General
Assoc. Prof. Umar Kakumba Hands Over DVCAA Mantle to Prof. Buyinza
“Makerere has made me who I am today; it has nurtured me from a degree holder to a professor, and I will do all that is possible to support this institution” remarked Assoc. Prof. Umar Kakumba the outgoing Deputy Vice Chancellor in charge of Academic Affairs (DVCAA) as he handed over office to the Acting DVCAA and Academic Registrar, Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi. The handover, held on 2nd August 2024 in the DVCAA’s Senate Building Office was presided over by the Acting Deputy Vice Chancellor in charge of Finance and Administration (DVCFA), Prof. Henry Alinaitwe, who represented the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe.
The ceremony was guided by Section F – d of The Uganda Public Service Standing Orders 2021 Edition as pronounced by the Director Internal Audit, Mr. Patrick Akonyet. On hand to witness the ceremony were; Ag. Director Human Resources-Mr. Deus Tayari Mujuni, Director Legal Affairs- Ms. Nanyondo Sumaiyah Sebuta, University Bursar-Mr. Evarist Bainomugisha, Ag. Director Research and Graduate Training-Assoc. Prof. Robert Wamala, Deputy University Librarian Dr. Ongaya Kizito, Principal Public Relations Officer-Ms. Ritah Namisango and members of the DVCAA and PR Offices.
Assoc. Prof. Kakumba’s term as DVCAA commenced on 1st December 2018 and ended on 30th November 2023, whereupon he was appointed in Acting Capacity until 31st May 2024. Thereafter, Prof. Buyinza was appointed in acting capacity for a period of six months effective 11th July 2024 to 10th January 2025 or until a substantive DVCAA is appointed whichever comes earlier.
Congratulating Assoc. Prof. Kakumba upon the successful completion of his term, Prof. Alinaitwe thanked God that he was able to deliver throughout his term and enable the university to progress especially through the COVID-19 period. “He has really achieved so many things for this institution.”
Prior to outlining some of the accomplishments during his term, Assoc. Prof. Kakumba said, “I am thankful to the Almighty God, to my supervisor Prof. Nawangwe and to my colleagues in top management, academic leaders, administrative and support staff, that I have worked with closely over the last five and a half years as the First Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic Affairs)”.
Some of the accomplishments outlined include:
- Set-up and led the team that crafted a proposal to the MasterCard Foundation (MCF) leading to award of a grant totalling US$ 2,017,933 for the e-Learning Initiative
- Set-up and led the team that submitted a proposal to the MCF leading to award of a grant totalling US$ 45 million for Phase II of the MCF Scholars’ Programme 2023-2033
- Led the Committee that crafted a proposal and won a post-doctoral fellowship development grant from the Carnegie Corporation totalling US$ 1,250,000.
- Set-up and led team that received seed grant of US$ 49,044 from the University of Cambridge, and now finalising a full US$ 25 million proposal on Climate Change and Sustainability
- Led the Committee that crafted a proposal to the Carnegie Corporation leading to award of US$ 1,000,000 to secure capacity development of early career academics (SECA).
- Negotiated and secured high-level international training of four Staff and subsequently won a grant from ARUA-Carnegie, to establish the Mak Data Centre.
- Chaired Steering Committee that won a grant worth US$ 750,000 (2020-2022) and a successor grant worth US$ 750,000 (2023-2025) from the HP Foundation for building capacity in Impact Evaluation for Evidence-based Decisions (IEED).
- As the Institutional focal person for the African Universities Research Alliance (ARUA), championed Makerere’s hosting and participation in eleven (11) Africa-Europe Clusters of Research Excellence (CoRES).
- Negotiated and signed an MoU between Makerere and the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) on 24th December 2020.
- Negotiated and Signed an MoU with Arizona State University (ASU) on 15th June 2023 to build capacity for Quality e-Learning infrastructure, staff training.
- Signed an MoU involving Makerere and five (5) other African Universities with the EU-CIVIS Universities Alliance for collaboration in research and innovations projects.
- Negotiated and signed an MoU with the University of Pretoria on 14th November 2021 for collaboration in training, joint research, innovations, technology transfer.
- Negotiated and signed an MoU with the University of Arizona on 19th April 2021 for a customised degree paths programme (CDP) and/or the world campus experience (WCE) programme.
- Signed a Consortium MoU involving Makerere and partner African Universities and autonomous research institutes, on 29th January 2021, for the establishment of the African Institute in Indigenous Knowledge Systems (AIIKS).
- Supported establishment of the MoU (signed on 21st February 2022) with the University Network for Strengthening Macro-Financial Resilience to Climate and Environmental Change.
- Conducted six (6) research management training workshops, presided over 100 research symposia and dissemination workshops, revitalised knowledge transfer outputs leading to increased scholarly publications from 900 peer-reviewed Journal Articles in 2020 to 1050 in 2021 and 1432 in 2022.
- Championed the institutionalisation and capacity development of the Institute of Open, Distance and e-Learning (IoDEL) at Makerere.
- Set up a Taskforce during the CoVID-19 pandemic (in April 2020), to fast-track operationalisation of ODeL policy and framework.
- Championed the development and rolling-out of the Academic Management Information System (ACMIS); a “home-grown software system solution”.
- Revitalised the Makerere University Press (MakPress), successfully publish and launch a total of fifteen (15) book titles, while ten (10) titles are due this year, 2024.
- Provided leadership to establish institutional affiliations with training programmes at the National Defence College-Njeru, (2021); Uganda Military Academy, Kabamba, 2019/2020; Police Senior Command and Staff College-Bwebajja (2022); and IGAD Sheikh Veterinary School Somaliland (2020).
- Presided over the review of One Hundred Seventy-Six (176) existing programme curricula and thirty-five (35) new academic programmes.
- Presided over thirty-four (34) sessions of the Senate Academic Policies and Appeals Committee, and twenty-five (25) Senate Board of Research and Graduate Training.
- Presided over successful completion of annual students’ admissions for Makerere University with enrolment numbers (24,684 in 2019/2000); (19,257 in 2020/2021); (20,827 in 2021/2022); (5659 in 2022/2023); and (21597 in 2023/2024).
- Refurbished the e-Learning infrastructure with 85% of campus now connected on Wireless hotspots; distributed over 400 Laptop computers, projectors and smart-boards to academic units; scale-up of the e-Learning management system (MUELE).
- Coordinated and supervised the successful completion of the 69th, 70th, 71st, 72nd and 73rd graduation ceremonies of Makerere University. A total of 65,092 students (of whom 51% are female) have graduated in the last five (5) years.
In his acceptance remarks, Prof. Buyinza congratulated the outgoing DVCAA upon successfully completing his term of office, adding that the handover ceremony had underlined the need to document all undertakings during one’s term of office. He equally undertook to continue along the trajectory of academic excellence embarked on by his predecessor. “I commit to do all it takes to maintain and consolidate the achievements made by Makerere University during this previous term.”
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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