On 6^th July 2018, Seventeen (17) delegates from the Institute of Security Studies Abuja, Nigeria visited Makerere University. The historical visit aimed at benchmarking the best practices of Makerere University as one of the premier and oldest Universities in Africa. The visit in line with deepening Uganda and Nigeria relations also focused on introducing the delegates to Makerere University’s research and innovation masterpieces in order to have  a deeper understanding of the University as one of the leading institutions of higher learning.

In a Meeting with the Vice Chancellor of Makerere University Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, the team also discussed further collaborations between Makerere University and Institute of Security Studies that will culminate in the  signing of a Memorandum of Understanding. 

Prof. Nawangwe welcomed the delegates to Makerere University, a renowned hub of research and innovations. In a special way, he thanked the delegates for choosing to benchmark Makerere University during their visit.

“We are happy that you recognise the great work Makerere University is doing in nurturing, grooming and mentoring leaders. Choosing Makerere University as your benchmarking institution was the best decision ever. We welcome you to Makerere University and we shall be happy to positively influence your research prospects. Makerere University believes in partnerships and networks. We are therefore looking forward to collaborating with the Institute of Security Studies and many other universities in Nigeria,” he said.

The Head of Delegation, Mrs. Angela Oleseni appreciated the warm welcome the team received at Makerere University and thanked the Principals and other Makerere University Staff for leading the Delegates during their tour. She highly commended the great work Makerere University is doing in producing the best human resource capital as well as being the helm of research on the Africa continent.

“Our students who have studied here, have testified the standard and quality of this institution. We are happy that you have nurtured some of the Nigerian students and we humbly request that this kind of relationship continues,” she said. 

During the historical visit, delegates toured Makerere University Agricultural Research Centre, Kabanyolo. Led by the Principal of the College of Agricultural  and Environmental Sciences, Prof. Bernard Bashaasha, the team was able to interact with Prof. Phinehas Tukamuhabwa, a plant breeder and the brain behind the breeding and development of new soybean variety that is resistant to soybean rust disease, harsh conditions, lodging and pod shuttering. The team also toured the Diary and the Coffee value chains. 

At Makerere University Skilling and Incubation Centre- Nakyesasa which is under the College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Bio-security, the delegates were welcomed by the Principal Prof. David Kabasa. They visited the feeds farm and the feed processing area; the leather and the dairy processing industries. Prof. David Kabasa who is also the Principal Investigator of AFRISA, introduced the delegates to the Household Economic Transformation Initiative (HETI); a mobile training unit that is ready to take Makerere University to the community.

“This mobile training unit helps the institution to provide the missing link between traditional and Morden ways of attaining skills. With HETI, the university is able to interact with the community in a formal setting with trainers and organised classes where knowledge is perforated to community members,” he said.  

From Makerere University Skilling and Incubation Centre- Nakyesasa, delegates also visited the College of Natural Sciences. They were recievedd by the Principal of the College represented by the Deputy Principal, Prof. Fredrick Muyodi and  introduced the delegates to the  College. 

In a presentation, the Director Quality Assurance Dr. Vincent Ssembatya highlighted the Makerere University strategic goals and research agenda. His presentation was backed by a brief on Makerere University objectivies  by the Deputy Registrar (Undergraduate Admissions and Records Division) Mr. Charles Ssentongo and the Principal of College of Business and Management Sciences Dr. Eria Hisali.

The Institute of Security Studies was established in 2004 and registered under the Companies and Allied Matters Act, as an independent, non-governmental, non-for-profit professional organization. Its main objective is to provide a forum for security and safety practitioners in both the private and public sectors to exchange ideas and share experience in the art and science of security. Since its establishment, it has developed considerable both in size and stature and achieves an influential status in security education. The institute was established to undertake research, teaching & professional training in the study of public disorder, crime control and prevention, security and risk, crises and disaster.

Article by Mak Public Relations Office.