General
Mak Signs Collaboration Agreement with Guangdong University of Foreign Studies
Makerere University on Thursday, 17th May 2018 signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Guangdong University of Foreign Studies (GDUFS) to promote cultural, educational exchange, collaboration and technical interchange between the two Universities. The MoU was signed on behalf of Mak by the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe and on GDUFS’ behalf by the President, Prof. Sui Guangjun. GDUFS is a public university and the only higher education institution in the Peoples Republic of China providing all-English programs in International Business, Chinese Business Culture and an all-English MBA program.
Speaking on behalf of the University Council, the Chairperson Eng. Dr. Charles Wana-Etyem who on 23rd April 2018, accompanied by the Chairperson Appointments Board Mr. Bruce Kabaasa visited GDUFS welcomed Prof. Sui as well as the Dongsong Energy Group CEO, Ms. Chen Wei and their respective delegations to Makerere University.
“Guangdong University of Foreign Studies has already made provisions for some of the things we are trying to start in Makerere University. While visiting Guangdong, we stayed at a hostel built by the University under Public-Private Partnership (PPP) and managed by the private sector,” remarked the Chairperson.
“Universities are incubation centres for knowledge. When you devote all your energies to foreign studies, you can be sure that the foreign policy of the Peoples Republic of China is underpinned by staff doing academic work at the Guangdong University of Foreign Studies,” continued Eng. Dr. Wana-Etyem in address to Prof. Sui.
The Chairperson further remarked that the presence of all-English programs at GDUFS indicates that there will be no barrier for Mak staff and students who will take part in exchange activities under the MoU. Additionally, he appreciated the role played by the Dongsong Energy Group in fostering collaboration between Mak and GDUFS.
“I hope that soon after signing this MoU with Guangdong, we shall expedite the process of renewing the MoU between Makerere and Dongsong Energy Group, so that our students can undertake their internship at your factory and when the fertiliser production commences, more students will be at the forefront of training our farmers on how to use them. I once again thank the President and CEO for coming to Makerere University. You have my assurance that the University Council will support activities under this MoU one hundred percent,” concluded the Chairperson.
In his remarks, the Acting Commissioner for Higher Education, Mr. Mukwatampola Muzamir who represented the State Minister for Higher Education, Hon. Dr. John Chrysostom Muyingo, on behalf of the Ministry of Education and Sports (MoES) thanked the Chinese Government for the continued support to the Government of Uganda, especially the education sector.
“The Ministry of Education and Sports has enjoyed a lot of support in the form of scholarships to Ugandan students every year, for which we are grateful. I therefore thank you for accepting to partner with Makerere University in an MoU that will facilitate staff and student exchanges and further strengthen collaboration between the Peoples Republic of China and Uganda,” remarked Mr. Mukwatampola.
Mr. Mukwatampola thanked the Mak and GDUFS leadership for their hard work that culminated into the MoU signing and hoped that the parties would each fulfill their respective obligations under the agreement. He reassured the audience of the Government’s support and prayed that only the most deserving staff and students would benefit from the opportunities presented by the MoU.
In his remarks, the Vice Chancellor Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe thanked Prof. Sui Guangjun, Ms. Chen Wei and their respective delegations for visiting Makerere University to personally take part in and witness the MoU signing.
“We are delighted to have these high powered delegations from Guangdong University of Foreign Studies and the Dongsong Energy Group as well as our own Chairperson of Council, Chairperson of Appointments Board, representative of the State Minister of Higher Education join the University Management to witness the signing of this MoU,” said the Vice Chancellor.
Prof. Nawangwe shared that Makerere University seeks to internationalise more intensely and the MoU signing ceremony with GDUFS presented the perfect opportunity to enhance this aspiration. He thanked the Dongsong Energy Group CEO Ms. Chen Wei for the role played in initiating the contact with Chinese universities four years ago and equally expressed Mak’s readiness to sign an MoU with her company.
“I thank you for hosting the Chairperson Council and his delegation during his recent visit to Guangdong and I know that this agreement we are signing today will pave the way for expanding collaborations between our two institutions even further,” said Prof. Nawangwe to Prof. Sui.
In his acceptance speech, Prof. Sui Guangjun thanked the Vice Chancellor and University leadership for the warm welcome, noting that it made him feel right at home. He shared that his University is located in Guangzhou, capital of Guangdong; one of China’s most advanced and developed provinces, and home to a thirty thousand-strong African Diaspora population.
“Similar to Makerere University, internationalisation is a major objective and we have collaborations with 355 universities in the world. Twenty five percent of our students have the opportunity to go abroad during their study and we offer double degrees in collaboration with our partners,” remarked Prof. Sui.
Prof. Sui who was fresh from attending the 2018 Joint Conference of Confucius Institutes in Africa held in Mozambique on 14th May shared that an extra 1,000 scholarships had been announced for African students, which pointed to the progress of friendship between China and Africa.
“Guangdong University of Foreign Studies is home to the only Research Institute in African Studies in Southern China. This is therefore the perfect opportunity to look forward to collaborations between our two universities and our Dean of the Institute for International Education, Mr. Liang Xuehong is here to promote student exchange,” remarked Prof. Sui.
In her remarks, Ms. Chen Wei thanked the Vice Chancellor and Chairperson Council for the warm welcome upon her first visit to Uganda. She expressed happiness at facilitating collaborations between the two institutions, noting that the Government of Uganda and delegation led by Eng. Dr. Wana-Etyem and Mr. Bruce Kabaasa had put in a lot of effort to make the MoU signing come to fruition. Ms. Wei acknowledged that her company would be a beneficiary of the MoU. “We can recruit some of the graduates trained as a result of this partnership,” she added.
The MoU signing ceremony was also witnessed by University Secretary-Mr. Charles Barugahare, Academic Registrar-Mr. Alfred Namoah Masikye, Director Human Resources-Mr. Andrew Abunyang, Director Internal Audit-Mr. Walter Yorac Nono, Director Legal Affairs-Mr. Henry Mwebe, Director Research and Graduate Training-Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi, Acting Director Gender Mainstreaming-Dr. Euzobia Baine Mugisha, Deputy University Secretary-Mr. Yusuf Kiranda, Principal, College of Humanities and Social Sciences- Prof. Edward k. Kirumira, Deputy Principal, College of Natural Sciences-Prof. Fredrick Muyodi, Dean School of Women and Gender Studies-Dr. Sarah Ssali, PA to the Vice Chancellor-Mr. Gordon Murangira, Senior Public Relations Officer-Ms. Ritah Namisango as well as members of staff of Makerere University and GDUFS.
Article by Public Relations Office
As the new academic year begins, our dedicated staff and student Safeguarding Champions are stepping up to ensure that all freshers feel welcomed, safe, and supported. These committed individuals are here to guide New University Students through their university journey, offering resources, advice, and a listening ear. Together, we’re creating a vibrant and secure campus community where everyone can thrive!
Safeguarding Measures at Makerere University
“At Makerere University, we prioritise the safety and well-being of our students, staff, and the surrounding community. Our safeguarding measures include a range of policies and practices designed to prevent harm and create a secure environment. We are committed to fostering a supportive atmosphere where everyone feels safe and valued,” remarked Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi, the Deputy Vice Chancellor of Academic Affairs.
Safeguarding is about protecting people’s health, well-being and human rights, enabling them to live free from harm, abuse and neglect. Specific to Makerere University, it is the measures put in place to promote the safety and well-being of all Students, Staff and other stakeholders.
As part of the University Initiative to Improve the Safety and Wellbeing of Students and Staff, 25 Staff and 68 Student Safeguarding Champions attended an intensive refresher training on Safeguarding at Makerere University. They received information materials and planned their engagements during the University Orientation, which took place from 4th to 8th August 2025.
Orientation week is always a lively blend of excitement and nervousness for the new students. Thousands of fresh students arrive from all corners of Uganda and beyond, carrying dreams and sometimes unspoken worries.
During the 2025 Freshers’ Orientation, an Information Tent was set up at the Senate Building to assist new students, parents, and guardians with various types of information and guidance. The well-trained Student Champions, representing the 9 Colleges and 3 Schools at both the main campus and the Jinja Campus, wore white “Safeguarding Champion” T-shirts. They actively helped welcome the new students and familiarise them with the university environment.
A key emphasis was on increasing awareness of Safety and Well-being at Makerere University. In each college, the Student Safeguarding Champions were supported and guided by the Staff Safeguarding Champions. Others moved between groups of freshers, providing peer-to-peer guidance and distributing brochures with simple messages: ‘Your safety matters.’
Speaking during Orientation, Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi, the Ag. Deputy Vice Chancellor, Academic Affairs and University Academic Registrar, emphasised that the University was committed to the Safety and well-being of all University Students and Staff.
“When students know their rights and have the support systems in place, they are better positioned to thrive academically and socially. This is the kind of environment that nurtures both learning and personal growth,” Prof. Buyinza noted.
In her speech, Dr. Winfred Kabumbuli, the Dean of Students, pointed out that the Safeguarding policy included provisions for Students, Staff, and other Stakeholders, as well as the accredited Hostels and their owners.
Talking about the Champions, she mentioned that “These young leaders have taken it upon themselves to be the first line of support for their peers. Their presence is a reminder that at Makerere University, safety, respect, and inclusivity are everyone’s responsibility.”
As the semester begins, the Safeguarding Champions will continue their work by organising peer-support circles, awareness drives, and training sessions in various colleges. The University Management is urging all students and staff to have a personal responsibility of ensuring a safe, respectful and inclusive environment for all.
When discussing with the Champions, she highlighted, “These young leaders have made it their mission to be the first line of support for their peers. Their presence serves as a reminder that at Makerere University, safety, respect, and inclusivity are the responsibility of everyone.”
Addressing the student champions, Prof. Justine Namaalwa Jjumba, a member of the Safeguarding Implementation Team, urged them to lead by example in their behaviour, willingness to support other Students to identify any safeguarding risks, prevent any form of harm or abuse, report in case of any incident and support during case management.
“Let us be champions of inclusive language. We do not refer to them as ‘blind people’; we say ‘visually impaired.’ As champions, you need to be keen on identifying risks and possible causes of safeguarding concerns, report promptly, and support each other,” Prof. Namaalwa said.
The Safeguarding Liaison Officer, Ms. Diane Nabikolo Osiru, who supports monitoring the implementation and review of the Makerere University Safeguarding policy as well as coordinating activities of awareness creation and enhancement among students, staff, and partners, was at the forefront of championing awareness creation during orientation week.
Student Safeguarding Champions speak out
Mary Agnes Atim, a third-year Fine Art student, described orientation week as a valuable experience that provided a well-rounded introduction to university life for her peers.
“I have really enjoyed the orientation. As an advocate, I appreciated the opportunity to talk to fellow students about the safeguarding initiative. I’m confident that by now they know the ‘dark spots’ and will be better protected from fraudsters,” Atim said.
Edinah Kamurasi, a second-year Bachelor of Arts in Economics student, expressed gratitude for the in-depth two-day training, admitting that she had not been fully aware of the University’s safeguarding policy before.
“I am really grateful for the in-depth training we had as champions. Before this, I wasn’t even sure about the safeguarding policy, but now I can confidently explain it to others and interact with students every day, explaining the same thing. I also learnt a lot,” Kamurasi said.
Jenkins Okidi, a third-year Bachelor of Animal Production student, shared that many of the students he interacted with were enthusiastic about the MakSafeSpace, the University’s confidential e-reporting platform.
“Most freshers were excited to learn they have a safe, private way to report any concerns,” Okidi, said.
Sharifah Nalubembe, a second-year Library and Information Science student, noted that during the orientation week, she was able to guide fellow students to the appropriate offices for support.
“It felt very satisfying to help and ensure that no one ended up in the wrong hands,” Nalubembe said.
Fahad Kiyimba, a second-year Software Engineering student, described the training as highly informative in promoting the safety and wellness of students across campus.
“After the training we received as champions, I gained valuable knowledge and skills. It gave me the confidence to engage first-year students about our comprehensive safeguarding policy, and that is exactly what I did during orientation week,” Kiyimba said.
Ms. Carol Kasujja Adii is the Senior Communication Officer in charge of Safeguarding and Crisis communication at Makerere University.
General
Makerere University Strengthens Academic Leadership Through Capacity Building for Heads of Department
In a strategic move to enhance academic leadership and institutional efficiency, Makerere University conducted a comprehensive capacity-building and retooling workshop for all Heads of Department (HoDs) on August 5, 2025. The workshop, held at the Senate Conference Hall, brought together HoDs from various academic units to deepen their understanding of university academic policies, graduate training guidelines, and intellectual property management.
The training was organized under the office of the Deputy Vice Chancellor, Academic Affairs. The session aimed at aligning departmental leadership with the University’s strategic goals, policies, and operational frameworks, particularly in relation to graduate education and research governance.
Opening the workshop, Prof. Buyinza Bukadasi, Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic Affairs), underscored the importance of strong departmental leadership in driving the University’s vision:
“The Head of Department is not merely an administrator; they are the academic engine of their unit. By equipping our HoDs with up-to-date policy knowledge, research management skills, and leadership tools, we are investing in the core structures that sustain academic excellence and innovation at Makerere.”
Emphasis on Graduate Policy and Structured PhD Training
Dr. Julius Kikooma, Director of the Directorate of Graduate Training (DGT), led an engaging presentation on the Makerere University Graduate Policies, Guidelines, and Procedures. His session unpacked critical updates in the revised 2024 Graduate Handbook, including:
- Removal of provisional admission for PhD by Research.
- A structured PhD framework requiring a minimum of three years and 40 credit units.
- Strengthened supervision standards and doctoral mentorship structures.
- Cohort-based admissions to improve program coherence and tracking.
- Integration of cross-cutting courses such as Scholarly Writing, Advanced Research Methods, and Teaching Assistantship into PhD training.
The new framework, supported by the Research Information Management System (RIMS), enhances monitoring of student progress and ensures timely completion of graduate programs. Dr. Kikooma emphasized the importance of departmental roles in guiding and supporting students, noting that departments serve as the primary disciplinary homes for graduate students and are key in fostering research cultures.
Understanding and Applying Intellectual Property Policies
The session also featured a detailed presentation on the Makerere University Intellectual Property Management Policy (2008, as amended), delivered by Counsel Esther Kabinga, Ag. Manager of the Intellectual Property Management Office (IPMO). Participants were guided through the obligations and rights related to IP created by staff, students, and visitors.
The presentation highlighted:
- Ownership structures for IP generated at the University.
- Procedures for disclosing, protecting, and commercializing IP.
- Roles of departments in supporting creators and liaising with IPMO.
- Revenue-sharing mechanisms and the inclusion of IP outputs in staff promotion criteria.
Counsel Kabinga encouraged HoDs to promote awareness of IP rights and responsibilities within their units, especially given the increasing volume of research outputs and innovations emerging from the University.
Strategic Alignment with the University’s Research Agenda
The workshop is part of broader efforts to implement the Makerere University Research Agenda 2025/26 – 2029/30, which prioritizes talent development, research visibility, and knowledge transfer. According to Dr. Robert Wamala, Director of the Directorate of Research, Innovation and Partnerships (DRIP), strengthening administrative and academic capacity at departmental level is critical for sustaining Makerere’s status as a leading research institution.
The Research Agenda also supports the operationalization of structures like the IP Management Committee and GAMSU (Grants Administration and Support Unit), both of which are instrumental in streamlining research support services.
The training reaffirmed Makerere University‘s commitment to continuous professional development and the strategic empowerment of academic leaders. With a renewed understanding of policies and tools, Heads of Department are now better equipped to foster academic excellence, supervise graduate research, and steward innovation at the departmental level.
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