On 18th April 2016, the Stellenbosch- Makerere University Joint Doctoral Training kicked off with over 100 participants from five Public Universities in Uganda ready to upgrade their doctoral research experiences and skills.
The two weeks training is set to run from 18th-29th April 2016 at Makerere University. During the training participants will study two cross cutting courses; Philosophy of Methods and Writing and Publishing an article with the aim of expanding students’ academic and practical comprehension of the concepts of science, knowledge and research.
Hosted by Makerere University Directorate of Research and Graduate Training together with Stellenbosch University, the training will also acquaint the students with the philosophical principles behind the quantitative and qualitative methods of research, enhance the students’ awareness about ethical conflicts in relation to research and provide a forum for each student to discuss, and improve their own research proposals.
According to the Director Makerere University-Directorate of Research and Graduate Training (DRGT) Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi, participants will also be exposed to an opportunity to plan and write articles which will be published in a journal.
“Participants are expected to work on material from their doctoral studies, craft their articles with one-on-one discussions and receive feedback from the facilitators during the writing process. After completion of the course, the participants will have completed articles which can be submitted for consideration by the intended journal,” he said.
Prof. Buyinza expressed his gratitude to Stellenbosch University for their long term collaboration with Makerere University. “The Directorate of Research and Graduate Training is the mandated unit to guide the research agenda in Makerere University. It is always a pleasure to really have partners to internationalize Makerere University. I am so grateful for the collaboration with Stellenbosch University,” he said.
He therefore encouraged participants to effectively utilize the resources and facilitators during the training for a productive personal benefit at the end of the course.
Ms. Corina Du Toit, Head both African Capacity Programme and African Doctoral Academy (ADA) at Stellenbosch University-South Africa, congratulated the participants upon the wonderful opportunity focused on revamping their professional way of life.
“I would like to say you are very lucky to be part of this program. We are very humbled with your presence and we are looking forward to having a wonderful course as planned,” she said.
The Deputy Director-Makerere University Directorate of Research and Graduate Training who also doubles as the Programme Coordinator of Stellenbosch- Makerere University Joint Doctoral Programme, Associate Professor David Owiny said that Makerere University is blessed to have a collaboration with one of the best Universities in Africa. To him, this collaboration will take the two institutions to higher levels of learning and research development.
He further urged the two institutions to focus on collaborations in Joint PhD supervision, writing joint proposals for research funding and student exchange.
The Universities selected to participate in the training include: Makerere University, Kyambogo University, Busitema University, Gulu University and Mbarara University.
Article written by: Makerere University Public Relations Office.
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:
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.
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.
“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.