General
Prof. Edward Bbaale handovers DRGT office to Assoc. Prof. Robert Wamala
By Nalumansi Aisha
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.
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
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.
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.
Makerere University and the University of Notre Dame, Indiana, USA (ND) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), which opens opportunities for collaboration between the two historic and leading research institutions in the areas of staff and student exchange, joint research and training, joint supervision of graduate students, and others.
The Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe signed on behalf of Makerere University and Rev. Robert A. Dowd, the 18th President signed on behalf of the University of Notre Dame. The ceremony, which was held at the University of Notre Dame campus at South Bend, Indiana was witnessed by Dr. Lorna Magara, the Chairperson of the Council of Makerere University, who led the Mak delegation.
Dr. Magara appreciated the institutionalisation of the collaboration between the two universities and the very warm hospitality accorded to the Mak delegation.
General
Press Release: Government of Uganda and Partners Launch SAY Plus+ to Scale Youth Sexual Reproductive Health & Rights (SRHR) Impact in Underserved Regions
USD 50 million national programme moves into full implementation, strengthening
adolescent and youth rights, empowerment, protection and access to youth-responsive
services in 13 districts across five sub-regions
KAMPALA, 7 MAY 2026: The Government of Uganda, through the Ministry of Health, today officially launched the SAY Plus+ Programme, a Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) initiative designed to strengthen adolescent and youth rights, empowerment, protection and access to quality services in Uganda’s underserved regions.
The launch, held at Makerere University‘s Freedom Square under the theme “My Voice Matters: Youth Voices for SAY Plus+” and the tagline “Nothing for us, without us”, marks the programme’s transition into full implementation.
SAY Plus+, formerly known as Strengthening Adolescents and Youth Rights and Empowerment: Scaling Impact, is led by the Ministry of Health, in coordination with other Ministries, with UNFPA Uganda serving as the Managing and Technical Agency.
Backed by a USD 50 million pooled fund from the Governments of Iceland, Denmark, the Netherlands, and Sweden, the initiative is scheduled to operate between 2024 and 2030. It is currently being rolled out across thirteen districts within five sub-regions, providing targeted assistance to regional referral hospitals in Jinja, Mbale, Moroto, Yumbe, Arua, and Gulu. Furthermore, the programme supports the Human Capital Development goals established in Uganda’s National Development Plan IV.
“SAY Plus+ represents a shift from fragmented interventions to a coordinated national effort that meaningfully places young people at the centre of both design and delivery. Through our partnership with the Government of Uganda, development partners, and implementing partners, we are investing not only in services, but in the systems, communities, and environments that enable adolescents and young people to thrive not only today but also in the future,” said Ms. Kristine Blokhus, Representative – UNFPA Uganda.
Officially launched by the Minister of State for Health Hon. Margaret Muhanga, the SAY Plus+ programme targets adolescents and young people aged 10 to 24 years, with particular focus on adolescent girls and young women, refugees and host-community youth, out-of-school young people, those not in employment, education or training, adolescents with disabilities, and young people in humanitarian and post-conflict settings.
“For many of us, things like this one are designed without listening to what we go through every day, think or even feel. SAY Plus+ feels different because it starts with our voices and gives us a real role in shaping solutions. It is not just about information, it is about being supported to make decisions, access services, and build the future we want.” – Jovia Dranzoa, Young person.
SAY Plus+ operates through three pillars. First, it empowers youth to exercise their rights and make informed choices. Second, it engages families, communities, and leaders to address harmful social norms. Third, it strengthens youth-responsive SRHR, HIV, and gender-based violence services via health facilities and community platforms, aiming to reach over 2.3 million direct and indirect beneficiaries.
The SAY Plus+ initiative stands as a model of international cooperation and multi-sectoral synergy. Through the combined support of the Governments of Iceland, Denmark, the Netherlands, and Sweden, and the technical leadership of UNFPA, Uganda is now equipped to scale-up critical interventions in HIV prevention, gender-based violence response, and reproductive health. With implementation now in high gear through 2030, the programme is poised to make a lasting contribution to the nation’s human capital development goals.
— ENDS —
Photos from the event
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