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MakRun2024 Highlights

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Held in line with the theme: Run for Students with Disabilities, the fourth edition of MakRun organised by the Makerere University Endowment Fund and held on Sunday 18th August 2024 saw thousands of runners throng the Freedom Square and take part in this noble cause. MakRun2024 was presided over by the Deputy Speaker of Parliament Rt. Hon. Thomas Tayebwa, who flagged off all the runners and on the same occasion, officially opened the Disability Support Unit, located on the Ground Floor of the Frank Kalimuzo Central Teaching Facility.

Rt. Hon. Thomas Tayebwa flanked by Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, Dr. Maggie Kigozi, Mrs. Lorna Magara and other dignitaries in the Disability Support Unit shortly after the launch. Photo: X/@Thomas_Tayebwa. Makerere University Endowment Fund Race 2024 #MakRun2024, 18th August 2024, Freedom Square, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Rt. Hon. Thomas Tayebwa flanked by Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, Dr. Maggie Kigozi, Mrs. Lorna Magara and other dignitaries in the Disability Support Unit shortly after the launch. Photo: X/@Thomas_Tayebwa.

Winners of Races

The following emerged winners of the 21km, 10km, 5km and 3km wheelchair races

21km Race Winners (Men)

  1. Musana Ezekiel
  2. Marko Pigien
  3. Tusingwere Francis

10km Race Winners (Men)

  1. Kaddu Vensvia
  2. Myles Derrick
  3. Twinomatsiko Henry

5km Race Winners (Men)

  1. Labeja Patrick
  2. Kimitai Aaron
  3. Cloudine

3km Wheelchair Race Winners (Men)

  1. Lawrence Lumiisa
  2. Kiiza Kabonge
  3. Tusiime Miika

Voices from Social Media

Rt. Hon. Thomas Tayebwa flags off the 3km Wheelchair Race. Photo: X/@Thomas_Tayebwa. 
Makerere University Endowment Fund Race 2024 #MakRun2024, 18th August 2024, Freedom Square, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Rt. Hon. Thomas Tayebwa flags off the 3km Wheelchair Race. Photo: X/@Thomas_Tayebwa.

This morning, I flagged off the @MakEndowmentFnd Run at @Makerere aimed at raising funds to improve the teaching and learning conditions of students with disabilities. I used the same occasion to officially launch the Makerere University Disability Support Unit. This is a centralized service Unit that mainstreams the seamless integration of students with disabilities into the University teaching and learning environment. I congratulate and commend Makerere University for positioning themselves as a center of excellence in disability inclusion.

Rt. Hon. thomas tayebwa

Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe with some of the students in the Freedom Square. Makerere University Endowment Fund Race 2024 #MakRun2024, 18th August 2024, Freedom Square, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe with some of the students in the Freedom Square.

#MakRun2024 has been the most successful Makerere University Run so far. Students, professors, alumni and other stakeholders today ran in support of the University’s Disability Support Centre, a one-stop centre for students with disability, which was commissioned by Deputy Speaker of Uganda’s Parliament, the Rt.Hon. @Thomas_Tayebwa. Thank you @MastercardFdn for supporting this Centre.

Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe

The 90th Guild Cabinet led by Guild President H.E. Lubega Nsamba (with cap) at MakRun2024. Photo: X/@lubega_nsamba.
 Makerere University Endowment Fund Race 2024 #MakRun2024, 18th August 2024, Freedom Square, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
The 90th Guild Cabinet led by Guild President H.E. Lubega Nsamba (with cap) at MakRun2024. Photo: X/@lubega_nsamba.

We’ve officially launched the @Makerere Disability Support Unit. This Unit is creating an enabling env’t where every differently abled student can access resources and support they need to excel academically, socially and personally. #MakRun2024

H.E. lubega nsamba

Mr. Tusiime Miika poses with his medal. Photo: X/@tusiimemiika. Makerere University Endowment Fund Race 2024 #MakRun2024, 18th August 2024, Freedom Square, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Mr. Tusiime Miika poses with his medal. Photo: X/@tusiimemiika

I managed to be the 2nd Runners Up in the 3Km wheelchair race in the #MakRun2024 I thank everyone for the love and support shown to me and regards to @BabaraRodney for the assistance 🙏🙏 @Infinityradioug | @infinity256tv were indeed well and fully represented 🫠

Special thanks to @MakEndowmentFnd @newvisionwire @tuskerlite256 @NCBAUganda @Dfcubankuganda @Makerere @BaituLtd23 @ProfNawangwe @KigoziMaggie and @MakGuild for making this happen and the whole event a success

Tusiime miika

Loum Bernard in Gulu City. Photo: X/@LoumBernard. Makerere University Endowment Fund Race 2024 #MakRun2024, 18th August 2024, Freedom Square, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Loum Bernard in Gulu City. Photo: X/@LoumBernard

I have kicked off the #MakRun2024 in #Gulu. 5Km will ask for water. This run is aimed at constructing and equipping a Disability Support Unit @Makerere

Loum Bernard

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Vice Chancellor Updates Media on Medical Drones, Road Safety Research & Various Issues

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Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi (Centre) with Dr. Andrew Kambugu (Left) and Dr. Fredrick Oporia (Right) at the Press Briefing on 29th May 2025. Press Conference featuring Infectious Diseases Institute—the IDI Medical Drone Programme and Kampala Status Summary 2023 on Road Safety Risk Factors, conducted under the Bloomberg Philanthropies Initiative for Global Road Safety. This collaborative effort between the Johns Hopkins International Injury Research Unit and our Trauma, Injury, and Disability Unit (TRIAD) Makerere University School of Public Health (MakSPH), Senior Common Room, Main Builing, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

The Acting Vice Chancellor, Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi on Thursday 29th May, 2025 held a press conference to update members of the Media on the Infectious Diseases Institute (IDI) Medical Drone Programme, and the Kampala Status Summary 2023 on Road Safety Risk Factors, conducted under the Bloomberg Philanthropies Initiative for Global Road Safety, a collaborative effort between the Johns Hopkins International Injury Research Unit and the Trauma, Injury, and Disability (TRIAD) Unit at Makerere University School of Public Health (MakSPH). Also presented were updates on; Digital Certification of Academic Transcripts, Digital Supervision of Graduate Students, Inclusive e-Learning and Smart Classrooms, and Launch of the Artificial Intelligence (AI) Laboratory at the College of Computing and Information Sciences (CoCIS).

The event held in the Senior Common Room, Main Building, was on behalf of the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe presided over by the Acting (Ag.) DVC AA and substantive Academic Registrar, Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi. Presentations were made by Executive Director of the Infectious Diseases Institute (IDI), Dr. Andrew Kambugu and Head of the Trauma, Injuries, and Disability (TRIAD) Unit, Dr. Fredrick Oporia. Dr. Jimmy Osuret and Dr. Esther Bayiga from TRIAD supplemented Dr. Oporia’s presentation. In attendance were; the Director for ICT Support (DICTS)-Mr. Samuel Mugabi, Deputy Chief – Public Relations-Ms. Betty Kyakuwa, Deputy Chief Security Officer-Mr. Musa Mulindwa and other university officials.

The proceedings of the Press Conference follow below;

Vice Chancellors’ Press Statement

Good morning colleagues, members of the press,

It is my pleasure to welcome you to this important media briefing, where we share compelling findings from two groundbreaking studies that reflect Makerere University‘s ongoing commitment to impactful research, innovation, and community transformation.

The first is a pioneering initiative led by the Infectious Diseases Institute—the IDI Medical Drone Programme. This project explores the use of drone technology to deliver lifesaving HIV medications and test samples to hard-to-reach populations, particularly in Kalangala District and the West Nile region. The study demonstrates how drones can overcome logistical barriers, reduce costs, and enhance access to critical healthcare in some of Uganda’s most underserved communities.

The second study is the Kampala Status Summary 2023 on Road Safety Risk Factors, conducted under the Bloomberg Philanthropies Initiative for Global Road Safety. This collaborative effort between the Johns Hopkins International Injury Research Unit and our Trauma, Injury, and Disability Unit here at Makerere University presents over two years of data on vehicle speed and helmet use in Kampala. It provides vital insights into the human behaviours and systemic gaps contributing to road traffic injuries and fatalities—particularly among vulnerable road users. The study also offers evidence-based recommendations for enforcement, planning, and public health messaging aimed at making Kampala’s roads safer for all.

We are proud to support this kind of research that not only advances knowledge but also drives tangible improvements in public health and safety.

Before I invite the researchers to present their findings, allow me to briefly highlight some transformative developments in the areas of academic registry and ICT advancement here at Makerere University:

  1. Digital Certification of Academic Transcripts:
    • Alumni can now certify their transcripts digitally through the Makerere Academic Records System (Mak-ARS https://makars.mak.ac.ug/), eliminating the need for physical visits. This user-friendly platform allows access from anywhere in the world, supported by comprehensive video tutorials and public communications.
  2. Digital Supervision of Graduate Students
    • We have introduced the Research Information Management System (Mak-RIMS), piloted at the College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, to streamline the supervision of Master’s and PhD research. This initiative enhances accountability, timely feedback, and is now being rolled out university-wide to improve graduation rates.
  3. Inclusive eLearning and Smart Classrooms
    • Through support from development partners and the Government of Uganda, we are establishing multimedia studios and smart classrooms across our colleges. These state-of-the-art facilities are designed to produce professional, accessible learning content, including tools tailored for students with visual and auditory disabilities. This aligns with our goal of equitable, globally competitive education.
  4. Launch of the AI Laboratory at CoCIS:
    • The newly launched Artificial Intelligence Laboratory will spearhead the development of AI-enabled solutions tailored to Uganda’s socio-economic needs, including localized assistive eLearning tools and context-sensitive curriculum development.

These initiatives are part of our broader vision to transform Makerere University into a research-led, inclusive, and globally relevant institution.

Detailed Presentations

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Prof. Aina Visits Mak, Evaluates CECAP II Progress

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Prof. Omotade Akin Aina (Left) receives the Makerere Souvenir Book from Prof. Tonny Oyana as Prof. Julius Kikooma (2nd Right) and Mr. Charles Lwanga (Right) witness. Prof. Omotade Akin Aina-Carnegie Corporation of New York meeting to discuss progress of Consolidating Early Career Academics Programme (CECAP) phase II, which focuses on fostering academic development and research among early-career academics, 23rd May 2025, Main Building, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

The Senior Program Director, Higher Education and Research in Africa, International Program, Carnegie Corporation of New York, Prof. Omotade Akin Aina on 23rd May 2025 visited Makerere University during his short trip to Kampala. Prof. Aina was received on behalf of the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe by Prof. Tony Oyana, Principal of the College of Computing and Information Sciences (CoCIS).

During his visit, Prof. Aina met with the Project Implementation Committee, representatives from the Consolidating Early Career Academics Programme (CECAP) phase I Fellowship Cohort, and current Fellows of phase II. The meeting discussed the progress of CECAP II, which focuses on fostering academic development and research among early-career academics.

Left to Ritght: Dr. Jesca Nakavuma and Prof. Julius Kikooma alongside Prof. Omotade Akin Aina during the meeting. Prof. Omotade Akin Aina-Carnegie Corporation of New York meeting to discuss progress of Consolidating Early Career Academics Programme (CECAP) phase II, which focuses on fostering academic development and research among early-career academics, 23rd May 2025, Main Building, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Left to Ritght: Dr. Jesca Nakavuma and Prof. Julius Kikooma alongside Prof. Omotade Akin Aina during the meeting.

CECAP II is being implemented by Makerere University in collaboration with four other Ugandan public universities, including; Busitema University, Gulu University, Kyambogo University and Mbarara University of Science and Technology. Prof. Mukadasi Buyinza, the Project Principal Investigator was represented at the meeting by the Director of Graduate Training, Prof. Julius Kikooma.

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Directorate of Graduate Equips Schools and Colleges with Training in Philosophy of Methods

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By Moses Lutaaya

The Directorate of Graduate Training at Makerere University has equipped several Senior ranking lecturers with expert knowledge in a Training of Trainers’ workshop on “Philosophy of Methods”.

In his remarks at the opening of a 3-day training workshop at Level4 Conference Hall – Senate Building, the Director of Graduate Training Prof. Julius Kikooma said, “The teaching of Philosophy of Methods gives all participants the fundamentals to extend knowledge to other learners, hence its importance in upholding the Makerere University values.”

Kikooma urged and challenged the participants to also attend and actively participate in the follow up of learners’ training of students, stating that the PhD students need support as the directorate continues to coordinate the curriculum of PhD by-research that was approved by the senate recently.

“To holistically implement the senate approved PhD curriculum, we are coordinating capacity building trainings of all stake holders in a structured approach with the different units of the University. Many more trainings including Training of Trainers in advanced research methods course are on the way.”

He further urged the participants to be intentional in their teaching profession and in whatever they were doing, adding “Apart from focusing on practices as teachers and researchers, we can engage in wider philosophical debates in our research areas so that we are relevant in the society and in the empowerment of PhD research students.”

 The participants for the Philosophy of Methods training were from College of Humanities and Social Sciences, College of Education and External Studies, Makerere University Business School among others.

During the same training, Dr. Dickson Kanakulya stressed the need to train senior lecturers in the Philosophy of Methods, saying, “The biggest connection is that societal problems require concrete research to find solutions. Our challenge in Africa is that we employ a short barrow approach to find solutions to problems. This cannot work. We need consistent researchers to solve problems. Lasting solutions to societal issues can only be got through training such as Philosophy of Methods, where researchers come up with new models for societal solutions.”

Prof. Julius Kikooma pose for a photo with participants and facilitators.

Dr. Kanakulya said that Makerere University remains the biggest research University in Africa and philosophy of Methods helps to come up with good research tools that produce good research outputs. “Research has shown that the higher the number of PhD researchers in any given country, the higher the levels of development of that country e.g. the USA, China etc., adding that research is not limited to only medicinal or agricultural related issues.”

He said philosophy of methods, encourages philosophical creativity in research, “It is meant to bring out philosophical generation of concepts, theories and ideas. It is meant to encourage students to question the existing philosophical assumptions and status quo in a given field of knowledge such that new philosophical concepts are created.”

 For successful rollout of government programs like the National Development Plan 4, Dr. Kanakulya said that Philosophy of Methods training needs to be integrated into such systems. “Philosophy of Methods focuses on ethical thinking aspects. For example, for a better rollout of the Parish Development Model, we need implementers to be ethical.” He added.

 Prof. Sulait Tumwiine, the associate Dean of Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research at MUBS said, “This is a discussion where new ideas are shared to guide and gauge applicability in the current knowledge diversity coupled with lots of technological development including Artificial Intelligence and Chat GPT.”

He added, “As professors of Universities, we need to understand how we leverage on what comes up so that it does not take our space, but also appreciate how we can support growth of knowledge. The Philosophy of Methods training is the answer.”

 Dr. Jim Spire Ssentongo highlighted that Philosophy uses more of the critical mind than Science. He added that philosophy is more of speculation of the mind.

“Sustainability of philosophy Education encourages us to continue training. Philosophy being the oldest discipline retained special status in the academia as a pinnacle of pursuit of knowledge. All disciplines have major elements of philosophy citing examples in the philosophy of Mathematics and Physics.

Dr. Spire added, “If you do not understand philosophy, you cannot deeply investigate anything because philosophy is the reality of understanding everything. Philosophy is the basis of understanding what knowledge is and how it is arrived at.”

Also participating in the workshop was Prof. Joseph Ntaayi from MUBS, in his remarks he said PhD students need the philosophy of methods training to understand how to best to create knowledge. He added that ontological and epistemological questions that lead to good research design methods can only be answered by this training.

Dr. Robert Kakuru, a Lecturer in the College of Humanities and Social Sciences said that the Philosophy of Methods training is needed by every graduate student as well as supervisors to critically determine the choice of methods to use in academic research. For example, “If one wants to use a questionnaire as an interview approach, one should understand, why that approach and yet without this training, the why cannot be answered.” He added.

The Philosophy of Methods training was organized by Directorate of Graduate Training with funding support from the Consortium for Advanced Research Training in Africa (CARTA).

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