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Information Literacy & Reference Management Training for THRiVE Network

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Date: 15th – 17th June 2022

Please register here to get the Zoom link for the workshop:

https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZYrdOygqTksG9Mx0s8f5VbjLHCnQzrgsBpn

About this workshop

Information Literacy forms the basis for lifelong learning and is a necessary skill for all scholars and researchers.

Information Literacy is knowing when and why you need information, where to find it, and how to evaluate, and use and communicate it in an ethical manner. Reference management tools help scholars to collect, organize, and insert citations and bibliographic references into essays, research papers, dissertations, and theses.Information literacy enables scholars and researchers to undertake their research in a more efficient, effective,and ethical manner.

This workshop is designed to provide students and researchers with intellectual, critical, and logical skills to quickly access relevant information, evaluate the information and effectively and efficiently use the information.The workshop includes hands-on activities in developing search strategies and using reference management tools.

Duration: 3 days

Trainer

  • Ms Mary Ngure, Coordinator-Information Resource Centre, icipe mngure@icipe.org

Sessions and learning outcomes

(1) Introduction to Information Literacy

This session will focus on four areas to equip participants with skills for life-long learning to become more self-directed, and assume greater control over their own learning:

  1. How to locate, evaluate, use and manage information effectivelywith emphasis on
    e-resources
  2. Using search strategies
  3. Using search engines 
  4. Evaluating information critically 

In the workshop, participants will learn to:

  • Develop an effective search strategy to access needed information
  • Evaluate reliability, relevance, authority, and accuracy of information

(2) Publishing in Credible Open Access Journals and Identifying Predatory Journals 

This session will focus on Open Access (OA publishing model) that provides free online access to research publications. Participants will learn to:

  1. Identify Credible Open access journals
  2. Use journal selection tools to identify journals to publish in
  3. Identify predatory journals

(3) Maintaining an online scholarly presence

At this session, participants will learn about the different online platforms for creating online presence. This allows scholars and researchers to increase the visibility of their publications and to network, finding potential collaborators and readers.

Participants will learn to create their accounts on:

  1. Google Scholar
  2. Academia.edu
  3. Linkedln
  4. ORCID
  5. Research Gate

(4) Reference Management and citation tools / Plagiarism Detection

At this session, participants will learn about the standalone or web-based software that enable a researcher to efficiently store lists of references and full-text articles, format citations to any citation style and create bibliographies. Correct citing and referencing helps avoid plagiarism.

In the workshop, participants will learn:

  1. What is plagiarism and how to avoid it
  2. How to generate plagiarism reports using Turnitin
  3. Use of different reference management and citation tools to cite while you write and create bibliographies with a practical on Mendeley referencing software

Participants are encouraged to download and install Mendeley referencing tool in their devices prior to the workshop.

Programme

Time (EAT)ActivityTrainer/Facilitator
Day 1: Wednesday15thJune2022
09:45 -10:00Login and connection checkICT Team
10:00 -10:10Opening RemarksTBA
10:10 -12:00Pre-Training Quiz / Self-Assessment Introduction to Information LiteracyMs Mary Ngure, Coordinator-Information Resource Centre, icipe  
12:00 -14:00Break 
14:00-15:50Publishing in Credible Open Access Journals and Identifying Predatory JournalsMs Mary Ngure
15:50-16:00Wrap up session
Day 2: Thursday 16th June 2022
09:45 -10:00Login and connection checkICT Team
10:00 -12:00Maintaining an Online Scholarly PresenceMs Mary Ngure  
12:00 -12:15General discussion
Day 3: Friday 17thJune 2022
09:45 -10:00Login and connection checkICT Team
10:00 -12:00Reference Management and Citation Tools / Plagiarism Detection / Mendeley practicalMs Mary Ngure
12:00 – 12:15Post Training Quiz / Workshop evaluation Closing RemarksMs Mary Ngure   TBA  

Pre-workshop activities

Please install Mendeley on your computer before the workshop:

  1. Download Mendeley and install on your computer (Windows, macOS or Linux):https://www.mendeley.com/downloads OR Legacy version https://www.mendeley.com/reference-management/mendeley-desktop
  2. Install Mendeley citation plugin
    To be able to cite as you write, generate citations and bibliographies and change your citation style, install the citation plug-in. From the Mendeley desktop version installed in step a) above; click on Tools>Install MS Word Plugin
  3. Install Web Importer add-on
    To import papers, web pages and other documents directly into your reference library from search engines and academic databases, download and install Web importer: https://www.mendeley.com/reference-management/web-importer

Background reading/viewing

Google Scholar library: https://scholar.google.com/intl/en/scholar/help.html#library

“Critically Evaluating Websites” VCU Libraries (6 min)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xBnlIA4x1Xk

“Plagiarism: Avoid it at all costs!” University College Dublin https://www.ucd.ie/library/elearning/plagiarism/story_html5.html

“Understanding and Avoiding Plagiarism: Types of Plagiarism”University of Guelph (3 min)

“Understanding and Avoiding Plagiarism: From Passage to Paraphrase”, University of Guelph (2 min) https://youtu.be/auUHRv1vIgw

“4 Ways to Check Your Paper for Plagiarism”, University of Guelph (2 min)

“Easy Referencing and Citation: How to use Mendeley Desktop, Web Importer and MS Word Plugin” (10 min) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H4osP8Gp3Kk

“Mendeley: How to Create a Bibliography from a Folder”, University of Guelph (2 min)
https://youtu.be/bxTTz4WIdUI

“Mendeley: How to use the Citation Plugin in Word”, University of Guelph (2 min)
https://youtu.be/t6c78uqn6EI

“Mendeley: How to Share References with Your Group”, University of Guelph (2 min) https://youtu.be/yYGCKbJlNmo

“Mendeley: How to Add References from an Online Database” University of Guelph (3 min)
http://y2u.be/aNaKFLvKrh0

Mark Wamai

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Change of Course/Programme for Undergraduate Admissions 2025/2026

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The Office of the Academic Registrar, Makerere University has released lists for the recommended for change of course/ programme for Degree/Diploma Scheme and Direct entry for Private/Government sponsored students for the Academic Year 2025/2026.

The lists released can be accessed by following the respective links below:

Elias Tuhereze

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Makerere Signs Open MoU with London School of Economics and Political Science

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Seated Left to Right: Dr. Richard Newfarmer, Dr. Jonathan Leape, Dr. Sarah Sewanyana, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, Prof. Ibrahim Mike Okumu and Prof. James Wokadala with other officials (Standing) after the MoU signing on 27th August 2025. Makerere University, through the College of Business and Management Sciences (CoBAMS) and the Economic Policy Research Centre (EPRC), has signed an open Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE), 27th August 2025, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

Makerere University, through the College of Business and Management Sciences (CoBAMS) and the Economic Policy Research Centre (EPRC), has signed an open Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE). This MoU is one of several initiatives aimed at strengthening the university’s global collaborations and research partnerships.

In his remarks, Vice Chancellor Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe highlighted Makerere’s recent centenary celebrations as a testament to its long and influential history in Africa. He reaffirmed the university’s commitment to serious, research-driven collaboration, noting Makerere’s aspiration to become a leading student-centered research university that develops solutions to regional challenges.

Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe makes his remarks ahead of the MoU signing. Makerere University, through the College of Business and Management Sciences (CoBAMS) and the Economic Policy Research Centre (EPRC), has signed an open Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE), 27th August 2025, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe makes his remarks ahead of the MoU signing.

Prof. Nawangwe emphasized that Makerere’s research addresses critical issues such as widespread poverty, high youth unemployment, the devastating effects of climate change on agriculture, rapid population growth, and political interference in production. These challenges, he explained, call for climate-resilient agriculture, stronger health systems to address emerging diseases, and more inclusive governance. He further observed that Africa’s ambitious goal of producing one million PhDs in the next decade remains constrained by inadequate supervision capacity across the continent, stressing that collaborations like this MoU are key to bridging that gap.

EPRC Executive Director, Dr. Sarah Sewanyana, described the signing as particularly significant for EPRC and its Board of Directors as they embark on a new five-year strategic plan (2025/26–2029/30). She explained that the plan strongly emphasizes strategic collaborations, with this partnership serving as a prime example of leveraging collective strengths to deepen impact. She underscored EPRC’s role in advancing evidence-based policymaking for national development, aligning with Uganda’s National Development Plan IV.

The partners show off the signed MoU. Makerere University, through the College of Business and Management Sciences (CoBAMS) and the Economic Policy Research Centre (EPRC), has signed an open Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE), 27th August 2025, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
The partners show off the signed MoU.

Prof. James Wokadala, Acting Principal of CoBAMS, noted that the collaboration aims to preserve and expand knowledge, enhance capacity-building for faculty and students, and strengthen global research networks. He added that it will also provide platforms for knowledge dissemination, support policy reform, and address pressing social and economic challenges.

Speaking on behalf of LSE’s International Growth Centre (IGC), Executive Director Dr. Jonathan Leape expressed delight at formalizing the long-standing collaboration with Makerere and EPRC. He highlighted current joint projects, including research on the impact of the 2020 gender-based vaccine program on women’s skills and learning, studies on reforms in STEM education, and investigations into barriers limiting business growth for entrepreneurs. He stressed that the core mission is to bring researchers and policymakers together to address pressing policy challenges with robust, reliable evidence and innovative solutions.

Prof. Nawangwe presents a souvenir Mak Necktie to Dr. Jonathan Leape. Makerere University, through the College of Business and Management Sciences (CoBAMS) and the Economic Policy Research Centre (EPRC), has signed an open Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE), 27th August 2025, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Prof. Nawangwe presents a souvenir Mak Necktie to Dr. Jonathan Leape.

The event, held on 27th August 2025, was attended by several dignitaries including Dr. Richard Newfarmer, Country Director for Uganda and Rwanda (IGC); Dr. Nhial Kuch, Senior Country Economist (IGC); and Mary Teddy Nakyejwe, IGC Programme Officer. Also present were the Director of Research, Dr. Ibrahim Kasirye and other members of EPRC leadership.

Eve Nakyanzi
Eve Nakyanzi

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Makerere University Hosts Delegation from Ghent University Association

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Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe (Right) presents a Makerere Coffee Table book to Prof. Mieke Van Herreweghe during the visit on 27th August 2025. Makerere University hosted a delegation from the Ghent University Association where a student exchange agreement was signed, led by Prof. Mieke Van Herreweghe, Vice Rector of Ghent University. The delegation included representatives from Howest University and Hogent University of Applied Sciences, 27th August 2025 Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

Makerere University has hosted a delegation from the Ghent University Association, led by Prof. Mieke Van Herreweghe, Vice Rector of Ghent University. The delegation included representatives from Howest University and Hogent University of Applied Sciences.

Vice Chancellor Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe welcomed the team and highlighted Makerere University’s commitment to addressing the pressing challenges in the region. These include climate change, which continues to hinder investment, and Uganda’s rapidly growing population that has surged from 5 million in the late 1940s to nearly 50 million currently, creating socio-economic challenges such as high youth unemployment.

He emphasized that Makerere’s research agenda focuses on understanding the fast-growing population, tackling health challenges, advancing governance and human rights, and fostering peace through initiatives such as the Rotary Peace Center—the only one of its kind on the African continent. Research at Makerere also seeks to provide solutions to youth unemployment in one of the world’s youngest nations.

The meeting of Members of Management and the visiting delegation in session in the Vice Chancellor's Boardroom. Makerere University hosted a delegation from the Ghent University Association where a student exchange agreement was signed, led by Prof. Mieke Van Herreweghe, Vice Rector of Ghent University. The delegation included representatives from Howest University and Hogent University of Applied Sciences, 27th August 2025 Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
The meeting of Members of Management and the visiting delegation in session in the Vice Chancellor’s Boardroom.

The Vice Chancellor further noted that Makerere University teaches and conducts research across a wide spectrum of disciplines, organized into colleges including Agriculture, Business and Management, Computing, Education and External Studies, Engineering and Technology, Health Sciences, Humanities and Social Sciences, Natural Sciences, and Veterinary Medicine. The university also hosts over 60 specialized research centers, among them Centers of Excellence such as the Regional Centre for Crop Improvement, which works to enhance food security, manage pests and diseases, and improve agricultural productivity. Another key institution is the Infectious Diseases Institute, which leads research on HIV/AIDS. With these initiatives, he added, Makerere continues to expand its research footprint while strengthening global partnerships.

Prof. Van Herreweghe provided an overview of Ghent University, founded in 1817 and ranked among the top 100 universities globally for decades. With its motto “Dare to think,” Ghent University has built a strong international reputation. It also holds the distinction of being the only Belgian, and currently the only European, university with a campus in South Korea. Established in 2014, the campus offers bachelor’s programs in applied biotechnology.

She highlighted Ghent’s joint PhD programs, which are structured as sandwich programs to support African universities. Under this arrangement, PhD candidates spend two years funded at Ghent University and another two years at their home university (such as Makerere), with joint supervision from both institutions. These programs, she noted, are a strategic way of fostering international collaboration.

Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe and Prof. Mieke Van Herreweghe pose for a group photo with members of their respective teams at the Main Building entrance. Makerere University hosted a delegation from the Ghent University Association where a student exchange agreement was signed, led by Prof. Mieke Van Herreweghe, Vice Rector of Ghent University. The delegation included representatives from Howest University and Hogent University of Applied Sciences, 27th August 2025 Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe and Prof. Mieke Van Herreweghe pose for a group photo with members of their respective teams at the Main Building entrance.

During the visit, Ghent University signed a Student Exchange Agreement with Makerere University to complement the existing Memorandum of Understanding. The agreement will pave the way for more joint initiatives and strengthen collaboration in the years ahead.

The delegation also included Mr. Lieven Theys, International Coordinator for Business Management at Howest University, who explained that Howest clusters its programs into three key domains: Design and Technology, Human Well-being and Health, and Business and Organization. Dr. Robin Stevens represented Hogent University of Applied Sciences, which runs programs across nine schools including Business and Management, Computer Sciences, Biosciences, Industrial Technology, Teacher Training, and Healthcare.

The visit, held on 27th August 2025, was attended by Makerere University officials and members of various colleges, among them Prof. Winston Tumps Ireeta, the Acting Deputy Vice Chancellor (Finance and Administration) and Principal of the College of Natural Sciences (CoNAS), Prof. Tonny Oyana-Principal College of Computing and Information Sciences (CoCIS), Prof. Moses Musinguzi-Principal College of Engineering, Design, Art and Technology (CEDAT), Prof. Julius Kikooma-Director Graduate Training, Assoc. Prof. Yazidhi Bamutaze-Deputy Principal College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES), Assoc. Prof. James Wokadala-Deputy Principal College of Business and Management Sciences (CoBAMS), Assoc. Prof. Richard Idro-Deputy Principal College of Health Sciences, and Dr. Cathy Mbidde, Manager of the Makerere University Innovation Pod (Mak UniPod).

Eve Nakyanzi
Eve Nakyanzi

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