General
Address the quality of Higher Education degrees and their relevance to Africa
By Maureen Agena and Agaba Issa Mugabo
RUFORUM, a vibrant organisation of 170 universities in 40 countries across Africa hosted by the Government of Uganda at Makerere University since 2004 is celebrating its 20th anniversary on the margins of its second Triennial conference currently underway in Windhoek, Namibia.
The Regional Universities for Capacity building in Agriculture (RUFORUM) seeks to facilitate the creation of ‘Vibrant transformative universities catalysing sustainable inclusive agricultural development to feed and create prosperity for Africa’. The Second triennial conference which is hosted by the Government of Namibia and RUFORUM member Universities in Namibia, is taking place from 12-16 August, 2024 under the theme “Operationalising Higher Agricultural Education and Research Ecosystems for Innovation, Industrialisation, and Economic Development in Africa: A Call for Action.”
Represented by different universities spanning the globe, Vice Chancellors, Deans and Principals, University registrars, policy-makers, researchers, scientists and student have gathered in Namibia to discuss ways of transforming agriculture in Africa through innovative scientific research, educational and training approaches.
The Minister of Higher Education, training and innovation of the Republic of Namibia, Hon. Dr. Itah Kandjii Murangi on behalf of the President H.E. Nangolo Mbumba, officially opened the Second RUFORUM Triennial Conference on 12 August 2024.
The Minister who noted that the conference theme calls for immediate action to secure the posterity of our continent, warned against existing climate change and increased weather variability that is already with us and affecting agriculture, which in Namibia employs 70% of the population and is a provider of their livelihoods. She called upon the scientists to ensure that Africa is not just a consumer of science knowledge and products but a generator of solutions that will help humanity thrive on this planet. And to achieve that, she advised that Science, Technology and Innovation must be at the forefront of every initiative
While speaking on behalf of all visiting African Ministers of Higher Education at the official opening of the conference, Hon. Dr. John Chrysestom Muyingo underscored the value of enhancing agriculture education, skills development and knowledge support, noting the urgent need for curriculum reform and skills development to combat graduate unemployment as industry increasingly indicates that graduates do not have the skills that they are looking for. To overcome the situation, he proposed that the quality of higher degree programmes and their relevance to Africa’s challenges must be addressed. Agricultural education, he noted, will be critical to enhance the quality of employment and ensure inclusive growth.
The Minister also highlighted the core value of Science, Technology and innovation as a formidable tool for achieving Agenda 2063, “the Africa We Want” of a people driven inclusive prosperity, peace and integration, and that quality education has been emphasized as a pre-requisite for economic and social development to advance Africa’s position in the global knowledge economy.
In Uganda, RUFORUM member universities include; Bishop Stuart University, Bugema University, Busitema University, Gulu University, Islamic University in Uganda, Kabale University, Kyambogo University, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Makerere University, Muni University, Ndejje University, Soroti University, Uganda Christian University, Uganda Martyrs University and Uganda Technology and Management University. RUFORUM is a vibrant organization with a strategic MoU with the African Union Commission to implement priority area one of the Science, Technology and Innovation Strategy for Africa (STISA 2024).
Since its establishment, RUFORUM has supported the training of over 2,909 students (2,053 MSc, 627 PhD, and 229 Bachelors Students) from all over Africa, in different African Universities as part of building Africa’s Capacity for Capacity Development and promoting pan-Africanism, of whom 98% work in their countries or region. These efforts, apart from Human Capital Development, have contributed to knowledge generation and community impact. Some of the products of RUFORUM supported research, such as two soybean varieties developed in Uganda are now being grown throughout Sub-Saharan Africa. RUFORUM has also targeted strengthening capacity of the National Agricultural Research Systems (NARS) in Uganda, Burundi, DR Congo, Rwanda, South Sudan and Sudan among others.
RUFORUM has also mobilized over US$236 million for African Universities that is channeled through Uganda to the various countries for strengthening postgraduate education in Africa. For Uganda specifically, RUFORUM has contributed over US$50.5 million to Uganda through research, scholarships and institutional support to universities in Uganda. Most of the support went to Makerere University, and more recently to Gulu University, Mbarara University of Science and Technology and Uganda Martyr’s University.
The triennial also kick started the second phase of a Mastercard Foundation supported project on “Transforming African Agricultural Universities to meaningfully contribute to Africa’s growth and development” (TAGDev 2.0), a program that seeks to strengthen universities and Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) to drive inclusive, equitable and climate resilient transformation of agriculture and agrifood systems through experiential learning, skilling and empowering of Africa’s young people.
In his presentation at the opening ceremony of the Triennial Conference, the Executive Secretary RUFORUM, Prof. Patrick Okori noted that TAGDev 2.0 has to-date, under the expanded work and other livelihood opportunities for young women and men result area, empowered beneficiaries to run profitable enterprises and create work opportunities for themselves and others. Furthermore, under the improved adaptive agricultural production and productivity of focus value chains in target countries, he reported that TAGDev 2.0 has enabled smallholder farmers to access and utilize climate adaptive technologies, innovations and management practices (TIMPs).
And thirdly, under the strengthened quality of higher agricultural education outcomes within the ecosystem result area, Prof. Okori shared that TAGDev 2.0 has improved coordination among actors in the delivery of transformative and inclusive training, research and innovation by universities and TVETs.
The first Triennial was successfully held in Cotonou, Benin in 2021. This Year’s theme is a response to the urgent needs for the African governments, development partners, private sector and citizenry to take action, to invest in higher education to underpin the continent’s urgent development needs in an inclusive and sustainable way.
General
Makerere University and World Bank Sign Partnership to Strengthen Environmental and Social Sustainability Capacity
On 5th March 2026, Makerere University signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the International Development Association (IDA), the financing arm of the World Bank Group, establishing a strategic partnership aimed at strengthening environmental and social sustainability systems in Uganda and the wider East African region.
The collaboration brings together Makerere University through the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES) and the College of Humanities and Social Sciences (CHUSS) and the World Bank to jointly advance training, research, and policy advisory in environmental and social sustainability.
The three-year agreement provides a framework for cooperation focused on building national capacity to manage environmental and social risks associated with large-scale development investments.
Advancing Sustainable Development through Knowledge Partnerships
The partnership will be anchored in the Environment and Social Sustainability Centre (ESSC) at Makerere University, a national hub established to promote applied research, policy engagement, and professional training in environmental and social governance.
Through the Centre, the two institutions will collaborate to strengthen Uganda’s ability to plan and implement development projects in ways that safeguard communities and the environment.
Speaking during the signing ceremony, Ms. Francisca Ayodeji (Ayo) Akala, the World Bank Country Manager emphasised that the collaboration reflects a shared commitment to strengthening systems that support sustainable growth.
“This partnership with Makerere University is an important step in strengthening Uganda’s systems for environmental and social sustainability. By working through the Environment and Social Sustainability Centre, we aim to build the capacity of professionals across government, the private sector, and development institutions to better manage environmental and social risks and deliver investments that promote sustainable growth while protecting people and the environment.” Ms. Francisca Ayodeji (Ayo) Akala, World Bank Country Manager, Uganda, noted.
The partnership will support training, research, and policy advisory activities through the ESSC, helping Uganda pursue a development trajectory that promotes economic growth while protecting people and the environment.
Building National Capacity for Environmental and Social Risk Management
Uganda’s development agenda under the Fourth National Development Plan prioritises large-scale investments in infrastructure, agro-industrialisation, energy, and science and technology. However, such investments require strong environmental and social risk management systems to ensure sustainable outcomes.
The new partnership, therefore, focuses on building a skilled workforce capable of applying international best practices in environmental and social governance.
Under the MoU, Makerere University will design and deliver demand-driven short-course training programs targeting public sector officials, development practitioners, financial institutions, civil society organisations, and private sector actors implementing major projects.
Seven certificate-level short courses have already been developed and approved across multiple colleges at the University. These courses cover areas such as environmental and social risk management, climate risk assessment, construction health and safety, and integrating environmental and social considerations into investment cycles.
“Makerere Universityis proud to partner with the World Bank in strengthening Uganda’s capacity to manage environmental and social risks in development investments. Through the Environment and Social Sustainability Centre, we have already developed and approved seven certificate-level short courses across multiple colleges, designed to equip professionals in government, the private sector, and development institutions with practical skills to plan and implement sustainable projects. This collaboration reflects Makerere’s commitment to providing knowledge-driven solutions that support Uganda’s development while safeguarding communities and the environment.” Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe noted.
Strengthening Collaboration between Academia and Development Partners
As part of the agreement, the World Bank will support the development and delivery of the training programs, including conducting Training of Trainers (ToT) on the Bank’s Environment and Social Standards and international best practices.
The Bank will also leverage its convening power to encourage participation from development partners, government institutions, and project implementers, while supporting impact monitoring of trained professionals to document improvements in project performance and job creation.
The collaboration will further promote professional networking, policy dialogue, knowledge exchange, and the development of knowledge hubs containing environmental and social tools, databases, and resources for practitioners.
Positioning Makerere as a Regional Knowledge Hub
Through this partnership, Makerere University seeks to position the Environment and Social Sustainability Centre as a leading knowledge hub for environmental and social governance in Africa.
By combining academic expertise with the World Bank’s global experience in development financing and technical assistance, the initiative is expected to strengthen the institutional capacity required to deliver sustainable and climate-resilient investments in Uganda.
The partnership also aligns with the World Bank’s broader commitment to supporting Uganda’s development agenda and strengthening country systems for environmental and social sustainability.
Together, the two institutions aim to equip professionals across government, the private sector, and development organizations with the skills required to ensure that Uganda’s development pathway remains inclusive, responsible, and environmentally sustainable.
Caroline Kainomugisha is the Communications Officer, Advancement Office, Makerere University
General
Makerere University Explores Expanded Partnership with Stanbic Bank to Advance Innovation and Investment
On 5th March 2025, the Vice Chancellor, Makerere University, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, paid a courtesy visit to Stanbic Bank Uganda’s Chief Executive Officer, Mr Mumba Kalifungwa. The purpose of the visit was to explore areas for further collaboration with Stanbic Bank Uganda to strengthen innovation, entrepreneurship, and strategic investment.
The engagement reaffirmed the long-standing relationship between the two institutions and provided an opportunity to explore how academia and the financial sector can work together to unlock opportunities for students, staff, alumni, and the broader Ugandan community.
Discussions during the meeting focused on innovation and entrepreneurship support, student development programs, infrastructure partnerships, and investment opportunities linked to the University’s strategic development agenda.
Driving Innovation and Youth Entrepreneurship
During the engagement, the Vice Chancellor highlighted Makerere’s continued efforts to position itself as a research-led and innovation-driven university, emphasising the importance of partnerships with industry in translating academic research and ideas into practical solutions.
He underscored the need to empower young people with the skills and support required to create enterprises and generate employment opportunities, given Uganda’s fast-growing population, particularly the mushrooming young population. According to UBOS, by 2024, the young population was approximately 22.8 million persons out of a total population of 45.9 million people.
“If we do not support young people to innovate and create enterprises, we risk facing serious economic and social challenges. The employment of the future will increasingly be created by young people themselves,” he noted.
Among the proposals discussed was the possibility of establishing a Stanbic-supported innovation competition, aimed at stimulating entrepreneurship and providing a platform for students and young innovators to transform ideas into viable businesses.
Such an initiative could build on existing innovation and incubation programs run at Makerere and Stanbic Bank while strengthening collaboration between academia and the private sector in supporting enterprise development.
Expanding Strategic Collaboration
Speaking during the meeting, Mr Mumba Kalifungwa, the Chief Executive Officer of Stanbic Bank Uganda reaffirmed the bank’s commitment to strengthening its partnership with Makerere University.
He noted that while the bank has long provided financial services to the university and its staff, there is a significant opportunity to deepen collaboration in areas that generate broader societal impact.
“As an institution, we are interested in partnerships that go beyond financial services to create meaningful impact in society through the Stanbic Bank positive impact agenda. Education is one of the most important sectors through which we can drive that impact,” he noted.
The CEO also highlighted Stanbic Bank’s National Schools Championship program, which promotes innovation among secondary school students across Uganda, noting that a similar approach could potentially inspire initiatives at the university level.
Exploring Investment and Infrastructure Opportunities
The meeting also explored opportunities for collaboration in investment and commercialisation initiatives linked to university infrastructure and land assets.
University representatives shared insights into ongoing efforts to explore public–private partnership (PPP) models for strategic investments aimed at improving infrastructure and unlocking value from underutilised university assets.
Potential development opportunities discussed include projects related to hospitality facilities, commercial spaces, and other revenue-generating infrastructure within and around the university. Such initiatives could provide sustainable revenue streams for the university while creating opportunities for private sector participation in campus development.
Supporting Students, Staff, and Alumni
Additional discussions focused on expanding programs that benefit the wider Makerere community. These include financial literacy initiatives for students, expanded internship and graduate training opportunities, and collaborative programs to support student entrepreneurship and enterprise development.
The meeting also explored opportunities for collaboration in alumni engagement, leveraging Makerere’s extensive global alumni network to strengthen partnerships between the university and industry.
Programs aimed at improving financial preparedness and retirement planning for staff were also discussed, alongside potential housing and asset financing solutions tailored to the needs of university employees.
“Through this partnership, we are exploring opportunities that support the entire Makerere community, from financial literacy and entrepreneurship programs for students to internship pathways, alumni engagement, and financial preparedness initiatives for staff. These efforts will be anchored within the renewed collaboration framework between Makerere University and Stanbic Bank Uganda,” said Mr Awel Uwihanganye, Chief Advancement Officer.
The Chief Advancement Officer further noted that these initiatives are expected to be anchored within a renewed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Makerere University and Stanbic Bank.
A Shared Vision for Impact
Both institutions expressed optimism about the potential of the partnership to contribute to national development by supporting innovation, enterprise creation, and the development of future leaders.
As Makerere University continues to strengthen its role as a leading research and innovation institution in Africa, partnerships with forward-looking institutions such as Stanbic Bank Uganda remain critical in advancing the university’s mission of generating knowledge, nurturing talent, and driving solutions that address national and global challenges.
Caroline Kainomugisha is the Communications Officer, Advancement Office, Makerere University
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