General
Mak Signs MoU with Tsinghua-China’s Top University
Makerere University on Monday, 8th October 2018 signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Institute of Public Safety Research (IPSR), Tsinghua University, Beijing China. Tsinghua is China’s leading University recently ranked twenty second globally by the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2019.
The MoU was signed by the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe on behalf of Makerere University and by Assoc. Prof. Huang Yu on behalf of IPSR. Prof. Peter Atekyereza who represented Prof. Edward Kirumira-Principal, College of Humanities and Social Sciences (CHUSS), Mr. Henry Mwebe-Director Legal Affairs, Makerere University and Zhang Pengbin, Senior Business Manager-Beijing Global Safety Technology Co., Ltd (GSAFETY) also signed the MoU as witnesses.
GSAFETY is a research spin-off of IPSR that is dedicated to technological advancement and promotion of public safety industry in China, backed by the renowned integrative research-production mechanism of Tsinghua University.
Welcoming the visiting delegation, Prof. Nawangwe noted that IPSR has over the years developed a lot of expertise both in digital security and security systems, thanks to its close collaboration with Chinese agencies and organisations. He shared that Makerere University has a lot to gain by collaborating with Tsinghua University.
“As the Ugandan population continues to grow rapidly, cities and urban centres are getting more crowded each passing day. Nevertheless, any visitor to China will notice that despite the large population, public transportation as well as law and order work promptly.
The China and Tsinghua experience therefore gives us a lot to learn from in terms of ensuring security for highly populated areas in Uganda” remarked the Vice Chancellor.
The Vice Chancellor further noted that Makerere and Tsinghua share a lot in common owing to their reputations as leading research Universities in Africa and Asia respectively, as well as a wide range of disciplines taught. This he said would enable the two partners to come up with more areas of collaboration beyond just security.
“The opportunities of collaboration are immense!” remarked the Vice Chancellor, before adding “Through Staff and Student exchanges, we can take advantage of Tsinghua University’s top most expertise to work with Ugandan Government agencies and security organs to jointly develop our own programmes on security.”
Speaking on behalf of Tsinghua University, Assoc. Prof. Huang Yu expressed his pleasure at visiting Makerere University to sign the MoU and looked forward to a fruitful collaboration between the two institutions.
IPSR’s Zhang Pengbin reaffirmed that the MoU signing ceremony was indeed only the beginning of a long journey of collaboration between the two partners. “From security we can move on to areas such as terrorism and anti-terrorism, traffic control and many other areas in which Tsinghua has developed great expertise” he said.
Speaking on behalf of the College of Computing and Information Sciences (CoCIS), the Principal, Prof. Tonny Oyana welcomed the opportunity to collaborate Tsinghua University in the field of public security with. “Uganda is a landlocked country surrounded by five countries with various security and public safety concerns. CoCIS can provide a lot of research, hardware, software and human resources to this collaboration” he offered.
In his contribution, Prof. Atekyereza added that the School of Social Sciences also stood to gain from Tsinghua’s expertise. “In particular, the Department of Political Science and Public Administration has done a lot of research in the security domain and improvements on technology in surveillance will be of paramount importance
We also have the element of criminology under the Department of Sociology and Anthropology. Cybercrime is increasing and our engagement will see how we can improve our research in this regard” he added.
After the MoU signing and exchange ceremony, the Vice Chancellor expressed optimism that the collaboration would enable both Staff and Students gain critical skills through retooling, joint supervision and possibly in the not-too-distant future, lead to the establishment of the first forensic laboratory in Uganda.
Article by Public Relations Office
Pomp and colour defined the opening day of the Makerere University’s 76th Graduation Ceremony as thousands gathered to celebrate academic excellence and new beginnings.
The historic ceremony has brought together scholars, families, friends and industry partners in a vibrant celebration of achievement and possibility. Throughout the four-day event, the University will confer degrees and award diplomas to 9,295 graduands in recognition of their dedication and hard work.
Among the graduates, 213 will receive Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degrees, 2,503 will graduate with Master’s degrees, and 6,343 will earn Bachelor’s degrees. In addition, 206 students will graduate with postgraduate diplomas, while 30 will be awarded undergraduate diplomas.
Of the total number of graduands, 4,262 are female and 5,033 are male. According to Vice Chancellor, this marks the first time in 15 years that male graduands have outnumbered their female counterparts.
The best overall graduand in the Sciences, Esther Ziribaggwa, graduated on the opening day with the Bachelor of Agricultural and Rural Innovation and an impressive Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) of 4.77.
The ceremony marks a proud moment for Makerere University as it continues to nurture top-tier professionals across diverse fields.
While presiding over the graduation, the State Minister for Primary Education, Hon. Dr. Joyce Moriku Kaducu, on behalf of the First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Hon. Janet Kataaha Museveni, pointed out that Makerere University is a model institution, where leaders are nurtured, scholars are sharpened, and where dreams have been given direction.
In her address, Hon. Museveni, highlighted Government’s deliberate investment in research, innovation, and infrastructure to strengthen higher education in Uganda.
“The establishment of the Makerere University Research and Innovation Fund (RIF), supports high-impact research and innovation that directly contributes to national priorities and development. Through this initiative, thousands of researchers and innovators have pursued practical, scalable solutions that are transforming communities and key sectors across Uganda,” Mrs Museveni, said.
The Minister also noted that Parliament’s approved a USD 162 million concessional loan to upgrade science, technology, and innovation infrastructure at Makerere University. The funding will facilitate the construction of modern laboratories, smart classrooms, and state-of-the-art facilities for Engineering and Health Sciences, investments expected to position the University firmly within the Fourth Industrial Revolution.
“Government has embarked on the construction of a National Stadium at Makerere University and other institutions of higher learning across the country. This will promote physical education, strengthen talent identification, and boost investment in the sports sector,”
Turning to the graduands, the Minister encouraged them to see themselves not merely as job seekers, but as job creators and solution-makers.
Uganda and Africa need innovators who will modernize agriculture; engineers who will build quality infrastructure; healthcare professionals who will strengthen health systems; and educators who will inspire the next generation,” the Honourable Minister said.
She reminded graduates that they are entering a rapidly changing world shaped by Artificial Intelligence, climate change, and shifting global markets. To thrive, she advised them to remain adaptable, creative, and committed to lifelong learning.
She also encouraged graduates interested in entrepreneurship to tap into the Government’s Parish Development Model, which provides community-based financing and production support.
Quoting Proverbs 3:5–6, the Minister urged the graduates to trust in God as they embark on their next chapter.
She extended special appreciation to the Mastercard Foundation for its 13-year partnership with Makerere University in expanding access to education and empowering young people in Uganda and beyond.
In his speech, the Chancellor of Makerere University, Dr Crispus Kiyonga, urged graduands to harness research, innovation and technology to drive Uganda’s transformation.
“This is a milestone in your lives. You have invested time, discipline and hard work to attain these qualifications. It is important that you derive value from this achievement, not only for yourselves, but for your families and for society.” Dr Kiyonga, said.
Dr. Kiyonga expressed gratitude to the Government of Uganda for its continued financial support to the University, particularly the funding allocated under MakRIF, which he described as critical in strengthening the institution’s research capacity.
“Research plays a very vital role in the development of any community. Makerere as the oldest University in the country is doing a significant amount of research, However, more work is required to mobilize additional resources to further strengthen research at the University.” Dr Kiyonga, noted.
Acknowledging the challenges of a competitive job market, Dr. Kiyonga encouraged graduates to think beyond traditional employment pathways.
“It is true that the job market may not absorb all of you immediately. But the knowledge you have acquired is empowering. You can create work for yourselves, individually or in teams.” Dr Kiyonga, said.
He advised the graduands to embrace discipline, integrity and adaptability in the workplace, and to take advantage of technology and digital platforms to innovate and respond to societal challenges.
“Every development challenge presents an opportunity. Believe that you can apply your knowledge to create solutions with impact.” He said.
Addressing the congregation, the Vice Chancellor, Prof Barnabas Nawangwe, congratulated the graduands, particularly staff and societal leaders on their respective achievements.
“I congratulate all our graduands upon reaching this milestone. In a special way I congratulate the members of staff, Ministers, and Members of Parliament that are graduating today as well as children and spouses of members of staff,” Prof Nawangwe, said.
In his speech, Prof Nawangwe, recognized outstanding PhD students, particularly members of staff. who completed their PhDs in record time without even taking leave from their duties.
He called upon graduates not to despise humble beginnings but rather reflect on the immense opportunities around them and rise to the occasion as entrepreneurs.
“You are all graduating with disciplines that are needed by society. We have equipped you with the knowledge and skills that will make you employable or create your own businesses and employ others. Do not despair if you cannot find employment. Instead, reflect on the immense opportunities around you and rise to the occasion as an entrepreneur,” Prof Nawangwe, said.
Prof Nawangwe called upon the graduands of PhDs to use their degrees to transform the African continent.
“As you leave the gates of Makerere I urge you to put to good use the knowledge you have received from one of the best universities in the World to improve yourselves, your families, your communities, your Country and humanity. Let people see you and know that you are a Makerere alumnus because of the way you carry yourself in society with dignity and integrity. Put your trust in God and honour your parents and opportunities will be opened for you,” Prof Nawangwe, said.
Delivering a key note address, Prof. Nicholas Ozor, the Executive Director of the African Technology Policy Studies Network Nairobi, Kenya ((ATPS). Reminded the graduates that a degree is not a finish line but the beginning of accountability. “The world is a complex, fast changing and deeply unequal. Degrees make you responsible for others not better than them,” Prof Ozor, said.
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