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AICAD Selected to Host Africa Open Science Platform Regional Node

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“The African Institute for Capacity Development (AICAD) has been selected to host the Africa Open Science Platform (AOSP) Node for the Eastern Africa region. This is a key milestone aimed at advancing scientific research and data sharing on the African continent,” said the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe during a press conference held on Wednesday 12th July 2023.

The Vice Chancellor who was joined by Dr. Gaston Ampe Tumuhimbise, the Country Director, AICAD Uganda Office informed journalists gathered in the Council Room, Frank Kalimuzo Central Teaching Facility, Makerere University that AICAD will host AOSP node for a period of five years effective June 2023.

The Press Release follows below:

PRESS RELEASE: AICAD SELECTED TO HOST AFRICA OPEN SCIENCE PLATFORM (AOSP) NODE FOR EASTERN AFRICA REGION

After a very rigorous and competitive process, the National Research Foundation (NRF) of South Africa has selected the African Institute for Capacity Development (AICAD) as a regional node for the African Open Science Platform (AOSP) taking charge of the East African region node. AICAD is a regional organization charged with linking university generated technologies to the communities to fight poverty with headquarters at Jomo Kenyata University of Agriculture and Technology. AICAD has country offices located at Makerere University in Uganda, Sokoine University of Agriculture in Tanzania and Egerton University in Kenya.

The other two award winners in Africa include; the Egyptian National Authority for Remote Sensing and Space Sciences (NARSS) for the Northern African Node based in Egypt and the UbuntuNet Alliance for the Southern Africa Node based in Malawi. The appointment will be for a five-year term, starting in June 2023, with additional regional nodes to be appointed to cover all regions of the continent.

Hosted by the National Research Foundation (NRF) since 2020, the AOSP aims to position African scientists at the cutting edge of data intensive science by stimulating interactivity and creating opportunity through the development of efficiencies of scale, building critical mass through shared capacities, and amplifying impact through a commonality of purpose and voice. This prominent initiative is supported by the South African Department of Science and Innovation, the International Science Council, CODATA, the Academy of Science of South Africa, and other prominent regional networks. The AOSP will also leverage international networks and developments, and the momentum towards operationalization of the international framework for open science.

The Vice Chancellor of Makerere University, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe congratulates AICAD on being appointed to coordinate this noble initiative in East Africa. Makerere University welcomes every initiative and programme that harnesses the power of research to transform lives and societies. AICAD through this Africa Open Science Platform (AOSP) will enhance the ongoing efforts of ensuring that research, science and data contributes to reduction of poverty in the African region.

“The Makerere University Strategic Plan stipulates the re-positioning of Makerere University into a research led university. This is premised on the fact that no country can develop without research. The main goal of AICAD is fighting poverty using university generated innovations. I am happy to note that the National Research Foundation (NRF) of South Africa has appointed AICAD as a regional node for the African Open Science Platform (AOSP) taking charge of the East African region node. With this appointment, Makerere University is ready to work with AICAD to coordinate all member universities and other research data generating agencies to pursue the ideas of open science. The idea of open science and data sharing is key in the innovation process. When data is shared, solutions are quickly realized. I understand this is how the COVID-19 vaccine was quickly produced. Different research groups were able to share their data for a common cause,” remarked Prof. Nawangwe.

The role of the African Open Science Platform (AOSP) regional nodes will be to coordinate, create linkages, support, and promote efforts aligned with implementation of Open Science programmes at a regional level, strengthen knowledge networks and infrastructure access, and enhance cooperation between regions and globally in support of the AOSP’s vision. Among others, regional nodes will be expected to lead on programme delivery and implementation, coordination, capacity building, societal engagement in dialogue, and policy support and promotion of the UNESCO Open Science Recommendations at national and regional levels.

The incoming Director of the AOSP, Dr. Tshiamo Motsegwa, had this to say: “For the Global South, and the African continent specifically, the efficiency and productivity gains from Open Science present a compelling case for government research funding in the context of limited resources and competing priorities for the development of a facilitative and truly African-wide Open Science Diplomacy platform for enhancing continental coordination, collaboration and making global linkages – this to develop an African science system fit for purpose”.

About AICAD

AICAD Uganda Country office was established in 2000 located at Makerere University and headed by a Country Director. AICAD’s headquarters are located in Nairobi, Kenya.  This office is responsible for coordinating the institute’s programs and activities dealing with poverty reduction in Uganda through human capacity development by linking knowledge to application.  Initially, AICAD was funded through JICA but since 2012, the Institute’s programs are funded by the three governments of Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania.  AICAD’s primary aim is poverty alleviation, by facilitating the local people to solve their problems. To do this, AICAD works with public Universities and other institutions to filter and apply those aspects of research that are of practical significance to targeted users. These include public universities such as Makerere, Kyambogo, Mbarara, Gulu, Busitema, Kabale, Muni and KIU. As part of its human capacity development, AICAD’s network has played useful roles in supporting young institutions, individual researchers (through graduate student’s research) and communities.

Follow this story on https://www.nrf.ac.za/the-african-open-science-platform-appoints-three-regional-nodes/

Summary of Matters Arising from the Question and Answer Session

Concept of Open Science

Public Higher Education Institutions such as Makerere and agencies such as the National Agricultural Research Organisation are publicly funded by taxpayers. As such they have a duty to account for the funding they receive to carry out research by sharing their findings. Open Science creates a space where the sharing of these findings can happen beyond forums where scientists and researchers only talk to each other. These findings are availed in simplified formats that can be accessed by innovators and entrepreneurs who may not have the capacity to undertake expensive research, to create goods and services for the benefit of the country.

The AOSP will enable data generated in Uganda as well as the Eastern Africa to be freely shared with the public for their use as well as journalists for further dissemination. The founding of AICAD in 1993 implicitly complied with the principles of open science. AICAD was founded in 1993 principally to reduce poverty through scientific research and sharing this knowledge with the community. Joint sharing of knowledge at international level in line with open science is one of the factors that led to the rapid development of the COVID-19 vaccine as well as curbing outbreaks of diseases such as ebola, nodding disease.

Makerere has actively participated in some of these initiatives and will strive to work on making others such the Parish Development Model (PDM) work for Uganda’s poverty alleviation agenda through the PDM lab. Additional undertakings in line with open science have seen Makerere develop and disseminate new crop varieties to farmers to improve productivity.

Implementation of the AOSP

AICAD’s selection to host the Eastern Africa node was boosted by its proficiency in supporting a network of universities and institutions to reach communities with knowledge and technologies that are geared towards poverty reduction. AOSP will enable AICAD to scale up and improve these efforts. Makerere is making efforts to commercialise its innovations and where necessary, forging partnerships with various entities to undertake manufacturing, as is the case with Alfasan Uganda Limited for production of the anti-tick vaccine. Other initiatives include the partnership with UNDP Uganda to set up the Makerere Innovations Hub.

Funding

The NRF will initially fund the AOSP node for Eastern Africa. In order to ensure its future sustainability, the platform will have the capacity to raise funds from other sources .

Mak Editor

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NTU Global Summer School – A Unique UK Experience for Students

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NTU Global Summer School 2025

The Nottingham Trent University (NTU) Global Summer School will run from 7 July – 1 August 2025 in the heart of England.

Why join this summer?

A diverse range of credit-bearing courses
The Global Summer School offers a variety of exciting courses, from cybersecurity to creative industries, and space science to entrepreneurship – truly something for everyone! With two distinct blocks of courses, students can either dive deeper into their passions or broaden their horizons by exploring new subjects.

Explore Courses

A truly international experience
Students will join peers from many countries across the world, creating a vibrant and multicultural learning environment that enhances the global student experience.

An exciting cultural and social programme
Beyond the classroom NTU offers a full schedule of activities, including visits to iconic UK cities, sports and evening events ensuring that students make the most of their time in the UK.

A safe and welcoming destination
Nottingham is a city renowned for its safety, having earned the prestigious Purple Flag award for its excellent night-time safety and vibrant atmosphere, ensuring your students feel at home both on and off campus.

Application Deadline: 1 June 2025

Apply Today!

Limited places available – apply soon!

Don’t miss out! This is the perfect chance for students to develop new skills, make new friends and experience the best of British culture. NTU looks forward to welcoming students this summer!

Have questions? Contact NTU here! 

Mak Editor

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End of Semester Memo for Academic Year 2024/2025

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Africa, one of three On-Campus Halls of Residence for ladies, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda.

All Resident Students

1. Congratulatory Message

On behalf of Makerere University Management, I congratulate and thank you for the successful completion of Semester Two: 2024/2025.

2.End of the Second Semester

The second Semester holiday break will begin on 17th May, 2025 up to Saturday 9th August, 2025.

3. Resident Students

All resident students are expected to vacate the Halls of Residence by mid-day on Saturday, 17th May, 2025.

4. University Property

Please hand over all University property in your possession (such as: room keys, Sports & Games equipment, College property etc) before you leave the Hall of Residence.

5. Security of personal property

Please make sure that you carry with you all your property.

Dean of Students
Makerere University

Mark Wamai

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Inter-college Debate 2025 Seeks to Nurture Confident, Articulate, and Visionary Leaders

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Winners of the Inter-college debates Daphine Kemigisha and Jibiril Ssekandi (School of Law) pose for a photo with debaters and the GRCs of the Debate Union. Organised by the Makerere Debating Union – a student-led initiative, the Inter-college Debate Tournament was held on 11th and 12th April 2025 with a vision to leave no student behind by nurturing a community of confident, articulate, and visionary leaders who will drive positive change in society. Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

Organised by the Makerere Debating Union – a student-led initiative, the Inter-college Debate Tournament was held on 11th and 12th April 2025 with a vision to leave no student behind by nurturing a community of confident, articulate, and visionary leaders who will drive positive change in society. The tournament was held in three preliminary rounds, followed by semi-finals and a grand finale.

The first round covered democracy and youth participation in politics, while the second round covered inequality and wealth distribution, and the third, the ban on export of raw materials. The semi-final round debated apprenticeship for blue-collar jobs, while the grand finale debated national budget allocations for healthcare and education. In the spirit of inclusivity, all colleges, including the Jinja Campus participated in the tournament.

One of the preliminary rounds in session at Lumumba Hall. Organised by the Makerere Debating Union – a student-led initiative, the Inter-college Debate Tournament was held on 11th and 12th April 2025 with a vision to leave no student behind by nurturing a community of confident, articulate, and visionary leaders who will drive positive change in society. Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
One of the preliminary rounds in session at Lumumba Hall.

Commenting on the choice of topics, the organisers noted Makerere University as a bastion of academic excellence has a profound responsibility to cultivate the next generation of leaders who will shape the future of our nation. These leaders, they added, ought to be equipped with 21st century skills of self-expression, critical thinking, and problem-solving so as to navigate the complexities of an ever-evolving world.

On the whole, Makerere Inter-college Debates were conceived as a strategic initiative to foster a culture of intellectual curiosity, creativity, and innovation. The Debating Union aims to empower the future leaders by providing a platform for students to engage in respectful discourse, articulate their thoughts, as well as develop their critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

Daphine Kemigisha submitting at the debate grand finale. Organised by the Makerere Debating Union – a student-led initiative, the Inter-college Debate Tournament was held on 11th and 12th April 2025 with a vision to leave no student behind by nurturing a community of confident, articulate, and visionary leaders who will drive positive change in society. Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Daphine Kemigisha submitting at the debate grand finale.

Furthermore, the Debates serve as a platform for not only honing the intellectual prowess of students but also cultivating leadership skills, teamwork, and communication abilities that are essential for success in an increasingly complex and interconnected world. It is envisaged that this initiative will have a lasting impact on the lives of students, by exposing them to debates on topical issues that can shape the mindsets of transformative leaders our nation needs.

After a thrilling two days of debate, Daphine Kemigisha and Jibril Ssekandi from the School of Law (SoL) emerged as winners of the Makerere University Inter-college Debate Tournament 2025, while Olara Emmanuel George from the College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Biosecurity (CoVAB) was the Public Speech Champion, and Namujuzi Martha Mociita from the College of Business and Management Sciences (CoBAMS) was the Poetry Champion.

Debate Winners; Daphine Kemigisha (Right) and Jibril Sekandi (Left) from the School of Law (SoL). Organised by the Makerere Debating Union – a student-led initiative, the Inter-college Debate Tournament was held on 11th and 12th April 2025 with a vision to leave no student behind by nurturing a community of confident, articulate, and visionary leaders who will drive positive change in society. Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Debate Winners; Daphine Kemigisha (Right) and Jibril Sekandi (Left) from the School of Law (SoL).

The 2025 Tournament was organized by Mayanja Owen and Nkalubo Oprah – 91st Guild Representative Councils (GRCs) of the Debate Union, Akatwijuka Arthur – Chairperson Debate Union, and Debate Union Representatives from colleges. The Uganda National NGO Forum (UNNGOF) partnered with the Debate Union to deliver the 2025 edition.

Addressing students at the award ceremony, UNNGOF’s Mr. Derrick Baluuku encouraged the youth to step out of their comfort zones and think of solutions to inspire change in their communities.

Mak Editor

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