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To my distinguished colleagues at Makerere University in Uganda

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By Ole Petter Ottersen, President Karolinska Institutet

On behalf of KI, I wish you all a happy anniversary! You are now celebrating your first 100 years. For 20 of these years, you have been one of our most important and most cherished collaborative partners.

You are celebrating your first centennial close to what I hope will be the end of the current pandemic. One hundred years back in time the world had just emerged from the devastating Great Influenza Pandemic of 1918, also called the Spanish flu. Since then, research and education have made great strides and significantly advanced health on the global scale.

Long way to go

But still, we have a long way to go. Pandemics tragically kill but they also dramatically unveil. They reveal and deepen prevailing inequities, between nations and within. After Dr Martin Luther King Jr received the Nobel Peace Prize in 1964 he gave a speech in Chicago famously saying that  “Of all the forms of inequality, injustice in health care is the most shocking and inhumane.” His words still ring true. Had he been among us today he would have been shocked by the fact that Africa still has to import more than 98% of the vaccines that the continent needs. He would have gasped in astonishment and dismay if confronted with the grave technology and knowledge divides that we see in today´s world. We – as academics must rise to the challenge. We must shape a more equitable world, implement knowledge into new policies, help bridge the technology gap, and we must do this with due attention to the principles of reciprocal innovation and respect. I am proud to say that this is very much on the agenda of the Centre of Excellence for Sustainable Health that we have established with you – our colleagues at Makerere University. We regard this Centre as a flagship project and an essential follow-up of our Strategy 2030 that says that KI must strive for a better health “for all”. Please read an earlier blog post about this: Welcome to the launch of the Centre of Excellence for Sustainable Health

Inspirational

The word “all” is small but hugely inspirational. It tells us that we as academics should promote health by working across geographical borders, across socioeconomic strata, but also across generations. We have an obligation and responsibility not only for those who inhabit our planet today, but also for those who will inhabit our planet tomorrow. This is the thinking that is embodied in our term “sustainable health” – we must realize that the health of the individual is inextricably intertwined with the health of our planet. This interdependence is epitomized by the climate change, but extends far beyond that. Among other things we are talking about pollution, biodiversity, and undue exploitation of natural resources.  

Richness of perspectives

Meeting the challenges ahead requires a richness of perspectives. A richness of perspectives, in turn, requires global collaboration. For almost 20 years we have seen how the collaboration with you – our colleagues at Makerere University – has enriched our perspectives. We do hope that you share our experience in this regard. And we do hope that we can continue to develop long-term collaborative projects that not only will generate new knowledge but also translate into new policies for a better health for all. Knowledge is important, but knowledge implementation – responding to current needs – is key to progress. I am happy to note that this is clearly reflected in your vision:  

Makerere University is committed to providing transformative and innovative teaching, learning, research and services responsive to dynamic national and global needs

Working together, celebrating together: we will have joint events in Kampala in the beginning of May. Please look out for more information on this.

There is also a recently published interview at KI website with two medical students from Makerere, Allan Bakesiga and Linda Atulinda, currently studying here at KI.

Originally posted on the KI website: https://blog.ki.se/rektor/2022/04/26/to-my-distinguished-colleagues-at-makerere-university-in-uganda/

Mak Editor

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Women in Business Empowered at Makerere

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Prof. Sarah Ssali (Seated 3rd Right) with officials and participants during the Women in Business training on 20th August 2025. Institute of Gender and Development Studies in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), training program focusing on procurement and business development for women in business, 20th August 2025, Yusuf Lule Central Teaching Facility Auditorium, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

Makerere University, through the Institute of Gender and Development Studies in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), on 20th August 2025 commenced a training program focusing on procurement and business development for women in business. The two sessions, which brought together women from diverse business sectors, were held at the Yusuf Lule Central Teaching Facility. The training covered critical areas such as business requirements and strategic positioning, access to credit—particularly the Women in Business initiative by Stanbic Bank—and navigating procurement processes in the public service, among other vital aspects.

In his remarks, Mr. Paul Agaba, Director of the Procurement and Disposal Unit (PDU) at Makerere University, outlined relevant laws and shed light on reservation schemes for women-owned businesses. He detailed the requirements for companies to participate in procurement reserved for women, the necessary qualifying documents, and the benefits associated with such schemes. Mr. Agaba referred to the Public Procurement and Disposal of Public Assets (PPDA) Act of 2003, a law aimed at regulating procurement processes while enhancing service delivery and ensuring value for money. He noted that the Act has undergone several amendments to address emerging issues and reinforce principles of fairness and inclusivity, including measures to integrate previously marginalized groups—women, youth, and persons with disabilities—into business opportunities.

He further emphasized that reservation schemes are designed to provide incentives for women-owned businesses. To qualify, a business must be registered with the appropriate authorities, with at least 51% of its shares owned by one or more Ugandan women. On specific requirements, he highlighted the need for registration with the Uganda Registration Services Bureau (URSB), annual registration with the PPDA to be listed among providers, and documentation proving 51% female shareholding. However, Mr. Agaba noted that more effort is needed to actualize some provisions, such as ensuring that 15% of every procurement plan in public institutions and all procurements below UGX 30 million are reserved for women.

Representing UNDP, Ms. Beatrice Nabagya Mugambe, whose organization funded the training, underscored the importance of the program, describing it as a response to critical gaps identified through organizational assessments and surveys. She observed that despite ongoing efforts in gender-responsive procurement, women’s participation in procurement processes remains limited—a challenge not unique to Makerere but also evident across other agencies. She pointed to barriers such as lack of capital, insufficient information about bid opportunities and procedures, perceptions that bid amounts are beyond their reach, and limited business networks that could otherwise facilitate collective bidding. She stressed that such limitations can be overcome through collective action.

Addressing the topic of access to credit, Mr. Joel Mukasa, Relationship Manager at Stanbic Bank, highlighted opportunities available to women-owned businesses through the bank. Drawing from over seven years of experience, he noted that women tend to be better business managers, with 90% of loans disbursed to women being repaid, compared to less than 50% among men, attributing the gap to men often diverting business funds for personal use. Mr. Mukasa explained that Stanbic Bank has established several initiatives tailored for women, including the ‘Grow Project’ in partnership with the Private Sector Foundation Uganda (PSFU) and the government, and the ‘Stanbic for Her’ program. He clarified that the ‘Grow Project’ does not provide free money but rather credit facilities designed for active women entrepreneurs. To qualify, businesses must be registered as sole proprietorships headed by women, companies with at least 51% female shareholding, partnerships led by women, or formal/informal savings groups composed entirely of women. Applicants are also required to have an operational account with Stanbic Bank for at least six months, which eases qualification without the need for audited books.

Prof. Sarah Ssali, Head of the Institute of Gender and Development Studies, reaffirmed Makerere University’s commitment to gender equity and justice as central pillars of its operations. She noted that Makerere is the first public institution globally to apply for the UNDP’s Gender Equality Seal, with the process beginning in 2022. As part of this commitment, the university is evaluated on gender parity in student enrollment. Since 1991, initiatives such as the 1.5 scheme, the establishment of a gender institute, and other affirmative action programs, including those addressing disability and inclusion, have been implemented to promote gender balance among students.

She added that as a gender-responsive employer, the university emphasizes women’s representation in its workforce, particularly in leadership and staffing. Makerere has a comprehensive Gender Equality Policy and Framework supported by affirmative action, which has significantly increased women’s representation in both employment and leadership roles. However, Prof. Ssali acknowledged that challenges persist in the area of procurement. Bound by the PPDA Act, the university cannot impose gender quotas since bidding is based on merit and fair competition. Low participation of women in bids is often due to their operation at a micro-level, lack of familiarity with the PPDA Act, and insufficient capital to handle large contracts.

To address these challenges, Prof. Ssali said Makerere is exploring lawful strategies to promote gender parity in procurement. The main focus is to strengthen women-owned businesses so they can compete effectively for large contracts, while also supporting small and medium women entrepreneurs as they scale up. She explained that the current workshop was deliberately designed for women in business, with participation restricted to women-owned companies. Its primary goal was to build competitiveness by equipping participants with knowledge of pre-qualification, bid submission, assessment, appraisal, and selection processes—ensuring women-owned businesses are fully integrated into Makerere’s procurement activities as part of the university’s broader gender inclusivity agenda.

Ms. Sara Nakibuuka, a practicing procurement professional at Makerere University, stressed the importance of such initiatives in supporting women entrepreneurs. She encouraged women to take full advantage of provisions under the existing Acts of Parliament to expand their business opportunities and strengthen their market presence.

The Women in Business Training 2025 was moderated by Donna Keirungi, a member of the Makerere University Gender Equality Seal implementation team.

Eve Nakyanzi
Eve Nakyanzi

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E-Mobility Skilling Programme: Cohort 2 Applications Now Open!

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E-Mobility Skilling Programme: Cohort 2, in partnership with Kiira Motors Corporation and UNDP Uganda launched! Apply by September 1, 2025. Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

The Makerere University Innovation Pod is thrilled to announce the launch of the E-Mobility Skilling Programme: Cohort 2, in partnership with Kiira Motors Corporation and UNDP Uganda! This immersive one-year program offers exceptional Bachelor of Science and related discipline students (2nd-3rd year) the opportunity to gain cutting-edge skills in electric vehicle technology.

We are seeking motivated individuals from Physics, various Engineering fields, Industrial Art, Architecture, and Business (Marketing) with a strong academic record. Participants will engage in hands-on training, industrial immersion at Kiira Motors, and contribute to the development of the “Moonshot Project.”

Apply by September 1, 2025, to be part of this transformative skilling initiative. Female students are strongly encouraged to apply.

Learn more and apply here: https://forms.gle/jntp2TrzYqJ4TrKv9

Mak Editor

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Bid Notice: Refugee Law Project Mid-Term Review

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An aerial view of Left to Right: Mitchell Hall, Senate, CoCIS Blocks B and A, Lincoln Flats, Frank Kalimuzo Central Teaching Facility and School of Social Sciences (white) Buildings, Makerere University, with Kampala City in the background, October 2018. Uganda.

DETAILED BID NOTICE UNDER OPEN BIDDING

Invitation to bid for Consultancy Services for Midterm Review of The Embassy of The Kingdom of Netherlands Funded Project; Securing Refugee-Host Relations Through Enhanced Protection, under Refugee Law Project, School of Law, Makerere University.
Proc. Ref. No. MAK/SRVCS/2025-26/00013

  1. The Makerere University under Refugee Law Project has allocated funds to be used for the acquisition of Consultancy Services for Midterm Review of The Embassy of The Kingdom of Netherlands Funded Project; Securing Refugee-Host Relations Through Enhanced Protection, under Refugee Law Project, School of Law, Makerere University.
  2. The Entity invites sealed bids from eligible bidders for the provision of the above consultancy services.
  3. Bidding will be conducted in accordance with the open domestic bidding procedures contained in the Public Procurement and Disposal of Public Assets Act, 2003, and is open to all bidders.
  4. Interested eligible bidders may obtain further information and inspect the bidding documents at the address given below at 8(a) from 8:00am to 5:00pm.
  5. The Bidding Documents in English may be purchased by interested bidders on the submission of a written application to the address at 2 above and upon payment of a non-refundable fee of UGX. 100,000/= (One Hundred Thousand), only. The method of payment shall be cash payment after downloading Application Advice Slip from https://payments.mak.ac.ug/ and thereafter obtain a receipt from the bank before picking the document.
  6. Proposals must be delivered to the address below at 8(c) at or before 10:00am on Wednesday 20th August 2025. All proposals must be accompanied by a proposal securing declaration which must be valid until 28th February 2026. Late proposals shall be rejected. Proposals will be opened in the presence of the consultants’ representatives who choose to attend at the address below at 8(a) at 10:15am on 20th August 2025.

See below for detailed bid notice.

Mak Editor

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