General
“Be Good Mak Brand Ambassadors” DVCFA Urges International Students
On Friday 25th February 2022, the Vice Chancellor Professor Barnabas Nawangwe represented by the Acting Deputy Vice Chancellor (Finance and Administration), Professor Henry Alinaitwe welcomed international students to Makerere University in an afternoon ceremony held in the Senate Conference Hall. In attendance were the Dean of Students, Mrs. Winifred Kabumbuli, Ms. Martha Muwanguzi, Head of International Office, Dr. Hellen Namawejje , One of the Coordinators of the KFW-funded EAC scholarship programme, Ms. Joyce Nyiramahoro who represented Mr. Charles Ssentongo the Deputy Registrar in charge of Undergraduate Admissions and Records, Dr. Josaphat Byamugisha, the University Hospital Director; Ms. Rose Nalwanga from the Counselling and Guidance Centre, Mr. Yunusu Musisi the Systems Administrator, Directorate for ICT Support (DICTS) and Presidents of the various Students’ Associations. A big number of both postgraduate and undergraduate international students attended the function.
In her speech, Ms. Muwanguzi welcomed the new students to the oldest and premier university in the region, where they will be rewarded not only with the best education and world class qualifications but will be enriched with the cultural diversity and experience. She applauded the students for taking courage to study in a foreign country with a different culture to what they are used. She pledged support of the International office towards their wellbeing throughout their stay at the university.
Students on full time programmes as well as short term students from partner and non-partner universities, who visit for one or two semesters made up the congregation. She informed the students that Makerere University will be celebrating 100 years of its existence this year and celebrations have already started in various departments and Colleges. An example was the International Conference on Gender Studies in Africa (ICGSA – 2022) organised by the School of Gender and Women Studies, College of Humanities and Social Sciences (CHUSS). Activities such as the Cultural Gala, a football match and others are planned for international students as they will be informed. She called upon the students to participate in the activities when the schedules are finalised.
Professor Alinaitwe who represented the Vice Chancellor welcomed the new students to Makerere University. He recognized the different nationalities represented at the function and called upon them to be good brand ambassadors of Makerere. He shared his story as an international student decades ago as reassurance that he clearly understands what it means to be in their state. He studied his Bachelors degree at Makerere University, moved to the University of Sydney, Australia for his Masters degree, then did a Licentiate degree at the University of Rafrand in the United Kingdom and his Doctorate at the University of Lund, Sweden.
The Deputy Vice Chancellor said that Makerere University is a hospitable environment, a place of behavioural change and development. He urged the students to make use of the library and its facilities. Furthermore, he stressed the importance of avoiding bad company, involving oneself in heavy drinking as these habits will lead them astray and make them forget their reason for joining Makerere.
He emphasized the need for students to consult with their leaders in the Associations, at the Department as well as the religious leaders. He called upon the students to participate in university activities whenever called upon. He wished them a nice stay and encouraged them to enjoy the nice weather and landscape of Uganda.
In her welcome remarks, Mrs. Winfred Kabumbuli reassured the students that she was their mother away from their homes, and it is therefore her duty was to see that all children are well looked after and catered for. “The Office of the Dean of Students supports students’ welfare and it is for both national and international students.”
She encouraged them to join student activities and even present themselves for leadership positions in the Colleges and at the Student’s Guild. The Dean of Students urged them not fear because they are internationals but embrace the diversity at campus.
“Make friends for guidance and also for comfort. There are social services such as the Chapels for the Anglican and Catholic Community, as well as the Mosque for the Muslims. Many churches off campus for other denominations are also within easy reach for students to commune with others” said Mrs. Kabumbuli.
Ms. Nyiramahoro who represented the Deputy Registrar in charge of Undergraduate Admissions and Records congratulated the students upon being admitted to this great institution and urged them to use their time wisely.
“First and foremost, make sure that you have a valid admission letter, pay your university dues and register with the Department. Registration is key. If this is not done, then you will not be a bonafide student of the university and therefore will not graduate at the end” cautioned Ms. Nyiramahoro.
She emphasised the University policy of attendance of all lectures as well as doing coursework and tests. “If your attendance is below 75%, then you will not be allowed to sit university examinations. Make sure you do all the tests and coursework because they all contribute to your final result.”
In her remarks, Dr. Hellen Namawejje shared her experience as an international student at Dar es Salaam University, Tanzania. She noted that excellence is a must for graduate students and ought to be observed at all levels.
“A graduate student is a mature person and therefore a high standard is expected in his/her work presented to the lecturers. Research is very crucial at this stage and a lot of commitment is needed and must be given to your studies. Graduate students must be close to their supervisors and make sure that their research is well coordinated. You need to know your head of department and lecturers as well” said Dr. Namawejje.
She encouraged the graduate students to visit the Directorate of Research and Graduate Training (DRGT) offices on Level Four of the Senate Building for guidance at all stages of study.
Ms. Rose Nalwanga from the Guidance and Counseling Centre (CGC) welcomed the students and informed them of the psychosocial support services CGC offers. She reassured the students that there are male and female counselors to attend to their challenges at whatever stage.
“Some students get addicted to drugs, some are lost in relationships and do not study, some lose close relatives like parents, siblings; some engage in business and forget what brought them here. If you face any of the above challenges and even those not mentioned, please seek counseling anytime” she added.
Dr. Josephat Byamugisha welcomed the students to the great institution and shared the services offered at the Hospital such as Covid 19 vaccination, Hepatitis B Vaccination, Yellow Fever Vaccination, Sexual and Reproductive health services, Eye care services, Covid 19 certificates, among others. He emphasized that prevention is better than cure and that all the above services are free to students provided they are fully registered with the University.
Many international students reported after the orientation in the Colleges had been done and so missed important information. It was at this point that Mr. Yunusu Musisi from DICTS demonstrated to the students how to; register as a new student, create Makerere University E-Learning Environment (MUELE) and email accounts, use MakAir and Eudoroam, access the MUELE app on Playstore, make use of the University knowledge base https://www.answers.mak.ac.ug/, access WiFi which can only be done through University emails. He cautioned students against opening suspicious links and websites as well as creating social media accounts using the university email.
The following Association Presidents introduced themselves to the students and encouraged those without associations to join them in the international student activities. They included;
- Misboa Noori – Leader of Indian Students
- Noah Mesfin – Leader of Eritrean Students
- Nayad Abdoul Hamid – Leader of Comorian Students
- Atrisius Rweyemeng – Leader of Tanzanian students
- Oginga Gideon – Leader of Kenyan Students
- Deng Baak Kuoi – Leader of South Sudanese Students
- Noumechi Tietche Rochel – Leader of Cameroonian Students
Peter Muamchi also briefly addressed the students and informed them that the Constitution for the International Students Association was in draft form pending completion and forwarding to the Dean of Students and Head International Office for review and discussion.
The meeting ended with a group photo outside Senate Building.
Article by Mak International Office
Makerere University has been selected to host the Africa Office of the Alliance for African Partnership (AAP). The significant milestone that underscores Makerere’s role in fostering research, innovation, and global collaborations across the continent was announced at a meeting of the University’s Central Management with an AAP delegation on 23rd February 2026.
Makerere’s selection was based on the University’s robust commitment, alignment with the AAP’s Strategic Plan, and proven ability to manage consortium activities. The AAP, which was initiated by Michigan State University (MSU) in collaboration with Ten African Universities and agricultural policy research networks in 2016, targets critical challenges in education, youth empowerment, health and nutrition, agri-food systems, science and technology, water, energy, environment, and culture and society.
Addressing the delegation consisting of AAP Co-Directors from MSU, Dr. Jose Jackson-Malete and Dr. Amy Jamison, accompanied by newly-appointed Director of the AAP Africa Office, Dr. Racheal Ddungu Mugabi and Ms. Clare Cheromoi, the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe who appreciated the choice of Makerere to host the Africa Office said:
“One of the greatest challenges facing African universities is PhD training, particularly supervisory capacity. Through partnerships such as the Alliance for African Partnership we can leverage international expertise to strengthen supervision—whether through training supervisors or through joint supervision arrangements.”
Prof. Nawangwe equally applauded joint initiatives such as the Grant Writing and Publication project, which gave rise to the establishment of a Writing Centre that he said can be used to build capacity in AAP member universities with Makerere as the hub. Officially launched on 21st March 2023, the project is living up to its expectation of becoming a springboard for strong postdoctoral collaborative research for both institutions and other US universities.
Dr. Titus Awokuse, Vice Provost and Dean for International Studies and Programs at Michigan State University (MSU) who attended virtually, reiterated that Makerere’s selection reflects its long-standing commitment to advancing African higher education, research excellence, and meaningful global collaboration.
Reflecting on the origins of the Alliance for African Partnerships (AAP), Dr. Awokuse explained that nearly a decade ago, MSU initiated a transformative conversation in Atlanta centered on the question: How should we partner differently? From this dialogue emerged AAP—an Africa-centered consortium that now brings together 12 institutions across Africa and the United States.
He emphasized that AAP is grounded in equity, mutual benefit, shared leadership, and deep respect for African priorities and expertise. Since its founding, MSU has served as convener and key supporter, working with member institutions to strengthen research collaboration, promote faculty and student engagement, and address shared development priorities.
Dr. Awokuse underscored that AAP’s success is the result of collective vision and commitment, not the efforts of a single institution. He paid tribute to Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resources for hosting the Africa Office in its early years and acknowledged the foundational leadership of the inaugural Africa Office Director.
He described the launch of the Africa Office at Makerere University as a significant milestone that reinforces Africa-led leadership, strengthens regional collaboration, and enhances responsiveness to emerging opportunities. MSU, he affirmed, remains fully committed to AAP and to working closely with Makerere and all consortium partners to expand collaborative research, nurture the next generation of scholars, and advance Africa-led solutions to global challenges.
The newly-appointed AAP Africa Office Director, Dr. Racheal Ddungu Mugabi is a member of faculty in the Department of Development Studies, Institute of Gender and Development Studies. Her work on intersectional inequalities in Uganda and other Global South regions uniquely positions her to drive collaborative research and partnerships at the Africa Office.
Initially founded by ten African Universities and MSU, AAP now comprises eleven African members including; the African Network of Agricultural Policy Institutes (ANAPRI)-Zambia, Egerton University-Kenya, Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resources (LUANAR)-Malawi, Makerere University-Uganda, United States International University-Africa-Kenya, Universite Cheikh Anta Diop-Senegal, Universite Yambo Ouologuem de Bamako-Mali, University of Botswana-Botswana, University of Dar es Salaam-Tanzania, University of Nigeria, Nsukka-Nigeria, and the latest, University of Pretoria-South Africa.
These Universites collaborate under Focal Points to advance policy-relevant research and sustainable development. Makerere University’s Focal Point is Prof. Robert Wamala, Director of Research, Innovations and Partnerships (DRIP).
Addressing the University Management, Dr. Jackson-Malete outlined the African Futures Research Leadership Program, which nurtures early career scholars through mentorship and skill-building as one of AAP’s flagship programs. She noted that the Program that prioritizes female participants or men committed to promoting women in higher education has for the first time during its fifth cohort admitted the first male, Dr. Alfadaniels Mabingo from the Department of Performing Arts and Film, Makerere University.
The AAP Africa Office at Makerere will coordinate activities, boost research collaboration, mobilize resources, and enhance global engagements for socio-economic transformation. This aligns with Makerere‘s broader goals of leveraging international expertise to build resilient institutions.
View more photos from the event: https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjCLjoA
Students with disabilities at Makerere University have been requested to stop seeking for special attention and instead look for solutions and opportunities for personal growth.
This was during a mental wellness, inclusion and safeguarding session organized by the Dean of Students office and the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Makerere University.
Addressing students on mental health and disability inclusion, Mr. Marvin Ggaliwango, a lecturer at the College of Computing and Information Sciences (CoCIS), noted that if the students stop complaining, they will become empowered to take charge of their own development, build resilience and engage confidently in both academic and social environments.
“Turn your lived experiences into tools for innovation. Stop complaining and start creating solutions for yourselves. You are the one living this life, and that gives you the authority to be an expert. When you develop a solution, it doesn’t just benefit you, it helps others too, by removing barriers,” Mr. Marvin Ggaliwango, said.
He encouraged students to see themselves not as victims of circumstance, but as active participants and co-creators of the inclusive environment they wish to experience.
“Learn how to communicate effectively and humbly. If you have a problem, express yourself clearly. Do not isolate yourself or feel resentful. You are not defined by disability, you may face disadvantages, but you still have ability,” he encouraged.
Throughout the session, students listened attentively as he emphasized the importance of self-awareness and personal responsibility, urging them to understand their strengths, acknowledge their limitations and take deliberate steps toward personal growth while contributing positively to the University community.
“We must enhance and ensure that our mental health is number one. Always choose yourself first. Choose what makes you happy and protect your peace. If you are at peace with yourself, your academics will improve. There is a strong link between mental wellness and academic success,” Mr. Ggaliwango, noted.
In his speech, Mr. Musa Mwambu, the Disability Inclusion Advisor at Light for the World Uganda, called upon the students with disabilities to enhance and ensure that their mental health is prioritized.
“As students living with disabilities, sometimes you over expect, because you have a disability you should be given, listened to and when people do not listen to you, you attribute it to your disability, get it from me, even those without disabilities are not listened too. Things are not happening to you because of your disability it is because of the world we live in. Everything that happens to you can happen to others,” Mr Mwambu, noted.
“Have fun with your life. Make yourself happy and be smart. Present yourself in public confidently wherever you go. The way you carry yourself can improve your mental health and how others perceive you,” Mr. Mwambu said.
He reminded the students that gaining admission to Makerere is itself a milestone.
“There are many people without disabilities who have never stepped at Makerere University. Find something that empowers you and hold on to it. You may have a physical impairment, but if you are brilliant in class, you can lead discussions and inspire others,” he added.
During the session, Dr. Rodney Rugyema, the Acting Principal Warden, welcomed the students back from the long holiday. He assured them that the University is committed to their safety and well-being while on campus.
Dr. Rugyema emphasized that the University has systems in place to protect students, both physically and psychologically and encouraged them to report any concerns promptly.
“When you are at the University, you are not on your own, we are always here for you. For us to engage you on mental wellness and inclusion, we want you to be in the right state of mind, whole and complete,” Dr Rugyema, said.
He added: “We are here to empower you and we are calling upon you not be a risk for yourself and always be able to detect risks that are likely to affect your mental health and works towards avoiding them and reporting them to ensure that the University manages them before they escalate into real harm whose impact is more serious than you can think,”
During the session, Ms. Diane Nabikolo Osiru highlighted the University’s broader commitment to safeguarding.
Safeguarding at Makerere University refers to measures put in place to promote safety and wellness of all students, staffs and other stakeholders.
“At Makerere University, safety is not a luxury for few. but it is a right for every student. As the semesters begins, we are urging you to learn how to identify signs of harm or abuses and report them to the appropriate safeguarding contact points,” Ms Nabikolo, said.
For support in case of any harm or abuse, International and Refugee Students, can access support through the Advancement and International Office, while Students with Disabilities, can utilize the Disability Support Center. Those with personal and emotional challenges, can visit the Counselling and Guidance Centre.
In his speech, Dr Joab Agaba, a Lecturer in the College of Computing and Information Sciences, guided students how to report risks and incidences to the MakSafeSpace, the e-reporting platform complimenting the other University traditional reporting channels.
Mr. Henry Nsubuga, the Manager of the Counselling and Guidance Center, shared practical strategies for coping with stress effectively including time management, setting realistic goals, seeking support from peers or counsellors.
Students speak out
Shanitah Nahamya, 2nd year student of the Bachelor of Adult and Community Education
“I have learned how to respectfully and appropriately engage with students with disabilities. In the past, I often felt pity when I encountered them, but now I understand that what they need is not pity, it is respect, support, and equal opportunity.”
Guo Dorothy Geri, 1st year student of the Bachelor of Commerce
“I have learnt how to use inclusive language. Before offering help to a student with a disability, I will first ask them, because not all the time do they need our help. You might think someone wants to be helped to cross the road, yet they are waiting for someone.”
Valentines Doris Aduka, 1st Year student of the Bachelor of Biomedical Science
“I have been calling students with disabilities special names, thinking it was kind. But I have learned that they do not want to be treated differently or labeled in a special way. What they value most is being treated like everyone else, with respect, dignity, and fairness.”
General
Strengthening Global Partnerships to Advance Research, Innovation, and Graduate Training: Makerere University Hosts Delegation from the University of Warwick
Makerere University continues to deepen its global engagement agenda through strategic partnerships that enhance research, innovation, and graduate training. On Friday, 13th February, 2025, during a recent engagement with a delegation from the University of Warwick (UK), university leaders, researchers, and administrators explored potential collaborations to address pressing development challenges and strengthen institutional capacity.
Expanding Collaboration in Research and Innovation
Welcoming the delegation, Prof. Fred Masagazi-Masaazi, Chairperson of the Makerere University Research and Innovations Fund (Mak-RIF) Grants Management Committee, emphasized the growing dialogue between Makerere University and the University of Warwick. He noted that ongoing discussions are focused on resource mobilization to support research and innovation, as well as building sustainable academic exchanges for both staff and students.
Dr. Roy Mayega, Mak-RIF Coordinator, together with Mrs. Phoebe Lutaaya Kamya, Deputy Coordinator, and members of the Mak-RIF team, highlighted the Fund’s role in catalyzing collaborative research and strengthening partnerships that translate research into societal impact.
Mr. Simon Kizito, Deputy University Secretary, outlined key areas identified for collaboration, including joint research and innovation initiatives, benchmarking visits across disciplines such as law, science, and ICT, and student exchanges designed to strengthen applied research skills. He also pointed to opportunities for training Makerere staff in specialized areas such as tropical diseases and innovation ecosystems, drawing lessons from Warwick’s strong linkages with industry partners located within its campus.
Makerere’s Strategic Priorities and Global Role
In his remarks, the Vice Chancellor underscored the longstanding relationship between Makerere University and the University of Warwick, dating back to the early 1980s, initially through staff training and more recently through collaborative research.
He highlighted Makerere’s historic contribution to leadership development across Africa and beyond, and the University’s continued growth following faculty rebuilding efforts in the 1980s, which have strengthened its research capacity. Today, Makerere has over 1,300 academic staff, more than 1,000 of whom hold PhDs, positioning the institution to play a leading role in knowledge production.
The Vice Chancellor also outlined major thematic areas where partnerships are critical:
- Climate change and food security: Researchers at the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES) are developing drought-resistant and high-yield seed varieties to address changing weather patterns and food insecurity.
- Public health and infectious diseases: Uganda faces frequent outbreaks of diseases such as Ebola and Marburg, and Makerere has built strong capacity in outbreak response and tropical medicine. The University’s medical school and the Infectious Diseases Institute (IDI) continue to play a pivotal role in research and treatment.
- Peace and conflict studies: Through initiatives such as the Rotary Peace Centre, Makerere contributes to training global leaders in conflict resolution.
- Climate-sensitive macroeconomic modelling: Makerere recently hosted a conference in collaboration with the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development to advocate for climate-responsive macroeconomic modelling and to plan for the establishment of a Centre of Excellence in this field.
- Innovation and technology: The University’s innovation ecosystem has produced notable outputs, including Africa’s first electric vehicle and ongoing work to expand incubation facilities to enable students to graduate with viable enterprises.
The Vice Chancellor emphasized that addressing youth unemployment remains a central priority, noting that innovation, entrepreneurship, and graduate training are essential to building stable societies.
He further stressed the importance of expanding graduate education. Africa currently produces a small proportion of global research output, and increasing PhD and Master’s training supported by international partnerships remains critical to accelerating knowledge production and development outcomes.
Internationalization and Shared Learning
Speaking on behalf of the University of Warwick, Professor Daniel Branch, Deputy Vice Chancellor, reflected on Warwick’s own institutional journey, noting that its growth has been driven by a strong focus on internationalization, innovation, and research. He expressed Warwick’s commitment to building productive partnerships with African universities, including Makerere, to advance joint research, training, and innovation.
Professor Branch also highlighted the importance of university-industry linkages, citing examples such as collaborations with major manufacturing firms that provide practical training opportunities and inform curriculum development.
Showcasing Research and Innovation at CEDAT
A second session of the engagement was held at the College of Engineering, Design, Art and Technology (CEDAT), where academic leaders and researchers presented ongoing work across multiple disciplines.
Presentations included:
- Development of a solar water pump through reverse engineering (Dr. Edmund Tumusiime)
- Crane Cloud, a locally developed cloud-computing platform (team from the College of Computing and Information Sciences)
- Profiling gaseous emissions associated with burnt bricks (Dr. Nathan)
- Integration of centralized grid and decentralized renewable off-grid systems: a techno-economic analysis (Dr. Abubaker Waswa)
- Innovation and digitalization pathways for affordable housing in Sub-Saharan Africa (Prof. Stephen Mukiibi)
The session was attended by CEDAT leadership, including the Principal, Prof. Moses Musinguzi, as well as deans and heads of department from engineering, built environment, and industrial and fine arts. The day’s activities were concluded with a tour of Makerere University’s Innovation Hub.
The engagement reaffirmed Makerere University’s commitment to building strong, mutually beneficial partnerships that accelerate research, strengthen graduate training, and drive innovation. As global challenges such as climate change, public health threats, and youth unemployment intensify, collaboration among universities remains essential to developing scalable, evidence-based solutions.
Through partnerships such as the one Makerere University and the University of Warwick hope to activate through a Memorandum of Understanding in the near future, Makerere continues to position itself as a leading research-intensive university dedicated to transforming society through knowledge, innovation, and global cooperation.
Caroline Kainomugisha is the Communications Officer, Advancement Office, Makerere University.
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