General
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
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’.
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.
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 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.
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.
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;
- Reform the training agenda for Africa to meet the development needs
- Entrepreneurship and business incubation for wealth creation
- Research for Development and wealth creation
- 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.
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.
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.
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%.
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.
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.
“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.
General
Dr John Mary Kiberu Appointed Acting Head of Makerere University’s Department of Geology & Petroleum Studies
Dr John Mary Kiberu has been appointed Acting Head of the Department of Geology and Petroleum Studies at Makerere University effective 1st July 2026.
Dr Kiberu takes over from Dr Arthur Batte who has led the Department since 1st April 2022.
Official Handover Ceremony
The official handover ceremony, held on 10th July 2026, was presided over by the Dean of the School of Physical Sciences, Prof. David Ssevviiri, who paid tribute to the outgoing Head for his exemplary leadership, dedication, and unwavering commitment to the advancement of the Department. Prof. Ssevviiri acknowledged Dr Batte’s invaluable contribution, sacrifices, and efforts in guiding the Department and strengthening its academic and institutional mandate during his tenure. He welcomed the incoming Head and expressed confidence in his ability to provide strategic leadership and build on the foundation established, while advancing the Department’s vision and goals.
Dr Batte’s Achievements During His Tenure
In his handover report, Dr Batte reflected on the Department’s progress over the past four years, highlighting the achievements that strengthened academic programmes, research, industry collaboration, infrastructure, and administrative systems.
Among the key accomplishments was the acquisition of modern teaching and research equipment through strategic partnerships with leading industry stakeholders. SNF contributed state-of-the-art laboratory equipment designed to simulate surfactant production processes for Enhanced Oil Recovery (EOR), significantly strengthening the Department’s capacity for hands-on training and applied research. TotalEnergies provided advanced computer workstations equipped with industry-standard geological and reservoir simulation software, enabling students and researchers to access cutting-edge tools for learning, innovation, and professional development. In addition, the Department expects to receive a well-control model from Zhongyuan Petroleum Exploration Bureau (ZPEB), which will further strengthen practical training in petroleum production processes.
Strengthening Industry Partnerships
The Department also expanded its engagement with industry by formalizing partnerships with TotalEnergies, COSL, DISKOS, and the Uganda Chamber of Energy and Minerals. These collaborations have created valuable opportunities for student internships, collaborative research, curriculum enhancement, and equipment support. Negotiations are ongoing to conclude Memoranda of Understanding with ZPEB, Dietsmann, and the Bio-Ecosystems Conservation and Development Agency, partnerships expected to further strengthen the Department’s teaching and research agenda.
Curriculum Modernization and Administrative Improvements
A major milestone during Dr Batte’s tenure was securing a USD 200,000 grant to review and modernize the Department’s undergraduate and postgraduate geology curricula. The ongoing project aims to align academic programmes with emerging technologies, industry needs, and international best practices.
On the administrative front, Dr Batte reported significant improvements in governance and academic management. The Department successfully maintained up-to-date records of meetings with no backlog of unapproved minutes, ensured the timely submission of students’ examination results, and cleared pending postgraduate proposal presentations, enabling graduate students to progress without unnecessary delays.
Dr Batte’s Message to the Incoming Head
During the handover ceremony, Dr. Batte congratulated Dr. Kiberu on his appointment and wished him success in his new role. He expressed confidence that the Department was well positioned for continued growth, with strong institutional systems, strategic partnerships, and a dedicated team ready to support the new leadership. “I am confident that under your leadership, the Department of Geology and Petroleum Studies will continue to excel and make significant contributions to Makerere University and the broader scientific community.”
He appreciated the University and College leadership, members of staff, students, and all stakeholders for the support, cooperation, and commitment they extended to him throughout his tenure as Head of Department. Dr. Batte acknowledged that the achievements realized during his leadership were a collective effort, made possible through the dedication of staff, the guidance of university leadership, and the continued collaboration of industry and institutional partners.
Dr Kiberu’s Vision for the Department
In his remarks, Dr Kiberu expressed gratitude to the University Management, the CoNAS leadership, and the School of Physical Sciences for entrusting him with the responsibility of leading the department.
“It is a great honour and privilege to serve as Head of the Department of Geology and Petroleum Studies. Leadership in academia is not simply about administration; it is about stewardship. It is about nurturing people, advancing knowledge, safeguarding institutional values, and creating opportunities that will benefit generations of students, researchers, and society. I pledge to serve with integrity and humility, and to lead with commitment to the continued growth and success of our Department.”
Dr Kiberu paid tribute to his predecessor for his dedicated service and acknowledged the strong foundation laid during the past four years.
“Every leader inherits both achievements and challenges,” Dr Kiberu noted. “I look forward to building upon that foundation while embracing new opportunities for growth.”
He outlined a vision centred on strengthening academic programmes, advancing research and innovation, expanding partnerships with industry and international institutions, improving the student experience, embracing digital transformation, and promoting transparency, accountability, teamwork, and collegiality.
He observed that geoscience is evolving rapidly, driven by the global energy transition, the growing demand for critical minerals, climate resilience, artificial intelligence, remote sensing, and advanced geophysical technologies.
“Our responsibility is to ensure that our teaching, research, and innovation remain relevant to national priorities while meeting international standards,” he said.
Dr Kiberu pledged to provide consultative, transparent, and inclusive leadership, emphasizing that the Department’s continued success would depend on collective effort.
“I pledge to lead through consultation, fairness, integrity, openness, and service,” he said. “Together, we can build an even stronger Department that attracts talented students, outstanding researchers, meaningful partnerships, and international recognition.”
Brief about Dr John Mary Kiberu
Dr. John Mary Kiberu is a distinguished geophysicist, petroleum geoscientist, and academic leader with over two decades of experience in teaching, research, mentorship, and institutional development at Makerere University. He holds a PhD (Dr. rer. nat.) in Geophysics from the Technical University of Berlin, Germany, an MSc in Geophysics from the University of Twente, Netherlands, and a BSc in Geology and Chemistry from Makerere University. He has served in the Department of Geology and Petroleum Studies in various capacities, contributing significantly to the advancement of geoscience education, research, curriculum development, and international collaborations.
His expertise spans applied geophysics, petroleum geoscience, seismic interpretation, reservoir characterization, hydrogeophysics, and tectonic studies. Dr. Kiberu has led and participated in several nationally and internationally funded research and capacity-building initiatives, strengthening geoscience training and research at Makerere University and beyond. Through his extensive supervision of postgraduate research, publication record, and engagement with global academic partners, he has played a key role in advancing petroleum geoscience and earth science research in Uganda. His appointment to lead the Department of Geology and Petroleum Studies reflects his longstanding commitment to academic excellence, innovation, and the continued growth of the department.
General
Stakeholders of Mastercard Foundation Initiatives at Makerere University Convene to Review Progress and Strengthen Collaboration
By Damali Mukhaye
On 9th July 2026, the Mastercard Foundation-supported initiatives at Makerere University convened the 2nd Partnership Development Breakfast meeting at Mestil hotel in Kampala, to review progress, share experiences, and explore opportunities to strengthen collaboration and advance education, research, innovation, and youth empowerment.
The partnership development meeting brought together Makerere University leadership, government officials, Mastercard Foundation representatives, development partners, private sector actors, and other key stakeholders to reflect on ongoing interventions and identify areas for deeper collaboration.
The engagement highlighted the progress and impact of key Mastercard Foundation initiatives at Makerere University, including the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Programme, the Africa Climate Collaborative (ACC), and the e-learning initiative, which are promoting increased access to education, research development, climate resilience, skills enhancement, and preparing young people for future opportunities.
Delivering the opening remarks, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Academic Affairs, Makerere University, Prof. Sarah Ssali, stated that stakeholder engagement was vital in building stronger links between the University, students, academic staff, employers, and other parties involved in shaping graduates’ futures.
“You have been chosen for a purpose because it was not just about engaging with the students and stakeholders, but also with those involved in developing knowledge products and those who train and mentor our students,” Prof. Ssali said.
She emphasised the significance of partnerships in widening access to higher education, especially for students from marginalised backgrounds, highlighting that through scholarship programmes and inclusive education initiatives, Makerere University continues to attract and support talented students who might otherwise face obstacles to university access.
Prof. Ssali acknowledged the contribution of the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program alongside other university initiatives, including the Africa Climate Collaborative, fee waiver schemes, and Council scholarships, which offer opportunities for students—especially those from vulnerable communities and talented female learners.
“Your investment in these young people is not charity, but a shared national development priority,” she said.
She explained that Makerere University’s partnership with the Mastercard Foundation aligns with the University’s strategic aim to enhance human capital development, research, and innovation in support of national development priorities under Uganda Vision 2040 and the Fourth National Development Plan.
Prof. Ssali noted that the University has, over the years, transformed into a research-focused institution, with partnerships enabling it to address critical societal challenges.
She urged stakeholders to continue supporting young people through mentorship and guidance as they prepare for employment and entrepreneurship.
The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development, Mr Aggrey David Kibenge, praised the collaboration between Makerere University, the Mastercard Foundation, and other stakeholders, emphasising that teamwork is vital in tackling Uganda’s youth unemployment problem.
He observed that Uganda’s youthful population presents both an opportunity and a responsibility, with more than 70 per cent of the population under 30 years.
Mr Kibenge said the government alone cannot address youth unemployment and welcomed partnerships that support young people with relevant skills, employment pathways, and opportunities for entrepreneurship.
He highlighted government interventions, including the National Apprenticeship and Graduate Volunteer Programme Management Information System (NAGVPMIS), which links graduates with potential employers via a digital platform.
The platform enables young people to upload their qualifications and skills, while employers can find suitable candidates based on available opportunities.
“By digitising the matching and recruitment process, we are making the system more transparent, efficient, and merit-based,” Kibenge said.
The Permanent Secretary also emphasised the need for education institutions, employers, and the government to work together to address the skills gap affecting many graduates entering the labour market.
He noted that stronger partnerships with initiatives such as those supported by the Mastercard Foundation will help young people acquire skills that respond to changing labour market needs.
He reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to collaborating with the Mastercard Foundation and other partners to create more opportunities for young people to access dignified work.
Mastercard Foundation Highlights Young Africa Works Progress
Representing the Mastercard Foundation, Ms Maria Mugerwa, the Finance Lead at the Foundation, provided an update on the Young Africa Works Strategy, which seeks to enable 30 million young people, 70 per cent of them women, across Africa to access dignified and fulfilling work by 2030.
She explained that, in Uganda, the strategy aims to reach 4.3 million young people aged 18 to 35 through initiatives centred on entrepreneurship, enterprise development, education, and skills enhancement.
The strategy supports key areas, including micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), agriculture, the digital economy, creative industries, and inclusive opportunities for young people.
Ms. Mugerwa noted that the Foundation’s approach is built on partnerships that bring together universities, government, private-sector actors, and communities to create pathways for young people to transition from education to employment.
“Closing this gap will require stronger collaboration among all stakeholders, including linking universities and graduates to opportunities created under the Young Africa Works Strategy.” She said.
She emphasised that ongoing collaboration will be essential in widening access to employment opportunities, finance, markets, and entrepreneurship support for young people.
Highlights of Mastercard Foundation Initiatives at Makerere University
Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Makerere University continues to transform the lives of academically talented but economically constrained young Africans by expanding access to quality university education and nurturing the next generation of transformative leaders.
In a presentation by Prof. Justine Namaalwa, the Program Director, the initiative was emphasised as a comprehensive support model that extends beyond scholarships to offer academic assistance, leadership growth, psychosocial well-being, community involvement, and pathways to dignified employment, entrepreneurship, and further education.
The Program has supported 971 Scholars and alumni, with many transitioning into formal employment, entrepreneurship, and advanced studies.
Guided by the values of listening, humility, kindness and respect, co-creation, and impact, the program promotes inclusion, belonging, and agency among young people.
Africa Climate Collaborative at Makerere University
The Program Director of the Africa Climate Collaborative, Prof. Gorettie Nabanoga, said that the programme, which kicked off in 2025, is a transformative eight-year university-wide initiative designed to empower young people and strengthen Africa’s capacity to develop inclusive, equitable, and innovative responses to climate change.
Implemented in collaboration with global and regional partners, including the University of Cambridge, the University of Cape Town, the University of Ghana, and the Association of African Universities, the Collaborative focuses on four interconnected pillars: workforce development, entrepreneurship, research and innovation, and networks, policy, and learning.
Through its workforce development pillar, ACC will expand access to quality education by providing comprehensive scholarships to 250 Master’s students and 40 PhD students, while strengthening research capacity through academic mentorship and support.
The entrepreneurship pillar will equip 500 youth not in education, employment, or training with green entrepreneurship skills, provide incubation support, and promote youth-led green innovations.
The Collaborative will also establish a Climate Resilience Support Centre to drive interdisciplinary research and innovation while fostering partnerships, policy dialogues, and knowledge exchange to support climate-resilient communities.
e-Learning Initiative Phase II
In a presentation by Prof. Paul Birevu Muyinda, Director of the Institute of Open, Distance and eLearning (IODeL) at Makerere University, the progress and future direction of the Mastercard Foundation e-Learning Initiative Phase II were highlighted.
Building on the successful completion of Phase I in December 2024, Makerere University secured participation in the second phase, which aims to accelerate digital transformation and strengthen inclusive, learner-centred, and scalable e-learning systems across the institution.
The initiative seeks to enhance access to quality digital education by developing 10 fully online academic programmes and 10 micro-credentials by 2030. It will also establish integrated digital learner support services, strengthen digital infrastructure, and promote digitally empowered leadership and governance within the University.
A key component of the initiative is building institutional capacity in learning design and technology.
Since January 2026, 35 Makerere University staff members have been undertaking graduate-level training at Arizona State University, with 13 pursuing Master’s programmes and 22 enrolled for graduate certificates in Learning Design and Technology.
Through strategic partnerships and innovation, the initiative will position Makerere University as a leader in digital education, expand opportunities for inclusive learning, and strengthen resilience in higher education.
The second stakeholder engagement session concluded with several stakeholders, including DFCU Bank, the Uganda Manufacturers Association (UMA), the Private Sector Foundation Uganda (PSFU), and Finn Church Aid, among others, committing to building stronger pathways that will enable students and graduates to contribute meaningfully to Uganda’s social and economic transformation.
Damali Mukhaye is the Communication, Public Relations, and Branding Officer for Africa Climate Collaborative at Makerere University.
General
Benchmarking Best Practices In Quality Assurance: Official Visit To The University Of Cape Town
By Dr. Irene Rebecca Namatende
1.0 BACKGROUND
A team of four members of staff from the College of Health Sciences (CHS), Makerere University undertook an official benchmarking visit to the University of Cape Town (UCT) from 19th to 26th April, 2026. The four are members of the Quality Assurance, Gender Mainstreaming and ICT Committee-CHS. The delegation comprised two academic and two administrative staff led by the Dean, School of Dentistry, Prof. Annet Kutesa. Other members included;
- Dr. Irene Rebecca Namatende – Quality Assurance Officer-CHS
- Dr. Kalidi Rajab – Lecturer in the Department of Pharmacy
- Mr. Bataamye Herbert – CHS Registrar.
The primary purpose of the visit was to benchmark Quality Assurance (QA) systems in teaching, learning, and governance; strengthen institutional collaboration; and explore opportunities for academic exchange and joint initiatives between Makerere University and the University of Cape Town.
1.1 Purpose of the Visit to UCT was
- To gain an understanding of institutional QA frameworks at UCT across teaching, research and governance, and identify adaptable best practices for Makerere University.
- To explore effective strategies used by UCT to design, monitor, and continuously improve academic programmes, ensuring relevance, consistency, and excellence.
- To learn from UCT’s experiences and approaches to national and international accreditation processes, including preparation, documentation, and stakeholder engagement.
- To examine mechanisms for fostering staff engagement, ownership, and accountability in QA and continuous improvement processes.
2.0 Key Areas Covered During the Visit
2.1 Quality Assurance Systems
The visit explored the institutional quality assurance framework at the University of Cape Town, focusing on its structured approach to academic quality management. Emphasis was placed on clearly defined QA units, robust monitoring and evaluation mechanisms, and the integration of quality assurance processes into routine academic delivery and programme oversight. Discussions also highlighted systematic approaches to curriculum design and periodic review, ensuring alignment with accreditation standards and evolving educational needs.
We found that QA frameworks at UCT cut across teaching, research and governance. Here below are some of the key findings;
- All programmes must be approved by the Council of Higher Education, Quality Regulation Framework.
- All programmes must be accessible to the Council of Higher Education (CHE).
- The Academic Programmes at UCT are reviewed after every 5 years.
- Every programme goes through detailed evaluation before approval.
- Support Staff are also interviewed before appointment into university service.
- Each programme must be accounted for by UCT to the Councils
- Comprehensive information for each programme is required by the Councils before approval is given.
- It is important to have integrity of qualifications and qualification of programmes.
- After O. Level the students sit for a National Benchmark Test.
2.2 Governance and Leadership
The visit provided insights into transparent and participatory governance structures that support effective decision-making. There is a strong emphasis on staff engagement, accountability, and leadership at different institutional levels. A culture of continuous improvement is embedded within governance systems, supported by regular review and feedback mechanisms.
2.3 Teaching and Learning
The discussions further highlighted the institution’s diverse student assessment methods and structured feedback systems, alongside the effective integration of digital technologies to enhance teaching, learning, and student engagement.
Here below are the key outcomes;
- Every Course unit exam should be moderated by an External Moderator.
- The external moderator is appointed at the beginning of the year.
- The external moderator makes recommendations.
- These recommendations are in form of policies.
- Ensure overall examination preparedness for all students
- The template for external moderation is revised regularly.
- The moderators also assess if, the exams are fair or not.
Conclusion:
Key Takeaways
- The promotion ladder at UCT is more on the Competences, individual contributions on supervision, publications, community service and experience.
- QA is embedded in every unit and department.
We thank the Principal, College of Health Sciences and CMT for the support that facilitated this benchmarking visit.
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