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Makerere Hosts the 2024 Campus France Education Fair

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On 7th March 2024, Makerere University hosted the second edition of the French Study and Campus Fair under the theme: unlocking opportunities in the vibrant world of French education and employment. The one-day event was organized by the French Embassy in Uganda, in conjunction with Makerere University as the host. The event that was structured in three moderated sessions attracted the participation of eight French Universities and more than twelve Ugandan Universities including; Kyambogo University, Uganda Christian University, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Islamic University in Uganda, Clarke International University, Uganda Management Institute, Cavendish University, Kampala International University, and the International University of East Africa among others.

In his welcome remarks, the Acting Vice-Chancellor Prof. Umar Kakumba welcomed the delegation and thanked the French Ambassador, H.E. Xavier Sticker, for his unwavering passion in strengthening cooperation between Ugandan and French Universities, especially in the areas of education, research, and innovation. He further noted that the participation of the eight French Universities was a perfect demonstration of opportunities that will facilitate the movement of students between the two countries.

“I am pleased that we are gathered here today at a time when Makerere recently took a new strategic direction that will see it become a research-led University in the region and the world. In so doing, the University developed and passed a comprehensive policy on the internationalisation of our Academic programmes. The fruits of these efforts are being supported through the existing programs like the Erasmus+ Mobility Programme hosted at our International Relations Office” Prof. Kakumba said.

H.E. Xavier Sticker (Left) listens as Prof. Umar Kakumba (Right) makes his remarks. French Study and Campus Fair Meeting, 7th March 2024, The Council Room, Level 3, Frank Kalimuzo Central Teaching Facility, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
H.E. Xavier Sticker (Left) listens as Prof. Umar Kakumba (Right) makes his remarks.

To highlight the achievements of Makerere University in its journey of 100 years, Prof. Kakumba shared with the audience a five-minute video clip, featuring the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe narrating major breakthroughs in research, technology, innovation and teaching.

Speaking at the event, H.E. Xavier Sticker commended and appreciated the Makerere University Management, for their continued support to activities of the Embassy such as hosting the Career Fair. He noted that the presence of representatives from the various universities in Uganda and France was a definite sign of more collaborations and partnerships to come. He challenged the French schools in Kampala to seek more partnership opportunities with Ugandan universities.

“As the French Embassy in Uganda, I wish to commend the eight French universities and the higher education institutions of Uganda that have come here today. This means that for Ugandan students, job applicants, and people who are interested in exploring international avenues in building their career, today is the day of those opportunities,” Ambassador Xavier Sticker said.

Prof. Umar Kakumba (Right) presents an assortment of Makerere Souvenirs to H.E. Xavier Sticker (Left). French Study and Campus Fair Meeting, 7th March 2024, The Council Room, Level 3, Frank Kalimuzo Central Teaching Facility, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Prof. Umar Kakumba (Right) presents an assortment of Makerere Souvenirs to H.E. Xavier Sticker (Left).

He added that the Embassy will assist in availing information on all the internship opportunities and graduate training programs for Ugandan students, especially those who are interested in pursuing education in France.

In the realm of university collaboration and partnerships, France has welcomed more than 4,000 students this year, marking a significant milestone in international education partnerships. However, the statistics reveal that only a modest number of 69 students from Uganda have participated in the French higher education network across 74 public universities. Despite this, France stands out for its distinctive grande écoles, which offer specialized education paths to many African Universities.

Representing the Ministry of Education and Sports of the Republic of Uganda, the Spokesperson Dr. Mugimba Dennis reiterated that the Ministry is intentional in supporting research efforts in Higher Education.  He added that Makerere University has benefited significantly from the Government’s research and innovations fund allocations. He encouraged the representatives of other Universities present to prioritize postgraduate research programmes that will in the long run address skills shortages, especially in STEM fields and their sub-specialties like medicine and agriculture.

H.E. Xavier Sticker (Centre) with the Makerere International Office's Mr. Gerald Ochwo (Left) and his colleagues at the dinner. French Study and Campus Fair Dinner, 7th March 2024, French Ambassador's Residence, Nakasero, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
H.E. Xavier Sticker (Centre) with the Makerere International Office’s Mr. Gerald Ochwo (Left) and his colleagues at the dinner.

The 2024 Campus France Education Fair was concluded with a dinner organized and hosted by the French Ambassador at his residence in Nakasero. Participants from the Academia, France Alumni Association in Uganda, and members of Diplomatic Missions in Uganda, graced the event.

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Makerere University and Goucher College Explore Strategic Collaboration

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Prof. Sarah Ssali (L)and Ms. Nenelwa Tomi holding a Goucher College's banner after the engagement on 2nd Oct. 2025.

Makerere University has reaffirmed its commitment to building strong global partnerships through a high-level engagement with Goucher College (USA), represented by Ms. Nenelwa Tomi. The meeting, chaired by Deputy Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, Prof. Sarah Ssali, also brought together academic leaders from the College of Humanities and Social Sciences (CHUSS) led by the Deputy Principal Dr. Eric Awich Ocen.

Opening the discussions, Prof. Ssali emphasized the importance of partnerships in driving Makerere University’s mission of knowledge generation, innovative teaching, research, and societal transformation. She highlighted her office’s role in supporting the Vice Chancellor’s vision and noted that the university has cultivated over 1,000 partnerships worldwide, ranging from global universities to community-based organizations. However, she stressed that the humanities, in particular, needed more collaboration to match the momentum already seen in the sciences.

The spotlight of the meeting was on Goucher College, with Nenelwa Tomi making a strong case for collaboration. She outlined the college’s unique strengths, including its liberal arts model, global education approach, and emphasis on experiential learning. Tomi emphasized Goucher College’s readiness to create synergies with Makerere University, ranging from faculty and student exchange programs to joint research, innovation projects, and alumni engagement opportunities. She noted that the shared values of diversity, community-centered learning, and innovation make the two institutions natural partners.

Ms. Nenelwa Tomi

Nenelwa Tomi highlighted Goucher College’s global perspective, noting that every student is required to engage in international learning as part of their degree. This, she explained, positions Goucher College as an institution deeply committed to cross-cultural exchange, making collaboration with Makerere University a natural extension of its mission. She emphasized the college’s strong tradition in liberal arts and humanities, pointing out that this could complement Makerere University’s growing interest in broadening partnerships beyond the sciences. She further mentioned that Goucher College has well-established student support systems, career readiness programs, and digital learning innovations, which could create synergies with Makerere University’s own efforts to integrate technology and experiential learning into academic programs.

In addition, she shared success stories of Goucher College’s collaborations with other international institutions, illustrating how these partnerships had not only expanded academic opportunities but also enhanced community impact. Finally, she stressed the importance of sustainable, people-centered partnerships, noting that collaboration should be designed to empower both students and staff, while also producing solutions that address pressing societal challenges in Uganda, the United States, and beyond.

Dr. Cathy Mbidde the Manager Makerere University Innovation Pod (UNIPOD) spoke on behalf Makerere University Technology and Innovation Center, established in 2022 to commercialize research outputs. The UNIPOD with facilities such as maker spaces, food technology labs, textile and electrical sections, and a multimedia studio, the center has already incubated five student-owned companies in areas like health, irrigation, coffee, wine, and wood production. Its focus on nurturing innovation and entrepreneurship aligns closely with Goucher’s experiential learning philosophy, opening new pathways for co-creation between the two institutions.

In closing, the meeting underscored the vast potential for Makerere–Goucher collaboration, with both sides expressing optimism about partnerships that could benefit students, staff, and the broader community. The dialogue marked the beginning of what stakeholders described as a promising journey of innovation, knowledge exchange, and global academic synergy.

The meeting was held on the 2nd of October 2025 and was attended by Dr. Pamela Khanakwa (Dean of the School of Liberal and Performing) Dr. Dickson Kanakulya (Head of the Department of Philosophy) and Dr. Charlotte K. Mafumbo  (Head of the Department of History).

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Prof. Sarah Ssali commends Makerere University’s longstanding relationship with the Mastercard Foundation

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Participants of the co-creation workshop pause for a group photo

By Antonny Tugaineyo

The Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Academic Affairs, Prof. Sarah Ssali, hailed Makerere University for its longstanding partnership with the Mastercard Foundation, which has produced tangible results and impact. She made these remarks while officiating the launch and strategic plan co-creation workshop of the Africa Climate Collaborative, another initiative between Makerere University and the Mastercard Foundation, held on 30th September 2025, at the Senate Conference Hall, Makerere University.

“These initiatives illustrate how deeply the partnership between Makerere University and the Mastercard Foundation has become. The Africa Climate Collaborative builds on this foundation, broadening opportunities for scholarships, mentorship, and support for innovations that promote climate-resilient futures,” Prof. Ssali remarked.

Prof. Sarah Ssali delivering opening remarks.

Prof. Ssali highlighted that the Africa Climate Collaborative is a university-wide initiative created to tackle the ongoing challenges in graduate education in Africa, such as low completion rates, weak industry connections, and the disconnect between academic research and practical solutions.

“I strongly commend Makerere’s longstanding partnership with the Mastercard Foundation, which began in 2013, supporting transformative initiatives such as the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program, Action Research in Psychosocial Services, the E-learning Initiative, and the enhancement of Safeguarding at the university.” Prof. Ssali pointed out.

The Program Director for the Africa Climate Collaborative at Makerere University and Principal of the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, Prof. Gorettie Nabanoga, used the workshop to elaborate on the Collaborative’s mission and its four strategic pillars;

Prof. Gorettie Nabanoga explaining of the Africa Climate Collaborative’s interests

Pillar 1: Workforce Development: Enable talented young professionals to lead the development of climate solutions through quality education

  • Extend comprehensive Scholarships to 250 Masters and 40 PhD Students
  • Develop new curricula of 2 Masters and 1 PhD programmes
  • Upskill 150 Faculty in academic research supervision to improve the research experience of all graduate students

Pillar 2: Entrepreneurship: Empower youth to drive green economies through enhanced green entrepreneurship skilling programs

  • Skilling Programme for 500 youth who have not had the opportunity to pursue University Education
  • Provide seed funding for 200 viable entrepreneurship projects
  • Extend business mentorship to entrepreneurs for a period of 2 years           
  • Provide boost funding for 40 women and youth-led green community innovations

Pillar 3: Research and Innovation: Catalyze high-quality research and innovation through a Climate Resilience Support Centre

  • Support 30 post-doctoral fellows.
  • Establishment of the Climate Resilience Support Centre to catalyze high-quality research and innovation.
  • Seed funding for 101 Innovations (MSc, PhD, & Postdoctoral fellows) with facilitated mentorship for a period of 2 years.
  • Boost the research and innovation infrastructure at the University.

Pillar 4: Networks, Policy, and Learning: Strengthen networks to disseminate research outputs and innovations to enhance resilience to climate change

  • Partner with 5 Public Universities (Gulu University, Busitema University, Mbarara University of Science and Technology and Muni University) to develop joint research initiatives and community engagement programmes
  • Conduct 14 climate science-policy-practice dialogues to co-create transformative climate resilience solutions.
  • Support 15 Local Governments to develop their Climate Change Strategies and Action Plans
  • Engage 40 multi-generational community liaisons to promote uptake of research innovations.

Prof. Justine Namaalwa, the Lead of Mastercard Foundation initiatives at Makerere University, expressed her gratitude to university management for entrusting the Program Delivery Team with the responsibility of implementing the Programme. She also thanked participants for their highly productive engagement, noting that their valuable contributions will significantly guide the Program’s operations.

Prof. Justine Namaalwa – Program Director, Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program

Prof. Namaalwa further indicated that more targeted engagements with university units will be conducted to support the effective implementation of the Program. She emphasised that the Programme will collaborate closely with various units and projects to deliver the following course:

  • Cross-cutting course on Innovation and Entrepreneurship: The Program will partner with the Directorate of Graduate Training and the Makerere University Innovation Pod (UniPod) to co-develop and co-deliver this course, making it accessible to all master’s and PhD students across the University.
  • Course on Human-Centred Design in Teaching and Learning: In collaboration with the Directorate of Graduate Training and the Centre for Teaching and Learning Support, the Program will co-develop and co-deliver this course for all faculty members.
  • Cross-cutting course on Climate Resilience for Livelihoods, Economy, and Ecosystems: The Collaborative will work with Makerere University Centre for Climate Change Research and Innovation (MUCCRI) to co-develop and co-deliver this course to all students.

Regarding the pillar aimed at skilling youth who have not had the opportunity to pursue university education, Prof. Namaalwa observed that the Program will leverage the expertise of the Africa Institute for Strategic Resource Services and Development (AFRISA) and other innovation centres and hubs across the University to equip the youth in creating and sustaining green enterprises.

The Africa Climate Collaborative is a new partnership between Makerere University and the Mastercard Foundation. It is being carried out in collaboration with three other universities: The University of Ghana, the University of Cape Town, and the University of Cambridge.

Antonny Tugaineyo is the Principal CRSC Coordinator for Africa Climate Collaborative at Makerere University

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DFCU Bank Uganda Supports the Mastercard Foundation Scholars’ Giveback Initiatives

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The officials of DFCU Bank and the Scholars Program staff pose in a photo with the 20 Million Shillings dummy cheque donation by DFCU Bank.

On 30th September 2025, DFCU Bank Uganda Ltd made a generous donation of twenty million shillings (20,000,000 UGX) to support the Mastercard Foundation Scholars at Makerere University in their upcoming give-back project at Bwera Primary School in Kabale District, Western Uganda. Over the years, the Mastercard Foundation Scholars have engaged in various community give-back projects, significantly transforming the lives of many young people. Their initiatives have included building classroom blocks in Karamoja and Agago districts, constructing boreholes in Bulamwiki, Iganga District, and planting trees. These efforts have had a positive impact on the communities they serve.

Ms Maryann Wanjiku Michuki, expressed gratitude for the partnership between dfcu Bank and Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Makerere University.

While speaking at the handing-over ceremony of the dummy cheque, Ms Maryann Wanjiku Michuki, the Chief Business Solutions & Marketing Officer, who represented the Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Charles M. Mudiwa, expressed gratitude for the partnership between the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Makerere University , which has lasted over 10 years.

“We are very proud of our partnership with the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Makerere University that has lasted over 10 years. We commend the efforts to renovate the classroom blocks and build a modern pit latrine. We commend the Scholars for taking on such impactful causes for the community.” Ms Wanjiku remarked.

Prof. Justine Namaalwa

On her part, Prof. Justine Namaalwa, the Program Director of the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Makerere University , expressed gratitude to the generous donation towards the Scholars giveback efforts.

“We are very grateful for this generous gesture by DFCU Bank towards the Scholars’ Give Back efforts. We are more than partners in this journey; we plan to allocate this donation into a general project fund, have an independent project undertaken by DFCU, and invite you to launch it.” Prof. Namaalwa remarked.

Prof. Namaalwa highlighted that giving back is a central focus of the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Makerere University . It aims to cultivate a service-oriented culture among scholars and alumni of the Program, fostering a sense of responsibility and commitment.

Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program interact with officials of DFCU Bank during the cheque handover ceremony.

“As part of the Scholars Journey at Makerere University , the Scholars are made aware of the Philosophy and practice of giveback, and then encouraged to empower communities through sharing and action voluntarily.” Prof. Namaalwa remarked.

The Mastercard Foundation Scholars at Makerere University have, over the years, made significant contributions to communities. Initially, these contributions were solely by the Scholars. From 2020 on wards, resource mobilisation expanded beyond the Scholars to include the Program Implementation Team, Scholar alumni, and the Program partners.

The current Pit latrine at Bwera Primary School, Kabale district (A),The current classroom block at Bwera Primary School, Kabale district (B) and Artistic impression of the Pit latrine and classroom block to be constructed (C).

The selected Scholars Giveback Project for 2025

For the year 2025, the Mastercard Foundation Scholars at Makerere University designated Bwera Primary School in Kabale district as the giveback project. Bwera Primary School was established in 1983 as a community-based institution and later became a government-aided school. It educates 268 pupils in the rural Kabale District. Despite its vital role in the community, the school faces many challenges, including:

  • Dilapidated classrooms
  • A shared mud and wattle pit latrine shared by students and staff
  • Lack of clean water
  • Lack of electricity
  • Insufficient staff housing

Proposed Interventions and Support

There are four proposed support areas which shall be prioritised or ranked based on the projected resource mobilisation.

  • Renovation of two classroom blocks, including plastering the walls and working on the floors.
  • Construction of a 4–5 stance modern pit latrine to enhance sanitation, health, and dignity for learners and staff.
  • Provision of 50 bench desks for the candidate class.
  • Installation of a water harvesting system to guarantee access to clean water for drinking and handwashing.

Call to Action:

We call upon all people of goodwill to contribute to creating a safe, inclusive, and motivating learning environment at Bwera Primary School, Kabale district, through the following avenues;

  • Contribute financially (any amount makes a difference).
  • Mobilise others within your networks.
  • Contribute physical building materials, i.e. Cement, Iron bars, Bricks, etc.

All school-going children deserve a safe place to learn, access to clean water, and the hope of a brighter future. Your support is not just transforming Bwera Primary School — it is changing lives. Together, we build for the future. Together, we shape tomorrow.

Bernard Buteera is the Principal Public Relations Officer for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Makerere University.

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