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Turkey Advises Africa on Principle of Equal Partnership and Mutual Benefit

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On 14th September 2015, Makerere University Peace and Conflict Studies Centre in conjunction with Istanbul Policy Centre (IPC), Sabanci University held a lively discussion inspired by Turkey’s positive attitude towards Africa’s development. Convening in the Makerere University Main Hall, Scholars from Istanbul Policy Centre led by The IPC Resolution and Mediation Stream Scholar Prof. Bulent Aras shared knowledge on how Turkey’s principle of “Equal partnership and mutual benefit” can be harnessed as the paramount approach to collaborations between Africa and other countries.

Driven by the captivating theme of the day: “Turkey’s Engagement in Africa’s Development”, Scholars drew the audience’s attention to the Turkey-Africa common values and interests which include; democratic governance, boasting young and promising population, economic potential and independence.

During the discussions Scholars pointed out that, African countries should focus on mutual support and independent development rather than dependency when collaborating with European countries. They also agreed that Africa should always look out for relationships which will develop her economically, socially and culturally.

According to Prof. Onur Sazak-IPC’s Research and Academic Affairs Manager, Turkey’s development perspectives for Africa are central to research and academic affairs. In his discussion on “The shifting Axes of International Aid: Are Traditional Donors from Mars, Emerging Powers from Venus?” Prof. Sazak said that, it is through the equal partnership and mutual benefit principle that Turkey has been able to assist Africa in academics by focusing on capacity building, social infrastructure development, training and constructing vocational schools.

He explained that Turkey’s role in the International Development Cooperation has gone through fundamental changes. To him, new economic dynamics and an increasing sense of responsibility for global peace and sustainable development has enabled Turkey to emerge as a new and dynamic player in the international development cooperation architecture.

“My observation tells me that the traditional donors follow a more aggressive approach. These different approaches are apparent and states have not been very happy about the number of countries coming in for global peace” he said.

He examined the different approaches to donations which among others, mentioned securitization of aid as one of the major global concern. Prof. Onur said that many African countries have fallen victims of the repercussions of the Aid given to them with strings attached.

 Focusing on Medical Humanitarianism of Turkey’s NGOs: the Case of Uganda; The IPC Resolution and Mediation Stream Scholar Prof. Bulent Aras, mentioned that the rapid growth and constructive involvement of Turkey’s Non Governmental Organisations (NGOs) in Africa’s community affairs is heavily felt on the global arena. He believes that, the community outreach approach adopted by Turkish Humanitarian NGOs have led to fundamental changes in Africa’s health, infrastructural, academic and economic sectors.  

“In the research we carried out using Uganda as case study, we discovered that the growth and involvement of NGOs in African affairs is due to their ability to reach out to the community.  African countries have failed to reach their society in terms of needs and information creating a knowledge-information gap between the governments and its people. This has given the NGOs a go ahead and provided a supplementary role in public health, education and capacity building,” he said.

Prof. Bulent further noted that unlike the traditional humanitarian approach that deals with middlemen, Turkey’s Humanitarian Organisations deal directly with people in need.

Speaking about the limelight of Humanitarian NGOs in Turkey’s Peace Building and Africa’s experiences, the IPC Conflict Resolution, Mediation Stream Scholar Ms. Pınar Akpınar said that Turkey has established networks through its humanitarian assistance together with its emphasis on business development, that allow the Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA)   to follow up with peace building initiatives.

“The engagement of the Turkish NGOs in efforts to mediate among various conflict actors primarily emphasises their respect for local partners in finding home-grown solutions to their problems. These NGOs have been able to develop two models of peace building and these include militarization of aid and Humanitarianism” she explained.

 According to IPC Researcher Ms. Auween Woods, so many activities have been developed to promote peace and security in the war torn countries. In her presentation on “Turkey’s Approach to Peace Building and Africa’s Experience”, Ms .Woods shared that Turkish NGOs have been able to support the military crews during wars, promote capacity building, as well as engage in health, education and construction projects so as to build and maintain peace on the African continent.

“Through Military NGOs, Turkey has extended a service to war affected countries. The country has invested in orphanages like the Child Fund Orphanage in Uganda, awarded scholarships to students to study in Turkey and provided technical skills to African children,” she added.

Ms. Woods stressed that although the Turkish organisations have ensured sustainability, they still face challenges which have negatively impacted their existence. “Most Turkish NGOs face challenges in monitoring the aid since many of them have just been established. In addition to that, the organisations lack security since most of them are heavily dependent on volunteers when they are in filed,” she said.

Article by: Nabatte Proscovia

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Call for Applications: Government Sponsorship 2026/27

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Makerere University -Main Building

The Academic Registrar, Makerere University informs all Head Teachers of Advanced Level (UACE) Schools with UNEB Centre Numbers that applications for admission to Public Universities and other Tertiary Institutions for 2026/2027 Academic Year for government sponsorship will be done electronically/online using the Academic Management Information
System (ACMIS) from 15th October, 2025 to 31st December, 2025. The Public Universities include:
(a) Makerere University
(b) Makerere University Business School
(c) Mbarara University of Science and Technology
(d)Kyambogo University
(e) Gulu University
(f) Busitema University
(g) Muni University
(h) Kabale University
(i) Lira University
(j) Soroti University
(k) Mountains ofthe Moon University

NB: The list of Other Tertiary Institutions is provided on the online application portal.

Other Important documents:

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PIM Centre Holds 9th Steering Committee Meeting, Set to Benefit from World Bank Support

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Mak PIM COE Steering Committee

The Public Investment Management (PIM) Centre of Excellence at Makerere University today, October 10th, 2025, held its 9th Steering Committee Meeting to review progress made in the first quarter of the financial year and plan for the months ahead.

The meeting was chaired by Ms. Getrude Basiima, who represented Mr. Hannington Ashaba, Director Budget at the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development (MoFPED). Ms. Basiima commended the Centre for its continued commitment to strengthening public investment management capacity across government institutions.

In her remarks, Ms. Basiima applauded the Centre for successfully hosting the Public Investment Management Conference held in August at Makerere University. The conference attracted key policymakers, development partners, and academics who deliberated on how to enhance the efficiency, sustainability, and impact of public investments in Uganda.

She further shared exciting news that the Government of Uganda has secured funding from the World Bank to support the public investment management function. The PIM Centre, she announced, will be among the key beneficiaries of these funds — receiving support for the construction and acquisition of a permanent home to enhance its institutional sustainability and training capacity.

Reviewing the Centre’s quarterly performance, Ms. Basiima congratulated the team for successfully conducting three specialized trainings in the first quarter, reaching officials from various Ministries, Departments, and Agencies. These trainings continue to strengthen the technical competencies required for effective project preparation, appraisal, and implementation in line with Uganda’s National Development Plan.

The PIM Steering Committee in a meeting held at Emin Pasha Hotel

She encouraged the Centre to integrate climate change considerations into its future training programmes, noting that sustainable public investment must now account for environmental resilience and climate adaptation.

The centre team presented the proposed  structure/ organogram, the financial performance of 2024/2025, research areas for 2025/2026 and the strategic plan for 2025 – 2030.

The Steering Committee reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the PIM Centre’s vision of becoming a regional leader in building capacity for efficient, transparent, and sustainable public investment management.

Betty Kyakuwa
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Strengthening Collaboration between Makerere University and the University of Groningen

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Seated: Prof. Sarah Ssali (C), Dr. Dinie Bouwman (L) and Dr. Anita Veltmaat (R) with teams from Makerere University and the University of Groningen during the meeting on 7th October 2025. Strategic meeting between Makerere University and the University of Groningen, Netherlands to move beyond existing collaborations and formalize a new Double Doctorate (PhD) program, 7th October 2025, Main Building, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

A significant development unfolded at Makerere University during a strategic, hour-long meeting in the vice chancellor’s boardroom on 7th October 2025, marking a deepening bond with the University of Groningen in the Netherlands. The primary goal was to move beyond existing collaborations and formalize a new Double Doctorate (PhD) program. Prof. Sarah Saali, the Deputy Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, set the tone by emphasizing that institutional partnerships are crucial to Makerere University, which she proudly called the leading research and most collaborative university in the world.

The parties from Makerere University and the University of Groningen meeting in the Vice Chancellor's Boardroom. Strategic meeting between Makerere University and the University of Groningen, Netherlands to move beyond existing collaborations and formalize a new Double Doctorate (PhD) program, 7th October 2025, Main Building, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
The parties from Makerere University and the University of Groningen meeting in the Vice Chancellor’s Boardroom.

The discussion promptly formed the core structure of the program: a four-year PhD (or three if the master’s was research-based), with supervision duties split 50-50% between the two institutions. A key feature is the mobility requirement, stipulating that PhD candidates would spend a total of six months in the Netherlands, potentially divided into two three-month periods. Crucially, the University of Groningen confirmed there would be no teaching requirement during this stay, allowing students full access to focus on their research. A major financial hurdle was overcome with the adoption of a fee-waiver policy; Makerere would waive tuition for incoming Groningen candidates, and Groningen would reciprocate for Makerere‘s students, significantly boosting the program’s financial viability.

Prof. Sarah Ssali (R) presents a Mak Souvenir to Dr. Anita Veltmaat. Strategic meeting between Makerere University and the University of Groningen, Netherlands to move beyond existing collaborations and formalize a new Double Doctorate (PhD) program, 7th October 2025, Main Building, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Prof. Sarah Ssali (R) presents a Mak Souvenir to Dr. Anita Veltmaat.

However, the critical issue of the stipend remained. Dr. Anita Veltmaat explained that to meet the required living standard of approximately €1,875 per month in Groningen, the incoming candidate must secure a partial external scholarship of around €250 per month. The positive news is that if the candidate secures this minimum scholarship, the University of Groningen is prepared to top up the amount to the full living standard for the six months the student spends in the Netherlands. It was noted that this initial financial hurdle might be simplified for Makerere students, as many are already staff members receiving a salary, which could help cover the required €250.

The meeting in session. Strategic meeting between Makerere University and the University of Groningen, Netherlands to move beyond existing collaborations and formalize a new Double Doctorate (PhD) program, 7th October 2025, Main Building, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
The meeting in session.

The path forward was clear: it was to complete the agreement template guided by the setup committee from both institutions. The plan culminated in scheduling an online follow-up meeting for Tuesday, November 11th, to review the first revision of the agreement, capping a highly constructive discussion that solidified the two universities’ shared future in graduate education.

The Team from Makerere University from Left to Right: Dr. Ruth Nsibirano, Dr. Racheal Nuwagaba, Dr. Patricia Ndugga, Dr. Stella Achen, Dr. Joseph Watuleke, and Ms. Agatha Ainemukama. Strategic meeting between Makerere University and the University of Groningen, Netherlands to move beyond existing collaborations and formalize a new Double Doctorate (PhD) program, 7th October 2025, Main Building, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
The Team from Makerere University from Left to Right: Dr. Ruth Nsibirano, Dr. Racheal Nuwagaba, Dr. Patricia Ndugga, Dr. Stella Achen, Dr. Joseph Watuleke, and Ms. Agatha Ainemukama.

Makerere University was represented by Prof. Sarah Ssali, the Deputy Vice Chancellor in charge of Academics Affairs; Dr. Ruth Nsibirano, Head of the Department of Gender Studies; Dr. Patricia Ndugga, School of Statistics; Dr. Stella Achen and Dr. Joseph Watuleke, School of Distance and Lifelong Learning; Agatha Ainemukama, School of Engineering; Racheal Nuwagaba, School of Psychology; Awel Uwihanganye, Martine Rugamba, and Hawa Ndagire from the Advancement Office; and Muhammad Kiggundu from the Institute of Gender and Development Studies.

Prof. Sarah Ssali (R) presents a Mak Souvenir to Mrs. Alette Arendshorst. Strategic meeting between Makerere University and the University of Groningen, Netherlands to move beyond existing collaborations and formalize a new Double Doctorate (PhD) program, 7th October 2025, Main Building, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Prof. Sarah Ssali (R) presents a Makerere Souvenir to Mrs. Alette Arendshorst.

The University of Groningen was represented by Dr. Dinie Bouwman, Senior Policy Advisor, Internationalization and Quality Assurance; Dr. Anita Veltmaat, Faculty of Social Behavior and Social Sciences, Department of International Studies, involved in mentorship programs for women; and Dr. Alette Arendshorst, Faculty of Behavioral and Social Sciences, working on graduation/collaboration for students/staff.

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