General
North Korea to partner with Makerere University
The Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs of North Korea, Hon. Kung Suk Ung, has expressed willingness to partner with Makerere University in mutual areas of interest. The Minister who was responding to a call from the Chancellor, Prof. George Mondo Kagonyera, on 31st October 2014, observed that North Korea has had bilateral relations with Uganda for a long time and collaborating with Makerere University would be an added advantage.
“Makerere University is a big institution of higher learning in the region. 25% of our students study science courses and the other 75% are in the arts discipline. We have trained many of the world leaders like the late Julius Nyerere of Tanzania and Mwai Kibaki of Kenya and continue to be hungry for knowledge. We look forward with excitement to pick knowledge from your country. Many of our students would like t be exposed to the technology in your country and we look forward to opportunities of collaboration,” said Chancellor Kagonyera.
“Seventy years ago we had only one university but as of today we have over 260 universities with thousands of students. President Museveni told us that the first tank force in Uganda was trained by the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, DPRK. I also know that many of your doctors trained in North Korea. We fully give attention to your opinion on collaborating with North Korea and we will discuss it further when we return home. We will come back and discuss with you,” responded Hon. Kung Suk Ung.
Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, the Acting Vice Chancellor observed that “As the leading academic institution in the region, Makerere University is passionate about innovations generated through knowledge transfer partnerships and networking. We are particularly hopeful, that partnerships with universities and research institutions in the DPRK will enable us leverage the rich experience of those institutions, as we search for solutions for our national development. We also believe that such partnerships will help further cement the friendly relations between the people of Uganda and the DPRK. It is therefore my sincere wish that your visit will facilitate these partnerships.”
The delegation informed Makerere University that North Korea has been looking forward to developing further relations with Uganda, which hosts the only Korean Embassy in the whole of the Eastern region.
The fifteen member visiting delegation, was led by Hon. Kang Ha Kuk, Minister of Health of DPRK. They toured the School of Food Technology, Nutrition and Bioengineering, where they saw the production line and other key innovations as explained by Prof. John Muyonga.
Story by Marion Alina
Today, Monday 18th May 2026, most students will begin their End of Semester Two Examinations, and they have been encouraged to remain confident and calm during the examination season.
Data from the University Counselling and Guidance Centre shows that even the best-prepared students experience anxiety, pressure, fear of failure, sleep difficulties and emotional exhaustion during examinations.
Addressing students during a pre-examination mental health workshop organised by the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Makerere University on 15th May 2026, Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi, Academic Registrar, reminded students that their mental health is far more important than any grade.
“This workshop comes at the right time. I encourage all students to understand that your worth is not defined by a single examination or grade. Examinations are only one part of your educational journey. What matters equally is your ability to remain healthy, focused, ethical and hopeful throughout the process,” Prof Buyinza, said.
Prof. Buyinza shared practical tips to help students avoid fatigue and excessive stress during this period.
“Prepare a realistic reading timetable and avoid last-minute cramming. Take short breaks while studying to allow your mind to recover and improve concentration. Get adequate sleep and avoid excessive consumption of caffeine and energy drinks,” he noted.
During the session, he also encouraged students to engage in light physical activity, stretching or short walks to refresh their minds and reduce tension.
“Maintain a positive mindset and avoid comparing yourself excessively with others. Stay connected with supportive friends, family members, mentors or counsellors whenever you feel overwhelmed,” Prof. Buyinza advised.
He reaffirmed the University’s commitment to supporting students not only academically, but also in their mental and psychosocial wellbeing, encouraging learners to seek help from counsellors, lecturers, mentors, peers, family members and available support systems whenever necessary.
Speaking at the event, Ms. Prossy Nakayiki, the Deputy Academic Registrar in charge of Examinations and Transcripts warned students against examination malpractice and urged them to uphold academic integrity.
“Anxiety should never push anyone into examination malpractice, do not enter an examination room with a smart watch, phone or any hidden paper commonly known as bullets. Preparation, honesty, rest and self-belief remain the best approaches to success,” Ms. Nakayiki, said.
She also advised students who had not yet printed their examination cards to do so early, noting that delays at the last minute could cause unnecessary panic and disorganisation.
In her presentation about the reality of examination stress and coping strategies, Connie Evelyn Kharono, a Counselling Psychologist at the Counselling and Guidance Center, called upon students to adopt the 5, 4,3,2,1 Ground technique before an exam or intense study session.
The 5, 4,3,2,1 ground technique, is one of the easiest mindfulness strategies designed for managing stress and anxiety, as it can be done almost anywhere and at any time. You name 5 things you can see, 4 you can touch, 3 you can hear, 2 you can smell and 1 you can taste.
She advised students to focus on what they can control.
“You can control your study schedule, your sleep and how kindly you speak yourself. You cannot control the exact questions that will be on the paper, so channel your energy only into the preparations you can influence,” Ms Kharono, said.
Ms Kharono encouraged students to maintain a regular sleep schedule and ensure that they are eating balanced meals and staying hydrated.
Ms Christine Nimusiima, a senior Psycho-Social Officer at the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Makerere University, called upon the students to practise positive self-talk and maintain a healthy mindset.
“During this examination season, avoid comparing your revision progress or predicted grades with your peers. Your only competition is who you were yesterday. Take a deep breath, trust in the work you have done and remember that you have the resilience to succeed. Best of luck with your preparations,” Ms. Nimusiima said.
By Dr. Racheal Ddungu Mugabi
The Alliance for African Partnership, Africa Office, today received a delegation from the University of Bergen (UiB)’s Division of Research and Innovation. The visiting team comprised Kristin Svartveit, Vivil Valvik Haraldsen, and Emmanuel Ovon Babatunde.
The delegation was officially introduced by Prof. Sylvia Antonia Nakimera Nannyonga-Tamusuza, Head, Grants Administration and Management Support Unit (GAMSU), together with Dr. Ronald Semyalo (Makerere University coordinator for UiB)
The visit aimed to strengthen institutional collaboration and promote research excellence through international partnerships. The key objectives of the meeting included:
- UiB team sharing information and experiences on enhancing success in EU grant acquisition and management.
- UiB application support process for Postdoc fellowships at Bergen up to a period of 2 years
- AAP Africa Office providing insights into the AAP consortium programs and activities in order to foster collaboration between the AAP consortium and UiB.
The engagement provided an important platform for knowledge exchange, networking, and exploring opportunities for future collaborative research initiatives between Makerere University, the AAP consortium, and the University of Bergen.
The Author is the Director of the AAP Africa Office
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