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Mak Unlocks its Financial Potential through Property Investment

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On 5th December 2017, hundreds of potential investors convened at Serena Hotel Kampala to participate in the Makerere University Property Investor Conference organized by the Makerere University Holdings Limited (Mak Holdings Limited).

Officially opened by the Chancellor Prof. Ezra Suruma represented by the Chairperson of Council Eng. Dr. Charles Wana Etyem, the conference attracted national, regional and international property development stakeholders including financiers, developers, advisors, fund managers, investment managers and introduced them to grand investment opportunities of more than 32 acres of Makerere University Prime land that awaits development. The prime land is located in three areas of Kampala that is the Main Campus, Kololo and Makindye; upscale of the Kampala suburb.

Chaired by Dr. Charles Mbire, the Mak Holdings Limited Board of Directors consists of the following members: Mr. Charles Ocici, Prof. William Bazeyo, Ms. Ruth Biyinzika Musoke, Mr. Dan Kasirye, Dr. Winifred Tarinyeba-Kiryabwire and Dr. Gorrettie Nsubuga Nabanoga.

L-R: Chair Council-Eng. Dr. Charles Wana-Etyem, DVCFA-Prof. William Bazeyo and Vice Chancellor-Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe share a light moment during the Investors Conference

Addressing investors at the conference, Dr. Charles Mbire said that Makerere University is looking for potential investors who have the key to unlock the University investments to enable the proposed projects to take off. “We are looking for bidders to bring forward innovative plans for financing and implementing the project, including investment of their own or in collaboration with others, to maximize the project benefits,” he said.

The projects are envisaged to diversify the university financial resources and transform the institution into a modern university of the 21st century.  The projects to be undertaken include;
Project 1: Conference Centre and 3-Star Hotel at the current Makerere University Guest House
Project 2: 5 Star Luxury Hotel, Commercial Centre and Upmarket Apartments – Kololo
Project 3: Gated Community and Upmarket Apartments – Makindye
Project 4: Student Accommodation at Makerere University Main Campus
Project 5: Student Centre at Makerere University Main Campus among others

Dr. Mbire remarked that the property development shall be undertaken by means of private sector participation and investment and Mak Holdings Limited is duly mandated and authorized to evaluate, procure and oversee the projects.  The envisaged project structure is for a development lease of 49 years with a lease premium and annual lease paid up by the project company.

L-R: Dr. Gorettie Nabanoga, Ms. Ruth Biyinzika Musoke, Mr. Cyriaco Kabagambe, Prof. Edward Kirumira, Eng. Christina Kakeeto, Mr. Frank Kitumba at the Investors Conference

The Project will be implemented as a developmental lease contractual arrangement wherein the private proponent will be required to design, construct and finance the project facilities and assume construction related risks arising from cost overruns, delays and other performance risks connected to construction.

“This is a Build, Operate and Transfer venture where after 49 years, all the developments on the land will be transferred to Makerere University.  The investors are expected to recover their capital investment on the land between 7-10 years and start enjoying the profits for the rest of the years,” he said.

In a speech read by the Chairperson of Makerere University Council, Eng. Charles Wana Etyem, the Makerere University Chancellor Prof. Ezra Suruma, commended the move by the University to diversify the resources through private-public investor partnerships.  

“At Makerere University, we are renowned for teaching; our academic skills and talent are commendable.   However, with this conference we want to chart out new territories that will ensure that the University which is at the forefront of Uganda’s Innovation can reach its full financial potential,” he said.  

Some of the Bidders and their representatives that attended the First Ever Makerere University Property Investor Conference, 5th December 2017, Kampala Serena Hotel

The Chancellor recognized the visionary leadership of Eng. Dr. Charles Wana Etyem during the process of resourcing finance for the University. He thanked Prof. Nawangwe and the Management team for setting a new precedent in the great history of Makerere University and the country at large. He thanked the Chair Board Mak Holdings Limited Dr. Mbire as well as the Planning and Development Department for the milestone and great contribution towards a successful investor’s conference.

Over the past few decades, Makerere University has been facing financial challenges amidst abundance of resources. According to the Vice Chancellor Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, Makerere University has for so many years depended on Government and donor funding which is inadequate given the enormous resources required to implement University activities.

According to Prof. Nawangwe, there is a need for Makerere University to revamp its financial resources and ensure that the institution becomes financially sustainable if it is to transform into a modern university.

Makerere University is one of the best universities in Africa and world at large. We pride to be the top research institution in Africa, we are destined to be the prime movers of our country and our continent however, we can only do that when we are financially stable,” the Vice Chancellor said.

The Cake cutting ceremony at the Property Investor Conference was carried out by Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, Hon. Irene Ovonji-Odida, Eng. Dr. Charles Wana-Etyem and Dr. Charles Mbire as L-R: Prof. William Bazeyo, Dr. Gorettie Nabanoga, Ms. Ruth Biyinzika Musoke, H.E. King Caesar Augustus Mulenga and Dr. Charles Ibingira witness during the Investors Conference

The Acting Deputy Vice Chancellor in charge of Finance and Administration, Prof. William Bazeyo welcomed the investors and assured them of the university support and necessary information they need during the process of securing investment bids and proposals.

“I would like to assure you that the project potential is big and we will do anything possible to make sure that you find minimum constraints in these projects.  As the Management we are ready to work with you, as we transform Makerere University and Uganda at large,” he said.

In a presentation, Judy Rugasira Kyanda, the Managing Director of Knight Frank-a leading independent real estate consultancy in Uganda, said there is potential for viable investment on all Makerere University land and properties.

Article By: Mak Public Relations Office

Mark Wamai

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Vice Chancellor Updates Media on Medical Drones, Road Safety Research & Various Issues

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Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi (Centre) with Dr. Andrew Kambugu (Left) and Dr. Fredrick Oporia (Right) at the Press Briefing on 29th May 2025. Press Conference featuring Infectious Diseases Institute—the IDI Medical Drone Programme and Kampala Status Summary 2023 on Road Safety Risk Factors, conducted under the Bloomberg Philanthropies Initiative for Global Road Safety. This collaborative effort between the Johns Hopkins International Injury Research Unit and our Trauma, Injury, and Disability Unit (TRIAD) Makerere University School of Public Health (MakSPH), Senior Common Room, Main Builing, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

The Acting Vice Chancellor, Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi on Thursday 29th May, 2025 held a press conference to update members of the Media on the Infectious Diseases Institute (IDI) Medical Drone Programme, and the Kampala Status Summary 2023 on Road Safety Risk Factors, conducted under the Bloomberg Philanthropies Initiative for Global Road Safety, a collaborative effort between the Johns Hopkins International Injury Research Unit and the Trauma, Injury, and Disability (TRIAD) Unit at Makerere University School of Public Health (MakSPH). Also presented were updates on; Digital Certification of Academic Transcripts, Digital Supervision of Graduate Students, Inclusive e-Learning and Smart Classrooms, and Launch of the Artificial Intelligence (AI) Laboratory at the College of Computing and Information Sciences (CoCIS).

The event held in the Senior Common Room, Main Building, was on behalf of the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe presided over by the Acting (Ag.) DVC AA and substantive Academic Registrar, Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi. Presentations were made by Executive Director of the Infectious Diseases Institute (IDI), Dr. Andrew Kambugu and Head of the Trauma, Injuries, and Disability (TRIAD) Unit, Dr. Fredrick Oporia. Dr. Jimmy Osuret and Dr. Esther Bayiga from TRIAD supplemented Dr. Oporia’s presentation. In attendance were; the Director for ICT Support (DICTS)-Mr. Samuel Mugabi, Deputy Chief – Public Relations-Ms. Betty Kyakuwa, Deputy Chief Security Officer-Mr. Musa Mulindwa and other university officials.

The proceedings of the Press Conference follow below;

Vice Chancellors’ Press Statement

Good morning colleagues, members of the press,

It is my pleasure to welcome you to this important media briefing, where we share compelling findings from two groundbreaking studies that reflect Makerere University‘s ongoing commitment to impactful research, innovation, and community transformation.

The first is a pioneering initiative led by the Infectious Diseases Institute—the IDI Medical Drone Programme. This project explores the use of drone technology to deliver lifesaving HIV medications and test samples to hard-to-reach populations, particularly in Kalangala District and the West Nile region. The study demonstrates how drones can overcome logistical barriers, reduce costs, and enhance access to critical healthcare in some of Uganda’s most underserved communities.

The second study is the Kampala Status Summary 2023 on Road Safety Risk Factors, conducted under the Bloomberg Philanthropies Initiative for Global Road Safety. This collaborative effort between the Johns Hopkins International Injury Research Unit and our Trauma, Injury, and Disability Unit here at Makerere University presents over two years of data on vehicle speed and helmet use in Kampala. It provides vital insights into the human behaviours and systemic gaps contributing to road traffic injuries and fatalities—particularly among vulnerable road users. The study also offers evidence-based recommendations for enforcement, planning, and public health messaging aimed at making Kampala’s roads safer for all.

We are proud to support this kind of research that not only advances knowledge but also drives tangible improvements in public health and safety.

Before I invite the researchers to present their findings, allow me to briefly highlight some transformative developments in the areas of academic registry and ICT advancement here at Makerere University:

  1. Digital Certification of Academic Transcripts:
    • Alumni can now certify their transcripts digitally through the Makerere Academic Records System (Mak-ARS https://makars.mak.ac.ug/), eliminating the need for physical visits. This user-friendly platform allows access from anywhere in the world, supported by comprehensive video tutorials and public communications.
  2. Digital Supervision of Graduate Students
    • We have introduced the Research Information Management System (Mak-RIMS), piloted at the College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, to streamline the supervision of Master’s and PhD research. This initiative enhances accountability, timely feedback, and is now being rolled out university-wide to improve graduation rates.
  3. Inclusive eLearning and Smart Classrooms
    • Through support from development partners and the Government of Uganda, we are establishing multimedia studios and smart classrooms across our colleges. These state-of-the-art facilities are designed to produce professional, accessible learning content, including tools tailored for students with visual and auditory disabilities. This aligns with our goal of equitable, globally competitive education.
  4. Launch of the AI Laboratory at CoCIS:
    • The newly launched Artificial Intelligence Laboratory will spearhead the development of AI-enabled solutions tailored to Uganda’s socio-economic needs, including localized assistive eLearning tools and context-sensitive curriculum development.

These initiatives are part of our broader vision to transform Makerere University into a research-led, inclusive, and globally relevant institution.

Detailed Presentations

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Prof. Aina Visits Mak, Evaluates CECAP II Progress

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Prof. Omotade Akin Aina (Left) receives the Makerere Souvenir Book from Prof. Tonny Oyana as Prof. Julius Kikooma (2nd Right) and Mr. Charles Lwanga (Right) witness. Prof. Omotade Akin Aina-Carnegie Corporation of New York meeting to discuss progress of Consolidating Early Career Academics Programme (CECAP) phase II, which focuses on fostering academic development and research among early-career academics, 23rd May 2025, Main Building, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

The Senior Program Director, Higher Education and Research in Africa, International Program, Carnegie Corporation of New York, Prof. Omotade Akin Aina on 23rd May 2025 visited Makerere University during his short trip to Kampala. Prof. Aina was received on behalf of the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe by Prof. Tony Oyana, Principal of the College of Computing and Information Sciences (CoCIS).

During his visit, Prof. Aina met with the Project Implementation Committee, representatives from the Consolidating Early Career Academics Programme (CECAP) phase I Fellowship Cohort, and current Fellows of phase II. The meeting discussed the progress of CECAP II, which focuses on fostering academic development and research among early-career academics.

Left to Ritght: Dr. Jesca Nakavuma and Prof. Julius Kikooma alongside Prof. Omotade Akin Aina during the meeting. Prof. Omotade Akin Aina-Carnegie Corporation of New York meeting to discuss progress of Consolidating Early Career Academics Programme (CECAP) phase II, which focuses on fostering academic development and research among early-career academics, 23rd May 2025, Main Building, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Left to Ritght: Dr. Jesca Nakavuma and Prof. Julius Kikooma alongside Prof. Omotade Akin Aina during the meeting.

CECAP II is being implemented by Makerere University in collaboration with four other Ugandan public universities, including; Busitema University, Gulu University, Kyambogo University and Mbarara University of Science and Technology. Prof. Mukadasi Buyinza, the Project Principal Investigator was represented at the meeting by the Director of Graduate Training, Prof. Julius Kikooma.

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Directorate of Graduate Equips Schools and Colleges with Training in Philosophy of Methods

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By Moses Lutaaya

The Directorate of Graduate Training at Makerere University has equipped several Senior ranking lecturers with expert knowledge in a Training of Trainers’ workshop on “Philosophy of Methods”.

In his remarks at the opening of a 3-day training workshop at Level4 Conference Hall – Senate Building, the Director of Graduate Training Prof. Julius Kikooma said, “The teaching of Philosophy of Methods gives all participants the fundamentals to extend knowledge to other learners, hence its importance in upholding the Makerere University values.”

Kikooma urged and challenged the participants to also attend and actively participate in the follow up of learners’ training of students, stating that the PhD students need support as the directorate continues to coordinate the curriculum of PhD by-research that was approved by the senate recently.

“To holistically implement the senate approved PhD curriculum, we are coordinating capacity building trainings of all stake holders in a structured approach with the different units of the University. Many more trainings including Training of Trainers in advanced research methods course are on the way.”

He further urged the participants to be intentional in their teaching profession and in whatever they were doing, adding “Apart from focusing on practices as teachers and researchers, we can engage in wider philosophical debates in our research areas so that we are relevant in the society and in the empowerment of PhD research students.”

 The participants for the Philosophy of Methods training were from College of Humanities and Social Sciences, College of Education and External Studies, Makerere University Business School among others.

During the same training, Dr. Dickson Kanakulya stressed the need to train senior lecturers in the Philosophy of Methods, saying, “The biggest connection is that societal problems require concrete research to find solutions. Our challenge in Africa is that we employ a short barrow approach to find solutions to problems. This cannot work. We need consistent researchers to solve problems. Lasting solutions to societal issues can only be got through training such as Philosophy of Methods, where researchers come up with new models for societal solutions.”

Prof. Julius Kikooma pose for a photo with participants and facilitators.

Dr. Kanakulya said that Makerere University remains the biggest research University in Africa and philosophy of Methods helps to come up with good research tools that produce good research outputs. “Research has shown that the higher the number of PhD researchers in any given country, the higher the levels of development of that country e.g. the USA, China etc., adding that research is not limited to only medicinal or agricultural related issues.”

He said philosophy of methods, encourages philosophical creativity in research, “It is meant to bring out philosophical generation of concepts, theories and ideas. It is meant to encourage students to question the existing philosophical assumptions and status quo in a given field of knowledge such that new philosophical concepts are created.”

 For successful rollout of government programs like the National Development Plan 4, Dr. Kanakulya said that Philosophy of Methods training needs to be integrated into such systems. “Philosophy of Methods focuses on ethical thinking aspects. For example, for a better rollout of the Parish Development Model, we need implementers to be ethical.” He added.

 Prof. Sulait Tumwiine, the associate Dean of Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research at MUBS said, “This is a discussion where new ideas are shared to guide and gauge applicability in the current knowledge diversity coupled with lots of technological development including Artificial Intelligence and Chat GPT.”

He added, “As professors of Universities, we need to understand how we leverage on what comes up so that it does not take our space, but also appreciate how we can support growth of knowledge. The Philosophy of Methods training is the answer.”

 Dr. Jim Spire Ssentongo highlighted that Philosophy uses more of the critical mind than Science. He added that philosophy is more of speculation of the mind.

“Sustainability of philosophy Education encourages us to continue training. Philosophy being the oldest discipline retained special status in the academia as a pinnacle of pursuit of knowledge. All disciplines have major elements of philosophy citing examples in the philosophy of Mathematics and Physics.

Dr. Spire added, “If you do not understand philosophy, you cannot deeply investigate anything because philosophy is the reality of understanding everything. Philosophy is the basis of understanding what knowledge is and how it is arrived at.”

Also participating in the workshop was Prof. Joseph Ntaayi from MUBS, in his remarks he said PhD students need the philosophy of methods training to understand how to best to create knowledge. He added that ontological and epistemological questions that lead to good research design methods can only be answered by this training.

Dr. Robert Kakuru, a Lecturer in the College of Humanities and Social Sciences said that the Philosophy of Methods training is needed by every graduate student as well as supervisors to critically determine the choice of methods to use in academic research. For example, “If one wants to use a questionnaire as an interview approach, one should understand, why that approach and yet without this training, the why cannot be answered.” He added.

The Philosophy of Methods training was organized by Directorate of Graduate Training with funding support from the Consortium for Advanced Research Training in Africa (CARTA).

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