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Mak Confucius Institute to Bridge Uganda-China Cultural Gap

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Makerere University together with the Government of China and Xiangtan University launched the Confucius Institute at a colorful ceremony, held on 19th December 2014 in the University's Main Hall.   The launch was as result of long term partnership between Makerere University and Xiangtan University to train and teach Chinese language and culture in Uganda.

The first of its kind to be established in the country, the Confucius Institute is a non–profit public institution, born out of the genuine cooperation between Makerere University and Xiangtan University since 2010. The institute hosted by Makerere University with support from the Government of the Peoples Republic of China will offer courses in Chinese to Makerere university students, staff and members of the general public interested in learning Chinese for all purposes. The Confucius Institute will also be a centre for promoting cultural and business ties between the people of Uganda and China.

The Vice Chancellor Prof. John Ddumba-Ssentamu, appreciated the Government of China for choosing Makerere University to host the first Confucius institute in Uganda.

“The establishment of Confucius Institute at Makerere University is indeed an important milestone in the history of cooperation between Uganda and China. I therefore thank the Confucius Institute Headquarters (Hanban), the Embassy of the Peoples Republic of China in Uganda and Xiangtan University for the financial and material support rendered towards the establishment of the institute”

Prof. Ddumba-Ssentamu also advised Ugandans to utilize this chance to learn Chinese so as to broaden their cooperation with Chinese nationals as it is one of the fastest ways to bring development and modernization to Uganda‘s economy.

“As you may be aware, China is currently one of the fastest growing economies in the world and its influence in global affairs cannot be underestimated. Therefore, as the interaction between Chinese and Ugandan businesses continues to grow, communication becomes more important. I believe that, with our collective efforts, the Confucius Institute will surely act as a window for Ugandans, especially the youth, to understand and study Chinese culture,” he said.

In his speech read by the State Minister in the Office of the Vice President, Hon. Vincent Nyanzi, The Vice President of Uganda His Excellency Edward Kiwanuka Ssekandi noted that language is a key component to culture which is a core determinant of a people’s identity. The Vice President said that understanding Chinese language will acquaint Ugandans with Chinese norms and values that have influenced China’s fast growing economy.

“Ugandans need to study Chinese to be able to associate with such a vibrant economy in politics, commerce, culture and general trade. Uganda established diplomatic relations with the People’s Republic of China in 1962 and has since enjoyed excellent relations in bilateral trade, cultural exchange, technology and scientific transfers, modernization of our security forces agricultural and industrial modernization” read the Vice President’s speech.

In his remarks, the Chancellor of Makerere University, Prof. George Mondo Kagonyera, hailed the strengthened cooperation between the China and Uganda in various sectors including education and business. He said through technology, the world has become more connected and Ugandans can no longer afford to live in isolation, especially from countries like China that have influenced events on the global stage.

“The rest of the world cannot afford to do without China. The Confucius Institute therefore offers an opportunity to Ugandans to learn more about China. I hope that it will not only focus on teaching the language but also the work quality and ethical values of the Chinese people,” he said.

Speaking at the ceremony, the Ambassador of the Peoples Republic of China in Uganda, H.E. Zhao Yali, said the Institute would further enhance cooperation between Uganda and China, “With the growing relations between our two countries, more and more Ugandans are visiting and studying in China, and many Chinese choose Uganda as their travel and investment destination.”

“The demand for learning Chinese and understanding Chinese culture among Ugandans has increased in the recent years. The Confucius Institute at Makerere University will provide a great platform for Ugandans to better understand Chinese language and culture” the Ambassador added

During the ceremony, Mr. Chu Maoming, Counsellor, Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Uganda, read a letter from Madame Xu Lin, Chief Executive of the Confucius Institute Headquarters in Beijing congratulating Ugandans upon their “landmark achievement”.

After a sumptuous dinner, guests were treated to different activities including; martial arts displays, Traditional Chinese dressing, and entertainment from the Confucius students.

Article by Nabatte Prossy, Intern-Public Relations Office

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IDI Launches Africa’s Largest Campus-Based 384KWp Solar System

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An elevated shot of the IDI-McKinnell Knowledge Centre (Left) and the Department of Pharmacy Building (Right) with the array of solar panels. Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe inaugurated the Infectious Diseases Institute (IDI) at Makerere University's ground-breaking 384kWp solar-powered electricity grid, Africa’s largest campus-based solar system, July 24, 2024, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

The Infectious Diseases Institute (IDI) at Makerere University on July 24, 2024 launched a ground-breaking 384kWp solar-powered electricity grid, Africa’s largest campus-based solar system. Inaugurated by the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, the solar grid marks a significant milestone in strengthening sustainable research infrastructure and improving energy access in Uganda, especially in resource-limited settings.

The launch was not only a celebration of green energy but also of medical innovation, as it coincided with the unveiling of drones designed to deliver life-saving drugs to hard-to-reach areas such as Buvuma and Kalangala Islands. This dual initiative underscores IDI’s commitment to combining technological innovation with public health solutions that have tangible impact.

Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe inaugurated the Infectious Diseases Institute (IDI) at Makerere University's ground-breaking 384kWp solar-powered electricity grid, Africa’s largest campus-based solar system, July 24, 2024, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe cuts the tap to signal the launch of the facility.

In his remarks, Vice Chancellor Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe expressed deep pride in Makerere University’s academic excellence and innovation culture. “Today, I am very proud to be the Vice-Chancellor of Makerere. We continue to shine because of our centres of excellence, like IDI,” he said. He also emphasized the importance of continued investment in science and technology to combat epidemics, strengthen health systems, and bridge Africa’s persistent energy gap through sustainable options like solar power.

Prof. Samuel Abimerech Luboga, Chair of the Board of Directors at IDI, thanked the university leadership for their consistent support and lauded the solar project’s environmental and social impact. “This project, empowering our campus with renewable energy, demonstrates our commitment to the environmental, social and governance agenda,” he said. Prof. Luboga reaffirmed the Board’s commitment to ensuring that all IDI initiatives deliver real value to communities. “We pledge to continue this oversight and ensure that every investment from solar panels to data labs drives impact and accountability,” he emphasized. He called upon researchers, innovators, and the broader community to rally behind the shared vision of a healthier and more sustainable future.

Ms. Susan Lamunu Shereni, Head of Finance and Administration at IDI, presented an update on the Institute’s sustainability initiatives, revealing that IDI has already installed solar systems in 150 health facilities across Uganda. “Infectious Disease Institute was first founded to address the sustainability concern specifically goal number three of the Sustainable Development Goals which is good health and wellbeing, she said, “but in the process of doing that we’ve addressed other SDGs.” She noted that the solar system continues to generate power even on cloudy days and projects an annual savings of $85,000—enabling a full return on investment within five years. “We will also reduce carbon footpring by about 25,000 kg,” she added.

Left to Right: Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, Prof. Edward Bbaale, Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi, Prof. Sam Luboga and Dr. Andrew Kambugu chat during a tour of the facility. Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe inaugurated the Infectious Diseases Institute (IDI) at Makerere University's ground-breaking 384kWp solar-powered electricity grid, Africa’s largest campus-based solar system, July 24, 2024, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Left to Right: Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, Prof. Edward Bbaale, Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi, Prof. Sam Luboga and Dr. Andrew Kambugu chat during a tour of the facility.

The solar project, valued at $380,000, represents a bold step toward achieving energy efficiency and reliability in the delivery of critical healthcare services.

In the same event, IDI also introduced its Medical Drones Project, launched through its Academy—a collaboration between Makerere University and the Ministry of Health established a decade ago. Mr. Patrick, the project coordinator, shared that the drone initiative is targeted at solving transportation challenges in underserved regions such as West Nile and Kalangala. “We have been delivering Antiretroviral drugs (ARV’s) to Kalangala for almost four years now,” he said. He reported impressive outcomes, including a 100% mutation treatment rate in the first 24 months and 95% viral suppression among recipients.

The inauguration was graced by key figures from Uganda’s academic and medical research community, including Dr. Robert Kalyesubula, Senior Lecturer and Head of the Department of Physiology at Makerere University College of Health Sciences; Dr. Andrew Kambugu, the Sande-McKinnell Executive Director at IDI; and Prof. David Serwadda, Africa Centre of Excellence Global Council Chair and renowned Professor at the School of Public Health and author of the first-ever paper on HIV/AIDS in Uganda, and the IDI senior management team.

Together, these initiatives reaffirm IDI’s role as a continental leader in health innovation and sustainable development—combining science, energy, and equity in service delivery for the greater good.

Eve Nakyanzi
Eve Nakyanzi

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MUTIC Board Inauguration Marks New Beginning for Innovative Minds

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The Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe (Centre) with the Chair-Prof. Winston Tumps Ireeta (3rd Right) and MUTIC Advisory Board Members Left to Right: Mr. Japheth Kawanguzi, Ms. Rhinah Akankunda, Dr. Peter Kimbowa, Dr. David Gonahasa, and Dr. Ivan Engoru after the inauguration on 24th July 2025. Official inauguration of the Advisory Board of Makerere University Technology and Innovation Centre (MUTIC) by the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe,24th July 2025, Main Building, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

The Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe on Thursday, July 24, 2025 officially presided over the inauguration of the Advisory Board of Makerere University Technology and Innovation Centre (MUTIC). The move aims to enhance, encourage and nurture innovation and research among the young people and the country at large in order to fight poverty and nurture job creators other than job seekers.

The newly-appointed Advisory Board members of MUTIC are; Prof. Winston Tumps Ireeta the Chairperson of the Board representing Makerere University Council, Dr. Cathy IIikor Mbidde, Ag. Manager, MUTIC and Board Secretary, Dr. Dorothy K. Okello-Dean School of Engineering, representing Science-based colleges, Dr. Ivan Engoru from the School of Law representing Humanities-based colleges, Ms. Rhinah Akankunda-91st Guild Minister for Information, Research and Computer Technology representing the Students Guild, Dr. David Gonahasa representing the Ministry for Science, Technology and Innovation, Mr. Japheth Kawanguzi-Team Leader at the Innovation Village representing the Private Sector, and Dr. Peter Kimbowa-Board Member Private Sector Foundation of Uganda (PSFU). Each expressed their appreciation for having been given the opportunity to carry the responsibility and play a role in achieving the University’s goals.

The inauguration event was preceded by a tour of the Makerere University Innovation Pod (Mak UniPod) that highlighted the innovations such as; the new Malaria treatment (Maisha Syrup), new soybean varieties, an Intern Database Management application that tracks internship at the Mak UniPod, a long-range e-bike by Redvers limited, an off-grid irrigation water pump by Matia Ategeka, among other innovations. The board members also toured Mak UniPod’s photo, video and audio studios as well as the Makerere AI and Data Science Research Lab.

Official inauguration of the Advisory Board of Makerere University Technology and Innovation Centre (MUTIC) by the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe,24th July 2025, Main Building, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe presides over the inauguration event.

Speaking at the inauguration of the MUTIC Advisory Board, the Vice Chancellor, Prof Barnabas Nawangwe highlighted the marginalization of Africa and the need for the continent to rise again, despite political and other hurdles. “Africa is gradually awakening”, he said.

 He also discussed Africa’s low involvement in global research, contributing only 3% to the world’s knowledge despite people’s arguments that Africa is the wealthiest continent.

 The Vice Chancellor further emphasized the need for Africa to increase its research and educational investment to improve its development. “Nobody is going to industrialize Africa except its young people through those innovations, through beginning small and big enterprises”. Said Prof. Nawangwe.

In addition to winning research grants and establishing centres of excellence, the Vice Chancellor emphasized the need to invest in the innovation hubs at the University as a way of encouraging the young minds to be innovators. “We have been establishing centers for research and emphasizing the need for products, not just coming up with research for the sake but moving this to commercial products”, he stated.

“We have made progress in Makerere’s strategy to be a more research intensive and become a research-led University”, said Prof. Nawangwe. He acknowledged the innovative work that is going on in the University’s innovative hubs such as the Food and Technology and Business Incubation Centre at the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES), Mak UnIPod and the Makerere AI and Data Science Research Lab at the College of Computing and Information Sciences (CoCIS).

Officials that took part in the inauguration with MUTIC Advisory Board Members in the Vice Chancellor's Office. Official inauguration of the Advisory Board of Makerere University Technology and Innovation Centre (MUTIC) by the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe,24th July 2025, Main Building, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Officials that took part in the inauguration with MUTIC Advisory Board Members in the Vice Chancellor’s Office.

However, Prof. Nawangwe regretted that some members of society still demoralize and discourage the innovations of the young people instead of encouraging them to continue being big thinkers and innovators. He attributed this behavior as a mindset problem among the population which he said that if this continued, the nation will never develop. To this, he said that they are going to introduce a mindset course in the University aimed at nurturing innovative and creative minds.

He also explained the role of universities in producing business managers and administrators, as entrepreneurs need to work through Universities in order to access better resources and support. Prof. Nawangwe noted the importance of government funding for innovation, which has steadily increased at Makerere University and the need for Universities to take ownership of these initiatives.  He equally appreciated UNDP Uganda for their support towards establishing the Mak UniPod.

The chairperson of the Advisory Board for MUTIC, Prof. Winston Tumps Ireeta expressed his appreciation to the University Council and Management for entrusting him with such big responsibility of carrying forward the center to reach greater heights in achieving their goals.

He explained that MUTIC has come at a defining moment in the University’s journey where the demand for research-informed solutions, innovation and meaningful engagement with society has never been greater.

“This center has been designed not just to inspire ideas but to engineer solutions. It will be an engine of innovation, where curiosity is natured, partnerships are cultivated and discoveries are transformed into impact”, said Prof. Ireeta.

He further said, “Through MUTIC, Makerere University will not only respond to societal needs, we will anticipate them. We will shape the future, not merely react to it”.    

Nancy Atwenda

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Admission Lists for Postgraduate Programmes 2025/26

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The Directorate of Graduate Training (DGT), Makerere University has released the admission lists for applicants successfully admitted for postgraduate programs for the 2025/26 Academic Year. The lists include postgraduate diplomas, PhD and Masters programmes.

Please see admission lists for the respective Colleges listed below:

The admission lists for the following Colleges are yet to be finalised:

  • College of Computing and Information Sciences
  • College of Natural Sciences
  • The School of Law

Prof. Julius Kikooma
DIRECTOR DGT

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