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African Union Team Visits ASF-RESIST Action at CoNAS

Published

6 years ago

May 2, 2019

Mark Wamai

The Principal Investigator of ASF-RESIST, Dr. Charles Masembe; an Associate Professor in the Department of Zoology, Entomology and Fisheries Sciences (ZEFS), CoNAS, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda — The Project Principal Investigator (PI), Prof. Charles Masembe.

A team from the African Union (AU) led by Dr. Monica Ebele Idinoba accompanied by Ms. Khadidiatou Meissa Gaye visited the ASF-RESIST action from the 23rd April to 26th April 2019 at the College of Natural Sciences (CoNAS) to review progress of the action since its inception in 2018. The African Union supported by the European Union awarded a research grant of USD 1,249,988 to a consortium of scientists led by the College of Natural Sciences (CoNAS), Makerere University to implement a research action aimed at 'Developing innovative and sustainable approaches to prevent the spread of African Swine Fever (ASF) in Africa (ASF-RESIST)'. The Principal Investigator (PI) of ASF-RESIST is Dr. Charles Masembe, an
Associate Professor in the Department of Zoology, Entomology and Fisheries Sciences (ZEFS).

During the visit, the AU team held a meeting on the 24th April 2019 with the team at CoNAS led by the Principal (Prof. Joseph Y.T. Mugisha) and Head of ZEFS (Dr. Eric Sande). The Director of Research and Graduate Training at Makerere University (Prof. Mukadasi Buyinza) and a RUFORUM representative also attended the meeting.

In his remarks at the meeting, Dr. Masembe reiterated the strengths of ASF-RESIST noting that 'ASF-RESIST has put together a partnership of members from across Africa and the northern hemisphere. The action will allow us to train more and thereby build a critical mass of scientists/experts working on African Swine Fever (ASF) in Africa and globally'. He also underlined the support of the AU in leveraging the capacity available in Africa to solve
the continent's problem.

Dr. Ebele as head of the AU team encouraged Makerere to comply to agreements reached with the funders otherwise penalties might accrue affecting future project grants for the institution as a whole.

Dr. Sande as Head of ZEFS welcomed the AU team and partners present to the department. He highlighted his belief that the ASF-RESIST action will bring more skills and knowledge to the department.

Prof. Mugisha noted that ZEFS is one of the most qualified departments across Makerere University with all the academic staff PhD holders. He also reiterated thanks of CoNAS and Makerere for the support of AU and EU with confirmation that the action will be well implemented.

It gives me great pleasure to give remarks at a review of multi-institutional project, Prof. Buyinza said. He recalled his presence the inception meeting where the pace for implementation was set. He reminded everyone that 'winning a project is only a short celebration but the issue for Makerere and partners as institutions is compliance and brand protection. This can only be possible by implementing the project as stipulated in the proposal and agreement with funders'.

Prof. Buyinza thanked Dr. Masembe for the zeal exhibited by winning the project grants that he leads and implementing them satisfactorily. 'I request that you continue to do thus but also train and mentor others',

Prof. Buyinza continued. The Director reminded all present that 'we are transforming communities with research that we do. He assured all that Makerere has lessons to share as a leader in home grown solutions as exhibited by the work implemented at the various units of the University'.

Prof. Buyinza reminded the meeting that it is important to always think ahead to sustainability and human resource capacity building for any grant worn. He also commended CoNAS under the leadership of Prof. Mugisha for the work accomplished.

The AU team also visited project sites including the Molecular Genetics Laboratory and farmers in Mukono District.

Partners working with Makerere University on the ASF-RESIST action include MRC – University of Glasgow, Centre for Virus Research – Scotland, UK; National Veterinary Research Institute, Nigeria. Associate Partners: BecA-ILRI Hub – Kenya; National Veterinary Institute – Sweden. Networking Support: Regional Universities Forum for Capacity Building in Agriculture
(RUFORUM).

Article by Communications and PR Office, CoNAS

General

NTU Global Summer School – A Unique UK Experience for Students

Published

3 days ago

May 9, 2025

Mak Editor

The Nottingham Trent University (NTU) Global Summer School will run from 7 July – 1 August 2025 in the heart of England.

Why join this summer?

A diverse range of credit-bearing courses
The Global Summer School offers a variety of exciting courses, from cybersecurity to creative industries, and space science to entrepreneurship – truly something for everyone! With two distinct blocks of courses, students can either dive deeper into their passions or broaden their horizons by exploring new subjects.

Explore Courses

A truly international experience
Students will join peers from many countries across the world, creating a vibrant and multicultural learning environment that enhances the global student experience.

An exciting cultural and social programme
Beyond the classroom NTU offers a full schedule of activities, including visits to iconic UK cities, sports and evening events ensuring that students make the most of their time in the UK.

A safe and welcoming destination
Nottingham is a city renowned for its safety, having earned the prestigious Purple Flag award for its excellent night-time safety and vibrant atmosphere, ensuring your students feel at home both on and off campus.

Application Deadline: 1 June 2025

Apply Today!

Limited places available – apply soon!

Don’t miss out! This is the perfect chance for students to develop new skills, make new friends and experience the best of British culture. NTU looks forward to welcoming students this summer!

Have questions? Contact NTU here!

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End of Semester Memo for Academic Year 2024/2025

Published

4 days ago

May 8, 2025

Mark Wamai

Africa, one of three On-Campus Halls of Residence for ladies, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda.

All Resident Students

1. Congratulatory Message

On behalf of Makerere University Management, I congratulate and thank you for the successful completion of Semester Two: 2024/2025.

2.End of the Second Semester

The second Semester holiday break will begin on 17^th May, 2025 up to Saturday 9^th August, 2025.

3. Resident Students

All resident students are expected to vacate the Halls of Residence by mid-day on Saturday, 17^th May, 2025.

4. University Property

Please hand over all University property in your possession (such as: room keys, Sports & Games equipment, College property etc) before you leave the Hall of Residence.

5. Security of personal property

Please make sure that you carry with you all your property.

Dean of Students
Makerere University

Makerere-Dean-of-Students-End-of-Academic-Year-2024-2025-MEMO Download

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Inter-college Debate 2025 Seeks to Nurture Confident, Articulate, and Visionary Leaders

Published

6 days ago

May 6, 2025

Mak Editor

Winners of the Inter-college debates Daphine Kemigisha and Jibiril Ssekandi (School of Law) pose for a photo with debaters and the GRCs of the Debate Union. Organised by the Makerere Debating Union – a student-led initiative, the Inter-college Debate Tournament was held on 11th and 12th April 2025 with a vision to leave no student behind by nurturing a community of confident, articulate, and visionary leaders who will drive positive change in society. Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

Organised by the Makerere Debating Union – a student-led initiative, the Inter-college Debate Tournament was held on 11^th and 12^th April 2025 with a vision to leave no student behind by nurturing a community of confident, articulate, and visionary leaders who will drive positive change in society. The tournament was held in three preliminary rounds, followed by semi-finals and a grand finale.

The first round covered democracy and youth participation in politics, while the second round covered inequality and wealth distribution, and the third, the ban on export of raw materials. The semi-final round debated apprenticeship for blue-collar jobs, while the grand finale debated national budget allocations for healthcare and education. In the spirit of inclusivity, all colleges, including the Jinja Campus participated in the tournament.

One of the preliminary rounds in session at Lumumba Hall. Organised by the Makerere Debating Union – a student-led initiative, the Inter-college Debate Tournament was held on 11th and 12th April 2025 with a vision to leave no student behind by nurturing a community of confident, articulate, and visionary leaders who will drive positive change in society. Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa. — ***One of the preliminary rounds in session at Lumumba Hall.***

Commenting on the choice of topics, the organisers noted Makerere University as a bastion of academic excellence has a profound responsibility to cultivate the next generation of leaders who will shape the future of our nation. These leaders, they added, ought to be equipped with 21^st century skills of self-expression, critical thinking, and problem-solving so as to navigate the complexities of an ever-evolving world.

On the whole, Makerere Inter-college Debates were conceived as a strategic initiative to foster a culture of intellectual curiosity, creativity, and innovation. The Debating Union aims to empower the future leaders by providing a platform for students to engage in respectful discourse, articulate their thoughts, as well as develop their critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

Daphine Kemigisha submitting at the debate grand finale. Organised by the Makerere Debating Union – a student-led initiative, the Inter-college Debate Tournament was held on 11th and 12th April 2025 with a vision to leave no student behind by nurturing a community of confident, articulate, and visionary leaders who will drive positive change in society. Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa. — ***Daphine Kemigisha submitting at the debate grand finale.***

Furthermore, the Debates serve as a platform for not only honing the intellectual prowess of students but also cultivating leadership skills, teamwork, and communication abilities that are essential for success in an increasingly complex and interconnected world. It is envisaged that this initiative will have a lasting impact on the lives of students, by exposing them to debates on topical issues that can shape the mindsets of transformative leaders our nation needs.

After a thrilling two days of debate, Daphine Kemigisha and Jibril Ssekandi from the School of Law (SoL) emerged as winners of the Makerere University Inter-college Debate Tournament 2025, while Olara Emmanuel George from the College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Biosecurity (CoVAB) was the Public Speech Champion, and Namujuzi Martha Mociita from the College of Business and Management Sciences (CoBAMS) was the Poetry Champion.

Debate Winners; Daphine Kemigisha (Right) and Jibril Sekandi (Left) from the School of Law (SoL). Organised by the Makerere Debating Union – a student-led initiative, the Inter-college Debate Tournament was held on 11th and 12th April 2025 with a vision to leave no student behind by nurturing a community of confident, articulate, and visionary leaders who will drive positive change in society. Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa. — ***Debate Winners; Daphine Kemigisha (Right) and Jibril Sekandi (Left) from the School of Law (SoL).***

The 2025 Tournament was organized by Mayanja Owen and Nkalubo Oprah – 91^st Guild Representative Councils (GRCs) of the Debate Union, Akatwijuka Arthur – Chairperson Debate Union, and Debate Union Representatives from colleges. The Uganda National NGO Forum (UNNGOF) partnered with the Debate Union to deliver the 2025 edition.

Addressing students at the award ceremony, UNNGOF’s Mr. Derrick Baluuku encouraged the youth to step out of their comfort zones and think of solutions to inspire change in their communities.