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Mak Set to Host 2nd Annual CUUL Conference

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Makerere University will be hosting the 2nd Annual Consortium of Uganda University Libraries (CUUL) Conference from 19th -20th October 2023.  The two-day event will be held in the Yusuf Lule Central Teaching Facility.  The first edition of the Conference was held at the Makerere University Business School (MUBS), Campus in Nakawa.

One of the strategic objectives of the consortium is to build the capacity of its members and the wider fraternity to appreciate the processes of scholarly communication, since libraries primarily provide gateways to the scholarly landscape. 

The conference theme for this year is “Information Practices and Emerging Technologies in Library and Information Science”.  It will include paper presentations, trainings and exhibitions from some of our information service providers.  Nine (9) exhibitors have confirmed attendance and these include companies like Clarivate, the proprietors of the ‘Web of Science’ and ‘Jove’, a video database that intends to revolutionize the teaching of science.  Jove database is a new addition to Makerere University subscriptions.  It was recommended by academic staff from four Colleges; College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES), College of Natural Sciences (CoNAS), College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Biosecurity (CoVAB) and College of Health Sciences (CHS).  The database provides visual demonstrations of scientific experiments and procedures. 

About CUUL

The Consortium of Uganda University libraries, (CUUL) was formed in early 2000 in the advent of automation.  With computerization of information services’ delivery, there was a need for University libraries to have access to the latest quality literature for scientific inquiry.  The Swedish International Development Agency (Sida) and its research arm, the Swedish Agency for Research Cooperation (SAREC), funded the initial access to electronic (e-resources) under the project dubbed ‘Information support for Higher education and Research in Uganda’.  The Swedish funding enabled subscription and access to electronic databases to support teaching, learning through negotiating access licenses with another agency, the International Network for Advancing Science and Policy (INASP).  The project was coordinated by Makerere University Library and resources were shared by other universities in Uganda. 

The consortium was formed to ensure that access remained sustainable in the event that the original donor/s pulled out or withdrew from the agreements at any one time.  This was based on the advice of Sida and INASP.  The objectives of the association included working together to achieve communal access to reliable sources of information, to cooperate in acquisitions and processing of information and to pool funds to collectively bargain with publishers and international database providers, a role that the International Network for Science and Policy (INASP) was performing when Sida/SAREC was the funder.  INASP initially trained librarians from the different institutions on negotiation skills.  This is a role that CUUL plays to-date. 

Each institution contributes a minimal membership fee and a uniform fund for e-resources subscription to the CUUL account.  Every year, member institutions sit and agree on common databases to subscribe to for the subsequent year.  Universities can still subscribe to individual databases based on disciplinary peculiarities.  The Association was registered and formally recognized by the National Council for Higher Education.

The Makerere University Librarian, Assoc. Prof. Ruth Nalumaga is the current Chair of the consortium for the period 2022-2024. The consortium has an executive and six functional committees. 

Mak Editor

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Call for Research Support Applications from Master’s Students who have Completed their First Year of Taught Classes at Makerere University

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Call for Research Support Applications from Master’s Students who have Completed their First Year of Taught Classes at Makerere University. Photo: Nano Banan 2

Makerere University, in partnership with Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Independent University of Bangladesh, Eduardo Mondlane University, and Pokhara University, with funding from Norwegian Programme for Capacity Development in Higher Education and Research for Development (NORHED), is implementing a project: ‘Co-creating Knowledge for Local Adaptation to Climate Change in LDCs (COLOCAL).

The expected outputs of the project include strengthened educational and research capacity, improved knowledge on inclusive Locally Led Adaptation (LLA) and Community Based Adaptation (CBA) including delivering skilled knowledge co-creators, and partnerships to support needs-driven, locally-based and contextually sensitive adaptation. The outputs are anticipated to influence policy, planning and practice around LLA and CBA through collaborative learning and knowledge translation.

In line with targets and activities for 2026/2027, COLOCAL project is offering research support for three (3) Master’s students who have completed their first academic year of taught classes at Makerere University and are interested in undertaking research under one of the following thematic areas. The students MUST have undertaken the course offered under the auspices of the project on Disability, Social Justice and Climate Resilient Development.

Requirements:

  • A first degree from a reputable university in a field related to the focus of the project
  • Ugandan citizen below 35 years
  • Good command of English (spoken and written)
  • Demonstrated interest in inclusive and climate resilient development
  • Evidence of practical experience in conducting relevant research during and after undergraduate level
  • Evidence of full payment of all university fees for the first academic year
  • The Masters programme being undertaken MUST have explicit content on climate change mitigation and adaptation
  • Special consideration will be given to students with disabilities, financial challenges, students from ethnic minority groups, internally displaced students, among others

Scholarship and study/research conditions

Availability to complete all research activities in a maximum of 10 months.

Scope of the scholarship

The project will specifically cover stipends and support for field activities only. Support with tuition fees, for the research year, will be provided for students who will complete and submit the research thesis for examination within 10 months from the date of receiving the scholarship offer letter.

How to apply

Interested and eligible candidates should submit the following documents: Application letter, research concept note of not more than 2 pages, academic transcripts/certificates, an updated CV (including contacts of at least two referees) and two recommendation letters.

Send applications via email to: colocal.caes@mak.ac.ug, not later than 20th May, 2026. This contact can as well be used for inquiries, where necessary.

Mak Editor

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Request For Consultancy Services: Training & Digital Solutions Expert

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Infectious Diseases Institute (IDI) Request For Consultancy Services: Training & Digital Solutions Expert. Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa

The Makerere University Infectious Diseases Institute (IDI) Limited implemented a Gates Foundation training program dubbed “Principle of Management Excellence for Research training” PRIMER in francophone countries, namely, Mali, Cameroon and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). This training was delivered by content experts and experienced practitioners, not professionally trained experts. As such, limiting the quality of slide decks, which were largely fragmented with text rather than graphical and infographic elements that suit a mature audience. To effectively deliver a research training program, advanced, engaging, and efficient tools are critical for fostering audience engagement and participation, and for learning and assessment in research management excellence. To achieve this, IDI seeks to hire an expert to:

  1. design and deliver a set of integrated advanced slide decks combining text, visual learning materials (graphical and infographics) and case scenarios
  2. develop a virtual bilingual community learning platform (VBCLP), i.e. with in-built French and English to engage alumni,
  3. develop and automate a pre-course assessment system that potential trainees fill out, and it automates results that are presented in statistical form for easy interpretation and decision making.

Details: https://shorturl.at/Rzn8d

Apply to: EAkankwasa@idi.co.ug

Deadline: 5 June 2026, 5 PM EAT

Mak Editor

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Makerere University Waste Management Boosted by Centenary Bank

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Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe (3rd L) shakes hands with Centenary Bank's Mr. Sunday Julius (C) as L-R: Mr. Simon Kizito, Prof. Sarah Ssali, Prof. Henry Alinaitwe, Mr. Paul Agaba and SSP Kaheebwa Geoffrey applaud on 11th May 2026. Donation of 30 waste bins by Centenary Bank’s Makerere Branch as part of ESG objectives, 11th May 2026, Freedom Square, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda.

Waste Management efforts at Makerere University have been boosted by a donation of 30 waste bins by Centenary Bank’s Makerere Branch. The bins received on Monday 11th May 2026 in the Freedom Square by the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe in the company of the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic Affairs), Prof. Sarah Ssali, Deputy University Secretary, Mr. Simon Kizito and other officials were handed over by the Branch Manager, Mr. Sunday Julius.

Appreciating the donation from Centenary Bank on behalf of University Management, Prof. Nawangwe noted that Makerere University strives to maintain “the cleanest environment in Kampala”, especially as a good example to future leaders, the students.

Donation of 30 waste bins by Centenary Bank’s Makerere Branch as part of ESG objectives, 11th May 2026, Freedom Square, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda.
Some of the 30 bins donated by Centenary Bank Makerere Branch.

Acknowledging earlier donations to the Halls of Residence by Centenary Bank, Prof. Nawangwe described the ceremony as “the beginning of a long journey of collaboration in environmental stewardship,” with separation of plastics from biodegradable waste earmarked as the next step in user education.

In his remarks, Mr. Sunday noted that the donation was in line with the Bank’s Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) objectives, particularly the Social component, where supporting institutions with waste management facilities to enhance hygiene is key. “It is important for Centenary Bank to give back to the society where it makes money”, he emphasized.

Officials pose for a group photo after the donation ceremony. Donation of 30 waste bins by Centenary Bank’s Makerere Branch as part of ESG objectives, 11th May 2026, Freedom Square, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda.
Officials pose for a group photo after the donation ceremony.

Describing Makerere University as the “main institution that Centenary Bank operates a branch”, Mr. Sunday recognised the donation as a step in the right direction with a valuable partner.

The newly-donated bins will be placed in various public locations under supervision of the Estates and Works Directorate.

Mark Wamai

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