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
During the afternoon of September 21, 2026, Makerere University played host to regional discussions as students, academics, and government officials gathered to commemorate the International Day of Peace under the theme “Investing in Regional Peace and Trade for Shared Prosperity”.
The event organised by the Makerere University 92nd Guild Security Ministry in partnership with the Global Peace Guild, served as the official launch of the East African Peace and Trade Law Moot Court Competition. The idea was conceived as an annual event where the youth across East Africa will gather to deliberate on the nexus between regional peace and trade in fostering regional integration.
Acting Vice Chancellor (VC) of Makerere University Prof. Anthony Muwagga Mugagga graced the event, welcomed the distinguished guests and set a reflective tone for the day.
Reminiscing about his old days the VC noted, “lecturers were the ones who used to come and talk about politics, economics, and law but somehow, somewhere, things never went well”. He appreciated the Students’ Guild, and all who were involved in organising the celebration and launch for a good job done.
Prof. Mugagga further encouraged students to look beyond the classroom, urging them to engage in critical debates in different sectors while emphasising that peace is a prerequisite for all development.
People anchor Trade – Keynote address
Representing the guest of honor who was the Minister of State for East African Community Affairs Hon. James Magode Ikuya, Dr. Andrew Musiime – Commissioner for Political Affairs, delivered a keynote address.
His entry was that you cannot talk about trade and not talk about people. Trade is done by people, and therefore as a Ministry, they facilitate free movement of people.
Dr. Musiime provided a comprehensive breakdown of the East African Community (EAC) as an intergovernmental organisation.
“So it is an intergovernmental organisation. Therefore, the governments remain with their constitution, the governments remain with their sovereignty, the governments remain with their national boundaries, the governments remain with their national laws, Musiime explained.”
He mentioned that the East African Community is anchored on the four pillars for integration that is the Customs Union, the Common Market, the Political Federation and Monetary Union.
Dr. Musiime equally challenged the students to move beyond theory, urging them to research the EAC treaty and actively participate in regional integration.
In a gesture of togetherness, he told the distinguished guests that the Ministry operates an open door policy for students and those interested in engaging can apply for opportunities across the Ministry’s various departments.
From UPE to the Halls of Parliament
The event also featured inspiring remarks from the National Female Youth Member of Parliament, Hon. Mercy Kanyesigye. Reflecting on her own journey from Universal Primary Education (UPE) to the halls of Parliament, she delivered a powerful message on peace and security.
In agreement with Prof. Muggaga, she linked the day’s theme to the practical realities of trade, noting that sustainable trade can not exist without peace.
“This moot competition is therefore not just academic exercise. It’s a training ground for the next generation of East African traders, lawyers, negotiators, judges, policy makers who will defend the spirit of our East African common market and our custom union”, Kanyesigye told the attendees.
92nd Guild Calls for Embracing Dialogue
Hon. Denis Mabirizi, the Minister of Security for the Makerere University 92nd Guild, underscored the event’s purpose by highlighting that peace is the foundation for justice, opportunity, and cooperation. He then called upon the student community to reject violence and intolerance, urging them to use dialogue and established leadership structures to address their concerns.
Mabirizi also emphasized that universities are not just centers of academic excellence, but places where the leaders of tomorrow are shaped.
“Universities are not only centers of academic excellence, they are also places where future leaders are shaped. The conversations we have, the values we promote, and the decisions we make today will influence the kind of society we create tomorrow. Peace begins with each one of us, Mabirizi noted.”
The Global Peace Guild Initiative
Mr. Joseph Micheal Tenywa, the founder and President of the Global Peace Guild, shared the vision behind the organization. He explained that the Global Peace Guild was born out of a desire to involve young people in the promotion of peace, trade, and regional integration.
“Global Peace Guild is an initiative born out of a desire to have young people get involved into the promotion of peace, trade, and regional integration.”
He reminded the audience that regional integration would only become a reality when young people actively participate in the market and hold policy makers accountable.
“As we commemorate the International Day of Peace, it’s an invitation for young people to get involved, not only in ensuring that there is no violence, but that we also put in place the conditions that take our strength, and these are our economic provisions, we call it trade.”
The launch of the East African Peace and Trade Law Moot Court Competition marks a significant milestone for the student community as it brings together academic rigor with a focus on regional policy.
International Day of Peace is observed globally on September 21, 2026, under the unified United Nations theme: “Invest in Peace – For Everyone, Everywhere, Every Day”. The day emphasizes that achieving lasting peace requires continuous local action, shared civic responsibility, and strategic conflict mitigation to ensure long-term regional development.
Makerere University has urged female students admitted under the Makerere University Council Tuition and Functional Fees Waiver Scholarship for the 2026/27 academic year to take the opportunity seriously, focus on their academic performance, and stay alert about their personal safety.
The message was delivered during an orientation for the scholarship beneficiaries at the Senate Conference Hall, where officials from the Gender Mainstreaming Directorate welcomed the students and shared guidance on academic success, security, mentorship, and responsible social conduct.
The Chief Gender Mainstreaming Officer cautions students on safety and self-reliance
Dr. Euzobia Mugisha Baine, Chief Gender Mainstreaming Officer, congratulated the students on receiving the scholarship and urged them not to take it for granted.
She advised them to seek information from the relevant university offices instead of relying on assumptions or what fellow students tell them, and to keep records of official communication whenever they raise concerns or follow up on university matters.
Dr. Baine said students should take responsibility for their own security, warning them not to trust strangers easily and urging them to be careful about where they go and who they interact with.
She also reminded them that strong academic performance is required to keep the scholarship, and encouraged them to ask for help early whenever they face academic, social, or other challenges instead of waiting until the situation becomes harder to manage.
Students urged to aim for first-class results
The officers welcomed the students and encouraged them to put their studies first, urging them to aim for first-class academic results during their time at Makerere.
They advised them to use the academic support available to them, including help from course mates and any tutorials or mentoring offered within their colleges, and not to hesitate to seek assistance when they have concerns about their results or coursework.
The GMD team also spoke to scholars about personal safety, cautioning students against accepting help from strangers, including with luggage or transport, and referred to a recent incident in which a student’s belongings were stolen. She urged them to stay alert as they settled into university life.
Focus on academic foundations and safe social conduct
Other speakers, including Ms. Susan Mbabazi, who is the Principal Gender Officer, Ms. Abilat Lozirah, and Cynthia Ayaa Kamaketch emphasised the need to build a strong academic foundation from the start of the semester. They encouraged students to attend lectures regularly, read beyond classroom notes, use university resources such as internet access and the library, and develop steady study habits instead of waiting until exams are near.
They also warned students to be careful when meeting people they do not know well, advising them to hold academic discussions and social meetings in open, public spaces such as Freedom Square rather than in private rooms.
The students were also encouraged to seek mentorship from university staff and others who could guide them in their academic and career development, and to identify a mentor before leaving the orientation.
The orientation also pointed students to key university services and locations they should know, including the university health facilities, the Makerere Police Post, the Counselling and Guidance Centre, and places of worship on campus.
Speakers reminded the students that the scholarship gives them a chance to pursue their education at Makerere University, and that keeping it depends on their discipline, academic performance, and willingness to seek support when needed.
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