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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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