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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 .

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Makerere Urges New Scholarship Beneficiaries to Prioritise Academics and Personal Safety

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Makerere University has urged female students admitted under the Makerere University Council Tuition and Functional Fees Waiver Scholarship for the 2026/27 academic year to take the opportunity seriously, focus on their academic performance, and stay alert about their personal safety.

The message was delivered during an orientation for the scholarship beneficiaries at the Senate Conference Hall, where officials from the Gender Mainstreaming Directorate welcomed the students and shared guidance on academic success, security, mentorship, and responsible social conduct.

The Chief Gender Mainstreaming Officer cautions students on safety and self-reliance

Dr. Euzobia Mugisha Baine, Chief Gender Mainstreaming Officer, congratulated the students on receiving the scholarship and urged them not to take it for granted.

She advised them to seek information from the relevant university offices instead of relying on assumptions or what fellow students tell them, and to keep records of official communication whenever they raise concerns or follow up on university matters.

Dr. Euzobia, Chief Gender Mainstreaming Officer, giving her remarks

Dr. Baine said students should take responsibility for their own security, warning them not to trust strangers easily and urging them to be careful about where they go and who they interact with.

She also reminded them that strong academic performance is required to keep the scholarship, and encouraged them to ask for help early whenever they face academic, social, or other challenges instead of waiting until the situation becomes harder to manage.

Students urged to aim for first-class results

The officers welcomed the students and encouraged them to put their studies first, urging them to aim for first-class academic results during their time at Makerere.

They advised them to use the academic support available to them, including help from course mates and any tutorials or mentoring offered within their colleges, and not to hesitate to seek assistance when they have concerns about their results or coursework.

The GMD team also spoke to scholars about personal safety, cautioning students against accepting help from strangers, including with luggage or transport, and referred to a recent incident in which a student’s belongings were stolen. She urged them to stay alert as they settled into university life.

Focus on academic foundations and safe social conduct

Other speakers, including Ms. Susan Mbabazi, who is the Principal Gender Officer, Ms. Abilat Lozirah, and Cynthia Ayaa Kamaketch emphasised the need to build a strong academic foundation from the start of the semester. They encouraged students to attend lectures regularly, read beyond classroom notes, use university resources such as internet access and the library, and develop steady study habits instead of waiting until exams are near.

A section of female students awarded the Makerere University Council Tuition and Functional Fees Waiver Scholarship for the 2026/27 academic year listening to Mr. Eric Tumwesigye, the Principal Gender Officer and Head of the Students Affairs Division during their orientation at the Senate Conference Hall.

They also warned students to be careful when meeting people they do not know well, advising them to hold academic discussions and social meetings in open, public spaces such as Freedom Square rather than in private rooms.

The students were also encouraged to seek mentorship from university staff and others who could guide them in their academic and career development, and to identify a mentor before leaving the orientation.

The orientation also pointed students to key university services and locations they should know, including the university health facilities, the Makerere Police Post, the Counselling and Guidance Centre, and places of worship on campus.

Speakers reminded the students that the scholarship gives them a chance to pursue their education at Makerere University, and that keeping it depends on their discipline, academic performance, and willingness to seek support when needed.

Allan Ainematsiko

My name is Ainematsiko Allan. I am a student of Makerere University and currently in my final year. I am pursuing a Bachelors in Journalism and Communication.

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AR Department Bids Farewell to Mr. Ssentongo and Ms. Akoli

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Mr. Charles Ssentongo (C) and Ms. Betty Akoli (3rd R) are joined by Staff and Family to cut cake at the farewell luncheon on 18th September 2026. Farewell Luncheon held by Department of Academic Registrar in honour of Mr. Charles Ssentongo, Deputy Academic Registrar – Undergraduate Admissions and Records and Ms. Betty Akoli, Assistant Academic Registrar presided over by Ag. Academic Registrar Ms. Prossie Nakayiki, 18th September 2026, Senate Conference Hal, Level 4, Senate Building, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

By Gerald Ochwo

On Friday 18th September 2026, the Department of the Academic Registrar, Makerere University, held a befitting farewell ceremony in honour of Mr. Charles Ssentongo and Ms. Betty Akoli, who have retired from University service upon attaining the mandatory retirement age of 60 years.

Mr. Ssentongo retires as Deputy Academic Registrar in charge of Undergraduate Admissions and Records, after 26 years of dedicated service to the University, a journey he began in 2000. Ms. Akoli retires as Assistant Academic Registrar.

Ms. Prossie Nakayiki (L) poses with Mr. Ssentongo (C) and Ms. Akoli (R) shortly after presenting them with their plaques. Farewell Luncheon held by Department of Academic Registrar in honour of Mr. Charles Ssentongo, Deputy Academic Registrar – Undergraduate Admissions and Records and Ms. Betty Akoli, Assistant Academic Registrar presided over by Ag. Academic Registrar Ms. Prossie Nakayiki, 18th September 2026, Senate Conference Hal, Level 4, Senate Building, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Ms. Prossie Nakayiki (L) poses with Mr. Ssentongo (C) and Ms. Akoli (R) shortly after presenting them with their plaques.

The farewell, held in the Senate Building Conference Hall, was presided over by Ms. Prossie Nakayiki, the Acting Academic Registrar, and was attended by members of the Senior Management Team and staff of the Academic Registrar’s Department.

In recognition of their distinguished and spotless service, the two retirees were awarded institutional plaques and assorted gifts from the Department and individual members of staff.

Mr. Ssentongo and Ms. Akoli receive gifts from staff of their former Units including Mr. Justus Karegyeya (2nd L) the Ag. Deputy Academic Registrar, Undergraduate Admissions and Records. Farewell Luncheon held by Department of Academic Registrar in honour of Mr. Charles Ssentongo, Deputy Academic Registrar – Undergraduate Admissions and Records and Ms. Betty Akoli, Assistant Academic Registrar presided over by Ag. Academic Registrar Ms. Prossie Nakayiki, 18th September 2026, Senate Conference Hal, Level 4, Senate Building, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Mr. Ssentongo and Ms. Akoli receive gifts from staff of their former Units including Mr. Justus Karegyeya (2nd L) the Ag. Deputy Academic Registrar, Undergraduate Admissions and Records.

Mr. Ssentongo and Ms. Akoli’s retirement follows that of other senior members of the Department, including Mrs. Patience Mushengyezi, who retired earlier this year.

The Department of the Academic Registrar remains deeply indebted to Mr. Ssentongo and Ms. Akoli for their highly committed, exemplary, and dedicated service to Makerere University. We wish them a happy, healthy, and fulfilling retirement.

Ms. Betty Akoli receives a gift from a former colleague. Farewell Luncheon held by Department of Academic Registrar in honour of Mr. Charles Ssentongo, Deputy Academic Registrar – Undergraduate Admissions and Records and Ms. Betty Akoli, Assistant Academic Registrar presided over by Ag. Academic Registrar Ms. Prossie Nakayiki, 18th September 2026, Senate Conference Hal, Level 4, Senate Building, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Ms. Betty Akoli receives a gift from a former colleague.

We celebrate you.

More photos from the event: https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjD5btz

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Prof. Sarah Ssali shares institutional best practices ahead of The Trust Summit

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Prof. Sarah Ssali, Panelist, Virtual Round Table on Restoring Trust in Academia and the Knowledge Economy, September 15, 2026. Graphic: X/@GTSummit2026

Prof. Sarah Ssali the First Deputy Vice Chancellor in charge of Academic Affairs (DVCAA) at Makerere University was one of the panelists that addressed the complex challenges facing African higher education during a Virtual Round Table on Restoring Trust in Academia and the Knowledge Economy held September 15, 2026. The event was organised by Strathmore University as part of the pre-summit events for The Trust Summit (TTS), due to be held in Nairobi, Kenya from October 21-23, 2026.

She was also welcomed in her capacity as the Director of the African Research Universities Alliance (ARUA) Centre of Excellence in Notions of Identity, a platform she used to deliver warm regards from the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe. Other panelists included; Dr. Vincent Ogutu-Vice Chancellor, Strathmore University and Prof. Gilbert Kokwaro-Director, Institute of Healthcare Management, Strathmore University Business School, while the Moderator was Dr. Maureen Syallow-Senior Lecturer, Strathmore University.

In her submission, Prof. Ssali emphasised the need to understand that universities are working in a turbulent times, and do not deserve to be at the receiving end of some of the challenges being ascribed to them. She added that challenges affecting society ought to be handled in partnership with other stakeholders and key players.

An example of this kind of criticism is on the question on the quality and integrity of degrees that has come up severally and is being fueled by the fact that not many graduates can find gainful employment after completing university.

“We have many more people living longer, getting educated, and chasing fewer jobs. For example, in the case of Uganda, we graduate around 40,000 students per year, but only 700 jobs are being created in the public sector per year” she noted.

Turning to the need to maintain standards and trust, Prof. Ssali outlined the rigorous systems already in place. These include holistic curriculum development involving stakeholders such as the National Council of Higher Education, Government Ministries, and the National Planning Authority.

Prof. Ssali also highlighted the importance of quality assurance, international benchmarking, and constant evaluations. She nevertheless conceded that despite having all these efforts in place, universities still face immense pressure from ranking systems and the need to prove their worth.

Reflecting on the historical debate regarding the role of an African university, she contrasted the school of thought advocating for global competitiveness with that emphasising practical relevance to local development challenges, concluding that taking the middle path; globally competitive and locally relevant, remains the viable option.

Addressing the issue of trust directly, Prof. Ssali noted that universities, just like the aviation and healthcare industries, are more concerned with what systems are in place to correct any errors should they arise.

She explained that just as one plane crash does not shut down the aviation industry, a single failure in a university does not warrant shutting it down. Instead, the focus should be on checking the black box, correcting errors, and improving standards to ensure the institution continues to serve its purpose.

Elvis Lubanga, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Elvis Lubanga

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