Associate Professor Robert Wamala(2nd R) receiving a handover report from Prof. Edward Bbaale (Centre). Looking of is DVCAA -Assoc. Prof. Umar Kakumba(2nd L), Deputy Director Julius Kikooma(L) and Mr. Bennet Magara from Internal Audit Directorate
In a ceremonious event at Makerere University’s Senate Building, a significant leadership transition took place at the Directorate of Research and Graduate Training (DRGT). This momentous occasion saw Professor Edward Bbaale, the outgoing Director, pass on his responsibilities to Associate Professor Robert Wamala, marking the beginning of a new era for the institution renowned for its dedication to advancing research and graduate education.
Professor Edward Bbaale, who led the DRGT since December 2022, presented a comprehensive overview of the directorate’s accomplishments and ongoing initiatives. He spotlighted key strategic developments during his tenure, including the establishment of the Research Entities and Institutes policy (2021), the Intellectual Property Management Policy (2022), and the Research and Innovations Policy (2022). These policies have been pivotal in fostering a research-centric and innovation-driven culture at Makerere University.
Professor Edward Bbaale,Outgoing Director
Under his guidance, the directorate achieved several milestones: the revision of the Postdoctoral Policy, the creation of a PhD Structure by Research, and the inception of the DRGT Annual Forum for Graduate Research and Policy Dialogue. A particularly notable highlight was the graduation of over 130 PhD candidates at the university’s 74th graduation ceremony. Professor Bbaale also emphasized the implementation of the Research Information Management System (RIMS), aimed at enhancing efficiency and transparency in graduate academic processes.
Following his presentation, Professor Bbaale officially handed over the directorate’s documents to Associate Professor Robert Wamala. This symbolic act underscored the continuity and the steadfast commitment to maintaining the high standards set by the outgoing director.
Vision from the Incoming Director
Acting Director -Associate Professor Robert Wamala
In his inaugural address, Associate Professor Robert Wamala expressed his gratitude and enthusiasm for leading the DRGT. He praised Professor Bbaale for his outstanding leadership and the solid foundation established during his term. Professor Wamala pledged to uphold the core values of Makerere University—Excellence, Accountability, Professionalism, Inclusivity, Respect, and Integrity—and to further the mission of DRGT by promoting research initiatives, supporting graduate students, and ensuring the quality of graduate programs.
He outlined key initiatives that will continue under his leadership, such as the Research Information Management System (RIMS), the digitization of academic records, and the consolidation of systems at Makerere University (MAKDATA). He emphasized the importance of collective effort and open communication among the directorate’s members to tackle challenges and embrace new opportunities.
The Guest of Honor
The ceremony’s guest of honor, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic Affairs) Associate Professor Umar Kakumba, commended Professor Bbaale for his significant contributions and expressed confidence in his new role as the Principal of the College of Business and Management Sciences (CoBAMS). Professor Kakumba congratulated Associate Professor Wamala on his appointment and applauded the entire DRGT team for their dedication and teamwork.
Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic Affairs) Associate Professor Umar Kakumba
In his remarks, Professor Kakumba underscored the critical role of DRGT as the central hub for innovation at Makerere University. He reaffirmed the university’s commitment to supporting research and graduate training, essential components for Uganda’s development and global competitiveness.
A New Chapter of Excellence and Innovation
The handover ceremony on May 31, 2024 at the Directorate of Research and Graduate Training was more than a formal leadership transition. It was a reaffirmation of Makerere University’s dedication to research excellence and innovation. With the solid groundwork laid by Professor Edward Bbaale and the fresh vision of Associate Professor Robert Wamala, the DRGT is poised for continued growth and impact. As the university community embraces this new chapter, the spirit of collaboration and dedication to academic excellence remains steadfast and unwavering.
The U.S. National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine is pleased to announce the 3rd U.S.-Africa Frontiers of Science, Engineering, and Medicine Symposium in partnership with and hosted by the Republic of Rwanda. The upcoming meeting will be held on February 18-20, 2025 in Kigali, Rwanda. The application is now open for scientists, engineers, and medical professionals from the United States and African Union member countries to submit their application online before the deadline of July 7, 2024, 11:59 PMET (Washington D.C. time).
This program brings together outstanding early/mid-career scientists, engineers, and medical professionals (within 15 years of most recent degree), from the United States and the member countries of the African Union for a series of symposia to discuss exciting advances and opportunities in their fields. The goal of these meetings is to enhance scientific exchange and dialogue among early-to-middle career researchers in African countries and the United States, including the African science diaspora, and through this interaction facilitate research collaboration within and beyond the region. Another unique aspect of the Frontiers events is the pluri-disciplinarity of the participants’ backgrounds and research interests.
One of the main objectives of this Frontiers symposium is to advance our understanding of cutting-edge S&T trends in the U.S. and Africa and to foster dialogue and collaborations across disciplines. The upcoming symposium will address the following topics:
Session I: New Solutions for Decarbonization
Session II: Biotechnology
Session III: Precision Agriculture
Session IV: Advances in Space Research
Session V: Smart and Connected Cities
We encourage early-career scientists, engineers and medical professionals working on related research to apply to this multidisciplinary meeting, as long as they fulfill the eligibility criteria. Each general participant will also have the opportunity to present their research during poster sessions. Travel of selected participants will be covered. More details on the symposium, organization, and program can be found on the symposium webpage.
Please submit your application online by 11:59 PM ET on July 7, 2024. For more information on the U.S.-Africa Frontiers Program, please visit our program website. Please email USAfricaSTEM@nas.edu with any questions.
Mobility for Clean Energy Solutions to promote energy independence and environmental well-being through collaboration and innovation, addressing climate challenges across Africa.
Background:
Africa, a continent brimming with potential, faces a critical challenge: ensuring energy access and tackling climate change. Over 50% of its population lacks electricity, and relying on unsustainable practices threatens their health and the environment. Yet, Africa possesses a wealth of untapped renewable resources – a golden key to unlocking a brighter future. The Homegrown Clean Energy (HCE) Solutions Project steps in to address these challenges with a vision driven by African ingenuity. We are empowering universities, the private sector, and local communities to develop clean energy solutions tailored to their specific needs.
The objectives of Homegrown Clean Energy:
Promote the development of Homegrown Clean Energy (HCE) solutions for underrepresented communities.
Facilitate knowledge sharing and technology transfer among participating institutions.
Enhance entrepreneurship skills in clean energy solutions for climate change adaptation and mitigation in Africa.
Promote gender equality and social inclusion in clean energy solutions.
Participating Institutions:
Federal University of Technology Minna (FUTMIN), Nigeria
Makerere University is pleased to announce a vacancy for the position of Assistant Administrative Officer (REC Administrator) within the School of Biomedical Sciences Research Ethics Committee (MakSBSREC). This is an excellent opportunity for qualified individuals to contribute to the ethical oversight of research involving human participants.
Duration: 1 Year, renewable upon satisfactory performance
Duty Station: Kampala
Qualifications, Desired Skills, and Experience:
Bachelor’s degree in Social Sciences and Humanities, Medicine and Surgery, Ethics and Human Rights, or any related field.
Master’s degree in Bioethics (an added advantage).
Up-to-date training in Human Subject Protection or Good Clinical Practice.
Proficiency in English (both spoken and written).
Prior experience in regulatory work in research studies or projects.
Excellent communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills.
Ability to work independently with minimal supervision and meet deadlines.
How to Apply:
Qualified and interested candidates are invited to submit a soft copy of their application documents and a motivation letter to deansbs.chs@mak.ac.ug with the subject line “Application for the position of Assistant Administrative Officer (REC Administrator)”. Address your application to the Dean, School of Biomedical Sciences.
Deadline for submission: July 2, 2024, by 5:00 pm Ugandan time.
Please provide a reliable 24-hour phone contact. Only short-listed candidates will be contacted for interviews.