The Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe (L) presents the Mak necktie and an assortment of souvenirs to WUN Executive Director, Dr. Peter Lennie (R) during his visit to Makerere University on 21st March 2022, Council Room, CTF1.
The Executive Director, Worldwide Universities Network (WUN), Prof. Peter Lennie who is on a two-day fact-finding visit to Makerere has applauded the University’s impactful membership since she joined the network on 20th September 2020. Makerere has since joining WUN partnered on six successful applications, and is lead partner on one of them courtesy of the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES)’ Dr. Isaac Newton Alou.
Founded in the year 2000, the Worldwide Universities Network (WUN) is a leading global higher education network of 25 research-intensive universities. These are drawn from Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, Ghana, Ireland, Mexico, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, South Africa, Switzerland, Thailand, Uganda, United Kingdom, and the United States.
Prof. Lennie’s visit to Makerere started off with a morning engagement with the University Management on Monday 21st March 2022, where he was welcomed by the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe.
“We thank you very much for the invitation to join WUN. Our staff are now applying for research grants with member universities. This is aligned to enhancing the internationalization of higher education as well as Makerere University’s implementation of strategies to become a research-led University” said the Prof. Nawangwe in appreciation.
The Vice Chancellor-Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe (3rd L) and WUN ED-Prof. Peter Lennie (4th R) with DVCAA-Prof. Umar Kakumba (3rd R), Ag. DVCFA-Prof. Henry Alinaitwe and Members of Management after the interaction on 21st March 2022 in the Council Room, Makerere University.
The WUN Executive Director thanked the Vice Chancellor and members of Management for the warm welcome and commended Makerere for uniquely contributing to the network. He explained that the network focuses on research in universities capitalizing on the university potential with respect to comparative advantage in regions, disciplines, fields and culture. He added that WUN distinguishes itself from other networks by focusing on research as opposed to education, as well as engagements with international bodies and organisations such as the UN agencies.
Prof. Lennie added that WUN through its Research Development Fund provides support to establish collaborative research under four globally significant themes of; climate change, public health, global higher education and research, and understanding cultures.
Following the engagement with University Management during which the Vice Chancellor presented an assortment of souvenirs to Prof. Lennie, the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic Affairs), Prof. Umar Kakumba chaired a session during which the Executive Director met with the Directorate of Research and Graduate Training (DRGT), College Principals, Deans and researchers.
The DVCAA, Prof. Umar Kakumba (L) introduces Prof. Peter Lennie to the Principals and Deans.
Introducing Prof. Lennie to the audience in the Telepresence Centre, Senate Building, the DVCAA said the Executive Director is a Professor and Neuroscientist at the University of Rochester. Prof. Lennie is the founding Chair of the Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences at Rochester, where he has also served as Vice President and Provost.
The DVCAA acknowledged that staff and students had greatly benefited from Makerere’s WUN membership. “Four of our students have been able to participate in the Summer School programme at the University of York, Dr. Dorothy Okello has been working with a team to support the WUN and as a result of initiatives by member universities, a team from the School of Food Technology, Nutrition and Bioengineering as well as the School of Psychology were supposed to go to South Africa before COVID interrupted.”
Prof. Kakumba then introduced Associate Prof. John Mango from the College of Natural Sciences (CoNAS) who has been appointed as WUN Coordinator for Makerere University, with support from the Office of the DVCAA.
During the interaction that followed his presentation, Prof. Lennie clarified that although the WUN’s support to collaborative research falls in the four aforementioned globally significant themes, researchers were free to propose a new theme through their WUN Coordinator for consideration for funding under the Research Development Fund (RDF). The RDF has invested over £2.4 million in the last 13 years, with awards of £10,000 to each successful applicant.
Assoc. Prof. John Mango (3rd R) and Dr. Peter Lennie (4th R) with CAES Deans and Researchers at MUARIK.
Prof. Lennie’s interaction with Principals and Deans was followed by a visit to the College of Engineering, Design, Art and Technology (CEDAT) and thereafter the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES) and Makerere University Agricultural Research Institute Kabanyolo (MUARIK). Facilities toured at MUARIK included the Makerere University Regional Centre for Crop Improvement (MaRCCI), Dairy Farm, Poultry Farm, Agricultural Engineering Lab, Smart Green House – Hydroponics facility established with support from Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA), and students and staff hostels.
On Tuesday 22nd March 2022, Prof. Lennie will conclude his fact-finding visit to Makerere University with a trip to the School of Public Health (MakSPH), College of Health Sciences (CHS).
Written by: Ritah Namisango, MakPublic Relations Office
The Government of Uganda and AFRISA in Collaboration with Makerere University invites applicants for Diploma and Certificate programs tenable at the College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Bio-security (COVAB).
Makerere University has today Wednesday, 9th June 2025 officially unveiled NCBA Bank Uganda as the Platinum Sponsor of the Makerere University Endowment Fund (MakEF)’s flagship initiative – the Makerere University Marathon. Formerly known as a fun run, the initiative was rebranded on 27th March 2025 during the launch of its Fifth Edition. This year’s event, #MakRun2025, is slated for 17th August 2025 under the theme “Run the Hills for the Future”.
MakEF Board Chairperson, Dr. Maggie Kigozi.
Addressing the Media at a press conference this afternoon, the MakEF Board Chairperson, Dr. Maggie Kigozi remarked, “We are deeply honoured and excited to unveil NCBA Bank Uganda as the Platinum Sponsor of #MakRun2025, with a landmark commitment of UGX 1.45 billion over the next five years.”
Dr. Maggie Kigozi shows her support for #MakRun2025.
Dr. Kigozi further described the unveiling as “a strategic partnership built on shared values and a common vision for inclusive education and sustainable impact,” adding that it would “fast-track the establishment of a fully equipped Disability Support Unit for students living with disabilities, and to build a sustainable pool of funds to support Economically Disadvantaged Students.”
Appreciating the generous sponsorship, the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe acknowledged that NCBA Bank had not only made history as the biggest corporate sponsor of #MakRun to date but also aligned with Makerere’s vision to improve the quality of student life. “This is a powerful gesture of trust in our mission and a demonstration of deep corporate citizenship”, he added.
Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe makes his remarks.
Prof. Nawangwe further thanked NCBA for recognizing that an investment in Makerere University is an indirect investment in the future of Uganda. “The Makerere Marathon is not just a race. It is a movement to establish a fully-fledged Disability Support Unit for students living with various forms of disabilities, and to build a sustainable fund for Economically Disadvantaged Students.”
The Vice Chancellor therefore rallied staff, students, alumni, partners and friends of Makerere to match NCBA’s generous support with vigour and commitment, so as to make #MakRun2025 the most impactful edition since its founding.
Mr. Mark Muyobo makes his remarks at the press conference.
The Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Mark Muyobo thanked Makerere University for giving NCBA Bank Uganda the opportunity to play its part in “shaping Uganda’s future one student, one community, one strength at a time,” adding that #MakRun is a symbol of hope for students living with disabilities as it speaks to Makerere’s core values of inclusion, equity, and excellence.
On a rhythmical note, Mr. Muyobo remarked that the #MakRun2025 theme is “not just about finishing lines, it is about opening doors; giving opportunities to those who are disabled. It is about promoting active lifestyle.”
Runners get flagged off for an evening run after the unveiling ceremony.
#MakRun2025 will for the first time feature a full 42.2km marathon race with international accreditation and professional timing along a dedicated traffic-free route.
“These are not just upgrades, these are bold steps towards building a world-class international marathon right here in Kampala. We are proud to be the wings at your back as you take this leap because when Makerere University, the beacon of higher learning in Uganda grows stronger, the ripple effects are felt across the region and across the continent” Mr. Muyobo affirmed.
Mr. Mark Muyobo (L) and Dr. Maggie Kigozi (R) pose with the signed MoU.
To officially seal the deal, a Memorandum of Understanding was officially signed between Makerere University and NCBA Bank Uganda, and thereafter, a dummy cheque of UGX 1.45 billion was presented to Dr. Maggie Kigozi as the Vice Chancellor, Members of Management and NCBA staff witnessed.
Left to Right: Mr. Mark Muyobo, Dr. Maggie Kigozi and Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe pose for a photo at the Main Building entrance.
The Directorate of Graduate Training (DGT) in conjunction with CARTA’s Emerging and Re-emerging Infectious Diseases (TERID) Research Hub and the East–Spark Project completed a two days Doctoral (PhD) academic supervisors training under the theme: “Empowering Academic Supervision Training in Eastern Africa: Sparking Potential, Advancing Research, and Knowledge (EAST-SPARK).”
The training took place between 2nd and 3rd July 2025 at the College of Business and Management Sciences’ (COBAMS) School of Business conference hall.
In his opening remarks, the Director of Graduate Training Prof. Julius Kikooma challenged the team to set clear and manageable objectives for graduate students under their supervision so that they can complete their doctoral studies on time.:
“Set expectations at the beginning of the research journey of PhD students under your supervision. Resist working with students that are not objective. Set a time frame with in which the student is able to do their research so that they are able to finish their doctoral studies on time.”
He added, “The issue of supervising graduate research is very vital because there needs to be seamless progression of the graduate students.”
Prof. Kikooma further highlighted that the target in the strategic plan is to have 30% graduate students enrolled in the next five years. Currently, it is about 17%.
“We need to get everything right in this training. Our biggest issues are in the supervision process flow of the graduate students. Graduate supervisors need to listen to students and equally the students need to listen to the supervisors. The graduate supervision journey is simple with open communication and immediate feedback between the two parties.”
This will help us in creating a new breed of academia and researchers that Makerere university and the country as a whole need.”
Director of Graduate Training Prof. Julius Kikooma
Prof. Kikooma further added “Take the excellence you have to represent the university. Ensure you have all they policies on your fingertips so that you guide the students well.”
In his remarks, Prof. Ibrahim Okumu (representing the Principal, COBAMS) said that such a training was necessary and it was a right move towards standardization of doctoral training in the region.
“What does it take to standardize doctoral and graduate studies? We need to create unison in the region and learn by doing. Doctoral studies are vital and cannot be taken for granted. We need to continue creating critical thinkers ready to nature research programs. These trainings are enablers in this journey.”
He added, “Let us blend the old and young birds in this training so that we share knowledge and experience to nature and grow the dreams of the doctoral students. Nature the inner person, not imposing yourself on to the student. Enable them to open up while doing their research and they will have a good and seamless doctoral academic journey.”
Prof. Ibrahim Okumu
Dr. Drago Kato Charles, a trainer and a senior Lecturer at the Department of Biomedical Laboratory Technology at CoVAB said, “These trainings are continuous professional development programs aimed at refreshing doctoral supervisors every now and then. They are vital and needed by the mixture of the young, intermediate and senior supervisors.”
He added, “These senior supervisors share knowledge and experience on what is going on in the world of education. The young come to learn from old supervisors. The goal is to increase completion and quality of the PhD output. In totality, such a training aims to improve quality and mentorship on how to facilitate and handle graduate student supervision.”
He added that the trainees were taking the obtained skills to their schools and colleges to produce more quality doctoral and graduate students which would lead to growth of economies since every country needs PhD researchers to drive economic transformation and policy developments as well as implementation.
Dr. Peter Ssenkusu, a senior lecturer in the Department of Foundations and Curriculum studies in the School of Education said, “The training modules are extensively researched. The areas covered are very pertinent for doctoral supervision.”
Dr. Stephen Ojiambo Wandera, a facilitator and a Senior Lecturer at the Department of Population Studies in the School of Statistics and Planning at COBAMS added, “The vision for Makerere University is to be a research led institution. To be research-led university, we need to promote graduate teaching and learning. To achieve this, graduate students need supervisors that are well trained and skilled. We will also continue to do retooling for experienced supervisors.”
Dr. Byaruhanga Micheal Bruce from the Department of Biochemistry and Tourism, a lecturer and a participant said, “Whoever thought about this training did something very important. I thought all I was doing in supervision was normal until this training came. I did not know that some issues I knew would let the students off the course while others would keep them on. I want to ensure that all I have learnt is put into action. The modules have been very enriching. We need more of such trainings, probably for more than two days.”
Dr. Tukae Mbegalo, a guest trainer from Mzumbe University in Tanzania said, “The training is very relevant considering the diversity of the participants which include the young and senior researchers because of sharing the experiences which include delays and the relationships between supervisors and supervisees.” He added, “As supervisors, our emphasis is on scientific writing which we should instill in the students. Scientific writing leads to consistency right from problem setting, objectives, methodology and aligning it to the results so that we improve the quality of the doctoral outputs.”