Research
Hon. Dr. Muyingo Officially Launches Graduate Forum, Research Management System
Published
1 year agoon

The Minister of State for Higher Education, Hon. Dr. John C. Muyingo on Thursday 25th April 2024 officially launched the inaugural Annual Forum for Graduate Research and Policy Dialogue as well as the Research Information Management System (RIMS). Organised under the theme “Regional Integration and Development”, the two-day event being held in the Yusuf Lule Central Teaching Facility will witness over 70 paper presentations by PhD fellows, Research and Publication opportunities by the Makerere University Press as well as presentations on Mental Health and Wellness.
“I am here because I am coming back home and you are talking a language I love and enjoy. I am also here to confirm Government’s commitment to support Makerere’s efforts to become a research-led University,” reassured Hon. Dr. Muyingo as he commenced his remarks.
Addressing the event theme, Hon. Dr. Muyingo underscored the importance of regional integration as a cornerstone of Uganda’s aspirations for a brighter future, noting that it is through cohesive efforts and shared endeavours that the region can overcome numerous challenges and unlock its full potential for growth and development.

He pointed out that higher education and research play a pivotal role in driving regional integration and development, and called upon scholars and researchers to play their respective roles. “Your pursuit of knowledge and academic excellence holds the promise of transformative change, serving as a catalyst for innovation, progress, and inclusive growth.”
Hon. Dr. Muyingo expressed the Government of Uganda’s appreciation of the strides made by Makerere University in as far as conducting research that informs national development priorities. He therefore applauded the two-day Annual Forum for Graduate Research and Policy Dialogue and launch of RIMS not only as milestones in graduate training but also platforms that will make the institution’s research more visible to government, funding agencies, research partners and other stakeholders.
He nevertheless reiterated the need for Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) such as Makerere “to play a more practical role in engaging the policy space and contribute to nurturing a policy environment receptive to evidence-based solutions.”

Delivering the first keynote of the two-day event, the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe expressly thanked Hon. Dr. Muyingo for presiding over a second event at Makerere in less than a week. On 19th April 2024, he represented the First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports Hon. Janet Museveni, at the launch of the Digitalisation of Academic Records and Processes (DARP) project.
In the same measure, Prof. Nawangwe thanked the Government of Uganda substantially tackling the chronic shortage of funds for research by instituting the Makerere University Research and Innovations Fund (Mak-RIF). “With the money that Government is giving us, we have changed the research landscape of Makerere tremendously.

“Additionally, we have with the help of UNDP established a state-of-the-art Innovation Pod. We have put in place an office specializing in Intellectual Property and they are doing a great job; they have already registered several copyrights and applied for several patents” he added.
The Vice Chancellor nevertheless regretted the timing of ongoing budget cuts which are likely to affect funding for research. Noting that we are in the era of the knowledge economy where those in the know get ahead of those who are not, he reiterated that it is Nations such as China that have prioritised knowledge production through funding of Higher Education and research that are making leaps economically.
“If Africa is going to industrialise, we must produce more PhDs because no amount of foreign direct investment is going to industrialise Africa. Africa will be industrialised by the small and medium enterprises, which will come mostly out of research by PhD and Masters students, and a few undergraduate students – the Kiira Motors came from undergraduate students” explained Prof. Nawangwe.
Citing the presentations made during the opening ceremony by Mr. Erick Jacob Okek on Immunological and parasitological impact of co-deployment of Indoor Residual Spraying (IRS) and bed nets for malarial mosquito vector control in Uganda and Ms. Adella Grace Migisha on Environmental influences on electricity reliability in Uganda’s grid system, Prof. Nawangwe emphasised that PhD students are addressing pertinent issues and ought to be supported by the Government.
“Let us put our heads together and see how best to unlock the potential of Makerere University. There is so much potential here that we are not utilising as a country, and we need to unlock it to the letter” summed up the Vice Chancellor.

In line with contributing to unlocking Makerere’s potential, the Director, Directorate of Research and Graduate Training (DRGT), Prof. Edward Bbaale said that the Annual Forum provides a platform to showcase the potential of graduate research as a driver for socioeconomic transformation. “Additionally, it serves to enhance the capacity of graduate students to engage effectively in policy dialogues and debates.”
Prof. Bbaale reiterated DRGT’s commitment to augmenting the skills of graduate scholars in policy engagement and communication as part of their doctoral research and education toolkit, owing to the impact these graduates have. “There is now evidence that return on investment in Higher Education is higher than the return on investment in lower education and hence Government is encouraged to support graduate training through scholarships and loan schemes.”
Citing the Makerere University Policy on Establishment of Research Institutes and Institutions, Prof. Bbaale said that DRGT is encouraging the growth of research groups into dynamic hubs such as research units, centres, institutes and centres of excellence. Furthermore, and in respect of packaging and marketing of research output as enshrined in the Makerere University Strategic Plan, he added that the multidisciplinary Makerere Innovation Pod is poised to foster creativity, innovation and collaboration among students, researchers and entrepreneurs.
On the need for scholars and researchers to publish works in books and journals, Prof. Bbaale put forth the Makerere University Press as an avenue for disseminating new knowledge across the various disciplines. “I would like to implore all faculty and students to use the press as a publishing house and promote our works.”

Developed by the Directorate for ICT Support (DICTS) with funding from Mak-RIF, the Research Information Management System (RIMS) was unveiled at the Forum as digital solution to track the graduate student journey, report every stage of progress, centrally manage research produced by students, and streamline the graduation process. Addressing the Forum, the Academic Registrar and Principal Investigator RIMS, Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi noted that the system is going to Makerere enhance its visibility as a research-led university.
“The architecture of RIMS has seven modules that include: Masters and PhD research; Postdoctoral research; Dissemination, Conferences and Seminars; Research Innovations; Inventory of Senior Researchers; International Collaborations; and e-Supervision” shared Prof. Buyinza.
He added that the system will not only enhance student tracking but also e-Supervision and thesis management through a simple easy-to-use dashboard. “It is a moment of joy that we are transiting from the manual system to an online digital platform. This will enhance efficiency, and completion rates will be assured.”

Providing a background to RIMS, the Director DICTS, Mr. Samuel Paul Mugabi noted that the ongoing development and launch of various Information Systems at Makerere University is as a result of a strategic shift by the leadership from outsourcing to solving challenges related to business processes digitalisation through in-house development.
RIMS was developed by a team made up of Mr. Juma Katongole, Mr. Joshua Muhumuza and Mr. Denis Wamala. The latter who presented on behalf of his colleagues demonstrated how the e-Supervision module can be used to track a scholar’s progress right from the conceptual stage right to the dissertation and defence. He added that the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES) will pilot the RIMS rollout.
The President PhD Fellows at Makerere University (Pf@Mak), Ms. Clare Cheromoi in her opening remarks said that the lineup of paper presentations would at the end of the two-day Forum clearly demonstrate to the public that PhDs remain highly relevant to addressing the challenges in the country. She observed that Makerere has created the supportive environment through avenues such as the Annual Forum for PhD fellows to collectively address national development priorities.

She thanked the University Management and Annual Forum organisers led by the Chairperson Prof. Julius Kikooma for their support in making the event a success. In particular, the President Pf@Mak thanked the Vice Chancellor for maintaining an open-door policy that has enabled Student Leaders to share their ideas. In appreciation the Pf@Mak Leadership presented a book How to Lead Smart People: Leadership for Professionals to Prof. Nawangwe.
The Forum was moderated by the Principal Public Relations Officer, Ms. Ritah Namisango, while the Department of Performing Arts and Film (PAF) kept guests entertained.
Book of Abstracts
Presentations from the Opening Ceremony
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Health
Makerere University College of Health Sciences marks Centenary with expansion of Super-Specialized healthcare Training
Published
3 days agoon
August 6, 2025By
Zaam Ssali
On 30th July 2025, Makerere University hit a milestone in specialized healthcare training as it proudly graduated 16 fellows from their Paediatric Hematology and Oncology (PHO) Fellowship Programme. These dedicated physicians who successfully completed a two-year rigorous fellowship program will serve as elite experts in treating life-threatening blood disorders and cancers in children.
The pioneering fellowship program of Makerere University College of Health Sciences (MakCHS) commenced in 2016. This cohort included fellows from Uganda, Kenya, South Sudan, Tanzania, Malawi, Nigeria, and Congo which enhances Africa’s capacity to deliver highly specialized care, promising improved survival rates and quality of life for countless young patients.
In his address to the congregation, Professor Barnabas Nawangwe, Vice Chancellor – Makerere University emphasized the university’s guiding vision of research-led, noting that the institution remains committed to producing highly skilled professionals who address Uganda’s and Africa’s evolving health challenges while acknowledging the resilient hard work of fellows during training and the vital sacrifice as well as support from family and friends.

Prof. Nawangwe recounted Makerere’s significant historical contributions to public health and medical research recalling the College of Health Sciences’ past achievements, including it’s 1964 recognition for lymphoma research leading to nomination for a Nobel Prize for the discovery of the cells that cause the cancer of the lymphoma. He cited the university’s instrumental efforts and contribution in combatting disease on the continent like the Ebola, Marburg, Nodding Disease and the recent COVID-19 pandemic.
He outlined Uganda’s demographic realities and the resultant increase in health challenges with exponential growth of a young population alongside the alarming statistics of childhood cancer and sickle cell disease. With an estimated “7,000 children and adolescents cancer with less than 50% access in treatment,” and over “20,000 babies are born with sickle cell every year,” the need for specialized care is critical, he said. Professor Nawangwe also stressed the urgency of the situation, “It is reported that many of the deaths from cancer and blood disorders are preventable,” stating, “We must produce enough doctors to manage the disease burden we have.”
Prof. Nawangwe recognized the instrumental role of partners such as Texas Children’s Global and Baylor College of Medicine, among others, who supported MakCHS in setting up the PHO fellowship that began in 2016. He underlined the success of the program, which has since trained 24 paediatricians serving as healthcare leaders across Africa.
In his remarks, Professor Bruce Kirenga, Principal – MakCHS highlighted the institution’s century of medical training excellence and its forward-looking vision as the College holds its third graduation ceremony of the PHO Fellowship Program. He emphasized MakCHS’ commitment to advancing healthcare in the region, adding that this future is geared towards more scientific research, innovation and cutting-edge medical care.
Professor Kirenga proudly announced that the fellowship program is the first of their sub-specialized training programs. He revealed the expansion of these crucial programs, noting that the college currently offers three additional sub-specialized training pathways: Neonatology, Interventional Radiology, and Fetal and Maternal Medicine, with two more programs under review; in this regard, Professor Kirenga extended gratitude to partners and collaborators, affirming the college’s unwavering dedication to its mission.

Representing the Director General Health of Services and Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Health, Dr. Richard Mugahi – Commissioner for Child and New-born Health highlighted the vital role of the new specialists in transforming Uganda’s healthcare landscape. Dr. Mugahi emphasized the graduation as not only fellows’ dedication, but also an important step forward for Uganda’s healthcare system citing the critical need for their expertise.
He detailed the alarming burden of childhood cancer in Uganda, with 1,500 to 3,000 new cases reported annually, yet only 30% access specialized treatment, resulting in tragically low survival rates of 20-30% beyond three years. In response, the Ministry of Health is strengthening its partnership with Makerere University, recognizing that “the role of research, the role of academia is well highlighted and emphasized,” and crucial for producing skilled professionals.
Dr. Mugahi announced the government’s strategic plans to absorb these new specialists, actively developing human resource structures and mobilizing resources to utilize their skills nationwide. He also revealed ongoing efforts to decentralize cancer care through regional centres, citing the operational facility in Gulu and planned sites in Arua, Mbarara, and Mbale, all of which will strongly need the fellows’ expertise to serve our population. He concluded by reiterating the core mission: “Our mission is clear. We now have the inputs, you’re one of the inputs of providing Uganda with the best possible quality of care.” He stated.
Encouragingly, Dr. Rosemary Byanyima Mulago National Referral Hospital (MNRH) revealed that the Hospital is charting a new course towards offering highly specialized medical services, emphasizing that they can only offer that when they have people who have trained as super-specialists.
“This strategic move is predicated to building a robust local human resource, specifically super-specialists, whose rigorous training pathway extends beyond a first degree and master’s to include a specialized fellowship. The traditional approach of training abroad is very expensive” Dr. Byanyima noted. To overcome this, Mulago is actively working with collaborators to build the capacity to train locally. This innovative model involves sponsoring a select few for training abroad, who then return to establish and lead local programs, significantly enhancing the hospital’s self-sufficiency.

“Mulago is uniquely positioned as an ideal training ground due to its infrastructure. We have the equipment. And of course, there are many patients who require the service.” Dr. Byanyima said. She noted that while Mulago provides the environment, it collaborates with accredited training institutions like Makerere University for academic awards.
The benefits of local training are multifaceted; it not only builds internal capacity but also allows the hospital to continuously identify and address service delivery gaps in infrastructure, equipment, medicines, and sundries, Dr. Byanyima added. Local training is also cheaper and eases the very strenuous emotional burden on advanced-age trainees with families, who would otherwise have to relocate abroad for years. Crucially, as these experts train, they simultaneously offer services, with patients directly benefiting from their evolving skills. In addition, she noted, Mulago leverages collaborations to acquire essential resources, while simultaneously lobbying the government for sustained funding to ensure the long-term continuity of the services.
Addressing the escalating challenge of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) like cancer and diabetes, Dr. Byanyima acknowledged the continuously increasing number of patients, necessitating a proportional increase in human resource infrastructure, medicines and surgeries to be able to meet the demand. She also stated Mulago’s role in health education at the tertiary level, empowering patients to disseminate crucial health information within their families and communities, complementing primary healthcare prevention efforts by the Ministry.
In his speech, Dr. Joseph Lubega, a Children’s Cancer and Blood disease Specialist and Assistant Professor at Baylor College of Medicine, Texas Children’s Hospital, USA, recognized the significant advancements in child healthcare across Africa with specialists trained in children’s cancer and sickle cell disease.
Dr. Lubega emphasized the profound impact of PHO Fellowship Program on patient outcomes stating that ‘whereas when we started this work, most children with cancer anywhere in Africa would die within a month of a diagnosis, now most of them are cured.’ Despite this progress, he stressed the imperative to expand reach beyond major cities like Nairobi, Kampala, and Dar es Salaam, aiming for comprehensive coverage across all countries, especially given the much bigger challenge posed by sickle cell disease. The ultimate goal, he explained, is for the specialists to train lower health workers in their countries, ensuring every child is reached.
Challenging the conventional focus on infectious diseases in Africa, Dr. Lubega advocated for greater attention to non-communicable diseases (NCDs), saying, “Sickle cell disease is one of the most common non-communicable diseases. It is part of African DNA, 2% of new-borns get this diseases.” He noted that unlike acute infections, NCDs demand lifelong follow-up and community-based care, necessitating a re-evaluation of health system training.
One of the fellows, Dr. Ankunda Siyadora who works with Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital, noted that the fellowship will revolutionize the landscape of childhood cancer and blood disorder care in Western Uganda. In her words, “my passion was ignited during internship at St. Mary’s Hospital in Gulu, Uganda. I witnessed numerous children suffering from advanced Burkitt’s lymphoma, often receiving only palliative comfort. That made me a bit sad, but also built the passion I have for paediatric haematology.” she recounted.

Motivated by the stark contrast between 80% survival rates in Western countries and the grim reality she encountered, Dr. Ankunda’s desire is to change the narrative that every child with cancer or blood disorder should die or be in pain. Her fellowship, she believes, will lessen the burden by ensuring every child who has a cancer or a blood disorder, gets an early diagnosis and then get the right treatment for their disease.
Addressing the common misconception that childhood cancers stem from environmental or lifestyle factors, she clarified that “in children, it’s more about the genetics, it’s just a mistake, something went wrong in the genetics, it’s nothing to do with the family or the environment, majority, close to 99% of childhood cancers, are a result of spontaneous mutation.” While a small percentage (1-3%) can be inherited, like retinoblastoma, most cases are simply “bad luck, nothing to do with the environment, nothing to do with your parents.” This understanding is crucial for families, alleviating guilt and redirecting focus to early intervention.
The experts will be pivotal in improving care for children with blood disorders and cancers, addressing the country’s high childhood cancer burden and with the Ministry of Health planning will integrate these specialists into the healthcare system and establish regional cancer centres. This in turn will increase access to specialized care, improve treatment outcomes, and enhance the quality of life for children with cancer and blood disorders in Uganda and beyond.
Research
The newly refurbished CoVAB-based Research Centre for Tropical Diseases and Vector Control (RTC) Commissioned
Published
4 days agoon
August 5, 2025
On Friday, 1st August 2025, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, Vice Chancellor of Makerere University, officially inaugurated the newly upgraded Research Centre for Tropical Diseases and Vector Control (RTC) Lab at the College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Biosecurity (CoVAB). The event brought together a wide range of stakeholders, including representatives from the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries (MAAIF), the funding partner GALVmed, the Uganda Veterinary Association (UVA), and the Uganda Animal Health Laboratory Network, staff and students of the college.
A once-outdated research lab in Uganda, as recently as 2015, has undergone a remarkable transformation, emerging as a multi-unit scientific powerhouse that now plays a pivotal role in advancing national health priorities and training students across diverse disciplines. Strategic partnerships fueled this revitalization, the most recent being the MoTAR project, Monitoring of Ticks and Acaricide Resistance in Uganda, implemented by CoVAB. With support from the Global Alliance for Livestock Veterinary Medicines (GALVmed), the MoTAR project will establish a total network of nine technically equipped laboratories across the country. The labs, three of which have been commissioned, including RTC, Gulu, and Kumi labs, will be central to diagnosing tick-borne diseases, tracking acaricide resistance, and generating data to inform national policy and improve livestock productivity.
“If I could launch laboratories every single day and do nothing else, I would,” declared Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, Vice Chancellor, during the unveiling ceremony. “Our vision is to transform into a more research-intensive, research-led university that journey begins here.”
He emphasized the transformative power of innovation, urging the community to view research not just as an academic pursuit but as a driver of development and job creation. He commended CoVAB for its remarkable research output, attributing it to the university’s ranking.
Prof. Nawangwe encouraged researchers to embrace a mindset of creativity and production. He noted the increasing volume of patent, trademark, and copyright applications processed by the university’s intellectual property office, which, he said, was evidence that scholars were now committed to turning ideas into impactful solutions.
The Vice Chancellor applauded the critical work taking place in the RTC lab, especially in addressing livestock mortality amid growing population pressures. He challenged vaccine researchers to ensure their innovations directly respond to the urgent need to safeguard the livestock sector, which is a cornerstone of national food security and economic stability.
While addressing the issue of a lack of jobs in the country, he said the responsibility of job creation lies on the shoulders of the researchers. “It is we who must create jobs through the students we train, and the innovations we make. We want every Makerere student to go out with a company in their hands to create jobs, he said, while congratulating the RTC team for the great work done.

The RTC lab’s strategic rise from humble beginnings
According to Dr. Patrick Vudriko, Head of the Facility and Principal Investigator of the MoTAR project, the transformation began in 2011, when the lab faced challenges of outdated equipment and limited operational capacity. Fueled by a vision for change, he said, a committed team spearheaded efforts to restore and reinvent the research center. A turning point came in 2016, when Dr. Vudriko received advanced training in Japan, which, coupled with the arrival of modern equipment, marked the beginning of a structured reorganization. By 2022, the lab had evolved into a robust multi-unit research complex featuring four specialized laboratories, namely genomics, serology, pharmaceutical research and development, and a general research unit, each aligned with CoVAB’s academic departments and Uganda’s broader scientific agenda.

The upgraded RTC Lab has become a magnet for budding scientists across a wide spectrum of disciplines and institutions. While rooted within CoVAB, the facility draws active participation from other colleges at Makerere University, including the College of Engineering, Design, Art and Technology, particularly in the field of nanotechnology, the College of Health Sciences for pharmaceutical studies, the College of Natural Sciences for natural products research, and food science programs. Its national impact is further underscored by strong collaborations with external institutions such as Kyambogo University, Kampala International University (KIU), and Busitema University, and students from foreign universities. Beyond academia, the lab contributes to national health efforts as evidenced by collaborations with the FAO and JICA that have enabled community outreach, especially in Kiboga District, focusing on disease diagnostics and the management of ticks. Dr. Vudriko noted that the insights gained since 2013 stress the urgency of proactive research and rapid testing, since chemical resistance complicates tick control.
The PI explained that MoTAR, working closely with MAAIF, initiated efforts towards developing a digital National Information Management System. This integrates tick species mapping, acaricide resistance data, and pathogen tracking across Uganda’s ecologies. The refurbished and newly equipped labs will make high-quality data contributions to the system and in turn support the agricultural policy development in Uganda.
GALVmed supports small-scale livestock farmers through MoTAR
Speaking on behalf of the funding agency GALVmed, Dr. Johnson Ouma, the MoTAR Project Coordinator, expressed gratitude for the support provided by Makerere University towards the smooth project implementation. He underscored GALVmed’s mission to expand access to veterinary products and services for small-scale livestock producers, particularly those who lack the financial resources and proximity to essential inputs like drugs and diagnostics.
Dr. Ouma cited compelling research evidence that highlighted the widespread challenge of tick infestations and increasing resistance to acaricides, which has significant implications for livestock health and productivity. Thus, he explained the importance of investing in robust information systems capable of mapping acaricide resistance, tick distribution, and the prevalence of tick-borne pathogens.
He commended Makerere University for taking a leadership role in developing these innovations, with the intent that successful strategies would be replicated in other countries facing similar challenges. Dr. Ouma concluded with optimism, noting that the MoTAR project is expected to yield impactful outcomes, both locally and internationally.

Prof. Frank Norbert Mwiine Applauds RTC Lab’s Transformation
The Principal of CoVAB, Prof. Frank Norbert Mwiine, praised the RTC Lab team led by Dr. Patrick Vudriko for the impressive progress in revitalizing the laboratory. “It’s more than infrastructure; it’s a movement,” he said, emphasizing the lab’s key role in connecting classroom theory with hands-on experience.
Students are now being immersed directly into laboratory environments, gaining exposure to cutting-edge research and diagnostic techniques. Prof. Mwiine underscored that fifth-year veterinary students are actively deployed into districts, engaging with farmers and applying their knowledge on the ground.

This hands-on approach guarantees that future veterinarians are not only academically prepared but also rooted in community involvement and practical problem solving. Through training and outreach initiatives, the labs function both as learning centers and catalysts for societal change.
“We should take Makerere to the community and not the community coming to us” Prof. Mwiine added. He extended appreciation to MAAIF for the proposed 69 veterinary labs to be constructed in the country. He said the college continues to train students who will be handy in the use of the labs.

Prof. Robert Tweyongyere, Dean of the School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Resources (SVAR), underscored the strategic importance of the RTC Lab by tracing its historical focus on tick-related research. He emphasized that tick resistance goes far beyond science, touching on economics, policy, and sustainability. “When ticks become resistant to acarisides,” he noted, “it leads to increased chemical use, higher costs, and broader socioeconomic consequences.” Prof. Tweyongyere celebrated the lab’s evolution into a national hub, now supporting other laboratories and diagnostic units in communities across Uganda. He further applauded the veterinary fraternity for its commitment to advancing animal health and spearheading diagnostic services in underserved regions.

General
Makerere University Repositions Doctoral Training to Build Africa-Centered Scholarship
Published
5 days agoon
August 4, 2025By
Mak Editor
By Moses Lutaaya
Makerere University is taking bold steps to transform doctoral education, moving away from an over-reliance on overseas institutions and reaffirming the continent’s ability to provide world-class doctoral academic training.
Addressing a gathering of PhD students at the end of the ten days cross-cutting doctoral course in Advanced Research Methods, at the University Main Library on Friday July 31, 2025, the Director of Graduate Training Prof. Julius Kikooma recounted his own academic journey and the challenges faced by earlier generations of scholars who sought opportunities abroad.
“Many of us were deflected and disheartened when policies restricted access to overseas programs unless they were unavailable in Africa,” he said. “We were made to believe that the best knowledge only resided outside the continent. But my experience taught me otherwise—Africa has the resources and intellectual capacity to nurture scholars capable of solving its own problems.”
He further shared how he eventually pursued his PhD at the University of Cape Town, later realizing that the perceived gap between African and Western universities was largely political and rooted in global power dynamics surrounding knowledge creation.
Prof. Kikooma emphasized the importance of “learning to unlearn and relearn”, a critical foundation of doctoral studies, adding that “serious doctoral studies demand openness, debate, critique, and a willingness to challenge entrenched ideas.”
He emphasized that Makerere University is now recreating the classic “101 Lecture” experience, traditionally offered at undergraduate level, where first-year students met renowned professors at the pinnacle of their disciplines. This model is being revived at the doctoral level, ensuring PhD students / candidates regularly engage with world-class intellectuals in teaching, academic writing, and publishing.
“We are committed to creating an environment where intellectual curiosity thrives. Doctoral training is about stretching your thinking and using it creatively to solve national and global problems. We want every PhD student here to leave with no regrets about choosing Makerere University.”

The training of PhD students in Cross Cutting Courses is part of a broader vision to position the university as a leading hub for high-quality PhD production in Africa, responding to calls from regional leaders and the World Bank for the continent to massively scale up its human capital development.
He noted further that Makerere University produced 144 PhD graduates last year, far below the numbers required to meet National Development Targets. “Our goal entrenched in Makerere University Strategic plan 2025-2030 is to triple that figure within five years. We want to revive Makerere University position as the intellectual engine driving Uganda’s transformation over the next decade.” He added.
Prof. Kikooma concluded with a call for confidence building in African scholarship, urging doctoral students to believe in the value of their own institutions and research in shaping the continent’s future.
Relatedly, the lead trainer and coordinator of the training Prof. Christopher Mugimu has reaffirmed the University’s commitment to producing high-quality PhD graduates equipped to tackle Africa’s most pressing challenges, with the training initiatives aimed at strengthening doctoral research methodologies and academic confidence.
“The existence of doctoral programs without facilitating students with advanced research methodologies does not make sense,” Prof. Mugimu said. “Students need to know what methods to use in qualitative, quantitative, or mixed paradigms to avoid being thrown into the ocean without knowing what to do. This training saves them time, gives them confidence, and allows them to produce quality data, professional reports, and policy-relevant outputs.”
He added that the Advanced Research Methods training course, which brings together doctoral students from various disciplines, adopts a multidisciplinary and hands-on approach, enabling participants to design research titles, refine problems, develop instruments, and plan data analysis within the training period. He reckoned that this approach will improve PhD completion rates and reduce prolonged delays that previously plagued doctoral programs at Makerere University.
The Vice president of Cohort one PhD students Dorothy Kirumira from the College of Agriculture and Environmental Studies said that Advanced Research Methods training is an eye opener which everyone should attend before they start doing their doctoral research.
“This course helps PhD candidates / students to understand how they should conduct doctoral research. Personally I thought I knew what I was doing, until I attended this course. I realized I lacked the knowledge and all I knew was basic.” She added.
On how this course would improve the quality of the PhD output, Dorothy said, “We have already overhauled our research proposals. Major adjustments have been done in earlier half-baked proposals. Am glad that am meeting my doctoral committee after this training. I feel very confident with now a clear direction to defend my work.”
She concluded that the quality of their research will add a big block in meeting the National Development Agenda of relevant policy formulation and implementation.
The President of Cohort 1 PhD students Mr. Moses Ebiru Wang’koko said, “Advanced Research Methods is important for doctoral students of Makerere University, especially in African contexts, as this equips researchers with the necessary tools to design studies that reflect local settings. This training that we have had extends beyond foundational academic skills and focuses on developing research competencies, ethical awareness, and the ability to address complex research questions relevant to specific field or disciplinary contexts.”
On how the training will impact their PhD output, Moses added, “Teaching Advanced Research Methods provides doctoral students with guidance throughout the research process, covering stages such as question formulation, data analysis, and ethical considerations, and includes both qualitative and quantitative methods. This PhD training has been designed to prepare us as researchers from Makerere University to develop studies that are methodologically sound, meet international standards, and consider local contexts research to contribute to academic knowledge and address societal issues.”
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