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Rt. Hon. Kadaga Sensitises Mak on EAC Integration Agenda

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On 16th June 2022, Makerere University welcomed the First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of East African Community (EAC) Affairs Rt. Hon. Rebecca Kadaga to her Alma Mater to deliver a Keynote on the EAC Integration Agenda. The Speaker Emeritus of the 9th and 10th Parliament of Uganda and distinguished Alumna of the School of Law was received upon arrival by Dr. Helen Nambalirwa Nkabala who represented the Chairperson of Council, Mrs. Lorna Magara and the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe.

Also in attendance were the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of EAC Affairs (MEACA) Mrs. Edith N. Mwanje, Members of Council, Senate and Management, Principals and College Academic Leadership, as well as Professors and the Student Guild.

The Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe makes his remarks.
The Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe makes his remarks.

Originally founded in 1967 by Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania, the EAC was dissolved in 1977. It was revived on 7th July 2000 after the Treaty for the Establishment of the East African Community came into force. The EAC is made up of six Partner States namely; Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, South Sudan, Uganda, and the United Republic of Tanzania. On 29th March 2022, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) was admitted into the EAC as its seventh member and is expected to be full member by September 2022 after completion of the ratification process.

Rt. Hon. Kadaga in her Keynote address noted that the strategic importance for EAC integration is guided by four factors namely;

  1. Creation of a Large Regional Market
  2. Strengthening the Security of the Community
  3. Enhancing Fraternal Relations
  4. Political Unity
The  Permanent Secretary, Ministry of East African Community Affairs (MEACA) Mrs. Edith N. Mwanje addresses the congregation.
The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of East African Community Affairs (MEACA), Mrs. Edith N. Mwanje addresses the congregation.

Furthermore, she outlined the Customs Union, Common Market, Monetary Union and Political Federation as four pillars of the EAC. She shared that apart from Political Federation, each of the other three pillars has a signed Protocol that provides a framework of cooperation. The Minister nevertheless said that the Partner States are in the final stages of discussing the critical aspects of Political Confederation as a transitional stage of Political Federation.

To date, the following have been achieved in line with the Political Confederation.

  1. A regional team of constitutional experts is drafting the EAC Political Confederation Constitution
  2. The EAC has continued to Monitor and observe elections in all Partner States
  3. National Early Warning Centres have been put in place
  4. Women and Youth have been engaged in peace and security initiatives in line with EAC Youth and Gender Policies
  5. A major EAC Armed Forces Integrated Field Training Exercise is conducted annually

Rt. Hon. Kadaga concluded by stating that the expanded membership of the EAC will provide a big market that will not only increase Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) but also employment opportunities especially for the for the youth. Additionally, the integration would lead to better management of shared natural resources of Partner States such as Lake Victoria, Mountain Elgon and the Rwenzori Mountains.

Members of Council, Senate and Management, Principals and College Academic Leadership, as well as Professors and the Student body listen to the Keynote Address.
Members of Council, Senate and Management, Principals and College Academic Leadership, as well as Professors and the Student body listen to the Keynote Address.

Furthermore, the First Deputy Prime Minister noted that integration would lead to adoption of the new Common External Tariff that will increase protection of local industries. Citing the East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP) Project as an example, she added that integration will help exploit economies of scale and combine resources to invest in transboundary infrastructure. Estimated to cost USD 3.55 billion the 1,443km EACOP Project will ferry crude oil from Kabaale, Hoima in Uganda to the Indian Ocean Port of Tanga in Tanzania.

She concluded by noting that most importantly, integration will give Partner States a bigger voice when negotiating with giants like China, the European Union (EU) and Russia on matters such as mitigating the negative effects climate change.

In her remarks, Dr. Nkabala thanked Rt. Hon. Rebecca Kadaga for commencing her Ministry’s senstisation programme at her alma mater and paid tribute to the leadership of the EAC Partner States for their vision and commitment to integration and federation.

Representative of the Chairperson of Council-Dr. Helen Nambalirwa Nkabala (R) and the Vice Chancellor-Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe (L) present an assortment of Makerere University souvenirs to Rt. Hon. Rebecca Kadaga (C) after her Keynote Address.
Representative of the Chairperson of Council-Dr. Helen Nambalirwa Nkabala (R) and the Vice Chancellor-Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe (L) present an assortment of Makerere University souvenirs to Rt. Hon. Rebecca Kadaga (C) after her Keynote Address.

She shared that through her College of Humanities and Social Sciences (CHUSS), Makerere University was contributing to the Integration Agenda by training men and women in the armed forces on the implementation of the UN Security Council Resolutions (UNSCR) 1325, 1820 and 2250. UNSCR 1325 urges all actors to increase the participation of women and incorporate gender perspectives in all United Nations peace and security efforts while UNSCR 1820 condemns the use of sexual violence as a tool of war. UNSCR 2250 emphasises the importance of youth as agents of change in the maintenance and promotion of peace and security.

Dr. Nkabala concluded by underlining Makerere University‘s readiness and willingness to undertake a formal agreement with MEACA to carry out research that informs responses to challenges that we are facing as a regional bloc.

Please see below for the full Keynote Address

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, emphasized that the collaboration seeks to preserve and expand vital human knowledge while strengthening partnerships between academic institutions and global research networks. He noted that these networks are instrumental in advising legal and policy professionals, as well as aligning research agendas with both national and corporate priorities. He expressed pride in the extensive efforts of the School of Economics that have expanded these activities in recent years. He pointed to significant accomplishments that have been achieved in collaboration with IGC, including hosting a 2025 high-level international conference on mobile money payment systems, which positioned Makerere University as a thought leader on critical African economic issues. He also celebrated the successful bid by the School of Economics to host the ‘Africa Meeting of the Econometric Society’ in 2027, further demonstrating its contribution to impactful scholarship and policy influence.

The Acting Principal further emphasized that the new partnership with LSE will build on these achievements, offering immense benefits such as expanding capacity-building opportunities for faculty and students, especially in research and Public Infrastructure Management (PIM). The collaboration will also provide platforms for knowledge dissemination and policy dialogue, while addressing pressing socio-economic and health challenges. Ultimately, he said, formalisation of the partnership amplifies CoBAMS’ commitment to excellence in teaching, research, and innovation.

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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