General
Uganda and Sweden sign five-year USD 32million research collaboration agreement
It was a historic moment as the invited guests, Vice Chancellors of public Universities in Uganda, researchers and the media witnessed the signing of the General Agreement between Sweden and the Government of Uganda on research collaboration; the Specific Agreement on Research Collaboration between Sweden and Makerere University; and an agreement on Swedish University Coordination between Sida and Uppsala University/International Science Programme.
The 32 million USD five year (2015-2020) agreement signed on Tuesday 3rd November 2015 will significantly contribute to the transformation of Uganda through supporting the higher education sector, multi-disciplinary research, training of 337 academic staff and institutional development.
Addressing the congregation, H.E Urban Andersson, the Swedish Ambassador to Uganda who signed on behalf of the Swedish Government said: “This day will mark the beginning of a new five year period, bringing our cooperation into year 2020. The new agreement included five Ugandan Universities namely Makerere, Busitema, Kyambogo, Gulu and Mbarara as well as Eleven Swedish universities.”
The following Vice Chancellors witnessed the colourful signing ceremony: Prof. John Ddumba-Ssentamu-Makerere University; Prof. Celestino Obua-Mbarara University of Science and Technology; Prof. Katunguka Rwakishaya- Kyambogo University; Prof. J.H. Nyeko Pen-Mogi-Gulu University and Dr. Kucel, Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic Affairs) – Busitema University.
“The work of researchers gathered here today, with their Swedish counterparts, shall advance and transform Uganda and Sweden in terms of Science and innovation,” said the Ambassador.
Taking stock of the important research results from the 15 year (2000-2015) research implementation period, H.E Andersson pointed out some of the milestones, which included: a method to detect multi-drug resistant tuberculosis, control of African swine fever, transforming organic waste to energy, road safety control, cervical cancer management, and significant strides in malaria vaccine research.
The Ambassador explained that the 2015-2020 implementation phase comprises teams of Ugandan and Swedish researchers who jointly worked on proposals, which after a competitive selection process culminated into 17 multi-disciplinary projects.
“What we see is a rich and promising portfolio which will necessarily open new frontiers, ignite debate, and increase knowledge. Researchers will dwell into subjects such as governance, social protection, climate change, infectious diseases, food security, communication technology, gender, religion and ethics,” he remarked.
At the signing ceremony, His Excellency also emphasized the importance of research, capacity building and institutional support.
“We all agree that a society that does not produce its own intellectuals cannot be independent. But to have a critical mass of intellectuals is not enough. Researchers need an environment in which to operate. Labs and libraries need to be equipped, time for research and outlets for dissemination are key for long-term sustainable research achievements. This is the reason why Swedish research funding has the component of institutional support, which is organically linked to support for graduate training,” he said.
Hon. Matia Kasaija, Minister of Finance, Planning and Economic Development who signed on behalf of the Government of Uganda commended the Swedish Government for supporting higher education in Uganda, health, water and sanitation, ICT and gender mainstreaming. Hon. Kasaija reiterated the contribution of research, science and technology to the transformation of the economy.
“Without research, innovation and technology, you have no Country/University to talk about. It is through support and investment in research, ICT, information, training of academicians that the Ugandan economy will continue to grow. I therefore thank the Swedish Government for supporting initiatives that will bring about the required transformation,” said the Hon. Minister.
Toasting to the years ahead, the congregation reflected on the 2015-2020 multi-disciplinary approach to research focused on the realization of the following specific objectives:
- Improving the institutional and research infrastructure to support a robust environment for research and innovations at Makerere University by 2020,
- Strengthening local PhD training in public universities in Uganda,
- Increasing the generation and dissemination of knowledge and research outputs,
- Increasing capacity for knowledge translation and innovations,
- Increasing partnerships and regional synergies for knowledge generation and sharing,
- Improving the coordination and management of research and knowledge uptake,
- Increasing cooperation with partner public universities.
The Vice Chancellor of Makerere University, Prof. John Ddumba-Ssentamu who signed the Specific Research Agreement said that the 2015-2020 phase would include 17 teams/projects comprising researchers and scholars from both Uganda and Sweden, whose work will be based on mutual understanding of their shared vision of strengthening research and training as central forces towards socio-economic development.
“In this new phase, we will work with the public universities in Uganda and several Swedish institutions towards building a body of experts that will contextualize problems and create knowledge to suit our different contexts. In total, 125 PhDs, 147 Masters’ students and 65 post-doctoral fellows will be supported,” he said.
In a very special way, the Vice Chancellor of Makerere University applauded Ambassador Andersson and the team at the Swedish Embassy namely, Dr. Katri Pohjolainen Yap and Dr. Susanne Spets, and Professor Buyinza Mukadasi, the Director of Research and Graduate-Makerere University/Coordinator of the Mak-Sida Bilateral programme for their dedication during the two years of preparations that climaxed with the 2015-2020 research collaboration agreement.
Professor Ddumba-Ssentamu thanked the Government and People of Sweden for supporting research at Makerere University during the last 15 years (2000-2015).
“During the 15-year period, we have successfully trained 210 PhDs, 95 Masters Graduates and 20 post-doctoral fellows. The Swedish Government has supported learning and research at Makerere University to a tune of US$73million, which comprises a great proportion of research funding at the University. Sida support has played a fundamental role in strengthening our capacity to deliver our core functions-teaching and learning, research and innovations, partnerships and networking,” he said.
Prof. Leif Abrahamsson who signed on behalf of the Swedish Universities urged partners to ensure smooth communication in the research collaboration and coordination.
Story by: Ritah Namisango, Mak Public Relations Office
General
Mak and University of the West of England Sign MoU to Advance Research, Innovation and Skills Development
Makerere University and the University of the West of England (UWE) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at strengthening collaboration in research, innovation, and enterprise development. The signing ceremony took place on Friday, 17th October 2025, in the Vice Chancellor’s Boardroom, Main Administration Building, Makerere University.
The partnership will focus on joint research initiatives in climate science, early childhood development and elderly care, wildlife ecology and conservation management, technology, and sustainable agriculture.
The Uganda High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, H.E. Nimisha Madhvani, who witnessed the signing, congratulated both institutions and reaffirmed the Government of Uganda’s commitment to strengthening international collaborations that enhance education, innovation, and investment.
“We are not only promoting education, but also tourism, business, and investment. This partnership is a great bridge between Uganda and the United Kingdom,” said H.E. Madhvani. “With the full support of His Excellency the President and the First Lady, we look forward to building on this momentum to establish impactful initiatives, including a proposed teaching hospital.”
Speaking during the event, the Vice Chancellor of Makerere University, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, reaffirmed the University’s commitment to producing graduates who are not only employable but also capable of creating jobs and transforming their communities.
“Our goal is to train students who go out to create their own jobs and employ others who have not had the opportunity to attend university,” said Prof. Nawangwe. “We are working seriously on issues of food security, health, and conflict management — particularly in the Great Lakes region, which has one of the highest numbers of conflicts per capita. Through research and collaboration, we aim to address these challenges while ensuring Africa is not left behind in the digital economy.”
Prof. Nawangwe also highlighted Makerere’s initiatives in the digital and peace sectors, including the work of the Rotary Peace Center, which plays a vital role in promoting peace across the world by equipping fellows with academic training, practice, and global networking opportunities through a year-long, blended-learning professional certificate program.
Representing the University of the West of England, the Vice Chancellor Ms. Jo Midgley commended Makerere University for its strong research focus and expressed enthusiasm for the partnership.
“Like Makerere, we are a comprehensive university. We want this partnership to go beyond conversations and translate into action,” she said. “Our areas of strength include sustainability, climate change, future technology, health, and community placemaking. We believe this collaboration offers a unique opportunity to co-create programmes that prepare students for the evolving global workforce.”
She further emphasized the need for universities to work closely with industry partners to co-design programs that meet current skill demands while promoting innovation and enterprise among students.
The Deputy High Commissioner, Ambassador Miriam Otengo, commended Makerere for its leadership in higher education and shared ongoing efforts to mobilize the Makerere alumni in the United Kingdom. She also revealed plans to host a Makerere Alumni Symposium in London, aimed at showcasing the University’s excellence and strengthening ties with its diaspora community.
Also in attendance was Mr. Hefin Rees KC, Chairman of Spotlight on Africa, a UK-based charitable organization, who expressed interest in partnering with Makerere University to establish a teaching hospital in Mbale focused on women and children’s health. He praised Makerere for producing world-class professionals and reaffirmed his organization’s commitment to supporting health-related initiatives.
In his closing remarks, Prof. Nawangwe thanked the High Commission for facilitating the partnership and welcomed the opportunity to discuss the proposed teaching hospital, describing it as “a timely and vital project for Uganda’s health sector.”
“This collaboration represents a new chapter for Makerere University and the University of the West of England. Together, we will advance research, promote innovation, and equip our students to respond to global challenges,” he said. The ceremony concluded with the formal signing of the MoU, marking the beginning of a long-term partnership built on shared values of excellence, innovation, and community impact.
The Acting (Ag.) Vice Chancellor, Prof. Sarah Ssali on Thursday 16th October, 2025 held a press conference to update members of the Media on the 2026 World University Rankings by Times Higher Education (THE).
The event held in the Vice Chancellor’s Boardroom, Main Building, was attended by the Director Graduate Training-Prof. Julius Kikooma, Director Quality Assurance-Dr. Cyprian Misinde, Dean of Students-Dr. Winifred Kabumbuli, Director Research, Innovations, and Partnerships-Prof. Robert Wamala, Deputy Chief – Public Relations-Ms. Eunice Rukundo, Ag. Manager International Relations-Mr. Matthias Ssemanda, and staff from the Offices of the Vice and Deputy Vice Chancellors.
The proceedings of the Press Conference follow below;
Vice Chancellor’s Press Statement
UNIVERSITY RANKINGS: MAKERERE STILL NUMBER ONE IN THE REGION
It gives me great pleasure to share with our stakeholders and the general public that Makerere University has been ranked Number 1. in the East African region, in the Times Higher Education rankings released this month of October 2025.
In its 2026 World University Rankings, Times Higher Education (THE) places Makerere University in top position in East Africa, and in the 801-1000 band globally. The ranking considers five performance indicators, namely: Teaching; Research environment; Research quality; International Outlook; and Industry. Makerere’s overall score was 37.2, significantly outperforming peer institutions in the Region that average scores of 18.8.
In particular, Makerere University continues to thrive in Research Quality where we scored 54.2% but even better in International Outlook where we scored highest with 69.7%. See Table 1 for details. On the continent, Makerere University ranked 8th in the 2024 Sub-Saharan African University Rankings.
We would like to reassure all stakeholders and well-wishers that Makerere University continues to hold steadfast as the regional leader in higher education. Our commitment to deliver excellence in our teaching, research, and socioeconomic impact has not wavered.
WE BUILD FOR THE FUTURE.
Thank you.
Fact Sheet
UNIVERSITY RANKINGS
Table 1: East African Universities – 2025 Ranking Comparison
| Rank | Name | Overall | Teaching | Research Env. | Research Quality | Industry | Int. Outlook |
| 801–1000 | Makerere University | 35.5–38.9 | 21.5 | 26.6 | 54.2 | 32.8 | 69.7 |
| 1501+ | Kenyatta University | 10.3–27.2 | 14.3 | 9.1 | 34.2 | 17.4 | 54.6 |
| 1501+ | Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences | 10.3–27.2 | 21.6 | 14.9 | 30.3 | 27.5 | 54.6 |
| 1501+ | University of Dar es Salaam | 10.3–27.2 | 14.5 | 11.1 | 26.5 | 21.9 | 47.2 |
| 1501+ | University of Nairobi | 10.3–27.2 | 15.9 | 16.1 | 39.7 | 22.5 | 49.4 |
| 1501+ | University of Rwanda | 10.3–27.2 | 14.1 | 14.9 | 25.6 | 21.1 | 57.5 |
End
The Board of the Zambia Research and Education Network (ZAMREN) led by the Chairperson, Prof. Mundia Muya on 14th October 2025 paid a courtesy call on the Vice Chancellor, Makerere University. The Board which is on a two-day exposure visit to the Research and Education Network of Uganda (RENU) was received by the Acting (Ag.) Vice Chancellor and Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic Affairs), Prof. Sarah Ssali in the Vice Chancellor’s Boardroom.
The Chairperson was accompanied by Mr. Ronald Hatoongo and Mr. Stein Mkandawire, the Board Secretary and CEO of ZAMREN respectively, as well as RENU’s CEO-Mr. Nicholas Mbonimpa and RENUMESH Technologies CEO-Mr. Brian Masiga. In attendance were Mr. Samuel Mugabi-Director DICTS, Prof. Robert Wamala-Director Research, Innovations and Partnerships (DRIP), and Prof. Tonny Oyana-Principal College of Computing and Information Sciences (CoCIS).
Also present were; Prof. Paul Birevu Muyinda-Director Institute of Open, Distance and eLearning (IODeL), Dr. Godfrey Mayende-Deputy Director IODeL, Dr. Michael Walimbwa- College of Education and External Studies (CEES), Dr. Cathy Mbidde- Ag. Manager. Makerere University Innovation Pod, Ms. Eunice Rukundo-Deputy Chief-Public Relations and staff from the Office of the Vice Chancellor.
In her welcome remarks, Prof. Ssali thanked the ZAMREN Board for including the courtesy call on their Kampala itinerary and extended warm greetings from the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe. She noted that Makerere as a founding member of RENU has enjoyed a mutually beneficial collaboration, that has benefited both staff and students in the form of supporting growing connectivity needs, as well as training, mentorship, and development of technical skills for both continuing students and graduates.
Turning to the gist of the courtesy call, the Acting Vice Chancellor noted that the Makerere University through the Centre for Artificial Intelligence (MAK-AI) seeks to harness the transformative power of AI to address society’s most pressing challenges. “Projects undertaken by our Centre tackle real-world challenges in health, agriculture, languages, and beyond.”
Prof. Ssali nevertheless underscored the importance of upholding ethics in all AI undertakings “Mindful of global trends elsewhere, the work of the Makerere AI Centre is guided by the principles of Responsible AI, ensuring that systems are transparent, accountable, fair, and designed to benefit society.”
She therefore called upon the delegation to thoughtfully engage with the ideas presented during their visit with the aim of collectively exploring both institution can better equip staff and students to meaningfully make the most of this fast-evolving trend.
On behalf of the Board, Prof. Muya who is substantively the Vice Chancellor of the University of Zambia thanked Prof. Ssali and Members of Management present for according his delegation a warm reception to Makerere University, “one of Africa’s most distinguished centres of higher learning.
“Makerere University is not only a symbol of academic excellence but also a beacon of leadership in higher education on the African continent”, remarked Prof. Muya.
The Chairperson equally expressed the delegation’s keenness to understand how AI is being adopted, and how the academia is embracing the technology as an enabler of teaching and research. “At ZAMREN, we view digital transformation and AI integration as critical enablers of academic excellence, efficiency, and competitiveness across higher education institutions,” he remarked, adding that “We therefore look to Makerere University’s experience to draw practical lessons that can inform and inspire our efforts back home.”
Turning to the lessons from Makerere in line with digital transformation and ICT, the Director DICTS shared that owing to the partnership with RENU, internet bandwidth, a vital enabler of AI transformation currently stands at 5 Gbps of monthly consumption, with plans to scale-up to 8 Gbps. He added that RENU has also facilitated Makerere’s access to Open Libraries, and Eduroam – a secure, encrypted Wi-Fi network across to staff and students freely access the internet across partner institutions in Uganda using their University emails.
Furthermore on the enablers of AI integration, Mr. Mugabi noted that in line with digitalization of institutional business process, the University Council took a bold step to develop all information systems in-house, a move that has reduced costs spent on offshore solutions, and hemorrhage of skills. He pointed to the introduction of open source solutions, and AI policy and global collaborations with corporations such as Google as additional enablers.
Addressing AI readiness, Prof. Tonny Oyana pointed out the need for the University of Zambia to start early, citing Makerere efforts which began as far back as 2007, when Dr. John Quinn joined the institution after his PhD. He added that Dr. Quinn together with other former staff from Makerere formed Sunbird AI, a thriving initiative creating practical systems for the benefit of community.
Prof. Oyana also pointed to AI initiatives that have attracted up to USD 5million from Google Awards, staff with specialized skills in the creation and development of sensor technologies, top notch students that win continental and global awards from companies such as Huawei, and active engagements with partners to produce solutions to enhance diagnosis of malaria, tuberculosis and cancer as some of areas that demonstrate Makerere’s AI readiness.
Addressing academic and research innovation, Prof. Robert Wamala pointed out that Makerere, in recognition that the institution cannot achieve its vision alone is intentional about seeking and nurturing mutually beneficial partnerships. Furthermore, he shared that Vice Chancellor’s Annual Research Excellence Awards reward and recognize the efforts of staff who have excelled in publication, teaching and winning grants.
The Director DRIP equally underscored the need for dissemination of research produced by staff and students, pointing out the annual research and innovation week as a flagship event for not only showcasing research but also forging meaningful partnerships with stakeholders. In line with technology transfer, Prof. Wamala said that the University through the Intellectual Property Management Office ensures that innovations developed by staff and students packaged for adoption by other individuals or organisations.
Addressing the use of technologies in academic work, Prof. Birevu noted that IODeL conducts capacity building in instructional design, online facilitation, use of AI in teaching and digital assessments. “We have also advised the University on ODeL and Distance Education strategies, for instance, we have developed a ten-year masterplan for distance education with support from the Korean Government to outline how Makerere University is going to integrate distance education within its offering” he added.
At the close of the deliberations the ZAMREN expressed sincere appreciation to the Ag. Vice Chancellor and Members of Management for the free sharing that pointed out a number of priorities.
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