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The 19th RUFORUM AGM in Yaoundé calls for consolidated efforts towards transforming higher agricultural & tertiary education to contribute to sustainable development & food security in Africa

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The Regional Universities Forum for Capacity Building in Agriculture (RUFORUM), a consortium of 163 universities in 40 African countries held its 19th Annual General Meeting at the Palais De Congres in Yaoundé, Cameroon from 28th October to 2nd November 2023. The first of its kind in West and Central Africa, the RUFORUM AGM 2023 provided an opportunity for over 600 delegates from Africa and beyond including; Ministers, Development Partners, University leaders, students, private sector leaders; farmers and farmer representatives; emerging and early career researchers as well as other key stakeholders in agriculture and higher education to share experiences and chart a way forward for transforming higher agricultural and tertiary education to contribute to sustainable development in Africa under the theme: Transforming Higher Education to Sustainably Feed and Create Prosperity for Africa.

Officially opened by His Excellency Paul Biya, President of the Republic of Cameroon, represented by Professor Jacques Fame Ndongo, Cameroon’s Minister of State, Minister of Higher Education, the 19th RUFORUM Annual General Meeting  in Yaoundé  provided a platform for participants to deliberate on key strategies for transforming higher agricultural and tertiary education to contribute to national, continental and global development as well as building consensus among key stakeholders in agriculture and higher education on the actions required to strengthen the role and/or integration of universities in agricultural and national development processes in line with the aspirations of the African Union Agenda 2063 ‘The Africa We Want’.

Professor Jacques Fame Ndongo, Cameroon's Minister of State, Minister of Higher Education, viewing some of the posters that were presented by participants at the 19th RUFORUM Annual General Meeting in Yaoundé, Cameroon.
Professor Jacques Fame Ndongo, Cameroon’s Minister of State, Minister of Higher Education, viewing some of the posters that were presented by participants at the 19th RUFORUM Annual General Meeting in Yaoundé, Cameroon.

In a speech presented by Professor Jacques Fame Ndongo at the official opening ceremony, His Excellency Paul Biya, President of the Republic of Cameroon stressed RUFORUM’s significant efforts to support the African Union Agenda 2063 when he said, “RUFORUM’s vision 2030, makes the body a significant contributor to transformation of Africa and vehemently seeks to harness the discovery, engagements and learning of  vibrant transformative  universities to catalyze sustainable, inclusive  agricultural  development to feed and create  prosperity for Africa.”

According to him, it is worth indicating that agriculture in Africa should be understood in its broadest sense to include but not limited to animal and crop production, livestock, wild life, fisheries and forestry. Hence RUFORUM’s mission since its inception in 2004, of strengthening the capacities of universities to foster innovation responsive to demands of small holder farmers through the training of higher quality researchers, the output of impact-oriented research and maintenance of collaborative working relations among researchers, farmers, national agricultural research institutions, the Private sector and government is worthy prioritizing.

Professor Jacques Fame Ndongo, Cameroon's State Minister, Ministry of Higher Education, receiving the Contemporary painting on behalf His Excellency Paul Biya, President of the Republic of Cameroon.
Professor Jacques Fame Ndongo, Cameroon’s State Minister, Ministry of Higher Education, receiving the Contemporary painting on behalf His Excellency Paul Biya, President of the Republic of Cameroon.

He called upon participants to use the meeting forum to change the face and image of the African continent through constructive and fruitful deliberations on agricultural production, food safety research and better health food security. To him the RUFORUM AGM is a bigger opportunity to think and act, make proposals, formulate recommendations and necessary resolutions which if acted on can change the face of the African continent.

“This is the turning point for the African continent to think big and have the courage to dream big. This is our opportunity to make a difference in our world. This is the opportunity Africa needed to change the target of its demand of action.  We have to mutualize and federate our actions and voices in the interest of a united, strong and prosperous Africa,” he said.

The contemporary painting presented to His Excellence Paul Biya, President of the United Republic of Cameroon by RUFORUM in recognition of his outstanding, selfless and patriotic services s to the people of Cameroon and Africa at large. 19th RUFORUM Annual General Meeting, 28th October to 2nd November 2023, Yaoundé, Cameroon.
The contemporary painting presented to His Excellence Paul Biya, President of the United Republic of Cameroon by RUFORUM in recognition of his outstanding, selfless and patriotic services s to the people of Cameroon and Africa at large.

The 19th RUFORUM Annual General Meeting carried a unique vibrant turn as being the first to be held in West and Central Africa. The weeklong event broke the record as the most and well attended ever with over 600 participants across the region as well as international delegates. The colorful event was embroiled  with informative, constructive, edutainment activities in form of pre-AGM events, side events, Business Meetings, capacity building and mentoring sessions, scientific conferences, poster sessions and exhibitions well aligned to key thematic areas as well as the AGM theme: Transforming Higher Education to Sustainably Feed and Create Prosperity for Africa.

Additionally, high-level policy dialogues with Ministers, Senior Government Leaders and Development Partners were held to review the finance and other resource mobilization strategies as well as following up on the actualization of the available national, regional and global policies geared towards higher education transformation and ensuring of food security in Africa. 

Speaking at the Opening Ceremony, Prof. Theresia Nkuo-Akenji, the RUFORUM Board Chair and Vice Chancellor University of Bamenda thanked His Excellence Paul Biya and the Government of Cameroon for accepting to host the 19th RUFORUM Annual General Meeting and equally appreciated the financial support towards the same cause.

Prof. Theresia Nkuo-Akenji, the RUFORUM Board Chair and Vice Chancellor University of Bamenda. 19th RUFORUM Annual General Meeting, 28th October to 2nd November 2023, Yaoundé, Cameroon.
Prof. Theresia Nkuo-Akenji, the RUFORUM Board Chair and Vice Chancellor University of Bamenda.

In a special way, Prof. Theresia Nkuo-Akenji thanked the Ministry of State for Higher education and all the sister ministries of Government of Cameroon that worked hard to see to it that  the 19th RUFORUM AGM is a success. Equally, the Board Chair, extended her sincere gratitude to the people of Cameroon for the warm reception and support.

 “My special tribute goes to the members of AGM 2023 Sub committees. You have indeed done a great job throughout the ten months of organizing this significant event. On behalf of RUFORUM Network, I thank you. To the RUFORUM Secretariat under the dynamic leadership of Prof. Patrick Okwori, accept our immense gratitude for your strong determination and dedication,” she gratefully said.

An exhibitor showcasing her work at the 19th RUFORUM Annual General Meeting in Yaoundé, Cameroon.
An exhibitor showcasing her work at the 19th RUFORUM Annual General Meeting in Yaoundé, Cameroon.

She recognized the tremendous achievements and developments aligned to RUFORUM’s nineteen years (19) of existence noting that the strong network has wisely selected its priority areas of focus to transform higher education and agricultural sector in Africa as;

  1. Reform the training agenda for Africa to meet the development needs
  2. Entrepreneurship and business incubation  for wealth creation
  3. Research for Development and wealth creation
  4. Partnerships for scale and impact

“As African people, permit me to use the adage of a broom; it is easy to break a single broom piece but when you combine several small brooms together they then make a broom stack that will not be easy to break. The collective power that RUFORUM has put together through 163 universities from across 40 countries bears such strength. The Vice Chancellors gathered here today remain committed to the core values and foundations of the network. To illustrate this Your Excellency, each of the Vice Chancellors meet their own costs of participation.” She happy said. 

Some of the exhibition stalls at the 19th RUFORUM Annual General Meeting in Yaoundé, Cameroon.
Some of the exhibition stalls at the 19th RUFORUM Annual General Meeting in Yaoundé, Cameroon.

In the same spirit the RUFORUM Executive Secretary Prof. Patrick Okori deeply thanked the host Universities that is, University of Bamenda, University of Ngaoundere, University of Dschang, University of Buea and University of Maroua under the strong and able leadership of the RUFORUM Board Chair, Prof. Theresia Nkuo-Akenji for successfully hosting the 19th RUFORUM Annual General Meeting.

He also recognized the Former Vice Chancellor of University of Ngaoundere Prof. Florence Uphie Chinje Melo who heavily supported the AGM preparations. He was astonished with the presence of the Africa Development Bank, MasterCard Foundation, research international communities, RUFORUM for Agricultural Research in Africa, the Africa Forum for Agricultural Advisory Services, sub regional Agricultural organizations such as the Association for Strengthening Agricultural Research in Eastern and Central Africa (ASARECA), the Centre for Coordination of Agricultural Research and Development for Southern Africa (CCARDESA)  and the West and Central African Council for Agricultural Research and Development (CORAF).

“You have all provided support for this engagement, thank you very much. Together we will continue this journey of transforming Africa’s Agricultural and higher education to produce human resources and development solutions that Africa and indeed the world needs,” he said.

The RUFORUM Executive Secretary Prof. Patrick Okori. 19th RUFORUM Annual General Meeting, 28th October to 2nd November 2023, Yaoundé, Cameroon.
The RUFORUM Executive Secretary Prof. Patrick Okori.

Reflecting on the AGM’s theme, Prof. Okori emphasized the need for Africa to become food secure when he said, “Africa must be an equal opportunity creator for the young generation, it must create wealth for its people and provide opportunities for the present and future and these are well summarized in agenda 2063. It is our collective duty therefore to turn these opportunities and actions into investment.”

According to him, the RUFORUM Network remains strong in building capacity and providing the necessary development solutions and opportunities. He noted that Africa generates about 10-12 million job entrants annually but the continent’s economy in its current configuration can only produce 3 million jobs. To him, for Africa to therefore reap from its demographic dividends, there is need to strengthen the paths to demographic transition of keeping young girls in school.

Prof. Okori also mentioned that RUFORUM is currently intensifying its inclusion and diversity targets. From 45%, the network has an ambitious target of at least 70%. “We must slow the rate at which girls give birth when young. It is the only way we are going to benefit from our population dividend,” he said.

Some of the dignitaries at the 19th RUFORUM Annual General Meeting in Yaoundé, Cameroon.
Some of the dignitaries at the 19th RUFORUM Annual General Meeting in Yaoundé, Cameroon.

According to him, the higher degree needs for Africa is pretty dire. The World Bank recommends 10,000 PhDs to Africa.  This can be compared to India whose signal population of 1. 4 billion registers 24000 PhDs a year. The pressure therefore on Africa’s side to intensify graduate training is real.

“Our graduate training in sciences therefore is one of the drivers to achieve this and it is the immense reason as to why in this meeting we have social and development partners. We are launching a journey with the Africa Development Bank that will bring us together as apex organizations in Africa to work together and solve our own challenges. However, as we do all these, we need to celebrate Africa. We should be recognizing and celebrating people who made what Africa is today,” he said.

Africa is informed by a number of important mutually interacting factors that collectively, are affecting the growth and progress of the continent. The economic outlook of the African continent in 2023 by the African Development Bank and other global apex development financial institutions was positive. However, Africa’s economic growth has since then decelerated, and is now projected to be lower than the previously projected rate of 4.1%.

Colorful moment when flags of RUFORUM member states were displayed at 19th RUFORUM Annual General Meeting in Yaoundé, Cameroon.
Colorful moment when flags of RUFORUM member states were displayed at 19th RUFORUM Annual General Meeting in Yaoundé, Cameroon.

Agriculture a key sector, continues to be affected by both natural and human induced factors. It continues to face serious threats from climate. Studies by the United Nation’s Convention to Combat Desertification show that Africa accounts for 44% of severe droughts recorded globally in the last 50 years, causing economic losses of more than USD 70 billion. In 2022, an estimated loss of US$ 8.5 billion in economic damages was experienced due to climate change. Clearly, climate change and weather variability, remains one of the grand challenges of the 21st century for Africa and the World, because it affects key livelihood and strategic areas of emerging economies.

Unemployment facing Africa’s dominant demographic-the youth, raises questions about education, skilling and jobs creation while inclusion and diversity, the underpinning for an equal society, remains challenging. The question then to academia, researchers, development practitioners and policymakers is, “what step must we take right now to address the challenges to our current and future generations?”

“Our resounding response as RUFORUM is in line with what Malcolm X said many years ago, “Education and research for development are the passports to the future, for tomorrow belongs to those who prepare for it today,” said Prof. Partick Okori.

According to the Deputy Minister for Education in Malawi, Her Excellence Mdooko Nancy Chawola who represented the visiting ministers of RUFORUM partner countries, African countries should put in place vibrant resource mobilization mechanisms to collectively finance Africa’s education and support governments that are battling with competitive budgetary demands.

“For the universities to offer solutions for the challenges the continent is facing, there is need to rebuild the curriculum that responds to our current needs and not what we needed yesterday. Our respective countries are grappling with higher levels of unemployment, can investors assist by producing graduates with entrepreneurial skills so that they are able to employ themselves and others. Of course there will be need to put in place support mechanism for such graduates to take over,” she said.

Participants at the 19th RUFORUM Annual General Meeting in Yaoundé, Cameroon.
Participants at the 19th RUFORUM Annual General Meeting in Yaoundé, Cameroon.

She equally acknowledged the national regulatory frameworks such as the Malawi Regulation Framework 2063 developed inline with the African Union  Agenda 2063 the Africa we want, in which  the continent aspires to be prosperous by 2063 through various means such as modernizing agricultural for increased production and  productivity there by making people food secure.

She applauded RUFORUM’s efforts towards zero hunger in Africa through its vision 2030. According to Mdooko Nancy Chawola, food security is supposed be prerogative as well highlighted in the Sustainable Development Goal 2 (SDG 2) that is geared towards ending hunger, attaining food security, improving nutrition and promoting sustainable development.

In Cameroon, Agriculture and Education have been prioritized as drivers for economic growth and transformation. Through an agricultural flagship program initiated by His Excellence Paul Biya, science programmes and financial services as well as favorable ways of accessing market have been introduced in the country with the aim of transforming agricultural sector into a value added industrialized and integrated system engine of economic growth.

According to Prof. Ngomo Horace Manga- Vice Chancellor, University Buea, the government of Cameroon has resolved to grant its people with education that can help them manage their personal, national and Africa’s present and future economic destiny. In 2022, His excellence Paul Biya endorsed the recruitment process of 2000 lecturers in universities to ensure the quality of higher education in Cameroon.

Prof. Ngomo Horace Manga - Vice Chancellor, University Buea. 19th RUFORUM Annual General Meeting, 28th October to 2nd November 2023, Yaoundé, Cameroon.
Prof. Ngomo Horace Manga – Vice Chancellor, University Buea.

“Collectively these education reforms and investment actions affordably can transform the people of Cameroon into a strong emerging market. Cameroon carries the highest science female adoptive rate in sub-Saharan Africa at 73%. This is a strong result of government delivery of United Nations SDG 5 of achieving education and build human capital for the country,” he noted.

The Opening Ceremony for the 19th RUFORUM Annual General Meeting unlocked the floor for critical discussions and meetings throughout the week. At the same function, RUFORUM presented a contemporary painting to His Excellence Paul Biya, President of the United Republic of Cameroon in recognition of his outstanding, selfless and patriotic services s to the people of Cameroon and Africa at large.   

On 25th October 2023, the RUFORUM Network equally participated in the Cameroon Higher Education Day, the first of its kind in the country.

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Makerere’s Research Billions Offer MUST a Blueprint for Managing Grants

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Makerere Vice Chancellor Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe (right) with MUST Vice Chancellor Prof. Pauline Byakika-Kibwika (left) with the members during a benchmarking visit.

When a delegation from Mbarara University of Science and Technology (MUST) visited Makerere University on 23rd July 2026, one of the biggest discussions was how universities can effectively manage research grants.

The MUST delegation, led by Vice Chancellor Prof. Pauline Byakika Kibwika, visited Makerere to learn from the University’s experience in managing externally funded research projects. During the meeting, Makerere Vice Chancellor Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe revealed that while MUST managed research grants worth about UGX 13 billion in the last financial year, Makerere’s research portfolio now stands at approximately USD 250 million.

The discussion focused on the systems, policies and accountability measures that have enabled Makerere to manage one of the largest research portfolios in Africa.

Research Funding Built on Trust.

Prof. Nawangwe explained that Makerere’s research funding comes from different colleges and research units.

He noted that the Infectious Diseases Institute (IDI) alone attracts about USD 70 million annually, while the School of Public Health receives approximately USD 30 million each year. Together, the two units account for nearly USD 100 million in research funding.

He said these grants are made possible because development partners trust the University to manage public resources responsibly.

Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe.

“We must ensure proper accountability so that we don’t lose the trust of our donors and continue benefiting from their support,” Prof. Nawangwe said.

How Makerere Manages Research Grants.

Acting University Secretary Mr. Simon Kizito took the MUST delegation through the key requirements that every grant funded project must meet under Makerere’s Grants Administration and Management Support Unit (GAMSU).

He explained that every research project must first be included in the University’s approved budget in line with the Public Finance Management Act before any funds can be spent.

He also emphasized that procurement under research grants must comply with the Public Procurement and Disposal of Public Assets (PPDA) Act, regardless of the donor’s procurement guidelines.

Mr. Solomon Kizito.

“The Auditor General will pounce on you” if procurement procedures are not followed, he cautioned.

Mr. Kizito further explained that all assets purchased using grant funds, including vehicles and equipment, must be recorded in the University’s central assets register unless the funding agreement states otherwise.

He added that separate project bank accounts can only be opened with approval from the Accountant General, while all projects must submit both financial and narrative reports to funders and government and undergo regular audits.

University Bursar Mr. Evarist Bainomugisha noted that although grant funds do not appear directly in the University’s main financial statements, they are fully disclosed in the notes to the accounts and are audited annually before reports are submitted to Parliament.

Lessons from the Research and Innovation Fund.

The delegation also learnt about the Makerere Research and Innovations Fund (Mak-RIF).

Representing the Fund, Dr. Roy William Mayega said Mak-RIF has invested about UGX 172 billion in research and innovation over the last seven financial years.

He explained that 70 percent of the funding supports competitive research grants, 10 percent is reserved for projects addressing national priorities, while the remaining funds support monitoring, evaluation and dissemination of research findings.

According to Dr. Mayega, the Fund has so far supported 1,480 research and innovation projects, with 53% completed and 47% still ongoing.

Looking Beyond Research Grants.

Director of Research, Innovation and Partnerships Prof. Robert Wamala encouraged the visiting delegation to look beyond simply winning research grants.

He emphasized the importance of investing in strong internal systems, using artificial intelligence to improve efficiency, and ensuring that research leads to publications, patents, commercialization and partnerships with industry.

He noted that universities should not only focus on attracting grants but also on translating research into solutions that benefit society.

Learning from Makerere’s experience.

Prof. Pauline Byakika Kibwika said MUST recently established a Research Institute to coordinate research activities and grant management under one structure. She explained that the University wanted to learn from Makerere’s experience as its own research portfolio continues to grow.

Prof. Pauline Byakika Kibwika.

“We have come to learn from your achievements as well as the challenges, so that we can do things better,” she said.

She added that the visit marks the beginning of closer collaboration between the two institutions, with a follow up technical engagement planned to allow the MUST team to learn more about Makerere’s grant management systems, including the GAMSU online platform.

Allan Ainematsiko

I'm Allan Ainematsiko, a fourth year student pursuing Bachelors of Journalism and Communication at Makerere University.

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Makerere, Southwest Minzu University and NARO Forge Strategic Partnership to Advance Livestock Research and Innovation

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Prof. Sarah Ssali gifting the Vice President, Southwest Minzu University. DVCAA Professor Sarah Ssali receives delegation from Southwest Minzu University, China, led by the Vice President, Professor Yang Sheng-Tao, for a high-level meeting focused on academic collaboration and joint capacity development in animal husbandry and veterinary medicine, 23rd July 2026, Main Building, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

Makerere University has taken a significant step towards strengthening international research collaboration following a high-level meeting with a delegation from Southwest Minzu University, China, to advance a strategic partnership in animal husbandry, veterinary sciences and agricultural innovation.

Held on 23rd July 2026, the meeting brought together representatives from Makerere University, College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Biosecurity (CoVAB), the Advancement Office, Southwest Minzu University and the National Agricultural Research Organisation (NARO) to discuss a long-term collaboration aimed at enhancing livestock productivity, promoting scientific research and building institutional capacity.

The proposed partnership builds on an earlier study visit by NARO to Southwest Minzu University, where discussions identified opportunities to introduce high-quality goat breeds with superior genetic traits for crossbreeding with indigenous Ugandan breeds. The initiative positions Uganda as the first country in Africa to benefit from the introduction of these specialised breeds, with the goal of improving livestock productivity and supporting farmers’ livelihoods.

Prof. Sarah Ssali addressing the delegates during the meeting. DVCAA Professor Sarah Ssali receives delegation from Southwest Minzu University, China, led by the Vice President, Professor Yang Sheng-Tao, for a high-level meeting focused on academic collaboration and joint capacity development in animal husbandry and veterinary medicine, 23rd July 2026, Main Building, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Prof. Sarah Ssali addressing the delegates during the meeting. 

While livestock improvement forms the foundation of the collaboration, partners agreed that the five-year initiative will extend far beyond animal husbandry. The partnership is expected to foster joint research in agro-technology, biotechnology, artificial intelligence, microbiology and laboratory sciences, creating new opportunities for scientific innovation and knowledge exchange. The project will be anchored at NARO’s Kawanda research facilities before expanding to twelve research institutions across Uganda, with Makerere University providing academic leadership, scientific expertise and research support.

Welcoming the delegation, the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic Affairs), Prof. Sarah Ssali, reaffirmed Makerere University‘s commitment to international collaboration as a driver of research excellence, innovation and capacity development. She noted that the University, through the advancement office, continues to leverage its extensive global partnerships to facilitate knowledge exchange while addressing national development priorities through research.

Prof. Ssali further observed that introducing improved goat breeds presents an opportunity to transform Uganda’s livestock sector by enabling farmers to move beyond subsistence production towards more commercially viable animal husbandry systems. She emphasized that the success of the partnership will depend on effective coordination, well-defined institutional frameworks and sustained communication among all partners.

Speaking on behalf of Southwest Minzu University, the visiting delegation expressed appreciation for Makerere University‘s hospitality and reaffirmed their commitment to establishing a lasting institutional partnership with both Makerere University and NARO. Beyond collaborative research, the delegation highlighted opportunities for staff exchanges, joint scientific projects and postgraduate training, including scholarships for Makerere students pursuing Master’s and PhD programmes. They also extended an invitation to Makerere University‘s leadership to undertake a reciprocal visit to Southwest Minzu University in China.

The Vice President of Southwest Minzu University addressing the meeting. DVCAA Professor Sarah Ssali receives delegation from Southwest Minzu University, China, led by the Vice President, Professor Yang Sheng-Tao, for a high-level meeting focused on academic collaboration and joint capacity development in animal husbandry and veterinary medicine, 23rd July 2026, Main Building, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
The Vice President of Southwest Minzu University addressing the meeting.

Discussions also focused on operationalizing the partnership for the benefit of International education through staff and student exchange. Makerere University‘s International Office committed to developing an implementation framework linking Makerere University and Southwest Minzu University, while ensuring that staff and postgraduate students benefit from scholarship opportunities, research collaborations and international mobility programmes. The Office will also coordinate the development of exchange guidelines and work with the Academic Registrar on postgraduate scholarship applications.

The meeting concluded with a shared commitment to building a sustainable partnership that combines international expertise with Uganda’s research priorities. By bringing together Makerere University‘s academic excellence, Southwest Minzu University’s specialized expertise and NARO’s national agricultural research infrastructure, the collaboration is expected to strengthen livestock research, advance scientific innovation and contribute to Uganda’s agricultural transformation.

Expected Outcomes of the Partnership

The proposed collaboration between Makerere University, Southwest Minzu University and the National Agricultural Research Organisation (NARO) is expected to create a strong platform for advancing research, innovation and capacity development in Uganda’s agricultural sector. By combining the complementary strengths of the three institutions, the partnership seeks to promote multidisciplinary research in animal husbandry, biotechnology, agro-technology, artificial intelligence and microbiology, while supporting the development of innovative solutions to address challenges in livestock production and animal health.

A photo of the meeting in session. DVCAA Professor Sarah Ssali receives delegation from Southwest Minzu University, China, led by the Vice President, Professor Yang Sheng-Tao, for a high-level meeting focused on academic collaboration and joint capacity development in animal husbandry and veterinary medicine, 23rd July 2026, Main Building, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
A photo of the meeting in session. 

A key anticipated outcome is enhanced academic and research capacity through joint research initiatives, staff exchanges and postgraduate training opportunities. The partnership is expected to provide Makerere University students with access to Master’s and PhD scholarships at Southwest Minzu University, while enabling researchers and academic staff to participate in collaborative research, scientific exchange programmes and international knowledge-sharing initiatives. These engagements are expected to strengthen institutional research capacity and foster the development of highly skilled professionals in veterinary and agricultural sciences.

The collaboration is also expected to strengthen the link between research and practice. With NARO serving as the implementation anchor for field-based activities and Makerere providing academic and scientific leadership, the partnership aims to facilitate the translation of research into practical innovations that improve livestock productivity, enhance food security and contribute to sustainable agricultural development in Uganda.

At the institutional level, the partnership is expected to expand Makerere University‘s international research networks, attract collaborative research opportunities and reinforce its position as a leading research-intensive university. By fostering long-term collaboration across academia, research institutions and international partners, the initiative has the potential to contribute to Uganda’s agricultural transformation while advancing knowledge generation, technology transfer and evidence-based innovation.

Caroline Kainomugisha is the Communications Officer, Advancement Office.

Caroline Kainomugisha
Caroline Kainomugisha

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MUST Benchmarks Makerere’s Grants Management System

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Seated L-R: Prof. Sylvia Nannyonga-Tamusuza, Mr. Simon Kizito, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, Prof. Pauline Byakika-Kibwika, Prof. Joseph Ngonzi, Prof. Robert Bitariho, and Ms. Robinah Nakakeeto with Makerere Management and the rest of the MUST delegation (Standing) on 23rd July 2026. Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe and Members of Management host delegation from Mbarara University of Science and Technology (MUST) led by the Vice Chancellor Prof. Pauline Byakika-Kibwika to benchmark the Grants Management System, 23rd July 2026, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

The Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe and Members of Management on 23rd July 2026 hosted a delegation from Mbarara University of Science and Technology (MUST) led by the Vice Chancellor Prof. Pauline Byakika-Kibwika. The visit follows the formation of the Grants Office under the newly opened MUST Research Institute. This delegation was therefore keen to benchmark Makerere University’s Grants Administration and Management Support Unit (GAMSU)’s experience as the office responsible for managing all MUST’s research and innovation funding takes shape.

Welcoming the delegation, most of whom are alumni of Makerere University, the Vice Chancellor Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe commended MUST on strides made in human capacity development throughout the 37 years of existence, particularly in the health sciences.

Prof. Pauline Byakika-Kibwika signs the Visitors' Book during her courtesy call on Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe in his office. Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe and Members of Management host delegation from Mbarara University of Science and Technology (MUST) led by the Vice Chancellor Prof. Pauline Byakika-Kibwika to benchmark the Grants Management System, 23rd July 2026, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Prof. Pauline Byakika-Kibwika signs the Visitors’ Book during her courtesy call on Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe in his office.

“We have collaborated in various areas, particularly in medicine – I see many of our researchers publishing together, and we have joint programmes, especially in HIV/AIDS research” the Vice Chancellor remarked, before adding “Our collaboration in medicine is very strong, and it would be good to expand this collaboration to other disciplines.”

Prof. Nawangwe emphasized that although this was a benchmarking visit, the learning process is two-way and as such, the team from Makerere is equally keen to learn from their MUST counterparts. “As a slightly smaller university, you may have more time to reflect on issues than we do,” he explained.

Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe (L) presents the Makerere@100 Coffee Table Book to Prof. Pauline Byakikia-Kibwika (R). Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe and Members of Management host delegation from Mbarara University of Science and Technology (MUST) led by the Vice Chancellor Prof. Pauline Byakika-Kibwika to benchmark the Grants Management System, 23rd July 2026, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe (L) presents the Makerere@100 Coffee Table Book to Prof. Pauline Byakikia-Kibwika (R).

In her remarks, Prof. Byakika-Kibwika thanked the Vice Chancellor and University Management for accepting to host the benchmarking delegation, noting that it was a homecoming visit for her and several colleagues. She equally acknowledged that collaborations in Medicine take the lion’s share of existing work between two intuitions.

“Our largest faculty, formerly the Faculty of Medicine, has recently been renamed the Faculty of Health Sciences to better reflect its broader mandate. However, our other faculties include: Faculty of Science, Faculty of Business and Management Sciences, Faculty of Interdisciplinary Studies, Faculty of Computing and Informatics, and the Faculty of Applied Sciences and Technology (Engineering)” she explained.

Prof. Pauline Byakikia-Kibwika revels in the colours of her Alma mater. Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe and Members of Management host delegation from Mbarara University of Science and Technology (MUST) led by the Vice Chancellor Prof. Pauline Byakika-Kibwika to benchmark the Grants Management System, 23rd July 2026, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Prof. Pauline Byakikia-Kibwika revels in the colours of her Alma mater.

She added that in 2026, MUST established the Faculty of Agriculture, Environment and Veterinary Sciences, and is restructuring the Faculty of Interdisciplinary Studies to strengthen its focus as a science and technology university. Away from academia, Prof. Byakika-Kibwika shared that MUST’s hitherto semi-autonomous research centres had been brought under the umbrella of a Research Institute, “to provide a coordinated framework for research.”

They include the Centre of: Pharmaceutical Biotechnology and Traditional Medicine; Innovation and Technology Transfer; Tropical Forest Conservation; Maternal, Newborn and Child Health; Entrepreneurship; and Public Policy and Economic Data.

Turning to the gist of the visit, Prof. Byakika-Kibwika noted that as MUST continues to restructure its units and grow it’s grants portfolio, tapping into Makerere University’s wealth of experience in attracting and managing funding from both the Government and development partners is inevitable.

The meeting in session. Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe and Members of Management host delegation from Mbarara University of Science and Technology (MUST) led by the Vice Chancellor Prof. Pauline Byakika-Kibwika to benchmark the Grants Management System, 23rd July 2026, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
The meeting in session.

Makerere, as the leading university in the country, continues to support other universities, and we would like to benefit from that experience,” Prof. Byakika-Kibwika remarked. “We hope to learn from both your achievements and your challenges so that we can improve our own systems” she concluded.

The meeting was attended by the Acting University Secretary-Mr. Simon Kizito, University Bursar-Mr. Evarist Bainomugisha, Director Research, Innovation and Partnerships-Prof. Robert Wamala, Director Research and Graduate Training-Prof. Julius Kikooma, Head GAMSU- Prof. Sylvia Antonia Nakimera Nannyonga-Tamusuza, Member of Makerere University Research and Innovations Fund (Mak-RIF) Coordinator-Dr. Roy William Mayega and Advancement Office’s Mr. Vincent Lubega Nsamba.

The MUST delegation included; Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic Affairs)-Prof. Joseph Ngonzi, Deputy Vice Chancellor (Finance and Administration)-Prof. Robert Bitariho, University Secretary-Mr. Vincent Kansiime Kwatampora, and Chief Human Resources Officer-Mr. Prinari Behangana. Others included Finance Manager-CPA Annah Atuhaire, MUST Research Institute Chief Research Officer-Assoc. Prof. Angella Musiimenta, Principal Legal Officer-Mr. Timothy Mugumya, Deputy Secretary (Planning)-Ms. Robinah Nakakeeto and Dean Faculty of Business and Management Sciences-Dr. John Baguma Kule.

Mark Wamai

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