General
Mak Delegation to Malaysia lays firm Foundation for Collaborations
Makerere University is set to establish partnerships with universities in Malaysia to extend each other’s areas of interest.
This follows a benchmarking mission to the University of Kuala Lumpur, the University of Putra Malaysia Holdings and the University of Putra Malaysia, by a delegation of four members of Staff from Makerere University led by the Deputy Vice Chancellor Finance and Administration, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe. The other members of the delegation were Prof. David Owiny Okello, Deputy Director, Directorate of Research and Graduate Training; Dr. Hussein Nsamba Kisiki, Lecturer, Department of Chemistry, CONAS; and Mr. Moses Nadiope, Ag. CEO, Makerere University Holdings Company Ltd.
The objectives of the bench-marking visit were to:
a. Strengthen capacity of University Management in management of innovations and commercialization of research;
b. Benchmark best practices in the area of research commercialization and innovation at universities in countries with identical socio-economic conditions to Uganda, which have recorded success in that area;
c. Explore opportunities for collaboration between Makerere University and the leading Malaysian universities, and between Makerere University Holdings Company Ltd. and similar entrepreneurial ventures at the Malaysian universities.
At Putra Malaysia Holdings (UPMHOLDINGS) the delegation was received by the Managing Director, Prof. Dr. Husaini Omar and the Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Mohd Kamil Yusoff. According to Prof. Nawangwe, “After this visit, the Mak delegation reaffirmed that a university holding company is a viable way of implementing university investments. Its success greatly depends on the initial support from the university in ensuring maximum independence of the Board in taking business decisions.” UPMHOLDINGS handles student accommodation, catering, events management, space rentals and laboratory services.
At the University of Putra Malaysia (UPM), the delegation was received by and held discussions with the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Research and Innovation), Prof. Dato Dr. Mohd Azmi Mohd Lila, who was joined by Prof. Dato Mohd Yazid Manap, Director of Halal Products Research Institute, Prof. Dr. Taufiq Yap Yun Hin, Head of Laboratory for Sustainable Bioenergy and Chemicals Catalysis Science and Technology Research Centre, Ms Shahriah member, Head of Marketing and Branding section among others.
The discussions concentrated on the UPM experience in research and innovations, technology transfer between university and industry and commercialization of research. UPM, originally established as an agricultural institute, was later transformed into a multi-disciplinary university, mainly funded by Government. “From this visit, we appreciated that recognition of Research Productivity is a major incentive to researchers and a dedicated IP and research commercialization office is key to success,” explains Prof. Nawangwe. At the end of the meetings at UPM, the two factions agreed to sign a Memorandum of Understanding to enhance further collaboration between the two universities. This process has started.
The delegation then proceeded to the main campus/Chancellory and the Malaysian Institute of Chemical and Bioengineering Technology (MICET) of the University of Kuala Lumpur on 9th and 11th November respectively. At the main campus located in central Kuala Lumpur, the Mak delegation held discussions with the UniKL delegation led by Prof. Prof. Dato. HJ. Ahmad Zahir HJ. Mokhtar, Deputy President (International, Industrial and Institutional Partnership). “Here we learnt that Malaysia’s heavy investment in the education sector since independence is paying dividends. It was also evident that the collaboration between Government, private sector and universities is key to industrialization and development of the service industry,” said the Deputy Vice Chancellor.
Prof. Nawangwe further explains that these Universities were delighted to hear about the developments at Makerere University and the possible areas of collaboration especially in research/innovations and Staff/student exchanges. “We intend to move aggressively in ensuring that we sign an MoU and cement relationships with these universities. We shall be approaching the different colleges to see how to map out the route,” he asserted.
The benchmarking trip to Malaysian universities provided useful lessons for Makerere University’s current programme of diversification of revenue sources, especially the way in which commercialization is handled in conditions of a developing economy. The trip was sponsored by the Centre for Research in Transport and Transportation Technologies (CRTT).
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Article by Mak Public Relations Office
On the evening of Friday, 13th February 2026, the Scholars of Mastercard Foundation embraced the new semester with enthusiasm and celebration, showcasing their rich cultural diversity at the annual cultural dinner. This event not only fostered a sense of community but also highlighted the importance of cultural exchange and understanding among the scholars. The purpose of the cultural dinner is to foster unity in diversity within the Scholars community and to enable young people to appreciate and respect each other’s cultural differences.
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars community at Makerere University is a vibrant tapestry of countries, cultures, and backgrounds. In recognition of this richness, the Program team has proposed organising an annual cultural dinner to kick off each new semester. This event aims to achieve several important objectives:
- Promote mutual understanding and cross-cultural appreciation among Scholars.
- Celebrate and highlight the unique cultural identities within our community.
- Encourage confidence and creativity through a dynamic talent showcase.
- Foster a sense of unity and excitement as we embark on the new academic semester together.
During the event, the Scholars proudly showcased their diverse cultures through a vibrant display of traditional attire, engaging dances, delectable dishes, and meaningful expressions in their native languages. The event showcased a rich tapestry of cultures, including the Baganda from Central Uganda; the Banyankore, Bakiga, Batooro, and Banyoro from Western Uganda; the Acholi from the North; the Karamojong from the Northeast; and the Basoga and Bagisu from the Eastern region, among many other indigenous tribes in Uganda. Additionally, attendees enjoyed cultural performances from South Sudan, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo, celebrating the unique heritage of each community.
The event also featured a vibrant showcase of cultural attire, accompanied by traditional songs and dances. Attendees enjoyed cultural dress modelling, engaging performances, art displays, and interactive quizzes, culminating in exciting prizes awarded to outstanding performers. This diverse array of activities contributed to a rich celebration of creativity and cultural exchange.
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Makerere University is committed to fostering holistic development, community building, and leadership among Scholars. At the start of each semester, the Program Team hosts a cultural dinner to reconnect the Scholars community, share key Program updates, and create an inclusive space to strengthen belonging and engagement. The cultural dinner is a critical platform for raising awareness of the need to appreciate and respect cultural diversity.
Bernard Buteera is the Principal Communications Officer for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Makerere University.
More Photos from the Dinner
The degree of attentiveness was at its peak in the Yusuf Lule Central Teaching Facility (CTF) Auditorium as Ms. Janet Nabukeera addressed support staff during a Safeguarding and Inclusion training. Her words were firm, direct and reflective. Ms. Nabukeera, the Deputy Human Resource Officer in charge of Performance and Payroll, emphasized that a negative attitude in the workplace creates a toxic environment where colleagues feel hesitant to collaborate or share ideas.
“Avoid unnecessary confrontations with colleagues because jealousy and anger destroy more than they build. When you hold grudges at work, you slowly burden your own heart and mind. Stress can take a toll on your health and productivity. Safeguard yourself by choosing peace, love yourself first and extend that same grace and respect to others.” Ms Nabukeera, cautioned.
The training attracted over 300 Support Staff Members, including Security Personnel, Cleaners, Hall Attendants, Administrative Assistants, Librarians, and Laboratory Support Teams from across the University.
In his remarks, Dr. Rodney Rugyema, the Acting Principal Warden, urged staff to have a positive attitude towards their jobs and encouraged them to ensure that students, fellow staff and visitor’s feel safe, respected and protected.
“You are the eyes and ears of the University, while you may not deliver lectures, you are often the first to notice when something is wrong. So you have to promote an environment free from bullying, discrimination, neglect and intimidation. You have to ensure secure hostels, well-lit walkways, functioning locks and safe laboratory environments,” Dr Rugyema, said.
Makerere University has a duty of care to do no harm and promote the wellbeing of all students, staff, and other University community stakeholders. It seeks to enhance the learning environment to make it more secure, inclusive, and ethically sound for all stakeholders.
The Makerere University Safeguarding Policy lays out the University’s framework for embedding viable safeguarding measures into its ethos and all institutional activities and processes to: Identify, detect, and swiftly act on safeguarding risks; prevent the occurrence of harm; provide mechanisms for reporting all allegations or incidents that have occurred; respond appropriately to all reported incidences; and, continuously monitor, evaluate and learn from practices and experiences of managing safeguarding concerns.
“Safeguarding is not only for lecturers or University Management, it is everyone’s responsibility, If you have someone mistreating you, or you come across any risk, do not suffer in silence report through the MakSafeSpace,” Dr Rugyema, said.
The MakSafeSpace is the e-reporting platform complimenting the other University traditional reporting channels. It is an inclusive platform that provides for confidential modes of reporting safeguarding risks and incidences.
As the session concluded, there was a renewed understanding among participants that safeguarding is a collective duty. From the security guard at the gate to the cleaner in the Hall of Residence, it was clear that every staff member contributes to creating a safe and respectful learning environment.
To involve and create opportunities for students and staff members with disabilities, Light for the World Uganda trained the support staff to become inclusion champions.
Mr. Musa Mwambu, the Disability Inclusion Advisor at Light for the World Uganda, called upon staff to remove barriers limiting the full participation of students and colleagues with disabilities, in line with the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.
“Just like any other person, people with disabilities have the right to education, health, and protection. Society has the duty to remove barriers that block participation. When barriers are removed, disability no longer limits opportunity,” Mr. Mwambu noted.
Drawing from his own lived experience as a person with a disability, he shared how access to the right support systems enables him to communicate effectively and perform daily tasks.
“It is about putting the right conditions in place to participate fully in society. We need multi-stakeholder collaboration to remove barriers and achieve an inclusive society,” he said.
Justine Namuddu, the Support Staff representative on the Makerere University Council, thanked the organizers for the insightful workshop. She reminded fellow staff that Makerere University is a home for everyone and urged them to take care of it.
“Fellow members, as you carry out your duties, ensure that you observe both emotional and intellectual safety. Before sharing information, first verify whether it is true. Safety is being at peace with yourself and with others,” Namuddu emphasized.
She also encouraged younger staff members to take advantage of educational opportunities provided by the University, noting that those who wish to continue with their studies may apply for tuition waivers.
The training concluded with reminders on professionalism and accountability. Staff were encouraged to consistently use the Biometric Attendance Management System to capture attendance accurately. With biometric clock-in devices installed at reception areas across the Main and Satellite campuses, the Directorate of Human Resources can monitor attendance in real time, while staff can keep track of hours worked.
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