General

Stellenbosch University Strengthens Ties with Makerere University

Published

9 years ago

September 12, 2017

[R-L] Vice Chancelllor Prof Nawangwe, Mr. Nico Elema - Manager Centre for Collaboration in Africa (CCA) at Stellenbosch University and Martha L.Muwanguzi, international Office

A delegation of postgraduate students and their lecturers led by Mr. Nico Elema, Manager Centre for Collaboration in Africa (CCA) at Stellenbosch University visited Makerere University from Tuesday 5th – Friday 8th September 2017. Over the a number of years, fruitful and well established relations has existed between Stellenbosch University and Makerere University with various activates emanating from this relationship.

To further nurture this relationship, young academics that comprised of Masters and PhD students and members of staff planned an outreach to Makerere University to focus on the existing collaboration initiatives between the two institutions, and further enhance the cultural appreciation of the region.

The delegation paid a courtesy call on the Vice Chancellor, Professor Barnabas Nawangwe on Thursday morning in the Council Room. The delegation was introduced by Ms Martha Muwanguzi, Head of the International Relations Office who gave a brief about collaborations with Stellenbosch University over the years. Mr Nico Elema said, it was the first time to have such a big delegation from Stellenbosch visiting at ago. The selection of the team was aimed at bringing young academics on board so as to take the collaboration further when the senior professors and researchers finally retire from service and for sustainability of the collaboration.

The Dean, School of Liberal and Performing Arts, Professor Patrick Mangheni from CHUSS said his School had benefited from the PANGeA (Partnership of Africa’s Next Generation of Academics) a network where members of staff had done their doctoral studies at the African Doctoral Academy at Stellenbosch University. The Principal College of Business and Management Sciences, Professor Eriya Hisali said their relationship with Stellenbosch was relatively new. The College sends two PhD students every year to Stellenbosch and so far three cohorts have been completed. The College has also received Refresher trainings by way of short courses and they also do joint publications and research with Stellenbosch University.

Dr Julius Kikooma, Dean School of Psychology’s interest was in initiating a relationship with Stellenbosch University staff working on “Stress Disorders”. Dr Ruth Nalumaga said that the University Library had cordial relations with the Graduate School at Stellenbosch University.

The Vice Chancellor said, “We very much value our collaboration although Stellenbosch University always beats us in rankings. Makerere University is working hard to get into the first position and most of the academic staff have had interactions with Stellenbosch University in one way or another and congratulated Stellenbosch University for being in the second position on the continent. He was impressed with the programme in Space Exploration where a satellite was sent into space.

Makerere University is also dealing with the same issues that affect the continent such as climate change, poverty, tropical diseases research, alternative seeds research to ensure food security. Later, the Vice Chancellor gave Mr. Elema, souvenirs of Makerere University to remind him of his visit to the great institution, Makerere University.

The team visited the College of Health Sciences and held discussions with the Principal Professor Charles Ibingira and respective deans. Professor Rhoda Wanyenze, Dean School of Public Health elaborated on the different interventions they have engaged to solve public health issues such as establishing surveillance sites in Eastern Uganda to demographic characteristics of the population, the teaching and learning activities while engaging in interdisciplinary research. She welcomed the idea of incorporating music in public health issues as it sends a direct message to the public. The University has good internet connectivity to sustain distance learning education through Video conferencing where students at both institutions can interact in real time. The School of Public Health is ready to engage in research that benefits both institutions as well as writing proposals together to be able to win research grants.

At the School of Food Technology, Nutrition and BioEngineering, the visitors were received by the Dean Professor John Muyonga who talked about the mission and mandate of the School and the various undertakings there. Professor Muyonga said, their mandate is to share their research by turning into products. They train job creators instead of job seekers who after graduating, go and set up their own industries. The School has State-of-the-Art processing lines and the products they make compete with those on the market. The equipments were received through a grant from the Presidential Initiative in Science and Technology for institutions engaging in research. Through the Telematic service technology, Stellenbosch lecturers teach students at the School although our students can only interact through emails. We need to improve on this technology or get an alternative that will allow students to respond and ask questions as the lecture is being delivered. There is need to train our lecturers in the use of this technology and increase on the number of lectures delivered through this service and also encourage staff exchanges between the two institutions.

In the Afternoon, the team had an interactive session with the Deputy Director Research and Graduate Training – Professor David Owiny, the Director Quality Assurance – Dr Vincent Ssembatya and postgraduate students from various colleges. Professor Owiny, an alumnus of Stellenbosch University said that Makerere University and Stellenbosch University are two great universities in Africa and therefore right for them to collaborate. He explained how graduate training is conducted through masters and PhD training by coursework and research. PhD by research is run in all the colleges and students are encouraged to do cross cutting courses to get skills required in analyzing their research data. Makerere University is strong in publications and throughput for PhD studies has been increasing every year with 77 PhDs in the last graduation of 2017 and 54 PhDs in 2016.

Dr Vincent Ssembatya, Director Quality Assurance said, due to the many universities coming up in Uganda, it was necessary to ensure that the right quality of education was delivered by Makerere University. Quality Assurance is about “fitness for purpose”. The products you produce must meet the standards. Standards in higher education within the East African region are monitored by the Inter University Council of East Africa (IUCEA) while standards in higher education in Uganda are monitored by the National Council for Higher Education (NCHE). He added, the Higher Education Research and Advocacy Network in Africa (HERANA) mobilized universities in Africa to share data about graduate training to ensure that universities were moving towards being research-led universities. The project was initiated to explore the link between universities and development on the continent. The study started with the collection of data at both the national and institutional levels at universities in eight African countries. The research in this network is exploring the use of research in policy-making in Africa. Eight flagship universities were chosen to participate namely; Makerere University, University of Nairobi, University of Dar es Salaam, University of Ghana, Eduardo Mondlane University in Mozambique, University of CapeTown, University of Botswana and University of Mauritius. The eight universities were selected because each had been the most prominent national university in its country since independence, and because each has broad, flagship goals built into its vision and mission statements.

Each of the universities aims to have a high academic rating, which would make it a world-class university or at least a leading or premier university in Africa, being a centre for academic excellence, engages in high quality research and scholarship and delivers products that will enhance both national and regional development. At Makerere University, we do Total Quality Management from the entry point to the exit. The research done here must be relevant and in line with the National Development Agenda. Both Directorates look out for innovations and new knowledge generated that will help solve some of the problems in this Agenda such as Refugees, (Uganda having the highest number of refugees), climate change, Oil and Gas and how it affects human rights of the population, and so on. As a result of this pre-entry examinations were introduced for Law degrees, GMAT for the MBA programme and now planning to introduce the examinations for Medicine and Engineering courses. The idea behind this is not to train them for everything but ensure that students are trainable to fit into the industry after completion.

The completion rates at postgraduate level are not yet commensurate with the intakes but struggling to bring it at par. There was one-to-one session between the visitors and our postgraduate students to make friends and establish networks here.

The Visitors also visited Kabanyoro Agricultural Research Institute and taken round by Mr Chris Tweyambe, the Assistant Farm Manager and other places of interest like the Source of the River Nile at Jinja.

Written by Martha L.Muwanguzi, international Office

General

Job Opportunities: NETOMA Study

Published

5 hours ago

October 12, 2026

Mak Editor

Kickoff training for teams tasked with collecting data for the Uganda Population-Based HIV Impact Assessment (UPHIA) 2024-2025, held 19th May 2025, Makerere University School of Public Health (MakSPH) Auditorium, Main Campus, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

Makerere University School of Public Health invites applications from suitably qualified candidates for three positions under the Wellcome Trust-supported NETOMA study, which examines the coexistence of health worker shortages and unemployment among qualified health professionals in Africa.

Available Positions

Research Officer
To coordinate longitudinal research, data management, quality assurance, and statistical analysis across study sites.
Full details and application: https://sph.mak.ac.ug/careers/?view_job=21465
Policy Scientist
To undertake health workforce policy research, evidence synthesis, qualitative analysis and knowledge translation.
Full details and application: https://sph.mak.ac.ug/careers/?view_job=21468
Research Assistants
To support participant recruitment, field data collection, research documentation, and analysis.
Full details and application: https://sph.mak.ac.ug/careers/?view_job=21470

Application deadline: Friday, 16 October 2026, at 11:59 p.m. EAT .

General

Nkrumah’s Ideas Still Live: Makerere Commemorates Him with a Public Lecture 2026

Published

3 days ago

October 9, 2026

Elvis Lubanga

Seated L-R: Chief Guest-Dr. Charles Kahigiriza, Prof. Gerald Karyeija, Dr. Winifred Kabumbuli and Assoc. Prof. Gorettie Nabanoga with other dignitaries (Standing) at the Nkrumah Day Celebrations on 8th October 2026. Nkrumah Day and Public Lecture organised by Nkrumah Hall under the theme “Leadership, Self-Reliance and Transformation: Reimagining Nkrumah's Vision for the 21st Century African Youth,” 8th October 2026, Yusuf Lule Central Teaching Facility Auditorium, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

Makerere University on October 8, 2026 commemorated Nkrumah Day with a Public Lecture at the Yusuf Lule Central Teaching Facility Auditorium. The Lecture gathered students, academics, historians and distinguished guests to discuss Kwame Nkrumah’s contribution and its relevance to Africa.

Organised by Nkrumah Hall under the theme “Leadership, Self-Reliance and Transformation: Reimagining Nkrumah’s Vision for the 21^st Century African Youth,” the lecture explored how Nkrumah’s ideals of Pan-Africanism, self-reliance and African unity can guide the continent beyond political independence.

Endorsing Nkrumah’s Vision of Investing in Africa

The First Deputy Prime Minister and Chancellor of Makerere University, Rt. Hon. Dr. Crispus Walter Kiyonga, was the chief guest.

In remarks delivered on his behalf by Dr. Charles Kahigiriza, Dr. Kiyonga said the day was a moment to reflect on Nkrumah’s views on Pan-Africanism and the lessons on self-reliance still held for Africa today and emphasised the importance of keeping Africa’s young talent at home (in Africa).

Dr. Charles Kahigiriza. Nkrumah Day and Public Lecture organised by Nkrumah Hall under the theme “Leadership, Self-Reliance and Transformation: Reimagining Nkrumah's Vision for the 21st Century African Youth,” 8th October 2026, Yusuf Lule Central Teaching Facility Auditorium, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa. — ***Dr. Charles Kahigiriza.***

He then discussed ways of encouraging young people to achieve Nkrumah’s vision, pointing out that Africa is losing skilled people to brain drain as many go abroad to work.

He encouraged young Africans to stay and contribute to the continent’s growth, describing Africa’s potential as a promising asset.

Transformation Requires Discipline

The keynote address was delivered by Prof. Gerald Karyeija, a political analyst and Head of Quality Assurance at the Uganda Management Institute (UMI).

He discussed Nkrumah’s role in championing Pan-Africanism and the formation of the African Union. He acknowledged that “his legacy was also very complex” due to a number of challenges.

Prof. Gerald Karyeija delivers his keynote address. Nkrumah Day and Public Lecture organised by Nkrumah Hall under the theme “Leadership, Self-Reliance and Transformation: Reimagining Nkrumah's Vision for the 21st Century African Youth,” 8th October 2026, Yusuf Lule Central Teaching Facility Auditorium, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa. — ***Prof. Gerald Karyeija delivers his keynote address.***

Regarding leadership, the professor argued, “leadership does not begin with the title. It begins with responsibility,” adding that “leadership is not only about power, privilege, entitlement, or status. It’s about service. It’s about stewardship.”

He encouraged attendees to emulate Nkrumah by using their knowledge and power for good.

“Don’t get the intellectual power from Makerere to become evil,” he cautioned, stressing that transformation requires discipline.

Universities Turn Knowledge into Action

Associate Professor Gorettie Nabanoga, the Acting Deputy Vice Chancellor for Finance and Administration, represented Professor Barnabas Nawangwe, the Vice Chancellor of Makerere University.

She aligned herself with the previous speakers and urged participants to move beyond simply celebrating Kwame Nkrumah’s memory and begin implementing his vision.

Associate Professor Gorettie Nabanoga. Nkrumah Day and Public Lecture organised by Nkrumah Hall under the theme “Leadership, Self-Reliance and Transformation: Reimagining Nkrumah's Vision for the 21st Century African Youth,” 8th October 2026, Yusuf Lule Central Teaching Facility Auditorium, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa. — ***Associate Professor Gorettie Nabanoga.***

She called for practical action, urging the mobilisation of Pan-Africanism beyond slogans. “Perhaps the Pan-Africanism of this generation must therefore move from solidarity to capacity, from rhetoric to institutions, from potential to production, and from aspirations to implementation,” she said.

On the role of universities, she reiterated that Makerere University is a hub for innovation rather than just a degree-granting institution.

Nkrumah Hall Activists lead keynote speaker Prof. Karyeija to the Auditorium ahead of the Public Lecture. Nkrumah Day and Public Lecture organised by Nkrumah Hall under the theme “Leadership, Self-Reliance and Transformation: Reimagining Nkrumah's Vision for the 21st Century African Youth,” 8th October 2026, Yusuf Lule Central Teaching Facility Auditorium, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa. — ***Nkrumah Hall Activists lead keynote speaker Prof. Karyeija to the Auditorium ahead of the Public Lecture.***

“We are building for the future when we develop people who can think critically, when we generate knowledge, when we challenge perceived knowledge and wisdom, and when we innovate,” she said.

Addressing the students present, she said, “You are not simply the leaders of tomorrow; you are citizens of Africa today. The opportunity you enjoy at Makerere University comes with responsibility.”

Dr. Winifred Kabumbuli, the Dean of Students at Makerere University, set the tone at the 2026 Nkrumah Day Public Lecture.

Dr. Winifred Kabumbuli. Nkrumah Day and Public Lecture organised by Nkrumah Hall under the theme “Leadership, Self-Reliance and Transformation: Reimagining Nkrumah's Vision for the 21st Century African Youth,” 8th October 2026, Yusuf Lule Central Teaching Facility Auditorium, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa. — ***Dr. Winifred Kabumbuli.***

She revealed that this lecture organised under Nkrumah Hall highlights its significance as a symbol of Makerere University‘s commitment to Pan-Africanism. “The name Nkrumah Hall has stood the test of time and sounds like a horn beautifully over the African continent and beyond,” she said.

She elaborated on the lecture’s theme of leadership, self-reliance and transformation, noting its alignment with the university’s mission to nurture future leaders.

Direction of Pan-Africanism

During a panel discussion, speakers questioned how far Africa has come. Associate Professor Zahara Napeewo, Deputy Dean of the School of Law at Makerere University, stated that the continent was still lagging behind the progress Nkrumah would have wanted.

Panelists L-R: Rt. Hon. Rodney Adroni, Dr. Zaid Sekitto, Dr. Zahara Nampewo, and Kyajja Peter Claveri (R) with Moderator-Samson Kasumba (2nd R). Nkrumah Day and Public Lecture organised by Nkrumah Hall under the theme “Leadership, Self-Reliance and Transformation: Reimagining Nkrumah's Vision for the 21st Century African Youth,” 8th October 2026, Yusuf Lule Central Teaching Facility Auditorium, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa. — ***Panelists L-R: Rt. Hon. Rodney Adroni, Dr. Zaid Sekitto, Dr. Zahara Nampewo, and Kyajja Peter Claveri (R) with Moderator-Samson Kasumba (2nd R).***

She shared that while educational institutions provide knowledge, they must go further and encourage graduates to become problem-solvers who can create employment for themselves rather than wait to be employed.

Dr. Zaid Sekitto, a Lecturer in the Department of History, Archaeology and Heritage Studies at Makerere, added that the structures of colonialism that Nkrumah fought against were still in place. “They must be addressed”, he said, or Africa would remain trapped in colonialism and lose sight of Nkrumah’s vision.

The Youth and the Unfinished Struggle

The students also had an opportunity to share their perspectives on the unfinished struggle for Pan-Africanism.

Nkrumah Hall Chairperson Joseph Sekabira noted that the Africa Nkrumah fought for was not the Africa that exists today.

He urged young people to take up leadership now rather than wait until they were older.

Joseph Sekabira makes his speech. Nkrumah Day and Public Lecture organised by Nkrumah Hall under the theme “Leadership, Self-Reliance and Transformation: Reimagining Nkrumah's Vision for the 21st Century African Youth,” 8th October 2026, Yusuf Lule Central Teaching Facility Auditorium, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa. — Joseph Sekabira makes his speech.

Mark Kwikiriza, a final-year Bachelor of Arts in Music student and resident of Nkrumah Hall, said Nkrumah’s legacy remained relevant because the problems he faced in Ghana were similar to those society faces today.

He recommended that society could rejuvenate the spirit of “Osagyefo,” the title meaning “redeemer” by which Nkrumah was known.

Honouring 13 Years of Service

Mr. John Kamya. Nkrumah Day and Public Lecture organised by Nkrumah Hall under the theme “Leadership, Self-Reliance and Transformation: Reimagining Nkrumah's Vision for the 21st Century African Youth,” 8th October 2026, Yusuf Lule Central Teaching Facility Auditorium, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa. — ***Mr. John Kamya.***

The event also recognised Mr. John Kamya for his 13 years of outstanding service as Warden of Nkrumah Hall, a position he held from 2007 to 2020.

He received an appreciation award presented by the Chief Guest’s representative in the presence of the Hall Chairperson and other dignitaries.

Mr. John Kamya (L) receives his appreciation award from Dr. Charles Kahigiriza (R) and Joseph Sekabira (C). Nkrumah Day and Public Lecture organised by Nkrumah Hall under the theme “Leadership, Self-Reliance and Transformation: Reimagining Nkrumah's Vision for the 21st Century African Youth,” 8th October 2026, Yusuf Lule Central Teaching Facility Auditorium, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa. — ***Mr. John Kamya (L) receives his appreciation award from Dr. Charles Kahigiriza (R) and Joseph Sekabira (C).***

In his acceptance remarks, Mr. Kamya noted that the 2018 visit to the Hall by Kwame Nkrumah’s daughter, Ms. Samia Yaba Nkrumah, was one of the fondest memories of his time in office. He thanked Makerere for the opportunity to serve the University community and its stakeholders.

Mr. John Kamya with Ms. Samia Yaba Nkrumah at the Kwame Nkrumah Statue outside Nkrumah Hall during her visit in 2018. Nkrumah Day and Public Lecture organised by Nkrumah Hall under the theme “Leadership, Self-Reliance and Transformation: Reimagining Nkrumah's Vision for the 21st Century African Youth,” 8th October 2026, Yusuf Lule Central Teaching Facility Auditorium, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa. — ***Mr. John Kamya with Ms. Samia Yaba Nkrumah at the Kwame Nkrumah Statue outside Nkrumah Hall during her visit in 2018.***

At the peak, the event concluded with tree planting and cake-cutting activity in front of Nkrumah Hall. The audience was left contemplating one message of Kwame Nkrumah’s vision of a united, self-reliant Africa, freed first in the mind, that remains unfinished and in the words of some speakers, has been handed to the current generation as a task to accomplish.

Dignitaries cut cake in the Nkrumah Hall parking lot as part of the celebrations. Nkrumah Day and Public Lecture organised by Nkrumah Hall under the theme “Leadership, Self-Reliance and Transformation: Reimagining Nkrumah's Vision for the 21st Century African Youth,” 8th October 2026, Yusuf Lule Central Teaching Facility Auditorium, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa. — ***Dignitaries cut cake in the Nkrumah Hall parking lot as part of the celebrations.***

General

Makerere Hosts EU Uganda Research and Study Fair

Published

4 days ago

October 8, 2026

Allan Ainematsiko

Hon. Dr. J.C. Muyingo, Prof. Sarah Ssali and H.E. Jan Sadek (Centre) with Heads of Missions and other representatives at the Fair on 8th October 2026. European Union-Uganda Research and Study Fair, 8th October 2026, Freedom Square, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

Today 8^th October 2026, Makerere University has hosted the EU Uganda Research and Study Fair 2026, bringing together government officials, European Union representatives, researchers, academics, students, and young professionals to explore opportunities in education, research, innovation, and international collaboration.

The fair also marked 50 years of partnership between Uganda and the European Union, providing a platform for participants to learn about scholarships, research funding, exchange programmes, fellowships and opportunities for collaboration with European institutions.

Officially opening the fair, Acting Minister of Education and Sports Hon. Dr. John Chrysostom Muyingo commended the European Union, its member states, Makerere University and other partners for organising the event, describing international cooperation as important to Uganda’s education and research agenda.

***Dr John Chrysostom Muyingo speaks at the Uganda EU Research and Study Fair at Makerere University.***

The Minister said Uganda’s young population presents a significant opportunity for national development if supported with the right investments in education, skills, creativity, research, innovation and entrepreneurship.

He encouraged universities and research institutions to strengthen links between education, research, innovation and the world of work, noting that research should not only generate academic knowledge but also contribute to policies, technologies and practical solutions to national challenges.

Dr. Muyingo also encouraged students and young professionals to engage with the European Union, its member states and alumni to understand the opportunities available and prepare themselves for future applications.

Makerere highlights value of partnership

The Acting (Ag.) Vice Chancellor and Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic Affairs), Makerere University, Prof. Sarah Ssali said the fair provided an important platform for bringing education, research, innovation and international cooperation together.

She noted that the event was particularly significant as Uganda and the European Union celebrate five decades of partnership, with Makerere’s relationships with some European institutions extending even beyond 50 years.

Prof. Sarah Ssali (left), EU Ambassador to Uganda Jan Sadek (centre), and Acting Minister of Education and Sports Dr John Chrysostom Muyingo tour exhibition stands during the EU Uganda Research and Study Fair at Makerere University. European Union-Uganda Research and Study Fair, 8th October 2026, Freedom Square, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa. — Prof. Sarah Ssali (left), EU Ambassador to Uganda Jan Sadek (centre), and Acting Minister of Education and Sports Dr John Chrysostom Muyingo tour exhibition stands during the EU Uganda Research and Study Fair at Makerere University.

Prof. Ssali said the partnerships have supported education, research, skills development, innovation, institutional strengthening and human capital development, creating opportunities for Ugandans to acquire knowledge and skills, conduct research and establish international networks.

She called for the next chapter of the partnership to place knowledge, research, innovation, technology and young people at the centre.

“Research needs to move beyond publication of research, to influence policy, improve practice, create products and services, strengthen communities and contribute to the economic development of our country,” she said.

***The Ag. Vice Chancellor and Deputy Vice Chancellor Academic Affairs Academic Prof. Sarah Ssali***

Prof. Ssali also encouraged participants to explore opportunities for scholarships, research, exchange programmes, doctoral studies, joint research and fellowships available through European partnerships.

She said the ultimate value of international education and research partnerships lies in how knowledge, skills, networks and technologies acquired through such opportunities contribute to Uganda’s development.

Human Response programme strengthens partnerships

The fair also showcased Makerere’s partnerships through programmes such as the Humanitarian Response, Health and Displacement Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Programme (Human Response).

Dr. Justus Twesigye, the Dean, School of Social Sciences, Makerere University and Co-Principal Investigator of Human Response, explained that the programme has created partnerships between Makerere and universities in Europe and Africa.

These include the University Institute of Lisbon in Portugal, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, University of Athens in Greece, University of Cape Verde and University of Rovuma in Mozambique, alongside associate partners including the Uganda Red Cross Society, Allied Uganda, Refugee Led Organisation Network and the Ministry of Water and Environment.

Twesigye said the partnerships have introduced new approaches to teaching and learning by involving practitioners directly in training and giving students opportunities for concurrent field practice.

He noted that organisations such as the Uganda Red Cross Society have participated in delivering classes, while students also gain practical experience in the field before returning to class for reflective learning.

***Part of the audience at the Uganda-EU Research and Study Fair at Freedom Square, Makerere University***

The programme is also promoting joint research between academics and practitioners, moving away from approaches where researchers and practitioners work separately.

CEES project supports competence based education

The College of Education and External Studies (CEES) also presented an EU supported project aimed at helping higher education institutions and regulators transition to competence based education.

*Prof. William Tayebwa briefs Acting Minister of Education and Sports Dr John Chrysostom Muyingo as EU Ambassador to Uganda Jan Sadek and Prof. Robert Wamala look on during a tour of exhibition stands.*

Assoc. Prof. Josephine Esaete, Senior Lecturer in the Department of Science, Technology and Vocational Education, said the project brings together nine partners from Uganda, West Africa and Europe.

She explained that the project seeks to strengthen the capacity of universities and higher education regulators in designing competence based curricula, teaching, assessment, monitoring and evaluation.

Makerere University is coordinating the four year project, with Mountains of the Moon University among the Ugandan partners.

Assoc. Prof. Esaete said the project is timely as universities work towards transitioning their programmes and curricula to competence-based education.

The project also seeks to strengthen collaboration between higher education institutions and industry so that students can acquire skills relevant to the world of work.

Fair creates opportunities for students and researchers

The exhibition brought together different EU supported research projects, academic programmes and institutional partnerships, allowing students, researchers and other participants to interact directly with project teams and representatives of European institutions.

The fair also provided opportunities for participants to learn from Makerere alumni who have benefited from international study and research opportunities.

***Stella Kakeeto interacts with students during the EU Uganda Research and Study Fair***

Prof. Ssali urged participants to use the opportunity to “engage, explore, connect, and discover” new possibilities while encouraging young people to dream boldly, seek knowledge, build networks and use what they learn to contribute to Uganda’s transformation.

Take ownership of your future

Officially closing the fair, the Director, Research Innovations and Partnerships (DRIP), Prof. Robert Wamala urged the students and young professionals who had participated in the fair to take ownership of their future because the Fair had shown that opportunities are real.

“Do not be afraid to ask questions, do not be afraid to apply, do not be discouraged by your first unsuccessful application, build your academic profile, build your research skills, build your networks, and remain curious”, Prof. Wamala encouraged.

Prof. Robert Wamala (3rd R) with other officials at the closing ceremony. European Union-Uganda Research and Study Fair, 8th October 2026, Freedom Square, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa. — ***Prof. Robert Wamala (3rd R) with other officials at the closing ceremony.***

On behalf of Makerere University, he sincerely appreciated Team Europe, the European Union and its Member States in Uganda, for organising this important Fair and the Ag. Minister, Hon. Dr. J.C. Muyingo for presiding over the event and reiterating the Ministry’s commitment to strengthening education, research and international cooperation.

“At Makerere University, the Directorate of Research, Innovations and Partnerships remains ready to work with our European partners, the Ministry, researchers, students and other stakeholders to help translate the opportunities identified today into meaningful collaborations and outcomes” Prof. Wamala reassured.

The fair reaffirmed Makerere University‘s commitment to strengthening international partnerships that support research, innovation, human capital development and national transformation.