General
Mak-Sida APM Ends: Senior Faculty Trained in Graduate Research Supervision and Mentorship
On Friday, 12th April 2019, the weeklong Makerere University-Sweden Bilateral Research Programme Annual Research Planning Conference concluded with a certificate award ceremony to the first cohort of Senior Faculty trained in Graduate Supervision and Mentorship. The Quality Assurance Directorate (QAD), Makerere University together with Uppsala University Sweden conducted this first training.
I represented the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe at the closing ceremony where we took note of the milestones of our research cooperation which started in 2000 and will come to an end in 2020. The ceremony was held in the Quality Assurance Telepresence Centre, Makerere University.
This being the last Planning Conference, we conducted a SWOT analysis and noted that the significant enhancement of academic sustainability at Mak has been a major achievement of the Swedish support. Over 250 staff have completed their PhD, Master and Postdoctoral training.
We are optimistic that the sustainability/future of research at Mak will be secured through a multiple interventions including: Development of institutional systems and structures aimed at continued implementation of research capacity building activities; Creation of an enabling, harmonious and efficient environment for research and innovations; Maintenance of internal systems to improve research and publications culture; Revision of policies and guidelines to strengthen research management and coordination; Establishment of staff retention strategies; Supporting mechanisms to sustain the established collaborations; and Continued fundraising strategies and increased funding streams for research and innovations.
During the last four years of implementing the programme, we have noted that Makerere will only sustain the current momentum in the research arena if it mentors our early-career researchers during the five years following their PhD completion. We need to provide adequate research support leading to a well planned career progression from postdoctoral appointment to tenure, promotion and beyond. We need to attract, retain, develop, and promote our researchers.
In this regard, mentorship of early-career researchers by senior colleagues who have successfully navigated those transitions is critically important. To address this shortfall, we have taken a deliberate decision to develop our own research leaders from the existing stock of staff.
Article by Professor Buyinza Mukadasi, Director DRGT
Waste Management efforts at Makerere University have been boosted by a donation of 30 waste bins by Centenary Bank’s Makerere Branch. The bins received on Monday 11th May 2026 in the Freedom Square by the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe in the company of the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic Affairs), Prof. Sarah Ssali, Deputy University Secretary, Mr. Simon Kizito and other officials were handed over by the Branch Manager, Mr. Sunday Julius.
Appreciating the donation from Centenary Bank on behalf of University Management, Prof. Nawangwe noted that Makerere University strives to maintain “the cleanest environment in Kampala”, especially as a good example to future leaders, the students.
Acknowledging earlier donations to the Halls of Residence by Centenary Bank, Prof. Nawangwe described the ceremony as “the beginning of a long journey of collaboration in environmental stewardship,” with separation of plastics from biodegradable waste earmarked as the next step in user education.
In his remarks, Mr. Sunday noted that the donation was in line with the Bank’s Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) objectives, particularly the Social component, where supporting institutions with waste management facilities to enhance hygiene is key. “It is important for Centenary Bank to give back to the society where it makes money”, he emphasized.
Describing Makerere University as the “main institution that Centenary Bank operates a branch”, Mr. Sunday recognised the donation as a step in the right direction with a valuable partner.
The newly-donated bins will be placed in various public locations under supervision of the Estates and Works Directorate.
Makerere University and the University of Notre Dame, Indiana, USA (ND) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), which opens opportunities for collaboration between the two historic and leading research institutions in the areas of staff and student exchange, joint research and training, joint supervision of graduate students, and others.
The Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe signed on behalf of Makerere University and Rev. Robert A. Dowd, the 18th President signed on behalf of the University of Notre Dame. The ceremony, which was held at the University of Notre Dame campus at South Bend, Indiana was witnessed by Dr. Lorna Magara, the Chairperson of the Council of Makerere University, who led the Mak delegation.
Dr. Magara appreciated the institutionalisation of the collaboration between the two universities and the very warm hospitality accorded to the Mak delegation.
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