General
Pro-Rector Hagen & Delegation Arrive Ahead of 30Year Mak-UiB Collaboration Celebrations
The Pro-Rector, University of Bergen (UiB), Prof. Margareth Hagen together with four members of UiB staff on Tuesday 5th November 2019 visited a number of units at Makerere University ahead of the 7th November 2019 celebrations commemorating 30 years of the Mak-UiB Collaboration programme. The delegation was hosted by the College of Humanities and Social Sciences (CHUSS), Makerere University Library and the College of Health Sciences (CHS).
The Pro-Rector was accompanied by the Assistant University Director-Mr. Tore Tungodden, Vice Dean for Research-Prof. Marit Bakke, Academic Coordinator Mak-UiB Collaboration (UiB)-Prof. Thorkild Tylleskär and Higher Executive Officer, Communication Services-Ms. Elinor Bartle. They were guided around the Campus by the Academic Coordinator Mak-UiB Collaboration (Mak)-Dr. Ronald Semyalo.
The first stopover for the delegation was CHUSS where they were welcomed by the Acting Principal-Assoc. Prof. Josephine Ahikire. With her were the Dean, School of Languages, Literature and Communication-Assoc. Prof. Aaron Mushengyezi; Head, Department of Literature- Dr. Mark Okot Benge; Former Head, Department of Literature-Assoc. Prof. Dominica Dipio; and UiB Alumnus-Dr. James Taabu Busimba.
Assoc. Prof. Ahikire in her remarks welcomed the delegation to Makerere University and CHUSS in particular, noting that at 30 years, the collaboration had indeed matured and was worth celebrating. She added that colleagues not only in the Humanities but also in the Natural Sciences had obtained their degrees at UiB and sincerely thanked the Pro-Rector for the generous support extended to staff capacity development at Makerere University.
Complementing the Acting Principal, Assoc. Prof. Mushengyezi noted that the Department of Literature had made significant strides in oral literature, research and publication with support from the Mak-NUFU (Norwegian Programme for Development, Research and Education) Folklore Project under Assoc. Prof. Dipio and Prof. Stuart Sillars.
The Dean added that the Department of Journalism and Communication with funding from the Norwegian Programme for Capacity Development in Higher Education and Research for Development (NORHED) had managed to recruit and train four PhD students. The funding was received under the Strengthening Media in Post-Conflict societies through Education and Research: Bridging Gaps, Building Futures in Uganda, Norway, South Sudan and Nepal project.
Contributing to the discussion, Assoc. Prof. Dipio appreciated the holistic support that her Department had received especially through the PhD training for staff. She also lauded multidisciplinary nature of the UiB Summer Research Schools and prayed that future schools would accord opportunity to more Humanities Scholars keen to share their knowledge with other disciplines.
Dr. James Taabu Busimba is a Lecturer in the Department of Literature who undertook the “madness” Re-language-ing Shakespeare for a Ugandan Readership as part of his PhD study. Recounting his experience, JTB as he is popularly known at the Department thanked UiB for the generous support accorded to him, which involved extensions to his stay as he finalized his thesis. This support, he said, enabled him to graduate with the highest distinction in philosophy, a feat he reckoned would have been hard to repeat elsewhere.
Delivering her remarks, Prof. Hagen thanked Makerere University and CHUSS for the warm reception accorded to her delegation as well as the invigorating discussions. The Professor of Italian Literature could not hide her excitement at being ‘home’. She noted that UiB under its Department of Foreign Languages offers degrees in nine languages namely; Arabic, Chinese, English, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Russian and Spanish.
She commended the Department of Literature for producing 4 PhDs under the NORHED programme added that UiB through its Department of Information Science and Media Studies seeks to address the convergence between journalism, communication and evolving technologies. She added that the UiB joined leading media and technology companies in Norway to form the Media City Bergen cluster, which gives its students all-round exposure to trends in the industry.
As collaboration coordinator on the Mak side, Dr. Semyalo thanked UiB for sending close to 400 students annually to Makerere for short term study opportunities. He noted that almost two-thirds of these students belonged to the clinical sciences and urged other faculties to explore sending their students as well.
Prof. Tylleskär on the other urged more PhD students at Makerere University to take advantage of the opportunities presented by the two-week Summer School at UiB. Six parallel courses with an application deadline set for 1st February 2020 will run from 8th to 18th June 2020 focusing on; climate governance, sustainable cities, sustainable oceans, media and democracy, global food systems, as well as migrant health.
As a way forward, the meeting agreed to lay strategies for the teaching of a short course in Norwegian every summer. This, it is envisaged, will help prospective students to be grounded in the culture and language basics prior to setting off for their studies in Norway.
Under the Ethnomusicology in Uganda Project, the Department of Performing Arts and Film with the support from the Grieg Academy at UiB and other partners established Music Archive in the Main Library Makerere University. This was the first stopover for the UiB delegation as they made their way to meet the Deputy University Librarian, Dr. Ruth Nalumaga.
The Deputy Librarian in her remarks thanked UiB for the support extended in establishing the Library Information System (MakLIBIS) as well as conducting the Learning and Teaching in a Digital World (LATINA) course. She also thanked the Government of Uganda for advancing UGX1.5billion to the Library’s E-Resources budget for this financial year.
The discussions with the UiB team then centered around the increasing struggles by University Libraries the world over; especially in smaller countries, to meet the high subscription fees charged by important international scientific journals. The officials agreed that forming national or regional consortia should be encouraged to advocate for lower annual subscription fees.
As an innovation, Dr. Nalumaga shared the Main Library has plans to digitize its entire newspaper collection, so as to create a paid E-resource accessible to the whole world, a novelty that was welcomed by the UiB delegation. The meeting further discussed the need to conduct information literacy training for not only students but staff as well so as to help fight the growing ‘fake news’ trend.
Article by Public Relations Office
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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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