Makerere University was privileged to host Prof. Samuel Nii Ardey Codjoe, President of the Union for African Population Studies (UAPS) on Tuesday 27th February 2018 as preparations got underway for Uganda to host the 8th African Population Conference in November 2019. Prof. Codjoe who also serves as Director of the Regional Institute for Population Studies (RIPS) of the University of Ghana (UG), Legon was accompanied by the UAPS East Africa Representative-Dr. Yovani Lubaale and met by the Acting Director, Centre for Population and Applied Statistics (CPAS), Mrs. Agnes Ssekiboobo and a host of staff from the School of Statistics and Planning, College of Business and Management Sciences (CoBAMS).
“Ever since I was a young man, I had always dreamed of one day coming to Makerere University,” said Prof. Codjoe, before adding “I am glad that this dream has come to pass today.”
“Both Makerere and the University of Ghana share the reputation of being the premier and largest institutions of Higher Education in our respective countries,” continued Prof. Codjoe reflectively “But Makerere has always been the shining light; that beacon on a hill, despite all the challenging times the institution had to go through in the past” he added.
He urged the staff present to value the great University that they are privileged to serve and work hard to keep it shining. He also commended Uganda for sending a strong delegation to the 7th African Population Conference 2015 held in Johannesburg, South Africa, acknowledging that this showed the strong will and commitment of the nation to host the 8th Edition.
Prof. Codjoe in his presentation shared that the Union is a Pan-African nonprofit scientific organization established through the initiative of the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA) by the Third General Conference of African Demographers, Statisticians and Planners held in Addis Ababa in March 1984, in order to promote the scientific study of population in Africa. The UAPS General Assembly; the main decision-making body of the Union, meets every four years in an African city.
The aim of the conference is to share and disseminate scientific information on key population, health and development issues facing the African continent and promote the integration of research evidence in policy making.
UAPS promotes seven scientific thematic panels which drive the research agenda of the Union. These are: African Census; Capabilities Approach in Population Studies; Fertility; Gender; Migration; Environment and Development; and Computational Social Science. Prof. Codjoe encouraged the Makerere Academia to take keen interest in the activities of these panels adding that UAPS strongly believes in capacity building, especially for young academics.
In relation to the upcoming conference, Prof. Codjoe urged Makerere staff to prepare a set of scientific presentations specific to Uganda and the East African region demographics. These, he said, would be presented on the Uganda day of the conference; a day dedicated to the host country to showcase to international participants the salient and pertinent research topics of Uganda and the East African region. “This is also the perfect day for you to come dressed in your traditional attires so as to add colour to the day,” he added.
A select number of presentations from the Uganda day form part of the special section, published as part of UAPS’ African Population Studies (APS) Journal; an open access bilingual journal published in April and October every year and hosted by the University of Witwatersrand, South Africa.
Speaking on behalf of the University, Mrs. Agnes Ssekiboobo shared apologies from the Acting Deputy Vice Chancellor (Finance and Administration), Prof. William Bazeyo, who was unable to attend the meeting in person. She welcomed Prof. Codjoe to Makerere University and thanked the UAPS General Assembly for choosing Uganda to host the 8th African Population Conference.
“This is an important conference and we thank Prof. Codjoe for explaining right from the onset, what is expected of us as a University. Uganda has hosted a lot of other equally important international and regional conferences but your presentation has shed more light on what is specifically expected of the academic community. We will start our preparations immediately” said Mrs. Ssekiboobo.
She also appreciated the need to establish a formal collaboration with UAPS by signing a Memorandum of Understanding and undertook to follow up the process.
Also present at the meeting were; Assoc. Prof. Leonard Atuhaire, Assoc. Prof. Nazarius Mbona Tumwesigye, Dr. Abel Nzaboona, Dr. John Mushomi, Dr. Wandera Stephen, Mr. Adrian Ssessanga, Mr. Esau Atwongeirwe as well as the National Population Council (NPC)’s Ms. Hope Nzeire and Ms. Nabawanuka Juliet Zoe.
Moving a vote of thanks, Dr. John Mushomi expressed gratitude to Prof. Codjoe for taking time off to not only visit Uganda but also Makerere University and make a presentation on what was expected of the academic community. He also thanked the NPC for organising Prof. Codjoe’s visit and seeing to it that he enjoyed a comfortable and memorable stay while in Uganda. He concluded by pledging his colleagues’ commitment to ensuring that the 8th African Population Conference would be a roaring success.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
Makerere University on Tuesday, 7th October 2025 hosted a delegation from Nelson Mandela University (NMU), South Africa in the Vice Chancellor’s Boardroom in a bid to strengthen academic partnerships and operationalize their existing Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).
The delegation, led by Prof. Azwinndini Muronga, Deputy Vice Chancellor: Research, Innovation and Internationalisation, NMU, aimed to turn earlier agreements into actionable collaborations and build sustainable partnerships with various colleges.
The Acting (Ag.) Deputy Vice Chancellor; Finance and Administration, Prof. Winston Tumps Ireeta, provided an overview of the institution’s structure—nine colleges, two schools, and two institutes—while acknowledging the challenges of maintaining excellence amid resource limitations and post-pandemic recovery. He emphasized that collaboration must serve the broader goal of research-driven development, calling for teamwork and resilience among African universities. “We have to work together to sustain high academic standards and contribute to the continent’s progress,” he noted.
Prof. Winston Tumps Ireeta (L) presents a Mak necktie to Prof. Azwinndini Muronga (R).
Prof. Muronga spoke passionately about the NMU’s “African footprint agenda.” He urged both institutions to start with small, practical projects that can build confidence and momentum for larger initiatives. “We must grow partnerships within Africa first,” he stated, “before we expand globally. True collaboration begins when both sides contribute equally, share capacity, and build self-reliance.”
Prof. Muronga also expressed interest in joint research projects, doctoral supervision, and shared grant applications, noting that NMU and Makerere are strategically positioned to lead regional academic innovation.
In her remarks, Prof. Judy Peter, Senior Director in the International Office at NMU emphasized the University’s commitment to African-centered collaboration and the importance of internationalizing the curriculum and expanding research capacity.
Prof. Peter underscored the importance of student mobility, joint supervision of postgraduate students, and the recruitment of talented African scholars, noting that such exchanges enrich both institutions’ academic communities. She also emphasized the need to internationalize the curriculum, particularly through virtual learning platforms and co-teaching models, to ensure broader accessibility and shared expertise.
Contributions also came from Prof. James Wokadala, Deputy Principal, College of Business and Management Sciences (CoBAMS), further amplified the need to “start small and build on existing collaborations.” He proposed developing a clear roadmap that defines short-term goals and identifies areas for mutual growth.
From the College of Health Sciences, Dr. Richard Idro, the Deputy Principal highlighted opportunities for fellowship, training and collaboration in clinical subjects, emphasizing the need for practical exchanges that benefit students and staff alike. He also addressed logistical challenges such as transportation and coordination, urging for targeted partnerships that can yield tangible results.
Some of the Makerere officials that attended the meeting from Left to Right: Prof. Yazidhi Bamutaze, Dr. Richard Idro, Prof. James Wokadala, Prof. Eric Awich Ochen, and Prof. Godfrey Akileng.
The meeting reaffirmed the universities’ commitment to collaboration in areas including faculty exchange for guest lectures, seminars, and sabbaticals; joint research and grant applications for regional and international funding; co-supervision of postgraduate students; virtual classroom exchanges; curriculum internationalization and exchange of academic materials; and capacity development for academic and administrative staff.
The teams also identified “quick-win” projects that could be implemented in the short term and agreed to establish a joint implementation team to monitor progress. Further discussions will explore funding mechanisms, including the possibility of leveraging programs like Erasmus+, to support student exchange and joint research initiatives.
In his closing remarks, Prof. Muronga reaffirmed Nelson Mandela University’s commitment to ensuring that the partnership yields visible outcomes. Both universities agreed that future engagements will be structured around mutual respect, accountability, and measurable results.
The meeting concluded on a note of optimism, with both institutions expressing confidence that their partnership will not only advance academic excellence but also contribute to Africa’s broader vision of educational and research self-reliance.
The meeting was attended by several officials from Makerere including; Prof. Eric Awich Ochen-Deputy Principal, College of Humanities and Social Sciences (CHUSS), Prof. Yazidhi Bamutaze-Deputy Principal, College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES), Prof. Godfrey Akileng-Dean School of Business, Dr. Geoffrey Nuwagaba-CoBAMS, Mr. Martine Rugamba-Ag. Chief Advancement Office, and Ms. Hawa Kajumba-Advancement Office.