements will be provided upon request.
For further information about the symposium and Abstract submission, please refer to the contact below.
Dr. Amulen Deborah Ruth (PhD) Makerere University College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Biosecurity Department of Livestock Industrial Resources P.O. Box 7062, Kampala Phone: +256 782 315 636