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Call for DELTAS (S2ACABT)Masters and PhD in Biostatistics fellowships for 2016 Academic Year

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The Sub-Saharan African Consortium for Advanced Biostatistical Training (S2ACABT), a consortium of twenty African and northern institutions with the University of the Witwatersrand as the lead; and KEMRI-Wellcome Trust Research Programmes, Universities of KwaZulu-Natal, Warwick and London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine as co-applicants, has secured funding from the Wellcome Trust/AESA through the Developing Excellence in Leadership, Traning and Science (DELTAS). The full list of participating institutions are listed below. The funding will cover Masters and PhD programmes in Biostatistics in participating training institutions to develop and improve biostatistical skills among researchers, with an ultimate goal of creating research nodes of excellence to grow the discipline and a biostatistical network to nurture researchers with advanced skills and expertise. The consortium is therefore calling for full time scholarship applications for Masters and PhD degrees.

The scholarships are open to candidates with strong background in either Statistics, Mathematics, Demography, any other quantitative fields , including competent candidates from the lab/health field such as biomedical sciences, pharmacy, medicine who may benefit from a postgraduate course in biostatistics.The potential fellows should have applied for a place at one of the postgraduate biostatistics degree programmes being offered by partner institutions.

These degree programmes will be focused on courses relevant to quantitative research in the health-related fields and developing careers in Biostatisticics, which is a growing field particularly in developing countries where the demand is high due to increased biomedical research. Therefore, the goal of this financial support is to enhance Biostatistical graduate training capacity and boost the number of researchers and practitoners in low and middle-income countries.

MASTERS’ SCHOLARSHIPS: APPLICATION DEADLINE – 15th DECEMBER 2015
ELIGIBILITY
• The scholarship is open to nationals of low and middle income countries in the Sub-Saharan African Region that are resident in the region. (http://data.worldbank.org/about/country-and-lending-groups#Sub_Saharan_Africa ) and partnering institutions in the consortium.
• Applicants should normally be under 35 years for the Master Programme
• Applicants should meet each of the separate University’s admission requirements for the level of degree applied for before applying for the scholarship.

SCHOLARSHIP PACKAGE
The scheme will provide full scholarships for 18 Masters students fellows in the 2016 academic year and covers the following:
• Tuition fees and basic medical and accident insurance
• A monthly stipend to cover accommodation and living expenses.
• Support for the Masters research project supervision

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
For the MSc scholarships, applicants should provide the academic training institution with:

  1. A comprehensive curriculum vitae including relevant research and work experience
  2. Letter of motivation explaining why you want to pursue an MSc in biostatistics
  3. Certified copies of academic transcripts and degree certificates
  4. Evidence of acceptance or application to study Biostatistics at any of the partnering institution for commencement in the 2016 academic year
  5. Two confidential referee reports should be sent directly to the training institution

PHD SCHOLARSHIPS: APPLICATION DEADLINE – 31st MARCH 2016
ELIGIBILITY
• The scholarship is open to nationals of low and middle income countries in the Sub-Saharan African Region that are resident in the region. (http://data.worldbank.org/about/country-and-lending-groups#Sub_Saharan_Africa ) and partnering institutions in the consortium.
• Applicants should normally be under 40 years for the PhD Programme.
Applicants should meet each of the separate University’s admission requirements for the level of degree applied for before applying for the fellowship.
SCHOLARSHIP PACKAGE
The scheme will provide full scholarships for 5 PhD Fellows in the 2016 academic year and covers the following:
• Tuition fees and basic medical and accident insurance
• A monthly stipend to cover accommodation and living expenses.
• Reasonable support for the PhD research project and supervision
• Bench fees to research institution hosting the PhD student
• Travel costs to and from academic training institution and the host research institution
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
For the PhD scholarships, applications must be either be based research questions on data from a recognised Research Institution, and include a co-supervisor from that institution, or from an academic training institution. Potential PhD scholarship applicants should provide the academic training institution:
1. A comprehensive curriculum vitae including relevant research and work experience
2. Letter of motivation explaining why you want to pursue a PhD in biostatistics
3. Certified copies of academic transcripts and degree certificates
4. A concept note, not exceed 5 pages, outlining the proposed area of research.
5. A sample of written academic work of which the applicant is the primary author e.g. Masters’ thesis/research report, journal article
6. A letter from the proposed research institution supervisor indicating willingness to supervise
7. Evidence of acceptance or application to study Biostatistics at a partner institution
8. Two confidential referee reports should be sent directly to the training institution.
Preference for these (MSc and PhD) scholarships will be given to candidates who are likely to strengthen the SSACABT institutions either as academic staff members or affiliation to research institution within the consortium.
Further, recipients’ careers will be tracked with the new Wellcome Trust DELTAS S2ACABT alumni that will monitor the impact of the programme, as well as networking and increased visibility opportunities for the Fellows.

HOW TO APPLY
The application process is two-fold.
1. Applications for places should be made to the preferred host training institution. Institutions and their contact persons are listed below.

A. University of the Witwatersrand, South Africa:
• Institutional lead: Prof Tobias Chirwa (Tobias.Chirwa@wits.ac.za)
Contact persons for Masters and PhD enquiries:
• Mrs. Busi Mamabolo (Busi.Mamabolo@wits.ac.za) for the MSc Programme Please access the following website for more details: http://www.wits.ac.za/academic/health/publichealth/18699/postgraduateprogrammes.html
• Mr. Paul Bohloko (Paul.Bohloko@wits.ac.za) for the PhD Programme.
• Please access the following website for more details: http://www.wits.ac.za/academic/health/publichealth/phdgraduateprogrammes/10542/how_do_i_apply.html

B. University of KwaZulu Natal, South Africa:
• Institutional lead: Prof. Henry Mwambi (MwambiH@ukzn.ac.za)
Contacts for Masters and PhD enquiries:
• Ms Christel Barnard (BarnardC@ukzn.ac.za) for both MSc and PhD applications
• Note: The MSc and PhD programmes at UKZN will be by research and thesis.

C. University of Malawi, Malawi
• Institutional lead: Dr Jupiter Simbeye (jsimbeye@cc.ac.mw)
Contacts for Masters and PhD enquiries:
• Mr. Tsirizani Kaombe (biostat-unima@cc.ac.mw) for the MSc Programme
Please access the following website for additional information:
http://www.science.chanco.unima.mw/index.php/stu/postgraduate-programmes?layout=edit&id=47
• Dr. Jupiter Simbeye (jsimbeye@cc.ac.mw) for the PhD programme.

D. University of Nairobi, Kenya
• Institutional lead: Prof Patrick Weke (pweke@uonbi.ac.ke)
Contact for Masters and PhD enquiries:
• Dr. Nelson Owuor Onyango (onyango@uonbi.ac.ke)
• Please access the following website for more details: http://www.mathematics.uonbi.ac.ke

E. Kilimanjaro Christian Medical University College, Tanzania
• Institutional lead: Dr Michael Johnson Mahande (jmmahande@gmail.com)
Contacts for Masters and PhD enquires:
• Mr Victor Selengia: vselengia_2006@yahoo.com
Please access the following website for more details: www.kcmuco.ac.tz/index.php/admission

F. Stellenbosch University, South Africa
• Institutional lead: Prof Rhoderick Machekano (rhoderick@sun.ac.za)
Contact for Masters enquiries:
• Maxwell Chirehwa (mtchirehwa@sun.ac.za).
• The link to the postgraduate programs and application procedures is http://www0.sun.ac.za/pgstudies/postgraduate-programmes/faculty-of-medicine-and-health-sciences.html
2. Application for the DELTAS S2ACABT scholarship
The application for the DELTAS S2ACABT scholarship should be made separately and in writing, as outlined under the MSc and PhD scholarship sections above.
Scholarship applications should be sent to: Mrs. Busi Mamabolo (Busi.Mamabolo@wits.ac.za) and copied to Dr. Eustasius Musenge (Eustasius.Musenge@wits.ac.za)
PLEASE NOTE: The application deadline for MSc scholarships is 15th December 2015 and 31st March 2016 for PhD scholarships

Elias Tuhereze

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Change of Course/Programme for Undergraduate Admissions 2025/2026

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The Office of the Academic Registrar, Makerere University has released lists for the recommended for change of course/ programme for Degree/Diploma Scheme and Direct entry for Private/Government sponsored students for the Academic Year 2025/2026.

The lists released can be accessed by following the respective links below:

Elias Tuhereze

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Makerere Signs Open MoU with London School of Economics and Political Science

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Seated Left to Right: Dr. Richard Newfarmer, Dr. Jonathan Leape, Dr. Sarah Sewanyana, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, Prof. Ibrahim Mike Okumu and Prof. James Wokadala with other officials (Standing) after the MoU signing on 27th August 2025. Makerere University, through the College of Business and Management Sciences (CoBAMS) and the Economic Policy Research Centre (EPRC), has signed an open Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE), 27th August 2025, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

Makerere University, through the College of Business and Management Sciences (CoBAMS) and the Economic Policy Research Centre (EPRC), has signed an open Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE). This MoU is one of several initiatives aimed at strengthening the university’s global collaborations and research partnerships.

In his remarks, Vice Chancellor Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe highlighted Makerere’s recent centenary celebrations as a testament to its long and influential history in Africa. He reaffirmed the university’s commitment to serious, research-driven collaboration, noting Makerere’s aspiration to become a leading student-centered research university that develops solutions to regional challenges.

Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe makes his remarks ahead of the MoU signing. Makerere University, through the College of Business and Management Sciences (CoBAMS) and the Economic Policy Research Centre (EPRC), has signed an open Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE), 27th August 2025, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe makes his remarks ahead of the MoU signing.

Prof. Nawangwe emphasized that Makerere’s research addresses critical issues such as widespread poverty, high youth unemployment, the devastating effects of climate change on agriculture, rapid population growth, and political interference in production. These challenges, he explained, call for climate-resilient agriculture, stronger health systems to address emerging diseases, and more inclusive governance. He further observed that Africa’s ambitious goal of producing one million PhDs in the next decade remains constrained by inadequate supervision capacity across the continent, stressing that collaborations like this MoU are key to bridging that gap.

EPRC Executive Director, Dr. Sarah Sewanyana, described the signing as particularly significant for EPRC and its Board of Directors as they embark on a new five-year strategic plan (2025/26–2029/30). She explained that the plan strongly emphasizes strategic collaborations, with this partnership serving as a prime example of leveraging collective strengths to deepen impact. She underscored EPRC’s role in advancing evidence-based policymaking for national development, aligning with Uganda’s National Development Plan IV.

The partners show off the signed MoU. Makerere University, through the College of Business and Management Sciences (CoBAMS) and the Economic Policy Research Centre (EPRC), has signed an open Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE), 27th August 2025, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
The partners show off the signed MoU.

Prof. James Wokadala, Acting Principal of CoBAMS, emphasized that the collaboration seeks to preserve and expand vital human knowledge while strengthening partnerships between academic institutions and global research networks. He noted that these networks are instrumental in advising legal and policy professionals, as well as aligning research agendas with both national and corporate priorities. He expressed pride in the extensive efforts of the School of Economics that have expanded these activities in recent years. He pointed to significant accomplishments that have been achieved in collaboration with IGC, including hosting a 2025 high-level international conference on mobile money payment systems, which positioned Makerere University as a thought leader on critical African economic issues. He also celebrated the successful bid by the School of Economics to host the ‘Africa Meeting of the Econometric Society’ in 2027, further demonstrating its contribution to impactful scholarship and policy influence.

The Acting Principal further emphasized that the new partnership with LSE will build on these achievements, offering immense benefits such as expanding capacity-building opportunities for faculty and students, especially in research and Public Infrastructure Management (PIM). The collaboration will also provide platforms for knowledge dissemination and policy dialogue, while addressing pressing socio-economic and health challenges. Ultimately, he said, formalisation of the partnership amplifies CoBAMS’ commitment to excellence in teaching, research, and innovation.

Speaking on behalf of LSE’s International Growth Centre (IGC), Executive Director Dr. Jonathan Leape expressed delight at formalizing the long-standing collaboration with Makerere and EPRC. He highlighted current joint projects, including research on the impact of the 2020 gender-based vaccine program on women’s skills and learning, studies on reforms in STEM education, and investigations into barriers limiting business growth for entrepreneurs. He stressed that the core mission is to bring researchers and policymakers together to address pressing policy challenges with robust, reliable evidence and innovative solutions.

Prof. Nawangwe presents a souvenir Mak Necktie to Dr. Jonathan Leape. Makerere University, through the College of Business and Management Sciences (CoBAMS) and the Economic Policy Research Centre (EPRC), has signed an open Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE), 27th August 2025, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Prof. Nawangwe presents a souvenir Mak Necktie to Dr. Jonathan Leape.

The event, held on 27th August 2025, was attended by several dignitaries including Dr. Richard Newfarmer, Country Director for Uganda and Rwanda (IGC); Dr. Nhial Kuch, Senior Country Economist (IGC); and Mary Teddy Nakyejwe, IGC Programme Officer. Also present were the Director of Research, Dr. Ibrahim Kasirye and other members of EPRC leadership.

Eve Nakyanzi
Eve Nakyanzi

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Makerere University Hosts Delegation from Ghent University Association

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Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe (Right) presents a Makerere Coffee Table book to Prof. Mieke Van Herreweghe during the visit on 27th August 2025. Makerere University hosted a delegation from the Ghent University Association where a student exchange agreement was signed, led by Prof. Mieke Van Herreweghe, Vice Rector of Ghent University. The delegation included representatives from Howest University and Hogent University of Applied Sciences, 27th August 2025 Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

Makerere University has hosted a delegation from the Ghent University Association, led by Prof. Mieke Van Herreweghe, Vice Rector of Ghent University. The delegation included representatives from Howest University and Hogent University of Applied Sciences.

Vice Chancellor Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe welcomed the team and highlighted Makerere University’s commitment to addressing the pressing challenges in the region. These include climate change, which continues to hinder investment, and Uganda’s rapidly growing population that has surged from 5 million in the late 1940s to nearly 50 million currently, creating socio-economic challenges such as high youth unemployment.

He emphasized that Makerere’s research agenda focuses on understanding the fast-growing population, tackling health challenges, advancing governance and human rights, and fostering peace through initiatives such as the Rotary Peace Center—the only one of its kind on the African continent. Research at Makerere also seeks to provide solutions to youth unemployment in one of the world’s youngest nations.

The meeting of Members of Management and the visiting delegation in session in the Vice Chancellor's Boardroom. Makerere University hosted a delegation from the Ghent University Association where a student exchange agreement was signed, led by Prof. Mieke Van Herreweghe, Vice Rector of Ghent University. The delegation included representatives from Howest University and Hogent University of Applied Sciences, 27th August 2025 Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
The meeting of Members of Management and the visiting delegation in session in the Vice Chancellor’s Boardroom.

The Vice Chancellor further noted that Makerere University teaches and conducts research across a wide spectrum of disciplines, organized into colleges including Agriculture, Business and Management, Computing, Education and External Studies, Engineering and Technology, Health Sciences, Humanities and Social Sciences, Natural Sciences, and Veterinary Medicine. The university also hosts over 60 specialized research centers, among them Centers of Excellence such as the Regional Centre for Crop Improvement, which works to enhance food security, manage pests and diseases, and improve agricultural productivity. Another key institution is the Infectious Diseases Institute, which leads research on HIV/AIDS. With these initiatives, he added, Makerere continues to expand its research footprint while strengthening global partnerships.

Prof. Van Herreweghe provided an overview of Ghent University, founded in 1817 and ranked among the top 100 universities globally for decades. With its motto “Dare to think,” Ghent University has built a strong international reputation. It also holds the distinction of being the only Belgian, and currently the only European, university with a campus in South Korea. Established in 2014, the campus offers bachelor’s programs in applied biotechnology.

She highlighted Ghent’s joint PhD programs, which are structured as sandwich programs to support African universities. Under this arrangement, PhD candidates spend two years funded at Ghent University and another two years at their home university (such as Makerere), with joint supervision from both institutions. These programs, she noted, are a strategic way of fostering international collaboration.

Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe and Prof. Mieke Van Herreweghe pose for a group photo with members of their respective teams at the Main Building entrance. Makerere University hosted a delegation from the Ghent University Association where a student exchange agreement was signed, led by Prof. Mieke Van Herreweghe, Vice Rector of Ghent University. The delegation included representatives from Howest University and Hogent University of Applied Sciences, 27th August 2025 Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe and Prof. Mieke Van Herreweghe pose for a group photo with members of their respective teams at the Main Building entrance.

During the visit, Ghent University signed a Student Exchange Agreement with Makerere University to complement the existing Memorandum of Understanding. The agreement will pave the way for more joint initiatives and strengthen collaboration in the years ahead.

The delegation also included Mr. Lieven Theys, International Coordinator for Business Management at Howest University, who explained that Howest clusters its programs into three key domains: Design and Technology, Human Well-being and Health, and Business and Organization. Dr. Robin Stevens represented Hogent University of Applied Sciences, which runs programs across nine schools including Business and Management, Computer Sciences, Biosciences, Industrial Technology, Teacher Training, and Healthcare.

The visit, held on 27th August 2025, was attended by Makerere University officials and members of various colleges, among them Prof. Winston Tumps Ireeta, the Acting Deputy Vice Chancellor (Finance and Administration) and Principal of the College of Natural Sciences (CoNAS), Prof. Tonny Oyana-Principal College of Computing and Information Sciences (CoCIS), Prof. Moses Musinguzi-Principal College of Engineering, Design, Art and Technology (CEDAT), Prof. Julius Kikooma-Director Graduate Training, Assoc. Prof. Yazidhi Bamutaze-Deputy Principal College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES), Assoc. Prof. James Wokadala-Deputy Principal College of Business and Management Sciences (CoBAMS), Assoc. Prof. Richard Idro-Deputy Principal College of Health Sciences, and Dr. Cathy Mbidde, Manager of the Makerere University Innovation Pod (Mak UniPod).

Eve Nakyanzi
Eve Nakyanzi

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