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EfD-Mak hosts the Annual Policy Day 2022 with a special call on Governments & donors to Finance Resilience & Adaptation

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Uganda is among the most vulnerable countries to the effects of climate change in the world, being the 15th most vulnerable and 49th least prepared to adapt and recover from impacts of climate change.

Environmental economics from Makerere University and stakeholders from Environment and Natural Resources  agencies have expressed  the need for green financing  for sustainable development, Optimum utilization of natural resource, Adaptation to climate change impacts, Increased climate change  mitigation measure actions and Reduction in public expenditure on related natural disaster shocks.

The call was made was during the Annual Policy Day 2022 organized by the Environment for Development Initiative (EfD-Mak Centre) under the theme, “Green Financing and Capacity Gaps”.

The policy dialogue attracted over 100 participants from the academia, policy makers, experts and representatives from Uganda’s Ministries, departments and agencies, Civil Society Organisations, the private sector as well as members from the World Bank, the EfD network, and the  EfD Global hub led by  the EfD Global Director Prof. Gunnar Kohlin.

Members of the EfD Global hub and EfD-Mak Advisory Board pose for a group photo after the opening.
Members of the EfD Global hub and EfD-Mak Advisory Board pose for a group photo after the opening.

The Annual policy day was a wrap up of the EfD Annual conference  2022 hosted by Makerere University at the Speke resort Munyonyo on 22nd-26th September, 2022 where  participants had  fruitful engagements intended to find solutions to the most pressing environmental problems affecting the  continent.

The annual policy day was officially opened by the EfD-Mak Advisory Board Chair, who is also the Deputy Vice Chancellor in charge of Academic Affairs of Makerere University.

“The EfD-Mak Centre is proud to be part of the global network of environmental economics research centers working to solve the world’s most pressing environmental and development challenges through policy-relevant research, capacity development and policy engagement. Allow me, at this juncture, to sincerely thank our long term partner – Sida, as well as the EfD Global Hub for having established an EfD Centre at Makerere University”, Kakumba said.

Annual policy day and theme timely for centennial celebrations and climate change

Kakumba said, the Annual policy day is significant on two fronts in that it comes to fit in a series of activities and celebrations marking Makerere University’s 100 years of excellent services to humanity:-having opened its doors to only 14 students in 1922, Makerere University has grown to become one of the most prestigious Universities in Africa and the world over.

Secondly, Kakumba noted that the theme of the policy day, focusing on Green Financing and Capacity gaps, is quite timely especially during this time when climate change is seriously affecting different parts of the world, including Uganda as witnessed by the changed weather patterns.

Prof. Umar Kakumba making the official opening remarks.
Prof. Umar Kakumba making the official opening remarks.

“There is a great need for Government and development partners to finance resilience and adaptation activities or projects. However, I must note that resilience and adaptation are new areas. Hence, governments have not been deliberately allocating resources in their favor.

 Therefore, as Makerere University, we have a great task of building the capacity of government officials in these new areas of resilience and adaptation to climate change”, he said.

Kakumba reported that the university   held productive engagements with officials from the World Resources Institute (WRI) who are interested in supporting the university to kick-start the Resilience and Adaptation Mainstreaming Programme (RAMP). RAMP is proposed to be a long-term capacity building programme for MDAs to integrate climate risk considerations into their macroeconomics, fiscal, public financial management, procurement, and other processes and research.

A section of participants.
A section of participants.

In February 2022, Kakumba said, Makerere University signed a MoU with the University Network for Strengthening Macro financial Resilience to Climate and Environmental Change. The Network, whose Secretariat is hosted by SOAS, at the University of London, was established to build capacity in RAMP. This resilience and Adaptation Mainstreaming Programme will complement the inclusive Green Economy Programme for Senior Civil Servants and Policy Makers in Eastern Africa, which we are implementing in collaboration with the University of Gothenburg.

The Deputy Vice Chancellor thanked theEfD Global Hub for not only establishing an EfD-Mak Centre but also working very hard to ensure that all the aforementioned initiatives to the EfD-Mak Centre thrive.

“The EfD-Mak Centre has continuously received funding and equipment from EfD Global Hub to support its administrative and research activities. This has widely contributed towards strengthening the connection between the Centre’s researchers and academicians to policy makers and implementers.

All participants pose for a group photo after the closing ceremony.
All participants pose for a group photo after the closing ceremony.

We can now attest to a number of policy engagements that the Centre has conducted, some of which have already resulted in tangible policy reforms and good outcomes. I once again thank the Global Hub for its role towards changing this landscape where we can now collaborate effectively with government officials for research activities, policy discussions and uptake.” Kakumba commended.

Kakumba added that this Annual policy day  was in line with a series of policy engagements that the EfD-Mak Centre has implemented since inception.  He however, stressed that this  wasvery special because the EfD Global Hub Director and the EfD Network members were  here in person to contribute to the debate and discourse in the important area of Green Financing.

Green financing and capacity building huge tasks for the university

In his welcome remarks,the  Principal Makerere University College of Business and Management Sciences Assoc. Professor Eria Hisali welcomed participants to the EfD-Mak policy day  and in a special way welcomed the EfD Global Director Kohlin Gunnar to the EfD-Mak centre thanking him for choosing Uganda to host the EfD Annual meeting 2022 congratulating the network upon successful hosting.

Prof. Eria Hisali speaking during the dialogue.
Prof. Eria Hisali speaking during the dialogue.

Hisali thanked the board of the EfD-Mak Centre chaired by the Deputy Vice Chancellor Academic Affairs  for the continued guidance on the strategic direction of the centre, noting that this was a manifestation that the centre was institutionalized in the university structures.

The Principal appreciated the EfD -Mak centre for its contribution of the visibility of the college and the university at large pledging continued support to the centre activities and urged the centre to take advantage of the infrastructure at the college to conduct activities;

Hisali reported that the college has established a number of facilities that the centre can take advantage of including working paper series, rolled out the policy laboratories at the college that bring together policy makers, implementers, the private sector development partners and researchers to regularly discuss policy related issues.

He expressed hope that the next annual policy day would be handled under the auspices of the policy laboratory noting that the advantage is that it brings together different actors  in one place and they contribute to the discussion which increases uptake.

Some of the participants attending the dialogue.
Some of the participants attending the dialogue.

The policy laboratory he said,was also handling a special assignment on behalf of government on the Parish Development Model. He also said the college received notification from Uganda National Council for Science and Technology on the clearance of the college’s institutional review board for purposes of accreditation and going forward whoever wants to go for field activities is welcome to use the college research and ethics committee.

“We are all are alive to the dangers that changes in the environment affects sustainable growth and the future planning. I salute the center for holding the dialogue because the discussions held are not only important  but also hybrid providing insights into the problems being faced and what needs to be done in the perspective of financing and capacity gaps that exist..

Green financing as we know, lies at the future of our growth, the future of our existence as human beings both for the current and future generations to come and therefore deserves all the attention;This is important n our context as developing countries because much of our activities in our setting directly depends on nature but also facing a lot of pressure from the ever increasing population”, Hisali stated.

Hisali challenged participants to look at a number of issues including the categorization of the target groups for green financing factions, the most appropriate instruments for the different target groups, the framework for auditing progress and impacts of these interventions and the need  to discuss the optimal balance between what needs to be done by the private sector, governments, public sector and other actors.

Some of the participants at the dialogue.
Some of the participants at the dialogue.

“With regard to capacity building I also want to agree that we need to build capacity at all levels right from the capacity to domesticate what is enshrined in international conventions into our domestic plans and activities.

 But we also need to think about capacity through which we can equip the grassroots actors, the green financing actions are not stopping at the macro national level. These actions have to go up to the grassroot”

Hisali stressed that the issues of capacity gaps was  a huge task  and asked participants to deliberate  and focus on  where to start from to create the impact being  looking for, how  the EfD-Mak Centre can partner with other actors in this space to speed up the capacity building efforts, how to take advantage of  the location at the university and mainstream the capacity building initiatives into the curriculum of some of the academic programs and which programs would it be and where to start from.

Other insights according to Prof. Hisali were the need to ask how to take advantage of the internship and outreach activities of the university to build capacity at the grass root level, how to equip these interns to deliver the right message to the grass root actors and whether there is hope for increasing the frequency of the short course capacity building initiatives.

The EfD Global foot print

The Director Global Hub Prof.  Gunnar Köhlin said the hub has international researchers and academic institutions involved in research projects with the EfD Centers in the Global South, Africa, Asia and the America and EfD Partners in the Global North. In Africa, it operates in Makerere University, university of Dar es salaam and university of  Nigeria, Ghana and other countries

Prof. Gunnar Kohlin delivering his opening remarks.
Prof. Gunnar Kohlin delivering his opening remarks.

“EfD is based on the frustration that there is so much knowledge in universities and that it so hard to get traction of that research and there is so much gaps to make that happen.

In research and policy interaction the hub provides funds for tailor research results for target groups, creates platforms for interactions and co-production of knowledge.

Under Institutional development, funds are availed for infrastructure and staff investments, mutual learning within the network”, Gunnar explained.

Under research collaboration, Prof. Gunnar said the hub provides Research fund and collaborative research, organizes collaborative research and policy relevant topics and capacity building for different actors.

“The first most fundamental is the need to build capacity of academics in universities but they should also  provide the relevant information and build capacity for other actors in their respective societies for these people to work. Provision of information and capacity building is not enough but must work hard to influence policy by organizing collaborative programs,” Gunnar added

He said funds are  provided for PhD specialization courses, PhD Program in Climate Economics At the University of Gothenburg and then PhD and MSc program support to the network centres

Prof Gunnar explained that they have implemented a program, Inclusive Green Economy for senior civil servants and policy makers, a capacity development program connecting societal needs with research capacity in five areas of transformation namely Sustainable energy transition, Low carbon transition, Biodiversity transition, Circularity transition, Financing and managing IGE transition

The network has had a number of publications categorized by SDG with highest number on SDG 17 (331) and SDG 15(291)Other programs sponsored include; Blue Resources for Development (BlueRforD), Emission Princing for Development (EPFD), Inclusive Green Economy, Natural Capital Collaboration (Natcap), Sustainable Energy Transition (SETI), Women in Environmental Economics

The Annual Policy Day 2022 very Special

The Director EfD-Mak Centre Prof. Edward Bbaale thanked the participants for honoring the invitation to attend this special policy day;

Prof. Edwaard Bbaale giving his welcome remarks.
Prof. Edwaard Bbaale giving his welcome remarks.

Bbaale recognised the Director EfD-Global network Prof.  Gunnar Kohlin and other network members for coming to Makerere for the first time to engage in the discussion making it very special adding that the centre had previously held policy dialogues with national stakeholders.

Bbaale appreciated the local stakeholders from government ministries, departments and agencies,senior civil servants and policy makers from Uganda for reserving time amidst their tight schedules to attend.

“I also appreciate the panelists . You have started a discourse in the area of green financing which the center will follow up and came up with research projects to create evidence to guide government on policy changes.

There is need for capacity building in the area of green financing in terms of research and training. We need to pay attention to Climate parameters and macro-economic modelling issues and also pay attention in and outside  the university on tailored short courses for government and other officials”.

Prof. Bbaale hailed Makerere University management for offering space for the dialogue and the local organising committee for the job well done.

Panelists speak on green financing

The Natural Resources officer Wakiso district Ms. Rebecca Sabaganzi,said Green financing seems to be very far and advocating for it seems  far.

Ms. Rebecca Sabaganzi contributing during the dialogue.
Ms. Rebecca Sabaganzi contributing during the dialogue.

“The ENR sector has not been a priority in government programs and budget but this has been slowly and progressively having impact on us and we have been forced to act. There are several policy statements that push us to act but the actual implementation is the issue.

In local governments, however much you advocate for green financing, it’s the councilor’s allowance that come first. Because of the increasing number of policy makers amidst the limited budgeting, advocacy for green financing is not prioritized.

The facilitation to enable meaningful engagements and green financing are limited by budget as government priority is in other sectors such as roads, health and education,”. She said

Panelists  Victoria Plukshack, Ronald Kaggwa, Sam Mugume, Marc Jeuland and Rebecca Sabaganzi.
Panelists Victoria Plukshack, Ronald Kaggwa, Sam Mugume, Marc Jeuland and Rebecca Sabaganzi.

World Bank representative Victoria Plutshack, Energy Access Project at Duke university observed that  Climate Finance’s Adaptation is problematic and  not meeting needs of the low and medium income countries.

Victoria noted that Climate investments targeting adaptation have been especially lacking because of, in part, a lack of data and clarity regarding the potential impact of these investments.

“Data-driven financial mechanisms that quantify and monetize adaptation impacts are needed to mobilize climate finance and prioritize development for greatest impact.

There is domestic financing available but is predominantly available in higher income countries and where the private sector play a significant role.

EfD Global hub Communications expert Petra Hansson interacts with Rebecca Sabaganzi after the panel discussions.
EfD Global hub Communications expert Petra Hansson interacts with Rebecca Sabaganzi after the panel discussions.

In sub-Saharan Africa, we see climate financing by private companies. Sub-Saharan Africa receives about 100 million dollars from multinational agencies and about 18million dollars from the private sector. In terms of progress it is abit slow but hope that with the proposals and problems  faced today the situation will be better,”she said.

Dr. Sam Mugume Koojo from the Ministry of Finance highlighted major challenges facing green financing in Uganda.

“ Challenges of green financing include; Lack of expertise and knowledge in green financing by financial institutions in Uganda. Green financing is not clearly integrated in financial regulatory policies of the country while investments in the green financing areas are not very attractive to private sector. The central bank has not fully internalized the concept,  emphasis is mostly on the risk side” He said.

Sam Mugume delivering his keynote address.
Sam Mugume delivering his keynote address.

He said the major areas for green financing include: Renewable energy and energy efficiency, Pollution prevention and control, Biodiversity conservation, Circular and blue economy initiatives and Sustainable use of natural resources and land.

He said government has come up with  Toolkits for Greening the Financial Sector including  the Green finance road map tool, the National task force, Climate and Environ Risk assessment,  Disclosure and Reporting, Greening FIs and  Corporate green bonds.

Dr. Ronald Kaggwa from the National Planning Authority Uganda reported that  the authority   develops indicators and NDPIII has a results framework based on three pillars  namely;. environment and natural resource, industry and also based on governance.

Dr. Ronald Kaggwa responding to some questions during the dialogue.
Dr. Ronald Kaggwa responding to some questions during the dialogue.

To harmonise the indicators Kaggwa said they issue planning guidelines at the central level and local government showing results, measurements and what level and targets to achieve.

The authority he added has also the green growth indicators developed.Those guidelines give a good framework on which these indicators are anchored. MDAs are also requested to develop planning frameworks which must be aligned to the NDPIII and Vision 2040 while all sectors contribute to the attainment of the national vision.

“There is a section on monetary framework which has a targets of attaining the broader NDP targets and vision 2040. It  is the private sector outside the planning horizon but are influenced through taxation and other financial instruments  but are not captured in the planning matrix “ Kaggwa said.

Marc Jueland speaking during the discussions.
Marc Jueland speaking during the discussions.

The planning is based on government programs and sector programs are tuned towards attaining common results to allow harmonization of projects and institutional goals working together asa team.

NDPIII also addresses that through program based planning which have targets such as the  human capital development and all sectors like health, education, gender contribute to it to harmonise the budgets.

Jane Anyango is the Communication Officer, EfD-Mak Centre Uganda.

Jane Anyango

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Princess Zahra Aga Khan Visits Mak, Tours Innovation Pod

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Princess Zahra Aga Khan (Centre) flanked by her daughter Sarah Boyden (to her Left) and Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi (to her Right) poses for a group photo with members of her delegation and Staff at the Main Building Entrance. Visit by Princess Zahra Aga Khan, a Member of the Board of Directors of the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN), Trustee of the Aga Khan University (AKU) and eldest daughter of the Late Aga Khan IV, 20th February 2025, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

On 20th January 2025, the blazing afternoon sun was temporarily obscured by cloud cover as a convoy complete with VVIP security detail quietly made its way to the Main Building. As the convoy came to a stop at the Main Building’s Eastern staircase, all eyes were peeled to see who this VVIP was. As she emerged, there was no fanfare whatsoever as she proceeded to pleasantly greet the welcoming party. Princess Zahra Aga Khan, graceful by all standards, had arrived at Makerere University, an institution fondly talked about by her father His Late Highness Prince Karim Aga Khan IV.

It was indeed humbling that Princess Zahra Aga Khan, a Member of the Board of Directors of the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) and Trustee of the Aga Khan University (AKU) could include Makerere University on her itinerary. She had earlier on the same day paid a courtesy call on the President H.E. Yoweri Kaguta Museveni at State House Nakasero, and presided over the graduation of 120 students of the Aga Khan University-Kampala.

Princess Zahra who was received by the Acting Vice Chancellor, Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi and the Dean Makerere University School of Public Health (MakSPH), Prof. Rhoda Wanyenze was thankful for the warm reception and Makerere’s unwavering legacy.

Princess Zahra Aga Khan (Right) is received upon arrival in the Vice Chancellor's Office by Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi (Left). Visit by Princess Zahra Aga Khan, a Member of the Board of Directors of the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN), Trustee of the Aga Khan University (AKU) and eldest daughter of the Late Aga Khan IV, 20th February 2025, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Princess Zahra Aga Khan (Right) is received upon arrival in the Vice Chancellor’s Office by Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi (Left).

“My whole life, my father always told me that Makerere was the best University in Africa,” relayed Princess Zahra, before adding “And my whole life he told me how sad it was that tertiary level degrees had been de-funded and what fragility that bred in these countries.” She went on to explain that her father’s philosophy was that if a country cannot train its upper degrees, it cannot build a free, fair and successful economy.

Princess Zahra nevertheless expressed how glad she was to see that Makerere still remains a beacon of higher education, and that the Main Building that was gutted by fire was reconstructed to perfection. “So to come here and see it looking so amazing and beautiful is really good.”

She confessed that her itinerary, though involving many hops to preside over graduations in Kenya, Tanzania and finally Pakistan, was testimony of how much Aga Khan Institutions had evolved over the past twenty years. Princess Zahra explained that partnerships with Makerere and other universities, especially in the aftermath of events such as CoVID-19, were crucial in helping Aga Khan Institutions to adjust. “An institution can become far stronger and more resilient,” she explained.

Princess Zahra Aga Khan (Centre) flanked by her daughter Sarah Boyden (Left) and Dr. Tania Bubela (Right) reacts during the courtesy call. Visit by Princess Zahra Aga Khan, a Member of the Board of Directors of the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN), Trustee of the Aga Khan University (AKU) and eldest daughter of the Late Aga Khan IV, 20th February 2025, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Princess Zahra Aga Khan (Centre) flanked by her daughter Sarah Boyden (Left) and Dr. Tania Bubela (Right) reacts during the courtesy call.

In his welcome remarks, Prof. Buyinza thanked Princess Zahra for including Makerere on her eventful itinerary. “We are more than a century old and have greatly impacted the development and economy of this country, not on our own, but with the big network of our partners in many respects. Your coming reinforces the resolve that we must work together for the good of humanity.”

The Acting Vice Chancellor equally welcomed members of Princess Zahra’s delegation who included; her daughter Sarah Boyden, Mr. Zakir Mahmood-Chairman Board of Trustees AKU, Mr. Amin Mawji, OBE-Trustee AKDN, Dr. Sulaiman Shahabuddin-President and Vice Chancellor AKU, Dr. Tania Bubela-Provost and Vice President Academic AKU, Zeenat Shahabuddin-Regional CEO for Aga Khan Health Services (AKHS) in East Africa, and Joseph Mwizerwa-Associate Vice Provost AKU-Uganda.

Contributing to the day’s discussion, Dr. Sulaiman Shahabuddin the President and Vice Chancellor AKU who has been in Kampala for the last twenty years, admitted that the new campus in Nakawa heralds a new era of growth as they commence student activities in June 2025.

Princess Zahra Aga Khan (Centre) signs the Visitors Book as Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi (Left) and Dr. Sulaiman Shahabuddin (Right) witness. Visit by Princess Zahra Aga Khan, a Member of the Board of Directors of the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN), Trustee of the Aga Khan University (AKU) and eldest daughter of the Late Aga Khan IV, 20th February 2025, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Princess Zahra Aga Khan (Centre) signs the Visitors Book as Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi (Left) and Dr. Sulaiman Shahabuddin (Right) witness.

Makerere has been and is a distinguished University in Africa. We look forward to engaging and discussing how best we can come up with programmes that can benefit Uganda and Ugandans” he remarked.

As a rejoinder, Prof. Rhoda Wanyenze admitted that AKU’s and Makerere’s academic programmes present a number of potential synergies both in training and research. “Cancer clinical care and research is a big issue for us here; the burden is growing and we need to do more work to be able to characterize exposures and what it is that’s driving it.”

Other areas singled out in the discussion as potential for collaboration included; the environment, climate change and its linkage with health and other issues, and harnessing of the potential Electronic Medical Records (EMR). Makerere University currently partners with the Ministry of Health to roll out EMR systems nationwide, so as to optimize health service delivery in line with the Uganda Vision 2040.

Princess Zahra Aga Khan is received upon arrival at the Mak UniPod by Dr. Cathy Ikiror Mbidde (Right) as Prof. Rhoda Wanyenze (2nd Right) and other officials witness. Visit by Princess Zahra Aga Khan, a Member of the Board of Directors of the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN), Trustee of the Aga Khan University (AKU) and eldest daughter of the Late Aga Khan IV, 20th February 2025, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Princess Zahra Aga Khan is received upon arrival at the Mak UniPod by Dr. Cathy Ikiror Mbidde (Right) as Prof. Rhoda Wanyenze (2nd Right) and other officials witness.

“We have already done quite a number of facilities across the country for HIV, probably more than 1,000, but right now we are moving towards having an integrated electronic system for all care, the interoperability of multiple systems that exist, and being able to scale that up” complemented Prof. Wanyenze.

Prof. Buyinza who brought the lively discussion to a close concurred that a lot of potential areas for collaboration exist between the two partners and reassured Princess Zahra Aga Khan and her delegation of the Makerere’s readiness to undertake joint activities for the good of humanity. He also used the occasion to observe a moment of silence in honour of His Late Highness Prince Karim Aga Khan IV, who passed away on 4th February 2025.

Following the signing of the Vice Chancellor’s Visitors Book, Princess Zahra Aga Khan and her delegation proceeded to the Makerere University Innovation Pod (Mak UniPod), where they received a guided tour from Dr. Cathy Ikiror Mbidde, the Director.

Mark Wamai

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Prof. Alinaitwe Hands over DVCFA Office to Prof. Ireeta

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Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi (C), Members of Management and Staff witness as Prof. Henry Alinaitwe presents a copy of his handover report to Prof. Winston Tumps Ireeta. Prof. Henry Alinaitwe officially hands over Office of Deputy Vice Chancellor (Finance and Administration)-DVCFA to Prof. Winston Tumps Ireeta, 20th February 2025, Main Building, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

Prof. Henry Alinaitwe on 20th February 2025 officially handed over the Office of Deputy Vice Chancellor (Finance and Administration)-DVCFA to Prof. Winston Tumps Ireeta at a ceremony presided over by the Acting (Ag.) Vice Chancellor, Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi. The handover was witnessed by the University Secretary-Mr. Yusuf Kiranda, Chief Human Resources-Mr. Deus Tayari Mujuni, Chief Internal Audit-Mr. Patrick Akonyet, University Bursar-Mr. Evarist Bainomugisha and Chief Legal Affairs-Ms. Nanyondo Sumaiyah Sebuta.

Equally present to witness the ceremony were the Chief Estates and Works- Eng. Okuk Geoffrey, Dean of Students-Dr. Winifred Kabumbuli, Deputy University Secretary-Mr. Simon Kizito, Mr. Juma Katongole-Representing Director ICT Support, Ms. Susan Mbabazi-Representing Director Gender Mainstreaming, Ag. Manager of Planning and Development-Mr. Emmanuel Kitamirike as well as staff from the Vice Chancellor’s and Deputy Vice Chancellors’ Offices.

Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi in his remarks thanked Prof. Alinaitwe for the effort and support rendered to the University through the DVCFA’s Office and prayed that Makerere could continue tapping into his knowledge.

“As colleagues we have a shared agenda and a common destination as we do the best for Makerere. I thank Prof. Henry Alinaitwe for being a hardworking colleague of great humility, collegiality, and being open-heartedly committed to the principle of trust” remarked Prof. Buyinza, who also expressed belief that God has bigger plans for him as he exits office.

In the same breath, Prof. Buyinza congratulated Prof. Ireeta on his new role, admitting that he has what it takes to carry on from where his predecessor left off. “Thank you for accepting to take on this appointment; it takes a person of great responsibility to accept the huge mandate of this office.”

Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi (L) presents a plaque of appreciation from the University Management to Prof. Henry Alinaitwe (R) as Prof. Winston Tumps Ireeta (C) witnesses. Prof. Henry Alinaitwe officially hands over Office of Deputy Vice Chancellor (Finance and Administration)-DVCFA to Prof. Winston Tumps Ireeta, 20th February 2025, Main Building, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi (L) presents a plaque of appreciation from the University Management to Prof. Henry Alinaitwe (R) as Prof. Winston Tumps Ireeta (C) witnesses.

The Chief Human Resources Officer, Mr. Mujuni thanked Prof. Alinaitwe for steering the Office of the DVCFA and pledged to correspondingly support his new supervisor, Prof. Ireeta. The University Secretary, Mr. Kiranda equally thanked Prof. Alinaitwe for the guidance, support, and flexibility accorded to his office to fulfil its mandate.

“Although it is difficult for us to sit here and witness this handover, we are comforted to have previously worked with Prof. Ireeta and look forward to the continuity in service that his experience presents” added Mr. Kiranda.

The Chief Internal Audit Officer, Mr. Akonyet in his tribute thanked Prof. Henry Alinaitwe for his guidance as immediate supervisor, which helped shape the internal audit function. Like Mr. Kiranda, Mr. Akonyet thanked Prof. Ireeta for his support as a member of the University Council’s Audit Committee and expressed confidence that his passion for service would greatly benefit the University in his new role.

Presenting his handover report, Prof. Henry Alinaitwe reflected on a number of achievements such as: Mobilising resources for the Makerere@100 Celebrations and other activities; establishing the Grants Administration and Management Support Unit (GAMSU); realigning Makerere’s Ten-Year Strategic Plan to the Five-Year NDP-recommended interval; Payment of outstanding In-house Benefits; Harmonization of staff salaries; as well as Recruitment, Promotion and Training of staff.

Prof. Alinaitwe equally highlighted achievements such as: Formulation of the ICT Policy and purchase of related equipment; Developing a Security Masterplan and enhancing surveillance, personnel numbers and equipment; Support to Student Affairs Management and Governance including overseeing the Emerging Leaders Program; Renovation of Student Halls of Residence; Establishment of the Disability Support Centre; Leading the Design Team for the Reconstruction of the Main Building; Improving Competitiveness of the Staff Housing Policy; Improving the University Fleet and Vehicle Access Control; Improving the Budgeting Process through Unit Ledgers and Accounts; among others.

The handover was crowned with cake-cutting. Prof. Henry Alinaitwe officially hands over Office of Deputy Vice Chancellor (Finance and Administration)-DVCFA to Prof. Winston Tumps Ireeta, 20th February 2025, Main Building, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
The handover was crowned with cake-cutting.

He concluded by thanking the University Council and the Vice Chancellor for entrusting him with the role of DVCFA as well as all the support rendered to his office in the execution of his duties. “Whereas I have read out all these various achievements, they have largely been due to all your respective contributions and I thank you for that.”

In his acceptance remarks, Prof. Winston Tumps Ireeta similarly thanked the University Council and Vice Chancellor for entrusting him with the responsibility of overseeing the Office of the DVCFA. He acknowledged that despite the fact that he was taking over from Prof. Alinaitwe on whose behalf he had acted a number of times, he still has big shoes to fill. “However, with my God, all things will work out” he prayed.

The incoming DVCFA requested Prof. Alinaitwe to always accept consultation on matters relating to the office and pledged to be as results-oriented as his predecessors. “Let’s all work together for the good of our University” he concluded.

Following the Handover Ceremony, Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi on behalf of Members of Management presented a plaque to Prof. Henry Alinaitwe in appreciation of his dedicated service as Ag. DVCFA from 16th November 2021 to 19th February 2025.

Mark Wamai

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Makerere set to benefit from Project to Enhance Distance Education Environment

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Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi, Prof. Henry Alinaitwe and Prof. Venny Nakazibwe pose for a group photo with members of the delegation at the Main Building entrance. Prof. Henry Alinaitwe, Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi, meeting with project implementation partners from the Korea Institute for Development Strategy (KDS) and the Korea National Open University (KNOU) to discuss the upcoming Project for Enhancing the Distance Education Environment at Makerere University in Uganda (2024-2028), 18th February 2025, Kampala, East Africa.

In a pivotal meeting held earlier this morning, the Acting Deputy Vice Chancellor, Prof. Henry Alinaitwe, met with project implementation partners from the Korea Institute for Development Strategy (KDS) and the Korea National Open University (KNOU) to discuss the upcoming Project for Enhancing the Distance Education Environment at Makerere University in Uganda (2024-2028). This collaboration, set to launch on February 27, 2025, is poised to revolutionize the university’s distance learning initiatives.

The project, which is generously funded by the Korean Government through KOICA (Korea International Cooperation Agency), will receive a substantial investment of USD 12.2 million. It aims to address critical areas in e-learning at Makerere University, with key components focusing on the development of a comprehensive e-learning master plan, capacity building for staff in Open and Distance eLearning (ODeL), equipping two state-of-the-art content development studios, and the development of necessary infrastructure.

Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi and Prof. Henry Alinaitwe during the meeting with Prof. Chun Se yeoung and members of the delegation. Prof. Henry Alinaitwe, Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi, meeting with project implementation partners from the Korea Institute for Development Strategy (KDS) and the Korea National Open University (KNOU) to discuss the upcoming Project for Enhancing the Distance Education Environment at Makerere University in Uganda (2024-2028), 18th February 2025, Kampala, East Africa.
Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi and Prof. Henry Alinaitwe during the meeting with Prof. Chun Se yeoung and members of the delegation.

Prof. Henry Alinaitwe expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership, stating, “This project marks a significant milestone for Makerere University as we strive to enhance our distance learning capabilities. The integration of advanced technology and capacity building will not only improve the quality of education but also ensure greater accessibility for learners across the region. We are grateful for the generous support from the Korean Government and look forward to the successful implementation of the project.”

The delegation from Korea, led by Prof. Chun Se yeoung, also expressed their commitment to the success of the project. Prof. Chun Se yeoung remarked, “We are excited to partner with Makerere University on this transformative project. We believe that by enhancing the distance education environment at Makerere, we will not only benefit the university but contribute to the development of higher education in Uganda and the broader East African region. Our goal is to build a sustainable and scalable model that empowers educators and students alike.”

The project is expected to have a lasting impact, significantly strengthening Makerere University’s capacity to offer high-quality education remotely, thereby increasing access to learning opportunities for students across Uganda and beyond.

Betty Kyakuwa
Betty Kyakuwa

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