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GoU & MAK Set To Host CBA11 International Conference

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8 years ago

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Rt. Hon. Prime Minister-Dr. Ruhakana Rugunda (L) and Vice Chancellor-Prof. John Ddumba-Ssentamu (R) shake hands at the 11th AARSE Conference, 24th-28th October 2016. CBA11 will be officially opened by the Prime MInister.

Preparations into the 11th International Conference on Community-Based Adaptation (CBA11) to climate change are complete. The Conference is being organized by the  International Institute for Environment and Development (IIED), Uganda’s Ministry of Water and Environment (MWE), Makerere University Centre for Climate Change Research and Innovations (MUCCRI) and the International Centre for Climate Change and Development (ICCCAD).

The conference which started with field visits on 22nd -25th June 2017 will be officially opened on 26th June 2017 at the Royal Suites Hotel Bugolobi Kampala under the theme, “Harnessing natural resources and ecosystems for adaptation”.

The conference is expected to attract about 200 International participants and 100 Local participants focusing on empowering communities to use their own knowledge and decision making processes to take action on climate change.

As part of the conference, a parallel Youth Conference is scheduled to take place on 28th – 29th June 2017 at Hotel Africana in Kampala. The theme of the Youth conference is, ” Enhancing  the ability of youth to build ecosystem resilence”.

The aim of the CBA conference is to: Share and consolidate the latest developments in CBA best practices, policy and theory across different sectors and countries; Strengthen existing networks of practitioners, policymakers, planners and donors working on CBA at all levels and; Enhance the capacity of practitioners, governments and donors to help those most vulnerable to climate change.

The overall events will take 7 days. The main conference is preceded by field visits to local organizations working with vulnerable communities in various parts of the country from 22 – 25 June, 2017.  The field visits will take place in projects that are helping local communities to adapt to Climate Change. The visits will showcase projects in a variety of ecosystems across Uganda, ranging from drought and flood-prone areas, through to forest locations.

A total of (4) organizations have offered to host groups of 15- 20 delegates each for a period of 2 days. 75 participants registered and they will visiting  4 field sites.  2 of them from NGOs (Kikandwa Environmental Association Mityana) and 2 from government (Rakai  Masaka area & Mubende Nakasongola).

The formal conference will start with opening session on day one (26th June, 2017), to be officiated by high level representatives from government (Rt. Hon. Prime Minister, Hon. Minister for Water and Environment, Hon. Minister of State for Environment, Vice Chancellor Makerere University etc), Development Partners and Civil Society Organizations.  

On the first day of the conference, Government will host a dinner for high level dignitaries to interact with the international participants. Although government will be the official host, IIED will finance the cost of the dinner.

Conference organisation and management
Following a briefing meeting between Makerere University (ERICCA/MUCCRI),IIED and Ministry of Water and Environment on 31st August, 2016 that was Chaired by the PS/MWE, it was agreed that Mr.Charles Esimu Okuraja (Under Secretary) and Mr. Joseph Epitu (Assistant Commissioner Sector Capacity Development) are the CBA11 link persons at MWE, while Prof. Bernard Bashaasha (Principal College of Agriculture & Environmental Sciences) and Dr. Revocatus Twinomuhangi (MUCCRI Coordinator) are the link persons for Makerere University.

The National Organising Committee was constituted under the Chairmanship of Mr. Charles Esimu Okuraja (Undersecretary – MWE), and Prof. Bernard Bashaasha (Principal College of Agriculture & Environmental Sciences) as the Co-Chairperson. The NoC has been meeting regularly (twice every month) since 28th February 2017. Relevant Sub committees were constituted to support the process.

To complement the work of the NoC, IIED has engaged a small team of event managers to coordinate the process at the international level, including day to day engagements with the NoC.

The NoC has undertaken the overall liaison and coordination within Uganda and provided support to the IIED Secretariat in the overall organization and management of the conference. The Ugandan NoC has been responsible for the management of all assignments in Uganda in terms of preparation or realization of the conference and of all issues of representation of Uganda within the conference.

The conference is largely financed by IIED. However, the hosting institutions (MAK and MWE) were required to meet the cost of local organizing preparations, such as allowances for the National Organizing Committee (NoC) and locally invited high level dignitaries, conference fees for the local delegates, transport expenses for the high level local dignitaries and delegates, hosting of the youth conference that is to be held on the sidelines of the CBA.

About the CBA
The International Institute for Environment and Development (IIED) and partners created the International Community Based Adaptation (CBA) conferences to highlight that effective adaptation to climate change takes place at community level. A bottom-up approach to adaptation enables local knowledge and practices to be shared among communities, academics and project managers so that those most exposed to the impacts of climate change are better able to adapt.

Since 2005, nine (9) International CBA conferences have been held in different countries including Bangladesh, Kenya Nepal, Tanzania and Vietnam. Past CBA conferences have focused on scaling up best practice, ensuring a scientific basis to action, communicating and mainstreaming CBA, and ensuring adaptation funding reaches community level.

The ninth and most recent conference was held in Nairobi, Kenya, 24-30 April 2015, in partnership with the African Centre for Technology Studies (ACTS) and was hosted by the Government of Kenya.

The – CBA10 conference was held in Dhaka, Bangaldesh from 22-28 April 2016  on the theme 'Enhancing Urban Community Resilience'.

Having participated in the ninth International CBA Conference (CBA9) in Nairobi Kenya in April 2015, Makerere University and other Government of Uganda delegates became interested in hosting the eleventh CBA Conference (CBAll) in Uganda. Makerere University offered a proposal to host CBA11 in Kampala – Uganda in June 2017.

Regarding Financing, IIED in partnership with the Ministry of Water and Environment and Makerere University fundraised and managed funding and logistics.  The Ministry and the university started local planning for the Conference with support from lIED. Both institutions worked closely with IIED to construct an appropriate Conference programme and identify participants.

Report Compiled by;
Jane Anyango;
Communication Officer,
College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES), Makerere University

Denis Wamala

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General

Call for Applications: Government Sponsorship 2026/27

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13 hours ago

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October 14, 2025

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Makerere University -Main Building

The Academic Registrar, Makerere University informs all Head Teachers of Advanced Level (UACE) Schools with UNEB Centre Numbers that applications for admission to Public Universities and other Tertiary Institutions for 2026/2027 Academic Year for government sponsorship will be done electronically/online using the Academic Management Information
System (ACMIS) from 15th October, 2025 to 31st December, 2025. The Public Universities include:
(a) Makerere University
(b) Makerere University Business School
(c) Mbarara University of Science and Technology
(d)Kyambogo University
(e) Gulu University
(f) Busitema University
(g) Muni University
(h) Kabale University
(i) Lira University
(j) Soroti University
(k) Mountains ofthe Moon University

NB: The list of Other Tertiary Institutions is provided on the online application portal.

Application-National-Merit-Scholarship-2026-2027Download

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Business & Management

PIM Centre Holds 9th Steering Committee Meeting, Set to Benefit from World Bank Support

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4 days ago

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October 10, 2025

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Mak PIM COE Steering Committee

The Public Investment Management (PIM) Centre of Excellence at Makerere University today, October 10th, 2025, held its 9th Steering Committee Meeting to review progress made in the first quarter of the financial year and plan for the months ahead.

The meeting was chaired by Ms. Getrude Basiima, who represented Mr. Hannington Ashaba, Director Budget at the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development (MoFPED). Ms. Basiima commended the Centre for its continued commitment to strengthening public investment management capacity across government institutions.

In her remarks, Ms. Basiima applauded the Centre for successfully hosting the Public Investment Management Conference held in August at Makerere University. The conference attracted key policymakers, development partners, and academics who deliberated on how to enhance the efficiency, sustainability, and impact of public investments in Uganda.

She further shared exciting news that the Government of Uganda has secured funding from the World Bank to support the public investment management function. The PIM Centre, she announced, will be among the key beneficiaries of these funds — receiving support for the construction and acquisition of a permanent home to enhance its institutional sustainability and training capacity.

Reviewing the Centre’s quarterly performance, Ms. Basiima congratulated the team for successfully conducting three specialized trainings in the first quarter, reaching officials from various Ministries, Departments, and Agencies. These trainings continue to strengthen the technical competencies required for effective project preparation, appraisal, and implementation in line with Uganda’s National Development Plan.

The PIM Steering Committee in a meeting held at Emin Pasha Hotel

She encouraged the Centre to integrate climate change considerations into its future training programmes, noting that sustainable public investment must now account for environmental resilience and climate adaptation.

The centre team presented the proposed  structure/ organogram, the financial performance of 2024/2025, research areas for 2025/2026 and the strategic plan for 2025 – 2030.

The Steering Committee reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the PIM Centre’s vision of becoming a regional leader in building capacity for efficient, transparent, and sustainable public investment management.

Betty Kyakuwa
Betty Kyakuwa

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Strengthening Collaboration between Makerere University and the University of Groningen

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6 days ago

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October 8, 2025

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Seated: Prof. Sarah Ssali (C), Dr. Dinie Bouwman (L) and Dr. Anita Veltmaat (R) with teams from Makerere University and the University of Groningen during the meeting on 7th October 2025. Strategic meeting between Makerere University and the University of Groningen, Netherlands to move beyond existing collaborations and formalize a new Double Doctorate (PhD) program, 7th October 2025, Main Building, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

A significant development unfolded at Makerere University during a strategic, hour-long meeting in the vice chancellor’s boardroom on 7th October 2025, marking a deepening bond with the University of Groningen in the Netherlands. The primary goal was to move beyond existing collaborations and formalize a new Double Doctorate (PhD) program. Prof. Sarah Saali, the Deputy Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, set the tone by emphasizing that institutional partnerships are crucial to Makerere University, which she proudly called the leading research and most collaborative university in the world.

The parties from Makerere University and the University of Groningen meeting in the Vice Chancellor's Boardroom. Strategic meeting between Makerere University and the University of Groningen, Netherlands to move beyond existing collaborations and formalize a new Double Doctorate (PhD) program, 7th October 2025, Main Building, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
The parties from Makerere University and the University of Groningen meeting in the Vice Chancellor’s Boardroom.

The discussion promptly formed the core structure of the program: a four-year PhD (or three if the master’s was research-based), with supervision duties split 50-50% between the two institutions. A key feature is the mobility requirement, stipulating that PhD candidates would spend a total of six months in the Netherlands, potentially divided into two three-month periods. Crucially, the University of Groningen confirmed there would be no teaching requirement during this stay, allowing students full access to focus on their research. A major financial hurdle was overcome with the adoption of a fee-waiver policy; Makerere would waive tuition for incoming Groningen candidates, and Groningen would reciprocate for Makerere‘s students, significantly boosting the program’s financial viability.

Prof. Sarah Ssali (R) presents a Mak Souvenir to Dr. Anita Veltmaat. Strategic meeting between Makerere University and the University of Groningen, Netherlands to move beyond existing collaborations and formalize a new Double Doctorate (PhD) program, 7th October 2025, Main Building, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Prof. Sarah Ssali (R) presents a Mak Souvenir to Dr. Anita Veltmaat.

However, the critical issue of the stipend remained. Dr. Anita Veltmaat explained that to meet the required living standard of approximately €1,875 per month in Groningen, the incoming candidate must secure a partial external scholarship of around €250 per month. The positive news is that if the candidate secures this minimum scholarship, the University of Groningen is prepared to top up the amount to the full living standard for the six months the student spends in the Netherlands. It was noted that this initial financial hurdle might be simplified for Makerere students, as many are already staff members receiving a salary, which could help cover the required €250.

The meeting in session. Strategic meeting between Makerere University and the University of Groningen, Netherlands to move beyond existing collaborations and formalize a new Double Doctorate (PhD) program, 7th October 2025, Main Building, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
The meeting in session.

The path forward was clear: it was to complete the agreement template guided by the setup committee from both institutions. The plan culminated in scheduling an online follow-up meeting for Tuesday, November 11th, to review the first revision of the agreement, capping a highly constructive discussion that solidified the two universities’ shared future in graduate education.

The Team from Makerere University from Left to Right: Dr. Ruth Nsibirano, Dr. Racheal Nuwagaba, Dr. Patricia Ndugga, Dr. Stella Achen, Dr. Joseph Watuleke, and Ms. Agatha Ainemukama. Strategic meeting between Makerere University and the University of Groningen, Netherlands to move beyond existing collaborations and formalize a new Double Doctorate (PhD) program, 7th October 2025, Main Building, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
The Team from Makerere University from Left to Right: Dr. Ruth Nsibirano, Dr. Racheal Nuwagaba, Dr. Patricia Ndugga, Dr. Stella Achen, Dr. Joseph Watuleke, and Ms. Agatha Ainemukama.

Makerere University was represented by Prof. Sarah Ssali, the Deputy Vice Chancellor in charge of Academics Affairs; Dr. Ruth Nsibirano, Head of the Department of Gender Studies; Dr. Patricia Ndugga, School of Statistics; Dr. Stella Achen and Dr. Joseph Watuleke, School of Distance and Lifelong Learning; Agatha Ainemukama, School of Engineering; Racheal Nuwagaba, School of Psychology; Awel Uwihanganye, Martine Rugamba, and Hawa Ndagire from the Advancement Office; and Muhammad Kiggundu from the Institute of Gender and Development Studies.

Prof. Sarah Ssali (R) presents a Mak Souvenir to Mrs. Alette Arendshorst. Strategic meeting between Makerere University and the University of Groningen, Netherlands to move beyond existing collaborations and formalize a new Double Doctorate (PhD) program, 7th October 2025, Main Building, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Prof. Sarah Ssali (R) presents a Makerere Souvenir to Mrs. Alette Arendshorst.

The University of Groningen was represented by Dr. Dinie Bouwman, Senior Policy Advisor, Internationalization and Quality Assurance; Dr. Anita Veltmaat, Faculty of Social Behavior and Social Sciences, Department of International Studies, involved in mentorship programs for women; and Dr. Alette Arendshorst, Faculty of Behavioral and Social Sciences, working on graduation/collaboration for students/staff.

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