General
Makerere University and Okayama University, Japan sign Research Cooperation Agreement
A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) agreement to cement the collaboration between Makerere University (Mak) in Uganda and Okayama University (OU) in Japan has been signed at a ceremony hosted by the Embassy of Japan in Kampala on Tuesday 8th November 2016. The Vice Chancellor, Prof. John Ddumba-Ssentamu signed for Makerere while the President of Okayama University, Dr. Kiyoshi Morati, signed for Okayama University. The ceremony was also attended by H.E. Kazuaki Kameda, the Ambassador of Japan to Uganda, the Chancellor of Makerere University – Prof. Ezra Suruma, Prof. Bernard Bashasha – Principal of the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES) of Makerere University, staff from Makerere University, Okayama University and the Embassy of Japan.
In the agreement, the College of Natural Sciences (CoNAS) and College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES) of Makerere University will be collaborating with the Institute of Plant Science and Resources (IPSR) of Okayama University. The agreement encompasses the following activities: Exchange of students; Exchange of faculty and staff; Collaborative research, instructional and cultural programmes; and Exchange of research information. The need for this MoU was muted after Dr. Arthur Tugume and Prof. Hannington Oryem-Origa (CoNAS) hosted a team of five Professors from Okayama University in October 2015 in the current Department of Plant Sciences, Microbiology and Biotechnology. Subsequently, Dr. Arthur Tugume visited the Institute of Plant Sciences and Resources (IPSR), Okayama University in March 2016 to help further possibilities of collaboration between the two institutions. Mr. Cyprian Osinde, a staff of Makerere University is already undertaking research work for his PhD studies at the IPSR.
In his welcome remarks, H.E. Kazuaki Kameda – Ambassador of Japan to Uganda expressed his pleasure to host the signing ceremony between Makerere and Okayama universities. He noted that the MoU furthers cooperation between Japan and Uganda as countries that have enjoyed cordial bi-lateral relations for many years. H.E Kazuaki promised support to the two universities during their cooperation and expressed his hope that the MoU would facilitate and enhance academic staff and student exchange as well as research.
Prof. Ezra Suruma, the Chancellor thanked H.E. Kazuaki for accepting to host the signing ceremony. Prof. Suruma expressed gratitude by the government and people of Uganda for the support from the Government of Japan especially through the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) for a long time. He said that, his hope is that Okayama and Makerere relations grow stronger and fruitful for a very long time. He reiterated that Makerere University management is committed to offering support to the cooperation between the two institutions.
The Vice Chancellor of Makerere University, Prof. John Ddumba-Ssentamu in his remarks said, ‘Makerere University and Okayama University both operate in a highly competitive global environment. In this regard, we as the Management of Makerere University openly embrace internationalization as a cross-cutting factor and are always on the lookout for mutually beneficial collaborations that can further strengthen our competitiveness’. He also noted that while the MoU signed is targeting plant sciences and agriculture, it is his hope that in the cooperation under this framework, more mutually beneficial areas to further strengthen our collaboration will be added. He also thanked H.E. Kazuaki for hosting the signing ceremony and expressed appreciation of Makerere University and Uganda at large for the support from Japan to many sectors in the bi-lateral relations between the two nations. Prof. Ddumba-Ssentamu also thanked Dr. Arthur Tugume from the College of Natural Sciences (CoNAS), Makerere University and Prof. Wataru Sakamoto from Okayama University for taking the lead to ensure the MoU is signed.
The President of Okayama University, Dr. Kiyoshi Morita expressed his gratitude to be here when the cooperation between Makerere and Okayama universities is marked by the signing of an agreement. He further said that he is honored to be signing for Okayama and is hopeful that the two institutions will mutually benefit from the agreement signed. Okayama is a recognized top university in Japan and globally, engagement of universities from around the world for research enhancement is taken seriously by the university, he noted. He also expressed his hope that Okayama and Makerere universities will continue to work together to strengthen the cooperation.
Dr. Tugume Arthur, the coordinator of the cooperation in CoNAS gave background remarks of the MoU that was signed. He explained that initial talks that led to this agreement were initiated in 2013 by Prof. Hannington Oryem-Origa of Makerere and Prof. Wataru Sakamoto of Okayama. He said, ‘today’s ceremony is a sign of the mutual trust and friendship that has developed relatively rapidly between our two institutions over a period of approximately three years and is a good indicator of our willingness to strengthen it even further’. He further noted that, ‘as scientists they operate in a highly competitive world. Thus, if we are to make significant impact in our societies using scientific tools, we believe in the power of synergy. It is under this background that we, our Institutions, Makerere University and Okayama University felt that having a framework of cooperation is the only way to go if our societies are to harness the benefits of the expertise scientific knowledge at our institutions’. Dr. Tugume also expressed his appreciation of the management at Makerere and Okayama universities to ensure the signing of the MoU and it is his hope that this is only the beginning and more will be achieved.
Article by: Zaam Ssali- Communication Officer, College of Natural Sciences
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.
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