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Mak revitalizes its press house: Launches website and three scholarly books

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On 30th May 2019, the Vice Chancellor Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe launched the Makerere University Press website (https://press.mak.ac.ug), an online space for the institution’s scholars and academicians to publish and market their work.

The launch of the Makerere University Press website was a signature effort for the University to revitalize its legendary Makerere University Press. Established in 1940s, the Makerere University Press focuses on publishing transformative and innovative teaching, learning, research and service resources responsive to dynamic national and global needs.

The Vice Chancellor Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe launching the Makerere University Press website amidst cheers.

The objectives of the Makerere University Press are to:

  1. Publish scholarly monographs, academic texts, reference works, research reports and scholarly journals.
  2. Encourage members of staff and students of the University to publish worthy academic works in books and journal articles of international standard.
  3. Encourage writers from other institutions of higher learning in Uganda to write and publish.
  4. Obtain copyrights from authors and publishers to reproduce essential reading materials.
  5. Publish textbooks for primary, secondary and tertiary institutions.
  6. Exploit the potential in the publishing market, which is currently underutilized, and so generate income for the University.

According to the Managing Editor, Makerere University Press Dr. Samuel Siminyu, the Mak Press is currently under the Directorate of Research and Graduate Training (DRGT). The publishing house serves as a link between the public yearning for knowledge and the creators, refiners and distributors of the knowledge.

“The records we have indicate that the Makerere University Press as an idea was born in the 1940s when Uganda was still a British colony. As far back, Makerere University was already a hub of intellectual activities in the region, and the British academics and colonial administrators working here at that time mooted the idea of establishing a University Press at Makerere University as a channel for capturing and sharing these ideas. The idea seems to have fruited in the 1960s but it was short-lived. Only two publications from that period persisted in our records,” he said.

the Managing Editor, Makerere University Press Dr. Samuel Siminyu making remarks.

It is therefore clear from the existing records that Makerere University Press has had a history of starts and halts that stretch back to the late 1960s. About Sixty four (64) publications carry the Makerere University Press imprint. Fifteen others were either co-published with or through other Publishing houses. Makerere University has also produced numerous Open Distance Learning materials under various units of the University. Records also indicate that currently, Makerere University hosts 22 peer-reviewed journals.

At the same function, the Vice Chancellor launched three (3) maiden publications, namely:

  1. Contemporary African Philosophers: A Critical Appraisal by Dr. Wilfred Lajul
  2. The Power of Identity: Imbalu Initiation Ritual Among the Bamasaaba of Uganda by Prof. J.P. Wotsuna Khamalwa
  3. Modernization of Luganda Terminology in the Field of Linguistics by Dr. Saudah Namyalo

Addressing the audience on Thursday, 30th May 2019 at the Senate Conference Hall, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe applauded the Makerere University Press Editorial Board and Secretariat, the Directorate of Research and Graduate Training for ensuring that the Makerere University Press regains its grounds to serve the University community.  

The three books that were published by the Mak Press.

In the same spirit, he appreciated authors: Dr.  Saudah Namyalo, Prof. J.P. Wotsuna Khamalwa and Dr. Wilfred Lajul for the commendable scholarly materials rich in African history, cultural and language.

“Today, we celebrate a milestone; the life of Makerere University Press and the individual lives of the authors and the books we are launching. With these publications, we register our presence as an outlet for African scholarly voices. Instead of reaching out through channels that are not our own, we can now reach out to one another and the rest of the world using our own voice and through our own channel,” remarked the Vice Chancellor.

“Let me thank Dr. Lajul for adding our voice to the debate on what constitutes African philosophy; Prof Wotsuna Khamalwa for exposing what imbalu means to the Bamasaaba and their self-identity; and Dr. Namyalo for guiding us on how to grow our local languages by adding new words and representing modern concepts scientifically. The journey has been long and eventful. We have grown to know each other better and to appreciate our humanity – strengths and weaknesses notwithstanding,” he added.

L-R, Dr. George Nasinyama, one of the former handlers of Mak Press, Dr. Josephine Ahikire-Principal College of Humanaties and Social Sciences, DR. Aaron Mushengyezi-Dean School of Languages, Literature and Communication and other invitied guests.

Prof. Nawangwe called upon staff and students to embrace the Makerere University Press and put it to good use. He thanked the Government of Uganda for investing tremendously in Makerere University to undertake research and publish knowledge-generating materials.

The Director of Research and Graduate Training, Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi said that Makerere University has for long experienced a deep information-publication gap due to lack of a publication channel of its own.

“Our staff and students have generated data that is useful to society. However, without publishing channels, this data has not been useful. I believe that the University Press will be an easier and friendly channel to our members, not forgetting the quality of the content. Through the Makerere University Press, staff and students will be able to publish materials swiftly and cheaply,” he stated.

The authors of three books; Dr. Wilfred Lajul, Prof. J.P. Wotsuna Khamalwa and Dr. Saudah Namyalo.

Makerere University  Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic Affairs) who is also the Chairperson of Makerere University Press Editorial Board, Dr. Umar Kakumba, thanked Makerere University Management for allocating funds to the Makerere University Press in the financial year 2018/2019.  He also recognized the support from Carnegie Foundation of New York that financed the initial revitalization activities during the reign of Prof. Eli Katunguka and Dr. George Nasinyama at the Directorate of Research and Graduate Training.  

“We thank those who have helped us along the way: typists and typesetters; reviewers and editors, accountants and book-keepers; colleagues within and without Makerere, the old and new Makerere University Press Editorial Board Members; friends in the publishing fraternity and many others,” he said

In a key note address on Raising African Voices in Scholarly Publishing: Challenges and Opportunities (the Implications of a University Press in Scholarship-Book), Prof. John Opuda-Asibo urged Makerere University to reflect on its efforts, mission and vision while operationalizing the Makerere University Press.

 Prof. John Opuda-Asibo delivering his keynote address on Raising African Voices in Scholarly Publishing: Challenges and Opportunities (the Implications of a University Press in Scholarship-Book)

“We should remind ourselves that the University Press is not a profit oriented venture. The press is basically for knowledge publication and marketing academics ideas. It is not profitable but provides service and visibility. In addition, we should avoid copy and paste. Plagiarism has affected the trend of writing and publication in the scholarly world,” he emphasized.

According to Prof. Opuda-Asibo, to have an active and valued Makerere University Press, staff and students should observe the following while publishing:

  • A Statutory Instrument outlining legal status, operations (management, ethical issues, place and positions of authors, timeframes) and Intellectual Property issues in place for smooth functioning of the university press.
  • A good published book should have: an overview, background information, rational and justification including the scope of the works, investigative questions and answers, procedures and measurement of events, both basic and analytical description and interpretation.
  • The Author must bear in mind the reader’s expectation as you write. The content must be well written in terms of expressions, time frame and quality of the language. What question does the publication answer? Does the title relate to the subject matter? Is there a useful conclusion appropriate to the context and relevance?
  • The reader must look for the reputation of the author, significance of the document, and other people’s reviewed works and knowledge gaps in problems so far solved or unsolved.
  • The reader should be given an opportunity to develop his or her own view as a user or an author of similar works.

The Vice Chacellor posing for a photo with the some of the members of Mak Press Editorial Board, the former handlers of Mak Press and the authors of the ree books that were launched.

Prof. Opuda-Asibo’s keynote address was further enriched by a panel discussion led by Prof. Edward Wamala and Dr. William Tayeebwa. The two panelists provided an insight into the current models of publishing and freedom of speech and expression in Uganda respectively.

Article by Mak Public Relations Office

 

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Vice Chancellor Updates Media on Medical Drones, Road Safety Research & Various Issues

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Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi (Centre) with Dr. Andrew Kambugu (Left) and Dr. Fredrick Oporia (Right) at the Press Briefing on 29th May 2025. Press Conference featuring Infectious Diseases Institute—the IDI Medical Drone Programme and Kampala Status Summary 2023 on Road Safety Risk Factors, conducted under the Bloomberg Philanthropies Initiative for Global Road Safety. This collaborative effort between the Johns Hopkins International Injury Research Unit and our Trauma, Injury, and Disability Unit (TRIAD) Makerere University School of Public Health (MakSPH), Senior Common Room, Main Builing, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

The Acting Vice Chancellor, Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi on Thursday 29th May, 2025 held a press conference to update members of the Media on the Infectious Diseases Institute (IDI) Medical Drone Programme, and the Kampala Status Summary 2023 on Road Safety Risk Factors, conducted under the Bloomberg Philanthropies Initiative for Global Road Safety, a collaborative effort between the Johns Hopkins International Injury Research Unit and the Trauma, Injury, and Disability (TRIAD) Unit at Makerere University School of Public Health (MakSPH). Also presented were updates on; Digital Certification of Academic Transcripts, Digital Supervision of Graduate Students, Inclusive e-Learning and Smart Classrooms, and Launch of the Artificial Intelligence (AI) Laboratory at the College of Computing and Information Sciences (CoCIS).

The event held in the Senior Common Room, Main Building, was on behalf of the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe presided over by the Acting (Ag.) DVC AA and substantive Academic Registrar, Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi. Presentations were made by Executive Director of the Infectious Diseases Institute (IDI), Dr. Andrew Kambugu and Head of the Trauma, Injuries, and Disability (TRIAD) Unit, Dr. Fredrick Oporia. Dr. Jimmy Osuret and Dr. Esther Bayiga from TRIAD supplemented Dr. Oporia’s presentation. In attendance were; the Director for ICT Support (DICTS)-Mr. Samuel Mugabi, Deputy Chief – Public Relations-Ms. Betty Kyakuwa, Deputy Chief Security Officer-Mr. Musa Mulindwa and other university officials.

The proceedings of the Press Conference follow below;

Vice Chancellors’ Press Statement

Good morning colleagues, members of the press,

It is my pleasure to welcome you to this important media briefing, where we share compelling findings from two groundbreaking studies that reflect Makerere University‘s ongoing commitment to impactful research, innovation, and community transformation.

The first is a pioneering initiative led by the Infectious Diseases Institute—the IDI Medical Drone Programme. This project explores the use of drone technology to deliver lifesaving HIV medications and test samples to hard-to-reach populations, particularly in Kalangala District and the West Nile region. The study demonstrates how drones can overcome logistical barriers, reduce costs, and enhance access to critical healthcare in some of Uganda’s most underserved communities.

The second study is the Kampala Status Summary 2023 on Road Safety Risk Factors, conducted under the Bloomberg Philanthropies Initiative for Global Road Safety. This collaborative effort between the Johns Hopkins International Injury Research Unit and our Trauma, Injury, and Disability Unit here at Makerere University presents over two years of data on vehicle speed and helmet use in Kampala. It provides vital insights into the human behaviours and systemic gaps contributing to road traffic injuries and fatalities—particularly among vulnerable road users. The study also offers evidence-based recommendations for enforcement, planning, and public health messaging aimed at making Kampala’s roads safer for all.

We are proud to support this kind of research that not only advances knowledge but also drives tangible improvements in public health and safety.

Before I invite the researchers to present their findings, allow me to briefly highlight some transformative developments in the areas of academic registry and ICT advancement here at Makerere University:

  1. Digital Certification of Academic Transcripts:
    • Alumni can now certify their transcripts digitally through the Makerere Academic Records System (Mak-ARS https://makars.mak.ac.ug/), eliminating the need for physical visits. This user-friendly platform allows access from anywhere in the world, supported by comprehensive video tutorials and public communications.
  2. Digital Supervision of Graduate Students
    • We have introduced the Research Information Management System (Mak-RIMS), piloted at the College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, to streamline the supervision of Master’s and PhD research. This initiative enhances accountability, timely feedback, and is now being rolled out university-wide to improve graduation rates.
  3. Inclusive eLearning and Smart Classrooms
    • Through support from development partners and the Government of Uganda, we are establishing multimedia studios and smart classrooms across our colleges. These state-of-the-art facilities are designed to produce professional, accessible learning content, including tools tailored for students with visual and auditory disabilities. This aligns with our goal of equitable, globally competitive education.
  4. Launch of the AI Laboratory at CoCIS:
    • The newly launched Artificial Intelligence Laboratory will spearhead the development of AI-enabled solutions tailored to Uganda’s socio-economic needs, including localized assistive eLearning tools and context-sensitive curriculum development.

These initiatives are part of our broader vision to transform Makerere University into a research-led, inclusive, and globally relevant institution.

Detailed Presentations

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Prof. Aina Visits Mak, Evaluates CECAP II Progress

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Prof. Omotade Akin Aina (Left) receives the Makerere Souvenir Book from Prof. Tonny Oyana as Prof. Julius Kikooma (2nd Right) and Mr. Charles Lwanga (Right) witness. Prof. Omotade Akin Aina-Carnegie Corporation of New York meeting to discuss progress of Consolidating Early Career Academics Programme (CECAP) phase II, which focuses on fostering academic development and research among early-career academics, 23rd May 2025, Main Building, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

The Senior Program Director, Higher Education and Research in Africa, International Program, Carnegie Corporation of New York, Prof. Omotade Akin Aina on 23rd May 2025 visited Makerere University during his short trip to Kampala. Prof. Aina was received on behalf of the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe by Prof. Tony Oyana, Principal of the College of Computing and Information Sciences (CoCIS).

During his visit, Prof. Aina met with the Project Implementation Committee, representatives from the Consolidating Early Career Academics Programme (CECAP) phase I Fellowship Cohort, and current Fellows of phase II. The meeting discussed the progress of CECAP II, which focuses on fostering academic development and research among early-career academics.

Left to Ritght: Dr. Jesca Nakavuma and Prof. Julius Kikooma alongside Prof. Omotade Akin Aina during the meeting. Prof. Omotade Akin Aina-Carnegie Corporation of New York meeting to discuss progress of Consolidating Early Career Academics Programme (CECAP) phase II, which focuses on fostering academic development and research among early-career academics, 23rd May 2025, Main Building, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Left to Ritght: Dr. Jesca Nakavuma and Prof. Julius Kikooma alongside Prof. Omotade Akin Aina during the meeting.

CECAP II is being implemented by Makerere University in collaboration with four other Ugandan public universities, including; Busitema University, Gulu University, Kyambogo University and Mbarara University of Science and Technology. Prof. Mukadasi Buyinza, the Project Principal Investigator was represented at the meeting by the Director of Graduate Training, Prof. Julius Kikooma.

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Directorate of Graduate Equips Schools and Colleges with Training in Philosophy of Methods

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By Moses Lutaaya

The Directorate of Graduate Training at Makerere University has equipped several Senior ranking lecturers with expert knowledge in a Training of Trainers’ workshop on “Philosophy of Methods”.

In his remarks at the opening of a 3-day training workshop at Level4 Conference Hall – Senate Building, the Director of Graduate Training Prof. Julius Kikooma said, “The teaching of Philosophy of Methods gives all participants the fundamentals to extend knowledge to other learners, hence its importance in upholding the Makerere University values.”

Kikooma urged and challenged the participants to also attend and actively participate in the follow up of learners’ training of students, stating that the PhD students need support as the directorate continues to coordinate the curriculum of PhD by-research that was approved by the senate recently.

“To holistically implement the senate approved PhD curriculum, we are coordinating capacity building trainings of all stake holders in a structured approach with the different units of the University. Many more trainings including Training of Trainers in advanced research methods course are on the way.”

He further urged the participants to be intentional in their teaching profession and in whatever they were doing, adding “Apart from focusing on practices as teachers and researchers, we can engage in wider philosophical debates in our research areas so that we are relevant in the society and in the empowerment of PhD research students.”

 The participants for the Philosophy of Methods training were from College of Humanities and Social Sciences, College of Education and External Studies, Makerere University Business School among others.

During the same training, Dr. Dickson Kanakulya stressed the need to train senior lecturers in the Philosophy of Methods, saying, “The biggest connection is that societal problems require concrete research to find solutions. Our challenge in Africa is that we employ a short barrow approach to find solutions to problems. This cannot work. We need consistent researchers to solve problems. Lasting solutions to societal issues can only be got through training such as Philosophy of Methods, where researchers come up with new models for societal solutions.”

Prof. Julius Kikooma pose for a photo with participants and facilitators.

Dr. Kanakulya said that Makerere University remains the biggest research University in Africa and philosophy of Methods helps to come up with good research tools that produce good research outputs. “Research has shown that the higher the number of PhD researchers in any given country, the higher the levels of development of that country e.g. the USA, China etc., adding that research is not limited to only medicinal or agricultural related issues.”

He said philosophy of methods, encourages philosophical creativity in research, “It is meant to bring out philosophical generation of concepts, theories and ideas. It is meant to encourage students to question the existing philosophical assumptions and status quo in a given field of knowledge such that new philosophical concepts are created.”

 For successful rollout of government programs like the National Development Plan 4, Dr. Kanakulya said that Philosophy of Methods training needs to be integrated into such systems. “Philosophy of Methods focuses on ethical thinking aspects. For example, for a better rollout of the Parish Development Model, we need implementers to be ethical.” He added.

 Prof. Sulait Tumwiine, the associate Dean of Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research at MUBS said, “This is a discussion where new ideas are shared to guide and gauge applicability in the current knowledge diversity coupled with lots of technological development including Artificial Intelligence and Chat GPT.”

He added, “As professors of Universities, we need to understand how we leverage on what comes up so that it does not take our space, but also appreciate how we can support growth of knowledge. The Philosophy of Methods training is the answer.”

 Dr. Jim Spire Ssentongo highlighted that Philosophy uses more of the critical mind than Science. He added that philosophy is more of speculation of the mind.

“Sustainability of philosophy Education encourages us to continue training. Philosophy being the oldest discipline retained special status in the academia as a pinnacle of pursuit of knowledge. All disciplines have major elements of philosophy citing examples in the philosophy of Mathematics and Physics.

Dr. Spire added, “If you do not understand philosophy, you cannot deeply investigate anything because philosophy is the reality of understanding everything. Philosophy is the basis of understanding what knowledge is and how it is arrived at.”

Also participating in the workshop was Prof. Joseph Ntaayi from MUBS, in his remarks he said PhD students need the philosophy of methods training to understand how to best to create knowledge. He added that ontological and epistemological questions that lead to good research design methods can only be answered by this training.

Dr. Robert Kakuru, a Lecturer in the College of Humanities and Social Sciences said that the Philosophy of Methods training is needed by every graduate student as well as supervisors to critically determine the choice of methods to use in academic research. For example, “If one wants to use a questionnaire as an interview approach, one should understand, why that approach and yet without this training, the why cannot be answered.” He added.

The Philosophy of Methods training was organized by Directorate of Graduate Training with funding support from the Consortium for Advanced Research Training in Africa (CARTA).

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