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
The Director of Makerere University Jinja Campus, Associate Professor Ronald Kakungulu-Mayambala, has urged students to familiarise themselves with the Safeguarding policy aimed at creating a safer and more inclusive learning environment.
Speaking during the safeguarding policy sensitization meeting held today Tuesday, April 15, 2025 at the Civil Service College, Jinja, Prof. Kakungulu-Mayambala, emphasized the importance of awareness and adherence to the policy, which seeks to protect students, staff, and other stakeholders from all forms of abuse, harassment, exploitation, and discrimination.
“As Management we want every student to enjoy their stay at the University without being tormented and that can only happen, if students know their rights by reading about different policies on our website. You are meant to be living in a safe environment. We do not want anybody’s dream to be shattered or somebody to drop out from University,” Prof. Kakungulu-Mayambala, said.
In his speech, Prof. Kakungulu-Mayambala, also called upon students who have complaints but do not know the reporting lines, to approach staff safeguarding champions to make sure that they live in a safe environment.
Addressing guests, Emmanuel Muchake, the Guild Administrator at Jinja Campus, pointed out that the launch of the safeguarding policy is timely because as a University, without creating a conducive environment for teaching and learning, they will not have students graduate.
On Friday, April 4,2025, the Third Deputy Prime Minister and Minister without Portfolio, Right Honourable Lukia Isanga Nakadama, officially launched the Safeguarding Policy and commended Makerere University for crafting a policy that lays out the University’s framework for embedding viable safeguarding measures into its ethos and all institutional activities and processes to: Identify, detect, and act swiftly on safeguarding risks.
The Safeguarding Policy was developed in response to the growing need for institutions of higher learning to implement proactive measures that address concerns related to student welfare, mental health, gender-based violence, and power imbalances in academic settings.
Some of potential safeguarding risks in Institutions of higher learning include emotional distress, Sexual Exploitation, Abuse and Harassment (SEAH); material loss, financial exploitation, discrimination and neglect, unfair and illegitimate response to civic engagements, cyber security/threats, psychological and emotional harm, substance abuse and physical assault. Discrimination and neglect which are often high risks for students with disabilities and international students.
The safeguarding policy sensitization meeting in Jinja Campus brought together students and staff in a meaningful dialogue on safeguarding issues affecting learning.
The event was graced by Dr. Rodney Rugyema, from the Dean of Students Office, who emphasized the University’s commitment to the well-being of all its members. In his remarks, he highlighted the importance of safeguarding policies in preventing abuse, harassment, exploitation, and other forms of misconduct within the Jinja Campus community.
“Safeguarding is not a one-time action, but a continuous culture of care and accountability. We all have a role to play in ensuring a safe and respectful space for learning and growth,” Dr Rugyema, said.
The sensitization session covered key topics including; recognizing signs of abuse, understanding reporting procedures on the MakSafeSpace and fostering mutual respect among peers.
Participants were encouraged to actively engage and reflect on their roles in upholding safety standards both on and off campus.
Students who attended the sensitization welcomed the initiative, with many expressing optimism that the policy would improve campus safety and encourage victims to come forward without fear of retaliation.
“We have seen issues go unreported in the past because students didn’t know where to turn. This policy provides clarity and assurance that the university is taking these matters seriously,” noted, a third-year student.
The University plans to conduct a series of sensitization workshops and distribute printed copies of the policy to ensure that every member of the campus community is well-informed. This initiative is part of Makerere University‘s broader strategy to reinforce its values of integrity, respect, and protection for all.
The Safeguarding Sensitization Meeting concluded with a collective pledge to uphold safety, dignity, and mutual respect within the University community.
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