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Call for CAPREx Fellowships 2017-18

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CAPREx(Cambridge-Africa Partnership for Research Excellence) is a three-way partnership between the University of Ghana, Legon, Makerere University, Ugandaandthe University of Cambridge, UK,and is funded by the Carnegie Corporation of New York and the Isaac Newton Trust.

The CAPRExprogramme strengthens academic research and research management capacityin the African partner universities through the provision of fellowships. African research fellows are invited to embark on a collaborative research project with a researcherfrom the University of Cambridge who has mutual research interests, and the research will usually take place in Cambridge.

Collaborator(s) from the other African partner university will also be involved where appropriate. In some cases, more than one collaborator may be involved in the project from Cambridge.

The CAPREx Fellowships
The CAPREx Programme is pleased to invite applicants with research proposals in the following broad fields to apply for Post-doctoral research fellowships available in 2017/18

• Basic and Applied Sciences and Infectious Diseases (University of Ghana, Legon);
• Social Sciences and Humanities including Education, Law and Business (Makerere University).

The focus of CAPREx research projects should be on a research collaboration relevant to Ghana and Uganda.

CAPREx fellowships willallow for an average of 4 months (ranging from minimum of 1 month to a maximum of 6 months) to be spent at the University of Cambridge, or the other CAPREx African partner University if appropriate.

When fellows visit Cambridge, they will engage in a variety of training, seminars and networking opportunities to enhance their research links and skills. Ideally, fellowship visits should be scheduled from May 2016.CAPREx will provide travel (to be arranged from Cambridge) and a subsistence allowance (£2,000 per month pro rata) for the agreed duration of Fellowship visits only (subsistence costs will not be provided for work done within the Fellows’ home country).

CAPREx also provides funding for the Fellows’ collaborator(s) to visit the Fellows’ university to promote sustainable collaborative links and work on their joint research project.

Fellows will be eligible to apply competitively for funds to attend an international conference, in Europe or North America (depending on costs involved) to present their research.

In addition, CAPREx Fellows will be eligible to submit an application, in conjunction with their Cambridge collaborator, to the Cambridge-AfricaAlborada Research Fundto support the research collaboration.

Details of previous CAPREx Fellows’ research projects and experiences during their Fellowship (blog, photos, visits to international conferences, etc.) are available via the following link to the CAPREx website:www.cambridge-africa.cam.ac.uk/cambridge-in-africa-initiatives/caprex/

Eligibility to Apply

Applicants should be:

• Full time PhD-holding members of staff at either the University of Ghana or at Makerere University.Eligibility will focus on early career fellows(5 years since PhD completion)but mid career fellows(5-10 years since PhD completion) may also apply.
• Applicants must be 50 years of age or under
• Applicants from the University of Ghana must be faculty members from the College of Basic and Applied Sciences or faculty members from other UG Colleges doing research on infectious diseases.
• Applicants from Makerere University must be working within the Social Sciences and Humanities. This includes Education, Law and Business.

Please note:
Female staff members are strongly encouraged to apply.
Research Projects involving both African partner countries (Ghana and Uganda) are also encouraged.

Application Requirements

Candidates for the fellowships will be selected using a two-step application process as follows:

Step 1:
Interested and eligible faculty members complete and submit the attached registration of interest form by5th November 2016.

Registrations of Interest should consist of:
• A completed preliminary application form, tobe submitted by email tothe CAPREx CoordinatorOffice of the applicant’s home institution (contacts below). If publications have been listed in the application, then links to these should be provided in the relevant section of the application form. Otherwise, pdf versions of the three most importantpublications should be submitted with the form.
• A CV
• Supporting letters from two professional referees (including their telephone numbers, postal and e-mail addresses) to be sent directly from referees to the CAPREx Coordinator Office of the applicants home institution (contacts below) either by email or in hard copy. At least one referee should be familiar with the applicant’s academic research work.

Step 2:
Shortlisted candidates will be matched to appropriate CAPREx collaborators in Cambridge and/or Africa, and then invited to complete and submit a final application form.This form will request information about the candidate’s proposed research collaboration, and will have to be prepared in consultation with their CAPREx collaborator(s), for submission by the deadline of 5th February 2017. All shortlisted candidates will also be interviewed at their home university.

Review of Applications and Selection of Fellows

Applications will be reviewed by a selection panel comprisingrepresentativesfrom the three CAPREx partner universities, in the relevant subject areas.Reviewers may pay particular attention to the following criteria: research experience; commitment to pursuing an academic research career at the applicant’s home university; research project and potential for long-term collaboration with CAPREx partners and quality of references.

Timelines

• 5th November 2016:Registration of Interest to be submitted to the CAPREx Coordinator Office of the applicant’s home institution.

• 5thDecember 2016: Shortlisted applicantsnotifiedand invited to submit final application.

• December 2016 – January 2017:Shortlisted applicants notified of collaborator(s) they have been matched to, and an introductory email will be sent to put collaborating parties in touch with each other. The candidates can then communicate directly and prepare a more detailed research proposal.

• 5th February 2017: Final Application to be submitted online (details will be provided).

• March-April 2017: CAPREx Fellowship interviews at home university.

• May 2017: Outcome of Fellowship applications confirmed.

Contact Details

University of Ghana: Ms Afua Yeboah, Office of Research, Innovation and Development (ORID), email: caprex@ug.edu.gh

Makerere University: Ms Susan Mbabzi, Directorate of Research and Graduate Training (DGRT), email: smbabazi@rgt.mak.ac.ug

Elias Tuhereze

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Re-Advert for Applications for Diploma and Certificate Training

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The Government of Uganda and AFRISA in Collaboration with Makerere University invites
applicants for Diploma and Certificate programs tenable at the College of Veterinary Medicine,
Animal Resources and Bio-security (COVAB).

The details are in the following document:

The deadline for receiving applications will be 25th August, 2025.

Elias Tuhereze

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Mak Marathon Unveils NCBA as Platinum Sponsor

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Left to Right: NCBA Bank CEO-Mr. Mark Muyobo, MakEF Board Chairperson-Dr. Maggie Kigozi and the Vice Chancellor-Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe hold the dummy cheque unveiling the UGX 1.45 billion sponsorship for the Makerere Marathon for the next five years. Makerere University Endowment Fund (MakEF)’s flagship initiative – the Makerere University Marathon unveiling of NCBA Bank Uganda as Platinum Sponsor with UGX 1.45 Billion over five years, 9th July 2025, Kampala, East Africa.

Makerere University has today Wednesday, 9th June 2025 officially unveiled NCBA Bank Uganda as the Platinum Sponsor of the Makerere University Endowment Fund (MakEF)’s flagship initiative – the Makerere University Marathon. Formerly known as a fun run, the initiative was rebranded on 27th March 2025 during the launch of its Fifth Edition. This year’s event, #MakRun2025, is slated for 17th August 2025 under the theme “Run the Hills for the Future”.

MakEF Board Chairperson, Dr. Maggie Kigozi. Makerere University Endowment Fund (MakEF)’s flagship initiative – the Makerere University Marathon unveiling of NCBA Bank Uganda as Platinum Sponsor with UGX 1.45 Billion over five years, 9th July 2025, Kampala, East Africa.
MakEF Board Chairperson, Dr. Maggie Kigozi.

Addressing the Media at a press conference this afternoon, the MakEF Board Chairperson, Dr. Maggie Kigozi remarked, “We are deeply honoured and excited to unveil NCBA Bank Uganda as the Platinum Sponsor of #MakRun2025, with a landmark commitment of UGX 1.45 billion over the next five years.”

Dr. Maggie Kigozi shows her support for #MakRun2025. Makerere University Endowment Fund (MakEF)’s flagship initiative – the Makerere University Marathon unveiling of NCBA Bank Uganda as Platinum Sponsor with UGX 1.45 Billion over five years, 9th July 2025, Kampala, East Africa.
Dr. Maggie Kigozi shows her support for #MakRun2025.

Dr. Kigozi further described the unveiling as “a strategic partnership built on shared values and a common vision for inclusive education and sustainable impact,” adding that it would “fast-track the establishment of a fully equipped Disability Support Unit for students living with disabilities, and to build a sustainable pool of funds to support Economically Disadvantaged Students.”

Appreciating the generous sponsorship, the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe acknowledged that NCBA Bank had not only made history as the biggest corporate sponsor of #MakRun to date but also aligned with Makerere’s vision to improve the quality of student life. “This is a powerful gesture of trust in our mission and a demonstration of deep corporate citizenship”, he added.

Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe makes his remarks. Makerere University Endowment Fund (MakEF)’s flagship initiative – the Makerere University Marathon unveiling of NCBA Bank Uganda as Platinum Sponsor with UGX 1.45 Billion over five years, 9th July 2025, Kampala, East Africa.
Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe makes his remarks.

Prof. Nawangwe further thanked NCBA for recognizing that an investment in Makerere University is an indirect investment in the future of Uganda. “The Makerere Marathon is not just a race. It is a movement to establish a fully-fledged Disability Support Unit for students living with various forms of disabilities, and to build a sustainable fund for Economically Disadvantaged Students.”

The Vice Chancellor therefore rallied staff, students, alumni, partners and friends of Makerere to match NCBA’s generous support with vigour and commitment, so as to make #MakRun2025 the most impactful edition since its founding.

Mr. Mark Muyobo makes his remarks at the press conference. Makerere University Endowment Fund (MakEF)’s flagship initiative – the Makerere University Marathon unveiling of NCBA Bank Uganda as Platinum Sponsor with UGX 1.45 Billion over five years, 9th July 2025, Kampala, East Africa.
Mr. Mark Muyobo makes his remarks at the press conference.

The Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Mark Muyobo thanked Makerere University for giving NCBA Bank Uganda the opportunity to play its part in “shaping Uganda’s future one student, one community, one strength at a time,” adding that #MakRun is a symbol of hope for students living with disabilities as it speaks to Makerere’s core values of inclusion, equity, and excellence.

On a rhythmical note, Mr. Muyobo remarked that the #MakRun2025 theme is “not just about finishing lines, it is about opening doors; giving opportunities to those who are disabled. It is about promoting active lifestyle.”

Runners get flagged off for an evening run after the unveiling ceremony. Makerere University Endowment Fund (MakEF)’s flagship initiative – the Makerere University Marathon unveiling of NCBA Bank Uganda as Platinum Sponsor with UGX 1.45 Billion over five years, 9th July 2025, Kampala, East Africa.
Runners get flagged off for an evening run after the unveiling ceremony.

#MakRun2025 will for the first time feature a full 42.2km marathon race with international accreditation and professional timing along a dedicated traffic-free route.

“These are not just upgrades, these are bold steps towards building a world-class international marathon right here in Kampala. We are proud to be the wings at your back as you take this leap because when Makerere University, the beacon of higher learning in Uganda grows stronger, the ripple effects are felt across the region and across the continent” Mr. Muyobo affirmed.

Mr. Mark Muyobo (L) and Dr. Maggie Kigozi (R) pose with the signed MoU. Makerere University Endowment Fund (MakEF)’s flagship initiative – the Makerere University Marathon unveiling of NCBA Bank Uganda as Platinum Sponsor with UGX 1.45 Billion over five years, 9th July 2025, Kampala, East Africa.
Mr. Mark Muyobo (L) and Dr. Maggie Kigozi (R) pose with the signed MoU.

To officially seal the deal, a Memorandum of Understanding was officially signed between Makerere University and NCBA Bank Uganda, and thereafter, a dummy cheque of UGX 1.45 billion was presented to Dr. Maggie Kigozi as the Vice Chancellor, Members of Management and NCBA staff witnessed.

Left to Right: Mr. Mark Muyobo, Dr. Maggie Kigozi and Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe pose for a photo at the Main Building entrance. Makerere University Endowment Fund (MakEF)’s flagship initiative – the Makerere University Marathon unveiling of NCBA Bank Uganda as Platinum Sponsor with UGX 1.45 Billion over five years, 9th July 2025, Kampala, East Africa.
Left to Right: Mr. Mark Muyobo, Dr. Maggie Kigozi and Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe pose for a photo at the Main Building entrance.

Mark Wamai

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Directorate of Graduate Training Empowers PhD Supervisors with Academic Supervision Training

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By Moses Lutaaya

The Directorate of Graduate Training (DGT) in conjunction with CARTA’s Emerging and Re-emerging Infectious Diseases (TERID) Research Hub and the East– Spark Project  completed a two days Doctoral (PhD) academic supervisors training under the theme:  “Empowering Academic Supervision Training in Eastern Africa: Sparking Potential, Advancing Research, and Knowledge (EAST-SPARK).”

The training took place between 2nd and 3rd July 2025 at the College of Business and Management Sciences’ (COBAMS) School of Business conference hall.

In his opening remarks, the Director of Graduate Training Prof. Julius Kikooma challenged the team to set clear and manageable objectives for graduate students under their supervision so that they can complete their doctoral studies on time.:

“Set expectations at the beginning of the research journey of PhD students under your supervision. Resist working with students that are not objective. Set a time frame with in which the student is able to do their research so that they are able to finish their doctoral studies on time.”

He added, “The issue of supervising graduate research is very vital because there needs to be seamless progression of the graduate students.”

Prof. Kikooma further highlighted that the target in the strategic plan is to have 30% graduate students enrolled in the next five years. Currently, it is about 17%.

“We need to get everything right in this training. Our biggest issues are in the supervision process flow of the graduate students. Graduate supervisors need to listen to students and equally the students need to listen to the supervisors. The graduate supervision journey is simple with open communication and immediate feedback between the two parties.”

This will help us in creating a new breed of academia and researchers that Makerere university and the country as a whole need.”

Director of Graduate Training Prof. Julius Kikooma

Prof. Kikooma further added “Take the excellence you have to represent the university. Ensure you have all they policies on your fingertips so that you guide the students well.”

In his remarks, Prof. Ibrahim Okumu (representing the Principal, COBAMS) said that such a training was necessary and it was a right move towards standardization of doctoral training in the region.

“What does it take to standardize doctoral and graduate studies? We need to create unison in the region and learn by doing. Doctoral studies are vital and cannot be taken for granted. We need to continue creating critical thinkers ready to nature research programs. These trainings are enablers in this journey.”

He added, “Let us blend the old and young birds in this training so that we share knowledge and experience to nature and grow the dreams of the doctoral students. Nature the inner person, not imposing yourself on to the student. Enable them to open up while doing their research and they will have a good and seamless doctoral academic journey.”

Prof. Ibrahim Okumu

Dr. Drago Kato Charles, a trainer and a senior Lecturer at the Department of Biomedical Laboratory Technology at CoVAB said, “These trainings are continuous professional development programs aimed at refreshing doctoral supervisors every now and then. They are vital and needed by the mixture of the young, intermediate and senior supervisors.”

He added, “These senior supervisors share knowledge and experience on what is going on in the world of education. The young come to learn from old supervisors. The goal is to increase completion and quality of the PhD output. In totality, such a training aims to improve quality and mentorship on how to facilitate and handle graduate student supervision.”

He added that the trainees were taking the obtained skills to their schools and colleges to produce more quality doctoral and graduate students which would lead to growth of economies since every country needs PhD researchers to drive economic transformation and policy developments as well as implementation.

Dr. Peter Ssenkusu, a senior lecturer in the Department of Foundations and Curriculum studies in the School of Education said, “The training modules are extensively researched. The areas covered are very pertinent for doctoral supervision.”

Dr. Stephen Ojiambo Wandera, a facilitator and a Senior Lecturer at the Department of Population Studies in the School of Statistics and Planning at COBAMS added, “The vision for Makerere University is to be a research led institution. To be research- led university, we need to promote graduate teaching and learning. To achieve this, graduate students need supervisors that are well trained and skilled. We will also continue to do retooling for experienced supervisors.”

Dr. Byaruhanga Micheal Bruce from the Department of Biochemistry and Tourism, a lecturer and a participant said, “Whoever thought about this training did something very important. I thought all I was doing in supervision was normal until this training came. I did not know that some issues I knew would let the students off the course while others would keep them on. I want to ensure that all I have learnt is put into action. The modules have been very enriching. We need more of such trainings, probably for more than two days.”

Dr. Tukae Mbegalo, a guest trainer from Mzumbe University in Tanzania said, “The training is very relevant considering the diversity of the participants which include the young and senior researchers because of sharing the experiences which include delays and the relationships between supervisors and supervisees.” He added, “As supervisors, our emphasis is on scientific writing which we should instill in the students. Scientific writing leads to consistency right from problem setting, objectives, methodology and aligning it to the results so that we improve the quality of the doctoral outputs.”

Elias Tuhereze

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