At the O.R. Tambo Africa Research Chairs Initiative (ORTARChI) Annual Meeting held 27^th-28^th October 2025 at Makerere University, Kampala, the Chief Guest, Hon. Monica Musenero – Minister for Science Technology and Innovations called on scientists to translate science to local lingua to be understood by the general population.

ORTARChI was launched in December 2018, aimed at building research and innovation capacity across Africa. The initiative has to-date established 10 Research Chairs in seven countries, addressing critical challenges like climate change, public health, and food security. The seven countries are Uganda, Botswana, Burkina Faso, Ghana, Mozambique, Tanzania, and Zambia. The Uganda Research Chair held by Professor David Bisagaya Meya focuses on infectious and neurological diseases at Makerere University College of Health Sciences. 

Hon. Musenero highlighted that at present Africa is like a huge pothole in a road compared to other continents in the context of development, advising that we must look at science as a driver of national development and solution to our challenges.

Calling for translation of science to local lingua the Minister advised, ‘we must realise that science is not to the exclusion of non-scientists. Connect the local population to appreciate how science is a utility in their lives’.

She proposed the following for consideration:

• Collaborate with partners in the northern hemisphere but retain your knowledge and consider it a commodity for wealth creation.
• Science was always considered a product of the elite education system than use in day-to-day life, this must change.
• Other nations rose through making STI a priority. Cognizant of the low investment by governments in sub-Saharan Africa, researchers must engage with policy makers, simplify their results for the later to appreciate the return on investment from research.
• Working in silos will not take Africa far, collaboration on the continent is necessary to produce material useful to us other than remaining consumers of what is produced elsewhere.
• Engineer science and research to build the economies and wealth creation.

‘Africa has excellent labs, publications, presentations at international conferences without protecting intellectual property which translates to professors retiring on pension as opposed to loyalties for their peers in the western world through registration and sale of patents’, Hon Musenero added.

Create think tanks that ‘think’ rather than only research and give to others, recognise knowledge from research as wealth, the Minister further advised.

Hon. Musenero’s parting message to researchers and scientists was: artificial intelligence is going to rule this world, what is Africa’s role and portion?; re-examine whether the research in our institutions is aligned to industries; the new saying should be aligned to protecting our knowledge through a value chain of research-protect-product and then publish as opposed to publish or perish which gives away our knowledge to be used by others; develop pan-African mind-set and networks through benefit sharing; and be intentional in working on what works for us, measure performance by how many products are a result of your research as well as jobs created.

In his remarks, Professor Barnabas Nawangwe, Vice Chancellor – Makerere University welcomed participants to Uganda and Makerere University. He said, ‘this gathering reflects our shared commitment to science as a catalyst for inclusive development, resilience, and economic opportunity across the continent’.

Professor Nawangwe noted that Africa stands at a pivotal moment where a young population are pursuing education with determination, universities are expanding the frontiers of knowledge with collaborating partners enabling the institutions to translate ideas into impact.

‘However, true progress requires more than research excellence. Sustainable ecosystems that translate findings into policy, practice and prosperity are also required’, he reminded the gathering.

He expressed his hope that, conversations at this meeting are not only theoretical but concrete steps toward a self-sustaining research eco-system that aligns with Africa’s growth.

Dr. Ham-Mukasa Mulira delivered a keynote address where he called for stakeholders to advance Africa’s future-ready generation through research innovation and artificial intelligence. He challenged participants to reimagine Africa’s future through strategic investment in knowledge, technology and youth potential.

Some of the issues raised during discussions at the meeting included: Institutional uptake of Research Chairs in Universities in comparison to the research projects; Creation of Communities of Practice of scientists working in same arrears to leverage resources and capacity across borders; African nations should invest more in research and STI which enable the continent to set an agenda which is aligned to their needs; The research chairs introduced on the continent have to be aligned to the abundant natural resources and work towards developing final products for export as opposed to raw materials; Manufacturing capacity of Africa requires improvement and incentives to the private sector to be more responsive in collaborating with researchers in product development; Africa has to move away from business as usual in research with consideration that innovation isn’t random but has to be intentional to the needs of our societies; Acceleration of graduates to be job creators is required as opposed to incubation of idea which has been slow in delivering results; Science communication is necessary to local communities in simple language and engagement of policymakers both in country and regional bodies. Scientists can afford to be apolitical, as decision makers politicians are key partners in whatever is happening in research institutions; Inter-disciplinary collaboration and handholding, for example clinicians working with basic scientists; Identification of gifted scientists for mentorship, training and support through their career paths.

Dr. David Serukka, Ag. Executive Secretary of the Uganda National Council for Science and Technology delivered closing remarks of the ORTARChI gathering. He moved a vote of thanks to all the participants and partners for making the meeting possible.

Dr. Serukka reiterated Hon. Musenero’s message and called on everyone to reflect on the discussions at the meeting. ‘The future for Africa is a digital knowledge economy and we must strive to define what it means for us and how to use it for national development as well as wealth creation’, he said.

He underlined the importance of partnerships, capacity building, concrete steps for sustainability, championing STI to become actors not watchers, protect our knowledge through patents, develop a pan-African mind-set of knowledge sharing and re-examine research around us and which direction to take.

Dr. Serukka thanked the National Research Foundation, South Africa for organising the funding which has catalysed the networks created. He called on all the Chairs under ORTARChI to keep thinking to take us forward.

Makerere University, through the College of Health Sciences (CHS), hosted the Sickle Cell Disease Stakeholders’ Engagement Meeting on 24^th October 2025. The event was organized by the Center of Excellence for Sickle Cell Disease and Neglected Tropical Diseases, in partnership with Enhancing Research Capacity for Sickle Cell Disease and Related Non-Communicable Diseases Across the Lifespan in Uganda (ENRICH) and the Sickle Pan Africa Research Consortium (SPARCo). The meeting brought together a diverse group of stakeholders, including religious leaders from the Catholic Medical Bureau, Protestant Medical Bureau, and the Uganda Muslim Supreme Council, as well as members of academia and public health practitioners.

During the Stakeholders’ Engagement Meeting held under the theme; Addressing Sickle Cell Disease in Schools and Communities, panelists emphasized the importance of early detection and effective communication in managing the disease. One of the speakers highlighted the critical role of medical interns as the first point of contact in identifying symptoms such as unexplained anemia and limb swelling, urging them to take detailed patient histories for timely diagnosis and referral. Another panelist, Ms. Penina Agaba, a lecturer at the Makerere University, underscored the need to translate data-driven research into simple, accessible formats for policymakers and community leaders. She noted that findings should be communicated in local languages through channels such as workshops, radio programs, and community meetings to ensure wider understanding and practical policy action.

In her remarks, Dr. Rosemary Byanyima, the Executive Director of Mulago National Specialised Hospital, shared her personal and professional commitment to improving the management of sickle cell disease in Uganda. A sickle cell warrior herself, Dr. Byanyima revealed that Mulago is planning to establish a medical campus that will offer specialized care, including hip replacements for patients suffering from sickle cell disease. She also noted that the hospital has supported the establishment of several service centers in Mukono General Hospital, Pallisa District, and Kayunga, aimed at bringing services closer to the communities. Dr. Byanyima urged all stakeholders to work together to raise awareness, increase testing, and encourage early healthcare seeking among those affected by the disease.

The panel discussions at the Sickle Cell Disease Stakeholders’ Engagement Meeting underscored the shared responsibility of all sectors in creating a more inclusive and informed society for people living with the condition. The conversations, moderated by Dr. Deo Munube and Ms. Evelyn Mwesigwa, explored how schools, faith institutions, and communities can work together to support those affected. Speakers emphasized the need for inclusive school policies that accommodate children with sickle cell disease—such as allowing extra clothing, flexible restroom access, and special exam arrangements—alongside guidance and counseling services to combat stigma and nurture self-esteem. They also stressed the importance of honesty from parents in disclosing their children’s health conditions to enable appropriate care.

From a broader perspective, panelists like Mr. Kajiiko Shafik from the Uganda Muslim Supreme Council highlighted the potential of faith-based structures to advance community sensitization and advocacy. The discussions collectively called for greater collaboration between the Ministries of Education and Health, improved psychosocial support, and stronger legal and policy frameworks to ensure that every child and adult living with sickle cell disease can thrive in a compassionate and supportive environment.

In her closing remarks, Dr. Sarah Kiguli, the Director of the Centre of Excellence for Sickle Cell Disease and Neglected Tropical Diseases at Makerere University, expressed gratitude to all stakeholders for their active participation and thoughtful contributions. She noted her optimism about the existing systems that can be leveraged to strengthen collaboration and awareness efforts, saying, “I’m happy that there are systems already in place that we can use to engage everyone on this cause.” Dr. Kiguli emphasized the importance of collective responsibility in the fight against sickle cell disease, adding, “It is impossible for us here in Makerere to reach everyone, but I love the message of ‘train the trainers’ so that sensitisation work can be efficient and far-reaching.”

Makerere University’s continued commitment to public health research extends beyond academia into real community impact. Through the College of Health Sciences, the University has strengthened partnerships with the Ministry of Health and regional hospitals to enhance early screening, diagnosis, and management of Sickle Cell Disease. Recent efforts include supporting the expansion of the national Sickle Cell Registry and developing community-based counselling programs to raise awareness at the grassroots level. Despite progress, Uganda still faces significant gaps in screening and treatment, with thousands of children born each year with the condition remaining undiagnosed. Makerere’s initiatives, therefore, aim to bridge these gaps through research, training, and collaboration with government, faith-based, and cultural institutions to ensure that no child or family faces Sickle Cell Disease in silence.

STOCKHOLM — Makerere University and Karolinska Institutet (KI-Mak) marked 25 years of collaboration on Oct. 15, 2025, with a hybrid forum on research equity, highlighting lessons for universities striving toward fair and sustainable global partnerships.

The event, part of the Global Conversations on Sustainable Health, explored the theme, “Exploring Power Dynamics & Equity in Partnerships.” Scholars, policymakers, and university leaders gathered to discuss how institutions can build collaborations grounded in trust, shared ownership, and mutual respect.

Organized by the Centre of Excellence for Sustainable Health (CESH), a joint initiative between Makerere University and Karolinska Institutet, the forum reflected on how equitable partnerships drive progress toward the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals.

Hours before the event, Sweden’s Ambassador to Uganda, H.E. Maria Håkansson, posted on X (formerly Twitter):

“The partnership between Makerere University and Karolinska Institutet is both dynamic and exemplary in how many years of development cooperation can lay the foundation for mutually beneficial relations between institutions in Sweden and Uganda.”

Equity, Trust, and Warmth at the Core

Panelists navigated questions of power, agency, and mutual respect. Policymakers, researchers, and academics agreed that successful partnerships depend not only on fairness but also on warmth, the human connection that sustains collaboration and ensures initiatives respond meaningfully to local realities.

Dr. Andreas Göthenberg, executive director of the Swedish Foundation for International Cooperation in Research and Higher Education (STINT), recalled that earlier models often reduced African researchers to “data farmers” in one-directional projects led from the North.

“We now support balanced research collaborations, not capacity building alone,” he said.

Over the past decade, he added, STINT has seen a surge of high-quality proposals from African researchers seeking genuine collaboration.

“When partners bring different expertise and learn from each other, that is when collaborations work well,” he said. “Institutions with fewer resources can now do very advanced things; that’s a real game changer.”

Göthenberg said Africa’s rapid advances in microfinancing, cloud computing, and even space research show that “technology development means institutions with fewer resources can still do very advanced things,” offering lessons for innovation systems in Europe.

Why Equitable Partnerships Matter

Professors Rhoda Wanyenze and Stefan Swartling Peterson have argued that traditional models often concentrate leadership and funding in the Global North, thereby limiting the agency of Southern partners.

Their work from long-term collaborations in Ethiopia, Uganda, Lao PDR, and Vietnam shows that shifting leadership to where research occurs strengthens local capacity and aligns agendas with community needs.

They demonstrate that equity relies on mutual trust, transparency, and shared decision-making, principles that transform funding into a tool for empowerment rather than dependency. Joint PhD programs, reciprocal staff exchanges, and twinned supervision models have further enabled two-way knowledge flow and reduced brain drain.

“Partnerships grounded in reciprocity, inclusion, and respect are not only ethically sound but also more effective,” Wanyenze said. “They build local ownership, lasting capacity, and context-driven innovation.”

Championing South-to-South Knowledge Exchange

Associate Professor Caroline Wamala-Larsson, director of the SPIDER program at Stockholm University, underscored that the Global South must set its research agendas.

“The agenda must be set by Southern institutions. Swedish institutions act as collaborators, not directors,” she said.

She cited projects in Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, Bolivia, and Mozambique where South-to-South learning has flourished.

“Bolivians traveled to Tanzania to share source codes from a research management system. Now, the University of Dar es Salaam wants to adopt it,” she said. “Solutions developed within the South often fit local contexts better than Northern models.”

Wamala-Larsson added that innovation and digital transformation have strengthened institutional systems. “We need new funders, private sector partners, and universities to participate equally.” Respect for each partner’s contribution is essential for sustainability,” she said.

Adapting to a Changing Global Landscape

Shifting global priorities and limited funding are reshaping how universities collaborate. Ms. Brenda Wagaba, partnerships officer at Makerere University, noted that while funding remains limited, the Government of Uganda, for instance, has taken steps to support local research through the Research and Innovation Fund. “The government started setting aside money for university research even before the recent cuts,” she said.

“Now, with those cuts, the need for sustained domestic investment is even greater.” She added that such initiatives strengthen the confidence of Southern partners to engage as equal contributors in global collaborations.

Dr. Rawlance Ndejjo, a Makerere University researcher, said local initiatives could help sustain momentum. “Local funding opportunities allow countries to find resources for research and partnerships. Such efforts can improve equity through bottom-up collaborations,” he said.

Göthenberg noted that new opportunities lie in multidisciplinary work. “Many of the challenges we face today demand broadly defined solutions,” he said. “Multidisciplinary projects lead to broader societal impact and stronger partnerships.”

He also pointed to Africa’s demographic advantage: “With its young population and rapid innovation, Africa is driving technological development in ways that can benefit both continents.”

Equitable Partnerships Deliver Results

Wagaba said engaging communities early is key to success. “When we engage communities early, we can bridge the gap between large-scale interventions and local acceptance. Whether it’s water, vaccines, or health infrastructure, success depends on understanding immediate community priorities,” she said.

She cautioned that top-down projects often fail to deliver lasting impact.

“You may build a vaccine plant or develop a vaccine, but if a community’s immediate need is safe water, your intervention will falter,” she said, adding that warmth, respect, and open communication are as critical as technical expertise.

Makerere Vice Chancellor Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe highlighted tangible results from Sweden’s long-term support.

“Under the SIDA program, 500 PhD students were trained, all of whom returned to Uganda,” he said. “The program made them feel at home while gaining knowledge abroad. Without mutual respect, equity will always face challenges.”

Prof. Annika Östman Wernerson, president of Karolinska Institutet, said sustainable partnerships depend on continuous engagement.

“Every collaboration begins with people meeting. Warmth and curiosity are crucial between individuals and institutions,” she said. “Equity is not static; it requires continuous work. Trust and transparency are critical.”

A Global Model for Sustainable Partnerships

The 25-year collaboration between Makerere University and Karolinska Institutet demonstrates how long-term, equitable partnerships can strengthen research systems and inform policy.

As Nawangwe put it:

“Students return home, communities benefit, and research informs global health policy. This is a model of how equity and trust drive sustainable partnerships.”

The Makerere–Karolinska (KI-Mak) partnership shows how universities, funders, and governments can work together fairly and Like many others working in this field, the Center recognises that there is still much to learn and discuss about how partnerships can continue to evolve through openness, dialogue, and shared reflection.

As Makerere and Karolinska look to 2030, their renewed agreements promise more than ceremonial goodwill. The two universities will intensify exchanges between students and faculty, expand joint research, share academic output, and organise lectures, conferences, and workshops. They will also open new paths for training, scientific collaboration, and shared learning. After 25 years, the partnership has proven that long-term cooperation can endure and excel with mutual respect, steady investment, and a clear purpose.

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