General
EU Climate Diplomacy Week Lecture calls For Burden Sharing
By 11:00am on 16th September 2016, the usually silent Senior Common Room in the Main Administration Building was abuzz with activity as Staff and Students of Makerere took up every available seat, expectantly awaiting the start of the Public Lecture. As part of activities to mark the Climate Diplomacy Week, the EU Delegation in Uganda in partnership with the Makerere University Centre for Climate Change Research and Innovation (MUCCRI) organized a Public Lecture aimed at raising climate change awareness among University students.
The Moderator of the event and Acting Director MUCCRI, Dr. Revocatus Twinomuhangi thanked his audience for keeping time and introduced the day’s theme “Innovative and effective approaches to climate change adaptation in Uganda”. He noted that Makerere University is engaged in a number of activities such as teaching, curriculum review and outreaches, all aimed at highlighting the impact of climate change and the appropriate adaptation strategies that can be adopted.
The Public Lecture was jointly presided over by H.E. Ambassador Kristian Schmidt, Head of the EU Delegation in Uganda and Alhaji Momodou Jallow, FAO Country Representative. In his opening remarks, Prof. Bernard Bashaasha, Principal, College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES) thanked the EU Delegation in Uganda for choosing Makerere to host the all important Public Lecture. He noted that bringing students on board is the right thing to do and urged the students present to work together with today’s researchers to build rather than destroy their future.
Prof. Edward Kirumira is no stranger to the Climate Change Adaptation debate. The Principal of the College of Humanities and Social Sciences (CHUSS) is also the Academic Coordinator for the Makerere-University of Bergen collaboration and as such, played a key role in organizing the first EA Norway Climate and Business Conference. The outcome of this conference was a Communique to COP21 on Climate Change and Opportunities for Sustainable Business. Representing the Vice Chancellor, Prof. John Ddumba-Ssentamu, Prof. Kirumira noted that climate adaptation is a multidisciplinary, multifaceted, multi sector undertaking that calls for concerted effort to accomplish.
“Issues of climate change and climate adaptation are part and parcel of the curriculum review process that the University is undertaking now. This Public Dialogue comes at a very opportune time to make sure that climate change issues are on the agenda of curriculum review” said Prof. Kirumira
He urged the students to listen attentively and thereafter, actively participate in the discussions so as to guarantee themselves internship and possibly employment positions. He observed that the public lecture had in addition to the EU Head of Delegation and FAO Country representative attracted some of the most important parties in the climate change circles, all of whom presented very good future prospects for students.
“It is indeed important to have the academia, training and research institutions on board to contribute knowledge and information in addressing the climate change challenge. This forum is therefore timely and significant, and similar forums should be organised” remarked Alhaji Jallow, the FAO Country Representative in his keynote address. He noted that FAO is already working with MUCCRI on a project aimed at enhancing Knowledge Management and Communication Systems for climate change adaptation. The project is being carried out in six out of twenty nine Districts of Uganda’s cattle corridor. These six Districts are Sembabule, Luweero, Nakaseke, Nakasongola, Mubende and Kiboga.
Alhaji Jallow hoped that the Public Lecture would identify priority areas that need concerted effort in contributing knowledge, information and technologies for building resilience to climate change challenges. “Resilience to climate change will surely maintain food and nutrition security for all and sustain development themes” he said.
H.E. Ambassador Kristian Schmidt is a lively speaker who likes to engage his audience. Noting that his speech had a number of acronyms, the Ambassador occasionally paused whenever he met one and asked the students to give him the full version, and none disappointed. He noted that Uganda had the best climate in the world and it would be a pity if this enviable fact were to change.
“You the youth are well-placed and crucial in society in addressing and also living with the consequences of climate change” said Ambassador Schmidt. He commended the Ministry of Water and Environment (MWE) for spearheading efforts that led to Uganda playing a very constructive role at COP21 (Congress of Parties 21). COP21 was the 2015 Paris Climate Conference aimed at achieving a legally binding and universal agreement on climate, with the aim of keeping global warming below 2°C.
“Climate Diplomacy is about countries working together to agree on burden sharing and collective action, when acting alone will not solve the problems that we face… It is about countries saying ‘we all have to do our share’ and then committing to doing it together” Ambassador Schmidt explained. He therefore urged Uganda to press on and ratify the COP21 Agreement as this will pile pressure on emitting countries to do the same.
Ambassador Schmidt then shared four examples of the EU Delegation in Uganda’s Green Projects that other parties could borrow a leaf from. These include: the Sawlog Production Grant Scheme III (SPGS III) for Commercial Agroforestry; Green Transport to support multimodal transportation; the Largest On-grid Solar Energy Plant in East Africa currently under construction in Soroti and working with KCCA (Kampala Capital City Authority) on its Climate Change Action Strategy to address congestion.
Following the Ambassador’s presentation, the day’s discussion would have been incomplete without expert opinions on the four themes of: climate change policy and practice in Uganda; the role of education in addressing climate change; climate change and the youth; and climate change and gender. The Moderator, Dr. Revocatus Twinomuhangi then invited the day’s panelists who included Mr. Bob Natifu-Climate Change Department (CCD)-MWE and Prof. John Baptist Kaddu-Lead Government of Uganda Negotiator for COP to share their views. Others included Mr. Sadam Kiwanuka-President Makerere University Climate Change Association, Ms. Catherine Mulinde-PhD Candidate on Climate Change Adaptation and Dr. May Sengendo-School of Women and Gender Studies, CHUSS
At the conclusion of the open discussion, Hon. Chebet Maikut, the UNFCCC (United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change) National Focal Point and Coordinator, CCD-MWE commended the audience for being keen listeners and active discussants.
“The Youth have a daunting responsibility, more so in our National circumstances where Uganda’s economy is predominantly based on our natural resources… Our natural resources are under the biggest threat; they are bleeding! If we don’t do anything now, the future is very bleak” he warned.
Hon. Chebet Maikut nevertheless reiterated Government’s total commitment to addressing climate change as demonstrated by the various national policies and strategies in place. He then thanked the EU for their generous support to the Government’s Development programmes and negotiations at COP.
Article by Public Relations Office
As the new academic year begins, our dedicated staff and student Safeguarding Champions are stepping up to ensure that all freshers feel welcomed, safe, and supported. These committed individuals are here to guide New University Students through their university journey, offering resources, advice, and a listening ear. Together, we’re creating a vibrant and secure campus community where everyone can thrive!
Safeguarding Measures at Makerere University
“At Makerere University, we prioritise the safety and well-being of our students, staff, and the surrounding community. Our safeguarding measures include a range of policies and practices designed to prevent harm and create a secure environment. We are committed to fostering a supportive atmosphere where everyone feels safe and valued,” remarked Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi, the Deputy Vice Chancellor of Academic Affairs.
Safeguarding is about protecting people’s health, well-being and human rights, enabling them to live free from harm, abuse and neglect. Specific to Makerere University, it is the measures put in place to promote the safety and well-being of all Students, Staff and other stakeholders.
As part of the University Initiative to Improve the Safety and Wellbeing of Students and Staff, 25 Staff and 68 Student Safeguarding Champions attended an intensive refresher training on Safeguarding at Makerere University. They received information materials and planned their engagements during the University Orientation, which took place from 4th to 8th August 2025.
Orientation week is always a lively blend of excitement and nervousness for the new students. Thousands of fresh students arrive from all corners of Uganda and beyond, carrying dreams and sometimes unspoken worries.
During the 2025 Freshers’ Orientation, an Information Tent was set up at the Senate Building to assist new students, parents, and guardians with various types of information and guidance. The well-trained Student Champions, representing the 9 Colleges and 3 Schools at both the main campus and the Jinja Campus, wore white “Safeguarding Champion” T-shirts. They actively helped welcome the new students and familiarise them with the university environment.
A key emphasis was on increasing awareness of Safety and Well-being at Makerere University. In each college, the Student Safeguarding Champions were supported and guided by the Staff Safeguarding Champions. Others moved between groups of freshers, providing peer-to-peer guidance and distributing brochures with simple messages: ‘Your safety matters.’
Speaking during Orientation, Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi, the Ag. Deputy Vice Chancellor, Academic Affairs and University Academic Registrar, emphasised that the University was committed to the Safety and well-being of all University Students and Staff.
“When students know their rights and have the support systems in place, they are better positioned to thrive academically and socially. This is the kind of environment that nurtures both learning and personal growth,” Prof. Buyinza noted.
In her speech, Dr. Winfred Kabumbuli, the Dean of Students, pointed out that the Safeguarding policy included provisions for Students, Staff, and other Stakeholders, as well as the accredited Hostels and their owners.
Talking about the Champions, she mentioned that “These young leaders have taken it upon themselves to be the first line of support for their peers. Their presence is a reminder that at Makerere University, safety, respect, and inclusivity are everyone’s responsibility.”
As the semester begins, the Safeguarding Champions will continue their work by organising peer-support circles, awareness drives, and training sessions in various colleges. The University Management is urging all students and staff to have a personal responsibility of ensuring a safe, respectful and inclusive environment for all.
When discussing with the Champions, she highlighted, “These young leaders have made it their mission to be the first line of support for their peers. Their presence serves as a reminder that at Makerere University, safety, respect, and inclusivity are the responsibility of everyone.”
Addressing the student champions, Prof. Justine Namaalwa Jjumba, a member of the Safeguarding Implementation Team, urged them to lead by example in their behaviour, willingness to support other Students to identify any safeguarding risks, prevent any form of harm or abuse, report in case of any incident and support during case management.
“Let us be champions of inclusive language. We do not refer to them as ‘blind people’; we say ‘visually impaired.’ As champions, you need to be keen on identifying risks and possible causes of safeguarding concerns, report promptly, and support each other,” Prof. Namaalwa said.
The Safeguarding Liaison Officer, Ms. Diane Nabikolo Osiru, who supports monitoring the implementation and review of the Makerere University Safeguarding policy as well as coordinating activities of awareness creation and enhancement among students, staff, and partners, was at the forefront of championing awareness creation during orientation week.
Student Safeguarding Champions speak out
Mary Agnes Atim, a third-year Fine Art student, described orientation week as a valuable experience that provided a well-rounded introduction to university life for her peers.
“I have really enjoyed the orientation. As an advocate, I appreciated the opportunity to talk to fellow students about the safeguarding initiative. I’m confident that by now they know the ‘dark spots’ and will be better protected from fraudsters,” Atim said.
Edinah Kamurasi, a second-year Bachelor of Arts in Economics student, expressed gratitude for the in-depth two-day training, admitting that she had not been fully aware of the University’s safeguarding policy before.
“I am really grateful for the in-depth training we had as champions. Before this, I wasn’t even sure about the safeguarding policy, but now I can confidently explain it to others and interact with students every day, explaining the same thing. I also learnt a lot,” Kamurasi said.
Jenkins Okidi, a third-year Bachelor of Animal Production student, shared that many of the students he interacted with were enthusiastic about the MakSafeSpace, the University’s confidential e-reporting platform.
“Most freshers were excited to learn they have a safe, private way to report any concerns,” Okidi, said.
Sharifah Nalubembe, a second-year Library and Information Science student, noted that during the orientation week, she was able to guide fellow students to the appropriate offices for support.
“It felt very satisfying to help and ensure that no one ended up in the wrong hands,” Nalubembe said.
Fahad Kiyimba, a second-year Software Engineering student, described the training as highly informative in promoting the safety and wellness of students across campus.
“After the training we received as champions, I gained valuable knowledge and skills. It gave me the confidence to engage first-year students about our comprehensive safeguarding policy, and that is exactly what I did during orientation week,” Kiyimba said.
Ms. Carol Kasujja Adii is the Senior Communication Officer in charge of Safeguarding and Crisis communication at Makerere University.
General
Makerere University Strengthens Academic Leadership Through Capacity Building for Heads of Department
In a strategic move to enhance academic leadership and institutional efficiency, Makerere University conducted a comprehensive capacity-building and retooling workshop for all Heads of Department (HoDs) on August 5, 2025. The workshop, held at the Senate Conference Hall, brought together HoDs from various academic units to deepen their understanding of university academic policies, graduate training guidelines, and intellectual property management.
The training was organized under the office of the Deputy Vice Chancellor, Academic Affairs. The session aimed at aligning departmental leadership with the University’s strategic goals, policies, and operational frameworks, particularly in relation to graduate education and research governance.
Opening the workshop, Prof. Buyinza Bukadasi, Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic Affairs), underscored the importance of strong departmental leadership in driving the University’s vision:
“The Head of Department is not merely an administrator; they are the academic engine of their unit. By equipping our HoDs with up-to-date policy knowledge, research management skills, and leadership tools, we are investing in the core structures that sustain academic excellence and innovation at Makerere.”
Emphasis on Graduate Policy and Structured PhD Training
Dr. Julius Kikooma, Director of the Directorate of Graduate Training (DGT), led an engaging presentation on the Makerere University Graduate Policies, Guidelines, and Procedures. His session unpacked critical updates in the revised 2024 Graduate Handbook, including:
- Removal of provisional admission for PhD by Research.
- A structured PhD framework requiring a minimum of three years and 40 credit units.
- Strengthened supervision standards and doctoral mentorship structures.
- Cohort-based admissions to improve program coherence and tracking.
- Integration of cross-cutting courses such as Scholarly Writing, Advanced Research Methods, and Teaching Assistantship into PhD training.
The new framework, supported by the Research Information Management System (RIMS), enhances monitoring of student progress and ensures timely completion of graduate programs. Dr. Kikooma emphasized the importance of departmental roles in guiding and supporting students, noting that departments serve as the primary disciplinary homes for graduate students and are key in fostering research cultures.
Understanding and Applying Intellectual Property Policies
The session also featured a detailed presentation on the Makerere University Intellectual Property Management Policy (2008, as amended), delivered by Counsel Esther Kabinga, Ag. Manager of the Intellectual Property Management Office (IPMO). Participants were guided through the obligations and rights related to IP created by staff, students, and visitors.
The presentation highlighted:
- Ownership structures for IP generated at the University.
- Procedures for disclosing, protecting, and commercializing IP.
- Roles of departments in supporting creators and liaising with IPMO.
- Revenue-sharing mechanisms and the inclusion of IP outputs in staff promotion criteria.
Counsel Kabinga encouraged HoDs to promote awareness of IP rights and responsibilities within their units, especially given the increasing volume of research outputs and innovations emerging from the University.
Strategic Alignment with the University’s Research Agenda
The workshop is part of broader efforts to implement the Makerere University Research Agenda 2025/26 – 2029/30, which prioritizes talent development, research visibility, and knowledge transfer. According to Dr. Robert Wamala, Director of the Directorate of Research, Innovation and Partnerships (DRIP), strengthening administrative and academic capacity at departmental level is critical for sustaining Makerere’s status as a leading research institution.
The Research Agenda also supports the operationalization of structures like the IP Management Committee and GAMSU (Grants Administration and Support Unit), both of which are instrumental in streamlining research support services.
The training reaffirmed Makerere University‘s commitment to continuous professional development and the strategic empowerment of academic leaders. With a renewed understanding of policies and tools, Heads of Department are now better equipped to foster academic excellence, supervise graduate research, and steward innovation at the departmental level.
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