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Michigan State University team visits Makerere University – Research and Innovations Fund (Mak-RIF)

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By Harriet Adong

On Friday August 12, 2022, a team of Researchers from Michigan State University, Kosmos Innovation Centre in Accra, Ghana and the Africa Centre for Economic Transformation (ACET) visited and engaged with the team at Makerere University Research and Innovations Fund (Mak-RIF) and the Grants Administration and Management Support Unit (GAMSU). Prof. Grace Bantebya participated in this engagement and this was an opportunity for the Mak-RIF team to share details about Mak-RIF and GAMSU while highlighting some of the research and innovation outputs as shared on https://rif.mak.ac.ug/.

“RIF is at a stage where we are looking to consolidate and broaden networks, partnerships and build on what is being done” said Prof. Grace Bantebya. We are happy to promote our strategy of working with teams both within and outside Makerere University and Uganda.

In Makerere University, the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES) has received funding for over 100 projects with a focus on the areas of value addition, combating malnutrition, Low-cost irrigation and agriculture, reducing post-harvest loss among other disciplines. Some of the projects funded include; developing dry season feeding technologies for cattle production, packaging pig semen for artificial insemination in pig producing districts, automated boreholes and a low-cost seed cleaner among others.

Discussions with the visiting research team in the Mak-RIF Boardroom on 12th August, 2022.
Discussions with the visiting research team in the Mak-RIF Boardroom on 12th August, 2022.

Currently, the Mak-RIF team is seeking support on commercialization. We should have some discussions on how best to secure partnership for commercialization of some of the research outputs.  Ms. Gloria Naggayi, Mak-RIF Research Support Officer noted that the Mak-CAES research and innovation teams were yielding more tangible outputs every year and these need to move to take steps forward

Ideas generated to inform next steps

  • It is important that we brainstorm and coin possible ways through which other partners and organizations can fit into the Mak-RIF priorities” said Dr. John Bonnell, Director Borlaug Higher Education for Agricultural Research and Development (BHEARD) https://www.canr.msu.edu/bheard/ at Michigan State University.
  • Could we also together explore technical partnerships with international partners, working with Innovation Centers e.g., Kosmos Innovation Center, ACET among others to yield more results?”.
  • Mindset shift is important; “can we use Design Thinking to change the way things are perceived and being done?” said Benjamin Gyan Kesse from Kosmos Innovation Center. There is need for this mind set shift so that we create solutions for the existing problems and not creating solutions then looking for problems.
  • Makerere University could also explore attaching incentives to innovation and other achievements for example, can we have patents weighed the same way as publications, publications are used for promotion purposes too. These, it was noted motivates faculty and students to move forth with their work while boosting their efforts.
  • With experience, it is also meaningful to put big money on a few things and yield more. The team was encouraged to meet with Prof. Gorettie Nabanoga, Principal at CAES to tap into knowledge and skills from the Mak-CAES Innovation Scholars Program. Think through how faculty and students are utilizing their hours.
  • It is also important to introduce the Mak-RIF Grants Management Committee to a mindset shift engagement so that together we can recruit others to “mindset shift”. How to do this is something that can also be further brainstormed.
  • There was need to strategically think of mapping our partners here in Uganda and reach out to them one by one. As you engage to seek partnership and or collaboration, “It is important that you stipulate what is in it for each partner” shared Ms. Freda Yawson, Senior Manager Infrastructure and Innovation at ACET.
  • The team discussed more on enhancing collaborations with Business incubators, getting Ugandan products out to other countries, how can we make processes more efficient, and how to make use of the media to showcase our products. There is need to look for partnerships that make teams stronger and engaging the private sector in various ways.
  • We also need to task our researchers (After doing their research) to show us what their research means to the community.

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Aptitude Test Results for the Mature Age Entry Scheme 2024/2025

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Senate Building

The Office of Academic Registrar, Makerere University has released Aptitude Test Examination results for the Mature Age Entry Scheme Examinations held on Saturday 24th February, 2024.

The Candidates who scored 50% and above in the aptitude test passed the aptitude examination and will have their programme -specific examination paper marked. Those who scored less than 50% failed.

Access the links below for the lists categorised under Science-based and Humanities based programmes respectively:

Below is the list for Full Results for Candidates who sat Mature Age Entry Examinations 2024/25 for Bachelor of Laws. Note: All candidates who scored a final mark of 50% and above should prepare for the Bachelor of laws pre-entry examination:

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Strengthening Partnerships: Makerere University Welcomes Delegation from Western University, Ontario, Canada

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The Vice Chancellor-Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe (Centre) and UWO President-Dr. Alan Shepard (3rd Left) show off the signed MoU as Left to Right: UWO's Dr. Opiyo Oloya and Dr. Lily Cho as well as University Secretary-Mr. Yusuf Kiranda, UWO's Dr. John Yoo and Head of Advancement-Mr. Awel Uwihanganye witness on 21st March 2024. Frank Kalimuzo Central Teaching Facility, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

By Carol Kainomugisha

The Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe and the University Management, welcomed a delegation from Western University, Ontario, Canada (UWO), marking an important milestone in the strengthening of international partnerships and collaborations. The week-long visit, characterized by insightful discussions and exchanges with various colleges, departments and units of the University, highlighted various areas of mutual interest and potential collaboration between the two esteemed institutions.

Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe (2nd Right) and Dr. Alan Shepard (2nd Left) sign the MoU as Mr. Yusuf Kiranda (Left) and Dr. Lily Cho (Right) witness. 21st March 2023, Frank Kalimuzo Central Teaching Facility, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe (2nd Right) and Dr. Alan Shepard (2nd Left) sign the MoU as Mr. Yusuf Kiranda (Left) and Dr. Lily Cho (Right) witness.

The delegation was led by President and Vice-Chancellor Dr. Alan Shepard and accompanied by Vice-Provost and Associate Vice-President, Dr. Lily Cho, the Associate Vice-President, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion, Dr. Opiyo Oloya and the Dean, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Dr. John Yoo.

The visit culminated with the signing of a new Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) which will most certainly strengthen the already existing relationship between Makerere University and Western University.

The meeting between Makerere University and Western University commenced with the University Management which discussed collaborative opportunities, particularly in engineering, design, and technology, emphasizing interdisciplinary collaboration and knowledge exchange.

Mr. Opio Oloya addressed issues of Inclusivity and diversity in academia, focusing on integrating indigenous knowledge, combating global anti-blackness, and promoting social integration within university communities.

Members of the University Management and the delegation from Western University, Ontario, Canada pose for a group photo at the Makerere@100 Monument. 18th March 2024, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Members of the University Management and the delegation from Western University, Ontario, Canada pose for a group photo at the Makerere@100 Monument.

Makerere‘s academic excellence and capacity-building initiatives were showcased, with plans to expand graduate training opportunities and enhance capacity through student and faculty exchanges.

 The meeting concluded with a shared vision for future collaborations, including research projects, academic programs, and student exchanges, reaffirming the commitment to fostering excellence and addressing global challenges through collaborative efforts.

Fostering Global Academic Partnerships: Western University meets Makerere University Colleges and Units.

In a meeting at the School of Law, led by the Principal, Associate Prof. Ronald Naluwairo, the delegation held lengthy deliberations to explore avenues for academic collaboration, embodying the power of international partnerships in academia.

Central to the dialogue was Western University’s interest in global engagement, particularly in internationalization, aligning with Makerere‘s ethos of interdisciplinary collaboration. The meeting highlighted joint research opportunities, staff, and student mobility programs, showcasing a commitment to academic excellence and the potential for cross-cultural learning and growth.

The Principal-Associate Prof. Ronald Naluwairo (5th Left), Deputy Principal-Dr. Zahara Nampewo (3rd Left), Principal CHUSS-Associate Prof. Josephine Ahikire (3rd Right), Head PAF-Dr. Benon Kigozi with other officials and the UWO delegation at the School of Law. 19th March 2024, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
The Principal-Associate Prof. Ronald Naluwairo (5th Left), Deputy Principal-Dr. Zahara Nampewo (3rd Left), Principal CHUSS-Associate Prof. Josephine Ahikire (3rd Right), Head PAF-Dr. Benon Kigozi (Right) with other officials and the UWO delegation at the School of Law.

During the meeting between the Infectious Diseases Institute (IDI) and Western University, the Executive Director Dr. Andrew Kambugu outlined IDI’s evolution from an academic venture to a multifaceted institution driving service delivery, research, and capacity building in Africa.

Highlighting existing partnerships, particularly in data management with the Faculty of Medicine at Western University, President Alan Shepard underscored the tangible outcomes of cross-border collaboration, with data-driven research initiatives making significant contributions to healthcare and public health interventions. Future collaboration prospects, including exchange programs, joint initiatives, and equipment donations, emphasized a shared commitment to innovative approaches and collaborative problem-solving to address pressing challenges in Africa.

Dr. Andrew Kambugu (4th Left) with other officials and the UWO Delegation during their visit to IDI. 19th March 2024, Infectious Diseases Institute (IDI), Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Dr. Andrew Kambugu (4th Left) with other officials and the UWO Delegation during their visit to IDI.

Celebrating Collaboration: Farewell Luncheon Honoring Western University Delegation

A farewell luncheon, hosted by Mrs. Lorna Magara, the Chairperson, Makerere University Council, marked the poignant conclusion of the exchange visit with Western University, Ontario, Canada, celebrating the enduring spirit of collaboration and friendship between the two institutions.

Mrs. Lorna Magara (Left) shakes hands with Dr. Opiyo Oloya as Dr. Alan Shepard (Rear Right) and other officials interact. 21st March 2024, Golden Tulip Hotel, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Mrs. Lorna Magara (Left) shakes hands with Dr. Opiyo Oloya as Dr. Alan Shepard (Rear Right) and other officials interact.

 As farewells were exchanged, participants left with cherished memories and a renewed commitment to nurturing the partnership for future endeavors, underscoring the power of collaboration to transcend boundaries and create opportunities for growth and learning.

As Western University and Makerere University look ahead, the memories of the week-long strategic visit will serve as a beacon of inspiration, guiding their continued efforts to collaborate, learn, and grow together.

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CTCA Request For Expression of Interest: Finance and Accounts Assistant

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CTCA is seeking the services of a Finance and Accounts Assistant whose overall responsibility will be to provide finance and administrative support to ensure efficient operation of the office. Centre for Tobacco Control in Africa (CTCA), School of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

Institution: Centre for Tobacco Control in Africa (CTCA)
Project Title: Enhance Tobacco Control Institutional Capacity in Africa
Expression of Interest Number: CTCA/EOI/G339/2024

1. Introduction:

The Centre has received funding from the African Capacity Building Foundation (ACBF) for the
2024-2026) to implement a project on institutional development. The project investments are
geared towards sustaining human resource capacity and knowledge generation to reduce use of all forms of tobacco products in Africa.

Specifically, the project aims to:

  1. Enhance training opportunities for African governments and relevant actors in tobacco
    control in the continent.
  2. Increase access to knowledge for guiding tobacco use prevention and control in Africa.
  3. Reinforce the institutional development of CTCA for an optimal performance of its
    functions and processes.

Therefore, CTCA is seeking the services of a Finance and Accounts Assistant whose overall responsibility will be to provide finance and administrative support to ensure efficient operation of the office. The Assistant will support management and other employees on a variety of tasks related to administration, finance, procurement, and communication.

2. Scope of Work

The specific duties include:

  1. Providing support to the accounting and procurement functions through preparing journals and loading payments for review by the budget and finance officer for authorization
  2. Maintain supplies inventory by checking stock to determine inventory level; anticipating needed supplies; placing and expediting orders for supplies; verifying receipt of supplies.
  3. Administer and manage logistics and contracts for services with service providers such as travel agents, hotels, translations and interpretation agencies, office supplies
  4. Maintaining a clean electronic and manual filing system.
  5. Handling communications – Receiving, storing, retrieving, dispatching, organizing documents and other correspondence of the Centre.
  6. Provide secretarial services to CTCA technical meetings.
  7. Assist in the preparation of regularly scheduled reports.
  8. Assist in logistics preparations for meetings, workshops, and missions.
  9. Oversee and supervise the work of junior staff.
  10. Maintain up-to-date employee records.
  11. Any other duties as may be assigned.

See Downloads for detailed advert.

Application deadline: Not later than 17:00 hours on 8th April, 2024.

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