Connect with us

Research

Mak Listed in 19 of 60 Projects to be Funded under NORHED II

Published

on

Makerere University has been listed in 19 out of 60 projects awarded funding under the NORHED II programme set to run from 2021 to 2026. Launched by Norad (Norwegian Agency for Development Cooperation) in 2012, NORHED is Norway’s flagship programme on higher education and research for development.

According to the announcement on the Norad website, 199 applications were submitted to the call, out of which 60 will be funded to the tune of NOK 1.1 billion. Uganda is also listed among the countries with the highest number of projects alongside Tanzania, Ethiopia and Malawi.

Makerere University is listed in a total of nineteen (19) projects applied for by Norwegian institutions namely; the Norwegian University of Life Sciences (NMBU) – three (3) projects, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) – four (4) projects, University of Agder (UiA) – three (3) projects, University of Bergen (UiB) – six (6) projects, University of Oslo (UiO) – two (2) projects, and The Arctic University of Norway (UiT) – one (1) project.

Makerere was listed most in Sub-programme: 3. Climate Change and Natural Resources (6 projects), followed by Sub-programme: 5. Humanities and Social Sciences (5 projects), Sub-programme: 1. Education and Teacher Training (4 projects) as well as Sub-programme 2. Health and Sub-programme: 6. Energy with two projects apiece. Below is the breakdown of the list in five of the six respective sub-programmes, excluding Sub-programme: 4. Political and Economic Governance where there was no project listed.

 Project titleApplicant organizationProject partners in Global South
Sub-programme: 1. Education and Teacher Training (4 projects)
1CABUTE – Capacity Building for Research-Based Teacher EducationUniversity of Bergen (UiB)Makerere University, Kyambogo University, UNITE – The Uganda National Institute of Teacher Education
2Transformative Education and Lifelong Learning for Sustainable GrowthUniversity of Agder (UiA)Jimma University, University of Rwanda, Makerere University
3Mathematics for sustainable development.University of Bergen (UiB)University of Dar Es Salaam, Makerere University
4Decolonizing Epistemologies: the Disciplines and the UniversityUniversity of Bergen (UiB)Makerere University
Sub-programme: 2. Health (2 projects)
5iCARTA – Institutionalisation of Advanced Research Training in AfricaUniversity of Bergen (UiB)African Population and Health Research Center, University of Malawi, University of Rwanda, University of the Witswatersrand, Makerere University
6Climate Change and Infectious Diseases – A One Health ApproachThe Arctic University of Norway (UiT)University of Bahr ElGhazal, Makerere University
Sub-programme: 3. Climate Change and Natural Resources (6 projects)
7Environmental Risk Management under Increasing Extremes and UncertaintyNorwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU)Haramaya University, Institute of Resource Assessment, University of Dar es Salaam, Uganda Marty’s University, Makerere University
8Climate smart agriculture in Sub-Saharan AfricaNorwegian University of Life Sciences (NMBU)Wondo Genet college of Forestry and Natural Resources – Hawassa University, University of Juba, Makerere University, Gulu University, University of Zambia,
9Enhanced Capacity for Aquatic Resources in East and South AfricaNorwegian University of Life Sciences (NMBU)University of Nairobi, Mbeya University of Science and Technology, Egerton University, Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of Eduardo Mondlane, University of Dar Es Salaam, Makerere University, University of Zambia
10Water ESSENCE Africa – creating synergy to meet the global challengesUniversity of Bergen (UiB)Addis Ababa University, University of Ghana, University for Development Studies, University of Nairobi, Machakos University, University of Rwanda University of Juba, Makerere University
11Co-creating knowledge for local adaptation to climate change in LDCsNorwegian University of Life Sciences (NMBU)International Centre for Climate Change and Development, Pokhara University, University of Eduardo Mondlane, Makerere University
12Adaptive Environmental Monitoring Networks for East AfricaNorwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU)University of Juba, Dar es Salaam Institute of Technology, Makerere University
Sub-programme: 5. Humanities and Social Sciences (5 projects)
13Refugees on the Move – South Sudanese in Ethiopia, Sudan and Uganda.University of Bergen (UiB)Addis Ababa University, University of Juba, University of Khartoum, Makerere University
14Medical and environmental anthropology for 21st century East AfricaUniversity of Oslo (UiO)University of Nairobi, Maseno University, Kenya Medical Research Institute, National Institute for Medical Research – Tanzania, Makerere University, University of Dar Es Salaam
15Building Resilient Communities through Inclusive Education in East AfricaUniversity of Agder (UiA)University of Rwanda, Institute of Social Work – Tanzania, Makerere University
16Gender and digitalization across context (GENDIG)University of Agder (UiA)University of Dar Es Salaam, Makerere University
17Partnership for Peace: Better Higher Education for Resilient SocietiesUniversity of Oslo (UiO)African School of Economics – Benin, Universidad de los Andes, Mekelle University, Birzeit University, Makerere University
Sub-programme: 6. Energy (2 projects)
18Capacity building for socially just and sustainable energy transitionsNorwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU)University of Nairobi, University of Juba, Makerere University
19Energy Technology NetworkNorwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU)Addis Ababa University, Mekelle University, University of Malawi, University of Eduardo Mondlane, University of Juba, University of Dar Es Salaam, Makerere University

Please click here to view the full list.

Mark Wamai

Research

The Uganda Higher Education Review Vol. 12, Issue 1

Published

on

The cover page of the Uganda Higher Education Review Vol 12, Issue 1. NCHE, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

The National Council for Higher Education (NCHE) is mandated under Section 4(b) of the Universities and Other Tertiary Institutions Act 262, to promote and develop the processing and dissemination of information on higher education for the benefit of the public. In line with this mandate, NCHE has consistently advanced scholarly discourse in higher education through The Uganda Higher Education Review Journal, published semi-annually in May and November.

It is my privilege to present to you Volume 12, Issue 1 (November 2024) of the journal, now available electronically via DOI: 10.58653 and with ISSN 1813-2243 (print) and 2958-5473 (online). The articles in this issue embody a profound commitment to rigorous inquiry, intellectual curiosity, and scholarly excellence.

This edition explores critical themes, including:

  1. Financing and Investment in Higher Education.
  2. The Adoption of Emerging Technologies in the Digital Transformation of Higher Education.
  3. Improving Access and Inclusivity in Higher Education in Uganda: Addressing the Nation’s Low Gross Enrolment Ratio.
  4. The Role of the Private Sector in Enhancing Graduate Skills and Employability through Technology Innovation.

I sincerely appreciate the contributors whose unwavering dedication to their fields has enriched the publication. I also acknowledge the exceptional efforts of the authors, NCHE staff and Management, the editorial team, and the reviewers. Their expertise and commitment have been instrumental in ensuring the quality and integrity of the research presented in this volume.

Professor Mary J. N. Okwakol
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR/EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Mak Editor

Continue Reading

Natural Sciences

CARTA Fellow Anywar Attends 2024 World Science Forum

Published

on

Dr. Godwin Anywar, at the 2024 World Science Forum that took place in Budapest, Hungary from 20th-23rd November. College of Natural Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

Godwin Anywar, cohort 6, Makerere University, attended the 2024 World Science Forum that took place on November 20 – 23, 2024 in Budapest, Hungary. At the forum, he participated in a side event: ‘Trust in Science’, a workshop for early career researchers organized by the Global Young Academy (GYA) and the InterAcademy Partnership (IAP). 

On November 26 – 28, 2024, he attended the twentieth annual meeting of the African Science Academies (AMASA 2024) and the General Assembly of the Network of African Academies of Sciences (NASAC), in Algiers, Algeria. He presented on ‘Promoting Science Diplomacy for Sustainable Development in Africa’ as one the co-leads of the Science Diplomacy in Africa working group of the Global Young Academy’. 

Godwin also participated in the Uganda Text Book Academic and Non-Fiction Authors Association (UTANA)- hybrid symposium on authorship capacity where he moderated a panel session on Artificial Intelligence (AI) and academic authorship. With the theme ‘Capacity building for academic and nonfiction authorship for Africa’s Transformation’ the symposium took place from November 14 -15, 2024 in Kampala, Uganda. 

Additionally, he attended and moderated a session on the regulation and registration of herbal medicinal products (HMP) in African countries. Organized by the Society for Medicinal Plants and Natural Products Research (GA) in collaboration with PharmaConnect Africa NPC and The Natural Products Research Network for Eastern and Central Africa (NAPRECA), the session was part of an eSeminar series ‘Regulation of Natural Products – a Global Challenge’.

Source: CARTA Newsletter Issue 83

Mark Wamai

Continue Reading

Research

In vitro antifungal activities of medicinal plants used for treatment of candidiasis in Pader district, Northern Uganda

Published

on

Ms. Betty Akwongo presents her work on “Evaluation of antifungal activity of khaya anthotheca used for the treatment of candidiasis in Pader District, Northern Uganda” at the Annual Forum for Graduate Research and Policy Dialogue on 26th April 2024, Yusuf Lule Central Teaching Facility Auditorium, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

Betty Akwongo, Esezah K. Kakudidi, Anthony M. Nsubuga, Morgan Andama, Mary Namaganda, Patience Tugume, Savina Asiimwe, Godwin Anywar & Esther Katuura 

Abstract

Background

The emergence of multidrug resistant Candida species to available drugs has led to renewed interest in the use of herbal medicines globally. This study scientifically verified antifungal effectiveness of five commonly used plant species in Pader district, against selected pathogenic candida strains.

Methods

Powdered roots of Momordica foetida, Sansevieria dawei and Distimake dissectus; and stem barks of Khaya anthotheca and Mitragyna rubrostipulata were extracted sequentially using petroleum ether and methanol, respectively; and total water extraction at 24.4 °C (maceration), 60 °C (decoction) and boiling water at 87 °C (hot water infusion). Extracts and their combinations, positive controls (amphotericin B, and fluconazole) and negative control (80% dimethyl sulfoxide, verified to be tolerable concentration to the tested Candida species) were screened and verified for their antifungal activity against Candida albicans (ATCC: American Type Culture Collection reference strain 10231, ATCC 90028, 0770a and 0796), C. glabrata (VVc 004, ATCC 2950) and C. tropicalis (ATCC 750 and 0210) using agar well diffusion and broth micro-dilution, respectively.

Results

Aqueous extract (24.4 °C) of M. rubrostipulata (ZOI: 18.00 ± 1.00 to 38.33 ± 0.17; MIC: 3.13 ± 0.00 to 20.83 ± 4.17; MFC: 12.50 ± 0.00 to 200.00 ± 0.00), methanol extract of K. anthotheca (10.11 ± 0.31 to 15.11 ± 0.65; 1.04 ± 0.26 to 12.50 ± 0.00; 12.50 ± 0.00 to 100.00 ± 0.00), and combination of aqueous extract (60 °C) of D. dissectus + methanol extract of K. anthotheca (7.89 ± 0.26 to 19.67 ± 0.37; 0.78 ± 0.00 to 50.00 ± 0.00; 12.50 ± 0.00 to 200.00 ± 0.00) exhibited broad spectrum antifungal activities and were fungistatic against all tested Candida species, which comprised 8 clinical/control and susceptible/resistant strains. None of the conventional drugs used demonstrated broad spectrum antifungal activity across all tested Candida species/strains.

Conclusion

Methanol extract of K. anthotheca, aqueous extract (24.4 °C) of M. rubrostipulata, and combination of aqueous extract (60 °C) of D. dissectus + methanol extract of K. anthotheca could be effective in the treatment of candidiasis. They demonstrated potential broad spectrum antifungal activity against different species and strains of tested Candida than the fluconazole and amphotericin B drugs. Their fungistatic nature showed their ability to inhibit fungal growth. Hence, these extracts/extract combination can offer better treatment option for candidiasis if they are standardized and also their active curative compounds isolated and made into antifungal drugs.

View full article on BMC

Mak Editor

Continue Reading

Trending