General
Makerere- Nelson Mandela University strengthen ties to find solutions to African challenges
On 30th April 2018, the Vice Chancellor of Makerere University Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe together with the Vice Chancellor of Nelson Mandela University Prof Sibongile Muthwa signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen the long term relationship between the two universities. The signing ceremony was held in the Council Room and was witnessed by the High Commissioner of South Africa to Uganda H.E. Prof. Major-General (rtd) Lekoa Solly Mollo, the Senior Director at Nelson Mandela University Prof. Nico Jooste , the Director of Legal Affairs Mr. Henry Mwebe, the International Relations Officer Ms. Martha Muwanguzi, members of Makerere University Management, Alumni from Nelson Mandela University and other delegates.
The Signing of the Memorandum of Understanding stipulates an in depth relationship between the two universities on human resource development, research enhancement, and a joint effort to look for resources with the aim of finding solutions to African problems. Some of areas the Universities agreed to focus on included:
• Oceans and cultural studies
• Sustainable livelihood studies
• Gender studies
• Medicinal science
• Peace and conflict resolutions.
• Information and Communication Technologies
• and Agriculture Sciences
Addressing Makerere University Management team, Prof Sibongile Muthwa said that there is need for African Universities to channel resources to research and other developments that focus on solving African challenges. “Africa for long has been hit by poverty, unemployment, famine, climate change, conflicts, wars, epidemic diseases among others. We cannot hide the fact that we are lagging behind in terms of development yet we have some of the best researchers and academicians. It is high time we solve our own problems because we know them better. Let us join hands, knowledge and information to have long lasting solutions to these problems,” she said.
She acknowledged Makerere University for taking the lead in promoting Pan Africanism when she said, “Makerere University is indeed a Pan Africanist University. The institution has groomed several African presidents, notable leaders, renowned academicians and researchers on the African continent and around the world. I therefore believe that this collaboration will meet its intended objectives,” she said.
The Vice Chancellor of Makerere University Prof Barnabas Nawangwe, warmly welcomed Prof Sibongile Muthwa and other delegates to Makerere University, the hub of Africa’s research. In a special way he welcomed the High Commissioner of South Africa to Uganda, and thanked him for his tremendous support to ensure practical relationships between Makerere University and universities from South Africa.
Speaking about the MoU and its intents, the Vice Chancellor said that Makerere University has for long engaged in activities that are geared towards finding solutions to African problems. The intuitions has engaged in developing human resource capacity that has strongly supported the economic and industrial sector of Uganda and Africa at large. Makerere University is known for having the best tropical medicine school in the whole world where research on tropical medicine is done. According to Prof. Nawangwe, the institution is ranked as one of the best research led University in Africa due its prominent research activities on epidemics and other research areas.
“We have led research on HIV in the whole world, developed one of the best Infectious Disease Institute in the whole world, we have led research on Malaria and Ebola. We have made strong developments in agriculture and natural sciences and we have one of the best laboratories in veterinary medicine. We are strong in humanities and in geographical positions, we take the lead in supporting universities in troubled areas through our Centre on Peace and Conflict Management,” said Prof. Nawangwe.
The Vice Chancellor expressed gratitude on behalf of Makerere University for having honoured the late Winnie Madikizela-Mandela during her days.
“Africans, we should wake up and find solutions to our problems. Let us focus on the core production of knowledge and the ability to communicate and disseminate the knowledge. Another area of emphasis is the relevancy of the collaborations. We need to engage in areas that we believe are relevant to our society,” said the High Commissioner of South Africa to Uganda H.E. Prof. Major-General (rtd) Lekoa Solly Mollo.
He appreciated Makerere University’s move to award Ms. Winnie Madikizela-Mandela with an Honorary Doctorate of Laws of Makerere University in recognition of her outstanding contribution to the liberation struggle of South Africa and Africa at large.
During the meeting, the Senior Director at Nelson Mandela University Prof. Nico Jooste said that there is need to identify new areas such as forestry where both universities can join hands to deepen their relationship. The Director of Research and Graduate Training Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi also noted that universities should work together to improve research incomes to support research activities.
The President of the Nelson Mandela University Alumni Association Dr. Nuwagaba Geoffrey said that the Association is upholding the core values of the University and preserving the long lasting legacy of Nelson Mandela as a person through different activities that are carried out by alumni of the University around the world. Dr Milly Kwagala, an alumnus of Nelson Mandela University, who is currently the Dean of Faculty Business Administration and Management at Ndejje University appreciated Nelson Mandela University for brightening the future of an African child through academic support.
After the informative meeting, the delegates visited Makerere University Library and the College of Computing and information Sciences.
Nelson Mandela University (formerly Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, NMMU) is a South African university with its main administration in the coastal city of Port Elizabeth. The University was founded through a merger of three institutions in January 2005, but its history dates back to 1882, with the foundation of the Port Elizabeth Art School. Nelson Mandela University is a comprehensive university offering professional and vocational training. The University has seven campuses; six in Port Elizabeth and one in George. The main campus of the university is South Campus.
Article by Proscovia Nabatte, Mak Public Relations Office.
On the evening of Friday, 13th February 2026, the Scholars of Mastercard Foundation embraced the new semester with enthusiasm and celebration, showcasing their rich cultural diversity at the annual cultural dinner. This event not only fostered a sense of community but also highlighted the importance of cultural exchange and understanding among the scholars. The purpose of the cultural dinner is to foster unity in diversity within the Scholars community and to enable young people to appreciate and respect each otherās cultural differences.
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars community at Makerere University is a vibrant tapestry of countries, cultures, and backgrounds. In recognition of this richness, the Program team has proposed organising an annual cultural dinner to kick off each new semester. This event aims to achieve several important objectives:
- Promote mutual understanding and cross-cultural appreciation among Scholars.
- Celebrate and highlight the unique cultural identities within our community.
- Encourage confidence and creativity through a dynamic talent showcase.
- Foster a sense of unity and excitement as we embark on the new academic semester together.
During the event, the Scholars proudly showcased their diverse cultures through a vibrant display of traditional attire, engaging dances, delectable dishes, and meaningful expressions in their native languages. The event showcased a rich tapestry of cultures, including the Baganda from Central Uganda; the Banyankore, Bakiga, Batooro, and Banyoro from Western Uganda; the Acholi from the North; the Karamojong from the Northeast; and the Basoga and Bagisu from the Eastern region, among many other indigenous tribes in Uganda. Additionally, attendees enjoyed cultural performances from South Sudan, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo, celebrating the unique heritage of each community.
The event also featured a vibrant showcase of cultural attire, accompanied by traditional songs and dances. Attendees enjoyed cultural dress modelling, engaging performances, art displays, and interactive quizzes, culminating in exciting prizes awarded to outstanding performers. This diverse array of activities contributed to a rich celebration of creativity and cultural exchange.
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Makerere University is committed to fostering holistic development, community building, and leadership among Scholars. At the start of each semester, the Program Team hosts a cultural dinner to reconnect the Scholars community, share key Program updates, and create an inclusive space to strengthen belonging and engagement. The cultural dinner is a critical platform for raising awareness of the need to appreciate and respect cultural diversity.
Bernard Buteera is the Principal Communications Officer for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Makerere University.
More Photos from the Dinner
The degree of attentiveness was at its peak in the Yusuf Lule Central Teaching Facility (CTF) Auditorium as Ms. Janet Nabukeera addressed support staff during a Safeguarding and Inclusion training. Her words were firm, direct and reflective. Ms. Nabukeera, the Deputy Human Resource Officer in charge of Performance and Payroll, emphasized that a negative attitude in the workplace creates a toxic environment where colleagues feel hesitant to collaborate or share ideas.
āAvoid unnecessary confrontations with colleagues because jealousy and anger destroy more than they build. When you hold grudges at work, you slowly burden your own heart and mind. Stress can take a toll on your health and productivity. Safeguard yourself by choosing peace, love yourself first and extend that same grace and respect to others.ā Ms Nabukeera, cautioned.
The training attracted over 300 Support Staff Members, including Security Personnel, Cleaners, Hall Attendants, Administrative Assistants, Librarians, and Laboratory Support Teams from across the University.
In his remarks, Dr. Rodney Rugyema, the Acting Principal Warden, urged staff to have a positive attitude towards their jobs and encouraged them to ensure that students, fellow staff and visitorās feel safe, respected and protected.
āYou are the eyes and ears of the University, while you may not deliver lectures, you are often the first to notice when something is wrong. So you have to promote an environment free from bullying, discrimination, neglect and intimidation. You have to ensure secure hostels, well-lit walkways, functioning locks and safe laboratory environments,ā Dr Rugyema, said.
Makerere University has a duty of care to do no harm and promote the wellbeing of all students, staff, and other University community stakeholders. It seeks to enhance the learning environment to make it more secure, inclusive, and ethically sound for all stakeholders.
The Makerere University Safeguarding Policy lays out the Universityās framework for embedding viable safeguarding measures into its ethos and all institutional activities and processes to: Identify, detect, and swiftly act on safeguarding risks; prevent the occurrence of harm; provide mechanisms for reporting all allegations or incidents that have occurred; respond appropriately to all reported incidences; and, continuously monitor, evaluate and learn from practices and experiences of managing safeguarding concerns.
Ā āSafeguarding is not only for lecturers or University Management, it is everyoneās responsibility, If you have someone mistreating you, or you come across any risk, do not suffer in silence report through the MakSafeSpace,ā Dr Rugyema, said.
The MakSafeSpace is the e-reporting platform complimenting the other University traditional reporting channels. It is an inclusive platform that provides for confidential modes of reporting safeguarding risks and incidences.
As the session concluded, there was a renewed understanding among participants that safeguarding is a collective duty. From the security guard at the gate to the cleaner in the Hall of Residence, it was clear that every staff member contributes to creating a safe and respectful learning environment.
To involve and create opportunities for students and staff members with disabilities, Light for the World Uganda trained the support staff to become inclusion champions.
Mr. Musa Mwambu, the Disability Inclusion Advisor at Light for the World Uganda, called upon staff to remove barriers limiting the full participation of students and colleagues with disabilities, in line with the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.
āJust like any other person, people with disabilities have the right to education, health, and protection. Society has the duty to remove barriers that block participation. When barriers are removed, disability no longer limits opportunity,ā Mr. Mwambu noted.
Drawing from his own lived experience as a person with a disability, he shared how access to the right support systems enables him to communicate effectively and perform daily tasks.
āIt is about putting the right conditions in place to participate fully in society. We need multi-stakeholder collaboration to remove barriers and achieve an inclusive society,ā he said.
Justine Namuddu, the Support Staff representative on the Makerere University Council, thanked the organizers for the insightful workshop. She reminded fellow staff that Makerere University is a home for everyone and urged them to take care of it.
āFellow members, as you carry out your duties, ensure that you observe both emotional and intellectual safety. Before sharing information, first verify whether it is true. Safety is being at peace with yourself and with others,ā Namuddu emphasized.
She also encouraged younger staff members to take advantage of educational opportunities provided by the University, noting that those who wish to continue with their studies may apply for tuition waivers.
The training concluded with reminders on professionalism and accountability. Staff were encouraged to consistently use the Biometric Attendance Management System to capture attendance accurately. With biometric clock-in devices installed at reception areas across the Main and Satellite campuses, the Directorate of Human Resources can monitor attendance in real time, while staff can keep track of hours worked.
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