General
Tackling unemployment: Archdiocese of Kampala partners with Mak to train female entrepreneurs
By Ritah Namisango
The escalating levels of unemployment among the youth and graduates in Uganda are of great concern to the Government, civil society and other institutions such as religious organizations. In order to contribute to efforts aimed at addressing the challenge, the Archdiocese of Kampala and Makerere University are jointly implementing a youth employability collaborative programme to equip youth, students and graduates with entrepreneurship skills.
The programme that kicked off with 97 female students was conducted from 29 th July 2022 to 2nd October 2022 based on the theme: “From COVID-Socio-Economic Anxiety to STEP-Youth Training Entrepreneurship in Post COVID times.” The students who were selected from the ten (10) colleges at Makerere University were trained by experts in STEP (Student, Training for Entrepreneurial Promotion) from the Department of Philosophy under the College of Humanities and Social Sciences; and the College of Education and External Studies.
The joint partnership trained and equipped participants with knowledge and skills that have unlocked their entrepreneurial potential and abilities. The students are members of the St. Augustine Catholic Community at Makerere University.
Addressing the audience that convened on 18th October 2022 to witness the award of certificates to the budding entrepreneurs, the Vice Chancellor – Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe congratulated the female students upon acquiring 21st century skills relevant to both their career and life journey.
“I applaud Dr. Ferdinand Kasozi, Senior Lecturer in the Department of Philosophy at Makerere University for championing the cause of turning students into entrepreneurs. I am happy that the trainers and partners started with female students. I appeal to the female students to look up to the greatest women who have succeeded in life, for example, Marie Curie, the greatest woman who conquered the world of chemistry. It is pleasing to note that most of you have created jobs, while others are ready to start their own companies. Beyond academic qualifications, entrepreneurship skills are the best gift that the youth could ever secure, which makes us proud of this partnership between Makerere University and the Archdiocese of Kampala,” he said.
Marie Curie was the first woman to be awarded a place in the Pantheon for her own achievements. Marie Curie’s life as a scientist was one which flourished because of her ability to observe, deduce and predict. She is also arguably the first woman to make such a significant contribution to science.
Reflecting on the high levels of unemployment among youth and graduates in Uganda, Prof. Nawangwe noted that whereas universities continue to churn out graduates, the jobs have remained very few.
“Many of our youths and students who have graduated are unemployed due to lack of jobs. Guided by the Makerere University ten-year strategic plan, we are focusing on training entrepreneurs who will be job creators rather than job seekers. I am therefore pleased that Makerere University and the Archdiocese of Kampala are training young people so that by the time they leave the university, they are ready to create jobs or start companies,” he stated.
Impressed by the initiative to build a critical mass of student entrepreneurs, the Vice Chancellor committed to link both trainers and trainees under this programme to the Makerere University-United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) innovations hub. This linkage, he said, would serve as a platform to source additional funding, support as well as mentorship in creating jobs and start-ups.
“I told Dr. Ferdinand Kasozi, the member of staff leading the training team that we can connect this programme to the Innovation hub at Makerere University. I am glad that the Chaplain of St. Augustine Catholic Community, Rev. Fr. Josephat Ddungu and Centenary Bank are already on board. We can enhance these good efforts by reaching out to the innovations hub to support the student entrepreneurs.”
The Archbishop His Grace Paul Ssemogerere expressed his commitment to work with Makerere University to transform the lives of the youth, students and graduates. Rev. Fr. Dr. John Bosco Ssettumba, the Officer in-charge of Formal education at Kampala Archdiocese represented the Archbishop. The Archbishop rallied Ugandans and stakeholders to come up with solutions to address the challenge of unemployment that stifles livelihoods. “One of our biggest problems in Africa is the high levels of unemployment of young people including graduates. There are many problems arising from unemployment of young people. Some have become demoralised and restless, some end up on the streets, others resort to drugs, while some are forced to engage in criminal activities. Therefore, we should be concerned and work together to create a positive difference by skilling young people to become entrepreneurs.”
He commended the training team at Makerere University for partnering with the Archdiocese of Kampala and St. Augustine Catholic Community to come up with this initiative that is focused on training employable graduates. “I am happy that the student entrepreneurs have gone through a phase of self-discovery, understanding the environment, markets and opportunities in their communities, acquired experience and skills and are ready to lead the transformation.”
His Grace Ssemogerere called upon the student entrepreneurs to go forth and light a candle in the world of unemployment. “Go and take Makerere University to the community by being resourceful. I encourage you to add on other skills namely; communication, leadership and team work. May the good Lord bless you,” he said.
Congratulating the entrepreneurship trainees, the Deputy Principal of the College of Humanities and Social Sciences (CHUSS), Dr. Eric Awich Ochen advised the beneficiaries to take Makerere University to the people/communities. Dr. Awich Ochen informed the audience that he has been involved in initiatives that instill a culture of working with the communities in the youth and students. He pointed out community engagements in Luuka District – Eastern Uganda and Gulu – Northern Uganda where social labs were initiated for students to work in the local community settings. The students did not only encourage parents to take their children to school, but also participated in the cause of giving back to community. He appealed to Makerere University students to use every opportunity to share the knowledge acquired at the University with the communities in order to make a positive difference in the
lives of other people. “I am delighted that through this programme of skilling young people, Makerere University is giving back to the community.”
Dr Jimmy Spire Ssentongo, Head Department of Philosophy thanked Dr Kasozi for his devotion to uplifting the public face and self-worth of female students in and beyond the Philosophy Department.
Focusing on the continuity of the entrepreneurship programme, one of the trainers, Dr. Josephine Najjemba, a Lecturer in the College of Education and External Studies (CEES) appreciated the Archbishop of Kampala Archdiocese and the Vice Chancellor for their commitment towards the success of the partnership. She stated that the trainers’ interactions with the Archbishop and Vice Chancellor have energised them to double their efforts in order to groom, empower and motivate more youth and students.
The trainers included: Dr. Ferdinand Kasozi, Dr. Badru Musisi, Ms. Dorcas Nambi, Mr.Alex Byamukama, Dr. Rebecca and Dr. Josephine Najjemba. Dr Dickson Kanakulya Lecturer in the Philosophy Dept. was the Master of Ceremonies.
By Moses Lutaaya
Kampala, September 4, 2026 — Makerere University and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) have explored new opportunities for strengthening academic, research and innovation collaboration between Uganda, Japan and other African countries, with a particular focus on artificial intelligence (AI), aerospace engineering, materials and remote sensing, food value chains, energy, water and climate change.
The discussions took place on Friday, September 4, 2026, at the Makerere University Main Building in the Vice Chancellor’s Board Room, during a visit by a JICA delegation led by Dr. Okano Takasei, Senior Advisor, Human Development Department of JICA.
Makerere keen to deepen collaboration with JICA
Welcoming the delegation, the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic Affairs), Prof. Sarah Ssali, highlighted Makerere University’s long-standing tradition of research, international collaboration and contribution to knowledge generation in Uganda and beyond.
Prof. Ssali noted that Makerere has built a strong global research footprint through partnerships with institutions around the world, observing that the University is well positioned to deepen international collaboration as emerging technologies, particularly artificial intelligence, continue to transform research and higher education.
“Uganda has a very long history of doing research, and particularly it has informed research findings in the areas global health research,” Prof. Ssali said, pointing to Uganda’s historical contribution to global scientific knowledge.
She cited the country’s contribution to medical and biological research, including early research on sleeping sickness, noting that Uganda’s unique research environment continues to offer opportunities for scientific discovery.
Prof. Ssali said Makerere’s history of collaboration with Japan is particularly significant, noting that Japanese cooperation has contributed not only to academic and research activities but also to infrastructure development and other sectors in Uganda.
She cited the establishment of the JICA building at Makerere, describing it as one of the visible symbols of Japan’s long-standing partnership with Makerere University.
According to Prof. Ssali, the building, which houses College of Natural Sciences (CoNAS) disciplines of geology, petroleum studies and administrative offices, was constructed during her undergraduate years and completed within a remarkably short period.
Prof. Ssali said the long-standing relationship between Uganda, Makerere University and Japan provides a strong foundation upon which new areas of collaboration can be built. She encouraged the visiting JICA delegation to explore the University and identify areas where existing partnerships could be strengthened or new areas of cooperation developed.
“Please take time and explore and see where either you already have a footprint, where you’ve ever had a footprint, or where you could explore new areas,” she said.
Prof. Ssali added that Makerere was privileged to host the JICA delegation and expressed optimism that the visit would lead to meaningful and sustainable partnerships.
Strengthening Joint Collaboration through AJ-ASPIRE
Dr. Okano, in his remarks as leader of the delegation said the visit formed part of a broader JICA initiative aimed at promoting academic and research collaboration between Japanese and African universities.
He explained that the initiative was launched on the occasion of the ninth Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD 9), held in Yokohama in September 2025, with the objective of strengthening academic and research partnerships between Japan and Africa.
According to Dr. Okano, the initiative is intended to benefit both African and Japanese universities by providing platforms for internationalisation, collaborative research and the exchange of knowledge, researchers and students. “We would like to play a role of facilitator between universities in Japan and Africa and Uganda as well,” he said.
He explained that JICA is currently promoting the initiative through three African hub universities where JICA already has ongoing projects and experts on the ground.
The three institutions are Egypt-Japan University of Science and Technology (E-JUST) in Egypt, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT) in Kenya, and Stellenbosch University in South Africa.
Dr. Okano said the selection of the three institutions was informed by the presence of ongoing JICA-supported projects and experts who can facilitate collaboration between the hub universities and institutions across Africa and Japan.
The hub universities are currently coordinating research with Japanese universities in strategic areas, with E-JUST focusing on energy, JKUAT leading work on food value chains, and Stellenbosch University focusing on water and climate change.
Dr. Okano said JICA was particularly pleased to explore collaboration with Makerere University under the African-Japan Initiative for Research and Education Partnerships, known as AJ-ASPIRE.
He outlined three major avenues through which Makerere could participate in the initiative.
The first is participation in existing research programmes hosted by the three hub universities. He added that Makerere researchers could join ongoing research on energy, food value chains, water and climate change, thereby creating opportunities to work with Japanese and other African researchers.
“We would like to explore opportunity for researchers from Makerere University to participate in these ongoing research activities and expand collaboration with Japanese and African partner institutions,” Dr. Okano said.
The second area is the development of new research networks in artificial intelligence and aerospace engineering. Dr. Okano said JICA was planning to establish new research groups focusing on the two areas and would be interested in having Makerere researchers participate in the emerging networks. “We would like to also invite researchers from Makerere University to join these networks and implementation of future collaboration in these two research topics, aerospace engineering and AI,” he said.
The third proposed avenue is increased collaboration between Makerere University and E-JUST, which Dr. Okano said offers fully funded scholarship opportunities for African students through a programme jointly supported by the governments of Egypt and Japan.
He noted that a number of Makerere graduates have already benefited from the programme, including researchers who have pursued doctoral studies and research opportunities in Egypt and Japan.
Dr. Okano cited the example of Mr. Abdonoor Kalibala, a Makerere alumnus whom he recently met in Hiroshima, Japan, following completion of PhD in Mechatronics and Robotics engineering at E-JUST. Mr. Kalibala conducted research in Japan for up to six months under the supervision of a Japanese professor as part of his doctoral programme.
Dr. Okano said such programmes could help strengthen the movement of researchers between Uganda, Egypt and Japan and create lasting institutional partnerships.
He added that JICA is also providing small research grants to alumni of the programmes to help them maintain and expand research collaboration involving Japan, E-JUST and African institutions.
He said Makerere could leverage such opportunities to increase the participation of its students and researchers in international research networks.
AI, Materials and Remote Sensing and International Relations Set the Pace
Prof. Robert Wamala, Director of Research, Innovations and Partnerships at Makerere University, said the visit followed an online engagement held a few weeks earlier between Makerere University and JICA, during which several areas and units within the University were identified as potential points of collaboration.
Prof. Wamala said these included the Makerere University AI Lab, the University’s International Office and researchers working in space engineering, particularly in materials and remote sensing.
He welcomed the transition from online discussions to physical engagement, saying the visit would allow JICA representatives to interact directly with researchers, academic units and University authorities. “This interest is being followed up through an in-person visit, which provides us an opportunity for JICA to engage directly with the relevant units and researchers at Makerere University,” Prof. Wamala said.
For Makerere, he added, the initiative provides an opportunity to connect the University’s research strengths with Japanese universities, research institutions and development partners to address shared development challenges.
Prof. Wamala said the University was particularly interested in identifying practical areas of collaboration that could move beyond general discussions to concrete research partnerships, joint projects and opportunities for students and researchers.
He noted that the JICA delegation’s on-campus interactions scheduled to take place throughout the day would enable the two sides to identify specific areas of mutual interest. “We hope these engagements will help us identify specific areas of future interest and provide a basis for developing concrete areas of collaboration under the AJ-ASPIRE,” Prof. Wamala said.
He reiterated Makerere’s commitment to strengthening international research partnerships and thanked JICA for its continued interest in the University.
Dr. Okano, was accompanied by Mr. Ito Idomu, Research and Advisor at the Embassy of Japan, Mr. Osaki Mistuhiro from JICA headquarters, Ms. Eric Maeda from JICA Headquarters, and Ms. Ruth Mbabazi from JICA Uganda.
JICA follow-up meetings with Makerere research units
Following the high-level meeting in the Vice Chancellor’s Board Room, the JICA team, together with the Directorate of Research, Innovations and Partnerships, proceeded to engage with key research and administrative units at Makerere University identified as strategic to the proposed areas of collaboration.
The delegation held meetings with the Makerere University AI Lab, led by Dr. Joyce Nabende of the College of Computing and Information Sciences (COCIS), to explore opportunities for cooperation in artificial intelligence and related emerging technologies.
The team also met officials from the Makerere University International Office, led by Mr. Mathias Ssemanda, where discussions focused on opportunities for strengthening international academic linkages, mobility and institutional partnerships.
A further engagement was held with the Department of Geomatics and Land Management, focusing on materials and remote sensing, led by Prof. Lydia Kayondo from the College of Engineering, Design, Art and Technology (CEDAT).
The engagements provided an opportunity for the JICA team and Makerere researchers to move from broad discussions on collaboration to more specific conversations around research interests, expertise, existing projects and potential areas for joint work.
The visit marks an important step towards strengthening Makerere University’s engagement with Japanese and African research institutions under AJ-ASPIRE, while opening opportunities for researchers and students to participate in emerging international networks in artificial intelligence, aerospace engineering, remote sensing and other strategic areas of science, technology and innovation.
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