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.
Hundreds of mourners gathered at St. Augustine Chapel, Makerere University on May 30, 2026 to pray for the soul of Mr. Sylas Ruhweza, the first President of the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Alumni Community at Makerere University.
The requiem mass was filled with emotional tributes celebrating Ruhweza’s life of service, leadership and dedication to community causes. Ruhweza passed away on Friday, May 29, 2026, at Mildmay Uganda Hospital.
Speaker after speaker described him as a humble and visionary leader who was passionate about uplifting others and deeply committed to excellence.
“We thank God for the life of Sylas, for the years he granted him among us, and for the impact he made on countless lives. He carried himself with humility and grace, and wherever he went, he built friendships, inspired confidence, and left people better than he found them,” Tooro Kingdom Prime Minister, Calvin Armstrong Rwomiire Akiiki, said during the Mass.
Mr. Rwomiire urged mourners to honour Ruhweza’s legacy by embracing the values he stood for, including integrity, compassion, hard work, service to community, and his unwavering love for Tooro Kingdom.
The main celebrant, Rev. Fr. Charles Lwanga Makoboza, echoed the message in his homily, reminding Christians to remain rooted in Jesus Christ throughout their lives.
“Sylas has gone to be with God, in a place where there is no pain, missed calls, struggle, corruption, betrayal, jealousy and tears. He is in a place with absolute peace. So, in life, never be the cause of someone’s tears, and if you do, seek reconciliation,” Fr. Lwanga, said.
Fr. Lwanga also reminded mourners that what Ruhweza needs most are prayers, not wreaths.
Speaking on behalf of the family, Ms. Grace Kabasita, Ruhweza’s maternal aunt, described him as a loving and dedicated young man whose life touched many people.
“Sylas was a counsellor, teacher, and a brilliant, loveable young man who fitted into every society. His life was marked by service, friendship, dedication, and commitment to the wellbeing of others and his culture,” she said.
Addressing mourners, Prof Justine Namaalwa, the Coordinator of the Mastercard Foundation Initiatives at Makerere University, noted that though Sylas’s life was cut short, he leaves behind a lasting legacy of service, leadership and impact on the communities he served.
“Sylas, you have gone too soon. But it is well with our souls. May your legacy of Transformative Leadership live on,” Prof. Namaalwa, said.
She thanked the Mastercard Foundation for supporting his education through BRAC Uganda, supporting his university education through the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Makerere University, and nurturing his leadership journey through the Youth Advisory Board.
Ruhweeza at glance
Born on 19th July 1994 to the late Mr. Paul Tinkasimire Paul Adyeeri and Ms. Ategeka Margret Abwooli of Bunyangabu District.
The ninth born of eleven children attended Kaboyo Primary School for his Primary Education, and later joined Fort Portal Secondary School where he sat for his O-Level. He then proceeded to A-Level at Hannah International School.
He joined Makerere University and graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Petroleum Geoscience and Production in 2022, supported by the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Programme at Makerere University.
At the time of his passing, he was pursuing a Master’s degree at Victoria University.
Leadership, Service and Professional Contributions
Mr. Ruhweza served as Chairperson of the Mastercard Foundation Alumni Network at BRAC from 2020 to 2022, demonstrating transformative leadership and commitment to social change.
He later became the President of the Makerere AlumNet Foundation, an umbrella organization that brings together the Scholars Makerere Alumni chapter.
He worked as an eLearning Support Officer at the College of Natural Sciences (CoNAS) under the e-learning initiative at Makerere University.
He was a member of the Steering Committee of the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Makerere University, representing the Scholars Makerere Alumni chapter.
At the time of his passing, he was serving as the Minister of Information in the Tooro Kingdom, Strategy and Engagement Lead for the Mastercard Foundation Alumni Network-Uganda Chapter, and Programme Associate at the Africa Climate Collaborative, one of the Mastercard Foundation initiatives at Makerere University.
Legacy
Ruhweza is remembered for his dedication to education, leadership, mentorship, and community service. He passionately championed youth empowerment, collaboration, and social responsibility.
His life reflected the transformative power of education, servant leadership, and a commitment to uplifting others.
May Sylas’s soul rest in eternal peace.
General
Makerere University Pushes for Stronger Support for Research Ethics Committees amid Growing Research Demands
By Moses Lutaaya
Makerere University has intensified efforts to strengthen research governance and ethical oversight, with university leaders calling for greater institutional support for Research Ethics Committees (RECs), whose role has become increasingly central to the institution’s research-led agenda.
The call was made during a high-level meeting between University Management and Chairpersons of Research Ethics Committees held at the Vice Chancellor’s Boardroom at the Makerere University Main Building on May 25, 2026.
Opening the meeting, the Director of Research Innovations and Partnerships (DRIP), Prof. Robert Wamala, highlighted a number of operational and administrative challenges affecting the effectiveness of RECs at Makerere University.
Prof. Wamala observed that RECs continue to operate with gaps in institutional framework outlining their position within the university governance structure, a gap he said has affected institutional support and long-term sustainability.
According to Prof. Wamala, inadequate facilitation continues to affect the operations of several committees, especially in areas of staffing, administrative coordination, and remuneration for REC administrators.
He also pointed to challenges arising from new regulatory requirements governing the appointment of REC members, particularly the need for appointment letters to be authorized or signed by the Vice Chancellor.
Prof. Wamala further raised concern over the high cost of mandatory accreditation and training processes required by the Uganda National Council for Science and Technology (UNCST), especially the Good Research Regulatory Practice (GRRP) training undertaken every three years. “Payment for training is too high for individual RECs to cover,” he noted, adding that many committees are struggling to independently raise the money to undertake the training for all their members.
He also emphasized the need for stronger institutional monitoring systems to support timely submission of accreditation renewal applications, oversight of approved research activities, and coordination of REC operations across the university.
In her remarks, the Deputy Vice Chancellor in charge of Academic Affairs, Prof. Sarah Ssali, commended the growing contribution of RECs in advancing Makerere University’s research agenda and acknowledged the concerns raised by Prof. Wamala and committee members.
“There were not very many RECs,” Prof. Ssali said. “So now that we are 10, it is really impressive because it speaks to our cause for a research-led university.” She admitted that despite their importance, many RECs still operate outside the formal university establishment, making staffing and operational support difficult.
“The only challenge that I see is that they are not fully institutionalized. So it is upon units to start them or not to start them,” she explained. Prof. Ssali added that because RECs are not fully integrated into the public service structure of the university, recruiting and remunerating staff through conventional university systems remains complicated. “Hiring for them staff will be a little bit cumbersome because the university will say they are not part of our structure,” she said.
She nevertheless emphasized that university management recognizes the strategic importance of RECs in strengthening ethical research oversight and supporting Makerere’s position as a research-led institution. “RECs are doing a great job of furthering our strategic agenda of being a research-led university,” she noted.
Prof. Ssali explained that the growing reliance on institutional RECs by the Uganda National Council for Science and Technology demonstrates the trust placed in Makerere University’s ethical review systems.
Addressing concerns about the cost and frequency of mandatory training, Prof. Ssali acknowledged the financial burden on RECs but explained that many of the requirements are set by national regulators. “Many of the things you have raised are with National Council, they are not with us,” she said. “We can only pledge to lobby.”
To address logistical challenges associated with training senior academics, she proposed more flexible scheduling arrangements. “For a professor to give you a whole day is going to be a challenge,” she said. “Maybe you can do half days throughout the week.”
Prof. Ssali also encouraged colleges and schools to allocate part of their enhanced research budgets toward supporting REC activities, including staffing, training, and operational facilitation.
She suggested that colleges and schools hosting RECs should directly take responsibility for sustaining them. “For me, that’s the way out — to ensure that the colleges and schools that have RECs take them as their responsibility,” she noted.
The DVC-AA also addressed concerns related to intellectual property rights, Material Transfer Agreements (MTA), and the need for researchers to formally communicate scientific discoveries and innovations to the university to ensure institutional protection and benefit-sharing. “All you are saying is true, but it depends on you as researchers informing the institution that we have made this discovery,” she said.
Prof. Ssali reiterated Makerere University’s commitment to strengthening research governance systems and pledged continued engagement with both university management and national regulatory bodies to address the concerns raised by REC members. “Where they are, they enable research, publication and growth,” she said of the RECs. “Most importantly, they enable us to be ethical with the way we do our things.”
The meeting was attended by chairpersons of the various Research Ethics Committees across Makerere University and affiliated institutions. These included Dr. Ponsiano Ochama from the School of Medicine Research Ethics Committee (SOM-REC), Dr. Moses Ocan from the School of Biomedical Sciences Research Ethics Committee (SBS-REC), Dr. Paul Kutyabami from the School of Health Sciences Research Ethics Committee, Dr. David Kyaddondo from the Uganda Cancer Institute Research Ethics Committee, Dr. Stella Neema from the School of Social Sciences Research Ethics Committee (MAKSS-REC), Dr. Joseph Kagayi from the School of Public Health Research Ethics Committee, Dr. Joseph Kateete from the Infectious Diseases Institute Research Ethics Committee, Dr. Fred Okuku from the Uganda Heart Institute Research Ethics Committee, Dr. Kassim Sadik from the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences Research Ethics Committee, and Dr. Eddy Walakira from the College of Business and Management Sciences Research Ethics Committee.
The discussions reflected Makerere University’s broader ambition to consolidate its position as a leading research-intensive institution while ensuring that ethical standards, accountability, and innovation protection remain central to its academic mission.
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