General
MAK and Tottori University to strengthen Collaboration: New areas in research and collaboration identified
In line with the Memorandum of Understanding signed between Makerere University (MAK) and Tottori University in 2012, both institutions are undertaking a series of activities aimed at increasing the number of staff and students involved in research and exchange programmes.
Makerere University, which has hosted officials and experts from Tottori University three (3) times, made a reciprocal visit to Tottori University from 29th October to 3rd November 2014, which culminated in the identification of potential areas for further cooperation as listed below:
- The Special program for foreign students in Arid Land Agricultural Sciences to be advertised early enough in November to allow students identify supervisors and submit application documents in time.
- Collaborative research in mushrooms.
- Possible areas of research on the effect of dust on livestock and insects found in arid land farming areas in East Africa; dust on human health; dust from smoke in factories/industries.
- Mechanical engineering students to do practical training/ internship at the Innovations Centre.
- Introduction of Japanese language studies.
During the visit, the Makerere University delegation comprising the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic Affairs) Associate Professor Okello Ogwang, Professor Bernard Bashaasha-Principal College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES) and Mrs. Martha Muwanguzi Ngobi-Head of International Office toured the teaching, learning and research facilities; appreciated the research capacity of Tottori University; and held several meetings and dialogues with the Management, staff and students on the prospects of strengthening the collaboration.
The President of Tottori University, Professor Ryota Teshima welcomed the Makerere University delegation to Tottori University, a medium sized university with 6,000 students specializing in Agriculture, Engineering, Medicine and Regional Sciences. Professor Teshima thanked Makerere University for hosting their first exchange students for one academic year and one graduate student currently. He noted that Tottori University was also hosting one graduate student from Makerere University in the Faculty of Agriculture which has helped to strengthen the relationship between the two universities and hoped to receive more students under the ABE Initiative. He was equally happy to have Dr. Kalemelawa, an alumnus of Makerere University and Tottori University as a member of staff at their University.
Professor Honna Toshimasa, Special advisor to the Tottori University President, Professor Yamamoto, Director of the Global Human Resource Development, Mr. Dagnew Aklog, in charge of exchange students, Professor Ando, Director for the Centre for International Studies and Mr. Takeda participated in the meeting focused on strengthening the relations between both universities.
Professor Teshima also appreciated the cordial relations between Makerere University and Tottori University and informed the Makerere University delegation that plans were under way for a special program of integrating Japanese students into the Ugandan system and culture for three weeks.
“Here, students would be engaged in community service in hospitals and schools as part of their internship programme. Japanese students need a lot of support and understanding when they go to developing countries as they always have difficulties communicating in English,” he said.
On return to Makerere University, the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic Affairs) will engage the relevant offices and organs regarding a proposal made during one of the meetings for Japanese students scheduled to study at Makerere University to come during the vacation in June, undertake the intensive language courses in English for three months before the academic year begins in August.
On behalf of Makerere University, the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic Affairs), Associate Professor Okello Ogwang, who represented the Vice Chancellor, Professor John Ddumba-Ssentamu, emphasized the need for collaborations, student and staff exchange programmes in universities.
“A university worth its salt should look for collaborations all over the globe. The student and staff exchanges are healthy in a globalised world. It is a key component in the internationalization agenda of Makerere University as stipulated in the University’s Strategic Plan,” he said.
In the context of a globalised world, Tottori University receives international visitors who give summit lectures on global issues to students and staff to understand the world beyond their borders.
The Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic Affairs) Associate Professor Okello Ogwang gave a summit lecture on the Education Systems in Africa – A Case of Uganda to both undergraduate and graduate students in the major auditorium. In attendance was the President of Tottori University, Management and members of staff both academic and administrative. Professor Bashaasha made a presentation highlighting research and innovations in the MAK College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences as well as potential areas of collaboration. Mrs. Muwanguzi Ngobi also gave a lecture on international collaborations, outgoing and incoming international students, students’ matters concerning immigration details, applications, selection of courses and admission, welfare, safety, security and health matters.
At the end of summit lecture, the President of Tottori University, Professor Ryota Teshima presented a certificate to Makerere University in recognition of her contribution towards the internationalization of Tottori University. Makerere University’s Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic Affairs), Professor Okello Ogwang received the Certificate of Recognition on behalf of institution amidst applause from the congregation.
During a meeting held at the Embassy of the Republic of Uganda in Japan at Shibuya, H.E Betty Grace Akech Okullo who participated in earlier discussions to set up an Agro-Technology Park at Makerere University Agricultural Research Institute -Kabanyolo by scientists from Tottori University, informed the MAK delegation that she looked forward to more involvement in the processes aimed at strengthening ties between both institutions and Governments.
Reflecting on the six day visit, Mrs. Muwanguzi-Ngobi said that the Makerere University delegation toured facilities that will be very crucial in strengthening research and collaboration.
“Under the exchange programme, the facilities will be used by staff and students in both universities. We toured the Veterinary Medicine Centre, the Fungus/Mushroom Research Centre affiliated to the Faculty of Agriculture; the Arid Land Research Centre-a joint research facility of the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology; and the Innovations Centre in Engineering Education affiliated to the Faculty of Engineering,” she remarked.
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Article by: Ritah Namisango, Public Relations Office
President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has appointed Makerere University Chancellor Dr. Crispus Walter Kiyonga as Uganda’s Second Deputy Prime Minister and Deputy Leader of Government Business in Parliament.
The appointment was announced on May 26, 2026, as part of the cabinet reshuffle for the 2026–2031 government term. Dr. Kiyonga now assumes one of the senior leadership positions in government while continuing to serve as Chancellor of Makerere University.
Dr. Kiyonga is both Chancellor and alumnus of Makerere University. He studied at Makerere University School of Medicine from 1973 to 1978, graduating with a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBChB). He later obtained a Master of Health Science in Population Dynamics from the Johns Hopkins School of Public Health in 2004.
Born on September 19, 1952, in Kasese District, Dr. Kiyonga attended Bwera Primary School, Nyakasura School, and Kings College Budo before joining Makerere University.
He was appointed Chancellor of Makerere University in August 2024 and formally installed in October 2024, succeeding Professor Ezra Suruma.
Political and Public Service Career
Dr. Kiyonga entered national politics during Uganda’s 1980 elections, where he won a parliamentary seat on the Uganda Patriotic Movement (UPM) ticket. He later joined the National Resistance Movement during the liberation struggle and subsequently served in several senior government positions after 1986.
He represented Bukonjo County West in Parliament from 1980 to 2016 and was also a member of the Constituent Assembly that drafted the 1995 Constitution.
Over the years, Dr. Kiyonga has held several ministerial portfolios, including:
- Minister for Cooperatives and Marketing
- Minister of Finance
- Minister of Internal Affairs
- Minister of Health
- Minister without Portfolio
- Minister of Defence
During his tenure as Minister of Health, he played a key role in Uganda’s response to the Ebola outbreak in Gulu in 2000.
From 2016, he served as Uganda’s Ambassador to China, where he represented Uganda during a significant period of Uganda-China relations.
Dr. Kiyonga’s appointment marks a return to frontline government leadership after several years in diplomatic service and university leadership.
Significance for Makerere
As Chancellor, Dr. Kiyonga serves as the titular head of Makerere University and presides over major ceremonial functions, including graduation ceremonies.
His appointment reflects the longstanding contribution of Makerere University alumni to public service and national leadership in Uganda and across the region.
Speaking during his installation as Chancellor in 2024, the First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Hon. Janet K. Museveni, noted that Dr. Kiyonga’s experience and networks would support the advancement of the university.
Makerere University congratulates Chancellor Dr. Crispus Walter Kiyonga upon his appointment and wishes him success in his new role.
The Writer is a Volunteer in the Public Relations Office, Makerere University and the Mak Sharks PRO | Est. 2014
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