General
TIKA Donation takes Mak-Turkey Partnership to Higher Level
At a highly colourful ceremony, the Ambassador of Turkey to Uganda, H.E Ayşe Sedef Yavuzalp handed over equipment worth UGX 100M to Makerere University Peace and Conflict Studies Centre on 14th September 2015. The equipment was donated by the Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TIKA) to enhance the smooth running of the Peace and Conflict Studies program at Makerere University.
According to the Project Coordinator, Dr. Helen Nkabala, the equipment will help the project to fulfil its role of contributing to culture of peace through teaching, learning, research, publication and community outreach in the Great Lakes Region.
“We have received eight PC computers, four laptops, a power projector, one photocopying machine, one digital camera, four printers and a scanner among others. It is therefore my pleasure to thank the Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency, the Government of Turkey and Sabanci University for the efforts you have put in to make this project a success,” said the Project Coordinator.
Dr. Nkabala thanked the Ambassador for initiating the collaboration between Makerere University and TIKA, as well as between Makerere University and Sabanci University. With great honour, she also commended Haji Abdu Katende, a Memeber of Staff in the Mak Peace and Conflict Studies Centre for playing an instrumental role in the Mak-TIKA Partnership which resulted into fruitful donation.
Addressing the audience in the Main Hall, the Ambassador of Turkey to Uganda said that Turkey has profound expectations of her long term collaboration with Makerere University; one of the most prestigious and renowned universities in the world.
“As you know knowledge is power. With the aim of empowering African people, Turkey contributes to his African brother in the academic area both theoretically and practically such as giving scholarships and donating relevant equipment. Today we are witnessing another one of Turkey’s steps in its contribution efforts through Sabanci University’s Istanbul Policy Centre, to share its experience and assist its Ugandan counterparts," she explained.
Her Excellency also mentioned that Istambul Policy Centre (IPC) has taken its first step towards the improvement of bilateral academic relations between Uganda and Turkey, with their team of academicians from Turkey set to hold fruitful panel discussions with Makerere University.
“Turkey also extends her hand in humanitarian and development assistance, especially in the area of education which is a priority, as we believe that highly qualified and well-educated human resources are indispensable for spearheading growth on the continent. Currently over 3000 students are studying in Turkey through these scholarships with 151 students coming from Uganda,” she said.
In a speech read by the Deputy Vice Chancellor in charge of Academic Affairs (DVCAA), Assoc. Prof. Okello Ogwang, the Vice Chancellor Prof. John Ddumba-Ssentamu acknowledged the mutual relationship Makerere University has with TIKA which is in alignment with the Makerere University core function of Knowledge Transfer Partnerships and Networking.
“We value partnership, and we thank you for choosing to partner with Makerere University, as we continue to reflect on the University Vision, to be the leading institution for academic excellence and innovations in Africa. In the spirit of partnership, I am confident to mention that the equipment we have received today, Monday 14th September 2015, will greatly advance teaching and learning as well as the research capacity for students and staff,” the Vice Chancelor said.
He further noted that Makerere University operates in a globalised world hence the need for implementation of her internationalisation agenda, aimed at ensuring that Makerere remains relevant and visible in the global arena.
“In the pursuit of this agenda, we enter into partnership with reputable universities; we offer joint degree programmes; undertake staff and student exchanges; participate in capacity building opportunities in form of scholarships and seminars among other initiatives. Your Excellency, The Ambassador, together with the TIKA team, and the delegation from Sabanci University, we once again, invite you to be key partners in the implementation of the Makerere University internationalisation agenda,” he urged.
Speaking on behalf of TIKA, Mr. Selahattin Cansiz noted that Turkey’s relations with African countries have in recent years gained momentum in many spheres ranging from trade to political dialogue, as well as from education activities to economic investments and development cooperation.
“Sharing common values such as democratic governance, boasting young and promising population, having strong potential and independence, African countries and Turkey are the rising stars of the world today,” he said.
In the framework of developing relations on the principles of “equal partnership and mutual benefit,” Mr. Selahattin said Turkey aspires to mold her experience in the same melting pot with the potential of African countries. Today Turkey’s main operations in Africa include; Health, Social infrastructure and services, Production sector, Capacity building, Water and sanitation and Vocational training.
The Principal College of Humanities and Social Sciences (CHUSS), Prof. Edward Kirumira said that Makerere University Peace and Conflict Studies Centre is multi-disciplinary unit that brings together different departments and units in the Humanities.
“The centre plays a fundamental role in national development. We are therefore pleased with your support towards a program which so vital to national growth and expansion. We are also grateful to TIKA which came to us in the partnership and not in the donation way. We hope to develop this partnership further,” he said.
The Dean of School of Liberal and Performing Arts, Assoc Prof. Patrick Mangeni commended TIKA team together with the Government of Turkey for enabling the university to extend the horizon of capacity through the support they rendered to the Peace and Conflict Studies Centre.
The Makerere University Peace and Conflict Studies Centre is an academic unit of Makerere University established to contribute to the culture of peace through teaching, training, research, publication and community outreach in the Great Lakes Region. The programme brings together a pool of experts: primarily lecturers and other academic staff from all conflict-related disciplines such as Law, Social and Political Sciences, Economics, Psychology and Religion, The aim of this is to contribute to efficiency and effectiveness in the analysis and response to conflict transformation processes undertaken by government, the UN, NGOs, cultural institutions, religious organizations, and the private sector.
Makerere University Peace and Conflict Studies Centre through partnerships seeks to enhance and facilitate the ability of stakeholders to transform violent conflicts through efficient, effective and sustainable events and processes. As such, the Centre provides expertise in the area of peace building and conflict transformation.
Please see Downloads for the Turkish Ambassador's Remarks
Article by: Mak Public Relations Office
The Makerere University Council and Top Management have today convened at Speke Resort Munyonyo to deliberate on the University’s Strategic Plan 2025/2026 – 2029/2030. The retreat seeks to align Makerere’s priorities with the Fourth National Development Plan (NDP IV) and ensure that all key stakeholders contribute to shaping the institution’s next five years.
Opening the discussions, the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, underscored the centrality of planning in the University’s growth trajectory. He called on members of management to actively participate in the drafting of the new strategic plan. Prof. Nawangwe highlighted Makerere’s progress in recent years, noting that the University has drawn a roadmap to becoming a research-led institution, with publications rising from 700 five years ago to 2,000 currently.
He further pointed out the revision of research policies to align with the University’s research agenda, as well as the establishment of innovation hubs that support product development, commercialisation, and intellectual property management. Commending staff for their resilience and success, Prof. Nawangwe congratulated them on winning significant individual grants, some of which now surpass institutional grants. “NDP IV is intended to grow the country tenfold, and I am confident Makerere will make a huge contribution,” he remarked.
In her keynote remarks, the Chairperson of the University Council, Mrs. Lorna Magara, described the retreat as a defining moment for Makerere’s role in Uganda’s transformation. She urged the University to move beyond traditional teaching and research, positioning itself as a central driver of national development.
“Our mandate extends beyond academia. The knowledge we generate, the leaders we shape, and the innovations we deliver must directly fuel Uganda’s growth,” Mrs. Magara stated.
She outlined priority national development areas— agro-industrialisation, tourism, mineral-based development, and advances in science and technology—where Makerere’s expertise can make a decisive impact. Emphasising the urgency of challenges such as youth unemployment, climate change, food insecurity, and fragile health systems, she noted that within these lie opportunities for Makerere to lead in testing and scaling solutions.
“This retreat is about discipline and focus. Our strategy cannot be a wish list; it must be a blueprint for measurable national impact,” she said, challenging participants to critically reflect on how Makerere can anchor Uganda’s food security, nurture digital innovators, strengthen health resilience, and raise transformative leaders.
She concluded with a call for boldness and clarity in execution: “The next five years are decisive. Makerere must shift from being a participant in national development to being its strongest driver. What we agree here must position Makerere not only as Uganda’s premier university but also as a trusted national partner and a beacon of Africa’s transformation.”
The retreat involved detailed discussions and contributions from University leaders, aimed at developing a practical and impact-driven strategic plan that cements Makerere’s role in advancing Uganda’s development agenda.
Education
Makerere University signs Memorandum of Understanding with International Rescue Committee to Advance Research, Innovation and Partnerships
Makerere University has signed a five-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the International Rescue Committee to formalize undertakings in research, innovation & partnerships.
Signed in September 2025 by the Vice Chancellor of Makerere University, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe and the Country Director, International Rescue Committee, Mr. Elijah Okeyo, the MoU provides a framework to implement research intensive programmes, promote innovative teaching and learning, internationalization, and contribute to societal transformation.
According to Mr. Okeyo, the MoU re-affirms Makerere University as the academic partner of the International Rescue Committee (IRC). “This MoU formalizes IRC’s working relationship with Makerere University. This framework empowers both institutions to tap into opportunities together. We believe in equal partnership. Makerere University commits to being our partner in research to contribute to evidence based humanitarian undertakings,” he said.
Under this collaboration, Makerere University and IRC will work on developing child-centered learning resources, innovative curricula, and policy-relevant research to enhance the quality of education in crisis-affected regions.
At Makerere University, the MoU brings on board, the College of Education and External Studies (CEES), Makerere University Institute of Teacher Education and Research (MITER), and the Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) Research Centre.
To concretize the MoU, the Principal of the College of Education and External Studies, Prof. Anthony Muwagga Mugagga convened a partnership meeting on Friday 12th September 2025 involving a delegation from the International Rescue Committee (IRC), Dr. David Kabugo, the Deputy Director of Makerere University Institute of Teacher Education and Research (MITER), and Ms. Ritah Namisango, the Principal Communication Officer.
The delegation from the International Rescue Committee (IRC) consisted of the following: Mr. Elijah Okeyo-Country Director, Mr. Vincent Wanyama-Senior Program Development and Quality Coordinator, Mr. Richard Omasete-Policy and Advocacy PlayMatters, and Ms. Janet Nambuya-Grants and Partnerships Coordinator.
The MoU focuses on the following areas of interest: Early Childhood Development, joint research and capacity building in education, the plight of refugees and the host communities, humanitarian aid, as well as, evidence based research to inform the education policy.
In line with its mandate, IRC brings onboard, its unmatched expertise in helping children in crisis-affected areas. The MoU therefore positions both institutions to undertake a leading role in the protection of children and families through evidence based research, access to education, and humanitarian undertakings.
Dr. Kabugo, the Deputy Director MITER, noted that the MoU opens new opportunities for joint efforts in research, training, and policy. He said: “We are committed to co-designing practitioner research, engaging in professional development, and generating evidence to guide the education policy in Uganda and beyond.” Dr. Kabugo explained that this partnership builds on years of cooperation between CEES and IRC, especially in child-centered methods such as play-based learning.
Prof. Mugagga described the MOU as a practical framework that connects Makerere University’s research with IRC’s field experiences. He stated that the College of Education and External Studies (CEES) conducts programmes focused on the future of the young people through training and empowering students/teachers. He articulated that the College significantly impacts on the education sector through delivery of quality academic programmes and research under the School of Education, School of Distance and Lifelong Learning, and the East African School of Higher Education Studies and Development.
“Our strongest synergy is education and early child-focused care,” Prof. Mugagga emphasized. He revealed that the collaboration presents CEES with a strong and reliable partner (IRC), which stands for protection and the well-being of children and families. “Through this MoU, both CEES and IRC, will significantly contribute to improving education for children, families, and communities impacted by conflict and crisis.”
Prof. Mugagga commended IRC for the earlier support and expertise extended to the College in the development of the early childhood centre, and working together to provide valuable input during the Ministry of Education and Sports’ consultative process that led to the Early Childhood development policy.
Reflecting on the increasing number of refugees enrolling for studies at Makerere University, Prof. Mugagga said: “ IRC has come at the right time. The College will tap into the IRC expertise to teach our staff and learners components in refugee education. They will equip our students and teachers with knowledge and skills in refugee education. Some of our students will cooperate with IRC to undertake research in refugee settlement and host communities.”
Prof. Mugagga implored both MITER and IRC to undertake research and develop modules on refugee education, parenting, re-tooling street children, integration of a health component into the curriculum, and management of truamatised students/learners who come from areas affected by war, conflict and crisis.
On the issue of play materials, Prof. Mugagga stressed that already made play materials derial creativing. “Both CEES and IRC should work towards a context that empowers children and learners to ignite their creative potential by developing home-made play materials,” he submitted.
About IRC
Stating a brief profile history about IRC, Mr. Okeyo explained that IRC is a global non-profit organisation that provides humanitarian aid and assistance to people affected by conflict and disaster. IRC has been active in Uganda since 1998, originally assisting displaced populations in Northern Uganda and later expanding its efforts to refugee settlements and urban areas.. Currently, IRC operates more than 35 health facilities in refugee settlements and runs a variety of programs in health, education, protection, and economic recovery. IRC also undertakes projects focusing on early childhood development, prevention of gender-based violence, and protection of refugees and families.
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