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Mak signs Agreement with CIVIS-An Alliance of 10 European Universities

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Introduction

The Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic Affairs), Associate Prof. Umar Kakumba, together with the Deputy Director Directorate of Research and Graduate Training (DRGT), Associate Prof. Robert Wamala and the International Relations Officer, Ms Martha Muwanguzi attended an event , New Horizons for a European –African Partnership at Aix-Marseille University, France. The event was on the invitation of the Vice –President of International Relations of Aix-Marseille University.  Held from 8th to 12th March, 2022, the event was organized by CIVIS ; a European University Alliance – and punctuated by conferences and workshops with a focus on importance of the Alliance in strengthening Europe-Africa partnerships.

The Opening ceremony was held in the Amphi Gastaut. the Main Hall of Aix Marseille University. In his welcoming remarks, the Rector Aix Marseille University, Prof Eric Berton was delighted to receive participants especially those from Africa. CIVIS wants to create socially justifiable partnerships and Africa is an essential part of the Alliance with the European universities.

The Opening Ceremony in Amphi Gastaut Hall at Aix Marseille Université
The Opening Ceremony in Amphi Gastaut Hall at Aix Marseille Université

The Director of Strategic Projects and Networks at Aix Marseille, Ms. Camille de Garidel-Thoron introduced the participants to CIVIS. This was followed by another presentation by the Coordinator, CIVIS African and Mediterranean partnerships, University of Tübingen, Germany, Dr Christian Möllman.

Background to CIVIS-A European Civic University

In his remarks, the Coordinator explained that CIVIS is a European Civic University formed by the alliance of ten leading research higher education institutions across Europe namely: Aix-Marseille Université (France); Universite of Bucharest (Romania); Sapienza Universitá di Roma (Italy); Stockholm University (Sweden); Université libre de Bruxelles (Belgium); Universidad Autónoma de Madrid (Spain), Eberhard Karls Universitӓt Tubingen (Germany), University of Glasgow (United Kingdom); The Paris Lodron University of Salzburg (Austria) and the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens (Greece).

Dr. Christian Möllmann, University of Tubingen/Coordinator, CIVIS African & Mediterranean partnerships (Left) and Ms. Camille de Garidel-Thoron (Right)
Dr. Christian Möllmann, University of Tubingen/Coordinator, CIVIS African & Mediterranean partnerships (Left) and Ms. Camille de Garidel-Thoron (Right)

The Alliance brings together a community of more than 470,000 students and 58,000 staff members including 35,000 academics and researchers. The CIVIS member universities actively contribute to the social, cultural and economic  activities of the urban environments they are situated in and also promote inclusiveness, gender equality, non-discrimination and social equity. CIVIS strengthens interactions, knowledge production and skills amongst its members and with citizens, the communities, businesses, social and cultural associations. These interactions help reduce inequalities, increase access to quality training and opportunities  for students and staff.

CIVIS is governed by a Board of Rectors, headed by a President and two Vice Presidents who make decisions. It has a Steering Committee headed by the President and a CIVIS Administration with a Project Team.  There are three councils namely, Global Participant Council, Global Student Council and a Global Consultative Council.

Alliance between CIVIS and African Universities

Humanity now faces global problems such as climatic change, diseases and epidemics, unplanned cities  and settlements, to mention but  a few. It is important to note that these challenges cut across borders and continents.  Therefore, collaboration and partnerships with African Higher Education Institutions (HEI) would be crucial and important to establish. It is on this basis that particular African universities were invited by CIVIS to participate in the events with the aim of extending the partnership to the African continent. Six universities were invited:  (i) Makerere University (Uganda);  (ii) University of Sfax (Tunisia);   (iii) University of the Witwatersrand (South Africa); (iv) Université Hassan II de Casablanca (Morocco); (v) Universidade Eduardo Mondlane (Mozambique), and (vi) Université Cheikh Anta Diop de Dakar (Senegal).

The collaboration and partnership broadens the network for student and staff mobilities as well as study visits. Further, it also supports equitable research partnerships in higher education agreed upon in the European Union and African Union Innovation Agenda which opens up new channels for South-South cooperation. University partnerships have also become powerful vehicles for promoting civic and democratic engagement as well as international economic development.

Presentation by Makerere University

The Vice Chancellors in the African countries presented information about their universities, including identification of areas where they could work together with the European counterparts in the Alliance.

The Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic Affairs), Associate Prof. Umar Kakumba (extreme left) giving his remarks at the EU-Africa Partnership Conference hosted at Aix-Marseille University, France
The Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic Affairs), Associate Prof. Umar Kakumba (extreme left) giving his remarks at the EU-Africa Partnership Conference hosted at Aix-Marseille University, France

In his remarks, the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic Affairs), Associate Prof.  Umar Kakumba thanked the organizers of the event and the invitation extended to Makerere University in particular.  He supported the idea of a European-African Universities partnership and believes that it will contribute to the Africa Agenda 2063 and its attendant action plan. The aim should be to support research collaboration in selected fields among Africa and the member universities and to strengthen the research infrastructure at the member universities such as Science laboratory and training equipment; research in agricultural value addition and food security; infrastructure planning and management; research in public health and infectious diseases management as well as research in refugee and migration issues.

Prof. Kakumba emphasized that signing an MoU is a great step in the right direction. This should follow a statement of clear roles and responsibilities, and mutual benefits. Furthermore;

  • There is need to plan big but start small.
  • There should be options of choosing a low cost, simple activity with high impact such as seminars, workshops, regular partnership meetings, student/staff exchange to give partner institutions a chance to learn about each other’s systems, processes and stakeholders.
  • There is need to plan and understand the individual institution’s responsibilities and obligations in the partnership and set up timelines, deliverables and milestones.
  • It is crucial to establish exactly who will be involved, how communication should happen and what decisions need to be taken in the short term.
Associate Prof. Umar Kakumba (2nd left) and Associate Prof. Robert Wamala (Left) during one of the sessions.
Associate Prof. Umar Kakumba (2nd left) and Associate Prof. Robert Wamala (Left) during one of the sessions.

Following presentations by all the six African Universities, a discussion was made to explore common grounds on how the European Alliance can serve African partners. In his remarks, Associate Prof. Robert Wamala emphasized the need to document the roles and expectations of the African in the Alliance. In his remarks, Robert Wamala noted that Universities in the CIVIS Alliance were at a higher advantage in regards to research capacity when compared  to the African counterparts. Therefore, the need to build an equal partnership in an unequal world needed to be prioritized.

The Deputy Director, Directorate of Research and Graduate Training, Associate Professor Robert Wamala making a submission during the Conference at Aix-Marseille University.
The Deputy Director, Directorate of Research and Graduate Training, Associate Professor Robert Wamala making a submission during the Conference at Aix-Marseille University.

Ms. Camille  de Garidel-Thoron, Director of Strategic Projects and Networks, Aix Marseille Université (left) and Prof. Mohamed Moola, Head Strategic Partnerships Office, University of the Witwatersrand at the Conference.
Ms. Camille de Garidel-Thoron, Director of Strategic Projects and Networks, Aix Marseille Université (Left) and Prof. Mohamed Moola, Head Strategic Partnerships Office, University of the Witwatersrand (Right) at the Conference.

Expectation(s) of the Collaboration

Collaboration in CIVIS is organized around hubs in five multidisciplinary research areas linked to CIVIS values where multiculturalism and multilingualism are encouraged and emphasized , working together to address UN Sustainable Development Goals. The four Hub Chairs made presentations of respective hubs:  (i) Hub One focuses on Climate, Environment and Energy; (ii) Hub Two focuses on  Society, Culture and Heritage; (iii) Hub Three focuses on Health; and (iv) Hub Four focuses on Cities, Territories and Mobilities. Hub Five is yet to be established. Activities in the Hubs include webinars, workshops, summer schools, field camps and course offerings.  Each Hub must have at least three or more CIVIS universities.

All participating universities agreed that there was need to move from unilateral projects to multilateral partnerships and provide input into AU-EU Innovation  Agenda and establish advanced study centres. It was noted that in order to have successful international partnerships, equity, trust, transparency and mutual respect for the needs and interests of partners were key to their success and sustainability.

Research collaboration is very important with European universities. The funding received is normally from Erasmus+ but there is need to move further to funding agencies that provide support for education such as CIVIS. It was further noted that mobility and exchanges of students and staff is there to stay and cannot replace human interaction, and other forms of education need to be developed and blended with virtual mobility. Furthermore, what is good for our students is good for our partnerships“Together we are stronger”. In this partnership, there is need to have a joint practical collaboration by “Building an equal partnership in an unequal world”

Signing of Agreements 

At the end of the three- day conference, the Vice Chancellors  of the African universities signed a Strategic Partnership Agreement with CIVIS (A European Civic University Alliance) to lay a foundation for collaboration in research and education focusing on societal challenges, mobilities and institutional development.

Associate Prof. Umar Kakumba (middle) signing the EU-Africa Strategic Partnership Agreement with the President of CIVIS, Prof Annemie Schaus as foundation for close collaboration in research and education on the 3rd day of the Conference.
Associate Prof. Umar Kakumba (middle) signing the EU-Africa Strategic Partnership Agreement with the President of CIVIS, Prof Annemie Schaus as foundation for close collaboration in research and education on the 3rd day of the Conference.

Associate Prof. Robert Wamala witnessed the signing of the Agreement on the 3rd day of the conference.
Associate Prof. Robert Wamala witnessed the signing of the Agreement on the 3rd day of the conference.

 

Expectations of Makerere University

Similar to the rest of the African Universities, Associate Prof. Umar Kakumba presented the expectations of Makerere University from the Alliance. These included, but were not limited to the following:

  1. Potential for staff and student mobility within member universities in the Alliance
  2. Development of joint degree programs around the hub themes
  3. Mobilization of international funding for research
  4. Cross disciplinary activities including workshops, seminars and Conferences
  5. Improving research infrastructure in partner universities in the Alliance

Photo Gallery

Associate Prof. Umar Kakumba (Left) decorates Dr. Christian Möllmann, Director of Strategic Partnerships, Université of Tubingen, Germany (Right) with a Makerere University lapel badge.
Associate Prof. Umar Kakumba (Left) decorates Dr. Christian Möllmann, Director of Strategic Partnerships, Université of Tubingen, Germany (Right) with a Makerere University lapel badge.

Associate Prof. Kakumba with Dr. Camille de Garidel-Thoron, Director of Strategic Projects and Networks at Aix Marseille University and Conference Organiser.
Associate Prof. Kakumba with Dr. Camille de Garidel-Thoron, Director of Strategic Projects and Networks at Aix Marseille University and Conference Organiser.

Ms Martha Muwanguzi, International Relations Office with her counterpart from Stockholm University.
Ms Martha Muwanguzi, International Relations Office with her counterpart from Stockholm University.

Ms Martha Muwanguzi, Mak International Office with Aix Marseille Université staff of International Relations Office after their meeting.
Ms Martha Muwanguzi, Mak International Office with Aix Marseille Université staff of International Relations Office after their meeting.

Ms Martha Muwanguzi, Mak International Officer contributes to the discussion.
Ms Martha Muwanguzi, Mak International Officer contributes to the discussion.

Compiled by Ms. Martha Muwanguzi, International Officer, Makerere University

Mak Editor

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Press Statement: Clarification on Issues Raised During the Ongoing Conversations on the X Platform

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Front View of the reconstructed Main Building, Makerere University. Date Taken 8th November 2024. Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

Thursday, 06 February 2025

Makerere University Management has been keenly following the concerns raised on the X platform. As a public institution, we value constructive criticism and feedback as these present an opportunity to clarify issues and, in the process, enhance service delivery. However, the University Management has noticed several instances of disinformation and outright blackmail towards various University officers and would like to offer the following clarifications:

  1. Allegations of Solicitation of a Bribe by a Member of the University Council

The University Management received an audio recording in which a staff member is allegedly heard soliciting a bribe from colleagues to assist them in accessing higher positions during the recently concluded salary harmonization process. While the staff member in question is an elected representative of the support staff to the governing University Council, he is neither a member of the Appointments Board nor wields influence on its decisions.

Given the severity of the alleged offence and the position of the staff member, the University initiated immediate investigations and interdicted the staff member on Thursday 30th January 2025 to facilitate the investigation process. The staff member will be given an opportunity to present his case through a fair hearing before the Appointments Board.

  1. Appointment of Substantive Deputy Vice Chancellors

The Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Finance and Administration (DVC F&A) position became vacant after a legal challenge overturned the initial appointment and halted subsequent searches. After the appellant withdrew the cases, the University Council initiated a new search through the Senate. However, a contestant later petitioned, citing non-compliance with guidelines. The University Council referred the matter back to the Senate, which reviewed it on 12th December 2024. The revised report will be considered at the University Council meeting on 11th February 2025.

  1. The Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Academic Affairs (DVC AA)

The Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Academic Affairs (DVC AA) position became vacant on 30th November 2023 upon the end of the incumbent’s tenure. While the University Council was conducting an appraisal for possible reappointment, the DVC AA was appointed in an acting capacity. However, before the process concluded, a member of staff challenged the appraisal in court, making the matter sub judice. Consequently, the University Council deferred further consideration until the court resolves the case.

  1. Promotion Requirements for Associate Professors and Professors.

Academic staff promotions at Makerere University follow the Human Resources Manual (HRM), last amended in 2022. Policy changes are initiated by the Senate and take effect upon Council approval. Promotions are based on the criteria in place at the time, as recorded by the Senate and Council. All Associate Professors and Professors undergo rigorous assessment, including mandatory internal and external vetting by internationally recognized subject experts.

  1. Retirement of Associate Professors and Professors Post-60 Years

Makerere University mandates retirement at 60 in accordance with Ugandan law. To retain highly skilled talent, the University Council introduced a post-retirement contract policy under the Universities and Other Tertiary Institutions Act (UOTIA). The Appointments Board grants or renews these contracts based on outstanding performance in teaching, research, grants, and mentorship, subject to available vacancies and wage funds. Before approval, the University Management assesses the impact on staff promotions, ensuring no disadvantage to qualifying staff within a particular Department.

  1. Membership and Leadership of the University Council and its Committees

The University Council membership is constituted in accordance with Section 38(1) of the Universities and Other Tertiary Institutions Act (UOTIA), which outlines the criteria for appointing representatives from various constituencies, including the Government, staff, students, Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA), persons with disabilities, and Council appointees.

The constituents are responsible for managing the selection process for their respective representatives. University Council members serve four-year terms, which can be renewed by the respective constituents in accordance with Section 38(3) of the UOTIA. It is important to note that no Council member, current or former, has ever served beyond the period specified by law.

The University Council elects its Chairperson and Vice Chairperson in accordance with Section 39 of the UOTIA. Additionally, the Council establishes the Appointments Board and all its Committees in compliance with Section 43 of the UOTIA and Section 38 of the Council Charter.

  1. Recent Policy Reforms at the University

The University Council has implemented key reforms to enhance service delivery and staff accountability. These include a biometric staff attendance system and the digitalization of student services such as application, admission, registration, fee payment, exam records, and graduation. These measures have improved lecture attendance, expedited transcript issuance, and strengthened student support. University Management and the Appointments Board actively monitor staff performance to reward outstanding performance and ensure compliance.

  1. Disciplinary Processes and Actions Involving Some Staff Members

Makerere University enforces disciplinary policies in line with the Human Resources Manual, Public Service Standing Orders, and Ugandan law. Staff who violate these policies face sanctions such as warnings, suspensions, interdictions, and investigations, all conducted with due process before an Appointments Board hearing. Recently, two senior staff members—one a Council member and the other a School Dean were interdicted over allegations of corruption and non-performance. Their interdiction ensures independent investigations without undue influence.

  1. State of the University Infrastructure

With substantial support from the Government, Makerere University has made significant strides in enhancing its critical infrastructure for teaching, research, and student residences/welfare, alongside initiating new infrastructure projects.

Following the phased approach to renovate student halls of residence, the University Management is pleased to report that the renovation of Lumumba Hall was completed in 2024, while that of Mary Stuart Hall is ongoing. On completion of the renovation of Mary Stuart Hall, the Contractors will proceed to Complex Hall.

The University has constructed two (2) new buildings for the School of Law and School of Dentistry. The Main Building was reconstructed and commissioned by His Excellency the President on 2nd October 2024.

In addition, two (2) structures are currently under construction namely the School of Public Health and the vertical extension of the School of Women and Gender Studies. In addition to Government support, we continue to receive support from our partners for infrastructure enhancement.

We Build for the Future

Mak Editor

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Prof. Nawangwe urges young people to take up leadership in innovation for the transformation of Africa

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Participants at the Scholars Council meeting pose for a group photo with Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe (Centre) in the Freedom Square. Makerere University hosts the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Council Representatives meeting, which brings together young people from around 45 partner universities of the Mastercard Foundation, 2nd February 2025, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

By the Program Communication Team

On Sunday, February 2, 2025, Makerere University hosted the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Council Representatives meeting, which brings together young people from around 45 partner universities of the Mastercard Foundation.

During the event, Vice Chancellor Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe urged young people to prepare for leadership roles in innovation, especially starting with their communities, if they wish to see the positive transformation they desire in Africa.

 “I urge you to connect and network with your peers and discuss how you can form inter-university teams to innovate solutions that will address the development challenges in our communities for the transformation of the African continent.” Prof. Nawangwe remarked.

Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, the Vice Chancellor, addressing the young people at the event. Makerere University hosts the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Council Representatives meeting, which brings together young people from around 45 partner universities of the Mastercard Foundation, 2nd February 2025, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, the Vice Chancellor, addressing the young people at the event.

Prof. Nawangwe applauded the Mastercard Foundation for its partnership with Makerere University and Uganda in general, which has uplifting effects on many young people.

Makerere University and Uganda have made remarkable strides in providing Higher Education to Young People, thanks to the generous support of the Mastercard Foundation, which has contributed significantly to educating the next generation of African leaders. Through valuable initiatives and partnerships, such as the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program, Makerere University is poised to continue educating young individuals who will significantly impact Uganda’s and Africa’s economic growth.” Prof. Nawangwe noted.

The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Nawangwe, further urged young people to seize the opportunities the Mastercard Foundation and other like-minded development partners presented to improve their lives and communities.

Prof. Nawangwe, flanked by Prof. Henry Alinaitwe, Prof. Justine Namaalwa, and officials from Mastercard Foundation listening attentively to presentations by young people. Makerere University hosts the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Council Representatives meeting, which brings together young people from around 45 partner universities of the Mastercard Foundation, 2nd February 2025, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Prof. Nawangwe, flanked by Prof. Henry Alinaitwe, Prof. Justine Namaalwa, and officials from Mastercard Foundation listening attentively to presentations by young people.

“The Mastercard Foundation has given you the platform and opportunity to be leaders and beacons of change. Embrace this responsibility with courage. Let the core values of the Scholars Program—humility, listening, kindness and respect, co-creation, and impact—guide your actions,” Prof. Nawangwe emphasized.

While speaking at the same event, the Program Director of the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Makerere University, Prof. Justine Namaalwa, enumerated high-level achievements the Program had accomplished for the last decade at Makerere University. She pointed out that in terms of scholarship enrolment, the Program had recruited 1,032 Scholars, of which 76% were Females, 7% were Internationals, 4% were Refugees, and about 1% were Youth with Disabilities.

Prof. Namaalwa further pointed out other post-graduation achievements, including a 94% completion rate of the total number of Scholars enrolled in the Scholars Program. She pointed out that between 2018 and 2025, the Program had graduated 964 Scholars, of which 37% were employed, mainly in the private sector.

Prof. Justine Namaalwa, the Program Director, addressing the audience. Makerere University hosts the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Council Representatives meeting, which brings together young people from around 45 partner universities of the Mastercard Foundation, 2nd February 2025, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Prof. Justine Namaalwa, the Program Director, addressing the audience.

Prof. Namaalwa revealed that beyond the Scholars Program, the Mastercard Foundation had put other initiatives supporting the university in numerous ways. She pointed out other initiatives such as the e-learning initiative, a COVID-19 Response measure to ensure continuity of Teaching and Learning at Makerere University and the Climate Resilience and Sustainability Collaborative: Makerere University, in collaboration with the University of Ghana, the University of Cape Town, and the University of Cambridge, is implementing a new initiative that addresses one of the world’s most significant challenges in recent times—climate change.

Prof. Namaalwa revealed that the Research Collaborative would provide opportunities for MSc and PhD scholarships to African students and encourage young people to enrol as graduate students starting in the academic year 2025/2026.

The event was punctuated with fireside chats, during which young people had an opportunity to discuss a number of topical issues related to entrepreneurship and Transformative leadership. Thereafter, the visiting students were taken on a guided tour around Makerere University.

Mr. Enoch Muwanguzi one of the young entrepreneurs exhibiting a shoe brush he had made during a fire-side chat. Makerere University hosts the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Council Representatives meeting, which brings together young people from around 45 partner universities of the Mastercard Foundation, 2nd February 2025, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Mr. Enoch Muwanguzi one of the young entrepreneurs exhibiting a shoe brush he had made during a fire-side chat.

The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Council comprises student leaders from partner Universities. Each Partner University has one Council Representative.  They represent the needs of Scholars and work with the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program teams at each institution, the Mastercard Foundation, and Alumni.

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CAES, CHS & CoVAB Receive Buses to Enhance Fieldwork, Outreaches

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Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe hands over three (3) university buses to leadership in the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES), the College of Health Sciences (CHS), and the College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Biosecurity (CoVAB) to improve students' practical learning experiences by ensuring reliable transportation for fieldwork and community outreach, 3rd February 2025, Freedom Square, The three buses parked in the Freedom Square against the backdrop of the Main Building on 3rd February 2025. Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

On Monday 3rd February 2025, the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe handed over three (3) university buses to the respective leadership in the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES), the College of Health Sciences (CHS), and the College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Biosecurity (CoVAB).

The new buses mark a significant improvement in mobility and learning for Makerere University students and staff, furthering the institution’s commitment to practical education and community service.

Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe speaks to the Media at the handover. Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe hands over three (3) university buses to leadership in the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES), the College of Health Sciences (CHS), and the College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Biosecurity (CoVAB) to improve students' practical learning experiences by ensuring reliable transportation for fieldwork and community outreach, 3rd February 2025, Freedom Square, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe speaks to the Media at the handover.

Speaking at the handover ceremony held at the University’s Freedom Square, Prof. Nawangwe highlighted the significance of the new buses in enhancing teaching and learning. “These buses will play a crucial role in improving students’ practical learning experiences by ensuring reliable transportation for fieldwork and community outreach,” he said.

Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe (Centre) hands over the keys to CoVAB Principal-Prof. Frank N. Mwiine (Left) as Dr. Claire Mugasa (Right) witnesses. Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe hands over three (3) university buses to leadership in the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES), the College of Health Sciences (CHS), and the College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Biosecurity (CoVAB) to improve students' practical learning experiences by ensuring reliable transportation for fieldwork and community outreach, 3rd February 2025, Freedom Square, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe (Centre) hands over the keys to CoVAB Principal-Prof. Frank N. Mwiine (Left) as Dr. Claire Mugasa (Right) witnesses.

Prof. Nawangwe expressed gratitude to the Parliament and the Government of Uganda for providing the resources for the new buses, emphasizing their importance in replacing the old fleet, which frequently breaks down. The new 2023 model buses, with a 67-seater capacity, were secured at a cost of UGX 626million each and are expected to save the university significant maintenance costs and improve the learning experience for students.

Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe (3rd L) with the CAES Team from Left to Right: Prof. Donald Kugonza, Principal-Prof. Gorettie Nabanoga, Dep. Principal-Prof. Yazidhi Bamutaze, Dr. Revocatus Twinomuhangi, Dr. Lawrence Orikiriza, Ms. Suzan Kyamulabi and Dr. Mildred Ochwo-Ssemakula. Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe hands over three (3) university buses to leadership in the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES), the College of Health Sciences (CHS), and the College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Biosecurity (CoVAB) to improve students' practical learning experiences by ensuring reliable transportation for fieldwork and community outreach, 3rd February 2025, Freedom Square, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe (3rd L) with the CAES Team from Left to Right: Prof. Donald Kugonza, Principal-Prof. Gorettie Nabanoga, Dep. Principal-Prof. Yazidhi Bamutaze, Dr. Revocatus Twinomuhangi, Dr. Lawrence Orikiriza, Ms. Suzan Kyamulabi and Dr. Mildred Ochwo-Ssemakula.

Principals from the respective colleges expressed their appreciation for the new buses. Prof. Frank Norbert Mwiine, Principal of CoVAB, emphasized the importance of the buses for practical training at locations such as Lake Mburo National Park. Associate Prof. Gorettie Nabanoga, Principal of CAES, and Associate Prof. Bruce Kirenga, Principal of CHS, highlighted the buses’ role in facilitating community engagement and outreach.

Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe (Right) hands over the keys to CHS Principal-Prof. Bruce Kirenga (Left). Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe hands over three (3) university buses to leadership in the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES), the College of Health Sciences (CHS), and the College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Biosecurity (CoVAB) to improve students' practical learning experiences by ensuring reliable transportation for fieldwork and community outreach, 3rd February 2025, Freedom Square, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe (Right) hands over the keys to CHS Principal-Prof. Bruce Kirenga (Left).

He explained that the decision to purchase Isuzu buses instead of those manufactured by Kiira Motors Corporation (KMC) a Makerere University partner, was based on prior engagement with the former, as well as the need to utilize the allocated funds promptly within the Financial Year, which couldn’t be accomplished at KMC due to their high demand.

Harriet Musinguzi

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