General
University of Bergen alumni network launched in Uganda
“If we do not collaborate we shall never grow. Internationalization is extremely important for Universities to collaborate in research and students exchange. The network we are launching today will be in position to attract more partnerships and collaborations for valuable and positive change,” remarked the Vice Rector for International Affairs, Anne Christine Johannessen when launching the University of Bergen Alumni Network in Uganda.
Launched on Monday 7th November 2016, the University of Bergen (UiB) Alumni Network in Uganda provides a platform to Ugandans who have studied at the University of Bergen, Norway to connect and build strong networks, share knowledge and ideas for community transformation and explore approaches aimed at fostering relations between Uganda and Norway.
Speaking to the UiB alumni during a luncheon held at Hotel Africana, Anne Christine Johannessen said that the network will be considered as one of the pillars in building up and strengthening collaboration in research, knowledge sharing, capacity building and community engagement in Uganda, Africa and Norway.
She informed the UiB alumni that the network presents them with an opportunity to mobilize resources and a platform to immensely engage in more collaborations and partnership to help find solutions to the problems/challenges affecting society.
“You are alumni; you are the ambassadors of your societies. You are the ones who can tell about your society. In this drive of finding solutions to African challenges, we expect you to be at the fore front to lead your community in this noble cause. You have whatever it takes, we mentored you; we therefore expect you to mentor others,” she said.
Reflecting on the long term collaboration between University of Bergen and Makerere University, the Coordinator of the Mak-UiB Collaboration programme, Prof. Edward Kirumira said the UiB Alumni network will cement the relationship between University of Bergen Norway and Makerere University-Uganda.“ Through this network, the alumni will be able to demonstrate the fact that the two universities have trained active people. We would like to see alumni giving back to their communities, mobilizing resources for Universities as well as consolidating universities’ benefits,” he said.
According to Prof. Kirumira, the collaboration between Makerere University and the University of Bergen started in 1999. “I would like to say that Makerere University has been the main beneficiary of this support. The collaboration has enabled Makerere University students and staff to go for furthers studies, funded its research and innovations as well as providing equipments to support teaching and learning processes,” he said.
Sharing an inspiration story on Makerere University’s successful journey with University of Bergen, Prof. Livingstone Luboobi-a former Vice Chancellor of Makerere University happily noted that the collaboration that started in form of individual Professors/Scholars undertaking research and teaching in the then Department of Physics at Makerere University has grown over the years into an institutionalized programme within both Universities. Both Universities run institutionalized Mak-UiB Collaboration Offices. Currently, Prof. Edward Kirumira is the Coordinator of the programme at Makerere University while Prof. Thorklid Tylleskar is the Coordinator at the University of Bergen-Norway.
Prof. Luboobi highlighted that the introduction of the Mak-UiB collaboration after the NUFU program in 1999 opened gates for more partnership and networking opportunities that tremendously led to growth and development at Makerere University.
“Mak-UiB collaboration unveiled many other partnerships. Two years ago we renewed the agreement and we are growing strong. We are going forward after the NUFU program. This partnership laid the first brick for other partners; I am glad to say that with this example, I was asked by Sweden to set a similar program. Since then Makerere University has taken on several partnerships such as the Rockefeller foundation, MasterCard Foundation programs among others,” said the former Vice Chancellor of Makerere University, Prof. Livingstone Luboobi.
In a presentation on the importance of supporting higher education, Hon. Sam Okuonzi, an alumnus from the University of Bergen said universities should prioritize seeking scholarships and support for higher education. He urged the alumni to gear the network towards elevating the image of higher education in Uganda.
Prof. Thorklid Tylleskar mentioned that the University of Bergen Alumni Network in Uganda will help the alumni to provide solutions for the anticipated future challenges affecting different communities. He highly recommended the long term collaboration between Makerere University and University of Bergen especially in the field of health.
“The reason why we engaged in this collaboration is because we share the same interest in particular programs such as health. The collaboration between Makerere University and the University of Bergen particularly in health is not limited to Uganda. We have expanded it to other sub-Saharan African countries,” he said.
Giving the way forward, Dr. Ronald Semyalo highlighted that they focused on creating a global interconnected network that is able to impact development in terms of promoting and maintaining quality higher education in Africa.
Ms. Alex Nakato, a member of the Organising Committee thanked the alumni for all the efforts to make the launch a success. She thanked the University of Bergen, Makerere University and the Royal Norwegian Embassy in Uganda for enhancing professional development and networking in different Universities.
Article by: Mak News Reporters and edited by: Ritah Namisango
The Director of Makerere University Jinja Campus, Associate Professor Ronald Kakungulu-Mayambala, has urged students to familiarise themselves with the Safeguarding policy aimed at creating a safer and more inclusive learning environment.
Speaking during the safeguarding policy sensitization meeting held today Tuesday, April 15, 2025 at the Civil Service College, Jinja, Prof. Kakungulu-Mayambala, emphasized the importance of awareness and adherence to the policy, which seeks to protect students, staff, and other stakeholders from all forms of abuse, harassment, exploitation, and discrimination.
“As Management we want every student to enjoy their stay at the University without being tormented and that can only happen, if students know their rights by reading about different policies on our website. You are meant to be living in a safe environment. We do not want anybody’s dream to be shattered or somebody to drop out from University,” Prof. Kakungulu-Mayambala, said.
In his speech, Prof. Kakungulu-Mayambala, also called upon students who have complaints but do not know the reporting lines, to approach staff safeguarding champions to make sure that they live in a safe environment.
Addressing guests, Emmanuel Muchake, the Guild Administrator at Jinja Campus, pointed out that the launch of the safeguarding policy is timely because as a University, without creating a conducive environment for teaching and learning, they will not have students graduate.
On Friday, April 4,2025, the Third Deputy Prime Minister and Minister without Portfolio, Right Honourable Lukia Isanga Nakadama, officially launched the Safeguarding Policy and commended Makerere University for crafting a policy that lays out the University’s framework for embedding viable safeguarding measures into its ethos and all institutional activities and processes to: Identify, detect, and act swiftly on safeguarding risks.
The Safeguarding Policy was developed in response to the growing need for institutions of higher learning to implement proactive measures that address concerns related to student welfare, mental health, gender-based violence, and power imbalances in academic settings.
Some of potential safeguarding risks in Institutions of higher learning include emotional distress, Sexual Exploitation, Abuse and Harassment (SEAH); material loss, financial exploitation, discrimination and neglect, unfair and illegitimate response to civic engagements, cyber security/threats, psychological and emotional harm, substance abuse and physical assault. Discrimination and neglect which are often high risks for students with disabilities and international students.
The safeguarding policy sensitization meeting in Jinja Campus brought together students and staff in a meaningful dialogue on safeguarding issues affecting learning.
The event was graced by Dr. Rodney Rugyema, from the Dean of Students Office, who emphasized the University’s commitment to the well-being of all its members. In his remarks, he highlighted the importance of safeguarding policies in preventing abuse, harassment, exploitation, and other forms of misconduct within the Jinja Campus community.
“Safeguarding is not a one-time action, but a continuous culture of care and accountability. We all have a role to play in ensuring a safe and respectful space for learning and growth,” Dr Rugyema, said.
The sensitization session covered key topics including; recognizing signs of abuse, understanding reporting procedures on the MakSafeSpace and fostering mutual respect among peers.
Participants were encouraged to actively engage and reflect on their roles in upholding safety standards both on and off campus.
Students who attended the sensitization welcomed the initiative, with many expressing optimism that the policy would improve campus safety and encourage victims to come forward without fear of retaliation.
“We have seen issues go unreported in the past because students didn’t know where to turn. This policy provides clarity and assurance that the university is taking these matters seriously,” noted, a third-year student.
The University plans to conduct a series of sensitization workshops and distribute printed copies of the policy to ensure that every member of the campus community is well-informed. This initiative is part of Makerere University‘s broader strategy to reinforce its values of integrity, respect, and protection for all.
The Safeguarding Sensitization Meeting concluded with a collective pledge to uphold safety, dignity, and mutual respect within the University community.
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