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MU-JHU Employment Opportunity: Five (5) Positions

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MU-JHU RESEARCH COLLABORATION (MU-JHU CARE LTD), a Kampala based equal opportunities HIV/AIDS, TB and related clinical and implementation science research Organization with more than 400 employees is seeking interested, committed and reliable professionals with the described qualification to apply for the full-time position below at MU-JHU.

 MU-JHU anticipates to implement Global Fund HIV/TB activities through a project targeting Adolescent Girls and Young Women (AGYW) in the districts of Pader, Kitgum and Dokolo, as a sub-recipient of the Global Fund grant (UGA-C-TASO) under The AIDS Support Organisation (TASO) as the prime recipient. MU-JHU therefore seeks suitable candidates to fill the following positions in the project tenable in the said districts of implementation, to be contracted on an annual basis, subject to availability of funds. The successful candidates will be based in the districts mentioned above.

  1. Position: Project Coordinator
    • Duty Station: (Pader District)
    • Contract duration: 1 year (renewable)

Description and purpose:

The Project Coordinator will provide technical leadership to the project staff implementing activities in areas of operation and ensure timely reporting and accountability for all project activities in all districts of implementation.

Required qualifications and profile:

The applicant must hold a bachelor’s degree in a health-related field, Social Sciences, Social works and Social Administration and any other related field. A Post Graduate qualification in Public Health, Project Planning and Management or related fields is an added advantage.   The suitable candidate should have at least 5 years of working experience in SRHR, HIV and TB community work. Additional experience in health systems strengthening and programming in donor-funded projects, particularly in rural settings in a similar project environment, is highly preferred. The person should have high integrity and ethical standards, ooutstanding communication, presentation, and facilitation skills, advanced analytical and report writing capabilities, ccollaborative mindset with a positive attitude towards teamwork, aability to handle multiple tasks, work under pressure, and meet tight deadlines and sstrong problem-solving skills, with the ability to synthesize complex information and take initiative. Valid permit to drive and ride a motorcycle will be an added advantage.

The holder of this position will work under the direct supervision of the Director Strategic Planning & Partnerships and will be responsible for the following duties and responsibilities:

Project management and Co-ordination

  • Provide oversight and leadership of the project to ensure strategic alignment, effective management, and successful achievement of project objectives.
  • Planning project implementation including preparation of project workplans and budgets.
  • Oversee and control project budget execution as per budget allocations.
  • Actively support project teams to manage competing work priorities.
  • Coordinating project staff, cluster/district and other key partners to achieve project goals.
  • Supervise staff within jurisdiction, while mentoring them to deliver project results and
    deliverables.
  • Provide technical support and monitor project implementation to ensure compliance with donor requirements, approved budget and work Plans.
  • Ensure proper utilization and accountability to project resources.
  • Build sound and mutually respectable relations with District leaders, Communities and other project stakeholders.
  • Support effective monitoring of donor grants allocated to project, partners, stakeholders, ensuring appropriate reporting and documentation is in place.
  • Develop impactful stories demonstrating the project’s accomplishments and results.
  • Develop and enforce protocols for storage and use of information.
  • Organize and provide support for project meetings and events.
  • Ensuring proper record keeping and organisation of project files, registers and logs.
  • Actively participate in resource mobilization and other strategically beneficial activities resulting from or connected to your technical position on this project.

Monitoring and Evaluation:

  • Working closely with the M&E Coordinator to ensure proper documentation of project data in compliance with MoH requirements and donor reporting.
  • Prepare and ensure timely submission of activity progress reports on a weekly, monthly and quarterly basis and whenever required by the project management team. 
  • Prepare timely periodic progress reports as determined by the Director or SMT for submission to donors and MU-JHU board.
  • Perform any other duties and responsibilities that may be assigned by the immediate
    supervisor.

  1. Position: Monitoring and Evaluation Coordinator 
    • Duty Station: (Pader District)
    • Contract duration: 1 year (renewable)

Description and purpose:

The M&E coordinator will provide overall M&E technical leadership and oversight to ensure that a robust and functional M&E system is in place; and is utilized to support the implementation of this project. 

Required qualifications and profile:

  • Bachelor’s degree in Statistics, Population and demography, Quantitative Economics or a related field. A Post Graduate qualification in Monitoring and Evaluation is an added advantage. At least five years’ experience in leading M&E work in health or livelihood donor-funded projects, preferably in a similar project environment. Knowledge of HIV/TB, AGYW programming, and Health Systems Strengthening frameworks is an added advantage. Data centred mindset and result oriented personality is highly preferred. Relevant knowledge in databases and statistical software (such as STATA, R) and experience with IT tools for M&E is highly desirable. Relevant knowledge of data quality control and assurance processes is required. Valid permit to drive and ride a motorcycle will be an added advantage. The person should have Excellent computer skills and proficiency in Microsoft office applications including Office, Excel and PowerPoint. Knowledge and skills in data visualization and presentation is an added advantage. Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to present information clearly, coherently and correctly, and facilitate engaging discussions and ability to prioritize workload and meet deadlines

The holder of this position will work under the direct supervision of the Project Coordinator and will be responsible for the following duties and responsibilities:

  1. Develop M&E tools, frameworks, and methodologies to measure project progress and output.
  2. Regularly review and monitor the implementation of M&E systems, guidelines, and protocols to ensure effective tracking and measurement of project performance.
  3. Oversee and ensure the execution of M&E activities including data qualities assurance exercises and support supervisions for the data functions in all 3 districts.
  4. Participate in the development, revision and update of weekly, monthly, quarterly work plans that address project objectives and facilitate timely implementation of project activities.
  5. Ensure data quality, utilization, and dissemination to inform project implementation and decision-making.
  6. Lead/be a key contributor in the development and submission of technical reports according to the predetermined schedule by the donors and generate additional reports as required to facilitate informed decision-making.
  7. Coordinate all data officers in the project districts to adhere to operational reporting guidelines and achieve timely data entry and reporting according to established schedules.
  8. Facilitate data-driven decision-making for the project and its stakeholders, identify and address areas for improvement, ensuring proactive adjustments that maximize project performance and achieve project goals.
  9. Provide technical guidance and support to project staff to ensure data-driven programming and enhance M&E capacity including trainings and mentorship of data collection teams.
  10. Work with project coordinator to track implementation of project activities according the workplans.
  11. Provide timely and accurate responses to data requests and queries from donors, partners, and MUJHU management.
  12. Actively participate in resource mobilization and other strategically beneficial activities resulting from or connected to your technical position on this project.
  13. Perform any other duties and responsibilities assigned by project management to ensure smooth project implementation.

  1. Position: Project Officer (3 positions)
    • Duty Station: (Pader, Kitgum, Dokolo districts)
    • Contract duration: 1 year (renewable)

Description and purpose:

The Project Officer will be responsible for planning, coordination and implementation of UGA-C-TASO project activities within the district and be the technical lead in the supported district.

Required qualifications and profile:

Bachelor’s Degree in either Public health, Social Sciences, Social work and Social Administration, Community Psychology, Adult and Community education and other humanities or health related discipline. Clinical officers with this experience may also apply. At least three years’ work experience implementing AGYW or DREAMS Initiative, preferably in a similar project environment. Valid permit to ride a motorcycle is essential.

The holder of this position will work under the direct supervision of the Project Coordinator and will be responsible for the following duties and responsibilities:

  1. Take lead in planning, coordination and implementation of activities required under this project, including modalities of community and district owned implementation.
  2. Provide technical assistance to district, partner and community stakeholders during implementation of this project through planning, mobilizing and on-site mentorship activities based on national guidelines, protocols and the project’s implementation guidelines.
  3. Work closely with the project M&E Officer and Project Coordinator to ensure regular updates of the project activity tracker, tools, systems and databases.
  4. Ensure timely reporting and documentation of results from the project implementation in collaboration with M&E team, ensuring accuracy of data reported and supported narratives and evidence monthly and quarterly reporting cycles.
  5. Foster smooth and effective collaboration with partners at district and sub-county level implementing activities funded by this project.
  6. Strengthen referral and linkages between community service delivery points and health facilities for AGYW and their partners for all services not directly provided by this project.
  7. Support establishment of District Technical Working Groups and Community Quality
    Improvement teams to support implementation of AGYW risk reduction plans in identified communities.
  8. Strengthen partner coordination in the districts through participating in meetings, joint field support supervision and activity implementation.
  9. Develop up-front activity trip plans, budgets, procurements and implementation plans on weekly, monthly and quarterly basis.
  10. Represent the project in Districts meetings including extended DHT meetings,
    comprehensive partners’ meetings when invited and district technical working
    group activities where MU-JHU is required to participate.

  1. Position: Data Officer (3 positions)
    • Duty Station: (Pader, Kitgum, Dokolo districts)
    • Contract duration: 1 year (renewable)

Description and purpose:

To plan and monitor the implementation of UGA-C-TASO project activities in the district and conduct data entry, cleaning, and documentation of implemented activities and outputs using appropriate data tools and ensure timely availability of quality data for reporting. 

Required qualifications and profile:

Bachelor’s degree in Statistics, Population and demography, Quantitative Economics or a related data science field. At least two years’ experience in M&E work in health or livelihood donor-funded projects, preferably in a similar project environment. Valid permit to ride a motorcycle is essential.

The holder of this position will work under the direct supervision of the Monitoring & Evaluation Coordinator and will be responsible for the following duties and responsibilities:

  1. Maintain firm and updated knowledge of all data tools, systems and requirements under the project.
  2. Conduct timely and accurate data entry for implemented activities.
  3. Maintain up-to-date project databases of all activities implemented and routinely share with the M&E Coordinator all entered data sets for merging and analysis.
  4. Ensure availability of updated data capture and reporting tools at the community for effective tracking of services provided to AGYW/ABYM and other targeted populations.
  5. Support program teams to analyse and interpret data.
  6. Participate in the development of weekly, monthly, quarterly work plans.
  7. Monitor and track the implementation of project activities and support Project Officer to develop catch-up plans in case of unmet targets.
  8. Support the Project Officer in planning, mobilization and implementation of project activities and tracking achievements of targets.
  9. Monitor the cluster PMP and give progress updates on a weekly, monthly, and quarterly basis.
  10. Plan, organize and conduct periodic performance review meetings for sharing progress with stakeholders.
  11. Conduct data validation, to ensure correct and consistent data is reported in periodic reports.
  12. Ensure that all the planned and approved activities are implemented within the agreed-upon time frame.
  13. Support district-based stakeholders, including statistician, facility and partner data staff to accurately and timely capture, enter, submit and report on respective data from project activities.

  1. Position: Communications Officer  
    • Duty Station: MU-JHU Care Ltd
    • Contract duration: 1 year (renewable)

Description and purpose:

To support the Communications Specialist in content development, digital marketing, social media management and event management support.

Required qualifications and profile:

Bachelor’s degree in Mass Communications, Marketing, Branding, Journalism, or Public Relations. At least 2 years relevant experience preferably in a similar position in an NGO or media house. Understand research activities and achievements to communicate effectively. Copy writing and copy-editing skills. Knowledge of photography concepts like exposure, composition, focus and lighting. Familiarity with different types of cameras (Canon/ Nikon DSLRs and smartphones) and accessories (lenses, tripods, flashes). Basic knowledge of photo editing software (e.g., Adobe Photoshop, Lightroom) to enhance and retouch images is helpful. This includes adjusting exposure, color balance, and cropping. Ability to post content and gather analytics on MU-JHU social media pages on LinkedIn, Twitter, and Facebook. Have strong organizational skills to manage event logistics and coordinate speakers and presenters. Possess excellent interpersonal skills to provide on-site support and address event issues.

The holder of this position will work under the direct supervision of the Communications Specialist with functional responsibilities to the Director Strategic Planning & Partnerships and will be responsible for the following duties and responsibilities:

Content Development:

  • Produce Various Types of Content: The officer must create articles, social media posts, and presentations that effectively communicate the site’s research activities and achievements. This requires a deep understanding of the subject matter and the ability to tailor content for different audiences and platforms.
  • Editing and Proofreading: Ensuring accuracy, consistency, and adherence to brand guidelines is crucial. The officer must have strong attention to detail and a keen eye for errors.
  • Photography: Using photography to capture site activities and research milestones requires both technical skills and creative vision. The officer must be able to tell a visual story that highlights the site’s work and achievements.

Digital Marketing:

  • Social Media Management: Managing the site’s social media accounts involves engaging with followers, sharing updates and research findings, and promoting events and initiatives. The officer must have a deep understanding of social media platforms and trends.
  • Online Reputation Management: Monitoring online conversations and reviews and responding promptly and appropriately is critical for maintaining a positive reputation. The officer must be adept at handling public relations and crisis communications.
  • Analytics: Monitoring and analysing the performance of digital marketing efforts using analytics tools requires strong analytical skills. The officer must be able to interpret data to assess effectiveness and inform future strategies.

Event Management Support:

  • Event Concept Development: Assisting in the development of event concepts, themes, and objectives requires creativity and strategic thinking. The officer must align event plans with the site’s communication strategy and goals.
  • Materials Creation: Creating event materials such as invitations, programs, signage, and presentations requires design skills and the ability to effectively communicate key messages.
  • On-Site Support: Providing on-site support during events, including managing registration, coordinating speakers and presenters, and addressing issues, requires strong organizational and interpersonal skills.

Applications with complete C.Vs, including 3 referees and their full address or contact telephone number, copies of academic certificates and testimonials, should be addressed to the MU-JHU Director Human Resources, through the reception on first floor, MU-JHU 1 Building or sent by email (application should not exceed 15MBs) to HR@mujhu.org  – not later than 12th August 2024 by 5.30pm. Only short-listed applicants will be contacted.

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Mak and University of the West of England Sign MoU to Advance Research, Innovation and Skills Development

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Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe (3rd R) and Ms. Jo Midgley (3rd L) shake hands after signing the MoU as H.E. Nimisha Madhvani (2nd L), H.E. Miriam Otengo (L), Prof. Helen Nambalariwa Nkabala (R) and Mr. Emmanuel Kitamirike (2nd R) witness on 17th October 2025. Makerere University and the University of the West of England (UWE) sign MoU aimed at strengthening collaboration in research, innovation, and enterprise development, 17th October 2025, Main Building, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

Makerere University and the University of the West of England (UWE) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at strengthening collaboration in research, innovation, and enterprise development. The signing ceremony took place on Friday, 17th October 2025, in the Vice Chancellor’s Boardroom, Main Administration Building, Makerere University.

The partnership will focus on joint research initiatives in climate science, early childhood development and elderly care, wildlife ecology and conservation management, technology, and sustainable agriculture.

The Uganda High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, H.E. Nimisha Madhvani, who witnessed the signing, congratulated both institutions and reaffirmed the Government of Uganda’s commitment to strengthening international collaborations that enhance education, innovation, and investment.

“We are not only promoting education, but also tourism, business, and investment. This partnership is a great bridge between Uganda and the United Kingdom,” said H.E. Madhvani. “With the full support of His Excellency the President and the First Lady, we look forward to building on this momentum to establish impactful initiatives, including a proposed teaching hospital.”

Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe (R) and Ms. Jo Midgley (L) display the signed MoU. Makerere University and the University of the West of England (UWE) sign MoU aimed at strengthening collaboration in research, innovation, and enterprise development, 17th October 2025, Main Building, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe (R) and Ms. Jo Midgley (L) display the signed MoU.

Speaking during the event, the Vice Chancellor of Makerere University, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, reaffirmed the University’s commitment to producing graduates who are not only employable but also capable of creating jobs and transforming their communities.

“Our goal is to train students who go out to create their own jobs and employ others who have not had the opportunity to attend university,” said Prof. Nawangwe. “We are working seriously on issues of food security, health, and conflict management — particularly in the Great Lakes region, which has one of the highest numbers of conflicts per capita. Through research and collaboration, we aim to address these challenges while ensuring Africa is not left behind in the digital economy.”

Prof. Nawangwe also highlighted Makerere’s initiatives in the digital and peace sectors, including the work of the Rotary Peace Center, which plays a vital role in promoting peace across the world by equipping fellows with academic training, practice, and global networking opportunities through a year-long, blended-learning professional certificate program.

Representing the University of the West of England, the Vice Chancellor Ms. Jo Midgley commended Makerere University for its strong research focus and expressed enthusiasm for the partnership.

“Like Makerere, we are a comprehensive university. We want this partnership to go beyond conversations and translate into action,” she said. “Our areas of strength include sustainability, climate change, future technology, health, and community placemaking. We believe this collaboration offers a unique opportunity to co-create programmes that prepare students for the evolving global workforce.”

Officials from Makerere and UWE pose for a group photo at the Main Building Entrance after the MoU signing. Makerere University and the University of the West of England (UWE) sign MoU aimed at strengthening collaboration in research, innovation, and enterprise development, 17th October 2025, Main Building, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Officials from Makerere and UWE pose for a group photo at the Main Building Entrance after the MoU signing.

She further emphasized the need for universities to work closely with industry partners to co-design programs that meet current skill demands while promoting innovation and enterprise among students.

The Deputy High Commissioner, Ambassador Miriam Otengo, commended Makerere for its leadership in higher education and shared ongoing efforts to mobilize the Makerere alumni in the United Kingdom. She also revealed plans to host a Makerere Alumni Symposium in London, aimed at showcasing the University’s excellence and strengthening ties with its diaspora community.

Also in attendance was Mr. Hefin Rees KC, Chairman of Spotlight on Africa, a UK-based charitable organization, who expressed interest in partnering with Makerere University to establish a teaching hospital in Mbale focused on women and children’s health. He praised Makerere for producing world-class professionals and reaffirmed his organization’s commitment to supporting health-related initiatives.

In his closing remarks, Prof. Nawangwe thanked the High Commission for facilitating the partnership and welcomed the opportunity to discuss the proposed teaching hospital, describing it as “a timely and vital project for Uganda’s health sector.”

“This collaboration represents a new chapter for Makerere University and the University of the West of England. Together, we will advance research, promote innovation, and equip our students to respond to global challenges,” he said. The ceremony concluded with the formal signing of the MoU, marking the beginning of a long-term partnership built on shared values of excellence, innovation, and community impact.

Eve Nakyanzi

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Makerere is No.1 in the Region – THE University Rankings

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Prof. Sarah Ssali (3rd Left) with Left to Right: Mr. Matthias Ssemanda, Dr. Cyprian Misinde, Prof. Julius Kikooma, Dr. Winifred Kabumbuli, and Prof. Robert Wamala during the press briefing held on 16th October 2025. Vice Chancellor's Boardroom, Main Building, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

The Acting (Ag.) Vice Chancellor, Prof. Sarah Ssali on Thursday 16th October, 2025 held a press conference to update members of the Media on the 2026 World University Rankings by Times Higher Education (THE).

The event held in the Vice Chancellor’s Boardroom, Main Building, was attended by the Director Graduate Training-Prof. Julius Kikooma, Director Quality Assurance-Dr. Cyprian Misinde, Dean of Students-Dr. Winifred Kabumbuli, Director Research, Innovations, and Partnerships-Prof. Robert Wamala, Deputy Chief – Public Relations-Ms. Eunice Rukundo, Ag. Manager International Relations-Mr. Matthias Ssemanda, and staff from the Offices of the Vice and Deputy Vice Chancellors.

The proceedings of the Press Conference follow below;

Vice Chancellor’s Press Statement

UNIVERSITY RANKINGS: MAKERERE STILL NUMBER ONE IN THE REGION

It gives me great pleasure to share with our stakeholders and the general public that Makerere University has been ranked Number 1. in the East African region, in the Times Higher Education rankings released this month of October 2025.

In its 2026 World University Rankings, Times Higher Education (THE) places Makerere University in top position in East Africa, and in the 801-1000 band globally. The ranking considers five performance indicators, namely: Teaching; Research environment; Research quality; International Outlook; and Industry. Makerere’s overall score was 37.2, significantly outperforming peer institutions in the Region that average scores of 18.8.

In particular, Makerere University continues to thrive in Research Quality where we scored 54.2% but even better in International Outlook where we scored highest with 69.7%. See Table 1 for details. On the continent, Makerere University ranked 8th in the 2024 Sub-Saharan African University Rankings.

We would like to reassure all stakeholders and well-wishers that Makerere University continues to hold steadfast as the regional leader in higher education. Our commitment to deliver excellence in our teaching, research, and socioeconomic impact has not wavered.

WE BUILD FOR THE FUTURE.

Thank you.

Fact Sheet

UNIVERSITY RANKINGS

Table 1: East African Universities – 2025 Ranking Comparison

RankNameOverall Teaching Research Env. Research Quality Industry Int. Outlook
801–1000Makerere University35.5–38.921.526.654.232.869.7
1501+Kenyatta University10.3–27.214.39.134.217.454.6
1501+Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences10.3–27.221.614.930.327.554.6
1501+University of Dar es Salaam10.3–27.214.511.126.521.947.2
1501+University of Nairobi10.3–27.215.916.139.722.549.4
1501+University of Rwanda10.3–27.214.114.925.621.157.5

Figure 1: Makerere University Performance over ten (10) years
Figure 1: Makerere University Performance over ten (10) years

End

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ZAMREN Board Visits Mak, Discusses AI

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Prof. Sarah Ssali and Prof. Mundia Muya (C) with Members of Management, the ZAMREN delegation and other officials after the courtesy call on 14th October 2025. Zambia Research and Education Network (ZAMREN) Board led by the Chairperson, Prof. Mundia Muya courtesy call on the Vice Chancellor, 14th October 2025, Main Building, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

The Board of the Zambia Research and Education Network (ZAMREN) led by the Chairperson, Prof. Mundia Muya on 14th October 2025 paid a courtesy call on the Vice Chancellor, Makerere University. The Board which is on a two-day exposure visit to the Research and Education Network of Uganda (RENU) was received by the Acting (Ag.) Vice Chancellor and Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic Affairs), Prof. Sarah Ssali in the Vice Chancellor’s Boardroom.

The Chairperson was accompanied by Mr. Ronald Hatoongo and Mr. Stein Mkandawire, the Board Secretary and CEO of ZAMREN respectively, as well as RENU’s CEO-Mr. Nicholas Mbonimpa and RENUMESH Technologies CEO-Mr. Brian Masiga. In attendance were Mr. Samuel Mugabi-Director DICTS, Prof. Robert Wamala-Director Research, Innovations and Partnerships (DRIP), and Prof. Tonny Oyana-Principal College of Computing and Information Sciences (CoCIS).

Also present were; Prof. Paul Birevu Muyinda-Director Institute of Open, Distance and eLearning (IODeL), Dr. Godfrey Mayende-Deputy Director IODeL, Dr. Michael Walimbwa- College of Education and External Studies (CEES), Dr. Cathy Mbidde- Ag. Manager. Makerere University Innovation Pod, Ms. Eunice Rukundo-Deputy Chief-Public Relations and staff from the Office of the Vice Chancellor.

In her welcome remarks, Prof. Ssali thanked the ZAMREN Board for including the courtesy call on their Kampala itinerary and extended warm greetings from the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe. She noted that Makerere as a founding member of RENU has enjoyed a mutually beneficial collaboration, that has benefited both staff and students in the form of supporting growing connectivity needs, as well as training, mentorship, and development of technical skills for both continuing students and graduates.

Prof. Sarah Ssali (R) presents an assortment of Mak Souvenirs to Prof. Mundia Muya (L). Zambia Research and Education Network (ZAMREN) Board led by the Chairperson, Prof. Mundia Muya courtesy call on the Vice Chancellor, 14th October 2025, Main Building, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Prof. Sarah Ssali (R) presents an assortment of Mak Souvenirs to Prof. Mundia Muya (L).

Turning to the gist of the courtesy call, the Acting Vice Chancellor noted that the Makerere University through the Centre for Artificial Intelligence (MAK-AI) seeks to harness the transformative power of AI to address society’s most pressing challenges. “Projects undertaken by our Centre tackle real-world challenges in health, agriculture, languages, and beyond.”

Prof. Ssali nevertheless underscored the importance of upholding ethics in all AI undertakings “Mindful of global trends elsewhere, the work of the Makerere AI Centre is guided by the principles of Responsible AI, ensuring that systems are transparent, accountable, fair, and designed to benefit society.”

She therefore called upon the delegation to thoughtfully engage with the ideas presented during their visit with the aim of collectively exploring both institution can better equip staff and students to meaningfully make the most of this fast-evolving trend.

On behalf of the Board, Prof. Muya who is substantively the Vice Chancellor of the University of Zambia thanked Prof. Ssali and Members of Management present for according his delegation a warm reception to Makerere University, “one of Africa’s most distinguished centres of higher learning.

Makerere University is not only a symbol of academic excellence but also a beacon of leadership in higher education on the African continent”, remarked Prof. Muya.

The Chairperson equally expressed the delegation’s keenness to understand how AI is being adopted, and how the academia is embracing the technology as an enabler of teaching and research. “At ZAMREN, we view digital transformation and AI integration as critical enablers of academic excellence, efficiency, and competitiveness across higher education institutions,” he remarked, adding that “We therefore look to Makerere University’s experience to draw practical lessons that can inform and inspire our efforts back home.”

Prof. Mundia Muya headed the ZAMREN delegation. Zambia Research and Education Network (ZAMREN) Board led by the Chairperson, Prof. Mundia Muya courtesy call on the Vice Chancellor, 14th October 2025, Main Building, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Prof. Mundia Muya headed the ZAMREN delegation.

Turning to the lessons from Makerere in line with digital transformation and ICT, the Director DICTS shared that owing to the partnership with RENU, internet bandwidth, a vital enabler of AI transformation currently stands at 5 Gbps of monthly consumption, with plans to scale-up to 8 Gbps. He added that RENU has also facilitated Makerere’s access to Open Libraries, and Eduroam – a secure, encrypted Wi-Fi network across to staff and students freely access the internet across partner institutions in Uganda using their University emails.

Furthermore on the enablers of AI integration, Mr. Mugabi noted that in line with digitalization of institutional business process, the University Council took a bold step to develop all information systems in-house, a move that has reduced costs spent on offshore solutions, and hemorrhage of skills. He pointed to the introduction of open source solutions, and AI policy and global collaborations with corporations such as Google as additional enablers.

Addressing AI readiness, Prof. Tonny Oyana pointed out the need for the University of Zambia to start early, citing Makerere efforts which began as far back as 2007, when Dr. John Quinn joined the institution after his PhD. He added that Dr. Quinn together with other former staff from Makerere formed Sunbird AI, a thriving initiative creating practical systems for the benefit of community.

Prof. Oyana also pointed to AI initiatives that have attracted up to USD 5million from Google Awards, staff with specialized skills in the creation and development of sensor technologies, top notch students that win continental and global awards from companies such as Huawei, and active engagements with partners to produce solutions to enhance diagnosis of malaria, tuberculosis and cancer as some of areas that demonstrate Makerere’s AI readiness.

The meeting in session. Zambia Research and Education Network (ZAMREN) Board led by the Chairperson, Prof. Mundia Muya courtesy call on the Vice Chancellor, 14th October 2025, Main Building, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
The meeting in session.

Addressing academic and research innovation, Prof. Robert Wamala pointed out that Makerere, in recognition that the institution cannot achieve its vision alone is intentional about seeking and nurturing mutually beneficial partnerships. Furthermore, he shared that Vice Chancellor’s Annual Research Excellence Awards reward and recognize the efforts of staff who have excelled in publication, teaching and winning grants.

The Director DRIP equally underscored the need for dissemination of research produced by staff and students, pointing out the annual research and innovation week as a flagship event for not only showcasing research but also forging meaningful partnerships with stakeholders. In line with technology transfer, Prof. Wamala said that the University through the Intellectual Property Management Office ensures that innovations developed by staff and students packaged for adoption by other individuals or organisations.

Addressing the use of technologies in academic work, Prof. Birevu noted that IODeL conducts capacity building in instructional design, online facilitation, use of AI in teaching and digital assessments. “We have also advised the University on ODeL and Distance Education strategies, for instance, we have developed a ten-year masterplan for distance education with support from the Korean Government to outline how Makerere University is going to integrate distance education within its offering” he added.

At the close of the deliberations the ZAMREN expressed sincere appreciation to the Ag. Vice Chancellor and Members of Management for the free sharing that pointed out a number of priorities.

Mark Wamai

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