General
Hon. Dr. Musenero Urges Researchers to Link Research to the Economy
The Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation (MoSTI), Hon. Dr. Monica Musenero on Monday 02nd October 2023, opened the 2nd Annual NORHED Week in Uganda and challenged the researchers to link research to the economy. Her remarks were motivated by the fact that most of the research outputs and findings in Africa and Uganda are normally shelved, and in most cases fail to materialize into commercialization and industrialization. She noted that the value chain approach adopted by the National Science, Technology, and Innovation Agenda, necessitates that research produces industry-ready prototypes that feed into commercialization and subsequently industrialisation.
“Without promoting research to realize industrialisation and commercialisation, we shall not make good of the efforts in research and innovation. The question I now ask you all is, how do we turn prototypes into industrialisation and commercialisation? Research efforts in Uganda and the region, will only be beneficial to our economies and the people, the day we start focusing our research end goals into industrialization and commercialization.” Musenero said.
Hon. Musenero used the occasion to thank the Norwegian Government and the people of Norway, for their continued support of Higher Education institutions in Uganda. In her further appreciation, the Minister reminded the audience of the need for continued collaboration which the Norwegian people had demonstrated over the years.
“Once again, I really want to thank the people of the Royal Embassy of Norway – Kampala, for supplementing the works of the Government of Uganda in the research agenda, by providing huge amounts of money and support, that has enabled the progress being registered in our research fields. I am, therefore, confident that the future of research in Uganda will be a better one,” Minister Musenero remarked.
Norwegian Programme for Capacity Development in Higher Education and Research for Development (NORHED) together with the the Norwegian Embassy holds a conference yearly to create a platform for researchers who are under the funding of the NORHED II program, to meet and share experiences as well as discuss possible links and synergies across their different projects. This year’s objective was to; discuss the multidisciplinary nature of the research projects, with the aim of translating them into practices, services, and products that will socially, economically and politically empower the citizens of Uganda to lead better lives.
Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe in his opening remarks, informed the participants that through the staff development program at Makerere University, more than 300 PhDs had been trained through the funding of NORAD and NORHED Programs.
“Indeed, the greatest resource of any Country is the quality of its human Capital. Uganda and Makerere University have been lucky and proud to have a true friend for more than decades in the people of Norway. This friendship has resulted in the attainment of more than 300 PhDs at Makerere University,” Prof. Nawangwe remarked.
Prof. Nawangwe added that during the COVID-19 period, Makerere University was able to redefine its research agenda in line with its Strategic Plan 2020-2030 aimed at positioning the University as a research-led. The University is now in the final stages of rolling out Countrywide incubation centers which are being implemented with the support from the United Nations Development Programme-Uganda.
“We are now at the final stages of rolling out a Countrywide incubation center and this will help us get lasting solutions to the challenges and problems that affect our people including; poverty, climate change, food security and high unemployment of youth,” Prof. Nawangwe said.
In his welcome remarks, Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi, the NORHED Institutional Coordinator, who also doubles as the Academic Registrar, observed that Makerere University is participating in 19 of Uganda’s 21 NORHED II project programs in sectors like education, health, natural resource management, gender, food security, ICT, and more. Prof. Buyinza attributed this proportion to the generosity and the support of the people of Norway.
“We are driving the knowledge economy of Uganda and we have been in this cooperation since 1990s and this goes ahead to demonstrate the cordial relationship and generosity that the people of Uganda and Norway have had. The meeting will enable us to realize an amazing diversity of research ideas that will provide impact beyond just publication but further fostering of social, economic, and political impact. We therefore have an opportunity to meet, exchange ideas and experiences for one full week.” Prof. Buyinza remarked.
Addressing participants, the Head of NORHED Delegation Ms. Solbjørg Sjøveian said that NORHED is not only about strengthening Universities but the long-term effects that this capacity building had on societies. She added that Ugandan Institutions and researchers must be in the driving seat in the knowledge production that will solve the problems the world grapples with.
“Our core goal is that the NORHED programme is not only geared at strengthening research works but the impact of the research on the societal transformation. We therefore wish to reassure you all of our committement in the realization of this desire” she added.
Ms. Solbjørg Sjøveian paid tribute and thanked Makerere University for the central role it has played in Uganda and the region especially, in hosting the largest number of NORHED projects whose impacts are visible and have caused transformational change. The Minister Counsellor and the Deputy Head of the Norwegian Embassy in Kampala, Mr.Ole Reidar Bergum representiing the Norwegian Ambassador to Uganda, in his remarks re-echoed the statement of Ms. Solbjørg Sjøveian that the Norwegian programme for Capacity Development (NORHED), aims at strengthening the Capacity of the Universities to be more inclusive in research processes including, knowledge sharing.
This year’s NORHED Week focused on the relevance of research for society. Efforts to translate research into policies, practices, and services that tackle local challenges. A total of 60 projects were awarded globally under NORHED II funding, and it is set to run from 2021 to 2026. The collaboration is however not limited to Makerere University but also includes other Universities like Uganda Christian University, Kyambogo University, Gulu University, Uganda Martyrs University and Makerere University Business School.
The NORHED Week itinerary was prepared by a team led by Assoc. Prof. John Mango, featured Keynote presentations on the first day led by Prof. Rhoda Wanyeze – Dean, School of Public Health, on the Topic: How can research be oriented to be relevant to Society? And other keynote speakers including; Dr. Callist Tindimugaya, Commissioner, Water Resources, Planning and Regulations, Ministry of Water and Environment, Prof. John Muyonga – Mak CAES, Dr. Cosmas Mwikirize – MoSTI, Dr. Pamela Khanakwa, Dr. Isaac Mugume, among others.
In a vibrant celebration of youth leadership and African unity, Makerere University hosted the Second Annual Guild Leaders’ Summit, an event that brought together high-profile dignitaries, student leaders, and international partners for a powerful dialogue on the future of the continent. The summit, organized by the Guild Presidents Leadership Academy, served as a rallying point for East Africa’s young leaders to confront Africa’s most urgent challenges—on their own terms and with their own solutions.
A Warm Welcome and Reflections on Makerere’s Legacy
The Vice Chancellor, Professor Barnabas Nawangwe, welcomed the distinguished guests, who included Former President Uhuru Kenyatta of Kenya, Uganda’s Vice President H.E. Jessica Alupo, former Prime Minister Rt. Hon. Ruhakana Rugunda, Justice Simon Byabakama, Hon. Mathew Rukikaire, and European Union Deputy Ambassador Mr. Guillaume Chartrain, among others.
In his address, Prof. Nawangwe reflected on Makerere’s deep historical ties to East Africa’s liberation and development movements. He reminded the audience that Makerere University has been a crucible for the continent’s leadership, stating:
“Jomo Kenyatta was the first person to receive a degree from Makerere when, in 1963, he was awarded an honorary doctorate by then Chancellor Julius Nyerere. All freedom fighters in East Africa studied at Makerere.”
Building on this rich history, Prof. Nawangwe affirmed the university’s current mission to tackle pressing continental issues. “Today,” he said, “Makerere is committed to addressing Africa’s challenges—climate change, disease, poverty, food security, conflict resolution, and economic development. But we cannot do this alone.”
He echoed sentiments later shared by the keynote speaker, stressing that Africa must no longer depend on external interventions:
“Foreign agencies will not solve all Africa’s problems. It is our young people who must step forward and lead the change.”
Uhuru Kenyatta: “You Are the Last Line of Defence”
In a keynote address that resonated deeply with the students and delegates in attendance, Former President Uhuru Kenyatta issued a bold and urgent call to action for Africa’s youth.
“No one is coming to save us,” Kenyatta declared. “You are the last line of defence in the battle to rescue the heart and soul of Africa.”
Positioning today’s youth as the heirs of the continent’s freedom fighters, Kenyatta described the current moment as a new “independence era”—not of political liberation, but of economic and intellectual sovereignty. He urged students to think critically about intra-African trade, which currently accounts for less than 2.5% of global commerce, and to advocate for the removal of internal barriers to trade, innovation, and mobility.
“You are the freedom fighters of this generation,” he said. “Universities must be incubators of change, and students must be the trustees of tomorrow’s Africa.”
Pan-Africanism, Leadership, and Action
Uganda’s Vice President H.E. Jessica Alupo encouraged students to take up the mantle of Pan-Africanism with unwavering commitment. She acknowledged that while the rhetoric of African unity is inspiring, real progress demands more than words:
“You must embrace the spirit of Pan-Africanism. But it is easy to say these words—the challenge lies in collective implementation.”
She emphasized the importance of action-oriented leadership and urged the youth to harness their creativity, energy, and education for the benefit of the continent.
European Union’s Message: Leadership with Integrity
Representing Team Europe, the EU Deputy Ambassador to Uganda, Mr. Guillaume Chartrain, gave a passionate speech on the values of authentic leadership, integrity, and inclusive development. He praised Makerere University as a space where “intellectual ambition meets civic responsibility” and emphasized that leadership is not about prestige, but purpose:
“Be a leader because of what you want to be—not because of what you want to have,” he said.
Citing former Makerere alumni such as Julius Nyerere and Wangari Maathai, Chartrain called on students to model courage, resilience, and humility:
“True leadership emerges in moments of loss—when resilience, not triumph, becomes the measure of one’s character.”
The EU, he said, remains committed to supporting youth through programs like Erasmus+, the EU Youth Sounding Board, and partnerships with organizations like Faraja Africa Foundation and Restless Development. These initiatives empower youth not as symbols, but as active participants in shaping policy and governance.
The Legacy Continues
Throughout the summit, speakers highlighted the importance of legacy and long-term impact. They challenged young leaders to think not just about the present, but about the systems and institutions they will leave behind. In the words of Former President Kenyatta:
“Leadership is not about the next election. It’s about the next generation.”
The summit ended on a high note, with students invigorated and inspired to lead with purpose. As global support grows less predictable and Africa stands at a crossroads, the message from Makerere was clear: the future of the continent is in the hands of its youth. And as the Guild Leaders’ Summit demonstrated, they are ready.
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