General
Hon. Beti Kamya Opens First Open Impact Conference
On Friday 13th December 2019, the Minister for Kampala Capital City Authority and Metropolitan Affairs, Hon. Beti Kamya, opened the First Open Impact Conference organized by the Open University (OU), UK in partnership with Makerere University College of Education and External Studies (CEES). The two-day Conference held under the theme Extending the Frontiers of Access to Higher Education in Africa: Strategies for Leveraging Online and Distance Learning Programmes was supported by the Association of Commonwealth Universities (ACU).
Hon. Beti Kamya who represented the First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Hon. Janet Museveni could not hide her joy at presiding over the Conference, especially as the Makerere University Anthem sung by the Department of Performing Arts and Film rekindled memories of what she fondly referred to as “the best years of my life.” She graduated in 1978 with the Bachelor of Commerce in Marketing of Makerere University.
Delivering the First Lady’s remarks, Hon. Kamya noted that the first Open Impact Conference was a timely reminder to reflect on the modes of delivery of education in our respective countries especially if Sustainable Development Goal 4 (SDG4); Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all, was to be achieved.
The First Lady shared that the First Open Impact Conference came at a time when the world was experiencing emerging trends in ICT and congratulated the institutions upon successfully organizing the event. She nevertheless requested the institutions to take keen interest in the employability and entrepreneurship of graduates, noting that they should emerge as job creators not seekers.
She said that Government programmes such as Universal Primary Education (UPE) and Universal Secondary Education (USE) had led to increasing demand for Higher Education, which can only be optimally delivered through the use of ICTs. The First Lady therefore pledged the Government’s readiness to provide an enabling environment for the promotion of Open, Distance and eLearning (ODeL).
In his remarks, the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic Affairs), Dr. Umar Kakumba, who represented the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe thanked Hon. Beti Kamya for presiding over the Conference where Mak was partnering with OU to facilitate the dialogue on ODeL.
“The introduction of External Programmes for the Bachelor of Commerce and Bachelor of Education in 1991 was in response to increasing demand for Higher Education without compromising quality and affordability” remarked Dr. Kakumba as he delved into Makerere’s ODeL history.
He thanked partners such as Commonwealth of Learning, UNESCO, the Carnegie Corporation of New York, NORAD, OU, Indira Gandhi National Open University, UNISA, University of Pretoria, University of Cape Town, University of Agder, the Open University of Tanzania, University of Nairobi, University of Dar-es-Salaam, Kyambogo University, Busitema University and Nkumba university for supporting Makerere University’s rollout of ODeL.
Dr. Kakumba added that by passing the ODeL Policy in 2015, the University Council had paved way for the creation of an Institute of Open, Distance and eLearning. “Through this Institute, we shall be able to rollout ODeL programmes at Makerere University on a large scale without compromising quality.”
The Deputy Vice Chancellor noted that whereas the External Programmes had increased access to quality higher education, Uganda’s graduate enrollment still remained low compared to the region’s, hence the need to leverage ICT to boost access. “In this regard, we appreciate the enormous support we continue to enjoy from the Government of Uganda through the Ministry of Education and Sports as support to infrastructure development under projects such as the African Development Bank V Project.”
Representing OU, the Executive Dean, Faculty of Business and Law and Member of the Vice-Chancellor’s Executive, Prof. Devendra Kodwani remarked that his institution was founded in 1969 to create access to quality education without limits. “Our vision is to be open to people, places, methods and ideas… as such, more than 2million graduates have gone through The Open University.”
Prof. Kodwani shared that Africa was chosen to host the concluding event of OU’s 50year celebrations due to important partnerships with leading institutions such as Makerere University and the ACU. He added that only 12.1% of African youth as compared to 68% of their European counterparts are being educated at university level and this needs to change if Africa is to prosper.
“The growing young population of Africa will need access to quality Higher Education and the OU will be happy to work with partners in Uganda to increase this. I therefore look forward to these two days of conversations and exploring opportunities for us to collaborate and co-create an ambitious vision for learning for the next 50 years and beyond” added Prof. Kodwani.
The Director General of the Open University of Mauritius, Dr. Kaviraj Sharma Sukon shared that his institution had managed to achieve financial independence after seven years of operation. This, he added, was thanks to measures such as designing programmes in partnership with the industry, which guarantees marketability of courses and employability of graduates.
Dr. Sukon nevertheless noted that a lot of work still remains in changing the mindset of the greater population that still views ODeL as a second choice rather than the alternative mode of learning that it is. He also decried the slowdown in adaptation and exploration of emerging technologies such as augmented reality and Artificial Intelligence (AI) to evaluate how distance learners progress, especially with regard to ease of learning.
The Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic), National Open University of Nigeria, Prof. Uduma Oji Uduma shared that whereas the institution was present in all 36 Federal States, unless the ODeL system is further scaled up, it will be hard to satisfy the demands of the over 560,000 students in Nigeria’s Higher Education. “Access to Higher Education is very paramount and only ODeL can sustain the growing demand. We believe that ODeL is the way to go if we are to meet targets of the SDGs especially SDG 4.”
The Principal CEES, Prof. Fred Masagazi Masaazi in his remarks commended the Government of Uganda for the pledge to support ODeL as a means of increasing access to quality Higher Education. He thanked the teams at CEES and OU for the organizing the First Open Impact Conference and pledged his College’s readiness to host the 2020 edition of the same.
The Opening Ceremony was moderated by Dr. Charles Mbalyohere, Organising Chair, First Open Impact Conference 2019. He congratulated the organisers upon turning the initially modest idea into a successful event and wished OU 50 more years of fruitful, groundbreaking projects in the ODeL space.
Article by Public Relations Office.
Education
Makerere University signs Memorandum of Understanding with International Rescue Committee to Advance Research, Innovation and Partnerships
Makerere University has signed a five-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the International Rescue Committee to formalize undertakings in research, innovation & partnerships.
Signed in September 2025 by the Vice Chancellor of Makerere University, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe and the Country Director, International Rescue Committee, Mr. Elijah Okeyo, the MoU provides a framework to implement research intensive programmes, promote innovative teaching and learning, internationalization, and contribute to societal transformation.
According to Mr. Okeyo, the MoU re-affirms Makerere University as the academic partner of the International Rescue Committee (IRC). “This MoU formalizes IRC’s working relationship with Makerere University. This framework empowers both institutions to tap into opportunities together. We believe in equal partnership. Makerere University commits to being our partner in research to contribute to evidence based humanitarian undertakings,” he said.
Under this collaboration, Makerere University and IRC will work on developing child-centered learning resources, innovative curricula, and policy-relevant research to enhance the quality of education in crisis-affected regions.
At Makerere University, the MoU brings on board, the College of Education and External Studies (CEES), Makerere University Institute of Teacher Education and Research (MITER), and the Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) Research Centre.
To concretize the MoU, the Principal of the College of Education and External Studies, Prof. Anthony Muwagga Mugagga convened a partnership meeting on Friday 12th September 2025 involving a delegation from the International Rescue Committee (IRC), Dr. David Kabugo, the Deputy Director of Makerere University Institute of Teacher Education and Research (MITER), and Ms. Ritah Namisango, the Principal Communication Officer.
The delegation from the International Rescue Committee (IRC) consisted of the following: Mr. Elijah Okeyo-Country Director, Mr. Vincent Wanyama-Senior Program Development and Quality Coordinator, Mr. Richard Omasete-Policy and Advocacy PlayMatters, and Ms. Janet Nambuya-Grants and Partnerships Coordinator.
The MoU focuses on the following areas of interest: Early Childhood Development, joint research and capacity building in education, the plight of refugees and the host communities, humanitarian aid, as well as, evidence based research to inform the education policy.
In line with its mandate, IRC brings onboard, its unmatched expertise in helping children in crisis-affected areas. The MoU therefore positions both institutions to undertake a leading role in the protection of children and families through evidence based research, access to education, and humanitarian undertakings.
Dr. Kabugo, the Deputy Director MITER, noted that the MoU opens new opportunities for joint efforts in research, training, and policy. He said: “We are committed to co-designing practitioner research, engaging in professional development, and generating evidence to guide the education policy in Uganda and beyond.” Dr. Kabugo explained that this partnership builds on years of cooperation between CEES and IRC, especially in child-centered methods such as play-based learning.
Prof. Mugagga described the MOU as a practical framework that connects Makerere University’s research with IRC’s field experiences. He stated that the College of Education and External Studies (CEES) conducts programmes focused on the future of the young people through training and empowering students/teachers. He articulated that the College significantly impacts on the education sector through delivery of quality academic programmes and research under the School of Education, School of Distance and Lifelong Learning, and the East African School of Higher Education Studies and Development.
“Our strongest synergy is education and early child-focused care,” Prof. Mugagga emphasized. He revealed that the collaboration presents CEES with a strong and reliable partner (IRC), which stands for protection and the well-being of children and families. “Through this MoU, both CEES and IRC, will significantly contribute to improving education for children, families, and communities impacted by conflict and crisis.”
Prof. Mugagga commended IRC for the earlier support and expertise extended to the College in the development of the early childhood centre, and working together to provide valuable input during the Ministry of Education and Sports’ consultative process that led to the Early Childhood development policy.
Reflecting on the increasing number of refugees enrolling for studies at Makerere University, Prof. Mugagga said: “ IRC has come at the right time. The College will tap into the IRC expertise to teach our staff and learners components in refugee education. They will equip our students and teachers with knowledge and skills in refugee education. Some of our students will cooperate with IRC to undertake research in refugee settlement and host communities.”
Prof. Mugagga implored both MITER and IRC to undertake research and develop modules on refugee education, parenting, re-tooling street children, integration of a health component into the curriculum, and management of truamatised students/learners who come from areas affected by war, conflict and crisis.
On the issue of play materials, Prof. Mugagga stressed that already made play materials derial creativing. “Both CEES and IRC should work towards a context that empowers children and learners to ignite their creative potential by developing home-made play materials,” he submitted.
About IRC
Stating a brief profile history about IRC, Mr. Okeyo explained that IRC is a global non-profit organisation that provides humanitarian aid and assistance to people affected by conflict and disaster. IRC has been active in Uganda since 1998, originally assisting displaced populations in Northern Uganda and later expanding its efforts to refugee settlements and urban areas.. Currently, IRC operates more than 35 health facilities in refugee settlements and runs a variety of programs in health, education, protection, and economic recovery. IRC also undertakes projects focusing on early childhood development, prevention of gender-based violence, and protection of refugees and families.
General
Mastercard Foundation Scholars at Makerere University encouraged to participate in philanthropy work
By Carol Kasujja Adii and Bernard Buteera
Mastercard Foundation Scholars at Makerere University have been encouraged to embrace the spirit of philanthropy as a vital foundation for fostering stronger and more resilient communities. This inspiring call to action took place during the 2025 Community Open Day at the Freedom Square on Saturday, September 6, 2025, where hundreds of Mastercard Scholars, Scholar-alumni, and partners of the Scholars Program gathered to initiate a fundraising drive for the signature Annual Scholars Day of Service.
The Annual Scholars Day of Service stands as a hallmark event through which the Scholars give back to the community in impactful and sustainable ways. During a keynote address titled “How Philanthropy Shapes Resilient Communities,” Prof. Winston Tumps Ireeta, the Deputy Vice Chancellor of Finance and Administration, emphasised that while local philanthropy is not a new concept in Uganda, a more intentional mobilisation of this giving back power is necessary to address broader social challenges.
“Communities that mobilise their own resources—financial, human, and material—are empowered to take ownership of their development. Ownership naturally leads to sustainability, ensuring that solutions emerge from local knowledge, context, and values rather than being imposed from the outside. This approach is essential for effectively tackling our social challenges,” Prof. Ireeta stated.
In his remarks delivered by Prof. Helen Nambalirwa Nkabala, the Principal of the College of Humanities and Social Sciences, Prof. Ireeta highlighted the importance of nurturing the inherent power of local giving. He urged the celebration of current local philanthropic efforts, which can be initiated at the individual, religious, and community levels.
“To foster a culture of giving, we need to create platforms that promote structured, transparent, and impactful contributions,” he argued. “It’s crucial to strengthen our generosity, particularly among the youth, and cultivate a society where giving is valued as a core aspect of leadership and citizenship.”
Prof. Ireeta further noted, “The future of our Communities’ strength lies not in distant promises but in our own hands and collective actions. By fostering local philanthropy, we can build a society that is not only fairer but also more resilient and united.
In his welcoming remarks, Mr. John Osuna, Transition Lead for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Makerere University, who spoke on behalf of the Program Director, Prof. Justine Namaalwa, expressed gratitude to the Scholars for their collaborative efforts in turning the idea of giving back into reality.
“Let us embody humility, kindness, and compassion through actionable philanthropy. By doing so, we can create lasting impacts, enhancing our reputation as a community that genuinely cares,” Mr. Osuna stated.
The Community Open Day was organised under the inspiring theme: “Nurturing Philanthropy for Resilient Communities,” paving the way for future initiatives that strengthen community bonds through collective generosity.
“We believe that through nurturing philanthropy for resilient communities, our communities shall be able to organise themselves to build resilience beyond what we shall give back,” Mr. Osuna explained.
The vibrant event saw Scholars and Scholar-alumni actively participating by bringing items for auction and buying tickets for the raffle draw as a means of mobilising resources for the construction of a ventilated pit latrine, renovation of two classroom blocks and providing tanks for harvesting clean water for Bwera Primary School in Kabale District.
Speaking at the event, Mrs. Agnes Katumba, the Director of Katumba Estates, one of the long-standing partners of the Scholars Program at Makerere University, tasked the Scholars to embrace the heart of giving back without expecting something in return.
“I thank the Mastercard Foundation; they not only provide scholarships but also give back to the community. I have been able to grow because of them. For scholars, you do not have to wait to be wealthy to give back; every coin counts,” Mrs. Katumba said.
Katumba Estates Ltd contributed three million shillings to the Scholars Give Back project. Another long-standing partner, DFCU Bank, pledged over sh10 million towards the Scholars’ building project.
In her presentation, Ms. Malvin Akwara, a Mastercard Foundation Scholar-alumna, urged current Scholars to contribute to their communities in various ways, including mentorship and guiding young people.
“We are all here because someone chose to give. During my first year at Makerere, I contributed to some young man’s school fees back home in my community. The young man is now in his second year at Makerere. You don’t have to be wealthy to make an impact; be intentional in your giving, and you will witness the difference it makes. There is no greater fulfilment than helping someone in need,” Akwara stated.
The event was punctuated with a number of activities that ranged from auctioning items, raffle draws, exhibitions, quizzes and a lot of games and fun.
Carol Kasujja and Bernard Buteera form the communications team for the Scholars Programme at Makerere University.
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