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Mak Charts the Way Forward for a Solid IP Management Office

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A team from Makerere University headed by the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe on Tuesday 1st December, 2020 met with the Registrar General, Mr. Bemanya Twebaze and a team from the Uganda Registration Services Bureau (URSB) and held discussions aimed at operationalising the Intellectual Property Management Office (IPMO) at Mak. The meeting held in the College of Business and Management Sciences (CoBAMS) Conference Room was attended by the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic Affairs), Dr. Umar Kakumba, Acting (Ag.) Deputy Vice Chancellor (Finance and Administration), Dr. Josephine Nabukenya and Ag. University Secretary, Mr. Yusuf Kiranda.

Also present were the Ag. Director Legal Affairs, Mr. Hudson Musoke, Interim Chairperson Intellectual Property Management Committee and Principal College of Engineering, Design, Art and Technology (CEDAT), Prof. Henry Alinaitwe, Deputy Director, Directorate of Research and Graduate Training (DRGT), Dr. Robert Wamala and Interim Manager IPMO, Can. Goddy Muhanguzi Muhumuza. URSB Staff-Ms. Mercy K. Kainobwisho, Mr. Agaba Gilbert and Mr. Dominic Ddamulira were also in attendance.

Acknowledging Intellectual Property (IP) as a vital component of the knowledge economy, the Interim IPMO Manager, Can. Muhanguzi Muhumuza applauded the Vice Chancellor and Members of Management for recognizing the need to protect and commercialize Mak‘s research and innovations by setting up the office. He thanked the Registrar General and his team for sparing time to be part of this initiative right from the start and pledged to do his part to ensure that the office takes off.

In his welcome remarks, Prof. Nawangwe congratulated the Mr. Twebaze upon his recent election as Director General of the African Regional Intellectual Property Organisation (ARIPO) for a five year period. He also applauded him for making the URSB brand more visible nationally and internationally.

He noted that whereas the University has since inception been acclaimed as a beacon of research and innovation in Africa, the amount of IP and startup companies attributed to the institution were still very low. “Makerere University staff and students are highly innovative. The IPMO will therefore help us to commercialise these innovations into ventures that can create much-needed employment for our exploding young population.”

The Vice Chancellor in this regard appreciated the Registrar General for sparing time to personally attend the operationalisation meeting and his willingness to help commercialize IP at Makerere University. In the same breath, he thanked the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (MoSTI) for offering to support the IPMO and second experienced staff to the Mak unit where necessary.

“The University has allocated ample office space to the IP Management Office and Resource Centre as an asset not only for Makerere but other Universities as well. Makerere has highest concentration of PhDs in the country and we have absolutely no reason why we cannot transform this country” said the Vice Chancellor.

Introducing the Registrar General, URSB’s Director IP-Ms. Kainobwisho shared that Mr. Twebaze is not only the incoming Director General ARIPO but also a Member of the International Trademark Association (INTA) and President of the World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO) Advisory Committee on Enforcement. She added that Mak‘s IPMO will greatly benefit from the Registrar General’s national and international experience.

Mr. Twebaze in his remarks thanked Prof. Nawangwe his invitation, noting that it was a great honour and privilege for him as an alumnus from the School of Law and proud Lumumbist to visit his alma mater. “I am happy to always introduce myself as an alumnus of Makerere everywhere I go in the world and I thank the Vice Chancellor and his leadership for the great visibility they have brought to this University in so many ways.”

He applauded the Vice Chancellor for recognising that the IPMO will not only serve Makerere but also other established and upcoming Ugandan Higher Education Institutions. The Registrar General expressed happiness that his alma mater had taken the lead nationally by formulating an institutional IP Policy. The Makerere University Intellectual Property Management Policy was approved by the University Council on 13th March 2008.

“The National Intellectual Property Policy was launched by His Excellency the President in September 2020 but the only way we shall be able to demonstrate that IP actually works is by translating our good ideas and innovations into solutions that solve local problems, create jobs and wealth and enable the people to thrive” shared Mr. Twebaze.

The Registrar General equally took note of the recognition accorded by the President during the aforementioned launch to Ugandan scientists and Makerere University for taking the lead in finding solutions to societal problems, despite challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. “Makerere University has been at the forefront of Uganda’s response to COVID-19 and I commend the leadership and researchers for this.”

In 2018, URSB set up a Technology Innovation Support Centre (TISC) at the Mak Main Library to help promote quality research and innovations by providing access to patent information, scientific journals and training on Intellectual Property (IP) laws and patents. Mr. Twebaze shared that URSB has since then set up over 20 other TISCs in Uganda and urged the Interim IPMO Manager and Deputy Director DRGT to help popularise the facility.

In the interactive session that followed, Dr. Robert Wamala shared the proposed IPMO process flow. The steps include; Sensitization, Disclosure, Audit, Application (Form Filling and Submission to URSB), Grants Management, Commercialization and Enforcement. The URSB team pledged to support the IPMO along every step of the proposed process and reiterated the need for students and staff to make the most of the TISC if they were to come up with innovations that can be commercialized.

The meeting agreed to; establish a fully fledged resource centre at the IPMO manned by a team that can undergo further training by ARIPO and WIPO, share the Mak IP Policy currently under review with the URSB team for input, and periodically review the use of the TISC, applications for IP and other goals.

Article by Public Relations Office

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Mak and University of the West of England Sign MoU to Advance Research, Innovation and Skills Development

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Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe (3rd R) and Ms. Jo Midgley (3rd L) shake hands after signing the MoU as H.E. Nimisha Madhvani (2nd L), H.E. Miriam Otengo (L), Prof. Helen Nambalariwa Nkabala (R) and Mr. Emmanuel Kitamirike (2nd R) witness on 17th October 2025. Makerere University and the University of the West of England (UWE) sign MoU aimed at strengthening collaboration in research, innovation, and enterprise development, 17th October 2025, Main Building, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

Makerere University and the University of the West of England (UWE) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at strengthening collaboration in research, innovation, and enterprise development. The signing ceremony took place on Friday, 17th October 2025, in the Vice Chancellor’s Boardroom, Main Administration Building, Makerere University.

The partnership will focus on joint research initiatives in climate science, early childhood development and elderly care, wildlife ecology and conservation management, technology, and sustainable agriculture.

The Uganda High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, H.E. Nimisha Madhvani, who witnessed the signing, congratulated both institutions and reaffirmed the Government of Uganda’s commitment to strengthening international collaborations that enhance education, innovation, and investment.

“We are not only promoting education, but also tourism, business, and investment. This partnership is a great bridge between Uganda and the United Kingdom,” said H.E. Madhvani. “With the full support of His Excellency the President and the First Lady, we look forward to building on this momentum to establish impactful initiatives, including a proposed teaching hospital.”

Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe (R) and Ms. Jo Midgley (L) display the signed MoU. Makerere University and the University of the West of England (UWE) sign MoU aimed at strengthening collaboration in research, innovation, and enterprise development, 17th October 2025, Main Building, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe (R) and Ms. Jo Midgley (L) display the signed MoU.

Speaking during the event, the Vice Chancellor of Makerere University, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, reaffirmed the University’s commitment to producing graduates who are not only employable but also capable of creating jobs and transforming their communities.

“Our goal is to train students who go out to create their own jobs and employ others who have not had the opportunity to attend university,” said Prof. Nawangwe. “We are working seriously on issues of food security, health, and conflict management — particularly in the Great Lakes region, which has one of the highest numbers of conflicts per capita. Through research and collaboration, we aim to address these challenges while ensuring Africa is not left behind in the digital economy.”

Prof. Nawangwe also highlighted Makerere’s initiatives in the digital and peace sectors, including the work of the Rotary Peace Center, which plays a vital role in promoting peace across the world by equipping fellows with academic training, practice, and global networking opportunities through a year-long, blended-learning professional certificate program.

Representing the University of the West of England, the Vice Chancellor Ms. Jo Midgley commended Makerere University for its strong research focus and expressed enthusiasm for the partnership.

“Like Makerere, we are a comprehensive university. We want this partnership to go beyond conversations and translate into action,” she said. “Our areas of strength include sustainability, climate change, future technology, health, and community placemaking. We believe this collaboration offers a unique opportunity to co-create programmes that prepare students for the evolving global workforce.”

Officials from Makerere and UWE pose for a group photo at the Main Building Entrance after the MoU signing. Makerere University and the University of the West of England (UWE) sign MoU aimed at strengthening collaboration in research, innovation, and enterprise development, 17th October 2025, Main Building, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Officials from Makerere and UWE pose for a group photo at the Main Building Entrance after the MoU signing.

She further emphasized the need for universities to work closely with industry partners to co-design programs that meet current skill demands while promoting innovation and enterprise among students.

The Deputy High Commissioner, Ambassador Miriam Otengo, commended Makerere for its leadership in higher education and shared ongoing efforts to mobilize the Makerere alumni in the United Kingdom. She also revealed plans to host a Makerere Alumni Symposium in London, aimed at showcasing the University’s excellence and strengthening ties with its diaspora community.

Also in attendance was Mr. Hefin Rees KC, Chairman of Spotlight on Africa, a UK-based charitable organization, who expressed interest in partnering with Makerere University to establish a teaching hospital in Mbale focused on women and children’s health. He praised Makerere for producing world-class professionals and reaffirmed his organization’s commitment to supporting health-related initiatives.

In his closing remarks, Prof. Nawangwe thanked the High Commission for facilitating the partnership and welcomed the opportunity to discuss the proposed teaching hospital, describing it as “a timely and vital project for Uganda’s health sector.”

“This collaboration represents a new chapter for Makerere University and the University of the West of England. Together, we will advance research, promote innovation, and equip our students to respond to global challenges,” he said. The ceremony concluded with the formal signing of the MoU, marking the beginning of a long-term partnership built on shared values of excellence, innovation, and community impact.

Eve Nakyanzi

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Makerere is No.1 in the Region – THE University Rankings

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Prof. Sarah Ssali (3rd Left) with Left to Right: Mr. Matthias Ssemanda, Dr. Cyprian Misinde, Prof. Julius Kikooma, Dr. Winifred Kabumbuli, and Prof. Robert Wamala during the press briefing held on 16th October 2025. Vice Chancellor's Boardroom, Main Building, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

The Acting (Ag.) Vice Chancellor, Prof. Sarah Ssali on Thursday 16th October, 2025 held a press conference to update members of the Media on the 2026 World University Rankings by Times Higher Education (THE).

The event held in the Vice Chancellor’s Boardroom, Main Building, was attended by the Director Graduate Training-Prof. Julius Kikooma, Director Quality Assurance-Dr. Cyprian Misinde, Dean of Students-Dr. Winifred Kabumbuli, Director Research, Innovations, and Partnerships-Prof. Robert Wamala, Deputy Chief – Public Relations-Ms. Eunice Rukundo, Ag. Manager International Relations-Mr. Matthias Ssemanda, and staff from the Offices of the Vice and Deputy Vice Chancellors.

The proceedings of the Press Conference follow below;

Vice Chancellor’s Press Statement

UNIVERSITY RANKINGS: MAKERERE STILL NUMBER ONE IN THE REGION

It gives me great pleasure to share with our stakeholders and the general public that Makerere University has been ranked Number 1. in the East African region, in the Times Higher Education rankings released this month of October 2025.

In its 2026 World University Rankings, Times Higher Education (THE) places Makerere University in top position in East Africa, and in the 801-1000 band globally. The ranking considers five performance indicators, namely: Teaching; Research environment; Research quality; International Outlook; and Industry. Makerere’s overall score was 37.2, significantly outperforming peer institutions in the Region that average scores of 18.8.

In particular, Makerere University continues to thrive in Research Quality where we scored 54.2% but even better in International Outlook where we scored highest with 69.7%. See Table 1 for details. On the continent, Makerere University ranked 8th in the 2024 Sub-Saharan African University Rankings.

We would like to reassure all stakeholders and well-wishers that Makerere University continues to hold steadfast as the regional leader in higher education. Our commitment to deliver excellence in our teaching, research, and socioeconomic impact has not wavered.

WE BUILD FOR THE FUTURE.

Thank you.

Fact Sheet

UNIVERSITY RANKINGS

Table 1: East African Universities – 2025 Ranking Comparison

RankNameOverall Teaching Research Env. Research Quality Industry Int. Outlook
801–1000Makerere University35.5–38.921.526.654.232.869.7
1501+Kenyatta University10.3–27.214.39.134.217.454.6
1501+Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences10.3–27.221.614.930.327.554.6
1501+University of Dar es Salaam10.3–27.214.511.126.521.947.2
1501+University of Nairobi10.3–27.215.916.139.722.549.4
1501+University of Rwanda10.3–27.214.114.925.621.157.5

Figure 1: Makerere University Performance over ten (10) years
Figure 1: Makerere University Performance over ten (10) years

End

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ZAMREN Board Visits Mak, Discusses AI

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Prof. Sarah Ssali and Prof. Mundia Muya (C) with Members of Management, the ZAMREN delegation and other officials after the courtesy call on 14th October 2025. Zambia Research and Education Network (ZAMREN) Board led by the Chairperson, Prof. Mundia Muya courtesy call on the Vice Chancellor, 14th October 2025, Main Building, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

The Board of the Zambia Research and Education Network (ZAMREN) led by the Chairperson, Prof. Mundia Muya on 14th October 2025 paid a courtesy call on the Vice Chancellor, Makerere University. The Board which is on a two-day exposure visit to the Research and Education Network of Uganda (RENU) was received by the Acting (Ag.) Vice Chancellor and Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic Affairs), Prof. Sarah Ssali in the Vice Chancellor’s Boardroom.

The Chairperson was accompanied by Mr. Ronald Hatoongo and Mr. Stein Mkandawire, the Board Secretary and CEO of ZAMREN respectively, as well as RENU’s CEO-Mr. Nicholas Mbonimpa and RENUMESH Technologies CEO-Mr. Brian Masiga. In attendance were Mr. Samuel Mugabi-Director DICTS, Prof. Robert Wamala-Director Research, Innovations and Partnerships (DRIP), and Prof. Tonny Oyana-Principal College of Computing and Information Sciences (CoCIS).

Also present were; Prof. Paul Birevu Muyinda-Director Institute of Open, Distance and eLearning (IODeL), Dr. Godfrey Mayende-Deputy Director IODeL, Dr. Michael Walimbwa- College of Education and External Studies (CEES), Dr. Cathy Mbidde- Ag. Manager. Makerere University Innovation Pod, Ms. Eunice Rukundo-Deputy Chief-Public Relations and staff from the Office of the Vice Chancellor.

In her welcome remarks, Prof. Ssali thanked the ZAMREN Board for including the courtesy call on their Kampala itinerary and extended warm greetings from the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe. She noted that Makerere as a founding member of RENU has enjoyed a mutually beneficial collaboration, that has benefited both staff and students in the form of supporting growing connectivity needs, as well as training, mentorship, and development of technical skills for both continuing students and graduates.

Prof. Sarah Ssali (R) presents an assortment of Mak Souvenirs to Prof. Mundia Muya (L). Zambia Research and Education Network (ZAMREN) Board led by the Chairperson, Prof. Mundia Muya courtesy call on the Vice Chancellor, 14th October 2025, Main Building, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Prof. Sarah Ssali (R) presents an assortment of Mak Souvenirs to Prof. Mundia Muya (L).

Turning to the gist of the courtesy call, the Acting Vice Chancellor noted that the Makerere University through the Centre for Artificial Intelligence (MAK-AI) seeks to harness the transformative power of AI to address society’s most pressing challenges. “Projects undertaken by our Centre tackle real-world challenges in health, agriculture, languages, and beyond.”

Prof. Ssali nevertheless underscored the importance of upholding ethics in all AI undertakings “Mindful of global trends elsewhere, the work of the Makerere AI Centre is guided by the principles of Responsible AI, ensuring that systems are transparent, accountable, fair, and designed to benefit society.”

She therefore called upon the delegation to thoughtfully engage with the ideas presented during their visit with the aim of collectively exploring both institution can better equip staff and students to meaningfully make the most of this fast-evolving trend.

On behalf of the Board, Prof. Muya who is substantively the Vice Chancellor of the University of Zambia thanked Prof. Ssali and Members of Management present for according his delegation a warm reception to Makerere University, “one of Africa’s most distinguished centres of higher learning.

Makerere University is not only a symbol of academic excellence but also a beacon of leadership in higher education on the African continent”, remarked Prof. Muya.

The Chairperson equally expressed the delegation’s keenness to understand how AI is being adopted, and how the academia is embracing the technology as an enabler of teaching and research. “At ZAMREN, we view digital transformation and AI integration as critical enablers of academic excellence, efficiency, and competitiveness across higher education institutions,” he remarked, adding that “We therefore look to Makerere University’s experience to draw practical lessons that can inform and inspire our efforts back home.”

Prof. Mundia Muya headed the ZAMREN delegation. Zambia Research and Education Network (ZAMREN) Board led by the Chairperson, Prof. Mundia Muya courtesy call on the Vice Chancellor, 14th October 2025, Main Building, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Prof. Mundia Muya headed the ZAMREN delegation.

Turning to the lessons from Makerere in line with digital transformation and ICT, the Director DICTS shared that owing to the partnership with RENU, internet bandwidth, a vital enabler of AI transformation currently stands at 5 Gbps of monthly consumption, with plans to scale-up to 8 Gbps. He added that RENU has also facilitated Makerere’s access to Open Libraries, and Eduroam – a secure, encrypted Wi-Fi network across to staff and students freely access the internet across partner institutions in Uganda using their University emails.

Furthermore on the enablers of AI integration, Mr. Mugabi noted that in line with digitalization of institutional business process, the University Council took a bold step to develop all information systems in-house, a move that has reduced costs spent on offshore solutions, and hemorrhage of skills. He pointed to the introduction of open source solutions, and AI policy and global collaborations with corporations such as Google as additional enablers.

Addressing AI readiness, Prof. Tonny Oyana pointed out the need for the University of Zambia to start early, citing Makerere efforts which began as far back as 2007, when Dr. John Quinn joined the institution after his PhD. He added that Dr. Quinn together with other former staff from Makerere formed Sunbird AI, a thriving initiative creating practical systems for the benefit of community.

Prof. Oyana also pointed to AI initiatives that have attracted up to USD 5million from Google Awards, staff with specialized skills in the creation and development of sensor technologies, top notch students that win continental and global awards from companies such as Huawei, and active engagements with partners to produce solutions to enhance diagnosis of malaria, tuberculosis and cancer as some of areas that demonstrate Makerere’s AI readiness.

The meeting in session. Zambia Research and Education Network (ZAMREN) Board led by the Chairperson, Prof. Mundia Muya courtesy call on the Vice Chancellor, 14th October 2025, Main Building, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
The meeting in session.

Addressing academic and research innovation, Prof. Robert Wamala pointed out that Makerere, in recognition that the institution cannot achieve its vision alone is intentional about seeking and nurturing mutually beneficial partnerships. Furthermore, he shared that Vice Chancellor’s Annual Research Excellence Awards reward and recognize the efforts of staff who have excelled in publication, teaching and winning grants.

The Director DRIP equally underscored the need for dissemination of research produced by staff and students, pointing out the annual research and innovation week as a flagship event for not only showcasing research but also forging meaningful partnerships with stakeholders. In line with technology transfer, Prof. Wamala said that the University through the Intellectual Property Management Office ensures that innovations developed by staff and students packaged for adoption by other individuals or organisations.

Addressing the use of technologies in academic work, Prof. Birevu noted that IODeL conducts capacity building in instructional design, online facilitation, use of AI in teaching and digital assessments. “We have also advised the University on ODeL and Distance Education strategies, for instance, we have developed a ten-year masterplan for distance education with support from the Korean Government to outline how Makerere University is going to integrate distance education within its offering” he added.

At the close of the deliberations the ZAMREN expressed sincere appreciation to the Ag. Vice Chancellor and Members of Management for the free sharing that pointed out a number of priorities.

Mark Wamai

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