Connect with us

General

Mak Delegation to Malaysia lays firm Foundation for Collaborations

Published

on

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.

Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe chats with Prof. Prof. Dato. HJ. Ahmad Zahir HJ. Mokhtar, Deputy President (International, Industrial and Institutional Partnership), University of Kuala Lumpur (UniKL)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).

Please see Downloads for detailed report

Article by Mak Public Relations Office
 

Denis Wamala

Continue Reading

General

Undergraduate Admissions List: Mop-up/Appeals 2025/2026

Published

on

The Office of Academic Registrar, Makerere University has released lists of Successful appeals and supplementary lists. Below is a list arising from appeals of Government Sponsored candidates who have been admitted:

Mak Editor

Continue Reading

General

Makerere University, DFCU Bank Sign MoU to Advance Innovation, Student Leadership and Research

Published

on

Officials from Makerere University and DFCU Bank pose for a group photo at the Main Building Entrance after the MoU signing ceremony on 4th July 2025. Makerere University and DFCU Bank Limited sign a three-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) designed to enhance academic excellence, advance research and innovation capabilities, and provide crucial student support services through key activities; Annual Tumusiime Muteile Lecture, MakRun and Student activities, 4th July 2025, Council Room, Main Building, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

By Eve Nakyanzi and Atwenda Nancy

Makerere University and DFCU Bank have today signed a three-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to bolster innovation, student leadership, research and community impact initiatives.

The collaboration which will see the equipping of the Disability Support center for students living with disabilities through the MAK run and more leadership trainings for students will begin this July.

“The MoU will strengthen research collaborations across sectors like agriculture and health and it will also support the Mutebile Centre to assist private sector growth, which is crucial in lifting Africa out of poverty,” said Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, the Vice Chancellor.

Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe (R) flanked by Mr. Charles Mudiwa (L) makes his remarks at the MoU signing ceremony. Makerere University and DFCU Bank Limited sign a three-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) designed to enhance academic excellence, advance research and innovation capabilities, and provide crucial student support services through key activities; Annual Tumusiime Muteile Lecture, MakRun and Student activities, 4th July 2025, Council Room, Main Building, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe (R) flanked by Mr. Charles Mudiwa (L) makes his remarks at the MoU signing ceremony.

Speaking during the event, Mr. Charles M. Mudiwa, the DFCU Bank Chief Executive Officer, welcomed the move, noting its alignment with the bank’s mission to transform lives and support national development through four pillars: funding, financial inclusion, enterprise development, and vocational education.

“This MoU crowns years of effort and shared intent between our institutions,” he stated.
Mr. Mudiwa highlighted the bank’s commitment to skilling youth through internships, curriculum development, and support for innovation hubs and centres of excellence at the university.
“We consume the graduates of Makerere. In our most recent graduate intake of 87, 60% were Makerere alumni. The bank allocates around 30 internship positions annually to equip young people with the skills necessary for future roles within the institution,” Mr. Mudiwa, noted.

Representing the student body, Guild President His Excellency, Sentamu Churchill James, commended the partnership as a timely intervention that will empower youth, support SMEs, and expand internship and leadership development opportunities.

Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe (2nd L) presents a framed portrait of the Main Building to Mr. Charles Mudiwa (C) as L-R: University Secretary-Mr. Yusuf Kiranda, 91st Guild President-H.E. Ssentamu Churchill James and Acting Deputy Vice Chancellor (Finance and Administration)-Prof. Winston Tumps Ireeta witness. Makerere University and DFCU Bank Limited sign a three-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) designed to enhance academic excellence, advance research and innovation capabilities, and provide crucial student support services through key activities; Annual Tumusiime Muteile Lecture, MakRun and Student activities, 4th July 2025, Council Room, Main Building, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe (2nd L) presents a framed portrait of the Main Building to Mr. Charles Mudiwa (C) as L-R: University Secretary-Mr. Yusuf Kiranda, 91st Guild President-H.E. Ssentamu Churchill James and Acting Deputy Vice Chancellor (Finance and Administration)-Prof. Winston Tumps Ireeta witness.

“Students are the heartbeat of the university. This collaboration will empower youth and strengthen their role in national development,” His Excellency Ssentamu, said.

About MAK RUN 2025

The Makerere Run 2025 (#MakRun2025), hosted by the Makerere University Endowment Fund (MAKEF) on 17th August 2025, returns for its fifth edition as Kampala’s premier charity marathon, uniting 8,000+ runners—students, alumni, corporate teams, and elite athletes—to tackle the city’s iconic hills under the theme “Run the Hills for the Future.” This landmark event combines competitive racing with transformative impact, channeling proceeds to strengthen Makerere University’s community programs while offering unmatched branding opportunities for partners through Kampala’s largest university-led sporting spectacle.

The Mak Run, scheduled this year for August 17th, is a flagship initiative that mobilizes students, staff, alumni, and partners to raise funds for projects such as the Disability Support Unit and the Student Centre.

The Writers are Interns in the Public Relations Office, Makerere University

Mak Editor

Continue Reading

General

Diploma in Performing Arts Admission List 2025/26

Published

on

The Office of Academic Registrar, Makerere University has released the admission list of candidates who passed the special entry examinations for the Diploma in Performing Arts held on Saturday 17th May, 2025

The following have been admitted by the University’s Admissions Committee on Private Sponsorship for the 2025/26 Academic Year

Mak Editor

Continue Reading

Trending