Dr. Akinwumi A. Adesina, President African Development Bank Group (AfDB) signs the Visitors' Book during the meeting with the Chairperson Council and Management on Day 5 of the 71st Graduation Ceremony, 21st May 2021, CTF1.
The President of African Development Bank Group (AfDB), Dr. Akinwumi A. Adesina has reassured Makerere of his institution’s support in implementing the University’s 10 year strategic plan (2020-2030) that seeks to make it research-led. Dr. Adesina made the remarks at a meeting with the Chairperson of Council, Mrs. Lorna Magara and University Management on Friday 21st May 2021 ahead of the fifth session of the 71st Graduation Ceremony where he received the Honorary Doctor of Letters (Honoris Causa) of Makerere University.
In his welcome remarks to the AfDB President and his delegation, which included Equity Bank CEO, James Mwangi, Prof. Nawangwe congratulated Dr. Adesina upon his Honorary Doctorate Award in recognition of his exemplary service to the people of Africa in various capacities.
“Makerere University has also benefited from your visionary leadership in the various positions you have held in different organisations. The building where we are seated is one of the new facilities and labs constructed with the loan from the AfDB to support higher education institutions” remarked Prof. Nawangwe. The meeting was held in the Central Teaching Facility 1 (CTF1) Rotary Peace Centre Boardroom.
Dr. Akinwumi A. Adesina (L) being received by Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe (R) and Dr. Umar Kakumba (2nd Row R) into Central Teaching Facility 1 (CTF1), one of the buildings constructed using the US$29.2 Million loan to the Government under AfDB HEST. Photo credit: Davidson Ndyabahika
The Vice Chancellor further said that AfDB support has helped the University modernise laboratories and establish new ones. This has in turn enabled Makerere to produce vaccines and medicines, including the anti-tick vaccine and diagnostics for management of COVID-19 and other diseases as well as the low cost medical ventilator (Bulamu) to fight COVID-19.
Prof. Nawangwe noted that the increased output of research and innovations by Makerere would help Uganda reduce dependence on imports and upon commercialisation, provide an alternative source of revenue for the university while creating jobs for unemplyed youth. “We need support from our partners and friends to realise this plan.”
In her remarks, the Chairperson of Council Mrs. Lorna Magara congratulated Dr. Adesina upon his award, adding that it was in appreciation of his efforts to emancipate the peoples of Africa and unlock the continent’s potential.
“After today, you are going to be part of the Convocation of Makerere University and so we warmly welcome you and your team and look forward to long interactions” added the Chairperson of Council.
The Chairperson of Council, Mrs. Lorna Magara (C) flanked by Ag. DVCF, Dr. Josephine Nabukenya (R) and Ag. Dean of Students, Mrs. Winifred Kabumbuli (L) addresses the meeting with the President AfDB, Dr. Akinwumi A. Adesina
“University education is the most critical thing that any society should do and when it comes to Africa, you find that not more than 9% of our population has access to tertiary education” said Dr. Adesina as he made his remarks.
He noted that the times were changing at a very fast pace with the advent of the Fourth Industrial Revolution and advancements being made in the fields of artificial intelligence, big data, robotics, nanotechnology and biotechnology required us all to invest more in science and technology.
“If there is any place that I will gladly support without thinking twice, it will be Makerere University because it has first grade faculty members, it is a university that is focused on development, it is a university that thinks of not just its country; this is a global university that just happens to be in Africa.
“And so Mr. Vice Chancellor I just want to say that the campaign for you to receive more support from the African Development Bank is a campaign that has been made many years ago and that has been successful and so my answer is yes” remarked Dr. Adesina to thunderous applause from the members of Management in attendance.
Members present included; the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic Affairs)-Dr. Umar Kakumba, Ag. Deputy Vice Chancellor (Finance and Administration)-Dr. Josephine Nabukenya, Ag. University Secretary-Mr. Yusuf Kiranda, University Bursar-Mr. Evarist Bainomugisha, Director Research and Graduate Training-Prof. Mukadasi Buyinza, Director ICT Support-Mr. Samuel Mugabi, Director Gender Mainstreaming-Dr. Euzobia Mugisha Baine, Ag. Dean of Students-Mrs. Winifred Kabumbuli, Principal College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES)-Prof. Bernard Bashaasha and representative of the Director Estates and Works-Mr. Darius Muwanguzi.
The meeting was chaired by Ms. Getrude Basiima, who represented Mr. Hannington Ashaba, Director Budget at the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development (MoFPED). Ms. Basiima commended the Centre for its continued commitment to strengthening public investment management capacity across government institutions.
In her remarks, Ms. Basiima applauded the Centre for successfully hosting the Public Investment Management Conference held in August at Makerere University. The conference attracted key policymakers, development partners, and academics who deliberated on how to enhance the efficiency, sustainability, and impact of public investments in Uganda.
She further shared exciting news that the Government of Uganda has secured funding from the World Bank to support the public investment management function. The PIM Centre, she announced, will be among the key beneficiaries of these funds — receiving support for the construction and acquisition of a permanent home to enhance its institutional sustainability and training capacity.
Reviewing the Centre’s quarterly performance, Ms. Basiima congratulated the team for successfully conducting three specialized trainings in the first quarter, reaching officials from various Ministries, Departments, and Agencies. These trainings continue to strengthen the technical competencies required for effective project preparation, appraisal, and implementation in line with Uganda’s National Development Plan.
The PIM Steering Committee in a meeting held at Emin Pasha Hotel
She encouraged the Centre to integrate climate change considerations into its future training programmes, noting that sustainable public investment must now account for environmental resilience and climate adaptation.
The centre team presented the proposed structure/ organogram, the financial performance of 2024/2025, research areas for 2025/2026 and the strategic plan for 2025 – 2030.
The Steering Committee reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the PIM Centre’s vision of becoming a regional leader in building capacity for efficient, transparent, and sustainable public investment management.
A significant development unfolded at Makerere University during a strategic, hour-long meeting in the vice chancellor’s boardroom on 7th October 2025, marking a deepening bond with the University of Groningen in the Netherlands. The primary goal was to move beyond existing collaborations and formalize a new Double Doctorate (PhD) program. Prof. Sarah Saali, the Deputy Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, set the tone by emphasizing that institutional partnerships are crucial to Makerere University, which she proudly called the leading research and most collaborative university in the world.
The parties from Makerere University and the University of Groningen meeting in the Vice Chancellor’s Boardroom.
The discussion promptly formed the core structure of the program: a four-year PhD (or three if the master’s was research-based), with supervision duties split 50-50% between the two institutions. A key feature is the mobility requirement, stipulating that PhD candidates would spend a total of six months in the Netherlands, potentially divided into two three-month periods. Crucially, the University of Groningen confirmed there would be no teaching requirement during this stay, allowing students full access to focus on their research. A major financial hurdle was overcome with the adoption of a fee-waiver policy; Makerere would waive tuition for incoming Groningen candidates, and Groningen would reciprocate for Makerere‘s students, significantly boosting the program’s financial viability.
Prof. Sarah Ssali (R) presents a Mak Souvenir to Dr. Anita Veltmaat.
However, the critical issue of the stipend remained. Dr. Anita Veltmaat explained that to meet the required living standard of approximately €1,875 per month in Groningen, the incoming candidate must secure a partial external scholarship of around €250 per month. The positive news is that if the candidate secures this minimum scholarship, the University of Groningen is prepared to top up the amount to the full living standard for the six months the student spends in the Netherlands. It was noted that this initial financial hurdle might be simplified for Makerere students, as many are already staff members receiving a salary, which could help cover the required €250.
The meeting in session.
The path forward was clear: it was to complete the agreement template guided by the setup committee from both institutions. The plan culminated in scheduling an online follow-up meeting for Tuesday, November 11th, to review the first revision of the agreement, capping a highly constructive discussion that solidified the two universities’ shared future in graduate education.
The Team from Makerere University from Left to Right: Dr. Ruth Nsibirano, Dr. Racheal Nuwagaba, Dr. Patricia Ndugga, Dr. Stella Achen, Dr. Joseph Watuleke, and Ms. Agatha Ainemukama.
Makerere University was represented by Prof. Sarah Ssali, the Deputy Vice Chancellor in charge of Academics Affairs; Dr. Ruth Nsibirano, Head of the Department of Gender Studies; Dr. Patricia Ndugga, School of Statistics; Dr. Stella Achen and Dr. Joseph Watuleke, School of Distance and Lifelong Learning; Agatha Ainemukama, School of Engineering; Racheal Nuwagaba, School of Psychology; Awel Uwihanganye, Martine Rugamba, and Hawa Ndagire from the Advancement Office; and Muhammad Kiggundu from the Institute of Gender and Development Studies.
Prof. Sarah Ssali (R) presents a Makerere Souvenir to Mrs. Alette Arendshorst.
The University of Groningen was represented by Dr. Dinie Bouwman, Senior Policy Advisor, Internationalization and Quality Assurance; Dr. Anita Veltmaat, Faculty of Social Behavior and Social Sciences, Department of International Studies, involved in mentorship programs for women; and Dr. Alette Arendshorst, Faculty of Behavioral and Social Sciences, working on graduation/collaboration for students/staff.
Makerere University on Tuesday, 7th October 2025 hosted a delegation from Nelson Mandela University (NMU), South Africa in the Vice Chancellor’s Boardroom in a bid to strengthen academic partnerships and operationalize their existing Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).
The delegation, led by Prof. Azwinndini Muronga, Deputy Vice Chancellor: Research, Innovation and Internationalisation, NMU, aimed to turn earlier agreements into actionable collaborations and build sustainable partnerships with various colleges.
The Acting (Ag.) Deputy Vice Chancellor; Finance and Administration, Prof. Winston Tumps Ireeta, provided an overview of the institution’s structure—nine colleges, two schools, and two institutes—while acknowledging the challenges of maintaining excellence amid resource limitations and post-pandemic recovery. He emphasized that collaboration must serve the broader goal of research-driven development, calling for teamwork and resilience among African universities. “We have to work together to sustain high academic standards and contribute to the continent’s progress,” he noted.
Prof. Winston Tumps Ireeta (L) presents a Mak necktie to Prof. Azwinndini Muronga (R).
Prof. Muronga spoke passionately about the NMU’s “African footprint agenda.” He urged both institutions to start with small, practical projects that can build confidence and momentum for larger initiatives. “We must grow partnerships within Africa first,” he stated, “before we expand globally. True collaboration begins when both sides contribute equally, share capacity, and build self-reliance.”
Prof. Muronga also expressed interest in joint research projects, doctoral supervision, and shared grant applications, noting that NMU and Makerere are strategically positioned to lead regional academic innovation.
In her remarks, Prof. Judy Peter, Senior Director in the International Office at NMU emphasized the University’s commitment to African-centered collaboration and the importance of internationalizing the curriculum and expanding research capacity.
Prof. Peter underscored the importance of student mobility, joint supervision of postgraduate students, and the recruitment of talented African scholars, noting that such exchanges enrich both institutions’ academic communities. She also emphasized the need to internationalize the curriculum, particularly through virtual learning platforms and co-teaching models, to ensure broader accessibility and shared expertise.
Contributions also came from Prof. James Wokadala, Deputy Principal, College of Business and Management Sciences (CoBAMS), further amplified the need to “start small and build on existing collaborations.” He proposed developing a clear roadmap that defines short-term goals and identifies areas for mutual growth.
From the College of Health Sciences, Dr. Richard Idro, the Deputy Principal highlighted opportunities for fellowship, training and collaboration in clinical subjects, emphasizing the need for practical exchanges that benefit students and staff alike. He also addressed logistical challenges such as transportation and coordination, urging for targeted partnerships that can yield tangible results.
Some of the Makerere officials that attended the meeting from Left to Right: Prof. Yazidhi Bamutaze, Dr. Richard Idro, Prof. James Wokadala, Prof. Eric Awich Ochen, and Prof. Godfrey Akileng.
The meeting reaffirmed the universities’ commitment to collaboration in areas including faculty exchange for guest lectures, seminars, and sabbaticals; joint research and grant applications for regional and international funding; co-supervision of postgraduate students; virtual classroom exchanges; curriculum internationalization and exchange of academic materials; and capacity development for academic and administrative staff.
The teams also identified “quick-win” projects that could be implemented in the short term and agreed to establish a joint implementation team to monitor progress. Further discussions will explore funding mechanisms, including the possibility of leveraging programs like Erasmus+, to support student exchange and joint research initiatives.
In his closing remarks, Prof. Muronga reaffirmed Nelson Mandela University’s commitment to ensuring that the partnership yields visible outcomes. Both universities agreed that future engagements will be structured around mutual respect, accountability, and measurable results.
The meeting concluded on a note of optimism, with both institutions expressing confidence that their partnership will not only advance academic excellence but also contribute to Africa’s broader vision of educational and research self-reliance.
The meeting was attended by several officials from Makerere including; Prof. Eric Awich Ochen-Deputy Principal, College of Humanities and Social Sciences (CHUSS), Prof. Yazidhi Bamutaze-Deputy Principal, College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES), Prof. Godfrey Akileng-Dean School of Business, Dr. Geoffrey Nuwagaba-CoBAMS, Mr. Martine Rugamba-Ag. Chief Advancement Office, and Ms. Hawa Kajumba-Advancement Office.