At the celebrations of the 70th anniversary of Gondar University in Ethiopia, I have met the first female student of the university. I have also participated in the launch of the Ethiopia Research Consortium. I have congratulated them on the launch of the Consortium and emphasised that it is through such collaboration that we will produce a critical mass of researchers for Africa.

This afternoon I have launched the Makerere University Grants Administration Professionals (MakGAP) after a four-day intensive training conducted by experts from Makerere University and Northwestern University, USA. With a portfolio of more than 100 new grants registered every month, Makerere University needs to have a critical mass of grants administration professionals to manage this huge research grants portfolio. I thank the Grants Administration and Management Unit (GAMSU), led by Prof. Sylvia Tamusuza Nakimera Nnanyonga for conducting the training.

I have received with deep sadness the news of the passing of Professor Livingstone Luboobi, former Vice Chancellor of Makerere University. A distinguished Professor of Mathematics, Professor Luboobi served as Vice Chancellor from 2004 to 2009, guiding the university through a critical period of transformation and growth. His contributions to academia and leadership at Makerere will be remembered with great respect and admiration. May his soul rest in eternal peace.