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iCARTA Workshop Empowers 37 Makerere University Academics, Professionals & Administrators

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A total of 37 staff drawn from the various units at Makerere University have successfully completed the Training of Trainers (ToT) Academic, Professional and Administrative staff -APAS course, thanks to the Consortium for Advanced Research Training in Africa (CARTA).

In line with CARTA’s mainstreaming initiatives, the weeklong workshop from July 17–21, 2023, aimed to improve institutional responsiveness to graduate training and research and equip trainees to efficiently lead APAS workshops for their units.

The Consortium initially applied for and was awarded a NORHED II grant for the institutionalization of Advanced Research Training in Project Africa in order to institutionalize the gained experiences and best practices for sustainability.

APAS trainees, facilitators and Mak members of management in a group photo during the training. Makerere University School of Public Health, Plot 28 House 30, Upper Kololo Terrace, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
APAS trainees, facilitators and Mak members of management in a group photo during the training.

Dr. John Bosco Isunju, a Lecturer at MakSPH and CARTA Focal Person Makerere University remarked; β€œThe APAS workshop is one of these innovations to enhance the capacity of institutional functionaries to create an enabling environment for high quality research and graduate training.”

Dr. John Bosco Isunju, a Lecturer at MakSPH and CARTA Focal Person Makerere University presenting the CARTA theory of change. Makerere University School of Public Health, Plot 28 House 30, Upper Kololo Terrace, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Dr. John Bosco Isunju, a Lecturer at MakSPH and CARTA Focal Person Makerere University presenting the CARTA theory of change.

Professor Anne Kisaka Nangulu, an economic historian and the Principal of Bomet, a Moi University constituent college in Kenya, challenged iCARTA trainees to demonstrate good academic citizenship and integrity.

She also gave advice to the trainees on how to lead ethically: “Leading in a manner that respects the rights and dignity of others, knowing your core values, and having the courage to live them in all of your life as well as parts of it in service of the common good are important.”

Professor Anne Kisaka Nangulu, an economic historian and the Principal of Bomet, a Moi University constituent college in Kenya. Makerere University School of Public Health, Plot 28 House 30, Upper Kololo Terrace, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Professor Anne Kisaka Nangulu, an economic historian and the Principal of Bomet, a Moi University constituent college in Kenya.

Prof. Nangulu observed, “Whenever we have new graduates, I just feel wonderful. I not only feel nice but I sleep well. Β CARTA philosophy is to stop brain drain and demonstrate to the rest of the world our independence. Just remember there’s is no institution without people as you go about your day. Please make a tiny adjustment where you are. I believed that we all have great potential. Although I’ve never believed in teamwork, I do believe in group work. Let this APAS be a community that exists. Change using this platform.

Dr. Daphney Nozizwe Conco, a Senior Lecturer at University of the Witwatersrand School of Public Health and CARTA facilitator urged the ToT graduands to; “Use this platform for connecting and enhancing the CARTA vision. What pays us is the impact. You can’t quantify it. Most of the time, such a training is a stepping stone. Such moments are overwhelming. Being in Makerere University is a moment of pride as South African. Historical moments.”

Dr. Daphney Nozizwe Conco, a Senior Lecturer at University of the Witwatersrand School of Public Health and CARTA facilitator (Centre) mentors some of the APAS ToT trainees at Makerere University. Makerere University School of Public Health, Plot 28 House 30, Upper Kololo Terrace, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Dr. Daphney Nozizwe Conco, a Senior Lecturer at University of the Witwatersrand School of Public Health and CARTA facilitator (Centre) mentors some of the APAS ToT trainees at Makerere University.

Dr. Rhoda Wanyenze, Professor and Dean, MakSPH hailed CARTA for the opportunity to train the staff citing that Makerere University cannot improve graduate training when its support system improve including the administrators is not improved.

Professor Wanyenze urged the trainees as strong support system of the university to work with diligence and ensure the university stakeholders good experience and services from the university for improved relations.Β 

Dr. Rhoda Wanyenze, Professor and Dean, MakSPH (Left) interacts with Director of the Directorate of Research and Graduate Training and CARTA focal person at Makerere University, Prof. Edward Bbaale (Centre) and Mr. Herbert Bataamye, a College Registrar (Right).
Dr. Rhoda Wanyenze, Professor and Dean, MakSPH (Left) interacts with Director of the Directorate of Research and Graduate Training and CARTA focal person at Makerere University, Prof. Edward Bbaale (Centre) and Mr. Herbert Bataamye, a College Registrar (Right).

β€œHow can we provide quality support system to our students so that they can come to us again? We like to create alumni networks and we want them to engage with us, contribute the money. Are we sure they want to see us or look in our eyes? You are supporting your future collaborators when you are supporting your students. There has to be quality, quality is more of perception. What people feel about what we do is the quality that lasts in their minds. Forget about the standards, people will always remember how they are treated whenever they interact with us,” said.Β 

Professor Wanyenze thanked the organizers of the training under CARTA for supporting Makerere University towards realizing its ambitious target of becoming a β€œresearch-led” institution with a multi-faceted research agenda.

β€œWe are talking instutionalisation. CARTA was helping us to do what we were supposed to do. Β It is excellent because it talks about training people locally. CARTA is a great program for me in many ways. I hope we can institutionalise some of those good practices,” she noted.Β 

According to Professor Wanyenze, every time universities have policy shifts they tend to focus on professors but not both the professors and the support systems.

β€œThe biggest challenge that we have in our graduate training in most of the universities in Africa that I know; is support systems. We are not going to improve graduate training in Makerere University unless we improve support systems. Everybody that comes in contact with or interfaces with graduate students has a role to play in graduate training. In terms of ensuring training quality and an enjoyable time at university. How do you handle the students when they come to you as finance officers, what about the administrators, who delays submission of the dissertation books when they have been submitted? We need to put the systems right and start looking at a student as a human being. We have to interface with the students and engage them as human beings,” observed Prof. Wanyenze. Β 

Professor Edward Bbaale, Director of Research and Graduate Training at Makerere University, stressed the importance of providing students with excellent experiences during their time at the university. He highlighted that these students could become future leaders, and their experiences could have a significant impact, potentially holding consequences if mishandled.

β€œThe current Permanent Secretary Ministry of Finance/Secretary to the Treasury was my student in economics through his undergraduate degree. Still, when he came back for his master’s degree, I taught him and also supervised his research, but I didn’t know that this young man would at one time be the one making decisions on how much money comes to Makerere University,” said Prof. Bbaale.Β 

Professor Edward Bbaale, Director of Research and Graduate Training at Makerere University delivering his remarks while opening the training. Makerere University School of Public Health, Plot 28 House 30, Upper Kololo Terrace, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Professor Edward Bbaale, Director of Research and Graduate Training at Makerere University delivering his remarks while opening the training.

β€œI don’t know how I treated him as a student. Recently, the undersecretary in the ministry of finance, who is now a council member, was our PhD student in economics, and I don’t know how we treated him. Those two people combined, if they are to fail the university in terms of financing as a payback, can Both of them were our students in the same environment, but we really thank God that maybe they are working in our favor. One of them is a council member making critical decisions,” he added.Β 

Huzaifah Mutyaba, an administrator at MakSPH, committed to implementing the APAS program after receiving facilitator training. β€œI have met a lot of new friends. We are going to meet soon, and we shall be discussing how to support our other colleagues to support graduate training and research at Makerere University,” Mutyaba said.

Jackie Norah Nanteza, an iCARTA trainer, emphasizes that quality goes beyond standards; it’s about how the recipients of your services perceive them. β€œThis has been a very wonderful group to facilitate speaking sincerely. Continuously building on capacity and enthusiasm, you feel like there is power inside you. Get that energy and commit to doing better things.”

Jackie Norah Nanteza, an iCARTA trainer speaking during the training. Makerere University School of Public Health, Plot 28 House 30, Upper Kololo Terrace, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Jackie Norah Nanteza, an iCARTA trainer speaking during the training.

Alison Annet Kinengyere, a Library and Information Scientist at Sir Albert Cook Medical Library, commended the participants for their dedicated attendance throughout the five-day course. “I am impressed by the participants’ commitment. At Makerere University, for participants to be available for the five days is a great thing, and I congratulate all of you on your successful completion of this course.”

Twenty years ago, CARTA was formed to address a critical gap in research capacity in African public universities through a suite of interventions to enhance individuals’ and institutional capacities for high quality research at eight institutions.

Alison Annet Kinengyere, a Library and Information Scientist at Sir Albert Cook Medical Library and a iCARTA facilitator demonstrates to one of the participants during the training. Makerere University School of Public Health, Plot 28 House 30, Upper Kololo Terrace, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Alison Annet Kinengyere, a Library and Information Scientist at Sir Albert Cook Medical Library and a iCARTA facilitator demonstrates to one of the participants during the training.


The Consortium composed of African (Malawi, Uganda, Rwanda, Kenya, Tanzania, Nigeria, and South Africa) and non-African partner universities and institutions from Norway, Sweden, Switzerland, and the UK sought to produce high-quality early career researchers (ECRs) who will, in turn, become research leaders enhancing the engagement between the CARTA community (ERC’s, supervisors, graduates) and society to influence policy and programmatic change to improve long-term health outcomes.

Dr. Isunju observes that CARTA trains doctoral and post-doctoral students and other institutional functionaries that support research and graduate training. β€œSo far 22 PhD fellows have graduated and another five in the pipeline to graduate soon. We are very grateful for what CARTA has done.”

CARTA not only trains doctoral students but also provides support to various university staff members, including administrative, professional, and academic roles. APAS was initially targeted at administrative and academic staff. It was later expanded to include crucial professional roles like communications, procurement, and registrars, recognizing their pivotal role in advancing graduate education and research within our institutions.

The first APAS ToT which was held at Makerere University where CARTA trained three people from each of the main institutions in Uganda, Nigeria, Ghana, Wits, Malawi, Nairobi -Moi and University Rwanda. who have since become our local trainers. In Makerere University, Jackie Nanteza, Dr. Andrew Tamale and Dr. Alison Kinengyere benefited from the initial training.

Dr. Bukirwa Joyce Muwanguzi, a Lecturer of Library And Information Science at Makerere University's CoCIS and one of the APAS trainees presenting during the training. Makerere University School of Public Health, Plot 28 House 30, Upper Kololo Terrace, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Dr. Bukirwa Joyce Muwanguzi, a Lecturer of Library And Information Science at Makerere University‘s CoCIS and one of the APAS trainees presenting during the training.

According to Prof. Bbaale, Makerere University’s strategic plan 2020-2030 aims at transforming a university into a research led institution and that one of the building blocks for this realization is to increase graduate enrolment and knowledge production that responds to national, regional and global developments and challenges.

He highlighted that Makerere University is determined to have the share of graduate students at 30% by 2030 many of which must be international students. β€œThe School of Public Health and the entire College of Health Sciences has already gone over and above this target but definitely your performance is dampened by the rest of the units in the university taking us to around 12%,” Prof. Bbaale said.Β 

Dr. Nicholas Itaaga, a Senior Lecturer of Economics of Education and Head of Department, Foundations and Curriculum Studies, School of Education, College of Education and External Studies and a colleague (both trainees) in a role play during the workshop. Makerere University School of Public Health, Plot 28 House 30, Upper Kololo Terrace, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Dr. Nicholas Itaaga, a Senior Lecturer of Economics of Education and Head of Department, Foundations and Curriculum Studies, School of Education, College of Education and External Studies and a colleague (both trainees) in a role play during the workshop.

He added that; β€œWe want to internationalize as much as possible, out of the 30% target for graduate students, we want to have 10% international students but currently we are around 2%. The second building block of our strategic plan is establishing research entities that leverage largescale multidisciplinary and multi-institutional research activities. The third block is packing and marketing of research outputs for appropriate adoption to impact communities. Makerere University through UNDP has established an innovation hub in an effort to package the research outputs and innovations.”

Dr. Bbaale emphasizes DRGT’s commitment to graduate education and research. “Collaboration with various units continues to improve,” he says. The number of PhD students enrolled and graduating has steadily risen, and despite resource limitations, every department at Makerere can at present supervise doctoral students.

Martha Lyaka, a Library Assistant at Makerere University an APAS trainee presenting during workshop. Makerere University School of Public Health, Plot 28 House 30, Upper Kololo Terrace, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Martha Lyaka, a Library Assistant at Makerere University an APAS trainee presenting during workshop.


Prof. Bbaale is enthusiastic about participants becoming trainers since it is in line with Makerere University‘s ambition on being a research-led institution. The program boosts facilitators’ abilities, addressing PhD training capacity.

β€œIt is interesting to note that the ToT program seeks to enable trainees to effectively create a multiplier effect in their respective units. This model is quite unique. It will build a critical mass of trainers with a requisite capacity to manage doctoral studies in respective units. I would like to congratulate the MakSPH for taking lead in this front and for building synergies with DRGT as we strive to take graduate training and research at our university. I would like to appreciate the CARTA secretariat that combined effort with Makerere University that led to the grant that is enabling all these activities to take place. I would like to appreciate the vice chancellor for the able and visionary leadership that has identified,” he said.

Dr. Patience Tugume a Lecturer from the Department of Plant Sciences, Microbiology and Biotechnology at Makerere University and an APAS trainee speaks during the workshop. Makerere University School of Public Health, Plot 28 House 30, Upper Kololo Terrace, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Dr. Patience Tugume a Lecturer from the Department of Plant Sciences, Microbiology and Biotechnology at Makerere University and an APAS trainee speaks during the workshop.

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Office of the Academic Registrar Lauded for Groundbreaking Achievements In Digitalization

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Mr. Charles Ssentongo (5th Left), together with Office of the Academic Registrar staff members are joined by Dr. Dickson Kalungi (4th Right) and MUST Registrars for a group photo in front of the Senate Building on 25th March 2025.

By Gerald Ochwo

On 25th March 2025, a delegation of Registrars from Mbarara University of Science and Technology (MUST) undertook a benchmarking exercise at Makerere University, with a specific focus on the latter’s pioneering efforts in academic records digitalization. The delegation, led by Dr. Dickson Kalungi, Ag. Deputy Academic Registrar was received by Mr. Charles Ssentongo, Deputy Academic Registrar in charge of Admissions and Records Division, who represented the Academic Registrar (AR), Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi.

The visit was prompted by Makerere University‘s trailblazing achievements in digitalizing academic records, as exemplified by the Digitalization of Academic Records Project (DARP). This initiative has been instrumental in creating a centralized, digital one stop repository of all University’s academic records, thereby enhancing the efficiency, accuracy, and security of academic records management.

In his welcoming remarks, Mr. Ssentongo conveyed the Academic Registrar’s message and highlighted Makerere University‘s efforts to digitalize all its processes and records. He further noted that the university is intentional about creating a digital ecosystem that makes academic records retrieval easy and efficient.

β€œAs a university, we are now intentional with the digitalization of all our processes including, digitization of our manual records that date as way back as the inception of Makerere University. Currently, the DARP project as gone as far as creating a one stop center for both Academic document verification and certification, whereby our former graduates, will only need to access the online verification and certification portal and submit their documents without necessarily having to travel many physical distances to Makerere University” Mr. Ssentongo remarked.

Registrars from MAK and MUST pose for a group photo after the meeting. Left is article author Gerald Ochwo.
Registrars from MAK and MUST pose for a group photo after the meeting. Left is article author Gerald Ochwo.

In his appreciation remarks, the MUST head of delegation, Dr. Dickson Kalungi, thanked the Academic Registrar for honoring their request to come and learn from the best practices that exist at Makerere University and particularly commended the Department for the great steps and strides made in pioneering modern Academic records storage management systems.

β€œI want to sincerely thank the Office of the Academic Registrar for sparing time and organizing this meeting. As a University, we have embarked on a transformative change drive whereby we intend to automate all our registry processes including, the management of Academic Records. The DARP project at Makerere University, has been one project where we draw a number of lessons and we are eager to go and implement some of the best practices we have observed here today”

Conclusion

The benchmarking exercise undertaken by Mbarara University of Science and Technology demonstrates the significance of Makerere University and particularly, the Office of the Academic Registrar’s achievements in academic records digitalization. The DARP project serves as a model for other institutions to follow, highlighting the importance of investing in digital solutions to enhance the efficiency, accuracy, and security of academic records management. It further demonstrates the university’s commitment to sharing knowledge and best practices with other institutions. Makerere University‘s efforts in digitalizing academic records have set a high standard for other universities to emulate, and the DARP project is a shining example of innovation and excellence in academic records management.

Gerald Ochwo is the Liaison Officer, Office of the Academic Registrar

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Press Release: Launch of #MakRun2025

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Makerere University officially launches the 5th Edition of the Makerere University Marathon #MakRun2025, 27th March 2025, Main Hall, Main Building, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

27th March 2025

LAUNCH OF THE 5TH EDITION OF THE MAKERERE UNIVERSITY MARATHON (#MakRun2025)

Makerere University is pleased to announce the launch of the 5th edition of the Makerere
University Marathon, also known as #MakRun2025, under the theme β€œRun the Hills for the Future” which is scheduled to take place on 17th August 2025.

The MakRun2025 is targeting 10,000 participants drawn from the university community, corporate entities, sports enthusiasts, and the general public. Proceeds from this year’s marathon will go towards further equipping the Makerere University Disability Support Unit and strengthening the Makerere University Endowment Fund.

Speaking as the Guest of Honour, the Minister for Sports, Hon. Peter Ogwang, emphasized the unifying power of sports, stating that the β€œ#MakRun2025 is not only about physical endurance it is a uniting force that brings people together from all walks of life, driving us towards a common goal, advancing education and inclusivity for all.”

As part of the launch event, Makerere University officially handed over assistive equipment to the Disability Support Unit, procured from proceeds of the #MakRun2024. The equipment includes:

  • Focus Blue 40 Braille Display – 5th Generation for the Visually Impaired
  • Everest D5 Braille Embosser
  • DUXBURY Braille Transcription Software
  • And other essential assistive tools to support students living with disabilities.

The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, reaffirmed the importance of this annual event, stating that β€œThis event has become one of the most significant social and community engagement activities in our university calendar, bringing together students, staff, alumni, corporate partners, and members of the wider public for a good cause.”

In his remarks, the Ag. Chairperson of the Makerere University Endowment Fund, Mr. Barnabas Tumusingize, highlighted the growth of the initiative: β€œWhat started as a small university event has now evolved into a major attraction. To professionalize the event, we are incorporating race timing chips, cash prizes for winners, among other enhancements, with a vision of making it a regionally recognized major race by 2027.”

We call upon all members of the Makerere University community and the general public to participate and support this noble cause.

For media inquiries, please contact:

Tuhirirwe Karane
Communications Officer
Makerere University Endowment Fund
+256 414 660 416/+256 703 647496

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Call For Abstracts: Global Symposium on Insects for Food, Feed & Food Security in Africa

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Some of the speakers lined up for the Global Symposium on Insects for Food, Feed, and Food Security in Africa, 5th–6th June 2025, Onomo Hotel, Nakasero, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

Makerere University, in collaboration with Michigan State University, invites researchers, development actors, regulators, and practitioners to submit abstracts for the Global Symposium on Insects for Food, Feed, and Food Security in Africa.

The symposium will be held from 5th–6th June 2025 at Onomo Hotel in Kampala, under the theme: Advancing the role of insects in African farming systems for feed, food, and food security. The symposium aims to share knowledge and experiences in advancing the use of insects as a solution to Africa’s food, feed, and food security challenges. Contributions on the following sub-themes are welcome.

  1. Insects as animal feed for sustainable livestock production livelihoods
  2. Insects for human food and food security, including indigenous insect food systems
  3. Insects for improved soil health and crop production
  4. Commercialization of insect farming and products, including regulation and standardization

Important Dates:
Abstract Submission Deadline: 18th April 2025
Feedback to Participants: 2nd May 2025

Registration Fee:  Participants will be required to pay a fee of USD 45, which will cover meals and venue costs. Limited scholarship slots are available for students and farmers. Please note that participants are responsible for their transportation and accommodation.

Submission Guidelines: Abstracts should align with the symposium themes and must be submitted by the deadline. Further details on submission formats and requirements will be provided upon request.

For further information about the symposium and Abstract submission, please refer to the contact below.

Dr. Amulen Deborah Ruth (PhD)
Makerere University
College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Biosecurity
Department of Livestock Industrial Resources
P.O. Box 7062, Kampala
Phone: +256 782 315 636

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