General
Director EfD Global Network Assoc. Prof. Gunnar Kohlin Visits Mak
A delegation of Swedish environmental economists on 22nd November 2021, visited Makerere University to discuss collaborative academic and research initiatives in environment and sustainable development.
The delegation was led by the Director EfD Global Network Assoc. Prof. Gunnar Kohlin from the University of Gothenburg.
The team paid a courtesy call on the office of the Director of Graduate Research and Training, the Office of the Vice Chancellor, Office of the Principal College of Business and Management Sciences (CoBAMS). The team also held a meeting with EfD-Mak research fellows during which the Director, EfD-Mak Centre Prof. Edward Bbaale addressed the guests and participants virtually from Ghana.
The Swedish team was in Uganda to attend the three-day IGE cross-country National Policy Review and Training Workshop in Speke Resort Munyonyo Hotel, from November 23-25, 2021.
The function is being organized by the EfD-Mak Centre, Uganda in collaboration with University of Gothenburg, as part of the activities of the Inclusive Green Economy (IGE) capacity building programme for senior civil servants and policy makers sponsored by the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida).
The purpose of the National Policy Review (NPR) training is to strengthen cross-country peer learning by conducting an analytical review of their neighboring country’s NPR, and strengthen networks on Inclusive Green Economy in the region.
The visit by the Swedish team was also in preparation for the EfD Global Annual conference to be hosted by EfD-Mak-Centre at Makerere University next year 2022.
Prof.Gunnar met with the university top officials including the Director Graduate Research and Training Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi, the Vice Chancellor Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, the Principal College of Business and Managemnet Sciences Assoc. Professor Eria Hisali before meeting the EfD-Mak research fellows.
Prof. Gunnar Kohlin who was making his maiden visit to Uganda and Makerere University since the inception of the centre in 2019, commended the EfD-Mak Centre for being active and progressive in implementing the activities across the country including policy dialogues, training researchers and civil servants.
Prof. Gunnar appreciated the collaborative efforts between the School of Agricultural Sciences in the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences and the School of Economics in the College of Business and Management Sciences for nurturing the EfD-Mak-Centre and implementing a number of activities.
In different meetings with university officials Prof. Gunnar discussed ideas of how to move the EfD research agenda forward.
“The clock is ticking and we have just started a decade to move the global Agenda 2030 and to deal with the implementation of the Paris Agreement to address many challenges such biodiversity loss, climate change, deforestation among others”
Prof. Gunnar emphasised the need for the academia to join the global efforts to implement the conventions and commitments. Academia in the past choose to stand aside and not actively join the policy discussions but now, given the urgency of the global challenges academia needs to be brought on board and commit to the implementation of national and international agreements.”
Prof. Gunnar said this can be done through intensification of research, building academic programs and forming multidisciplinary research teams to conduct joint research to effectively solve the problems.
Other strategies discussed include the development of short term and full-blown academic training programmes tailored to the country’s need, integrating short and long term training programs in the university curriculum, having new standalone programs and expanding the needs assessment on what capacities are needed to deliver.
Prof. Gunnar and the university officials agreed on the need to institutionalize the EfD-Mak Centre beyond just being a project, bringing on board more international funding
Part of the institutionalization and sustainability efforts discussed included the move to engage government to take over the EfD initiative and streamlining it in the budgeting process, integrating the center activities within the university curriculum and research.
The other idea is integrating the center activities in the college and unit levels for instance formulating policy labs, and developing a student internship model and to equip students to be able to them conduct outreach and advocacy activities on environment in communities.
It was also suggested that besides international funding, there is need for university commitment to create and integrate the EfD initiatives into the university financial system so that the center is part and parcel of the university.
Researchers were also called upon to leverage institutional support from EfD secretariat to bring in more international funding to the university. Key priority areas of focus in the Swedish collaboration with Uganda according to Prof. Gunnar are Human Rights, democracy and rule of law, gender equality, and environment. Climate change, inclusive economic development, quality health and reproductive rights.
Prof. Gunnar applauded Makerere University for ensuring interdisciplinary approach in implementing the activities of the center saying, this EfD is not a project to take away but to build institutions saying, the Global hub was focusing on building capacity and ready to support this.
The Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe on 20th April 2026 inaugurated the Second Makerere University Health User Committee (Mak-HUC). The Committee was established by the Vice Chancellor in 2022 as part of his strategic mandate to strengthen and oversee the University Hospital services delivery.
Chaired by Dr. Allen Kabagenyi from the College of Business and Management Sciences (CoBAMS), Mak-HUC has as its members; Prof. Josaphat K. Byamugisha-Director Makerere University Health Services (MakHS) and Dr. Daniel Ronald Ruhweza-Department of Law and Jurisprudence, School of Law.
Other members include; Dr. Arthur Kwizera-Department of Anaesthesia and Critical Care, College of Health Sciences (CHS) and Makerere University Academic Staff Association (MUASA) Representative, Dr. Lillian Tukahirwa-Makerere University Administrative Staff Association (MASA) Representative, Mr. Godfrey Othieno- National Union of Educational Institutions (NUEI) Representative, and as Secretariat, Ms. Kevin M. Nabiryo-Directorate of Human Resources.
The 2nd Mak-HUC has been appointed for a period of four years effective 1st January 2026 with a mandate to: Guide, monitor and oversee delivery of health services by MakHS; Represent the interests and concerns of staff and students that use MakHS; Advise on alignment with sustainable health financing and insurance models; Strengthen systems for fraud prevention, digital transformation and access to specialized treatment, among other responsibilities.
The 1st Mak-HUC was chaired by Dr. Allen Kabagenyi and had as members; Prof. Josaphat Byamugisha, Dr. Fred Mayambala, Dr. Zahara Nampewo, Mr. Othieno Godfrey, Mr. Apunyo Paul Okiria and Ms. Ikiriza Racheal. Milestones during the first era included; Outpatient Department visits growth from 4,802 (2022) to 7,388 (Nov 2025) for staff and 14,641 (2022) to 19,069 (Nov 2025) for students.
Others milestones included; Commissioning of a fully equipped Operating Theatre, Establishment of a modern Imaging Hub, Development of a fully functional Audiology Unit, Expansion of the Temporal Bone Laboratory, Launch of the Olink Proteomics Platform and Enhancement of the Dental Unit with 32 dental chairs and experienced personnel.
Related article: https://news.mak.ac.ug/2025/12/three-years-of-impact-makerere-university-health-user-committee-presents-status-report/
By Gerald Ochwo
On Monday, 20th April 2026, the Academic Registrar, Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi and his Senior Management Team (SMT) convened to witness the official handover of office within the Senate Division. The ceremony, attended by representatives from the Directorate of Internal Audit, marked an important moment of transition and continuity in the University’s academic administration. The outgoing Deputy Academic Registrar in charge of the Senate Division, Mrs. Patience Mushengyezi, formally handed over office to Ms. Gladys Khamili, who assumes the role in an acting capacity.
In his remarks, Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi underscored the significance of the transition, situating it within a broader institutional context. He observed that the Department of the Academic Registrar has, over the years, experienced a steady wave of retirements, particularly among senior staff. He noted that this trend is expected to continue, with a considerable number of experienced personnel due to retire within the next two years.
While acknowledging the institutional gaps created by these departures, he reassured staff that the University is actively addressing the situation to ensure the continued efficiency of the Department.
“You will agree with me that the Department has, over the years, witnessed the retirement of many senior colleagues. Their departure leaves behind a significant institutional gap. However, the University is fully aware and will address it through targeted recruitment,” he stated.
In her detailed handover report, which she delivered verbatim, Mrs. Patience Mushengyezi reflected on her tenure with gratitude and a deep sense of fulfillment. She paid tribute to the Vice-Chancellor, in his capacity as Chairperson of the University Senate, for his steadfast guidance and support throughout her service. She also expressed sincere appreciation to the Academic Registrar, Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi, for his pragmatic and results-oriented leadership.
“I remain deeply grateful for the support from the Vice-Chancellor and all members of Senate for the trust they accorded me. I equally thank the Academic Registrar, Prof. Buyinza, for his results-oriented approach to administration. His support enabled us to achieve remarkable progress under the DARP (Digitalization of Academic Records and Processes) Project, including the successful digitalization of Senate minutes, some dating as far back as the 1990s, which are now easily retrievable,” she noted.
Her remarks painted a picture of dedication, progress, and institutional strengthening, leaving behind a legacy that will continue to benefit the University.
In her acceptance remarks, Ms. Gladys Khamili expressed heartfelt appreciation to the Academic Registrar for the confidence placed in her. She acknowledged the weight of responsibility that comes with the role and pledged her commitment to upholding the standards and gains established by her predecessor.
She paid glowing tribute to Mrs. Mushengyezi’s exceptional service, noting that her impact within the Senate Division is both profound and enduring.
“I am truly honored by the trust bestowed upon me. I am committed to building on the strong foundation laid by Mrs. Mushengyezi, whose remarkable contribution and dedication will continue to inspire us all,” she said.
The ceremony not only marked the end of a distinguished era in the Department of the Academic Registrar, but also the beginning of a new phase, underscored by continuity, renewal, and a shared commitment to excellence in academic administration at Makerere University.
Gerald Ochwo is the Liaison and Communication Officer, Office of the Academic Registrar
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