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Mak Hosts Commonwealth Delegates Attending 27th CSPOC

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On Friday 5th January 2024, Makerere University was privileged to host delegates of the 27th Conference of Speakers and Presiding Officers of the Commonwealth (CSPOC) hosted by the Parliament of Uganda from 3rd to 6th January 2024. A biannual event, the 28th Edition of CSPOC will be hosted by India in 2026. The delegation was led by the Member of Parliament for Bugabula South Hon. Maurice Kibalya, who also served as Makerere Guild President from 2005 to 2006.

The delegates were received at the Yusuf Lule Central Teaching Facility Auditorium by the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe and Members of Management. Welcoming the visitors, the Vice Chancellor said that Makerere as the region’s premier Higher Education Institution recognizes the need to conduct research that addresses issues such as climate change, food security, emerging diseases, natural disasters, fast population growth and conflicts that affect the community, country and continent.

Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe addresses the 27th CSPOC Delegates in the Yusuf Lule Central Teaching Facility Auditorium. Visit by 27th CSPOC Delegates to Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa on 5th January 2024.
Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe addresses the 27th CSPOC Delegates in the Yusuf Lule Central Teaching Facility Auditorium.

“We do this mainly through 36 research centres. We also have centres of excellence such as the Africa Regional Centre of Excellence for Crop Improvement (MaRCCI) because food is going to be the most important thing to solve with the growing population. And we also have the Africa Centre of Excellence in Material Product Development and Nanotechnology (MAPRONANO), which is using the highest technology to come up with innovations in medicine and other engineering fields” remarked Prof. Nawangwe.

The Vice Chancellor informed delegates that Makerere, through dedicated funding for research and innovations from Government is modernizing her research infrastructure. “Our promise is that we are all set for the next century of service to humanity. I thank you for honouring us with your visit and I hope that you enjoy the rest of your stay in Uganda.”

The Head of Delegation and MP for Bugabula South, Hon. Maurice Kibalya. Visit by 27th CSPOC Delegates to Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa on 5th January 2024.
The Head of Delegation and MP for Bugabula South, Hon. Maurice Kibalya.

In his remarks, the Head of Delegation thanked the University Leadership for preparing to host the delegation at short notice, and apologized on behalf of the Parliament of Uganda and the CSPOC Organising Committee for the absence of the Speakers and Presiding Officers who were visiting Quality Chemicals Limited the same day. He nevertheless informed the Leadership that the Parliament of Uganda is set to host the Pan-African Parliament in May 2024, and is scheduled to host the African Parliamentary Union in 2024, during which events visits to Makerere University will be arranged.

Dr. Nakibuule Rose from CoCIS (Right) talks to the delegates about the E-health system-Mobile data collector during their tour of Mak-RIF projects. Visit by 27th CSPOC Delegates to Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa on 5th January 2024.
Dr. Nakibuule Rose from CoCIS (Right) talks to the delegates about the E-health system-Mobile data collector during their tour of Mak-RIF projects.

Commending the strides made by the University in research and innovations and acknowledging the need for more support to consolidate these efforts, Hon. Kibalya reassured, “We are proud of Makerere University… Vice Chancellor, you have the best will at the current Parliament.”

Following the briefing, the delegates toured the Makerere University Innovation Hub as well as a showcase of projects funded by the Government of Uganda through the Makerere University Research and Innovations Fund (Mak-RIF).

Delegates listen to an exhibitor from CoVAB talk about the Low-Cost (Bulamu) Medical Ventilator. Visit by 27th CSPOC Delegates to Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa on 5th January 2024.
Delegates listen to an exhibitor from CoVAB talk about the Low-Cost (Bulamu) Medical Ventilator.

Please see the table below for the list of Mak-RIF projects exhibited.

No.Project TitleCollegePI’s Name
1Development and promotion of solar powered energy-saving smart electric cook stoves to reduce the cooking carbon footprint in households, institutions and industries: (SE-Cookers)CAESDr. Peter Tumutegyereize
2Developing and Testing Digital Games for Teenage Reproductive and Mental Health EducationMUBSDr. Joseph Kizito Bada
3Ajon (local brew in Eastern Uganda) Gold: Mechanizing processing and improving shelf lifeMUBSDr. Bosco Amerit
4Increasing Aquaculture production in Uganda through low-cost monitoring systemsMUBSDr. Charles Olupot
5Developing a community-based model for integrating bioenergy and poultry production using rice agro-waste (Integrated bioenergy agriculture model)CoVABDr. Gabriel Tumwine
6Risk assessment of heavy metals in vegetables consumed in Kampala UgandaCoVABDr. Tamale Andrew
7Vitex Medical Tool: An Artificial Intelligence Hospital device that disinfects surfaces and supports Health care workers in Infection controlCoVABDr. Edward Ssebuufu
8Redvers e-mobility bike: An electric powered motorcycleCEDATDr. Hillary Kasedde
9Nylon Based Litter Management Trap for Drainage SystemsCEDATDr. Andrew Ayor
10E-health system-Mobile data collectorCoCISDr. Nakibuule Rose
11Improving Livelihoods of Small-Scale Producers in Uganda through Digital Advisory ServicesCoCISDr. Richard Edema
12An automated feedback module for smallholder farmers in crowdsourcing at scale for real-time crop health surveillanceCoCISDr. Florence Nameere Kivunike
13Crane Cloud: An open-source multi-cloud service layer for highly available cloud-based services in AfricaCoCISDr. Bainomugisha Engineer
14The Enhanced Product Development and Pilot Testing of a Smart Postpartum haemorrhage Volumetric Drape for Early detection of postpartum haemorrhage during child birthCHSDr. Sam Ononge
15A Whole University Approach: Kicking Sexual Harassment Out of Higher Education Institutions in Uganda (KISH)Gender MainstreamingProf. Grace Bantebya
16Labour Externalization Pathways to The Gulf Cooperating Countries (GCCs) and Development Implications for UgandaGender MainstreamingDr. Richard Asaba Bagonza
17Practicals for the Home for the Rural StudentCoNASDr. Taddeo Ssenyonga
18Development of Value-added Phytogenic Feed Additives to Replace Conventional Antibiotics in Chicken FeedsCoNASDr. Alice Nabatanzi
19Enhancing The Grain Amaranth Value Chain for Improved Nutrition, Livelihoods and Enterprises Development in UgandaCAESDr. Dorothy Nakimbugwe
20Manufacturing, Clinical Testing and Commercialization of a Rapid Diagnostic Test for COVID-19CHSProf. Misaki Wayengera
21Epi Tent  
22Development of Freza a nanotechnology-based preservation solution for shelf-life extension of fruits and vegetables for the local farmer, retailer and vendor in UgandaMUBSDr. Mutumba Abbey
23Enhancing Value Addition on Potato-Sorghum enterprises for Improved Livelihoods in Uganda (EVaPoSIL)CAESProf. Johnny Mugisha
24The Low-Cost (Bulamu) Medical VentilatorCoVABProf. Frank Mwine
25Improving Point-of-Care Learning for Prostate and Breast Cancer using Machine LearningCoCISDr. Peter Nabende
Additional Projects Exhibited (Not funded by Mak-RIF)
26Automating Mobile Microscopy: Diagnostics for MalariaCoCISDr. Rose Nakasi
Table of Projects showcased during the visit by delegates of the 27th CSPOC to Makerere University on 5th January 2024.

Mark Wamai

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Call For Abstracts: National Symposium on Climate Migration among Youths in Uganda

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Call For Abstracts: National Symposium on Climate Migration among Youths in Uganda. Submission Deadline: 9th June 2026

Makerere University, in collaboration with the University of Southern Denmark (SDU), Tufts University, and Danish International Development Agency (DANIDA), invites researchers, policymakers, practitioners, and community actors to submit abstracts for the National Symposium on:

Climate Migration among Youths in Uganda: Local Voices for Policy Impact

Date: Wednesday, 12th August 2026
Venue: Makerere University Main Hall

The symposium will examine the drivers, patterns, and impacts of climate-induced youth migration in Uganda, while advancing evidence-based and community-informed policy responses.

Theme: Climate-Induced Youth Migration and Urban Futures in Uganda: Evidence, Voices, and Pathways for Action

Submission Deadline: 9th June 2026

Submit Abstracts To: citiesofyouth@musph.ac.ug

Researchers and practitioners are encouraged to contribute research findings, case studies, policy analyses, and practice-based experiences. Abstracts will be considered for oral and poster presentations.

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

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

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

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

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

Requirements:

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

Scholarship and study/research conditions

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

Scope of the scholarship

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

How to apply

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

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

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Request For Consultancy Services: Training & Digital Solutions Expert

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

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

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

Details: https://shorturl.at/Rzn8d

Apply to: EAkankwasa@idi.co.ug

Deadline: 5 June 2026, 5 PM EAT

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