General
Rector of University of Agder visits Makerere ahead of DELC 2018 International Conference
On 5th July 2018, the Rector of University of Agder, Norway Prof. Frank Reichert visited Makerere University ahead of the 1st International Conference on Open, Distance and eLearning (DELC 2018 International conference). Accompanied by delegates from University of Agder, the Principal of College of Education and External Studies Prof. Fred Masagazi Masaazi and the Deputy Principal of College of Education and External Studies Dr. Paul Birevu Muyinda, Prof. Frank Reichert paid a courtesy call to the Vice Chancellor of Makerere University Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe.
DELC 2018 International Conference is one of the activities of Distance Education Leapfrogging Project (DELP). The Conference is organised by University of Agder, Norway and Makerere University College of Educational Studies. It will take place on 9th-10th July 2018 under a theme: “Emerging Open Distance and eLearning (ODeL) Technologies to promote inclusive, Quality and Equitable Education”.
During an interactive meeting with the Vice Chancellor, the Rector acknowledged Makerere University’s zeal to increase access to flexible quality education among communities in Uganda. He recognised the strong partnership between Makerere University and University of Agder that has enabled the two institutions to build capacity on Open Distance and eLearning and widen people’s knowledge on usage of ICT tools for learning purposes.
“I appreciate the efforts of Makerere University to accept the open education model and lifelong learning. This is the area where higher institutions of learning should heavily focus on, especially at this point when the education system is moving towards student centred pedagogies,” he said.
The Vice Chancellor of Makerere University Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe was happy to receive the delegates in his office. In a special way, he welcomed the Rector of University of Agder, Norway Prof. Frank Reichert, to Makerere University the Hub of research and innovations.
He highly commended the positive results of the Distance Education Leapfrogging project (DELP) saying that, the Project has enabled Makerere University to meet its educational goals and impact for change. “The reason why Makerere University is existing is the service it is rendering to the community. We teach, impact and change communities and ODeL as enabled us do so. Through Open Distance and eLearning, we have been able to reach out to a number of people.” he said.
Prof. Nawangwe thanked the Royal Kingdom of Norway for its continued support to Makerere University specifically in areas of education and skills development. In the same spirit, he appreciated Norwegian Agency for Development Cooperation (NORAD) through the Norwegian Programme for Capacity Development in Higher Education and Research for Development (NORHED) for strengthening education programmes in Norway and Uganda.
Prior to the DELC 2018 International Conference, the team from University of Agder and some members from the College of Education and External Studies under the Distance Education leapfrogging project (DELP) are expected to give a public lecture at Makerere University Lira Centre. According to the Project Coordinator who is also the Deputy Principal of College of Education and External Studies Dr. Paul Birevu Muyinda, this is the first Public lecture that will engage Makerere University with the community outside the University premises.
“We are distance education providers. Therefore our activities are supposed to be outside the walls of the institution. We connect and engage with people in their respective communities. That is why this public lecture will be organised at one of Makerere University Centres in Lira. ,” he said.
Makerere University and the University of Agder- Norway is implementing the Distance Education leapfrogging project (DELP). The Project is funded by NORAD through the Norwegian Programme for Capacity Development in Higher education and Research for Development (NORHED).
Initiated in 2013, DELP is a five years project aiming at increasing access to flexible quality education at Makerere University by increasing capacity to integrate ICTs into pedagogical processes through leapfrogging the current 1st generation distance education provision into 4th and 5th generation distance education provisions.
Some of the achievements under DELP so far include:
- Development of the first ever online/blended learning undergraduate and master’s programmes, namely: the Bachelor of Youth Development Work (BYDW) and Masters in Instructional Design and Technology (MIDT) programmes respectively. All online materials for use in these programmes have been developed and ‘onlinised’.
- DELP is supporting three (3) staff from the School of Distance and Lifelong Learning to pursue PhD studies at University of Agder and University of Nairobi DELP has supported several staff to present research papers at international conferences and publish in referred journals.
- DELP has procured all the necessary ICTs needed in enabling production of and access to resources for online distance education. These include, among others: 2 servers, 98 desktop computers, 4 laptops, 4 LCD projectors, 2 iPads, 1 mobile phones, 7 Internet modems, 4 interactive smart boards, 2 video cameras, 1 document camera, 1 heavy duty multi-purpose printer, 2 video conferencing facilities, 2 scanners, 2 light duty printers, 2 heavy duty printers and bandwidth support for Lira.
- The Project has seen the refurbishment of spaces for hosting modern ICTs for online distance education. Nsubuga block, the home of the newly formed Institute of Open, Distance and eLearning (formerly, Department of Open and Distance Learning) has been refurbished and the ICT laboratory therein expanded to host over 100 computers and their accessories.
- The former AVU Viewing Room, Control Room and Studio have been revamped to host video conferencing facilities. Equipment for video conferencing.
- The CEES Lira Center is being remodelled to house a modern computer laboratory (1), video conferencing facilities (1), resource centre (1), boardroom (1) lecture room (1) and offices for centre coordinator and ICT staff.
- DELP is supporting short and medium term skills improvement training programmes. Staff have received training/continue to receive training in use of learning management system for teaching and learning, ODeL materials development, ODeL facilitation, using video conferencing in teaching and maintenance of video conferencing facilities.
Article by Mak Public Relations Office
The Director of Makerere University Jinja Campus, Associate Professor Ronald Kakungulu-Mayambala, has urged students to familiarise themselves with the Safeguarding policy aimed at creating a safer and more inclusive learning environment.
Speaking during the safeguarding policy sensitization meeting held today Tuesday, April 15, 2025 at the Civil Service College, Jinja, Prof. Kakungulu-Mayambala, emphasized the importance of awareness and adherence to the policy, which seeks to protect students, staff, and other stakeholders from all forms of abuse, harassment, exploitation, and discrimination.
“As Management we want every student to enjoy their stay at the University without being tormented and that can only happen, if students know their rights by reading about different policies on our website. You are meant to be living in a safe environment. We do not want anybody’s dream to be shattered or somebody to drop out from University,” Prof. Kakungulu-Mayambala, said.
In his speech, Prof. Kakungulu-Mayambala, also called upon students who have complaints but do not know the reporting lines, to approach staff safeguarding champions to make sure that they live in a safe environment.
Addressing guests, Emmanuel Muchake, the Guild Administrator at Jinja Campus, pointed out that the launch of the safeguarding policy is timely because as a University, without creating a conducive environment for teaching and learning, they will not have students graduate.
On Friday, April 4,2025, the Third Deputy Prime Minister and Minister without Portfolio, Right Honourable Lukia Isanga Nakadama, officially launched the Safeguarding Policy and commended Makerere University for crafting a policy that lays out the University’s framework for embedding viable safeguarding measures into its ethos and all institutional activities and processes to: Identify, detect, and act swiftly on safeguarding risks.
The Safeguarding Policy was developed in response to the growing need for institutions of higher learning to implement proactive measures that address concerns related to student welfare, mental health, gender-based violence, and power imbalances in academic settings.
Some of potential safeguarding risks in Institutions of higher learning include emotional distress, Sexual Exploitation, Abuse and Harassment (SEAH); material loss, financial exploitation, discrimination and neglect, unfair and illegitimate response to civic engagements, cyber security/threats, psychological and emotional harm, substance abuse and physical assault. Discrimination and neglect which are often high risks for students with disabilities and international students.
The safeguarding policy sensitization meeting in Jinja Campus brought together students and staff in a meaningful dialogue on safeguarding issues affecting learning.
The event was graced by Dr. Rodney Rugyema, from the Dean of Students Office, who emphasized the University’s commitment to the well-being of all its members. In his remarks, he highlighted the importance of safeguarding policies in preventing abuse, harassment, exploitation, and other forms of misconduct within the Jinja Campus community.
“Safeguarding is not a one-time action, but a continuous culture of care and accountability. We all have a role to play in ensuring a safe and respectful space for learning and growth,” Dr Rugyema, said.
The sensitization session covered key topics including; recognizing signs of abuse, understanding reporting procedures on the MakSafeSpace and fostering mutual respect among peers.
Participants were encouraged to actively engage and reflect on their roles in upholding safety standards both on and off campus.
Students who attended the sensitization welcomed the initiative, with many expressing optimism that the policy would improve campus safety and encourage victims to come forward without fear of retaliation.
“We have seen issues go unreported in the past because students didn’t know where to turn. This policy provides clarity and assurance that the university is taking these matters seriously,” noted, a third-year student.
The University plans to conduct a series of sensitization workshops and distribute printed copies of the policy to ensure that every member of the campus community is well-informed. This initiative is part of Makerere University‘s broader strategy to reinforce its values of integrity, respect, and protection for all.
The Safeguarding Sensitization Meeting concluded with a collective pledge to uphold safety, dignity, and mutual respect within the University community.
The President of the Republic of Uganda and Visitor of Makerere University, H.E. Yoweri Kaguta Museveni on 8th April 2025 officially flagged off the Research and Innovations Week 2025 and lauded researchers on progress made in utilizing funds to inform national development.
“The more a society is able to tame and harness nature; natural laws, and use them for improving their life, the more developed that society is, so I am very glad that you seem to be getting the message now,” President Museveni commended.
Citing innovations such as Freza, a nanotechnology-based preservation solution used for either shelf life extension of fruits and vegetables or accelerating ripening, President Museveni observed that such practices exist traditionally and called upon scientists to rise above the inferiority complex that seeks to neglect indigenous science knowledge. He noted, to the joy of the audience, that the annual allocation to the Makerere University Research and Innovations Fund (Mak-RIF) was subject to future increment.
“This money we are sending, the 30 billion is endozo/jaribu; you taste and if you like, I will give you more” remarked the President to instantaneous applause from the audience. He nevertheless cautioned researchers in their pursuit of coming up with innovations that make economic sense not to ignore what would be considered taboo according to indigenous knowledge. The President was referring to the proposed use of animal protein to enrich cattle fodder.
The First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Hon. Janet Kataaha Museveni in her speech read by the State Minister for Primary Education, Hon. Dr. Joyce Moriku Kaducu commended Makerere University’s upon utilizing Mak-RIF funding to dynamically respond to both national and global needs.
“Today, we gather to celebrate the tangible outcomes of these investments, pioneering innovations, technological advancements, and actionable policy recommendations that continue to propel Uganda forward,” remarked the First Lady.
Hon. Janet Museveni nevertheless called for the strengthening of collaborations between academia, Government, industry and civil society in order to maximize the impact of Mak-RIF research outputs. “This exhibition serves as a platform for these crucial interactions, where research meets policy, academia meets industry, and ideas transform into market-ready solutions.”
Referring to Mak-RIF’s 65 projects identified for commercialization and 79 projects producing actionable policy recommendations as, “proof that we are making strides in the right direction”, the First Lady urged the private sector to take keen interest in the innovations and support their adoption for economic transformation.
The Minister for Science, Technology and Innovation Information, Hon. Dr. Monica Musenero described universities as invaluable in the journey to synthesize science in six milestones. These she broke down as; 1) generating knowledge through research, 2) developing technologies, 3) converting technologies into usable products, 4) manufacturing products at industrial scale, 5) building viable businesses and brands that can be sold globally, and 6) ensuring that brands touch the economy through profitability, as well as creating distribution channels, related businesses, and science that is environmentally friendly.
Citing the example of Kiira Motors Corporation (KMC), Hon. Dr. Musenero observed that many products that had their humble beginnings at Makerere University have now reached the market. “Not only have we produced buses, but we have also designed prototypes of SUVs; the common vehicles that we use in Government. Your Excellency, we are asking that Government policy is revised so that we give priority to domestically developed products” she appealed.
Describing the exhibition as the apex of the fulfillment of point number five of the National Resistance Movement’s original ten-point programme, which called for the creation of an integrated and self-sustaining national economy, the Chancellor Dr. Crispus Kiyonga thanked President Museveni for the funding extended to Mak-RIF.
“This exhibition is laying out very relevant innovations and discoveries by our own people; the children of Uganda, taught by Uganda, who are also assisting create other innovators and researchers. That really gets us to the point of being truly self-sustaining as a country” remarked the Chancellor.
“Therefore Mr. President as we approach the next anniversary of Heroes’ Day in June this year,” Dr. Kiyonga continued, “we can reassert that the blood of our Ugandan Heroes was not shed in vain” he concluded.
The Chairperson of Council, Mrs. Lorna Magara in her remarks described the occasion as “not merely a ceremonial event, but a celebration of the transformative role of research and innovation in advancing Uganda’s development agenda.
“Today, we showcase the fruits of years of dedication and ingenuity. The exhibitions you will encounter today are not just academic endeavours – they underscore Makerere University’s enduring role as a centre of excellence, a hub for innovation, and a key partner in national development,” observed Mrs. Magara.
Acknowledging Government’s support to research and innovations, the Chairperson of Council reiterated Makerere University’s commitment to further strengthening the partnership with Government and to pursuing new frontiers of collaboration with industry. “Your Excellency, we extend our deepest appreciation. The establishment of the RIF is a testament to your unwavering commitment to nurturing Uganda’s academic and innovation ecosystem.”
The Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe acknowledged that Makerere has been spurred on to pursue impactful research thanks to the President’s positive criticism whenever he addresses the staff. “The level of research that you have seen is world-class.”
Prof. Nawangwe reported that over 1,300 awards had been made by Mak-RIF since inception. Additionally, by the end of the Financial Year, 2023/24, a cumulative total of 666 (approximately 50%) projects had completed implementation of their activities and closed out.
The Vice Chancellor took the opportunity to thank UNDP for supporting the establishment of the Makerere University Pod (Mak UniPod). “The University Pod is where researchers are trained to on how to incubate their ideas and turn them into businesses so that they can go out there and create jobs for our youth,” he added.
Prof. Nawangwe concluded by thanking the Government for the funding, the University Council for guiding Management, and the line Ministry for releasing the funds. He equally congratulated the researchers on the enormous work done and urged them to do even more.
A total of 91 exhibitors are showcasing their projects at the Research and Innovations Week 2025.
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