General
Institute of Forensic Medicine and Sciences Proposed
Background
During the May 31- June 1, 2016 state visit to Uganda, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and President Yoweri Museveni signed cooperation agreements and memoranda of understanding (MoUs) in six areas including higher education. On June 1 2016, Makerere University awarded President Erdogan an honorary Doctorate of Laws (Honoris Causa) in recognition of his contribution to humanity, transformation of Turkey and other states across the globe.
Pursuant to the commitments of cooperation, on December 3 2017, Makerere University (Mak), Kampala, Uganda and Cukurova University (CU), Adana, Turkey signed an MoU for the development of irrigation systems for agriculture in Uganda. Additionally, another MoU in the area of Forensic Sciences and Medicine development was signed with Mbarara University of Science and Technology (MUST). However, following challenges at MUST, the task was transferred to Makerere University for faster implementation.
Cognisant of the need for quick action, the office of the Deputy Vice Chancellor-Finance and Administration (DVC-F&A) Makerere University, organised an initial and informative visit for Prof. Dr. Mete Korkut Gulmen from the Institute of Addiction and Forensic Sciences, Cukurova University (CU). During the visit, July 22-24 2019, Prof. Mete Gulmen met and discussed with key faculty members with special interest in forensics from the Departments of Chemistry, Physics and Pathology of Makerere University The discussions included shared presentations of the mission, vision and goals, laboratory and mortuary facility visits. The result was a proposal to establish an Institute of Forensic Medicine and Science at Makerere University. A concluding meeting with the Permanent Secretary/Secretary for Treasury, Ministry of Finance and Economic Development (MoFPED) and his team was convened together with the Makerere team. The meeting tasked the Makerere forensics interest team to write and submit a project concept for budgetary consideration following specified guidelines by the MoFPED. A benchmarking visit by the Makerere team to Cukurova University was planned for late October 2019. Overall, the project proposes to establish an independent, Institute of Forensic Medicine and Science at Makerere University as a partnership between the Colleges of Health Science (CHS) and Natural Science (CoNAS). The institute is envisaged to be an academic and service centre of excellence in Uganda and the region of East and Central Africa and beyond. The aims are to positively impact on the provision of forensic services by developing an in-country capacity to train and deploy a highly trained necessary human resource, provide quality services at internationally accepted standards and improve community awareness and appreciation of forensic sciences. The problem is the lack of graduate and speciality training programmes in Forensic Science and Medicine in Uganda and at Makerere University in particular. The justice, law and order sector (JLOS) is the primary consumer of forensic services. These services are crucial in decision making in courts of law, promotion of public safety, maintenance of peace and ensuring health of the community. The current levels and quality of services do not meet the expectations and needs of the citizens of Uganda. The consequences are the negative impact on the delivery of justice and enjoyment of justice. Criminal cases may be lost in courts of law due to lack of knowledge and skills in handling, processing and submission of quality evidence. The lack of enough numbers of qualified human resource translates into a longer turn around time (TAT) hence delaying delivery of justice. The dire need for quality forensic services in Uganda and the high demand for a qualified human resource for forensic medicine and sciences cannot be overemphasised.
During the period September 22-28 2019, a team from Makerere University led by Prof. William Bazeyo, DVC-F&A visited Cukurova University. The team comprised the: Principal, College of Health Sciences; the Dean, School of Medicine; the Director Makerere Health Services; the heads of Departments of Chemistry, Physics, Pathology and Surgery; the Executive Director, Uganda Cancer Institute; and faculty members from Dentistry and Chemistry departments. The purposes of this visit included benchmarking, discussing and proposing the establishment of wider collaborations for faculty and student exchange between departments under the global framework of the MoU .
The forensics interest team discussed and developed the initial steps in the implementation of their work plan. The initial steps include a general introduction to forensics, conducting of parallel introductory workshops in Forensic Pathology & Medicine, Forensic Chemistry & Toxicology, and Forensic Biology & Genetics between November 4-8 2019 at Makerere University. The workshop's faculty will be drawn from the responsible departments in Makerere and Cukurova. The target audience includes existing faculty at Makerere and prospective students with interest in forensics. The culmination of this will be the roadmap for the realisation of the Institute of Forensic Medicine and Sciences at Makerere University. The teams from both universities continue to write and refine the respective training curricula for the Master of Forensic Medicine, Master of Forensic Chemistry & Toxicology and Master of Forensic Biology & Genetics programmes.
Today, 4th November 2019 the Deputy Inspector General of Police Maj. General Sabiiti Muzeyi while opening a three-day Symposium on Forensic Medicine and Science said that the symposium was one of the avenues to build capacity in forensics. He called upon participants to utilise the knowledge in fighting insecurity.
Prof. William Bazeyo represented the Vice Chancellor at the opening ceremony. He expressed gratitude towards the Government of Uganda for the initiative of building capacity in forensic science. The symposium held at Royal Hotel – Kampala is attended by faculty and students from Makerere University College of Natural Science, College of Health Science, Uganda Police, Uganda peoples Defence Forces among others.
General
Makerere University and World Bank Sign Partnership to Strengthen Environmental and Social Sustainability Capacity
On 5th March 2026, Makerere University signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the International Development Association (IDA), the financing arm of the World Bank Group, establishing a strategic partnership aimed at strengthening environmental and social sustainability systems in Uganda and the wider East African region.
The collaboration brings together Makerere University through the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES) and the College of Humanities and Social Sciences (CHUSS) and the World Bank to jointly advance training, research, and policy advisory in environmental and social sustainability.
The three-year agreement provides a framework for cooperation focused on building national capacity to manage environmental and social risks associated with large-scale development investments.
Advancing Sustainable Development through Knowledge Partnerships
The partnership will be anchored in the Environment and Social Sustainability Centre (ESSC) at Makerere University, a national hub established to promote applied research, policy engagement, and professional training in environmental and social governance.
Through the Centre, the two institutions will collaborate to strengthen Uganda’s ability to plan and implement development projects in ways that safeguard communities and the environment.
Speaking during the signing ceremony, Ms. Francisca Ayodeji (Ayo) Akala, the World Bank Country Manager emphasised that the collaboration reflects a shared commitment to strengthening systems that support sustainable growth.
“This partnership with Makerere University is an important step in strengthening Uganda’s systems for environmental and social sustainability. By working through the Environment and Social Sustainability Centre, we aim to build the capacity of professionals across government, the private sector, and development institutions to better manage environmental and social risks and deliver investments that promote sustainable growth while protecting people and the environment.” Ms. Francisca Ayodeji (Ayo) Akala, World Bank Country Manager, Uganda, noted.
The partnership will support training, research, and policy advisory activities through the ESSC, helping Uganda pursue a development trajectory that promotes economic growth while protecting people and the environment.
Building National Capacity for Environmental and Social Risk Management
Uganda’s development agenda under the Fourth National Development Plan prioritises large-scale investments in infrastructure, agro-industrialisation, energy, and science and technology. However, such investments require strong environmental and social risk management systems to ensure sustainable outcomes.
The new partnership, therefore, focuses on building a skilled workforce capable of applying international best practices in environmental and social governance.
Under the MoU, Makerere University will design and deliver demand-driven short-course training programs targeting public sector officials, development practitioners, financial institutions, civil society organisations, and private sector actors implementing major projects.
Seven certificate-level short courses have already been developed and approved across multiple colleges at the University. These courses cover areas such as environmental and social risk management, climate risk assessment, construction health and safety, and integrating environmental and social considerations into investment cycles.
“Makerere Universityis proud to partner with the World Bank in strengthening Uganda’s capacity to manage environmental and social risks in development investments. Through the Environment and Social Sustainability Centre, we have already developed and approved seven certificate-level short courses across multiple colleges, designed to equip professionals in government, the private sector, and development institutions with practical skills to plan and implement sustainable projects. This collaboration reflects Makerere’s commitment to providing knowledge-driven solutions that support Uganda’s development while safeguarding communities and the environment.” Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe noted.
Strengthening Collaboration between Academia and Development Partners
As part of the agreement, the World Bank will support the development and delivery of the training programs, including conducting Training of Trainers (ToT) on the Bank’s Environment and Social Standards and international best practices.
The Bank will also leverage its convening power to encourage participation from development partners, government institutions, and project implementers, while supporting impact monitoring of trained professionals to document improvements in project performance and job creation.
The collaboration will further promote professional networking, policy dialogue, knowledge exchange, and the development of knowledge hubs containing environmental and social tools, databases, and resources for practitioners.
Positioning Makerere as a Regional Knowledge Hub
Through this partnership, Makerere University seeks to position the Environment and Social Sustainability Centre as a leading knowledge hub for environmental and social governance in Africa.
By combining academic expertise with the World Bank’s global experience in development financing and technical assistance, the initiative is expected to strengthen the institutional capacity required to deliver sustainable and climate-resilient investments in Uganda.
The partnership also aligns with the World Bank’s broader commitment to supporting Uganda’s development agenda and strengthening country systems for environmental and social sustainability.
Together, the two institutions aim to equip professionals across government, the private sector, and development organizations with the skills required to ensure that Uganda’s development pathway remains inclusive, responsible, and environmentally sustainable.
Caroline Kainomugisha is the Communications Officer, Advancement Office, Makerere University
General
Makerere University Explores Expanded Partnership with Stanbic Bank to Advance Innovation and Investment
On 5th March 2025, the Vice Chancellor, Makerere University, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, paid a courtesy visit to Stanbic Bank Uganda’s Chief Executive Officer, Mr Mumba Kalifungwa. The purpose of the visit was to explore areas for further collaboration with Stanbic Bank Uganda to strengthen innovation, entrepreneurship, and strategic investment.
The engagement reaffirmed the long-standing relationship between the two institutions and provided an opportunity to explore how academia and the financial sector can work together to unlock opportunities for students, staff, alumni, and the broader Ugandan community.
Discussions during the meeting focused on innovation and entrepreneurship support, student development programs, infrastructure partnerships, and investment opportunities linked to the University’s strategic development agenda.
Driving Innovation and Youth Entrepreneurship
During the engagement, the Vice Chancellor highlighted Makerere’s continued efforts to position itself as a research-led and innovation-driven university, emphasising the importance of partnerships with industry in translating academic research and ideas into practical solutions.
He underscored the need to empower young people with the skills and support required to create enterprises and generate employment opportunities, given Uganda’s fast-growing population, particularly the mushrooming young population. According to UBOS, by 2024, the young population was approximately 22.8 million persons out of a total population of 45.9 million people.
“If we do not support young people to innovate and create enterprises, we risk facing serious economic and social challenges. The employment of the future will increasingly be created by young people themselves,” he noted.
Among the proposals discussed was the possibility of establishing a Stanbic-supported innovation competition, aimed at stimulating entrepreneurship and providing a platform for students and young innovators to transform ideas into viable businesses.
Such an initiative could build on existing innovation and incubation programs run at Makerere and Stanbic Bank while strengthening collaboration between academia and the private sector in supporting enterprise development.
Expanding Strategic Collaboration
Speaking during the meeting, Mr Mumba Kalifungwa, the Chief Executive Officer of Stanbic Bank Uganda reaffirmed the bank’s commitment to strengthening its partnership with Makerere University.
He noted that while the bank has long provided financial services to the university and its staff, there is a significant opportunity to deepen collaboration in areas that generate broader societal impact.
“As an institution, we are interested in partnerships that go beyond financial services to create meaningful impact in society through the Stanbic Bank positive impact agenda. Education is one of the most important sectors through which we can drive that impact,” he noted.
The CEO also highlighted Stanbic Bank’s National Schools Championship program, which promotes innovation among secondary school students across Uganda, noting that a similar approach could potentially inspire initiatives at the university level.
Exploring Investment and Infrastructure Opportunities
The meeting also explored opportunities for collaboration in investment and commercialisation initiatives linked to university infrastructure and land assets.
University representatives shared insights into ongoing efforts to explore public–private partnership (PPP) models for strategic investments aimed at improving infrastructure and unlocking value from underutilised university assets.
Potential development opportunities discussed include projects related to hospitality facilities, commercial spaces, and other revenue-generating infrastructure within and around the university. Such initiatives could provide sustainable revenue streams for the university while creating opportunities for private sector participation in campus development.
Supporting Students, Staff, and Alumni
Additional discussions focused on expanding programs that benefit the wider Makerere community. These include financial literacy initiatives for students, expanded internship and graduate training opportunities, and collaborative programs to support student entrepreneurship and enterprise development.
The meeting also explored opportunities for collaboration in alumni engagement, leveraging Makerere’s extensive global alumni network to strengthen partnerships between the university and industry.
Programs aimed at improving financial preparedness and retirement planning for staff were also discussed, alongside potential housing and asset financing solutions tailored to the needs of university employees.
“Through this partnership, we are exploring opportunities that support the entire Makerere community, from financial literacy and entrepreneurship programs for students to internship pathways, alumni engagement, and financial preparedness initiatives for staff. These efforts will be anchored within the renewed collaboration framework between Makerere University and Stanbic Bank Uganda,” said Mr Awel Uwihanganye, Chief Advancement Officer.
The Chief Advancement Officer further noted that these initiatives are expected to be anchored within a renewed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Makerere University and Stanbic Bank.
A Shared Vision for Impact
Both institutions expressed optimism about the potential of the partnership to contribute to national development by supporting innovation, enterprise creation, and the development of future leaders.
As Makerere University continues to strengthen its role as a leading research and innovation institution in Africa, partnerships with forward-looking institutions such as Stanbic Bank Uganda remain critical in advancing the university’s mission of generating knowledge, nurturing talent, and driving solutions that address national and global challenges.
Caroline Kainomugisha is the Communications Officer, Advancement Office, Makerere University
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