The Vice Chancellor-Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe (2nd R) and Semmelweis University Rector-Prof. Béla Merkely (2nd L) exchange the signed MoU as DVCAA-Dr. Umar Kakumba (R) and Semmelweis University Vice Rector- Prof. Attila Szabó (L) witness on 25th October 2021, CTF1, Makerere University.
Makerere University and the Medical University of Budapest, “Semmelweis”, Hungary on Monday 25th October 2021 held discussions and signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to deepen collaboration between the two institutions. The MoU was signed on behalf of Makerere University by the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe and on behalf of Semmelweis by the Rector, Prof. Béla Merkely and Vice Rector, Prof. Attila Szabó. The visiting delegation was accompanied by the Ambassador H.E. Dr. Janos Tereyi and Staff from the Embassy of Hungary in Uganda.
Welcoming the delegation, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe observed that the visit and MoU signing were timely, as Makerere embarks on the year-long celebrations to mark 100 years of contributing to building the region’s human resource among other milestones.
“We have also recently embarked on the implementation of our 10-year strategic plan which seeks to make us more research-led and so as to contribute to national development and produce more innovations and spinoffs to provide employment for our growing population” remarked the Vice Chancellor.
L-R: Prof. Béla Merkely, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe and Dr. Umar Kakumba during the discussions prior to the MoU signing.
Prof. Nawangwe noted that Makerere, given its location in the tropics, is a vibrant centre for research in the clinical disciplines particularly infectious diseases, with malaria posing some of the greatest challenges. “Just this morning I addressed ten universities meeting in Entebbe, leading a consortium to eradicate malaria in Africa.”
He added that with funding from the Government of Uganda, Makerere was conducting a lot of research on COVID-19 and had been instrumental in the supporting government’s management of the disease in the country. The Vice Chancellor clarified that despite the dominance by health sciences, the University’s research output cuts across all disciplines such as agriculture, engineering, veterinary medicine, the arts and humanities, among others and is renowned for producing some of the best writers.
Semmelweis University Rector-Prof. Béla Merkely thanked Makerere University Management for the warm welcome.
Speaking on behalf of the delegation the Rector, Prof. Béla Merkely thanked the Vice Chancellor and Members of Management for the warm welcome to the world renowned Makerere University. Continuing from where Prof. Nawangwe had left off, he added that his University equally played a key role in Hungary’s fight against COVID-19 and as Rector, he is the Main Advisor to the Prime Minister in that field.
The Rector shared that Semmelweis’ staff and student COVID-19 vaccination ratios stand at over 90%, including international scholars who make up over 31% of the total student population, and 52.9% of students in the University’s Faculty of Medicine. Hungary has to date vaccinated 6million (63%) of its population.
Prof. Merkely is a clinician who still performs diagnostic coronarographies, pacemaker, Mitraclip and other implantations reported that Semmelweis University is ranked among the top 100 institutions in the “Cardiology and Cardiovascular System” field.
Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe (R) and Prof. Béla Merkely (L) show off the signed MoU aimed at deepening collaboration between Makerere University and Semmelweis University.
“Semmelweis University achieved the best ranking this year and improved twenty-five places to become the 87th best higher education institution in the world in this field” added the Rector.
Prof. Merkely shared that Semmelweis University had in the past worked with the Uganda Heart Institute and supported the Hungarian Goverment to implement a project to modernise the Cardiology Department of Mulago National Referral Hospital.
In terms of potential collaboration, Prof. Merkely said that Semmelweis has a strong PhD programme and has over the years developed a lot of innovations in the health sciences and trained the majority of its staff in specialised fields of medicine. This, he attributed to the presence of a University-owned 2,100-bed teaching hospital that offers continuous professional development to staff.
Dr. Umar Kakumba (R) and Prof. Attila Szabó (L) chat after the MoU signing ceremony.
Prof. Nawangwe concluded the discussions by acknowledging that we had the rare opportunity to collaborate with a Rector who is a clinician. He added that the Government of Uganda was fully aware of the importance of Makerere University having its own teaching hospital and was keen to address the matter.
Present during the discussions and MoU signing ceremony were the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic Affairs)-Dr. Umar Kakumba, University Secretary-Mr. Yusuf Kiranda, Director Human Resouces-Dr. Davis Malowa Ndanyi, University Bursar-Mr. Evarist Bainomugisha, and Academic Registrar-Mr. Alfred Masikye Namoah.
Also present were the Director Internal Audit-Mr. Walter Yorac Nono, Director Research and Graduate Training-Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi, Dean of Students-Mrs. Winifred Kabumbuli, Ag. Director Quality Assurance-Prof. Sarah Kiguli, Manager Procurement and Disposal Unit-Mr. Paul Agaba, Deputy Principal College of Health Sciences-Prof. Isaac Kajja and Principal Legal Officer-Ms. Esther Kabinga. The visit was coordinated by the International Relations Officer-Ms. Martha Muwanguzi.
Today, on the International Day of Women and Girls in Science, we celebrate the incredible women scientists at Makerere University who are driving innovation, advancing research, and shaping the future of science in Uganda and beyond.
Your dedication, resilience, and groundbreaking contributions continue to inspire generations. As you break barriers and push the frontiers of knowledge, remember that your work is not only transforming communities but also paving the way for more young women to embrace science.
We honor your achievements and reaffirm our commitment to fostering an inclusive and supportive environment where women in science can thrive. Keep leading, innovating, and inspiring!
Happy International Day of Women and Girls in Science!
The swearing-in-ceremony for the 91st Students’ Guild Electoral Commission was held on Friday 31st January 2025. Mr. Joseph Murungi, a commissioner from the College of Health Sciences (CHS) was unanimously chosen as the chairperson of the commision.
Mr. Murungi thanked the good Lord and students for entrusting him with the position and promised to deliver a free and fair electoral process and head a commission that is impartial.
The Dean of Students, Dr. Winifred Kabumbuli urged the new commission to execute its duties in line with the Guild statute and Constitution.
“You must execute your duties in line with the Guild statute and Constitution, anything outside that is invalid. I wish you the best and I am looking forward to working with you,” she said.
Ms. Ruth Iteu, the Head of the Online voting team, urged the commission to avoid being caught on the wrong side of the law as it will lead to severe consequences.
Rev. Fr. Josephat Ddungu, the Chaplain of Makerere University St. Augustine Chapel said they will continue to pray for the commission to have a peaceful and successful.
“The Electoral Commission is a very important body and the success of the electoral process depends on you. Please concentrate on doing what is right before the Lord. As your spiritual leaders, our duty is to pray. We are therefore praying for you to have a peaceful and successful election,” he said.
Administrator who urged the commission to always do the right at the right time.
Mr. Nickson Maberi encouraged the new commission to follow the law and avoid tarnishing the image of the university.
Mr. Joseph Murungi, Commissioner from the College of Health Sciences (CHS) swearing in as Chairperson of the Electoral Commission for the 91st Guild Elections.
“Makerere University elections attract national attention. Please follow the law and be people of integrity to avoid tarnishing the image of the university,” he guided.
Mr. Aston Tayebwa from the College of Natural Sciences was elected as the commission’s General Secretary while Ms Sharon Nyonyozi from the College of Humanities and Social Sciences was elected as the commission’s Vice Chairperson.
Other commissioners include: Mr. Ijoot William from the College of Engineering, Design, Art and Technology (CEDAT), Mr. Ntambi Moses from the College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Biosecurity (COVAB), Mr. Perez William Mwesigwa from the School of Law (SoL), Alyosius Mutagubya from the College of Computing and Information Science (CoCIS) and Mr. Mugisha Hamidu from the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES).
The Research and Education Network for Uganda (RENU) is a community-driven, non-profit organization with a major focus on nurturing collaboration among member institutions (i.e. research and education institutions), and global partners. Founded in 2006, RENU has grown from a small National Research and Education Network (NREN) that focused on just connectivity needs of universities and research organisations, to a fast-growing specialized ICT solutions provider for the entire Research and Education (R&E) community including schools, colleges, other tertiary institutions, hospitals, and their end users. RENU is located at House No. 31, The Edge, Makerere University and on Plot 6B, Mabua Road, Kololo, Kampala.
Highlights from the 2024 Edition featuring Makerere:
Universities Launch Global Coalition to Support Refugee Education at Scale
16 universities from across the globe have come together to improve and increase access to higher education for refugees and their communities, where they reside. Universities based in Africa, Europe, and North America formed the Global University Academy (GUA) following a workshop hosted by the University of Oslo in June 2024.
The GUA is currently looking into the possibility to pilot the initiative in Uganda. Key partners in this work are Makerere University and Gulu University, who are already actively engaged in providing access to higher education for refugees, and the Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) Uganda.
Advancing Child Welfare The AfriChild Centre’s Inter-University Programme
The Inter-University Programme, spearheaded by the Centre of Excellence for the Study of the African Child (AfriChild Centre), is a landmark initiative focused on equipping researchers with the essential skills needed to conduct high-quality child-focused research. The success of the Inter-University Programme is built on the strong partnerships the AfriChild Centre has established with universities including Makerere University.
Liberate your Mind from the Present and Dream Big to Provide Meaningful ICT Solutions for Research and Education!
At the 2024 RENU ICT Directors Forum, Dr. Francis F. “Tusu” Tusubira, the Chief Guest, delivered an electrifying address urging ICT leaders to dream beyond the present and shape the future of research and education. Reflecting on his time at Makerere University, he shared his philosophy of granting autonomy to team members and supporting them unconditionally. “Allow your team to make decisions and mistakes, especially in the current environment, which presents opportunities for learning. Protect them when they make mistakes. Once you do this, your team will build your dream.”
Advancing Open Science and Open Access in Africa, with a Focus on Uganda
Open Science and Open Access have emerged as transformative movements in the global academic and research community. Their principles—sharing knowledge freely, fostering collaboration, and driving practical solutions to societal challenges—are especially resonant in Africa, where equitable access to resources and innovative solutions are essential for sustainable development. Institutions like Makerere University are driving Open Science efforts by encouraging researchers to adopt open frameworks.