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RUFORUM Triennial Thought Pieces: ISSUE 04 – Prof. Kay Leresche

Published

4 years ago

February 25, 2022

Mark Wamai

RUFORUM Triennial Thought Pieces: ISSUE 04 by Prof. Kay Leresche, Chair of the RUFORUM Technical Committee.

Trends and Innovation Impacting Capacity to Deliver on the African Agenda 2063

Africa is a continent of great promise – with a combined GDP of around $3.5 trillion, the youngest and fastest-growing population in the world, and a diverse and extensive natural resource base. To realise this potential there needs to be significant investment in education, research and information sharing. Africa must be able to use new technology to create the knowledge, products and institutions to improve livelihoods. Although the technologies will allow Africa to leapfrog many old systems, they also require proactive and ongoing adaptation. Institutions and systems that cannot adapt will wither. The more structured for change the more likely it is that universities will be able to use the technological revolution to address the key drivers of change that impact progress.

Climate change with its increased droughts, floods and locust invasions, the Covid-19 pandemic, HIV, malaria and other devastating diseases, and the dislocation of poor governance and war, compound these challenges. But the natural exuberance of Africa and their determination to keep striving in the face of all obstacles will see them succeed. To do this they need the tools. Low levels of research and human resource capacity create a bottleneck to Africa reasserting its role in the global economy. Universities in Africa need to change rapidly. They need to recognise the new opportunities and prepare students that are innovative, ethical and adaptable to drive our colleges and schools, build businesses, create new knowledge and serve Africa. They house most of the highly qualified people in Africa and are often neutral spaces where transparent engagement is possible. Universities need to join with society (private sector, farmers, entrepreneurs, civil society and government agencies) to generate new, locally relevant, knowledge that is embedded in ways that facilitate rapid uptake. Universities need to take up their role as a fulcrum upon which Africa makes the rapid strides it needs to take advantage of the African Continental Free Trade Agreement and meet the aspirations of Agenda 2063.

While the impending change holds great promise, the patterns of consumption, production and employment created by it also pose major challenges requiring proactive adaptation by corporations, governments, institutions and individuals. Concurrent to the technological revolution are a set of broader socio-economic, geopolitical, demographic and environmental drivers of change, each interacting in multiple directions and intensifying one another (Brookings, 2020).

The Challenges for Africa

“Despite the continent’s promise obstacles to success linger as job creation still has not caught up with the growing youth labor force, gaps in good and inclusive governance remain, and climate change as well as state fragility, threaten to reverse the hard-fought-for gains of recent decades” Brahima S. Coulibaly (Brookings 2020). This was before the Covid pandemic which has since caused global devastation to lives, health and economies, especially in Africa. The disruptions continue to be felt with pressure on health facilities, loss of learning time and the economic stress of lockdowns with disrupted markets, international transport problems, decreased demand and the severe disruptions to tourism and remittances.

A challenge throughout Africa is the misalignment of job creation and demographic trends. Export-led manufacturing has not been a key feature of transformation in Africa’s economies and that which exists tends not to be labour intensive. The future is focused on services to absorb the youth and workers moving out of agriculture. This reflects the natural resources, history and geography of the continent and the global marketplace. Governments can play a major role in changing this misalignment; not necessarily directly, but by educating and training, improving the infrastructure, facilitating engagement and providing an enabling environment to enhance a strong knowledge economy. Technological progress is critical to providing mechanisms to improve productivity and livelihoods. Poor infrastructure both physical and digital is a significant constraint on development in Africa. It reduces the flow of information, people, services and goods. Improving information access facilitates improved production, allows for bulking and lower market transaction costs, and enables small farmers to generate economies of scale. New technology can help to overcome some of the aggregation challenges of the past. It can assist to overcome many of the barriers to entry and improve efficiency.

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RUFORUM Triennial Thought Pieces: ISSUE 05 – Dr. Egeru Anthony

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Training Opportunity: Capacity building for Research Administration

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Makerere University Inaugurates 2nd Health User Committee

Published

2 days ago

April 21, 2026

Mak Editor

Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe (C) with L-R: Ms. Kevin Nabiryo, Mr. Godfrey Othieno, Dr. Allen Kabagenyi, Dr. Daniel Ruhweza, Dr. Lillian Tukahirwa and Prof. Josaphat Byamugisha after the inauguration on 20th April 2026. Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe inaugurates Second Makerere University Health User Committee (Mak-HUC) chaired by Dr. Allen Kabagenyi, 20th April 2026, Main Building, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

The Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe on 20^th 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.

Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe inaugurates Second Makerere University Health User Committee (Mak-HUC) chaired by Dr. Allen Kabagenyi, 20th April 2026, Main Building, Kampala Uganda, East Africa. — ***Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe (C) interacts with members of the 2nd Mak-HUC.***

The 2^nd Mak-HUC has been appointed for a period of four years effective 1^st 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 1^st 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.

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Makerere University Employment Opportunities: Academic, Administrative and Support Staff

Published

2 days ago

April 21, 2026

Mak Editor

Participants pose for a group photo on Day Two of the staff induction ceremony for new recruits on 16th May 2025. Makerere University day two of induction exercise spearheaded by the Directorate of Human Resources for newly appointed staff, whose tenures commenced in the 2024/2025 financial year, 16th May 2025, School of Public Health (MakSPH) Auditorium, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

Makerere University invites applications from suitably qualified candidates for various academic, administrative, and support staff positions.

Detailed job profiles and the application link can be found at:
http://ehrms.mak.ac.ug/recruitment/jobs.

All applications must be submitted electronically via the Makerere University Electronic Human
Resource Management System through the above link (ehrms). Applicants will be required to
provide the necessary information on the ehrms and attach the following documents:

An application letter clearly stating the job applied for and duly signed by the applicant.
An up-to-date curriculum vitae. The curriculum must also state the names and addresses of
at least three referees.
Copies of academic certificates and transcripts.
A minimum of three recommendation letters duly signed by the referees.

The application should be addressed to:

The Chief Human Resource Officer
Makerere University
P.O. Box 7062
Kampala

Closing Date: 04^th May 2026, 17:00HRS E.A.T

Makerere-Employment-Opportunities-Academic-Administrative-Support-Staff-20thApr2026 Download

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End of a Distinguished Era as Mrs. Patience Mushengyezi Hands-Over Senate Division Office

Published

2 days ago

April 21, 2026

Mak Editor

The Academic Registrar-Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi (R) witnesses as Mrs. Patience Mushengyezi (L) officially hands over office to Ms. Gladys Khamili on 20th April 2026. Academic Registrar, Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi and his Senior Management Team (SMT) witness the official handover of office of Deputy Academic Registrar in charge of the Senate Division, from Mrs. Patience Mushengyezi to Ms. Gladys Khamili, who assumes the role in an acting capacity, 20th April 2026, Senate Building, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

_{By Gerald Ochwo}

On Monday, 20^th 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.

Academic Registrar, Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi and his Senior Management Team (SMT) witness the official handover of office of Deputy Academic Registrar in charge of the Senate Division, from Mrs. Patience Mushengyezi to Ms. Gladys Khamili, who assumes the role in an acting capacity, 20th April 2026, Senate Building, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa. — ***Ms. Gladys Khamili.***

“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