General
Mak-RIF Commercialization Grant Awards Launched
On Tuesday December 19th 2023, Vice Chancellor Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe launched the Makerere University Research and Innovations Fund (Mak-RIF) Commercialization Grant Cohort 1 Awards. Fifteen projects will benefit from these Commercialization Grant Awards Cohort 1 worth Uganda Shillings (UGX) 2,082,942,952 (Category 1: UGX 400,000,000, Category 2: UGX 699,302,952 and Category 3: UGX 983,640,000). These include; Hybrid Solar Drier, Senga-Edusave, PhytoFoodPlus, Accessibility of Science practicals, Harnessing Multimedia Technology: Digital Games and Animated stories, Phyto-Nutra Chicken Concentrate Feeds, Rice Husk Briquettes (Briqhusk), Multidisciplinary Mentoring Approach, E-health system-Mobile data collector, Digital land archival collection access, Smart Irrigation Control Kit, Ajon (local brew) Gold: Mechanizing processing and improving shelf life, Vitex Medical Tool: Curbing antimicrobial resistance and effection control, Redvers e-mobility bike and Mpaffu Wine.
Owekitiibwa Prof. Fred Masagazi Masaazi, Mak-RIF GMC Chairperson at the onset of this engagement welcomed all participants. He later introduced each of the project Principal Investigators to the Vice Chancellor and other participants noting that these were part of the Cohort 1 Commercialization Grant Awards. Prof. Masagazi emphasized that what Makerere University requires from the awardees included; Timely Accountability and Reporting.
Prof. Edward Bbaale, Director Directorate of Research and Graduate Training at Makerere University noted that research commercialization is a crucial area to focus on because it not only empowers researchers to translate research output but also opens up several employment opportunities.
Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, Makerere University’s Vice Chancellor congratulated all awardees saying; “What we are doing here today morning is important for the Globe, Africa, East Africa, Uganda, and specifically Makerere University, it is therefore Historical. I urge all of us not to spend more time in politics but rather production”, he added.
“Jobs must be created here at Makerere University and in Uganda, let us create companies, goods and or products which can be used in Uganda and can also be exported for us to earn some additional income” Prof. Nawangwe emphasized.
Prof. Nawangwe noted that it is possible for us to get out of poverty with more of our efforts and a little bit of foreign investment. “Today is the beginning of something which I think can become big if we all embrace and support it” he added. “If we at Makerere University do not work harder to change the situation of our people in the communities then they will die of poverty. The solutions are within us here at Makerere University, let us leverage each opportunity to positively disrupt the status quo” Prof. Nawangwe said.
Dr. Roy William Mayega, the Mak-RIF Coordinator then shared with the awardees, ‘Next Steps’. His submission highlighted the fact that;
- These awardees were the first to receive the Commercialization Awards and thus they are Mak-RIF flag bearers.
- All awardees should have received an award letter stipulating the award amount
- He called upon all awardees to re work on their budgets as per guidance given.
- Noted that an Induction session would follow and this will be organized by Mak-RIF working closely with the team at the Makerere University Innovation Hub. This team is lead by Dr. Cathy Ikiror Mbidde the Acting Manager, Mak Innovation Hub.
- Awardees would then sign their contracts.
- They would then be free to request for funds to embark on project activity implementation.
- All funds must be appropriately accounted for.
- He urged all to Implement project activities on time and request for more funds.
Assoc. Prof. Hellen Nambalirwa Nkabala, one of the Mak-RIF GMC Members and also a member on the Makerere University Intellectual Property Management Committee while closing the engagement congratulated the awardees upon these awards. She thanked the Government of the Republic of Uganda for funding research and innovations at Makerere University. She also noted that Makerere University researchers have remained open to closely working with stakeholders outside the University with positive spill over effects. She wished all a Merry Christmas reminding the researchers and innovators that the “Mak-RIF team awaits the beautiful success/impact stories”.
In the news- December 19, 2023:
Compiled by: Harriet Adong, Mak-RIF Communications Officer
The Makerere University Council and Top Management have today convened at Speke Resort Munyonyo to deliberate on the University’s Strategic Plan 2025/2026 – 2029/2030. The retreat seeks to align Makerere’s priorities with the Fourth National Development Plan (NDP IV) and ensure that all key stakeholders contribute to shaping the institution’s next five years.
Opening the discussions, the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, underscored the centrality of planning in the University’s growth trajectory. He called on members of management to actively participate in the drafting of the new strategic plan. Prof. Nawangwe highlighted Makerere’s progress in recent years, noting that the University has drawn a roadmap to becoming a research-led institution, with publications rising from 700 five years ago to 2,000 currently.
He further pointed out the revision of research policies to align with the University’s research agenda, as well as the establishment of innovation hubs that support product development, commercialisation, and intellectual property management. Commending staff for their resilience and success, Prof. Nawangwe congratulated them on winning significant individual grants, some of which now surpass institutional grants. “NDP IV is intended to grow the country tenfold, and I am confident Makerere will make a huge contribution,” he remarked.
In her keynote remarks, the Chairperson of the University Council, Mrs. Lorna Magara, described the retreat as a defining moment for Makerere’s role in Uganda’s transformation. She urged the University to move beyond traditional teaching and research, positioning itself as a central driver of national development.
“Our mandate extends beyond academia. The knowledge we generate, the leaders we shape, and the innovations we deliver must directly fuel Uganda’s growth,” Mrs. Magara stated.
She outlined priority national development areas— agro-industrialisation, tourism, mineral-based development, and advances in science and technology—where Makerere’s expertise can make a decisive impact. Emphasising the urgency of challenges such as youth unemployment, climate change, food insecurity, and fragile health systems, she noted that within these lie opportunities for Makerere to lead in testing and scaling solutions.
“This retreat is about discipline and focus. Our strategy cannot be a wish list; it must be a blueprint for measurable national impact,” she said, challenging participants to critically reflect on how Makerere can anchor Uganda’s food security, nurture digital innovators, strengthen health resilience, and raise transformative leaders.
She concluded with a call for boldness and clarity in execution: “The next five years are decisive. Makerere must shift from being a participant in national development to being its strongest driver. What we agree here must position Makerere not only as Uganda’s premier university but also as a trusted national partner and a beacon of Africa’s transformation.”
The retreat involved detailed discussions and contributions from University leaders, aimed at developing a practical and impact-driven strategic plan that cements Makerere’s role in advancing Uganda’s development agenda.
Education
Makerere University signs Memorandum of Understanding with International Rescue Committee to Advance Research, Innovation and Partnerships
Makerere University has signed a five-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the International Rescue Committee to formalize undertakings in research, innovation & partnerships.
Signed in September 2025 by the Vice Chancellor of Makerere University, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe and the Country Director, International Rescue Committee, Mr. Elijah Okeyo, the MoU provides a framework to implement research intensive programmes, promote innovative teaching and learning, internationalization, and contribute to societal transformation.
According to Mr. Okeyo, the MoU re-affirms Makerere University as the academic partner of the International Rescue Committee (IRC). “This MoU formalizes IRC’s working relationship with Makerere University. This framework empowers both institutions to tap into opportunities together. We believe in equal partnership. Makerere University commits to being our partner in research to contribute to evidence based humanitarian undertakings,” he said.
Under this collaboration, Makerere University and IRC will work on developing child-centered learning resources, innovative curricula, and policy-relevant research to enhance the quality of education in crisis-affected regions.
At Makerere University, the MoU brings on board, the College of Education and External Studies (CEES), Makerere University Institute of Teacher Education and Research (MITER), and the Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) Research Centre.
To concretize the MoU, the Principal of the College of Education and External Studies, Prof. Anthony Muwagga Mugagga convened a partnership meeting on Friday 12th September 2025 involving a delegation from the International Rescue Committee (IRC), Dr. David Kabugo, the Deputy Director of Makerere University Institute of Teacher Education and Research (MITER), and Ms. Ritah Namisango, the Principal Communication Officer.
The delegation from the International Rescue Committee (IRC) consisted of the following: Mr. Elijah Okeyo-Country Director, Mr. Vincent Wanyama-Senior Program Development and Quality Coordinator, Mr. Richard Omasete-Policy and Advocacy PlayMatters, and Ms. Janet Nambuya-Grants and Partnerships Coordinator.
The MoU focuses on the following areas of interest: Early Childhood Development, joint research and capacity building in education, the plight of refugees and the host communities, humanitarian aid, as well as, evidence based research to inform the education policy.
In line with its mandate, IRC brings onboard, its unmatched expertise in helping children in crisis-affected areas. The MoU therefore positions both institutions to undertake a leading role in the protection of children and families through evidence based research, access to education, and humanitarian undertakings.
Dr. Kabugo, the Deputy Director MITER, noted that the MoU opens new opportunities for joint efforts in research, training, and policy. He said: “We are committed to co-designing practitioner research, engaging in professional development, and generating evidence to guide the education policy in Uganda and beyond.” Dr. Kabugo explained that this partnership builds on years of cooperation between CEES and IRC, especially in child-centered methods such as play-based learning.
Prof. Mugagga described the MOU as a practical framework that connects Makerere University’s research with IRC’s field experiences. He stated that the College of Education and External Studies (CEES) conducts programmes focused on the future of the young people through training and empowering students/teachers. He articulated that the College significantly impacts on the education sector through delivery of quality academic programmes and research under the School of Education, School of Distance and Lifelong Learning, and the East African School of Higher Education Studies and Development.
“Our strongest synergy is education and early child-focused care,” Prof. Mugagga emphasized. He revealed that the collaboration presents CEES with a strong and reliable partner (IRC), which stands for protection and the well-being of children and families. “Through this MoU, both CEES and IRC, will significantly contribute to improving education for children, families, and communities impacted by conflict and crisis.”
Prof. Mugagga commended IRC for the earlier support and expertise extended to the College in the development of the early childhood centre, and working together to provide valuable input during the Ministry of Education and Sports’ consultative process that led to the Early Childhood development policy.
Reflecting on the increasing number of refugees enrolling for studies at Makerere University, Prof. Mugagga said: “ IRC has come at the right time. The College will tap into the IRC expertise to teach our staff and learners components in refugee education. They will equip our students and teachers with knowledge and skills in refugee education. Some of our students will cooperate with IRC to undertake research in refugee settlement and host communities.”
Prof. Mugagga implored both MITER and IRC to undertake research and develop modules on refugee education, parenting, re-tooling street children, integration of a health component into the curriculum, and management of truamatised students/learners who come from areas affected by war, conflict and crisis.
On the issue of play materials, Prof. Mugagga stressed that already made play materials derial creativing. “Both CEES and IRC should work towards a context that empowers children and learners to ignite their creative potential by developing home-made play materials,” he submitted.
About IRC
Stating a brief profile history about IRC, Mr. Okeyo explained that IRC is a global non-profit organisation that provides humanitarian aid and assistance to people affected by conflict and disaster. IRC has been active in Uganda since 1998, originally assisting displaced populations in Northern Uganda and later expanding its efforts to refugee settlements and urban areas.. Currently, IRC operates more than 35 health facilities in refugee settlements and runs a variety of programs in health, education, protection, and economic recovery. IRC also undertakes projects focusing on early childhood development, prevention of gender-based violence, and protection of refugees and families.
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