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H.E. Elin Østebø Johansen Applauds Longstanding Mak-UiB Collaboration
The Ambassador of Norway to Uganda H.E. Elin Østebø Johansen has highlighted the need to increase support towards development of the African Education System. This was at the 30years celebrations of the Makerere University (Mak)-University of Bergen (UiB) Collaboration that were held on 7th November 2019 at the CTF 2 Auditorium, Makerere University.
In 1988 Makerere University entered into a partnership with the University of Bergen to enhance academic activities through joint research, teaching, staff and students exchange programs, knowledge and information sharing. Over the years, the collaboration has successfully registered tremendous achievements in capacity building, knowledge and information generation and technological developments.
Speaking at the colorful event, the Ambassador said that supporting the education systems is an investment in economic and social development among countries. “In his Address to Parliament on 26 April last year, the then Norwegian Minister of Development, Nikoli Astrup, said, ‘Education is the foundation for all other development. It is the key to finding employment and to being able to lead an independent life with different options and opportunities.’”
She urged academic institutions to align their objectives and academic curriculum to the UN Sustainable Development Goal 4 (SDG 4) to ensure inclusive and equitable quality education. H.E Elin Østebø Johansen highlighted the tremendous support the Norwegian government is extending to the Government of Uganda to improve higher learning and promote vocation and technical skills training.
“In addition to basic education, we fully recognize the importance of higher education. Well trained citizens are needed in all areas of the economy in order for Uganda to develop and prosper. The Ugandan labor market needs to sustain industrial development, high quality tourism and a self-sustained and diversified agricultural sector,” she said.
The Ambassador acknowledged the long-standing and successful collaboration between Makerere University and the University of Bergen. The nature and structure of the collaboration has over the years evolved from one-way scholarship programme to extensive partnership projects under the Norwegian Programme for Capacity Development in Higher Education and Research for Development (NORHED) with multiple partners. She noted that the relationships developed through these collaborations have often continued long after the projects have ended, which is an indication of strong ties, friendships and commitment by all parties.
“The Makerere-University of Bergen 30years celebration is proof of successful partnership and academic collaboration between Norway and Uganda. I am confident that this great partnership between Makerere University and the University of Bergen will continue for another 30 years, to the benefit of the young generations both in Uganda and Norway,” she concluded.
The Pro-Rector University of Bergen, Prof. Margareth Hagen described the Mak-Bergen 30year collaboration as a historic relationship of intensive research and scientific competence. “Throughout our history, the University of Bergen has always sought to collaborate with and befriend universities that are defined by their quality work and research. And, the collaboration between University of Bergen and Makerere University is an example of this,” she said.
According to Prof. Hagen, Universities are institutions that not only keep historical records of societal development but also enable citizens to develop tools that address the great challenges of the time. Through creative and free thinking the institutions have engaged in research and innovate solutions for a better future.
She mentioned that Makerere University and University of Bergen are both pillars of peace and stability in their respective societies. She attributed this to their ability to plan, strategize and think in the long term.
“We influence and learn from each other and that has indeed meant a lot for the many students who travel between our countries for their studies. Today we celebrate the benefits of the long-lasting partnerships, dialogue and open minded research, developed over the many years,” she stated.
The Vice Chancellor of Makerere University Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe in his remarks on the occasion recognized the late Prof. Endre Lillethun and his team who started the journey of the Makerere– University of Bergen Collaboration in the 1988.
He extended sincere appreciation to the Royal Norwegian Government for the support rendered to capacity building at Makerere University under the Norwegian Programme for Development, Research and Education (NUFU) phases I, II and III between 1991 and 2011. Prof. Nawangwe also acknowledged the ongoing support to collaborative efforts under the Norwegian Programme for Capacity Development in Higher Education and Research for Development (NORHED).
“As a result of the Norwegian Government support, hundreds of students and staff have received funding towards their education development. For example, data shared from our Norwegian brothers and sisters shows that the University of Bergen alone has trained over 300 Masters and 150 PhDs for Uganda. This is by no means a small achievement,” said the Vice Chancellor.
“Similarly, under NORHED (2013 – 2020) Makerere University is involved in 11 projects with partner institutions in the North and South. These are in the thematic areas of; Pediatric Health, Anthropology, Aquatic and Environmental Health, Water Management, Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation and Weather Information Management. Other areas include; Health Informatics, Distance Education and Lifelong Learning, Interdisciplinary MPhil and PhD Studies among others,” added Prof Nawangwe.
The Vice Chancellor thanked the Organising Committee led by Prof. J.Y.T Mugisha for organising a successful ceremony to mark 30 years of Mak-UiB collaboration.
The celebrations were enriched by a keynote address on “The role of inter institutional partnerships in attaining education for all and National Development” delivered by Prof. Edward Kirumira. He currently serves as Director of the Stellenbosch Institute for Advanced Study (STIAS) and was the former Coordinator of the Mak-UiB programme at Makerere University.
Prof. Kirumira noted that the future of African Countries is heavily dependent on the future of African Universities. He further argued that the universities’ future is based on successful cooperation in the increasingly competitive global arena. He therefore mentioned that universities’ research should focus on training concerned scholars with a purpose to help community and not just advance themselves.
Discussing institutionary interdisciplinary and interdepartmental collaborations, Prof. Kirumira noted the need for universities to develop national curricula with long term goals. He also mentioned the need for universities to develop strong internal networks when he said, “universities need to be networked from within. Even when they seek regional and international networks, it is the internal cohesion that comes across. You must therefore bond internally for you to take the university to greater heights.”
Delivering her remarks, the Senior Advisor, Norwegian Agency for Development Cooperation (NORAD), Jeanette Da Silva congratulated Mak and UiB upon the momentous 30year collaboration, noting that Education including Higher Education is one of the NORAD’s funding priorities.
She also took the opportunity to announce that NORHED II will be launched in February 2020 as a framework to perpetuate North-South collaborations for more years to come. The Senior Advisor noted that funding is not only about capacity building but also capacity sharing and prayed that NORHED II will contribute to the formation of strong, mutually beneficial North-South relationships.
Other activities that preceded the celebrations included; a plenary session on the Role of the Youth in Achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals: A Focus On SDG 4 “Ensure Inclusive and Equitable Quality Education and Promote Lifelong Learning Opportunities for All”. It was organized by the Uganda-Norway Alumni Network (UGNAN) in partnership with the Mak-UiB collaboration Office and Norway UiB alumni.
During the Plenary session, participants discussed the SDG4 status in Uganda and the actions put in place to achieve the goal by 2030. Participants reflected on how the SDGs are calling for the transformation of ideas and how the country’s education institutions need to be transformed in line with SDG 4 goal especially for the vulnerable groups such as girls and People With Disabilities (PWDs).
Article by Proscovia Nabatte, Mak Public Relations Office.
Makerere University staff have been urged to embrace servant leadership, integrity and compassion as they prepare to welcome students for the 2026/2027 Academic Year.
The call was made during the Makerere University Staff Prayer Breakfast held on 31st July 2026 at St. Francis Students Centre Upper Hall under the theme “Faithful Stewards: A Servant Heart with Integrity and Wisdom,” drawn from Colossians 3:23–24 and Mark 10:35–45.
The prayer breakfast brought together members of Council, University Management, academic, and administrative staff to dedicate the new academic year to God while reflecting on their responsibility of serving students with excellence, humility and integrity.
A Call to Seek God’s Wisdom
Host Rev. Dr. Lydia Nsaale Kitayimbwa reminded staff that no amount of professional experience or academic expertise can replace God’s guidance.
She noted that the University’s mission can only be fulfilled when staff continually seek God’s wisdom in serving students and one another.
“There is no amount of experience or expertise that can replace God’s wisdom.”
Rev. Dr. Kitayimbwa observed that students remain the reason universities exist and challenged staff to approach their work as a calling rather than merely employment.
“Without students, there is no university,” she said, encouraging members of staff to remain united, avoid unhealthy competition and trust God as they begin another academic year.
She further urged staff to become faithful stewards who work together in harmony, which she summed up as, “United we stand; divided we fall.”
A Community, Not Just a Centre of Research
In her remarks, Dean of Students Dr. Winnie Kabumbuli welcomed the Council Chairperson, the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic Affairs) and Members of Management to the breakfast, and reminded staff that a university’s value cannot be measured by research and innovation alone.
She described Makerere as a community held together by the spiritual as well as academic wellbeing of its people, and called on staff to renew their commitment to one another as much as to the institution they serve.
Draw Inspiration From Stewardship
Representing the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic Affairs) Prof. Sarah Ssali told staff that this year’s breakfast carried special significance.
“This is the first prayer breakfast we are having ever since we launched our strategic plan,” she said, referring to the University’s new Strategic Plan, launched on 2nd July 2026.
She encouraged staff to hold on to the morning’s reflections as a guide for implementing the plan over the next five years, describing Makerere as an institution many families choose above all others for the vision and training it offers their children. She urged staff to see themselves as stewards of that trust rather than simply employees carrying out a job.
Compassion and Discipline Must Go Together
Delivering her remarks, Makerere University Council Chairperson Dr. Lorna Magara challenged staff to strike a balance between compassion and discipline when dealing with students.
She observed that many students face different personal and academic challenges, making encouragement and timely support essential throughout their university journey.
“A word of encouragement can restore hope and prevent costly mistakes,” she noted.
Dr. Lorna encouraged lecturers and administrators to respond promptly to students’ concerns, explaining that delays, insensitive decisions and abuse of authority can discourage students and negatively affect their academic experience.
She reminded staff that students often remember how they were treated long after they have forgotten what was taught in class.
“Students may eventually forget what we teach them, but they will always remember how we treated them.”
She added that education goes beyond transferring knowledge.
“Education is more than knowledge. We communicate life, character and values.”
Quoting Mark 10, Dr. Lorna called upon staff to embrace servant leadership by exercising authority with humility, integrity and accountability.
She encouraged members of staff to ask themselves whether they would treat every student the same way ashey would treat their own child.
“We may not always have all the answers,” she said, “but we can communicate honestly, take responsibility and treat every student with dignity.”
She concluded by urging different colleges and administrative units to work together instead of operating in isolation, noting that unity strengthens the University community.
Referring to Galatians 6:2, she reminded staff to carry one another’s burdens and remain faithful stewards of the responsibility entrusted to them.
Servant Leadership Begins with Faithfulness
Delivering the keynote address, Dr. James Magara, husband to Dr. Lorna Magara, called on members of staff to embrace servant leadership grounded in humility, faithfulness and service to others.
Drawing from Mark 10:35–45, Dr. Magara reflected on the account in which James and John asked Jesus for positions of honour in His kingdom, prompting discontent among the other disciples. He observed that despite walking closely with Christ, the disciples continued to struggle with the desire for status and recognition. He noted that such competition remained evident even during the Last Supper, where concerns over positions and prominence persisted.
Dr. Magara said that Jesus responded to these human tendencies by redefining leadership through service rather than authority. He described Christ’s act of washing the disciples’ feet as the ultimate demonstration of servant leadership, explaining that genuine leaders are willing to undertake even the humblest responsibilities in service of others.
Referencing Philippians 2, he urged staff to emulate Christ’s humility and selflessness, contrasting it with the pride and self-exaltation illustrated in Isaiah 14. He emphasised that lasting influence and greatness are not measured by titles, positions or recognition, but by one’s willingness to serve faithfully and put the needs of others before personal ambition.
Drawing on his own leadership journey spanning several decades, Dr. Magara challenged leaders across the University to cultivate humility, integrity and a servant heart in the execution of their responsibilities. He cautioned that leadership driven by pride and personal ambition undermines both individual effectiveness and institutional progress, whereas servant leadership strengthens organisations and fosters lasting impact.
The prayer breakfast concluded with a call for unity and collective commitment as Makerere University prepares to begin a new academic year. Organisers noted that the reflections on stewardship, integrity and servant leadership would provide a strong foundation for the University community as it advances the implementation of the Makerere University Strategic Plan 2025–2030.
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