General
Hon. Tumwebaze, Dr. Muvawala To Champion MakLIB E-resources Fundraising Initiative
The World Library Day Celebrations held on Friday, 13th July 2018 in the University Library concluded on a high as the Minister of ICT and National Guidance-Hon. Frank Tumwebaze and Executive Director, National Planning Authority (NPA)-Dr. Joseph Muvawala both graciously accepted the request to champion efforts to raise funds to support procurement of e-resources and related library activities at Makerere University. The request had earlier been presented by the University Librarian-Dr. Hellen Byamugisha and reiterated by the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe.
“I wish to thank you for the invitation to champion this fundraising initiative and to this I say, let us establish a partnership with the Ministry of ICT immediately. We are supporting AIMS (Academic Information Management System) so under the same framework we can support the TISC (Technology and Innovation Support Centre). I request the Vice Chancellor to get in touch with my Permanent Secretary so that we can work this out” remarked Hon. Tumwebaze in response.
Earlier, Hon. Tumwebaze had launched the TISC, housed on the Main University Library’s Second Floor. TISC is an initiative of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO); the Uganda Registration Services Bureau (URSB) being the National focal point, tasked with identifying potential host institutions. The TISC will the promote the quality of research and innovation of staff and students at Makerere University by providing access to patent information, scientific journals and training on Intellectual Property (IP) laws and patents.
“I thank you for moving the University Library from its orthodox state and making it relevant in the digital space. Digitization will enable you to store information for posterity. The only competition Makerere University has in this country is its own record. For you to compete with this record you must be innovative, and the TISC is one such innovation by Makerere. I therefore urge you all to accept this new idea and support it” said Hon. Tumwebaze.
The Minister further commended Prof. Nawangwe for championing the use of ICT and promoting Makerere University’s brand by being active on the social media platform Twitter. “Content is what rules the digital space as well as the virtual space. If you have no content, people will not follow you. The great Makerere should always remain great. I therefore urge you to continue publishing quality content so that we can defeat instances of fake news and alternative facts” he added.
Delivering the keynote address at the celebrations Dr. Muvawala started off by commending his alma mater Makerere University for moving library services in the right direction through digitization and embracing E-resources. He noted that the maximization of the power of information results into effective service delivery. “Information is not just a necessity but also a serious condition for efficiently running public policy and life” he explained.
He nevertheless urged the University Library to align its services to the planning perspective by embracing a global mindset that reduces the distance between its resources and users by delivering services in real-time. He further challenged the University Library actors not to sit back and be content with their achievements but rather actively participate in public dialogues that shape the policies that affect them.
“I thank you for inviting me to deliver the keynote. Now that I am informed about your activities, I can say that you are selecting the right champion. A vision isn’t a vision if it is not shared. The Uganda 2040 envisions a knowledge-based society where our planning and growth is based on knowledge and research. Our vision underpins the need for accurate, reliable information and the Makerere University Library as the National repository ought to play a visible role.
“As we celebrate this world library day and the advantages of remodeled libraries in informed societies, the role played by the oldest library in Uganda is unequalled. This is what makes Makerere truly Makerere. The only way to compete with Makerere is by doing what you do better, and as a Convocation we have to promote this university every day of our lives” enthused Dr. Muvawala.
In his remarks, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe thanked Hon. Tumwebaze and Dr. Muvawala for honouring invitations to their alma mater. He reiterated the key support role played by the University Library; being at the heart of all teaching, learning, research and innovation services at Makerere University.
“I had never fully comprehended the importance of the Makerere University Library until I heard from a Professor while I was visiting the University of Michigan in May this year that we had the best library in Africa! He however warned that all the precious collections we had risked being lost due to the wear and tear unless we digitized them” remarked Prof. Nawangwe.
He therefore commended the University Library for digitizing the institutional archives and requested the Guest of Honour and Keynote Speaker to continue marketing the University Library. “Makerere is not just a National repository but the best information asset in Africa. I therefore thank the Honourable Minister for launching the Technology and Innovation Support Centre” added Prof. Nawangwe, noting that this would go a long way addressing Africa’s lagging number of patents filed.
Addressing her guests, the University Librarian-Dr. Helen Byamugisha shared that the day’s theme “Remodeled Library Services: Informed Societies” was in line with the governing body of libraries – International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA)’s annual theme “Transform Libraries, Transform Societies: Reaching out to the hard to reach."
She added that the Library day was an opportunity to celebrate achievements and experiences by showcasing various sections of the Library through exhibitions to the library users, the general public and policy makers. The Librarian acknowledged that the library had evolved from the initial 1949 40-seater facility to today’s 3,800-seater with a host of digital and specialized amenities.
“Digital technology has revolutionised how our users seek and access information. Makerere no longer restricts itself to print publications. We now have a hybrid of both print and digital technology. Every member of staff has a personal computer and on the ground floor we have a computer for people with special needs to access library services, and a facility for nursing mothers on the fourth floor” remarked the University Librarian.
She paid tribute to her predecessors such as Prof. Maria Musoke and the late Mr. James Mugasha for the firm foundation laid and reported that as a result, the Library Staff establishment now includes three Associate Professors and several PhD holders with a few more in the pipeline. She nevertheless pointed out the heavy dependence on donor funds from development partners such as Sida, the Carnegie Corporation and others to fund procurement of e-resources, subscriptions and procurement of ICTs as a major challenge.
“I therefore call upon Hon. Tumwebaze and Dr. Muvawala to be our champions in this cause of raising funds to support library services. I also request you to include Libraries such as Makerere’s in the National Development Plan” concluded Dr. Byamugisha.
The day’s proceedings were ably moderated by Assoc. Prof. Sylvia Nannyonga Tamusuza who spoke glowingly of the warm relationship between the Main Libarary and the Department of Performing Arts and Film (PAF). “We thank the University Library for hosting the Digital Music Archive, which has the earliest recording of Ugandan music from 1901. The Archive relies on repatriation services from the British Music Archive, Australian Music Archive, the United States and I am happy to say that a number of Ugandan artistes are also depositing their works” she remarked.
The World Library Day 2018 celebrations organising committee was led by the Head Africana Section, Ms. Rhoda Nalubega, who pointed out the key role played by Librarians in the information cycle. “The most important part of Information and Communications Technology (ICT) is Information. We therefore warmly welcome the Guest of Honour and Minister of ICT and National Guidance to this celebration, where you will address the people who bear the largest responsibility in the information cycle” she remarked.
Article by Public Relations Office
Makerere University, through the College of Business and Management Sciences (CoBAMS) and the Economic Policy Research Centre (EPRC), has signed an open Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE). This MoU is one of several initiatives aimed at strengthening the university’s global collaborations and research partnerships.
In his remarks, Vice Chancellor Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe highlighted Makerere’s recent centenary celebrations as a testament to its long and influential history in Africa. He reaffirmed the university’s commitment to serious, research-driven collaboration, noting Makerere’s aspiration to become a leading student-centered research university that develops solutions to regional challenges.
Prof. Nawangwe emphasized that Makerere’s research addresses critical issues such as widespread poverty, high youth unemployment, the devastating effects of climate change on agriculture, rapid population growth, and political interference in production. These challenges, he explained, call for climate-resilient agriculture, stronger health systems to address emerging diseases, and more inclusive governance. He further observed that Africa’s ambitious goal of producing one million PhDs in the next decade remains constrained by inadequate supervision capacity across the continent, stressing that collaborations like this MoU are key to bridging that gap.
EPRC Executive Director, Dr. Sarah Sewanyana, described the signing as particularly significant for EPRC and its Board of Directors as they embark on a new five-year strategic plan (2025/26–2029/30). She explained that the plan strongly emphasizes strategic collaborations, with this partnership serving as a prime example of leveraging collective strengths to deepen impact. She underscored EPRC’s role in advancing evidence-based policymaking for national development, aligning with Uganda’s National Development Plan IV.
Prof. James Wokadala, Acting Principal of CoBAMS, emphasized that the collaboration seeks to preserve and expand vital human knowledge while strengthening partnerships between academic institutions and global research networks. He noted that these networks are instrumental in advising legal and policy professionals, as well as aligning research agendas with both national and corporate priorities. He expressed pride in the extensive efforts of the School of Economics that have expanded these activities in recent years. He pointed to significant accomplishments that have been achieved in collaboration with IGC, including hosting a 2025 high-level international conference on mobile money payment systems, which positioned Makerere University as a thought leader on critical African economic issues. He also celebrated the successful bid by the School of Economics to host the ‘Africa Meeting of the Econometric Society’ in 2027, further demonstrating its contribution to impactful scholarship and policy influence.
The Acting Principal further emphasized that the new partnership with LSE will build on these achievements, offering immense benefits such as expanding capacity-building opportunities for faculty and students, especially in research and Public Infrastructure Management (PIM). The collaboration will also provide platforms for knowledge dissemination and policy dialogue, while addressing pressing socio-economic and health challenges. Ultimately, he said, formalisation of the partnership amplifies CoBAMS’ commitment to excellence in teaching, research, and innovation.
Speaking on behalf of LSE’s International Growth Centre (IGC), Executive Director Dr. Jonathan Leape expressed delight at formalizing the long-standing collaboration with Makerere and EPRC. He highlighted current joint projects, including research on the impact of the 2020 gender-based vaccine program on women’s skills and learning, studies on reforms in STEM education, and investigations into barriers limiting business growth for entrepreneurs. He stressed that the core mission is to bring researchers and policymakers together to address pressing policy challenges with robust, reliable evidence and innovative solutions.
The event, held on 27th August 2025, was attended by several dignitaries including Dr. Richard Newfarmer, Country Director for Uganda and Rwanda (IGC); Dr. Nhial Kuch, Senior Country Economist (IGC); and Mary Teddy Nakyejwe, IGC Programme Officer. Also present were the Director of Research, Dr. Ibrahim Kasirye and other members of EPRC leadership.
Makerere University has hosted a delegation from the Ghent University Association, led by Prof. Mieke Van Herreweghe, Vice Rector of Ghent University. The delegation included representatives from Howest University and Hogent University of Applied Sciences.
Vice Chancellor Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe welcomed the team and highlighted Makerere University’s commitment to addressing the pressing challenges in the region. These include climate change, which continues to hinder investment, and Uganda’s rapidly growing population that has surged from 5 million in the late 1940s to nearly 50 million currently, creating socio-economic challenges such as high youth unemployment.
He emphasized that Makerere’s research agenda focuses on understanding the fast-growing population, tackling health challenges, advancing governance and human rights, and fostering peace through initiatives such as the Rotary Peace Center—the only one of its kind on the African continent. Research at Makerere also seeks to provide solutions to youth unemployment in one of the world’s youngest nations.
The Vice Chancellor further noted that Makerere University teaches and conducts research across a wide spectrum of disciplines, organized into colleges including Agriculture, Business and Management, Computing, Education and External Studies, Engineering and Technology, Health Sciences, Humanities and Social Sciences, Natural Sciences, and Veterinary Medicine. The university also hosts over 60 specialized research centers, among them Centers of Excellence such as the Regional Centre for Crop Improvement, which works to enhance food security, manage pests and diseases, and improve agricultural productivity. Another key institution is the Infectious Diseases Institute, which leads research on HIV/AIDS. With these initiatives, he added, Makerere continues to expand its research footprint while strengthening global partnerships.
Prof. Van Herreweghe provided an overview of Ghent University, founded in 1817 and ranked among the top 100 universities globally for decades. With its motto “Dare to think,” Ghent University has built a strong international reputation. It also holds the distinction of being the only Belgian, and currently the only European, university with a campus in South Korea. Established in 2014, the campus offers bachelor’s programs in applied biotechnology.
She highlighted Ghent’s joint PhD programs, which are structured as sandwich programs to support African universities. Under this arrangement, PhD candidates spend two years funded at Ghent University and another two years at their home university (such as Makerere), with joint supervision from both institutions. These programs, she noted, are a strategic way of fostering international collaboration.
During the visit, Ghent University signed a Student Exchange Agreement with Makerere University to complement the existing Memorandum of Understanding. The agreement will pave the way for more joint initiatives and strengthen collaboration in the years ahead.
The delegation also included Mr. Lieven Theys, International Coordinator for Business Management at Howest University, who explained that Howest clusters its programs into three key domains: Design and Technology, Human Well-being and Health, and Business and Organization. Dr. Robin Stevens represented Hogent University of Applied Sciences, which runs programs across nine schools including Business and Management, Computer Sciences, Biosciences, Industrial Technology, Teacher Training, and Healthcare.
The visit, held on 27th August 2025, was attended by Makerere University officials and members of various colleges, among them Prof. Winston Tumps Ireeta, the Acting Deputy Vice Chancellor (Finance and Administration) and Principal of the College of Natural Sciences (CoNAS), Prof. Tonny Oyana-Principal College of Computing and Information Sciences (CoCIS), Prof. Moses Musinguzi-Principal College of Engineering, Design, Art and Technology (CEDAT), Prof. Julius Kikooma-Director Graduate Training, Assoc. Prof. Yazidhi Bamutaze-Deputy Principal College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES), Assoc. Prof. James Wokadala-Deputy Principal College of Business and Management Sciences (CoBAMS), Assoc. Prof. Richard Idro-Deputy Principal College of Health Sciences, and Dr. Cathy Mbidde, Manager of the Makerere University Innovation Pod (Mak UniPod).
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