General
Mak – CWRU Celebrate 30 Years of Research Collaboration
On 26th March 2019, Makerere University and Case Western Reserve University (CWRU) held a symposium to celebrate 30 years of research collaboration under the theme "Building Bridges, Fighting Diseases – Past, Present and Future."
The Uganda-CWRU Research Collaboration started in 1986 after a Presidential invitation to the Late Dr. Fredrick C. Robbins, CWRU Professor and Nobel Laureate, to visit Uganda and assist with the HIV/AIDS epidemic.
Addressing the audience, the President of CWRU Prof. Barbara R. Snyder called upon Makerere University Professors, Doctors and Lecturers to nurture the next generation of researchers who will continue to manage diagnosis, treatment and develop vaccines.
“This symposium is a celebration of 30 years. It also provides us with an opportunity to look forward to the next 30 years in eradicating HIV/AIDS, TB, Malaria and other diseases. Therefore I challenge you to train and educate young scientists who will carry on with our,” said Prof. Snyder.
Prof. Snyder said that the collaboration conducted the first HIV/AIDS clinical trial from1997-2000. Highlighting some of the achievements from the collaboration, Prof. Snyder said that they had trained over 90 Ugandans in short courses, Masters and Doctoral programmes, of whom over 98% are in Uganda holding various prominent academic, health care, NGOs and policy positions.
Prof. Snyder revealed the celebration of 30 years of collaboration was a sign of a remarkable relationship between both Universities, and she looked forward to more years of collaboration.
The Minister for Science Technology and Innovation Hon. Dr. Elioda Tumwesigye revealed that the Government of Uganda under the Research Innovation Fund Framework would commit resources of about 500billion as startup fund to help in carrying out joint research collaborations, set up more research centers and laboratories and enhance capacity building.
“The Government of Uganda is willing to continue supporting Makerere University and Case Western Reserve University in research activities. Through the Research and Innovation Fund will help in training young scientists, provide laboratory infrastructures, improve management technologies for diabetes, cancer, heart diseases, and hepatitis B,” said Hon. Dr. Tumwesigye.
He thanked Case Western Reserve University for offering him a scholarship to study at the University where he acquired skills that have helped him serve his country as a Minister and the world at large as a scientist.
“I was one of the students at Case Western Reserve University from 1995 to 1997. The training at the University positively impacted on my work not only in basic health care, but also in developing community-based health programs as well as involving me in scientific research,” said Hon. Tumwesigye.
Hon. Tumwesigye applauded Case Western Reserve University for working with Makerere University and Uganda at large in the prevention of the spread of HIV/AIDS.
“The best way to curb HIV/AIDS is to work together with partners. Therefore, I thank Case Western Reserve University for offering to train Ugandans to provide people who would work towards controlling HIV/AIDS,” said Hon. Tumwesigye.
Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, the Vice Chancellor of Makerere University commended the collaboration teams for reaching out to Uganda Heart Institute, and the Cancer Institute, which has led to improved management of TB and Malaria. He appreciated the remarkable journey of the 30 years of collaboration, research, innovation and infrastructural development.
“We hope for the extension of the collaboration, joint programs, more research and publications and we look forward to being able to deliver more services to Makerere University, Case Western Reserve University and the country at large,” said Prof. Nawangwe.
Amidst applause from the audience, Prof. Nawangwe presented a commemorative plaque to Prof. Snyder in recognition of the 30 years of partnership in research.
The Principal of the College of Health Sciences, Prof. Charles Ibingira, expressed gratitude towards Dr. Fredrick C. Robbins for the work and collaboration with Makerere University that has led to research innovation, publication and infrastructural development at the College.
Written by: Esther Joy Nakibombo, Volunteer, Mak Public Relations Office
President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has appointed Makerere University Chancellor Dr. Crispus Walter Kiyonga as Uganda’s Second Deputy Prime Minister and Deputy Leader of Government Business in Parliament.
The appointment was announced on May 26, 2026, as part of the cabinet reshuffle for the 2026–2031 government term. Dr. Kiyonga now assumes one of the senior leadership positions in government while continuing to serve as Chancellor of Makerere University.
Dr. Kiyonga is both Chancellor and alumnus of Makerere University. He studied at Makerere University School of Medicine from 1973 to 1978, graduating with a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBChB). He later obtained a Master of Health Science in Population Dynamics from the Johns Hopkins School of Public Health in 2004.
Born on September 19, 1952, in Kasese District, Dr. Kiyonga attended Bwera Primary School, Nyakasura School, and Kings College Budo before joining Makerere University.
He was appointed Chancellor of Makerere University in August 2024 and formally installed in October 2024, succeeding Professor Ezra Suruma.
Political and Public Service Career
Dr. Kiyonga entered national politics during Uganda’s 1980 elections, where he won a parliamentary seat on the Uganda Patriotic Movement (UPM) ticket. He later joined the National Resistance Movement during the liberation struggle and subsequently served in several senior government positions after 1986.
He represented Bukonjo County West in Parliament from 1980 to 2016 and was also a member of the Constituent Assembly that drafted the 1995 Constitution.
Over the years, Dr. Kiyonga has held several ministerial portfolios, including:
- Minister for Cooperatives and Marketing
- Minister of Finance
- Minister of Internal Affairs
- Minister of Health
- Minister without Portfolio
- Minister of Defence
During his tenure as Minister of Health, he played a key role in Uganda’s response to the Ebola outbreak in Gulu in 2000.
From 2016, he served as Uganda’s Ambassador to China, where he represented Uganda during a significant period of Uganda-China relations.
Dr. Kiyonga’s appointment marks a return to frontline government leadership after several years in diplomatic service and university leadership.
Significance for Makerere
As Chancellor, Dr. Kiyonga serves as the titular head of Makerere University and presides over major ceremonial functions, including graduation ceremonies.
His appointment reflects the longstanding contribution of Makerere University alumni to public service and national leadership in Uganda and across the region.
Speaking during his installation as Chancellor in 2024, the First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Hon. Janet K. Museveni, noted that Dr. Kiyonga’s experience and networks would support the advancement of the university.
Makerere University congratulates Chancellor Dr. Crispus Walter Kiyonga upon his appointment and wishes him success in his new role.
The Writer is a Volunteer in the Public Relations Office, Makerere University and the Mak Sharks PRO | Est. 2014
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