General
Hon. Dr. Musenero Launches NORHED Week, Calls for Industry-Impacting Research
The Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation (MoSTI), Hon. Dr. Monica Musenero on Monday 25th April, 2022 presided over the opening ceremony of the NORHED Week in Uganda and rallied researchers to ensure that their findings flow beyond academia into communities. She noted that the value chain approach adopted by the National Science, Technology and Innovation agenda necessitates that research produces industry-ready prototypes that feed into commercialisation and subsequently, the market. She prayed that this agenda would be at the back of researchers’ and funders’ minds as they embark on the next phase of projects.
Set to be held from 25th to 29th April 2022, the Week will create a platform for researchers who won grants under NORHED II to meet and share experiences as well as discuss possible links and synergies across projects. Furthermore, the Week will create a platform for researchers to discuss how NORHED can contribute to strengthening higher education and research in Uganda. NORHED is the Norwegian Programme for Capacity Development in Higher Education and Research for Development.
In his welcome remarks, the day’s Moderator, NORHED Coordinator and Director, Directorate of Research and Graduate Training (DRGT), Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi noted that Makerere University is participating in 19 of Uganda’s 21 NORHED II projects, a proportion he described as the “lion’s share”. A total of 60 projects were awarded globally under NORHED II funding, set to run from 2021 to 2026.
“We have enjoyed a mutually beneficial cooperation and now have ample evidence that Norway invests in knowledge and competence building and prides itself in the knowledge society with ability to create and make practical use of the new scientific discoveries.
“This is a shared vision at Makerere and we are committed to continue playing this important role because we believe the knowledge economy is the way to go. It is heartwarming to see that Makerere is contributing enormously to the National Development Plan through research output, dissemination and outreach activities” remarked Prof. Buyinza.
The Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe in his remarks shared that all 19 projects that Makerere is participating in are designed to address multidisciplinary themes, steered by the University Strategic Plan 2020-2030. “Indeed, strategic investment in research lays the foundation for development of any country’s intellectual strategies, competent workforce, progressive leaders, gender equality and human rights.”
Prof. Nawangwe added that NORAD; the Norwegian Agency for Development Cooperation, and other development partners have played a fundamental role in augmenting Internally Generated Funds at Makerere University, which has helped to substantially tackle the shortage of funds for research and infrastructural development.
“Makerere now has one of the best research management infrastructures on the African continent largely due to the support of the Norwegian Government” he added.
The Vice Chancellor thanked the Norwegian Government for enhancing Makerere‘s capacity to train PhDs locally, which has drastically reduced the number of staff trained entirely in Norway or on sandwich programmes.
“Out of the 100 PhDs, 85 are locally trained and only 15 staff members will go on sandwich training, which would not have been possible 30 years ago. When we started, almost all the students had to go to Norway” added Prof. Nawangwe.
Addressing participants, the Head of Delegation, Ms. Solbjørg Sjøveian said that NORHED is not only about strengthening Universities but the long-term effects that this capacity building has on societies. She added that NORHED seeks to build equitable partnerships for mutual learning and knowledge sharing with a strong South-South component, that enables younger less-established universities to learn from their more-established peers.
“One example is Makerere University which has taken a regional role in contributing to strengthening other universities both in Uganda and neighbouring countries like South Sudan” said Ms. Sjøveian. “Makerere is an important partner for Norad. As an institution you have strong commitment and dedication by both individual researchers as well as at unit level” she added.
The Head of Delegation therefore paid tribute to this pivotal role played by Makerere University in the region, especially as the institution celebrates her centenary anniversary.
Echoing the Head of Delegation’s pivotal role remark, Arne Haug the Minister Counsellor and Deputy Head of Mission at the Royal Norwegian Embassy in Uganda who represented the Ambassador H.E. Elin Østebø Johansen emphasised that it is important to strengthen the research capacity at Makerere University.
“Makerere is the leading institution in Uganda and therefore provides the largest number of human resources to other universities. Norway’s support has therefore not just focused on Makerere but it has evolved and responded to the ever changing needs in Higher Education in Uganda” remarked Mr. Haug.
He took note of the; School of Forestry, Environmental and Geographical Sciences, School of Food Technology, Nutrition and Bio-Engineering, School of Women and Gender Studies, School of Computing and Informatics Technology buildings as well as furnishing of the Main Library Extension as some of the physical infrastructure that had been built with support from Norway on Makerere‘s “beautiful” Main Campus. The Vice Chancellor later brought to light that the College of Engineering, Design, Art and Technology (CEDAT) Extension was the last and largest infrastructural undertaking by the Norwegian Government at the Main Campus.
Prior to declaring the NORHED Week open, Hon. Dr. Monica Musenero, a self-confessed student of Vision 2040 and its constituent National Development Plans (NDPs), thanked the Norwegian Government and other development partners for laying the foundation upon which Higher Education would contribute to the attainment of Uganda’s development objectives.
Hon. Dr. Musenero shared that whereas NDP I (2010/11-2014/15) had been aimed at “addressing the fundamentals”, NDP II (2015/16-2019/20) focused on “putting up basic infrastructures”. Turning to the current NDP III (2020/21-2024/24), she shared that a decision had been taken to introduce a new institutional framework with a shift from sector to programme implementation. This shift, it is envisaged will enable Uganda to put to use the baseline human resource that had been trained and infrastructure that has been put in place to take off on the industrialisation tangent.
“Over these past years and with the support of partners like Norway and many other agencies, we have worked on a number of things such as the development of human resource. I was one of the first people who were sent out on a programme from Makerere called Agricultural Research and Training Project (ARTP) in 1994.
“And we really appreciate the support of our partners. We started by taking people abroad because we didn’t have any capacity and then we moved to sandwich programmes and now as I have been informed, we are shifting to developing people on the ground” acknowledged the Honourable Minister.
Turning back to the current phase of development under NDP III, Hon. Dr. Musenero invited the delegation from NORHED and other partners to move in step with the National strategy that seeks to promote research that results into products. The shift to product-centric research, she noted, would inspire the growth of industries that would in turn create the jobs, and eventually the environment that sustains the welfare of the youth.
“Our focus in NDP III is to invite and request all the partners to see how we can now tackle the issue of employment, and science and technology has been given the pivotal role, because if we do not translate these computer laboratories and infrastructure into jobs, we shall still have the problem and cheat the leaders of the future” remarked Hon. Dr. Musenero.
The official opening was followed by a Keynote address on “Digitalization and gender inclusiveness in teaching, research and administration in Uganda-Post Covid-19 era” by Dr. Ruth Nsibirano, and discussion led by Dr. Dorothy Okello. This was followed by the second keynote address by Dr. Vincent Ssembatya on “PhD training as a pillar in Uganda’s Economic and Sustainable Development”, which was discussed by Prof. John David Kabasa.
The NORHED Week itinerary prepared by a team led by Assoc. Prof. John Mango, will feature presentations by projects categorised according to sessions on Education and Health (5 projects), Humanities and Social Sciences (6 projects) as well as Climate Change, Natural Resources and Energy (10 projects). On Wednesday 27th April, the Delegation will meet Members of Makerere University Management, visit selected NORHED-II project Research Labs/Research Sites and on Thursday 28th April, visit Makerere University Business School (MUBS). The delegation will crown the week by meeting the Uganda National Council for Science and Technology on Friday 29th April 2022.
During the afternoon of September 21, 2026, Makerere University played host to regional discussions as students, academics, and government officials gathered to commemorate the International Day of Peace under the theme “Investing in Regional Peace and Trade for Shared Prosperity”.
The event organised by the Makerere University 92nd Guild Security Ministry in partnership with the Global Peace Guild, served as the official launch of the East African Peace and Trade Law Moot Court Competition. The idea was conceived as an annual event where the youth across East Africa will gather to deliberate on the nexus between regional peace and trade in fostering regional integration.
Acting Vice Chancellor (VC) of Makerere University Prof. Anthony Muwagga Mugagga graced the event, welcomed the distinguished guests and set a reflective tone for the day.
Reminiscing about his old days the VC noted, “lecturers were the ones who used to come and talk about politics, economics, and law but somehow, somewhere, things never went well”. He appreciated the Students’ Guild, and all who were involved in organising the celebration and launch for a good job done.
Prof. Mugagga further encouraged students to look beyond the classroom, urging them to engage in critical debates in different sectors while emphasising that peace is a prerequisite for all development.
People anchor Trade – Keynote address
Representing the guest of honor who was the Minister of State for East African Community Affairs Hon. James Magode Ikuya, Dr. Andrew Musiime – Commissioner for Political Affairs, delivered a keynote address.
His entry was that you cannot talk about trade and not talk about people. Trade is done by people, and therefore as a Ministry, they facilitate free movement of people.
Dr. Musiime provided a comprehensive breakdown of the East African Community (EAC) as an intergovernmental organisation.
“So it is an intergovernmental organisation. Therefore, the governments remain with their constitution, the governments remain with their sovereignty, the governments remain with their national boundaries, the governments remain with their national laws, Musiime explained.”
He mentioned that the East African Community is anchored on the four pillars for integration that is the Customs Union, the Common Market, the Political Federation and Monetary Union.
Dr. Musiime equally challenged the students to move beyond theory, urging them to research the EAC treaty and actively participate in regional integration.
In a gesture of togetherness, he told the distinguished guests that the Ministry operates an open door policy for students and those interested in engaging can apply for opportunities across the Ministry’s various departments.
From UPE to the Halls of Parliament
The event also featured inspiring remarks from the National Female Youth Member of Parliament, Hon. Mercy Kanyesigye. Reflecting on her own journey from Universal Primary Education (UPE) to the halls of Parliament, she delivered a powerful message on peace and security.
In agreement with Prof. Muggaga, she linked the day’s theme to the practical realities of trade, noting that sustainable trade can not exist without peace.
“This moot competition is therefore not just academic exercise. It’s a training ground for the next generation of East African traders, lawyers, negotiators, judges, policy makers who will defend the spirit of our East African common market and our custom union”, Kanyesigye told the attendees.
92nd Guild Calls for Embracing Dialogue
Hon. Denis Mabirizi, the Minister of Security for the Makerere University 92nd Guild, underscored the event’s purpose by highlighting that peace is the foundation for justice, opportunity, and cooperation. He then called upon the student community to reject violence and intolerance, urging them to use dialogue and established leadership structures to address their concerns.
Mabirizi also emphasized that universities are not just centers of academic excellence, but places where the leaders of tomorrow are shaped.
“Universities are not only centers of academic excellence, they are also places where future leaders are shaped. The conversations we have, the values we promote, and the decisions we make today will influence the kind of society we create tomorrow. Peace begins with each one of us, Mabirizi noted.”
The Global Peace Guild Initiative
Mr. Joseph Micheal Tenywa, the founder and President of the Global Peace Guild, shared the vision behind the organization. He explained that the Global Peace Guild was born out of a desire to involve young people in the promotion of peace, trade, and regional integration.
“Global Peace Guild is an initiative born out of a desire to have young people get involved into the promotion of peace, trade, and regional integration.”
He reminded the audience that regional integration would only become a reality when young people actively participate in the market and hold policy makers accountable.
“As we commemorate the International Day of Peace, it’s an invitation for young people to get involved, not only in ensuring that there is no violence, but that we also put in place the conditions that take our strength, and these are our economic provisions, we call it trade.”
The launch of the East African Peace and Trade Law Moot Court Competition marks a significant milestone for the student community as it brings together academic rigor with a focus on regional policy.
International Day of Peace is observed globally on September 21, 2026, under the unified United Nations theme: “Invest in Peace – For Everyone, Everywhere, Every Day”. The day emphasizes that achieving lasting peace requires continuous local action, shared civic responsibility, and strategic conflict mitigation to ensure long-term regional development.
Makerere University has urged female students admitted under the Makerere University Council Tuition and Functional Fees Waiver Scholarship for the 2026/27 academic year to take the opportunity seriously, focus on their academic performance, and stay alert about their personal safety.
The message was delivered during an orientation for the scholarship beneficiaries at the Senate Conference Hall, where officials from the Gender Mainstreaming Directorate welcomed the students and shared guidance on academic success, security, mentorship, and responsible social conduct.
The Chief Gender Mainstreaming Officer cautions students on safety and self-reliance
Dr. Euzobia Mugisha Baine, Chief Gender Mainstreaming Officer, congratulated the students on receiving the scholarship and urged them not to take it for granted.
She advised them to seek information from the relevant university offices instead of relying on assumptions or what fellow students tell them, and to keep records of official communication whenever they raise concerns or follow up on university matters.
Dr. Baine said students should take responsibility for their own security, warning them not to trust strangers easily and urging them to be careful about where they go and who they interact with.
She also reminded them that strong academic performance is required to keep the scholarship, and encouraged them to ask for help early whenever they face academic, social, or other challenges instead of waiting until the situation becomes harder to manage.
Students urged to aim for first-class results
The officers welcomed the students and encouraged them to put their studies first, urging them to aim for first-class academic results during their time at Makerere.
They advised them to use the academic support available to them, including help from course mates and any tutorials or mentoring offered within their colleges, and not to hesitate to seek assistance when they have concerns about their results or coursework.
The GMD team also spoke to scholars about personal safety, cautioning students against accepting help from strangers, including with luggage or transport, and referred to a recent incident in which a student’s belongings were stolen. She urged them to stay alert as they settled into university life.
Focus on academic foundations and safe social conduct
Other speakers, including Ms. Susan Mbabazi, who is the Principal Gender Officer, Ms. Abilat Lozirah, and Cynthia Ayaa Kamaketch emphasised the need to build a strong academic foundation from the start of the semester. They encouraged students to attend lectures regularly, read beyond classroom notes, use university resources such as internet access and the library, and develop steady study habits instead of waiting until exams are near.
They also warned students to be careful when meeting people they do not know well, advising them to hold academic discussions and social meetings in open, public spaces such as Freedom Square rather than in private rooms.
The students were also encouraged to seek mentorship from university staff and others who could guide them in their academic and career development, and to identify a mentor before leaving the orientation.
The orientation also pointed students to key university services and locations they should know, including the university health facilities, the Makerere Police Post, the Counselling and Guidance Centre, and places of worship on campus.
Speakers reminded the students that the scholarship gives them a chance to pursue their education at Makerere University, and that keeping it depends on their discipline, academic performance, and willingness to seek support when needed.
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