General
Fulbright celebrates 70 years of partnership and achievements
The Makerere University Chancellor Prof. Ezra Suruma has commended the tremendous efforts of the U.S government in developing the academic and social-economic sector of Uganda through the Fulbright scholarship program. This was during the celebration of the 70th Anniversary of the Fulbright program organized by the U.S Mission in Uganda together with the Uganda-US Exchange Alumni Association and hosted by Makerere University under a theme; 70 years of partnership and achievements.
Speaking to the overjoyed congregation on 21st October 2016, Prof. Suruma congratulated the “Fulbrighters” upon a successful 70th Anniversary full of partnerships and achievements. He acknowledged the program’s tireless efforts in promotion of international goodwill through cultural exchange, mutual understanding and academic development among countries. Prof. Suruma also highlighted the program’s impact in Uganda where it has nurtured exceptional talented men and women who have socially, economically, politically and culturally impacted the society.
“So many prominent and outstanding Ugandans have passed through Fulbright program; the late Prof. Ssenteza Kajubi who contributed immensely in the formulation of Uganda’s curriculum; Prof. Lutalo Bbosa has influenced and continue to influence higher education in Uganda; Dr. Martin Aliker is a renowned Ugandan dental Surgeon, Business man and a successful Entrepreneur; Prof. Joy Kwesiga is the Vice Chancellor of Kabale University and Hon. Olara Otunu has served Uganda at home and abroad and is a well renown political leader here in Uganda,” he said.
Citing the need for Ugandan universities to partner in research and scholarships, Prof. Suruma said that Fulbright remains a great partner and ally in Uganda’s push for academic advancement and excellence.
Started in 1946 by America’s distinguished Senator James William Fulbright, the Fulbright program was initiated with a purpose of transforming the world by bridging the barriers especially in academia across the global north and south. The programme is sponsored by the U.S Department of State’s Bureau of Educational Cultural Affairs and its primary source of funding is the annual appropriation by the U.S. Congress to the Department of States.
According to the U.S Ambassador to Uganda Her Excellency Deborah R. Malac, more than 370,000 “Fullbrighters” have participated in the program since its inception. Her Excellency Deborah R. Malac said that the program operates in over 160 countries worldwide. Today, approximately 8000 grants are awarded annually. Out of these awards, 399 have been awarded to Ugandans.
“The program has witnessed several success stories with 33 current or former Heads of states or government, 54 Nobel Laureates, 82 Pulitzers prize winners, 29 MacArthur Foundation Fellows, 16 Presidential Medal Freedom recipients, and thousands of leaders across the private, public and nonprofit sectors,” she acknowledged.
In Uganda, the Fulbright program has contributed tremendously to the development of the education system. Through its various scholarship opportunities, it has strengthened Ugandan’s university lecturers’ competence by sponsoring their higher degree of training, provided research grants to scholars, encouraged academic exchange programs, provided professional enrichment studies, offered fully funded fellowships, promotes linkages between U.S. scholars, professionals and their counterparts at host institutions overseas.
The Makerere University Vice Chancellor Prof. John Ddumba-Ssentamu mentioned to the congregation that Makerere University for years has been a key beneficiary of various opportunities provided by the Fulbright program. According to Prof. Ddumba-Ssentamu the program has been very supportive to the realization of the University’s strategic goals.
“We have benefited in the areas of staff development, joint research, scholarships for students as well as staff and students exchange. Indeed Fulbright programmes have contributed to the fulfillment of our core functions of teaching and learning, research and innovation as well as knowledge transfer partnerships and networking,” he said.
“Makerere University is therefore appreciative of this continued support. This is an achievement to be proud of because in academia, it is important to foster research collaborations, which translate into that Senator James William Fulbright referred to as, in quotes, “…. A little more knowledge, a little more reason and a little more compassion into world affairs.” Indeed education without knowledge, reason, and compassion is meaningless,” he added.
Giving a living testimony, the Deputy Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, Associate Professor Ernest Okello Ogwang assured the delegates that Fulbright program is a distinct program among others, committed not only to the generation of knowledge that has facilitated the development of many nations, but it has also distinguished itself by its special attention to individuals.
“Fulbright sponsored my PhD at Indiana University. I would like to say, this is a family where different people from all walks of life are connected. It is a network of outstanding professionals with exceptional abilities mentored and sponsored to attain skills that are later passed on to their communities. I really wish that more and more scholars access the opportunities the program offers through its initiatives,” he said.
Representing the Deputy Vice Chancellor for Finance and Administration Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, the Principal of College of Humanities and Social Sciences Prof. Edward Kirumira urged the young scholars to apply for related opportunities with various Fulbright programmes. “The world we exist in today is about building global partnerships and establishing linkages in order to ensure continuing progress of humanity. I therefore encourage you to be part of the Fulbright network by applying for the available opportunities,” he said.
The function climaxed with a tour at the art exhibition organized by Margaret Trowell School of Industrial and Fine Art, College of Engineering, Design, Art and Technology (CEDAT).
Article by: Makerere University Public Relations Office
General
Prof. Nawangwe urges young people to take up leadership in innovation for the transformation of Africa
By the Program Communication Team
On Sunday, February 2, 2025, Makerere University hosted the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Council Representatives meeting, which brings together young people from around 45 partner universities of the Mastercard Foundation.
During the event, Vice Chancellor Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe urged young people to prepare for leadership roles in innovation, especially starting with their communities, if they wish to see the positive transformation they desire in Africa.
“I urge you to connect and network with your peers and discuss how you can form inter-university teams to innovate solutions that will address the development challenges in our communities for the transformation of the African continent.” Prof. Nawangwe remarked.
Prof. Nawangwe applauded the Mastercard Foundation for its partnership with Makerere University and Uganda in general, which has uplifting effects on many young people.
“Makerere University and Uganda have made remarkable strides in providing Higher Education to Young People, thanks to the generous support of the Mastercard Foundation, which has contributed significantly to educating the next generation of African leaders. Through valuable initiatives and partnerships, such as the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program, Makerere University is poised to continue educating young individuals who will significantly impact Uganda’s and Africa’s economic growth.” Prof. Nawangwe noted.
The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Nawangwe, further urged young people to seize the opportunities the Mastercard Foundation and other like-minded development partners presented to improve their lives and communities.
“The Mastercard Foundation has given you the platform and opportunity to be leaders and beacons of change. Embrace this responsibility with courage. Let the core values of the Scholars Program—humility, listening, kindness and respect, co-creation, and impact—guide your actions,” Prof. Nawangwe emphasized.
While speaking at the same event, the Program Director of the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Makerere University, Prof. Justine Namaalwa, enumerated high-level achievements the Program had accomplished for the last decade at Makerere University. She pointed out that in terms of scholarship enrolment, the Program had recruited 1,032 Scholars, of which 76% were Females, 7% were Internationals, 4% were Refugees, and about 1% were Youth with Disabilities.
Prof. Namaalwa further pointed out other post-graduation achievements, including a 94% completion rate of the total number of Scholars enrolled in the Scholars Program. She pointed out that between 2018 and 2025, the Program had graduated 964 Scholars, of which 37% were employed, mainly in the private sector.
Prof. Namaalwa revealed that beyond the Scholars Program, the Mastercard Foundation had put other initiatives supporting the university in numerous ways. She pointed out other initiatives such as the e-learning initiative, a COVID-19 Response measure to ensure continuity of Teaching and Learning at Makerere University and the Climate Resilience and Sustainability Collaborative: Makerere University, in collaboration with the University of Ghana, the University of Cape Town, and the University of Cambridge, is implementing a new initiative that addresses one of the world’s most significant challenges in recent times—climate change.
Prof. Namaalwa revealed that the Research Collaborative would provide opportunities for MSc and PhD scholarships to African students and encourage young people to enrol as graduate students starting in the academic year 2025/2026.
The event was punctuated with fireside chats, during which young people had an opportunity to discuss a number of topical issues related to entrepreneurship and Transformative leadership. Thereafter, the visiting students were taken on a guided tour around Makerere University.
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Council comprises student leaders from partner Universities. Each Partner University has one Council Representative. They represent the needs of Scholars and work with the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program teams at each institution, the Mastercard Foundation, and Alumni.
On Monday 3rd February 2025, the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe handed over three (3) university buses to the respective leadership in the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES), the College of Health Sciences (CHS), and the College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Biosecurity (CoVAB).
The new buses mark a significant improvement in mobility and learning for Makerere University students and staff, furthering the institution’s commitment to practical education and community service.
Speaking at the handover ceremony held at the University’s Freedom Square, Prof. Nawangwe highlighted the significance of the new buses in enhancing teaching and learning. “These buses will play a crucial role in improving students’ practical learning experiences by ensuring reliable transportation for fieldwork and community outreach,” he said.
Prof. Nawangwe expressed gratitude to the Parliament and the Government of Uganda for providing the resources for the new buses, emphasizing their importance in replacing the old fleet, which frequently breaks down. The new 2023 model buses, with a 67-seater capacity, were secured at a cost of UGX 626million each and are expected to save the university significant maintenance costs and improve the learning experience for students.
Principals from the respective colleges expressed their appreciation for the new buses. Prof. Frank Norbert Mwiine, Principal of CoVAB, emphasized the importance of the buses for practical training at locations such as Lake Mburo National Park. Associate Prof. Gorettie Nabanoga, Principal of CAES, and Associate Prof. Bruce Kirenga, Principal of CHS, highlighted the buses’ role in facilitating community engagement and outreach.
He explained that the decision to purchase Isuzu buses instead of those manufactured by Kiira Motors Corporation (KMC) a Makerere University partner, was based on prior engagement with the former, as well as the need to utilize the allocated funds promptly within the Financial Year, which couldn’t be accomplished at KMC due to their high demand.
-
General2 weeks agoCelebrating Dr. Irene Rebecca Namatende
-
General6 days agoCall for Applications: Masters Student Mobility to Norway 2025
-
Education2 weeks agoOver 40 UBTEB Students Graduate from the Centre for Life-Long Learning at CEES
-
Health7 hours agoMeet Laura Silovsky, a Makerere University Graduate with Refugee Roots Bridging Continents
-
Computing & IS5 days agoCoCIS CIPSD Short Courses Jan-Mar 2025