General
Prof. Francesco Bernini visits Mak: praises the Institution for its commendable work in research
On 5th March 2018, the Rector of University of Bologna Prof. Francesco Bernini paid a courtesy call to the Vice Chancellor of Makerere University Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe. Accompanied by the Vice Rector for International Relations Professor Alessandra Scagliarini, the Rector praised Makerere University for its commendable work in research that has provided a platform for international recognition.
During an extensive meeting that was attended by the International Relations Officer Ms. Martha Muwanguzi and Makerere University Public Relations Team, the Rector together with his Vice Professor Alessandra Scagliarini and the Vice Chancellor of Makerere University Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe discussed the possible ways the two Universities can strengthen their relationship to develop research in the field of engineering, medicine and veterinary.
“We have been following the Makerere University’s work through contacts and publications and I would like to say we are impressed with your extensive research in the areas of engineering, medicine and veterinary. I am therefore very sure that strengthening our collaborations will provide a lee for the two universities to share knowledge, information and ideas,” he said.
He commended Makerere University for utilizing the Erasmus Plus opportunities to build capacity among staff and students as well as securing funds to develop the institution academically through investing in research and writing. He looked forward to a Memorandum of Understanding between the University of Bologna and Makerere University that will see more developments between the two universities.
The Vice Rector for International Relations University of Bologna Professor Alessandra Scagliarini acknowledged Makerere University move to globalise its system and join other universities around the world to find solutions to both local and international problems. She applauded the Government of Uganda for its instrumental programs that have created a conducive environment for refugees.
The Vice Chancellor of Makerere University welcomed the Rector and his Vice to Makerere University, the incubator of Africa’s research. He appreciated the University’s move to strengthen the long term relationship between Makerere University and the Government of Italy when he said, “the Italian Government was so instrumental when we were developing our then engineering faculty, it supported us through capacity building, renovated our laboratories and sent professors to train our staff and students. We have made several collaborations with different universities and institutions from Italy in the areas of science, humanities and research. We are therefore looking forward to a strong relationship that will place the engineering plus veterinary medicine programs to a new level.”
Established in 1088, the University of Bologna is the oldest university in the western world, founded by students for students, when masters of grammar, rhetoric and logic began to devote themselves to law. Its earliest recorded scholar was a man named Irnerius, who catalogued Roman legal materials. Other early students included 12th century Archbishop of Canterbury, Thomas Becket, and astronomer Nicolaus Copernicus. Other notable alumni include the poet Dante and former Italian Prime Minister, Romano Prodi.
Between the 12th and 13th centuries, a woman named Bettisia Gozzadini reputedly taught at the University, attracting crowds that were so big and her lessons had to be held in the city’s public squares. Today, with a community of more than 85,000 students, the University is among the largest in Italy, offering 200 degree programmes and two-year specialised courses across 33 departments and 11 schools. It is a multi-campus institution with sites across northern Italy in Cesena, Forli, Ravenna and Rimini, as well as Bologna. It has an overseas campus in Buenos Aires, Argentina, which offers interdisciplinary programmes.
Article by: Nabatte Proscovia , Mak Public Relations Office
Photos by : Elias Tuhereze , Mak Public Relations Office
General
Prof. Nawangwe urges young people to take up leadership in innovation for the transformation of Africa
By the Program Communication Team
On Sunday, February 2, 2025, Makerere University hosted the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Council Representatives meeting, which brings together young people from around 45 partner universities of the Mastercard Foundation.
During the event, Vice Chancellor Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe urged young people to prepare for leadership roles in innovation, especially starting with their communities, if they wish to see the positive transformation they desire in Africa.
“I urge you to connect and network with your peers and discuss how you can form inter-university teams to innovate solutions that will address the development challenges in our communities for the transformation of the African continent.” Prof. Nawangwe remarked.
Prof. Nawangwe applauded the Mastercard Foundation for its partnership with Makerere University and Uganda in general, which has uplifting effects on many young people.
“Makerere University and Uganda have made remarkable strides in providing Higher Education to Young People, thanks to the generous support of the Mastercard Foundation, which has contributed significantly to educating the next generation of African leaders. Through valuable initiatives and partnerships, such as the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program, Makerere University is poised to continue educating young individuals who will significantly impact Uganda’s and Africa’s economic growth.” Prof. Nawangwe noted.
The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Nawangwe, further urged young people to seize the opportunities the Mastercard Foundation and other like-minded development partners presented to improve their lives and communities.
“The Mastercard Foundation has given you the platform and opportunity to be leaders and beacons of change. Embrace this responsibility with courage. Let the core values of the Scholars Program—humility, listening, kindness and respect, co-creation, and impact—guide your actions,” Prof. Nawangwe emphasized.
While speaking at the same event, the Program Director of the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Makerere University, Prof. Justine Namaalwa, enumerated high-level achievements the Program had accomplished for the last decade at Makerere University. She pointed out that in terms of scholarship enrolment, the Program had recruited 1,032 Scholars, of which 76% were Females, 7% were Internationals, 4% were Refugees, and about 1% were Youth with Disabilities.
Prof. Namaalwa further pointed out other post-graduation achievements, including a 94% completion rate of the total number of Scholars enrolled in the Scholars Program. She pointed out that between 2018 and 2025, the Program had graduated 964 Scholars, of which 37% were employed, mainly in the private sector.
Prof. Namaalwa revealed that beyond the Scholars Program, the Mastercard Foundation had put other initiatives supporting the university in numerous ways. She pointed out other initiatives such as the e-learning initiative, a COVID-19 Response measure to ensure continuity of Teaching and Learning at Makerere University and the Climate Resilience and Sustainability Collaborative: Makerere University, in collaboration with the University of Ghana, the University of Cape Town, and the University of Cambridge, is implementing a new initiative that addresses one of the world’s most significant challenges in recent times—climate change.
Prof. Namaalwa revealed that the Research Collaborative would provide opportunities for MSc and PhD scholarships to African students and encourage young people to enrol as graduate students starting in the academic year 2025/2026.
The event was punctuated with fireside chats, during which young people had an opportunity to discuss a number of topical issues related to entrepreneurship and Transformative leadership. Thereafter, the visiting students were taken on a guided tour around Makerere University.
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Council comprises student leaders from partner Universities. Each Partner University has one Council Representative. They represent the needs of Scholars and work with the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program teams at each institution, the Mastercard Foundation, and Alumni.
On Monday 3rd February 2025, the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe handed over three (3) university buses to the respective leadership in the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES), the College of Health Sciences (CHS), and the College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Biosecurity (CoVAB).
The new buses mark a significant improvement in mobility and learning for Makerere University students and staff, furthering the institution’s commitment to practical education and community service.
Speaking at the handover ceremony held at the University’s Freedom Square, Prof. Nawangwe highlighted the significance of the new buses in enhancing teaching and learning. “These buses will play a crucial role in improving students’ practical learning experiences by ensuring reliable transportation for fieldwork and community outreach,” he said.
Prof. Nawangwe expressed gratitude to the Parliament and the Government of Uganda for providing the resources for the new buses, emphasizing their importance in replacing the old fleet, which frequently breaks down. The new 2023 model buses, with a 67-seater capacity, were secured at a cost of UGX 626million each and are expected to save the university significant maintenance costs and improve the learning experience for students.
Principals from the respective colleges expressed their appreciation for the new buses. Prof. Frank Norbert Mwiine, Principal of CoVAB, emphasized the importance of the buses for practical training at locations such as Lake Mburo National Park. Associate Prof. Gorettie Nabanoga, Principal of CAES, and Associate Prof. Bruce Kirenga, Principal of CHS, highlighted the buses’ role in facilitating community engagement and outreach.
He explained that the decision to purchase Isuzu buses instead of those manufactured by Kiira Motors Corporation (KMC) a Makerere University partner, was based on prior engagement with the former, as well as the need to utilize the allocated funds promptly within the Financial Year, which couldn’t be accomplished at KMC due to their high demand.
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