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Mak-Sweden Annual Review Meeting Addresses Practicing Science

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The Makerere University-Sweden Bilateral Research Programme Annual Review Meeting 2018 kicked off on Monday, 1st October with a call for researchers to work in tandem with health workers to ensure sustainability of all health interventions. The five-day annual meeting which ends on Friday, 5th October 2018 will be held under the theme “Blending Academic and Applied Research Perspectives: Practicing Science and the Science of Practice”. This year’s Research Day was led by the College of Health Science (CHS) and in particular featured presentations on maternal, newborn and child mortality.

Welcoming participants to the Annual Review Meeting, the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe paid special tribute to the Royal Government of Sweden for the investment of  US$101million into Uganda’s graduate training and scientific environments over seventeen years of cooperation.

The Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe addresses the 2018 Annual Review Meeting

“I am happy to report that since 2000 when our cooperation began, over 250 academic staff have completed their PhD studies, over 100 have completed their Masters degrees and 20 have completed postdoctoral fellowships. This support has greatly improved the research culture of the University” remarked Prof. Nawangwe.

In line with Makerere’s Internationalisation agenda, the Vice Chancellor further appreciated the strong collaborations that have been established with leading Universities, including those from Sweden, as a result of the research programme. “We have learned best practices from these universities and we have also benefitted from joint supervision, which has ensured high quality of our graduates.”

The Swedish Ambassador to Uganda, H.E. Per Lindgärde addresses participants a the Meeting

Prof. Nawangwe further informed participants about the ongoing process to evaluate the impact of the outgoing Makerere University strategic plan 2007/8 – 2018/19 as well as efforts to draft the next ten-year strategic plan “The new plan seeks to consolidate the gains made in research and to transform Makerere into a truly research-lead university. We intend to hold a stakeholders conference early next year and we will certainly invite you to participate in that important event.”

In his remarks, the Swedish Ambassador to Uganda H.E. Per Lindgärde began by sharing on the importance of linking poverty alleviation to strategies that build economic growth and address a range of social needs while tackling climate change and environmental protection. He lauded Uganda for being one of the first countries to integrate the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development in its Second National Development Plan (NDPII).

H.E. Per Lindgärde (2nd R), Mr. Ola Hällgren (L) and Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi (2nd L) listen to a poster presentation in the Makerere University Centre for Health & Population Research (MUCHAP) tent

“The strengthening of science, technology, engineering and innovation is of key importance for Uganda in order to achieve its transformational goals” remarked H.E. Lindgärde.

The Ambassador chose the occasion to announce the Swedish Government’s new strategy for development cooperation with Uganda for the period 2018 – 2023, which will “contribute to greater respect for human rights and the rule of law, a stronger democracy and greater gender equality, environmentally and climate-resilient sustainable development, and equitable and good health.”

H.E. Lindgärde concluded his remarks by addressing the need for Uganda to increase annual budgetary allocations as well as overhaul its higher education sector if it is to fulfil its National Transformation Agenda – Uganda Vision 2040.

R-L: Prof. Eli Katunguka Rwakishaya, Paul Vanderlind and Therese Rantakokko-ISP were acknowledged by Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi for their respective contributions to the research programme

“Sweden is making a significant contribution in building the human capital in higher education in Uganda but we do not want to substitute the Government’s leadership and resources in this critical area for national development” said the Ambassador.

The Director, Directorate of Research and Graduate Training Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi in his remarks welcomed Sweden’s new strategy for development cooperation with Uganda and took note that the “Enhancement of Gender Focused Research Capacity Building of Women in Leadership and Gender Mainstreaming in Higher Education in Uganda” project led by Dr. Consolata Kabonesa would in particular contribute to activities under the new cooperation framework.

Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi makes his remarks at the 2018 Annual Review Meeting

Prof. Buyinza went on to recognise the presence of various leaders such as: Mr. Ola Hällgren, the Swedish Embassy’s new Head of Cooperation and Deputy Head of Mission in charge of the Development Cooperation section; Dr. Gity Behravan, the Swedish Embassy’s First Secretary and Senior Research Advisor; Prof. Leif Abrahamsson, the Director of Mathematical Sciences at ISP, Uppsala University; Prof. Eli Katunguka Rwakishaya-Chair Mak-Sida Bilateral Research Programme Steering Committee and various leaders in the Swedish delegation.
 
In his brief address, Mr. Hällgren shared that it was a privilege for him to be in Uganda and attend his first Annual Review Meeting. He noted that Makerere has been a household name at the Swedish International Development cooperation Agency (Sida) headquarters for a long time, thanks largely to its remarkable research output. He thanked Swedish colleagues such as Dr. Gity Behravan for overseeing the wonderful collaboration between Makerere and Sweden and looked forward to benefitting from and building upon their past achievements.

L-R: University Bursar-Mr. Evarist Bainomugisha, University Librarian-Dr. Helen Byamugisha and Director HRD-Mr. Andrew Abunyang were recognised by Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi

Prof. Buyinza then recognised various members of Management such as: the Acting Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic Affairs)-Prof. Fred Masagazi Masaazi, University Bursar-Mr. Evarist Bainomugisha, Director Human Resources-Mr. Andrew Abunyang, University Librarian-Dr. Helen Byamugisha, Director Internal Audit-Mr. Walter Yorac Nono, Director Quality Assurance-Dr. Vincent Ssembatya, Acting Director ICT Support-Mr. Samuel Mugabi and Deputy University Secretary-Mr. Yusuf Kiranda.

Also recognised were the: Principal and Deputy Principal CHUSS- Prof. Edward Kirumira and Dr. Josephine Ahikire respectively, Principal CoCIS-Prof. Tonny Oyana, Dr. Muhamud Nabalegwa-Kyambogo University, Dr. Vincent Batwala-Mbarara University of Science and Technology (MUST), Dr. Benedict Oyo-Gulu University as well as the Principal Investigators of various research projects.

L-R: Dr. Vincent Ssembatya, Prof. Fred Masagazi Masaazi, Prof. Tonny Oyana, Dr. Gilbert Maiga and Dr. Evelyn Kigozi Kahiigi at the 2018 Annual Review Meeting

Prof. James Tumwine is the Principal Investigator of the “Innovations for accelerating reduction in maternal, newborn and child mortality in post conflict Uganda” project under the Uganda-Sweden bilateral research cooperation (2015 – 2020). Addressing participants prior to the presentations, he noted that the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as addressed by the Ambassador in his speech would offer a good tracking mechanism for Uganda to show that maternal and child health indices were not improving in the absence of universal health coverage.

He further shared that Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) mainly high blood pressure and diabetes would continue claiming the lives of Ugandans due to of ignorance of basic health indicators such as Body Mass Index (BMI). He therefore invited participants to make use of the free heath checks and reproductive health information provided as part of the Science Day.

Some of the participants join in a group photo with Swedish Ambassador-H.E. Per Lindgärde and Vice Chancellor Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe (Centre) at the 2018 Annual Review Meeting, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda

Presentations of the day included:

  • Malnutrition and associated factors among children with celebral palsy in Uganda by Dr. Angelina Kakooza-Mwesige
  • Neurodevelopmental disability in Eastern Uganda: Prevalence and risk factors by Dr. Gertrude Namazzi
  • Determinants of intimate partner violence among pregnant teenagers in Lira District by Ms. Anna Grace Auma
  • Vaginal colonisation of women in labour with methicillin resistant staphylococcus aureus by Ms. Josephine Tuhamye
  • Iron Deficience Anaemia (IDA) among pregnant women attending antenatal care clinic in Lira Regional Referral Hospital, Uganda by Mr. Samson Udho
  • ‘What kind of life is this?’ Diabetes related notions of wellbeing among adults in Eastern Uganda and implications for mitigating future chronic disease risk by Dr. Roy Mayega
  • Harnessing a population-based surveillance platform for monitoring interventions and facilitating health systems by Dr. Dan Kajungu
  • Determinants of birth asphyxia in referral hospital in Northern Uganda Ms. Elizabeth Ayebare
  • Health system improvement approaches by Dr. Rebecca Nantanda
  • Prevalence and factors associated with hookwork infestations among pregnant women attending first antenatal visit at Ogur Health Centre Ms. Felister Apili

Students of Performing Arts and Film perform a Zulu Gospel Song Noyana Phezulu? (Are you going to Heaven?) at the Annual Review Meeting

Participants were also treated to soothing musical interludes by Makerere’s Department of Performing Arts and Film (PAF), who also received special recognition from Amb. Lindgärde for singing the Swedish Anthem “so beautifully”

 

Article by Public Relations Office

Mark Wamai

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Change of Course/Programme for Undergraduate Admissions 2025/2026

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The Office of the Academic Registrar, Makerere University has released lists for the recommended for change of course/ programme for Degree/Diploma Scheme and Direct entry for Private/Government sponsored students for the Academic Year 2025/2026.

The lists released can be accessed by following the respective links below:

Elias Tuhereze

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Makerere Signs Open MoU with London School of Economics and Political Science

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Seated Left to Right: Dr. Richard Newfarmer, Dr. Jonathan Leape, Dr. Sarah Sewanyana, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, Prof. Ibrahim Mike Okumu and Prof. James Wokadala with other officials (Standing) after the MoU signing on 27th August 2025. 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), 27th August 2025, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

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. Barnabas Nawangwe makes his remarks ahead of the MoU signing. 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), 27th August 2025, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe makes his remarks ahead of the MoU signing.

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.

The partners show off the signed MoU. 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), 27th August 2025, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
The partners show off the signed MoU.

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.

Prof. Nawangwe presents a souvenir Mak Necktie to Dr. Jonathan Leape. 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), 27th August 2025, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Prof. Nawangwe presents a souvenir Mak Necktie to Dr. Jonathan Leape.

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.

Eve Nakyanzi
Eve Nakyanzi

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Makerere University Hosts Delegation from Ghent University Association

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Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe (Right) presents a Makerere Coffee Table book to Prof. Mieke Van Herreweghe during the visit on 27th August 2025. Makerere University hosted a delegation from the Ghent University Association where a student exchange agreement was signed, led by Prof. Mieke Van Herreweghe, Vice Rector of Ghent University. The delegation included representatives from Howest University and Hogent University of Applied Sciences, 27th August 2025 Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

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 meeting of Members of Management and the visiting delegation in session in the Vice Chancellor's Boardroom. Makerere University hosted a delegation from the Ghent University Association where a student exchange agreement was signed, led by Prof. Mieke Van Herreweghe, Vice Rector of Ghent University. The delegation included representatives from Howest University and Hogent University of Applied Sciences, 27th August 2025 Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
The meeting of Members of Management and the visiting delegation in session in the Vice Chancellor’s Boardroom.

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.

Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe and Prof. Mieke Van Herreweghe pose for a group photo with members of their respective teams at the Main Building entrance. Makerere University hosted a delegation from the Ghent University Association where a student exchange agreement was signed, led by Prof. Mieke Van Herreweghe, Vice Rector of Ghent University. The delegation included representatives from Howest University and Hogent University of Applied Sciences, 27th August 2025 Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe and Prof. Mieke Van Herreweghe pose for a group photo with members of their respective teams at the Main Building entrance.

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).

Eve Nakyanzi
Eve Nakyanzi

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