General
337 Receive PhD Masters and Postdoctoral Sida Scholarships
Thanks to the new Swedish Government-Makerere University Agreement, 337 Ugandan university staff will receive PhD, Masters and Postdoctoral Scholarships through the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida) Phase 2015-2020. 167 awardees who were selected for the first intake could not hide their excitement as H.E Urban Andersson, Swedish Ambassador to Uganda officially handed over the Awards on Wednesday 10th February 2016.
Funding to the tune of SEK 275 million has been approved to support capacity building for four other public universities i.e. Gulu, Busitema, Kyambogo and Mbarara University of Science and Technology (MUST) as well as research collaboration between Makerere University and Swedish partner universities. Present at the award ceremony were Prof. Celestino Obua-Vice Chancellor MUST, Mr. Johnson Oluga-Representing Prof. Eli Katunguka-Rwakishaya, Vice Chancellor Kyambogo University, and Dr. Samuel Baker Kucel-Representing Prof. Mary Okwakol, Vice Chancellor Busitema University among other Sida officials and Public Universities’ staff.
In his opening remarks, the Director of Research and Graduate Training (RGT) and Overall Coordinator of the Sida Program, Prof. Mukadasi Buyinza thanked H.E. Amb. Urban Andersson and the Royal Government of Sweden for support that has led to tremendous growth of the research and innovations function at Makerere University.
“The new agreement will entail academic graduate training of 125 PhD students, 147 MA students, and 65 Postdoctoral fellows, divided between the five public universities. Our deliberate strategy to invest in graduate training is based on the common knowledge that about half the research in the world is carried out by graduate students,” Prof. Buyinza said.
In his remarks the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Finance and Administration), Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe who represented the Vice Chancellor, Prof. John Ddumba-Ssentamu acknowledged that Sida support had greatly improved the research culture of Makerere University.
“A number of staff members are writing proposals and competing for funding from various sources. Proposals are now being funded especially in the areas of health, engineering, veterinary science, agriculture and social sciences,” said Prof. Nawangwe, further adding “Publications have greatly increased and as you may be aware, a recent study placed Makerere University in the 3rd position in Africa in terms of Research output. This achievement is partly due to the support from Sida.”
Prof. Nawangwe further thanked the Swedish Government for supporting not only research but also library services, whose impact is felt beyond the physical walls, thanks to digitization of content and 24hour access to electronic materials. Sida support has also greatly improved access by both staff and students to internet services throughout the university
Ambassador Andersson could not hide his own excitement as he began his remarks at the award ceremony. He noted that whereas 325 academic staff had been trained since the Sida program’s inception at Makerere in the year 2000, the quest to train 337 staff within the next 5years was news worth celebrating.
“The US$ 65million that the Swedish State has supported Ugandan research collaboration with in the past 15 years have led to many exciting results. Your predecessors have worked hard… Now you will carry the torch forward,” encouraged His Excellency the Ambassador.
Ambassador Andersson further took note of; training most of the PhD students at Makerere and the multidisciplinary approach as two major shifts in the new agreement period that will set the precedent for future collaboration. 105 out of the 125 PhD students will undertake their training at Makerere University with the remaining 20 students set to receive their training via the sandwich program between Makerere University and her Swedish counterparts. He commended Makerere University upon building sufficient capacity to train the majority of the PhDs locally, noting that this is a remarkable improvement from when the program started in the year 2000.
A total of eleven projects and their respective principal investigators were awarded scholarships under multidisciplinary research teams. These include: Strengthening Social Science Research for National Development-Dr. Andrew Ellias State; Capacity Building in Mathematics and Its Applications-Dr. John Mango; Building Research Capacity in Innovative ICT for Development for Socio-
economic Growth in Uganda-Dr. Engineer Bainomugisha; Training for sustainable spatially enabled e-services delivery in Uganda-Dr. Gilbert Maiga; Partnership for Building Resilient Ecosystems and Livelihoods to Climate Change and Disaster-Dr. Yazidhi Bamutaze; and Empowerment for Research Capacity in Knowledge and Information Production and Sharing for Socio- economic Development in Uganda-Dr. George William Kiyingi.
Others are: Innovating health systems and healthcare delivery in rural Uganda: towards building critical capacity to tackle the rising Type 2 Diabetes challenge-Dr. David Guwatudde; Innovations for accelerating reduction in maternal, newborn and child mortality in post conflict Uganda-Prof. James Tumwine; Towards better treatment of infectious diseases in children in rural Uganda. Better diagnostics and algorithms for increased quality of care, rational use of medicines and minimized antimicrobial resistance-Prof. Celestino Obua; Information Support for Quality Higher Education and Research in Uganda-Dr. Hellen Byamugisha and Building Research and Training capacities to develop innovations in sustainable intensification of maize–based cropping systems for improving productivity, food security and resilience to climate change in Uganda-Dr. Herbert Talwana.
Article by Public Relations Office
General
NCBA Commits UGX 1.45 Billion to Makerere Marathon, Pledges Five-Year Support for Inclusive Education
By Eve Nakyanzi and Atwenda Nancy
Makerere University has officially unveiled NCBA Bank Uganda as the platinum sponsor for the 2025 Makerere University Marathon (#MakRun2025), marking a significant milestone in the institution’s journey toward inclusive and sustainable student support. The partnership was formally announced during a colourful event held at the university, attended by the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, Dr. Maggie Kigozi, Chairperson of the Makerere University Endowment Fund, and NCBA Bank Uganda CEO, Mr. Mark Muyobo.
NCBA Bank Uganda’s UGX 1.45 billion sponsorship over the next five years is the largest corporate contribution to the Makerere Marathon to date. It underscores the bank’s commitment to supporting quality education, community development, and equity. Mr. Muyobo said that, “We are driven by the desire to leave every community better than we found it”. He added that the goal is to empower disadvantaged students to live without limitations, describing this initiative as a bold stride toward establishing a world-class international marathon.
“This is more than just a sponsorship, it is a strategic partnership built on shared values,” Dr. Kigozi remarked. “With this support, we are positioned to establish a fully equipped Disability Support Unit and a sustainable pool of funds to assist economically disadvantaged students.”
The marathon, slated under the theme “Run the Hills for the Future,” seeks to unify students, alumni, corporate entities, and professional athletes in pursuit of a common cause. At its core, the MakRun2025 promotes active lifestyles, social inclusion, and a sense of communal responsibility.
“It’s not just a race,” Prof. Nawangwe emphasized. “It is a movement to break barriers, change lives, and build a resilient, inclusive university.”
The marathon’s broader impact includes fundraising for students living with disabilities and those facing financial hardship, contributing directly to the university’s Endowment Fund.
A major highlight of the event is the introduction of a full 42.2-kilometer marathon—bringing international standards to the annual run. Organizers have promised a professional, accredited experience with traffic-free routes and ample support for runners.
“This edition will elevate the MakRun into a world-class event,” said Mr. Muyobo. “We are proud to support Makerere University in realizing its dream of a globally recognized marathon that reflects Uganda’s commitment to education and inclusivity.”
Beyond the race itself, the event will feature a vibrant line-up of activities, including music, drama, and games for all age groups. It is designed to foster a festival-like atmosphere that welcomes every member of the community.
Organizers and university leaders have extended an open invitation to students, staff, alumni, corporate partners, and Kampala residents to participate, cheer, or donate to the cause.
“Every step taken is a step towards hope for a student,” Dr. Kigozi stated. “Together, we are building a Makerere that cares, includes, and uplifts.”
The partnership is expected to significantly enhance the university’s ability to support underprivileged students and improve campus infrastructure for students with disabilities. It also sets the tone for future collaborations that align with the values of compassion, excellence, and innovation. The fifth edition of the MakRun is scheduled to take place on August 17th, 2025.
The Writers are Interns in the Public Relations Office, Makerere University
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