General
Mak-Sweden Annual Review Meeting Addresses Practicing Science
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.
“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.”
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).
“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.
“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 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.
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.
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.
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
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
When a delegation from Mbarara University of Science and Technology (MUST) visited Makerere University on 23rd July 2026, one of the biggest discussions was how universities can effectively manage research grants.
The MUST delegation, led by Vice Chancellor Prof. Pauline Byakika Kibwika, visited Makerere to learn from the University’s experience in managing externally funded research projects. During the meeting, Makerere Vice Chancellor Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe revealed that while MUST managed research grants worth about UGX 13 billion in the last financial year, Makerere’s research portfolio now stands at approximately USD 250 million.
The discussion focused on the systems, policies and accountability measures that have enabled Makerere to manage one of the largest research portfolios in Africa.
Research Funding Built on Trust.
Prof. Nawangwe explained that Makerere’s research funding comes from different colleges and research units.
He noted that the Infectious Diseases Institute (IDI) alone attracts about USD 70 million annually, while the School of Public Health receives approximately USD 30 million each year. Together, the two units account for nearly USD 100 million in research funding.
He said these grants are made possible because development partners trust the University to manage public resources responsibly.
“We must ensure proper accountability so that we don’t lose the trust of our donors and continue benefiting from their support,” Prof. Nawangwe said.
How Makerere Manages Research Grants.
Acting University Secretary Mr. Simon Kizito took the MUST delegation through the key requirements that every grant funded project must meet under Makerere’s Grants Administration and Management Support Unit (GAMSU).
He explained that every research project must first be included in the University’s approved budget in line with the Public Finance Management Act before any funds can be spent.
He also emphasized that procurement under research grants must comply with the Public Procurement and Disposal of Public Assets (PPDA) Act, regardless of the donor’s procurement guidelines.
“The Auditor General will pounce on you” if procurement procedures are not followed, he cautioned.
Mr. Kizito further explained that all assets purchased using grant funds, including vehicles and equipment, must be recorded in the University’s central assets register unless the funding agreement states otherwise.
He added that separate project bank accounts can only be opened with approval from the Accountant General, while all projects must submit both financial and narrative reports to funders and government and undergo regular audits.
University Bursar Mr. Evarist Bainomugisha noted that although grant funds do not appear directly in the University’s main financial statements, they are fully disclosed in the notes to the accounts and are audited annually before reports are submitted to Parliament.
Lessons from the Research and Innovation Fund.
The delegation also learnt about the Makerere Research and Innovations Fund (Mak-RIF).
Representing the Fund, Dr. Roy William Mayega said Mak-RIF has invested about UGX 172 billion in research and innovation over the last seven financial years.
He explained that 70 percent of the funding supports competitive research grants, 10 percent is reserved for projects addressing national priorities, while the remaining funds support monitoring, evaluation and dissemination of research findings.
According to Dr. Mayega, the Fund has so far supported 1,480 research and innovation projects, with 53% completed and 47% still ongoing.
Looking Beyond Research Grants.
Director of Research, Innovation and Partnerships Prof. Robert Wamala encouraged the visiting delegation to look beyond simply winning research grants.
He emphasized the importance of investing in strong internal systems, using artificial intelligence to improve efficiency, and ensuring that research leads to publications, patents, commercialization and partnerships with industry.
He noted that universities should not only focus on attracting grants but also on translating research into solutions that benefit society.
Learning from Makerere’s experience.
Prof. Pauline Byakika Kibwika said MUST recently established a Research Institute to coordinate research activities and grant management under one structure. She explained that the University wanted to learn from Makerere’s experience as its own research portfolio continues to grow.
“We have come to learn from your achievements as well as the challenges, so that we can do things better,” she said.
She added that the visit marks the beginning of closer collaboration between the two institutions, with a follow up technical engagement planned to allow the MUST team to learn more about Makerere’s grant management systems, including the GAMSU online platform.
General
Makerere, Southwest Minzu University and NARO Forge Strategic Partnership to Advance Livestock Research and Innovation
Makerere University has taken a significant step towards strengthening international research collaboration following a high-level meeting with a delegation from Southwest Minzu University, China, to advance a strategic partnership in animal husbandry, veterinary sciences and agricultural innovation.
Held on 23rd July 2026, the meeting brought together representatives from Makerere University, College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Biosecurity (CoVAB), the Advancement Office, Southwest Minzu University and the National Agricultural Research Organisation (NARO) to discuss a long-term collaboration aimed at enhancing livestock productivity, promoting scientific research and building institutional capacity.
The proposed partnership builds on an earlier study visit by NARO to Southwest Minzu University, where discussions identified opportunities to introduce high-quality goat breeds with superior genetic traits for crossbreeding with indigenous Ugandan breeds. The initiative positions Uganda as the first country in Africa to benefit from the introduction of these specialised breeds, with the goal of improving livestock productivity and supporting farmers’ livelihoods.
While livestock improvement forms the foundation of the collaboration, partners agreed that the five-year initiative will extend far beyond animal husbandry. The partnership is expected to foster joint research in agro-technology, biotechnology, artificial intelligence, microbiology and laboratory sciences, creating new opportunities for scientific innovation and knowledge exchange. The project will be anchored at NARO’s Kawanda research facilities before expanding to twelve research institutions across Uganda, with Makerere University providing academic leadership, scientific expertise and research support.
Welcoming the delegation, the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic Affairs), Prof. Sarah Ssali, reaffirmed Makerere University‘s commitment to international collaboration as a driver of research excellence, innovation and capacity development. She noted that the University, through the advancement office, continues to leverage its extensive global partnerships to facilitate knowledge exchange while addressing national development priorities through research.
Prof. Ssali further observed that introducing improved goat breeds presents an opportunity to transform Uganda’s livestock sector by enabling farmers to move beyond subsistence production towards more commercially viable animal husbandry systems. She emphasized that the success of the partnership will depend on effective coordination, well-defined institutional frameworks and sustained communication among all partners.
Speaking on behalf of Southwest Minzu University, the visiting delegation expressed appreciation for Makerere University‘s hospitality and reaffirmed their commitment to establishing a lasting institutional partnership with both Makerere University and NARO. Beyond collaborative research, the delegation highlighted opportunities for staff exchanges, joint scientific projects and postgraduate training, including scholarships for Makerere students pursuing Master’s and PhD programmes. They also extended an invitation to Makerere University‘s leadership to undertake a reciprocal visit to Southwest Minzu University in China.
Discussions also focused on operationalizing the partnership for the benefit of International education through staff and student exchange. Makerere University‘s International Office committed to developing an implementation framework linking Makerere University and Southwest Minzu University, while ensuring that staff and postgraduate students benefit from scholarship opportunities, research collaborations and international mobility programmes. The Office will also coordinate the development of exchange guidelines and work with the Academic Registrar on postgraduate scholarship applications.
The meeting concluded with a shared commitment to building a sustainable partnership that combines international expertise with Uganda’s research priorities. By bringing together Makerere University‘s academic excellence, Southwest Minzu University’s specialized expertise and NARO’s national agricultural research infrastructure, the collaboration is expected to strengthen livestock research, advance scientific innovation and contribute to Uganda’s agricultural transformation.
Expected Outcomes of the Partnership
The proposed collaboration between Makerere University, Southwest Minzu University and the National Agricultural Research Organisation (NARO) is expected to create a strong platform for advancing research, innovation and capacity development in Uganda’s agricultural sector. By combining the complementary strengths of the three institutions, the partnership seeks to promote multidisciplinary research in animal husbandry, biotechnology, agro-technology, artificial intelligence and microbiology, while supporting the development of innovative solutions to address challenges in livestock production and animal health.
A key anticipated outcome is enhanced academic and research capacity through joint research initiatives, staff exchanges and postgraduate training opportunities. The partnership is expected to provide Makerere University students with access to Master’s and PhD scholarships at Southwest Minzu University, while enabling researchers and academic staff to participate in collaborative research, scientific exchange programmes and international knowledge-sharing initiatives. These engagements are expected to strengthen institutional research capacity and foster the development of highly skilled professionals in veterinary and agricultural sciences.
The collaboration is also expected to strengthen the link between research and practice. With NARO serving as the implementation anchor for field-based activities and Makerere providing academic and scientific leadership, the partnership aims to facilitate the translation of research into practical innovations that improve livestock productivity, enhance food security and contribute to sustainable agricultural development in Uganda.
At the institutional level, the partnership is expected to expand Makerere University‘s international research networks, attract collaborative research opportunities and reinforce its position as a leading research-intensive university. By fostering long-term collaboration across academia, research institutions and international partners, the initiative has the potential to contribute to Uganda’s agricultural transformation while advancing knowledge generation, technology transfer and evidence-based innovation.
Caroline Kainomugisha is the Communications Officer, Advancement Office.
The Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe and Members of Management on 23rd July 2026 hosted a delegation from Mbarara University of Science and Technology (MUST) led by the Vice Chancellor Prof. Pauline Byakika-Kibwika. The visit follows the formation of the Grants Office under the newly opened MUST Research Institute. This delegation was therefore keen to benchmark Makerere University’s Grants Administration and Management Support Unit (GAMSU)’s experience as the office responsible for managing all MUST’s research and innovation funding takes shape.
Welcoming the delegation, most of whom are alumni of Makerere University, the Vice Chancellor Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe commended MUST on strides made in human capacity development throughout the 37 years of existence, particularly in the health sciences.
“We have collaborated in various areas, particularly in medicine – I see many of our researchers publishing together, and we have joint programmes, especially in HIV/AIDS research” the Vice Chancellor remarked, before adding “Our collaboration in medicine is very strong, and it would be good to expand this collaboration to other disciplines.”
Prof. Nawangwe emphasized that although this was a benchmarking visit, the learning process is two-way and as such, the team from Makerere is equally keen to learn from their MUST counterparts. “As a slightly smaller university, you may have more time to reflect on issues than we do,” he explained.
In her remarks, Prof. Byakika-Kibwika thanked the Vice Chancellor and University Management for accepting to host the benchmarking delegation, noting that it was a homecoming visit for her and several colleagues. She equally acknowledged that collaborations in Medicine take the lion’s share of existing work between two intuitions.
“Our largest faculty, formerly the Faculty of Medicine, has recently been renamed the Faculty of Health Sciences to better reflect its broader mandate. However, our other faculties include: Faculty of Science, Faculty of Business and Management Sciences, Faculty of Interdisciplinary Studies, Faculty of Computing and Informatics, and the Faculty of Applied Sciences and Technology (Engineering)” she explained.
She added that in 2026, MUST established the Faculty of Agriculture, Environment and Veterinary Sciences, and is restructuring the Faculty of Interdisciplinary Studies to strengthen its focus as a science and technology university. Away from academia, Prof. Byakika-Kibwika shared that MUST’s hitherto semi-autonomous research centres had been brought under the umbrella of a Research Institute, “to provide a coordinated framework for research.”
They include the Centre of: Pharmaceutical Biotechnology and Traditional Medicine; Innovation and Technology Transfer; Tropical Forest Conservation; Maternal, Newborn and Child Health; Entrepreneurship; and Public Policy and Economic Data.
Turning to the gist of the visit, Prof. Byakika-Kibwika noted that as MUST continues to restructure its units and grow it’s grants portfolio, tapping into Makerere University’s wealth of experience in attracting and managing funding from both the Government and development partners is inevitable.
“Makerere, as the leading university in the country, continues to support other universities, and we would like to benefit from that experience,” Prof. Byakika-Kibwika remarked. “We hope to learn from both your achievements and your challenges so that we can improve our own systems” she concluded.
The meeting was attended by the Acting University Secretary-Mr. Simon Kizito, University Bursar-Mr. Evarist Bainomugisha, Director Research, Innovation and Partnerships-Prof. Robert Wamala, Director Research and Graduate Training-Prof. Julius Kikooma, Head GAMSU- Prof. Sylvia Antonia Nakimera Nannyonga-Tamusuza, Member of Makerere University Research and Innovations Fund (Mak-RIF) Coordinator-Dr. Roy William Mayega and Advancement Office’s Mr. Vincent Lubega Nsamba.
The MUST delegation included; Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic Affairs)-Prof. Joseph Ngonzi, Deputy Vice Chancellor (Finance and Administration)-Prof. Robert Bitariho, University Secretary-Mr. Vincent Kansiime Kwatampora, and Chief Human Resources Officer-Mr. Prinari Behangana. Others included Finance Manager-CPA Annah Atuhaire, MUST Research Institute Chief Research Officer-Assoc. Prof. Angella Musiimenta, Principal Legal Officer-Mr. Timothy Mugumya, Deputy Secretary (Planning)-Ms. Robinah Nakakeeto and Dean Faculty of Business and Management Sciences-Dr. John Baguma Kule.
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