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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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Change of Course/Programme for Undergraduate Admissions 2025/2026

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The Office of the Academic Registrar, Makerere University has released lists for the recommended for change of course/ programme for Degree/Diploma Scheme and Direct entry for Private/Government sponsored students for the Academic Year 2025/2026.

The lists released can be accessed by following the respective links below:

Elias Tuhereze

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Makerere Signs Open MoU with London School of Economics and Political Science

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Seated Left to Right: Dr. Richard Newfarmer, Dr. Jonathan Leape, Dr. Sarah Sewanyana, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, Prof. Ibrahim Mike Okumu and Prof. James Wokadala with other officials (Standing) after the MoU signing on 27th August 2025. Makerere University, through the College of Business and Management Sciences (CoBAMS) and the Economic Policy Research Centre (EPRC), has signed an open Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE), 27th August 2025, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

Makerere University, through the College of Business and Management Sciences (CoBAMS) and the Economic Policy Research Centre (EPRC), has signed an open Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE). This MoU is one of several initiatives aimed at strengthening the university’s global collaborations and research partnerships.

In his remarks, Vice Chancellor Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe highlighted Makerere’s recent centenary celebrations as a testament to its long and influential history in Africa. He reaffirmed the university’s commitment to serious, research-driven collaboration, noting Makerere’s aspiration to become a leading student-centered research university that develops solutions to regional challenges.

Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe makes his remarks ahead of the MoU signing. Makerere University, through the College of Business and Management Sciences (CoBAMS) and the Economic Policy Research Centre (EPRC), has signed an open Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE), 27th August 2025, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe makes his remarks ahead of the MoU signing.

Prof. Nawangwe emphasized that Makerere’s research addresses critical issues such as widespread poverty, high youth unemployment, the devastating effects of climate change on agriculture, rapid population growth, and political interference in production. These challenges, he explained, call for climate-resilient agriculture, stronger health systems to address emerging diseases, and more inclusive governance. He further observed that Africa’s ambitious goal of producing one million PhDs in the next decade remains constrained by inadequate supervision capacity across the continent, stressing that collaborations like this MoU are key to bridging that gap.

EPRC Executive Director, Dr. Sarah Sewanyana, described the signing as particularly significant for EPRC and its Board of Directors as they embark on a new five-year strategic plan (2025/26–2029/30). She explained that the plan strongly emphasizes strategic collaborations, with this partnership serving as a prime example of leveraging collective strengths to deepen impact. She underscored EPRC’s role in advancing evidence-based policymaking for national development, aligning with Uganda’s National Development Plan IV.

The partners show off the signed MoU. Makerere University, through the College of Business and Management Sciences (CoBAMS) and the Economic Policy Research Centre (EPRC), has signed an open Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE), 27th August 2025, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
The partners show off the signed MoU.

Prof. James Wokadala, Acting Principal of CoBAMS, emphasized that the collaboration seeks to preserve and expand vital human knowledge while strengthening partnerships between academic institutions and global research networks. He noted that these networks are instrumental in advising legal and policy professionals, as well as aligning research agendas with both national and corporate priorities. He expressed pride in the extensive efforts of the School of Economics that have expanded these activities in recent years. He pointed to significant accomplishments that have been achieved in collaboration with IGC, including hosting a 2025 high-level international conference on mobile money payment systems, which positioned Makerere University as a thought leader on critical African economic issues. He also celebrated the successful bid by the School of Economics to host the ‘Africa Meeting of the Econometric Society’ in 2027, further demonstrating its contribution to impactful scholarship and policy influence.

The Acting Principal further emphasized that the new partnership with LSE will build on these achievements, offering immense benefits such as expanding capacity-building opportunities for faculty and students, especially in research and Public Infrastructure Management (PIM). The collaboration will also provide platforms for knowledge dissemination and policy dialogue, while addressing pressing socio-economic and health challenges. Ultimately, he said, formalisation of the partnership amplifies CoBAMS’ commitment to excellence in teaching, research, and innovation.

Speaking on behalf of LSE’s International Growth Centre (IGC), Executive Director Dr. Jonathan Leape expressed delight at formalizing the long-standing collaboration with Makerere and EPRC. He highlighted current joint projects, including research on the impact of the 2020 gender-based vaccine program on women’s skills and learning, studies on reforms in STEM education, and investigations into barriers limiting business growth for entrepreneurs. He stressed that the core mission is to bring researchers and policymakers together to address pressing policy challenges with robust, reliable evidence and innovative solutions.

Prof. Nawangwe presents a souvenir Mak Necktie to Dr. Jonathan Leape. Makerere University, through the College of Business and Management Sciences (CoBAMS) and the Economic Policy Research Centre (EPRC), has signed an open Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE), 27th August 2025, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Prof. Nawangwe presents a souvenir Mak Necktie to Dr. Jonathan Leape.

The event, held on 27th August 2025, was attended by several dignitaries including Dr. Richard Newfarmer, Country Director for Uganda and Rwanda (IGC); Dr. Nhial Kuch, Senior Country Economist (IGC); and Mary Teddy Nakyejwe, IGC Programme Officer. Also present were the Director of Research, Dr. Ibrahim Kasirye and other members of EPRC leadership.

Eve Nakyanzi
Eve Nakyanzi

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Makerere University Hosts Delegation from Ghent University Association

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Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe (Right) presents a Makerere Coffee Table book to Prof. Mieke Van Herreweghe during the visit on 27th August 2025. Makerere University hosted a delegation from the Ghent University Association where a student exchange agreement was signed, led by Prof. Mieke Van Herreweghe, Vice Rector of Ghent University. The delegation included representatives from Howest University and Hogent University of Applied Sciences, 27th August 2025 Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

Makerere University has hosted a delegation from the Ghent University Association, led by Prof. Mieke Van Herreweghe, Vice Rector of Ghent University. The delegation included representatives from Howest University and Hogent University of Applied Sciences.

Vice Chancellor Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe welcomed the team and highlighted Makerere University’s commitment to addressing the pressing challenges in the region. These include climate change, which continues to hinder investment, and Uganda’s rapidly growing population that has surged from 5 million in the late 1940s to nearly 50 million currently, creating socio-economic challenges such as high youth unemployment.

He emphasized that Makerere’s research agenda focuses on understanding the fast-growing population, tackling health challenges, advancing governance and human rights, and fostering peace through initiatives such as the Rotary Peace Center—the only one of its kind on the African continent. Research at Makerere also seeks to provide solutions to youth unemployment in one of the world’s youngest nations.

The meeting of Members of Management and the visiting delegation in session in the Vice Chancellor's Boardroom. Makerere University hosted a delegation from the Ghent University Association where a student exchange agreement was signed, led by Prof. Mieke Van Herreweghe, Vice Rector of Ghent University. The delegation included representatives from Howest University and Hogent University of Applied Sciences, 27th August 2025 Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
The meeting of Members of Management and the visiting delegation in session in the Vice Chancellor’s Boardroom.

The Vice Chancellor further noted that Makerere University teaches and conducts research across a wide spectrum of disciplines, organized into colleges including Agriculture, Business and Management, Computing, Education and External Studies, Engineering and Technology, Health Sciences, Humanities and Social Sciences, Natural Sciences, and Veterinary Medicine. The university also hosts over 60 specialized research centers, among them Centers of Excellence such as the Regional Centre for Crop Improvement, which works to enhance food security, manage pests and diseases, and improve agricultural productivity. Another key institution is the Infectious Diseases Institute, which leads research on HIV/AIDS. With these initiatives, he added, Makerere continues to expand its research footprint while strengthening global partnerships.

Prof. Van Herreweghe provided an overview of Ghent University, founded in 1817 and ranked among the top 100 universities globally for decades. With its motto “Dare to think,” Ghent University has built a strong international reputation. It also holds the distinction of being the only Belgian, and currently the only European, university with a campus in South Korea. Established in 2014, the campus offers bachelor’s programs in applied biotechnology.

She highlighted Ghent’s joint PhD programs, which are structured as sandwich programs to support African universities. Under this arrangement, PhD candidates spend two years funded at Ghent University and another two years at their home university (such as Makerere), with joint supervision from both institutions. These programs, she noted, are a strategic way of fostering international collaboration.

Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe and Prof. Mieke Van Herreweghe pose for a group photo with members of their respective teams at the Main Building entrance. Makerere University hosted a delegation from the Ghent University Association where a student exchange agreement was signed, led by Prof. Mieke Van Herreweghe, Vice Rector of Ghent University. The delegation included representatives from Howest University and Hogent University of Applied Sciences, 27th August 2025 Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe and Prof. Mieke Van Herreweghe pose for a group photo with members of their respective teams at the Main Building entrance.

During the visit, Ghent University signed a Student Exchange Agreement with Makerere University to complement the existing Memorandum of Understanding. The agreement will pave the way for more joint initiatives and strengthen collaboration in the years ahead.

The delegation also included Mr. Lieven Theys, International Coordinator for Business Management at Howest University, who explained that Howest clusters its programs into three key domains: Design and Technology, Human Well-being and Health, and Business and Organization. Dr. Robin Stevens represented Hogent University of Applied Sciences, which runs programs across nine schools including Business and Management, Computer Sciences, Biosciences, Industrial Technology, Teacher Training, and Healthcare.

The visit, held on 27th August 2025, was attended by Makerere University officials and members of various colleges, among them Prof. Winston Tumps Ireeta, the Acting Deputy Vice Chancellor (Finance and Administration) and Principal of the College of Natural Sciences (CoNAS), Prof. Tonny Oyana-Principal College of Computing and Information Sciences (CoCIS), Prof. Moses Musinguzi-Principal College of Engineering, Design, Art and Technology (CEDAT), Prof. Julius Kikooma-Director Graduate Training, Assoc. Prof. Yazidhi Bamutaze-Deputy Principal College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES), Assoc. Prof. James Wokadala-Deputy Principal College of Business and Management Sciences (CoBAMS), Assoc. Prof. Richard Idro-Deputy Principal College of Health Sciences, and Dr. Cathy Mbidde, Manager of the Makerere University Innovation Pod (Mak UniPod).

Eve Nakyanzi
Eve Nakyanzi

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