General
Farmer, not Hunter Mentality Key to National Transformation
Following his delivery of the keynote address at the first-ever Symposium on National Transformation held on 30th March 2023, Makerere University on Monday 3rd April 2023 once again hosted Professor Vincent Anigbogu for an in-depth presentation to Top Management. Held in the Council Room, Frank Kalimuzo Central Teaching Facility, the interaction was graced by the Chairperson of Council, Mrs. Lorna Magara and later, the Presidential Advisor-Special Duties, Mr. Odrek Rwabwogo.
A holder of a PhD in Analytical Chemistry, Professor Anigbogu taught his specialization for over twenty years at four different universities in the USA before returning to Lagos, Nigeria in 2006 to pursue his passion, “the development of leaders with leadership and management competencies necessary for the transformation of Africa.” As Director General of the Institute of National Transformation (INT), he, together with his wife and partner, Mrs. Peggy Anigbogu has established training centres in Ivory Coast, Kenya, Rwanda, South Africa, and London, UK.
“Everyone that goes through the Institute of National Transformation in Uganda today is passionate about Uganda; they actually give their lives to build Uganda. Is that the typical attitude?” Professor Anigbogu paused to ask before clarifying “It has to be taught, and we teach it (at INT).”
He emphasized that it is only individuals who are passionate about Uganda that will transform the nation into ‘The Pearl of Africa’s Crown’, as stated by the third stanza of the National Anthem. Further unpacking the anthem, Professor Anigbogu could not help but appreciate how rich and embodying it is of Uganda’s vision.
Professor Anigbogu therefore urged all faculty in the room to make it their responsibility to teach students values such as Godliness, Unity, Hard work, Peace and Friendship as espoused by the National Anthem. “If you are to talk about changing education and you don’t understand national transformation, you will not be useful.”
Turning to Vision 2040 that aspires to create “A transformed Ugandan society from a peasant to a modern and prosperous country within 30 years”, Professor Anigbogu stressed that it is Makerere’s responsibility to provide holistic education that produces graduates who are passionate enough to build the nation. “Who is producing the Presidents? Who is producing the Members of Parliament?” he questioned to illustrate his point.
He further emphasized the need for Makerere to go beyond the first level of knowledge generation to producing graduates that are contextually in tune with both national and global trends. On one hand, they ought to be appraised of their personal responsibility in the national development agenda, while on the other hand, they ought to be equipped to weather storms from global trends.
Citing the Global Trends 2025 report produced by the National Intelligence Council USA, Professor Anigbogu noted that the current rise of China, India and other nations, the shift of wealth and economic power from West to East, and rapid population growth among others were predicted close to twenty years ago. “Of what value is education that’s not given in the context of anticipated challenges and opportunities?” he asked.
To achieve the much-anticipated national transformation, Professor Anigbogu noted that it was important for Makerere to produce graduates with the farmer rather than the hunter mentality. He explained that whereas we are all essentially hunters at birth – selfishly craving attention and loudly demanding that all our needs are instantly met, it was important for institutions such as Makerere to mould us into farmers – who are selfless, patient nurturers that regard every opportunity (seed), not as an answer to their immediate need (food) but as holding great potential for the future (a forest).
He noted that whereas lot of what Makerere is doing is good, the day’s interaction was aimed at reflecting on but how it could be done better, so as to have greater impact. He nevertheless concluded that this could only be achieved with a major shift in the way we conduct business.
Sharing his experience as a farmer that processes and markets his products, Mr. Odrek Rwabwogo outlined four interventions that should be undertaken in order to sail through the post-COVID headwinds. Firstly, he noted that venturing into international markets ought not to done blindly, but rather informed by market research conducted by trade representatives.
Secondly, he underscored the need to comply with market standards, which some countries employ as non-tariff trade barriers. Thirdly was the need for the necessary infrastructure to support both present and future investments as well as bring costs of utilities further down. And fourthly, the need for export credit funding to de-risk entry of Ugandan products into foreign markets.
These four interventions, he said, are hinged on research, and the private sector is keen to connect with Makerere University and tap into the resources and expertise herein to generate it. He reiterated that scientists and scientific findings have a strong advocate in the person of the President and Makerere partnering with the private sector would go a long way in amplifying both parties’ critical role of working with Government to reduce poverty.
Following the presentations and interactive discussions, the Vice Chancellor Professor Barnabas Nawangwe thanked Professor Anigbogu for sparing time to share great insights with the Makerere Top Management. He observed that some of the pertinent issues touched on needed further deliberation and expressed the University Management’s readiness to go into a retreat and deepen the conversation.
Furthermore, he observed the need to continue the conversation on the central role of the private sector and academia in national transformation. “In addition to initiatives such as setting up incubation hubs and reviving the Makerere University Private Sector Forum, we shall find a framework through which to continue this discussion until the next annual symposium on national transformation.”
Concluding the day’s discussion, the Chairperson of Council Mrs. Lorna Magara admitted that although Makerere continues to produce a lot of research, there was need for increased engagements with Government and the private sector to increase uptake and utilization of findings.
“We want to invite the private sector to come and see what Makerere is doing in the different colleges… creating that framework that will cause the engagement is already in the offing and once it is fully setup and operationalized we will inform faculty of the opportunities that are available” shared Mrs. Magara.
She prayed that the day’s presentations would stir up the staff to continuously reflect on how their teaching and research roles can propel the economy of Uganda forward and achieve national transformation.
General
Makerere University Leaders Call for Excellence in Research and Supervision as Academic Staff and PhD Students Receive Certificates
By Moses Lutaaya
Kampala, 15 December 2025 — Makerere University on Monday held a reflective and inspiring Certificate Award Ceremony at the CTF 2 Auditorium , Yusuf Lule to award academic staff who completed the Graduate Supervision and Mentorship Course and PhD Students who successfully undertook the University’s compulsory cross-cutting doctoral courses. The event was presided over by the Deputy Vice Chancellor – Academic Affairs, Prof. Sarah Ssali.
The ceremony honored the efforts and achievements of 58 academic staff members, 39 men and 19 women from various colleges including CEDAT, CAES, CEES, COVAB and COBAMS, who completed a rigorous three-week Graduate Supervision and Mentorship programme.
Additionally, PhD students were recognized for completing cross-cutting courses in Philosophy of Methods, Scholarly Writing and Communication, and Advanced Research Methods.
In her keynote remarks, Prof. Sarah Ssali, the Deputy Vice Chancellor–Academic Affairs, delivered a message of encouragement and renewed commitment to research excellence at Makerere University.
“It is both an honor and a privilege to be here today to celebrate a significant academic milestone, the completion of the PhD Cross-Cutting Courses by our students and the award of Supervision Certificates to our academic staff.”
“Your completion of this course is not just a personal achievement, but a critical contribution to strengthening the research and mentoring capacity of Makerere University.”
To the PhD students, Prof. Ssali offered warm congratulations and encouragement. “These courses have equipped you with essential tools to conduct high-quality, ethical research and to engage with complex academic questions. This achievement reflects your hard work, intellectual growth, and commitment to excellence.”
She reaffirmed Makerere University’s commitment to research advancement. “As a University, we remain deeply committed to fostering a culture of research excellence. We will continue to invest in both our students and our staff, ensuring that we uphold the highest standards in research and academic supervision.”
The Director of Graduate Training, Prof. Julius Kikooma, challenged the PhD students to approach research with urgency, intentionality, and a clear sense of purpose.
“Completing the crosscutting courses in Philosophy of Methods, Advanced Research Methods, and Scholarly Writing and Communication has not been an easy task. However, the certificate alone is not the end goal. Don’t simply compile these certificates. Make them meaningful.”
Prof. Kikooma emphasized that the value of the courses lies in applying the knowledge gained. “These certificates give you the foundation knowledge. The question now is: Can we see the application of that knowledge in your different fields?”
He further urged doctoral students to begin producing serious academic work now, not at the end of their studies. “If you are becoming someone to be listened to, start now. It means the course is becoming useful. Write about issues that speak to societal challenges. Produce thinking pieces. Produce better outputs. “Look for low-lying fruits that can make your PhD journey more exciting and impactful.”
Prof. Kikooma also reminded students that while the PhD journey is shared by the academic community, its weight is uniquely felt by the candidates. “Your PhD journey is ours as a group. But you feel the heat. Speak to us so we understand your challenges. “You cannot be here for more than three years. Why are some of you still here? Is the journey heavy? How can we support you to complete it?” He asked.
He encouraged students to build thought leadership through the PhD Forum, adding that the forum is a strong voice for the students. A PhD is automatic leadership in the knowledge domain. Why doesn’t the PhD Forum come up with periodic writings that reflect what communities are experiencing? Start now so that by the time you finish the course, you hit the ground running.”
The Ag. Director of the Centre for Teaching and Learning Support (CTLS), Dr. Dorothy Ssebowa Kyagaba, gave a message to the academic staff who completed the Graduate Supervision and Mentorship Course, speaking with admiration for their dedication and high level of engagement.
“I congratulate all the academic staff who have completed the three-week Graduate Supervision and Mentorship Course. Your commitment, hard work, and enthusiasm have been evident throughout the training.”
She described the course as a cornerstone of Makerere’s commitment to strengthening graduate supervision. “This course is a key component in Makerere University’s drive to strengthen the quality of graduate training, research supervision, innovation, and strategic partnerships.”
She highlighted the thematic richness of the training; covering Knowledge Production Perspectives, Supervisory styles, Supervisory meetings and conversation skills, Research Ethics, Intercultural supervision and diversity, Scholarly writing and feedback as well as Examination processes and Doctoral Viva. She expressed gratitude to the Directorate of Graduate Training led by Prof. Kikooma, and to Prof. Ssali for providing leadership that advances graduate training across Makerere University.
General
Makerere University Hosts EU Delegation to Review Institutional Engagement in EU Cooperation Programmes
Makerere University today hosted a delegation of members from the European Union (EU) for a high-level engagement aimed at reviewing the University’s involvement in EU cooperation programmes. The meeting focused on the linkages between the Erasmus+ Programme, Makerere University’s internationalization strategy, and the related institutional management and coordination structures.
The delegation was received by Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic Affairs) Professor Sarah Ssali, provided an overview of how EU cooperation programmes are coordinated across different offices within the University. She highlighted Makerere’s integrated institutional approach to managing EU-funded initiatives, emphasizing collaboration among academic units, administrative offices, and support departments to ensure effective implementation and sustainability of projects.
Prof. Sylivia Antonia Nakimera Nanyonga-Tamusuza presented an overview of how grants are handled at Makerere University, with particular emphasis on the role of the Grants Management and Support (GAMSU) Office. She explained that the office provides end-to-end support for externally funded projects, including proposal development, grant negotiation, compliance, financial accountability, reporting, and capacity building for project teams. The GAMSU Office plays a critical role in ensuring transparency, efficiency, and compliance with donor requirements, including those of the European Union.
The University Secretary, Mr. Yusuf Kiranda, addressed the meeting and outlined how the University’s resources are managed to support academic programmes and international cooperation initiatives. He further explained the role of the Office of the University Secretary in supporting students, including policy oversight, governance, student welfare, administrative coordination, and ensuring that institutional systems effectively support teaching, research, and international partnerships.
Ms. Betty Nabisubi from the International Relations Office (IRO) provided a comprehensive overview of how Erasmus+ programmes are coordinated within her office. She explained that the IRO supports Erasmus students and staff from the time they arrive at Makerere University until their departure. This includes orientation, immigration support, accommodation guidance, academic coordination, cultural integration, and continuous student support. She also highlighted additional services offered by the office, such as partnership development, mobility coordination, and facilitation of international collaborations.
Following the institutional presentations, project representatives were allocated 30 minutes for structured discussions with EU project contact persons. The session began with short presentations focusing on project results, impact, and sustainability, followed by an interactive discussion and question-and-answer session. The representatives presented their projects clearly and confidently, demonstrating strong outcomes and long-term impact aligned with both Makerere University and EU cooperation objectives.
Overall, the engagement was highly productive and fruitful, providing a valuable platform for knowledge sharing, reflection on best practices, and strengthening collaboration between Makerere University and the European Union. The discussions reaffirmed Makerere University’s commitment to effective internationalization, accountable project management, and sustained partnerships under EU cooperation programmes.
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