General
Mak-Western Sydney Univ. Discuss Collaboration
Makerere University on Thursday, 1st August 2019 hosted a delegation from the Western Sydney University (WSU), Australia as a precursor to collaboration especially in the area of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs). Led by the Vice Chancellor and President WSU, Prof. Barney Glover, the delegation was received by the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic Affairs), Dr. Umar Kakumba and Members of University Management.
The WSU delegation which also consisted of Pro Vice-Chancellor (International) Assoc. Prof. Linda Taylor, Prof. Andre Renzaho and Prof. Athula Ginige, accompanied by Dr. Paul Bukuluki was on a two-week visit to Africa, which took them to South Africa, Zimbabwe, Kenya and finally Uganda.
“We are honored to start this partnership with Makerere University which is not only one of the oldest academic institutions in Africa but also famous for its research and publications. Since Western Sydney University is also a research led university, I believe that this partnership will benefit both institutions,” said Prof. Glover.
He further noted that they seek to build on their relationship with Makerere University to engage the Government, NGOs and other partners both in Africa and Australia in capacity building, using technology to influence lives and finding solutions to Non-Communicable Diseases.
Emphasizing on research, Prof. Glover listed some of the research institutes owned by Western Sydney University which include;
- Health Research Institute
- Environment Institute
- Culture and Society Institute
- Brain, Behavior and Development Institute
Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe welcomed the Vice Chancellor and his delegation to Makerere University and thanked them for deciding to collaborate with the premier University in the region. Reflecting on the fact that both universities are research-led, Prof. Nawangwe said that “this partnership will yield to more research publications, joint publications and also play an important role in societal development.”
In his presentation, Prof. Nawangwe revealed that Makerere University is the 8th largest university in Africa with the largest Library which holds over 200,000 volumes and a sitting capacity of 4,000, ranked 2nd top research university in Africa. He added that Makerere generates 90% of research publications in Uganda and accounts for 50% of university enrollment nationally.
Western Sydney University was founded in 1989 under the terms of the University of Western Sydney Act, 1988. In 2015, the university underwent a rebranding which resulted in a change in name from the University of Western Sydney to Western Sydney University. The University consists of an amalgamation of campuses which include; Bankstown, Blacktown, Campbelltown, Hawkesbury, Parramatta and Penrith. The university boasts of its design to unlock the potential of youths and the largest nursing school which is ranked 4th in the world.
Also in attendance from Makerere University were; Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi, Mr. Walter Yorac Nono, Prof. Henry Alinaitwe, Prof. Tonny Oyana, Prof. JYT Mugisha, Dr. Josephine Ahikire, Dr. Gorettie Nabanoga, Dr. Samuel Majalija, Dr. Paul Muyinda Birevu, Prof. Rhoda Wanyenze, Prof. Eli Sabiiti, Dr. Richard Edema, Dr. Moses Galukande, Mr. Paul Agaba, Mr. Matia Kabuye, Mr. Darius Muwanguzi, Ms. Martha Muwanguzi, Ms. Ritah Namisango, Mr. Gordon Murangira and members of the Public Relations Office.
Article by: Esther Joyce Nakibombo, Volunteer, Mak Public Relations Office
Makerere University has once again cemented its place as a regional leader in academic excellence after successfully hosting the East African Universities Debate Championships (EAUDC) 2026, welcoming the continent’s brightest young minds for a week of intellectual competition, cultural exchange, and leadership development.
Held from 26th July to 1st August 2026, the championship brought together more than 200 student debaters, adjudicators and delegates from 25 universities across Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, South Sudan and other invited institutions, transforming the Ivory Tower into East Africa’s premier arena for ideas, innovation and public discourse.
The week-long tournament featured rigorous British Parliamentary debate rounds, public speaking competitions, adjudication workshops and networking sessions designed to sharpen critical thinking, leadership and persuasive communication. Participants debated contemporary issues ranging from governance and economic transformation to technology, public health, climate change and Africa’s future.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, the Deputy Vice Chancellor welcomed delegates to Makerere University, emphasizing the institution’s enduring commitment to nurturing graduates who are not only academically accomplished but also capable of leading meaningful conversations that shape society. The championship reflected Makerere’s vision of producing graduates who are innovative, analytical and prepared to address regional and global challenges.
Beyond competition, EAUDC 2026 became a celebration of East African unity. Delegates experienced Uganda’s rich cultural heritage through social events, campus tours and cultural showcases that fostered friendships beyond national borders. The interactions reinforced the championship’s belief that dialogue remains one of the strongest foundations for regional integration and peaceful cooperation.
The tournament concluded with an electrifying Grand Finale witnessed by students, alumni, university leaders, invited guests and debate enthusiasts. The Chairperson of the Parliamentary Committee on Education and Sports Hon. Eng. Cuthbert Abigaba represented the Speaker of Parliament as the Guest of Honour. In his remarks he congratulated Makerere University on the successful event and encouraged debate among students.
Prof Sarah Ssali the Deputy Vice Chancellor in charge of Academic Affairs at Makerere University pledged continuous support from the administration towards Makerere Debate Union. Teams demonstrated exceptional research, analytical reasoning and eloquence before a distinguished panel of international adjudicators, bringing to a close one of the most competitive editions of the championship.
The successful hosting of EAUDC 2026 marks another milestone in Makerere University‘s growing reputation as a centre of excellence for debating and public speaking. The event builds on the university’s long-standing tradition of producing outstanding debaters while providing students with opportunities to engage with peers from across the region in meaningful intellectual exchange.
As the championship drew to a close, participants departed Kampala with new friendships, stronger networks and renewed inspiration to continue using debate as a tool for leadership, democratic participation and social transformation.
With the East African chapter successfully concluded, attention now turns to the Pan-African Universities Debating Championship (PAUDC) 2026, where Makerere University will once again represent East Africa on the continental stage.
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