General
Experts in Mathematics emphasize the need to create sustainable networks to Strengthen Research in Universities
Experts in mathematics have emphasized the need to create sustainable groups and networks to strengthen Research in Universities. This was at the opening ceremony of the 3rd Network Meeting for Sida and ISP-Funded PhD Students and Postdocs in Mathematics; held on Monday 20th August 2018 at Imperial Botanical Beach Hotel Entebbe, Uganda. The meeting was officially opened by the Vice Chancellor of Makerere University Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe represented by the Director of Research and Graduate Training Prof. Mukadasi Buyinza.
The 3rd Network Meeting for Sida and International Science Programme (ISP) funded PhD Students and Postdocs in mathematics brought together over 100 PhD students and Postdoctoral fellows in Mathematics from African partner universities; supervisors and mentors; senior researchers; and coordinators from the Sida bilateral programs, ISP core program and Swedish senior researchers with the aim of strengthening and encouraging collaborative research in Mathematics. The Meeting will run from 20th -24th August 2018 under a theme: Strengthening Research in Mathematics in Universities with Sida and ISP Support.
According to the Chairperson of the Local Organizing Committee Prof. John Mango, the five days’ workshop brings together participants from Benin, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Ethiopia, Finland, German, Kenya, Madagascar, Mozambique, Myanmar, Rwanda, Sudan, Sweden, Tanzania, Uganda and Zambia. Participants will lay a strategy and develop research agendas on effective and efficient joint publication; and joint applications for research funding. “I am happy to report on the training of 21 staff members at Makerere, Busitema, Gulu, Mbarara and Kyambogo at the Doctoral level in mathematics and the training of 9 Postdocs. This is clearly a bumper harvest from the Swedish support to Mathematics in our country” he said.
Prof. Mango reiterated that the network of researchers as a platform also provides a forum for interaction of PhD, Postdoc students and researchers in mathematics supported by Sida and ISP; with a view of sharing experiences and creating sustainable research groups and networks.
The Principal of the College of Natural Sciences Prof. J.Y.T Mugisha appreciated the Government of Sweden for the support it extends to public universities in Uganda. The Principal also thanked the organizing committee as well as the funders of the meeting for ensuring that the event is successful. Prof. Mugisha noted that this is a great opportunity for networking and collaborating for the researchers attending the meeting. ‘It is rare to have all the senior scientists in one place and thus the young researchers should use this meeting to start work with the seniors present here’. He further welcomed the participants to Uganda and wished them a peaceful stay in Uganda.
In a speech read by Prof. Mukadasi Buyinza, the Vice Chancellor of Makerere University Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, commended the great work of the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida) in promoting collaborations in mathematics between universities in Eastern and Southern Africa.
“Such collaborations will involve joint publications, joint applications for funding, sharing of human resources for teaching and supervision, and joint arrangements of conferences and workshops. These efforts are key for a continued sustainable development of mathematics in Eastern and Southern Africa,” he said.
Prof. Nawangwe urged mathematicians in their research groups to carry out research dissemination and translation of outputs into policy briefs when he said, “I know that in applied mathematics and mathematical statistics, researchers collect plenty of raw data, but many times these are not translated or transformed into desired outcomes to be able to serve the reasons for which they are gathered. I therefore urge you to direct your research in areas relevant to your national development goals in order for mathematics to play the role it without any doubt should.”
He acknowledged the support of the Swedish government to Makerere University that has been monumental and critical to the realization of the University’s core functions of teaching and learning, research and innovations, and partnerships and networking.
“The support has also greatly improved the research culture in mathematics at Makerere University with an increase of publications in recognized international journals and active participation in international conferences. In the past two decades we have built capacity on PhD, Postdocs and masters level. Therefore, doing research together we will achieve more, help us in laying the strategies and develop research agendas at national and regional levels,” he said.
Prof. Mango as Chairperson Local Organizing committee was commended for bringing the event to Uganda and Makerere University in particular. The 1st and 2nd network meetings were held in Sweden. Prof Mango has spearheaded many development initiatives in the Mathematics Department in the past two decades. These initiatives have seen many staff in the department trained to PhD and Postdoc levels in Uganda and the region.
Prof. Mango commended the following members of the Organizing Committee for their selfless service: Prof Kasozi Juma-Makerere University, Dr Silvester Rugeihyamu-University of Dar es salaam, Dr Tembo Isaac-University of Zambia, Dr Minani-University of Rwanda, Dr Eunice Mureithi-University of Dar es salaam, Dr Betty Nannyonga-Makerere University, Dr Mirumbe Ismail-Makerere University and Dr Ssevviiri David-Makerere University.
Highlighting the importance of mathematics in solving societal challenges, Prof. Leif Abrahamsson Director of Mathematical Sciences at ISP said mathematics is an imperative tool that drives all other science subject. Prof. Leif also mentioned that Mathematics is so helpful in solving societal problems.
“Its functions might be hidden but we need mathematics to solve societal problems. You will find mathematics in financial institutions, political sectors, business entities and also in the health sector. We have on several occasion used mathematics to find solutions to some of the epidemic diseases such as Ebola and HIV/AIDS,” he stated.
Prof. Bengt Ove Turesson, from Linköping University-Sweden; Department of Mathematics (MAI), emphasized the need to provide career guidance when training mathematics in schools. “Questions like what am I going to do after studying mathematics should be clearly answered during the career guidance sessions so that a student understands some of the opportunities available when he or she studies the mathematics. We should also encourage the construction of resource centres for teachers at various education levels where mathematics teachers will come together and discuss the several ways of improving mathematics,” he mentioned.
The Head, Department of Mathematics at Makerere University Dr. David Ssevviiri, described mathematics as a language of basic sciences “It is a language for engineers and all science based fields. We should interest the learners when teaching it,” he said.
Dr. Betty Nanyonga Kivumbi said that she is one of the three lucky female lecturers at the Department of Mathematics, Makerere University. She therefore, cited the need to empower and mentor girls to have equal access to and success in mathematics “As a department of Mathematics at Makerere University we felt it needful to engage in outreach programs such as visiting schools and talk to girls and teachers, we have organized the mathematics marathon and we started a regional network to promote basic sciences,” Dr. Nanyonga explained.
Ms Ritah Namisango, the Principal Public Relations Officer of Makerere University appealed to the mathematicians to come up with strategies aimed at popularizing mathematics at all levels. “Mathematics is a vital subject, but a number of interactions with pupils and students indicate that most of them fear the subject. I am happy to note that we have over 100 participants from Africa and Europe in this room. I appeal to you to come up with innovative ways of making mathematics attractive,” remarked Ms Namisango.
In East Africa, Sida has supported mathematics since 2007 through bilateral programmes in Rwanda, Uganda, Mozambique, Ethiopia and Tanzania. The support is mainly for capacity building at PhD and Postdoc levels. ISP support in mathematics started almost two decades ago with the aim of building capacity and improving on the state of mathematics in Uganda, Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania and Zambia.
Article by: Mak Public Relations Office
Hon. Dr. Crispus Kiyonga, the newly appointed Chancellor of Makerere University, has laid out his vision for the institution during the 75th graduation ceremony.
Installed by President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni as the Chancellor of Makerere University on 2nd October 2024, the 75th occasion marks his maiden graduation ceremony as the titular head of this great institution.
A total of 13,658 graduands will receive degrees and diplomas during the 75th graduation ceremony (13th to 17th January 2025).
On the first day of the 75th Graduation ceremony, the following colleges presented students for conferment of degrees and award of diplomas: College of Education and External Studies, College of Computing and Information Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Bio-security and the School of Law.
The Guest of Honour, Hon. Janet. K. Museveni, First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports represented by Hon. Dr. Joyce Moriku Kaducu, Minister of State for Primary Education congratulated the congregation upon attaining this major milestone.
“On my own behalf and on behalf of the Ministry of Education and Sports, I am grateful to the University Council, Senate, Management and all staff for their unwavering commitment towards preparing our students who have duly completed the requirements leading to the award of the academic qualifications they are receiving today” she said.
The Minister equally congratulated the University Management for ensuring that transcripts for all students graduating are ready for collection from their respective colleges, and urged the graduands to embrace the spirit of hard work and the desire to make the world a better place.
“I have no doubt that you will face the future with courage, creativity and conviction. There are plenty of opportunities out there, take advantage of the many opportunities to create jobs,” encouraged the First Lady and Honourable Minister of Education and Sports.
Furthermore, she commended the Students Guild for cultivating a cordial working relationship with the University Management and ensuring that matters affecting to students welfare in the University are handled amicably.
In his address, Hon. Dr. Kiyonga outlined several key areas that he aims to focus on as he steers the university forward. A proud alumnus of Makerere, Dr. Kiyonga reflected on the transformative power of education, emphasizing that Makerere’s role in national progress must extend beyond teaching to include research, industry collaboration, and community engagement.
Dr. Kiyonga revealed that enhancing the university’s research capacity is one of his primary goals. He praised the government’s allocation of UGX 30 billion to the Makerere University Research and Innovations Fund (Mak-RIF), recognizing the importance of research in driving Uganda’s socio-economic growth.
“Makerere University is the oldest university in the country. Over the years the institution has built a strong stock of high quality human resources. The University is doing significant amount of research,” he said.
He noted that there is need for further support, saying, “More work is required to mobilize for an increment of funds in order to further support research work.”
He also emphasized that Makerere should play a leading role in generating knowledge to address pressing national challenges. “Research plays a very vital role in the development of any community,” he said, underscoring the importance of transforming research into actionable solutions.
In addition to research, Dr. Kiyonga highlighted the need forMakerere University to build stronger connections with both national and international industries. “We are generating innovations that should eventually be taken to the commercialization level,” he remarked. He proposed the creation of agro-industrial parks on land allocated by President Museveni, which would provide both practical training for students and contribute to the nation’s food security and economic growth.
“At this stage, more resources and infrastructure are needed to support our innovations,” he added, calling for formal partnerships with the investment community to scale up these efforts.
Addressing the issue of unemployment, Dr. Kiyonga urged graduates to leverage their education to create opportunities for themselves and others. “What is critical is sustaining the thinking that you can indeed apply your knowledge to create work in areas with demand within the population,” he said.
He also encouraged graduates to work together to innovate and start businesses, stating, “Partner with some of your friends to form teams, come up with an idea, and you could turn that idea into an innovation, business enterprise or product.” He emphasized that graduates should not limit themselves to seeking employment, but should embrace entrepreneurship as a means of solving societal problems.
Dr. Kiyonga proposed expanding Makerere’s community outreach efforts, particularly in the agricultural sector. “I propose formalized relationships with some medium to large scale farmers across the country,” he said, suggesting that students in the agriculture department could benefit from hands-on internships with these farmers. In return, students would assist with extension services, boosting productivity in smaller farms and contributing to food security.
“There are also gaps in some of the training of Ugandans abroad,” Dr. Kiyonga added, noting that Makerere University could collaborate with foreign universities to provide practical training for Ugandan students, especially in fields such as human medicine.
In line with President Museveni’s directive, Dr. Kiyonga also highlighted the importance of incorporating political economy into all university courses. “It is critical that we deeply appreciate socio-economic forces that determine forward movement or lack of it,” he said, explaining that understanding these forces is essential for preparing graduates to lead effectively in a rapidly changing world.
Prof. Nawangwe Highlights Achievements and Growth
In his address, Vice Chancellor Prof. Nawangwe celebrated Makerere’s progress, particularly in its transformation into a research-led institution. He detailed various innovative projects across the university’s colleges, including the development of cutting-edge technologies, such as the AI Health Lab’s malaria diagnostic tools, and initiatives such as the Makerere University Innovation Pod (UniPod), which has incubated dozens of innovations.
“We are making steady progress on our strategic journey of a research-led university,” Prof. Nawangwe stated, revealing that Makerere has supported the commercialization of 15 projects, with a total of 157 projects now ready for integration into Uganda’s national economy.
Prof. Nawangwe also reflected on the institution’s ongoing infrastructure development, including the restoration of the iconic Main Administration Building and the opening of a new state-of-the-art Law School building. These developments, alongside initiatives such as the establishment of a Disability Support Centre, further underline Makerere’s commitment to improving both student and staff welfare.
Among the key statistics of the graduation ceremony, Prof. Nawangwe highlighted that 53% of the 13,658 graduands were female, and 491 graduated with first-class honors. He also spotlighted the achievements of specific colleges, including the College of Education’s initiatives to tackle youth unemployment through entrepreneurial training and the College of Veterinary Medicine’s efforts to develop vaccines and diagnostics for key diseases.
Further illustrating the university’s global reach, Prof. Nawangwe noted Makerere‘s collaboration with international partners such as Google and the European Commission, which has provided substantial funding for health and climate change-related projects. “The Government of Uganda provides Makerere University with a Research and Innovation Fund to support cutting-edge solutions,” he added.
In a powerful and inspiring commencement address, Professor LenkaBula Puleng, the Principal and Vice-Chancellor of the University of South Africa (UNISA), urged the graduates—especially women—to tap into their resilience, embrace their generational mission, and redefine their worth in shaping Africa’s future.
Reflecting on Makerere’s distinguished legacy, Professor LenkaBula praised the university as a beacon of academic excellence, whose contributions have been instrumental in Africa’s intellectual and social development. She highlighted its pivotal role as a cornerstone for both anti-colonial and post-colonial scholarship, underscoring the profound impact it has had on shaping the continent’s intellectual landscape.
“Makerere University, along with its sister institution-the University of South Africa, has been pivotal in the African struggle for freedom and unity,” said Professor LenkaBula. “It stands as a symbol of Africa’s intellectual resilience, a place where the seeds of transformation were planted during the colonial era and continue to grow today.”
Addressing the congregation gathered at Makerere’s historic Freedom Square, the Vice-Chancellor recognized the remarkable scholars who have shaped the African academic landscape through their work at Makerere, referencing figures such as Professor Dani Wadida Nabudere, Issa Shivji, Ngugi wa Thiong’o, Mahmood Mamdani, and many others. These scholars, she said, were instrumental in cultivating a new generation of thought leaders who continue to challenge the status quo and lead Africa toward progress.
Highlighting the role of African women in these transformative processes, Professor LenkaBula reminded graduates of resilient women who have played key roles in Africa’s history, such as Queen Amina of Nigeria, Yaa Asantewaa of Ghana, and Wangari Maathai of Kenya. These women, she noted, not only fought against colonial forces, but have continued to shape the post-colonial era through their activism, leadership, and vision.
Professor LenkaBula’s address focused on the significance of women in reclaiming their generational mission. She emphasized the importance of education as a tool for empowerment and transformation, especially for young women.
“Education is not an elite indulgence; it is a public good,” she said, citing the words of feminist scholar Amina Mama. She urged the graduates, particularly the women, to remember their history and their mission in the ongoing struggle for equality, justice, and peace.
Her call to action was clear: graduates must not be prisoners of the past, but leaders who redefine the future. She challenged the new generation to take their place in fields such as medicine, agriculture, science, and technology, which are essential to Africa’s development. She encouraged them to forge a future of peace, sustainability, and inclusivity, underscoring the importance of creating a world that reflects their values and dreams.
Professor LenkaBula spoke to the youth about their responsibility to overcome the legacies of patriarchy and oppression, both within African societies and globally. She acknowledged that women, despite their significant contributions, continue to face disproportionate challenges, but she expressed confidence that this new generation of graduates—especially women—has the strength and determination to break these barriers.
“As graduates, you carry the mettle and the light to create more opportunities—for yourselves and others—to reclaim your mission and redefine your worth,” she said. “Africa is waiting for you, and you must rise to the occasion with the strength, courage, and vision to lead us into the future.”
In conclusion, Professor LenkaBula reminded the graduates that they are part of a legacy of change-makers and intellectual trailblazers, encouraging them to embrace their roles as the next generation of leaders who will drive the African Renaissance. She left them with an empowering message: “Reclaim your Generational Mission and Redefine your Worth as the new generation that Africa is waiting for!”
The 75th Graduation Ceremony at Makerere University marked not only the academic achievements of the graduates, but also a celebration of the university’s long-standing contribution to the African intellectual tradition and its continued role in shaping a better future for the continent. As the graduates left the Freedom Square, the call to action was clear: the future of Africa rests in their hands.
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