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Mak RIF Holds Stakeholders Workshop with Private Sector & Development Partners
The Makerere University Research and Innovations Fund (RIF) on Friday 31st January 2020 held the second consultative workshop for representatives from Private Sector Institutions, Non-Governmental Organisations and Development Partners aimed at understanding priority research and innovation needs in the different sectors so as to develop a robust research agenda. Participating agencies were grouped according to sectors such as; Agriculture, Business Development Support, Culture, Conservation, Finance, Health, Gender, ICT, Manufacturing, SMEs, Social Welfare, Trade and Transport.
Representing the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic Affairs)-DVCAA, Dr. Umar Kakumba thanked participating agencies for supporting Makerere University to continue providing innovative teaching and learning, research and services responsive to national and global needs.
“Makerere University is proud of its longstanding history of leveraging and nurturing national and international collaborations and partnerships. It is such initiatives which have kept our University blossoming in research, teaching and community service. I hope that we can coin additional collaborations and partnerships by the end of our engagement today” remarked the DVCAA.
Dr. Kakumba shared that Makerere University’s Research agenda aims to; provide a robust supportive environment for a research-driven university, increase capacity for knowledge transformation and innovation as well as strengthen research and innovation management and coordination.
“Our agenda also aims to mainstream gender in all research and innovation activities, mobilise more funds for research, promote commercialization of innovations, exploit intellectual property and enhance networks with teaching, research and cultural institutions” added the DVCAA.
He therefore urged participants to work closely with the University in its quest to strengthen Uganda’s research capacity and output by generously contributing to the discussion in the stakeholders’ workshop.
The Chairperson RIF Grants Management Committee (GMC), Prof. William Bazeyo in his remarks noted that workshop was Makerere’s first engagement with the private sector to develop a research agenda. “We are transitioning Makerere into a research-led University in as far as both the Humanities and Sciences are concerned, which will result into increased research output.”
He noted that although 71% of research continues to be funded by donors, the UGX 30billion intervention by the Government of Uganda through RIF is a gesture that has been greatly welcomed by the Makerere University community. He shared the University’s keenness to also mobilise resources to fund research from the private sector.
“The grants under RIF are awarded to projects that impact communities and national development priorities. We would therefore like you our stakeholders to provide additional input into what we should research about so that together, we can develop a comprehensive research agenda” added Prof. Bazeyo.
The Chairperson GMC also underlined the University’s intention to produce data-driven innovations and increase dissemination of research by working together with the private sector and other actors.
The feedback received from parallel group discussions will be used by the GMC to define priority research and innovation areas for the different sectors. Participants in the Health sector in particular outlined; the need for innovative ICT systems that reduce patient waiting times, study opportunities for demographic dividends and ways to increase data exchange among health sector players as some of the research priorities.
Article by Public Relations Office
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Waste Management efforts at Makerere University have been boosted by a donation of 30 waste bins by Centenary Bank’s Makerere Branch. The bins received on Monday 11th May 2026 in the Freedom Square by the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe in the company of the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic Affairs), Prof. Sarah Ssali, Deputy University Secretary, Mr. Simon Kizito and other officials were handed over by the Branch Manager, Mr. Sunday Julius.
Appreciating the donation from Centenary Bank on behalf of University Management, Prof. Nawangwe noted that Makerere University strives to maintain “the cleanest environment in Kampala”, especially as a good example to future leaders, the students.
Acknowledging earlier donations to the Halls of Residence by Centenary Bank, Prof. Nawangwe described the ceremony as “the beginning of a long journey of collaboration in environmental stewardship,” with separation of plastics from biodegradable waste earmarked as the next step in user education.
In his remarks, Mr. Sunday noted that the donation was in line with the Bank’s Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) objectives, particularly the Social component, where supporting institutions with waste management facilities to enhance hygiene is key. “It is important for Centenary Bank to give back to the society where it makes money”, he emphasized.
Describing Makerere University as the “main institution that Centenary Bank operates a branch”, Mr. Sunday recognised the donation as a step in the right direction with a valuable partner.
The newly-donated bins will be placed in various public locations under supervision of the Estates and Works Directorate.
Makerere University and the University of Notre Dame, Indiana, USA (ND) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), which opens opportunities for collaboration between the two historic and leading research institutions in the areas of staff and student exchange, joint research and training, joint supervision of graduate students, and others.
The Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe signed on behalf of Makerere University and Rev. Robert A. Dowd, the 18th President signed on behalf of the University of Notre Dame. The ceremony, which was held at the University of Notre Dame campus at South Bend, Indiana was witnessed by Dr. Lorna Magara, the Chairperson of the Council of Makerere University, who led the Mak delegation.
Dr. Magara appreciated the institutionalisation of the collaboration between the two universities and the very warm hospitality accorded to the Mak delegation.
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