General
NORAD and MAK to prioritise synergies in research and higher education
At the climax of the first Annual Planning meeting, the Norwegian Agency for Development Cooperation (NORAD) and Makerere University (MAK) agreed to focus on building synergies in research, curriculum development, gender and ICT ahead of the second year of implementation of the nine (9) research projects.
The Annual Planning Meeting, which started on Monday 3rd November 2014 focused on reviewing the implementation of projects at Makerere University under the Capacity Building in Higher Education and Research for Development (NORHED) programme as well as providing an opportunity to focus on the second year of implementation. The meeting ended on Friday 7th November 2014.
Makerere University is the lead partner managing nine (9) research projects under the NORHED programme worth NOK 150million, approximately USD 26million (including NORAD’s Master programme for Energy and Petroleum).
Reflecting on the five-day Annual Planning Meeting, the NORHED Programme Coordinator at Makerere University, Dr. Elizabeth Bwanga applauded the Norwegian Government for supporting research and higher education; commended the NORAD team for their involvement and guidance; and also appreciated the Principal Investigators and research teams for their active participation and selfless service.
The overjoyed Bwanga then invited the NORAD team to share an overview of their assessment of the ongoing NORHED programme at Makerere University.
On behalf of NORAD, Edle Hamre, Head of Section for Research, Innovation and Higher Education highlighted that most of projects were successfully implementing the respective research activities/programmes, and as such, were progressing as per NORAD expectations.
Hamre thanked the Makerere University Management, Principal Investigators and the NORHED Institutional Development and Implementation Committee (NIDIC) for building capacity in South Sudan through their collaboration with the University of Juba.
“There is insecurity in South Sudan. You are facing challenges, but we are glad that you have come up with mechanisms to continue with the collaboration. We are also hopeful that the country will stabilize,” she said.
During the assessment, the NORAD team was equally impressed by the Makerere University financial reporting system, the user-friendly financial manual and also recommended the adoption of financial tracking system used in the management of Swedish International Development Cooperation (Sida) research projects at Makerere University.
With regard to the fulfillment of the gender component in the implementation of the NORHED programme, the NORAD team noted that although Makerere University was facing gender- related challenges in the implementation of some capacity building programmes such as attracting women applicants, they strongly believe that Makerere University through the School of Women and Gender Studies is positioned to contribute to gender capacity building in the various research projects and Africa at large.
The NORAD team also supported the strategic direction focused on building synergies in research, curriculum development, gender and ICT during the second year of implementation of the NORHED Programme.
The Vice Chancellor, Professor John Ddumba-Ssentamu reiterated Makerere University’s commitment to the successful implementation of the NORHED research projects.
“We fully support the idea of strengthening synergies and proper utilization of resources. The NORHED Institutional Development and Implementation Committee (NIDIC) will prioritise the ideas and valuable advice provided in the Assessment Report,” said Professor Ddumba-Ssentamu.
C
ommenting on the task ahead, the Chairperson of NIDIC, Professor Oryem Origa assured the Makerere University Management and NORAD team that they would continue to uphold the spirit of togetherness in the implementation of NORHED programme.
“We have different expertise. We will work with the Principal Investigators and research teams to pool resources to build the capacity of research in Africa and centres of excellence in different fields.”
In the same spirit, one of the Principal Investigators, Dr. Paul Muyinda, from MAK College of Education and External Studies (CEES) expressed readiness to share expertise on e-learning with Principal Investigators and research teams under the NORHED programme.
Responding to issues pertaining to the ongoing holistic review of academic programmes at Makerere University, Professor Edward K. Kirumira said the exercise was aimed at producing high quality and relevant graduates, but the Principal Investigators and NIDIC would work with the University Management to avoid delays in the implementation of the academic programmes under NORHED.
On concluding the first Annual Planning Meeting, Dr. Muyinda looked forward to a spectacular second Annual Planning Meeting. “From the briefing we have heard that most of the projects are moving on systematically. As I said, the first year of implementation has been a learning process. We have a reporting mechanism in place. The next Annual Planning Meeting will be richer.”
In memory of Makerere University, Silje S. Vevatne from NORAD took numerous photographs of strategic points/sites at this great institution. The photo session ended with a brief tour of the New Library Building Extension where Vevatne was impressed to meet Ms Asabaawebwa Jeska, a student with disabilities accessing library services in the space specifically made for People with disabilities.
The Makerere University Librarian, Professor Maria Musoke then led Vevatne to the Research Commons for Graduate Students on Level 4 of the New Library Building Extension. Professor Musoke informed Vevatne that the glamorous research commons were partitioned and furnished with support from the Government and people of Norway. Full of smiles, Vevatne took a photo of the research commons, shared her business card and informed Professor Musoke that she would keep in touch.
Article by: Ritah Namisango, Public Relations Office
Photos by: Joseph Buwule, Landmark Media Consultancy
General
NCBA Commits UGX 1.45 Billion to Makerere Marathon, Pledges Five-Year Support for Inclusive Education
By Eve Nakyanzi and Atwenda Nancy
Makerere University has officially unveiled NCBA Bank Uganda as the platinum sponsor for the 2025 Makerere University Marathon (#MakRun2025), marking a significant milestone in the institution’s journey toward inclusive and sustainable student support. The partnership was formally announced during a colourful event held at the university, attended by the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, Dr. Maggie Kigozi, Chairperson of the Makerere University Endowment Fund, and NCBA Bank Uganda CEO, Mr. Mark Muyobo.
NCBA Bank Uganda’s UGX 1.45 billion sponsorship over the next five years is the largest corporate contribution to the Makerere Marathon to date. It underscores the bank’s commitment to supporting quality education, community development, and equity. Mr. Muyobo said that, “We are driven by the desire to leave every community better than we found it”. He added that the goal is to empower disadvantaged students to live without limitations, describing this initiative as a bold stride toward establishing a world-class international marathon.
“This is more than just a sponsorship, it is a strategic partnership built on shared values,” Dr. Kigozi remarked. “With this support, we are positioned to establish a fully equipped Disability Support Unit and a sustainable pool of funds to assist economically disadvantaged students.”
The marathon, slated under the theme “Run the Hills for the Future,” seeks to unify students, alumni, corporate entities, and professional athletes in pursuit of a common cause. At its core, the MakRun2025 promotes active lifestyles, social inclusion, and a sense of communal responsibility.
“It’s not just a race,” Prof. Nawangwe emphasized. “It is a movement to break barriers, change lives, and build a resilient, inclusive university.”
The marathon’s broader impact includes fundraising for students living with disabilities and those facing financial hardship, contributing directly to the university’s Endowment Fund.
A major highlight of the event is the introduction of a full 42.2-kilometer marathon—bringing international standards to the annual run. Organizers have promised a professional, accredited experience with traffic-free routes and ample support for runners.
“This edition will elevate the MakRun into a world-class event,” said Mr. Muyobo. “We are proud to support Makerere University in realizing its dream of a globally recognized marathon that reflects Uganda’s commitment to education and inclusivity.”
Beyond the race itself, the event will feature a vibrant line-up of activities, including music, drama, and games for all age groups. It is designed to foster a festival-like atmosphere that welcomes every member of the community.
Organizers and university leaders have extended an open invitation to students, staff, alumni, corporate partners, and Kampala residents to participate, cheer, or donate to the cause.
“Every step taken is a step towards hope for a student,” Dr. Kigozi stated. “Together, we are building a Makerere that cares, includes, and uplifts.”
The partnership is expected to significantly enhance the university’s ability to support underprivileged students and improve campus infrastructure for students with disabilities. It also sets the tone for future collaborations that align with the values of compassion, excellence, and innovation. The fifth edition of the MakRun is scheduled to take place on August 17th, 2025.
The Writers are Interns in the Public Relations Office, Makerere University
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