General
Presidents of Jigjiga & Samara Universities, Ethiopia Visit Mak, Discuss Collaboration on Dry Land Agriculture
By Gerald Ochwo
On Friday 31st May 2024, Presidents Dr. Beshir Abdullahi (PhD) and Dr. Muhammad Usman Darasa of Jigjiga University, Ethiopia and Samara University, Ethiopia respectively and the First Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic Affairs) of Makerere University, Prof. Umar Kakumba discussed the possibilities of research collaboration, staff and student mobility and exchanges as well as internationalization of higher education.
The meeting that was attended by Makerere University officials from the Colleges of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES), Engineering, Design, Art and Technology (CEDAT), Education and External Studies (CEES), and the Directorate of Research and Graduate Training (DRGT) centred on research collaborations in dry land agriculture including, areas of Pastoral Education, Extension and Animal Science, Climate Change and Mitigation, Engineering and Technology, Education and Applied Teaching, as well as Energy Research and Urban Development.
Welcoming the two Presidents to Makerere, Prof. Umar Kakumba presented the historical journey that the University has undergone in its 102 years of existence. He emphasized the evolution of the University from the faculty-based system, to a collegiate institution in 2011, which now houses 10 Academic Colleges with over 500 academic programmes at Undergraduate and Post-graduate levels. He reiterated that Internationalization is one of the key core strategic agendas of the University, and currently, more than 1,000 international students are pursuing different studies at Makerere University including, students from Ethiopia.
“Makerere has historically remained the top University on the continent and because of this historical dominance the University has continued to attract students from the continent and beyond. For instance, we currently have about 5 PhD students from Ethiopia at our College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, and we have over the years, continued to work with visiting professors from the University of Addis-Ababa, who have supported our Academic, processes either as external supervisors or visiting lectures and this is the case with a number of other Universities that we partner with on the continent,” said Prof. Umar Kakumba.
Prof. Robert Wamala, the Acting Director, Directorate of Research and Graduate Training (DRGT) in his remarks reiterated that Makerere has a number of funded research partnerships all over the world, and the College of Health Sciences (CHS), currently tops the partnership ratings of the University. He further noted that, through the Government intervention, the University has established a research fund code-name, ‘MAK-RIF’, which receives an annual support of over US$ 8 Million from the Government of Uganda.
“We are grateful to the Government of Uganda for investing over US$ 8 Million, into the Makerere University research portfolio which currently is being housed at the MAK-RIF. This research fund attracts participation of researchers from the entire country and the research output and impact, is already commendable,” remarked Prof. Robert Wamala.
Dr. Beshir Abdullahi (PhD), President of the Jigjiga University in his remarks noted that his visit was aimed at understanding the different research and collaboration interests that Makerere University espouses and, to also see how these research areas can be synchronized with the Jigjiga University research agenda. Their agenda, he said, currently focuses on areas of dry land agriculture, animal feeding systems, irrigation technologies, agricultural extension programmes, and petroleum Engineering among others.
“I can say that we are happy to be here in Makerere University, Uganda, which we recognize as one of the best and oldest universities on the African continent. Ethiopia as a Country, experiences long spells of drought and this has over the years pushed us into adopting dry land farming approaches and technologies. This is slightly different with Uganda which is green and receives rain throughout the year. The situation in Ethiopia can only be equated to the Karamoja regions in Uganda” Dr. Beshir Abdullahi (PhD) remarked.
On the other hand, Dr. Muhammad Usman Darasa (PhD), the President of Samara University, noted that his institution currently has more than 103 Undergraduate programmes in the areas of Tourism, Health Sciences, dry land agriculture, livestock mobility, and veterinary systems and over 50 Masters programmes with the future prospects of starting PhD programmes. He then asked a question on how the two institutions (Makerere University and the University of Samara), can partner to solve the problems that affect the common people in the respective countries. Some of the challenges that he highlighted include: climate change, peace and security.
In attendance, were Prof. Anthony Muwagga Muggaga, Principal, College of Education and External Studies (CEES), Prof. Robert Wamala, Ag. Director Research and Graduate Training (DRGT), Dr. John Baptist Tumuhairwe, Dean, School of Agricultural Sciences, College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES), who also represented the Principal of CAES, Assoc. Prof. Kizito Maria Kasule, Deputy Principal, College of Engineering, Design, Art and Technology (CEDAT), Ms. Ritah Namisango, Principal Public Relations Officer, and Mr. Gearld Ochwo, Manager International Relations Office/Senior Assistant Registrar in charge of Communications and Liaison in the Department of the Academic Registrar.
The visit was concluded with a guided tour of the University and specifically to CAES, where Dr. John Baptist Tumuhairwe took the visitors around the College and showcased a number of initiatives including the Soybean project. The Presidents also visited the UNDP-Makerere University Innovation Pod, where Dr. Cathy Mbidde, the Director, Makerere University Innovations Hub, highlighted the various student innovation accomplishments and shared the future prospects of the Pod.
On 20th January 2025, the blazing afternoon sun was temporarily obscured by cloud cover as a convoy complete with VVIP security detail quietly made its way to the Main Building. As the convoy came to a stop at the Main Building’s Eastern staircase, all eyes were peeled to see who this VVIP was. As she emerged, there was no fanfare whatsoever as she proceeded to pleasantly greet the welcoming party. Princess Zahra Aga Khan, graceful by all standards, had arrived at Makerere University, an institution fondly talked about by her father His Late Highness Prince Karim Aga Khan IV.
It was indeed humbling that Princess Zahra Aga Khan, a Member of the Board of Directors of the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) and Trustee of the Aga Khan University (AKU) could include Makerere University on her itinerary. She had earlier on the same day paid a courtesy call on the President H.E. Yoweri Kaguta Museveni at State House Nakasero, and presided over the graduation of 120 students of the Aga Khan University-Kampala.
Princess Zahra who was received by the Acting Vice Chancellor, Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi and the Dean Makerere University School of Public Health (MakSPH), Prof. Rhoda Wanyenze was thankful for the warm reception and Makerere’s unwavering legacy.
“My whole life, my father always told me that Makerere was the best University in Africa,” relayed Princess Zahra, before adding “And my whole life he told me how sad it was that tertiary level degrees had been de-funded and what fragility that bred in these countries.” She went on to explain that her father’s philosophy was that if a country cannot train its upper degrees, it cannot build a free, fair and successful economy.
Princess Zahra nevertheless expressed how glad she was to see that Makerere still remains a beacon of higher education, and that the Main Building that was gutted by fire was reconstructed to perfection. “So to come here and see it looking so amazing and beautiful is really good.”
She confessed that her itinerary, though involving many hops to preside over graduations in Kenya, Tanzania and finally Pakistan, was testimony of how much Aga Khan Institutions had evolved over the past twenty years. Princess Zahra explained that partnerships with Makerere and other universities, especially in the aftermath of events such as CoVID-19, were crucial in helping Aga Khan Institutions to adjust. “An institution can become far stronger and more resilient,” she explained.
In his welcome remarks, Prof. Buyinza thanked Princess Zahra for including Makerere on her eventful itinerary. “We are more than a century old and have greatly impacted the development and economy of this country, not on our own, but with the big network of our partners in many respects. Your coming reinforces the resolve that we must work together for the good of humanity.”
The Acting Vice Chancellor equally welcomed members of Princess Zahra’s delegation who included; her daughter Sarah Boyden, Mr. Zakir Mahmood-Chairman Board of Trustees AKU, Mr. Amin Mawji, OBE-Trustee AKDN, Dr. Sulaiman Shahabuddin-President and Vice Chancellor AKU, Dr. Tania Bubela-Provost and Vice President Academic AKU, Zeenat Shahabuddin-Regional CEO for Aga Khan Health Services (AKHS) in East Africa, and Joseph Mwizerwa-Associate Vice Provost AKU-Uganda.
Contributing to the day’s discussion, Dr. Sulaiman Shahabuddin the President and Vice Chancellor AKU who has been in Kampala for the last twenty years, admitted that the new campus in Nakawa heralds a new era of growth as they commence student activities in June 2025.
“Makerere has been and is a distinguished University in Africa. We look forward to engaging and discussing how best we can come up with programmes that can benefit Uganda and Ugandans” he remarked.
As a rejoinder, Prof. Rhoda Wanyenze admitted that AKU’s and Makerere’s academic programmes present a number of potential synergies both in training and research. “Cancer clinical care and research is a big issue for us here; the burden is growing and we need to do more work to be able to characterize exposures and what it is that’s driving it.”
Other areas singled out in the discussion as potential for collaboration included; the environment, climate change and its linkage with health and other issues, and harnessing of the potential Electronic Medical Records (EMR). Makerere University currently partners with the Ministry of Health to roll out EMR systems nationwide, so as to optimize health service delivery in line with the Uganda Vision 2040.
“We have already done quite a number of facilities across the country for HIV, probably more than 1,000, but right now we are moving towards having an integrated electronic system for all care, the interoperability of multiple systems that exist, and being able to scale that up” complemented Prof. Wanyenze.
Prof. Buyinza who brought the lively discussion to a close concurred that a lot of potential areas for collaboration exist between the two partners and reassured Princess Zahra Aga Khan and her delegation of the Makerere’s readiness to undertake joint activities for the good of humanity. He also used the occasion to observe a moment of silence in honour of His Late Highness Prince Karim Aga Khan IV, who passed away on 4th February 2025.
Following the signing of the Vice Chancellor’s Visitors Book, Princess Zahra Aga Khan and her delegation proceeded to the Makerere University Innovation Pod (Mak UniPod), where they received a guided tour from Dr. Cathy Ikiror Mbidde, the Director.
Prof. Henry Alinaitwe on 20th February 2025 officially handed over the Office of Deputy Vice Chancellor (Finance and Administration)-DVCFA to Prof. Winston Tumps Ireeta at a ceremony presided over by the Acting (Ag.) Vice Chancellor, Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi. The handover was witnessed by the University Secretary-Mr. Yusuf Kiranda, Chief Human Resources-Mr. Deus Tayari Mujuni, Chief Internal Audit-Mr. Patrick Akonyet, University Bursar-Mr. Evarist Bainomugisha and Chief Legal Affairs-Ms. Nanyondo Sumaiyah Sebuta.
Equally present to witness the ceremony were the Chief Estates and Works- Eng. Okuk Geoffrey, Dean of Students-Dr. Winifred Kabumbuli, Deputy University Secretary-Mr. Simon Kizito, Mr. Juma Katongole-Representing Director ICT Support, Ms. Susan Mbabazi-Representing Director Gender Mainstreaming, Ag. Manager of Planning and Development-Mr. Emmanuel Kitamirike as well as staff from the Vice Chancellor’s and Deputy Vice Chancellors’ Offices.
Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi in his remarks thanked Prof. Alinaitwe for the effort and support rendered to the University through the DVCFA’s Office and prayed that Makerere could continue tapping into his knowledge.
“As colleagues we have a shared agenda and a common destination as we do the best for Makerere. I thank Prof. Henry Alinaitwe for being a hardworking colleague of great humility, collegiality, and being open-heartedly committed to the principle of trust” remarked Prof. Buyinza, who also expressed belief that God has bigger plans for him as he exits office.
In the same breath, Prof. Buyinza congratulated Prof. Ireeta on his new role, admitting that he has what it takes to carry on from where his predecessor left off. “Thank you for accepting to take on this appointment; it takes a person of great responsibility to accept the huge mandate of this office.”
The Chief Human Resources Officer, Mr. Mujuni thanked Prof. Alinaitwe for steering the Office of the DVCFA and pledged to correspondingly support his new supervisor, Prof. Ireeta. The University Secretary, Mr. Kiranda equally thanked Prof. Alinaitwe for the guidance, support, and flexibility accorded to his office to fulfil its mandate.
“Although it is difficult for us to sit here and witness this handover, we are comforted to have previously worked with Prof. Ireeta and look forward to the continuity in service that his experience presents” added Mr. Kiranda.
The Chief Internal Audit Officer, Mr. Akonyet in his tribute thanked Prof. Henry Alinaitwe for his guidance as immediate supervisor, which helped shape the internal audit function. Like Mr. Kiranda, Mr. Akonyet thanked Prof. Ireeta for his support as a member of the University Council’s Audit Committee and expressed confidence that his passion for service would greatly benefit the University in his new role.
Presenting his handover report, Prof. Henry Alinaitwe reflected on a number of achievements such as: Mobilising resources for the Makerere@100 Celebrations and other activities; establishing the Grants Administration and Management Support Unit (GAMSU); realigning Makerere’s Ten-Year Strategic Plan to the Five-Year NDP-recommended interval; Payment of outstanding In-house Benefits; Harmonization of staff salaries; as well as Recruitment, Promotion and Training of staff.
Prof. Alinaitwe equally highlighted achievements such as: Formulation of the ICT Policy and purchase of related equipment; Developing a Security Masterplan and enhancing surveillance, personnel numbers and equipment; Support to Student Affairs Management and Governance including overseeing the Emerging Leaders Program; Renovation of Student Halls of Residence; Establishment of the Disability Support Centre; Leading the Design Team for the Reconstruction of the Main Building; Improving Competitiveness of the Staff Housing Policy; Improving the University Fleet and Vehicle Access Control; Improving the Budgeting Process through Unit Ledgers and Accounts; among others.
He concluded by thanking the University Council and the Vice Chancellor for entrusting him with the role of DVCFA as well as all the support rendered to his office in the execution of his duties. “Whereas I have read out all these various achievements, they have largely been due to all your respective contributions and I thank you for that.”
In his acceptance remarks, Prof. Winston Tumps Ireeta similarly thanked the University Council and Vice Chancellor for entrusting him with the responsibility of overseeing the Office of the DVCFA. He acknowledged that despite the fact that he was taking over from Prof. Alinaitwe on whose behalf he had acted a number of times, he still has big shoes to fill. “However, with my God, all things will work out” he prayed.
The incoming DVCFA requested Prof. Alinaitwe to always accept consultation on matters relating to the office and pledged to be as results-oriented as his predecessors. “Let’s all work together for the good of our University” he concluded.
Following the Handover Ceremony, Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi on behalf of Members of Management presented a plaque to Prof. Henry Alinaitwe in appreciation of his dedicated service as Ag. DVCFA from 16th November 2021 to 19th February 2025.
In a pivotal meeting held earlier this morning, the Acting Deputy Vice Chancellor, Prof. Henry Alinaitwe, met with project implementation partners from the Korea Institute for Development Strategy (KDS) and the Korea National Open University (KNOU) to discuss the upcoming Project for Enhancing the Distance Education Environment at Makerere University in Uganda (2024-2028). This collaboration, set to launch on February 27, 2025, is poised to revolutionize the university’s distance learning initiatives.
The project, which is generously funded by the Korean Government through KOICA (Korea International Cooperation Agency), will receive a substantial investment of USD 12.2 million. It aims to address critical areas in e-learning at Makerere University, with key components focusing on the development of a comprehensive e-learning master plan, capacity building for staff in Open and Distance eLearning (ODeL), equipping two state-of-the-art content development studios, and the development of necessary infrastructure.
Prof. Henry Alinaitwe expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership, stating, “This project marks a significant milestone for Makerere University as we strive to enhance our distance learning capabilities. The integration of advanced technology and capacity building will not only improve the quality of education but also ensure greater accessibility for learners across the region. We are grateful for the generous support from the Korean Government and look forward to the successful implementation of the project.”
The delegation from Korea, led by Prof. Chun Se yeoung, also expressed their commitment to the success of the project. Prof. Chun Se yeoung remarked, “We are excited to partner with Makerere University on this transformative project. We believe that by enhancing the distance education environment at Makerere, we will not only benefit the university but contribute to the development of higher education in Uganda and the broader East African region. Our goal is to build a sustainable and scalable model that empowers educators and students alike.”
The project is expected to have a lasting impact, significantly strengthening Makerere University’s capacity to offer high-quality education remotely, thereby increasing access to learning opportunities for students across Uganda and beyond.
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