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.
The Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe on 20th April 2026 inaugurated the Second Makerere University Health User Committee (Mak-HUC). The Committee was established by the Vice Chancellor in 2022 as part of his strategic mandate to strengthen and oversee the University Hospital services delivery.
Chaired by Dr. Allen Kabagenyi from the College of Business and Management Sciences (CoBAMS), Mak-HUC has as its members; Prof. Josaphat K. Byamugisha-Director Makerere University Health Services (MakHS) and Dr. Daniel Ronald Ruhweza-Department of Law and Jurisprudence, School of Law.
Other members include; Dr. Arthur Kwizera-Department of Anaesthesia and Critical Care, College of Health Sciences (CHS) and Makerere University Academic Staff Association (MUASA) Representative, Dr. Lillian Tukahirwa-Makerere University Administrative Staff Association (MASA) Representative, Mr. Godfrey Othieno- National Union of Educational Institutions (NUEI) Representative, and as Secretariat, Ms. Kevin M. Nabiryo-Directorate of Human Resources.
The 2nd Mak-HUC has been appointed for a period of four years effective 1st January 2026 with a mandate to: Guide, monitor and oversee delivery of health services by MakHS; Represent the interests and concerns of staff and students that use MakHS; Advise on alignment with sustainable health financing and insurance models; Strengthen systems for fraud prevention, digital transformation and access to specialized treatment, among other responsibilities.
The 1st Mak-HUC was chaired by Dr. Allen Kabagenyi and had as members; Prof. Josaphat Byamugisha, Dr. Fred Mayambala, Dr. Zahara Nampewo, Mr. Othieno Godfrey, Mr. Apunyo Paul Okiria and Ms. Ikiriza Racheal. Milestones during the first era included; Outpatient Department visits growth from 4,802 (2022) to 7,388 (Nov 2025) for staff and 14,641 (2022) to 19,069 (Nov 2025) for students.
Others milestones included; Commissioning of a fully equipped Operating Theatre, Establishment of a modern Imaging Hub, Development of a fully functional Audiology Unit, Expansion of the Temporal Bone Laboratory, Launch of the Olink Proteomics Platform and Enhancement of the Dental Unit with 32 dental chairs and experienced personnel.
Related article: https://news.mak.ac.ug/2025/12/three-years-of-impact-makerere-university-health-user-committee-presents-status-report/
By Gerald Ochwo
On Monday, 20th April 2026, the Academic Registrar, Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi and his Senior Management Team (SMT) convened to witness the official handover of office within the Senate Division. The ceremony, attended by representatives from the Directorate of Internal Audit, marked an important moment of transition and continuity in the University’s academic administration. The outgoing Deputy Academic Registrar in charge of the Senate Division, Mrs. Patience Mushengyezi, formally handed over office to Ms. Gladys Khamili, who assumes the role in an acting capacity.
In his remarks, Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi underscored the significance of the transition, situating it within a broader institutional context. He observed that the Department of the Academic Registrar has, over the years, experienced a steady wave of retirements, particularly among senior staff. He noted that this trend is expected to continue, with a considerable number of experienced personnel due to retire within the next two years.
While acknowledging the institutional gaps created by these departures, he reassured staff that the University is actively addressing the situation to ensure the continued efficiency of the Department.
“You will agree with me that the Department has, over the years, witnessed the retirement of many senior colleagues. Their departure leaves behind a significant institutional gap. However, the University is fully aware and will address it through targeted recruitment,” he stated.
In her detailed handover report, which she delivered verbatim, Mrs. Patience Mushengyezi reflected on her tenure with gratitude and a deep sense of fulfillment. She paid tribute to the Vice-Chancellor, in his capacity as Chairperson of the University Senate, for his steadfast guidance and support throughout her service. She also expressed sincere appreciation to the Academic Registrar, Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi, for his pragmatic and results-oriented leadership.
“I remain deeply grateful for the support from the Vice-Chancellor and all members of Senate for the trust they accorded me. I equally thank the Academic Registrar, Prof. Buyinza, for his results-oriented approach to administration. His support enabled us to achieve remarkable progress under the DARP (Digitalization of Academic Records and Processes) Project, including the successful digitalization of Senate minutes, some dating as far back as the 1990s, which are now easily retrievable,” she noted.
Her remarks painted a picture of dedication, progress, and institutional strengthening, leaving behind a legacy that will continue to benefit the University.
In her acceptance remarks, Ms. Gladys Khamili expressed heartfelt appreciation to the Academic Registrar for the confidence placed in her. She acknowledged the weight of responsibility that comes with the role and pledged her commitment to upholding the standards and gains established by her predecessor.
She paid glowing tribute to Mrs. Mushengyezi’s exceptional service, noting that her impact within the Senate Division is both profound and enduring.
“I am truly honored by the trust bestowed upon me. I am committed to building on the strong foundation laid by Mrs. Mushengyezi, whose remarkable contribution and dedication will continue to inspire us all,” she said.
The ceremony not only marked the end of a distinguished era in the Department of the Academic Registrar, but also the beginning of a new phase, underscored by continuity, renewal, and a shared commitment to excellence in academic administration at Makerere University.
Gerald Ochwo is the Liaison and Communication Officer, Office of the Academic Registrar
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