General
Centre of Excellence in Sickle Cell Anemia Launched as Mak Hosts AAP Meeting
The State Minister for Higher Education Hon. Dr. J.C. Muyingo represented by the Commissioner in Charge of Admissions and Student Affairs Mr. Muzamil Mukwatampola on 9th September 2024 officially launched the Centre of Excellence for Sickle Cell Anemia and Other Neglected Tropical Diseases at the Alliance for African Partnership (AAP) of Michigan State University (MSU) Annual Consortium Meeting. Hosted by Makerere University in the School of Public Health Conference Hall, the three-day event that concluded on 11th September 2024 included an Annual Business Meeting, and a networking event hosted by the US Embassy and the US Ambassador to Uganda, H.E. William W. Popp.
The Annual gathering also included a Meeting with Members of Top Management, a tour of the Mak Innovation Hub, an AAP Advisory Board Meeting, a Public Dialogue on pioneering change and transforming institutions, a Student Recruitment Event by MSU, and a Forum on how African and global funders have worked across sectors for impactful programming.
Opening Ceremony
Addressing participants at the opening event on 9th September, the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe acknowledged that it was a privilege for Makerere to host the Annual Consortium Meeting as it presents a lot of opportunities for AAP members to deliberate on innovations that can contribute to the betterment of humanity. Narrating a firsthand account of the loss of loved ones to Sickle Cell Disease, he added that Makerere can work together with consortia such as AAP to alleviate Africa’s health challenges.
Prof. Nawangwe also current Chair of the AAP Advisory Board therefore expressed happiness that the funds used to start the Centre of Excellence for Sickle Cell Anemia and Other Neglected Tropical Diseases were received from Government of Uganda through the Makerere University Research and Innovation Fund (Mak-RIF). He invited all AAP Members to utilize Centre’s resources to conduct research on Sickle Cell Anemia and NTDs. The Centre is headed by Prof. Sarah Kiguli, a Professor of Paediatrics and Child Health at the College of Health Sciences (CHS).
Delivering the opening remarks, Prof. Steven Hanson the MSU Vice Provost and Dean for International Studies and Programs thanked Makerere University for the demonstrable leadership in tackling challenges such as Sickle Cell Anemia and Neglected Tropical Diseases.
“When an institution like invests its resources, creates infrastructure and prioritises addressing big problems like these by creating a Centre for Excellence, we have an obligation to not just learn from them but to work together alongside them because we know that in a global society, challenges faced by one community affect us all, and solutions built together help us all” he added.
Adding his voice to the congratulatory messages, Mr. Mukwatampola on behalf of Dr. J.C. Muyingo noted that the Centre of Excellence will serve as a beacon of hope for not only treating Sickle Cell Anemia and Neglected Tropical Diseases but also fostering research and collaboration that plays a pivotal role in bridging the gap between new findings and treatment.
“This launch therefore underscores the NRM Government’s commitment to strengthening healthcare systems and prioritizing diseases that have long been neglected” added the State Minister’s remarks.
The opening ceremony also played witness to the announcement of Prof. David Meya an Infectious Disease physician at the College of Health Sciences (CHS) as the Oliver Reginald Tambo Africa Research Chair Initiative (ORTARChI) for Infectious Diseases recipient. The announcement was made by Dr. Dorothy Ngila, Director of Strategic Partnerships at the National Research Foundation of South Africa (NRF).
“The panel found the University (Makerere)’s involvement in AAP, RUFORUM, ARUA, AAUN, WUN, and many other university networks really excellent and on the basis of this was satisfied that the Chair would be in good hands to support the developmental trajectory of not only Uganda but also East Africa and the rest of the continent” remarked Dr. Ngila, also Vice Chair of the AAP Advisory Board.
AAP Dialogue in line with the AU Year of Education (2024)
The Vice Chancellor opened the Dialogue held 10th September 2024 on a philosophical note, by quoting Presidents Mandela and Nyerere.
“Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.”
PRESIDENT NELSON MANDELA
“We must run while they walk”.
MWALIMU JULIUS KAMBARAGE NYERERE
Taking note of the World Bank recommendation that Africa must produce as many as 100,000 PhDs over the next ten years so as to move the continent out of poverty, Prof. Nawangwe stated that “Education is extremely important and it is important for us to understand what kind of education will transform our continent.”
However, and on the question of quantity versus quality and relevance, he further explained that for the African case, “any education is important and relevant.” This he amplified by stating that how the recipient of that education uses it to transform themselves and society is what renders it relevant.
Delivering the keynote address, Dr. Thangavel Palanivel, UNDP Uganda Senior Economic Advisor applauded Makerere’s role as a lighthouse among African Universities by pioneering change and transforming institutions through not only educating future leaders but also contributing to research, innovations as well as shaping policy and strategy. He added that Makerere and other Universities have the dual role of responding to emerging needs, challenges and opportunities as well as developing the knowledge and skills of youth to match the changing labour market.
He went on to outline what UNDP sees as potential areas of change as; Digital Transformation and Artificial Intelligence, Innovation in Curricula to address mismatches in the labour market, Interdisciplinary undertakings, Enhanced Research and Innovation, Community Engagement as well as Leadership and Governance that embraces flexibility.
Dr. Palanivel outlined UNDP’s commitment to continue providing unlimited technical support to institutions as well as supporting initiatives such as Innovation Hubs at Makerere and Kabale University, and supporting the Policy Lab at Makerere University to foster implementation of the Parish Development Model (PDM).
Panelists have their say
The discussion that followed the keynote had as panelists; Prof. Brendan Cantwell – Erickson Distinguished Chair in Higher Education at MSU, Dr. Elizabeth Nansubuga – Higher Education Resource Services-East Africa (HERS-EA) Associate, Dr. Patrick Okori – Executive Secretary, Regional Universities Forum for Capacity Building in Agriculture (RUFORUM) and Prof. Richard Tabulawa – Deputy Vice Chancellor – Teaching and Learning, University of Botswana. The session moderators were Prof. Ronald Bisaso, Deputy Principal, College of Education and External Studies (CEES) and Prof. Flavia Senkubuge, Acting Vice Principal of Student Affairs, University of Pretoria.
Prof. Cantwell noted that maintaining and increasing the quality and quantity of systems coupled with inclusivity would help the continent move towards the 100,000 PhDs in ten years target. Furthermore was the need to embrace the creativity and innovation that resides in people who know the needs of their communities so as to develop a new generation of scholars equipped to steer universities to navigate new challenges.
He equally stated the need for quasi-independence by universities so that they are not directly controlled by the state, so as to be able to professionalise their workforce and enhance their salaries competitively. Prof. Cantwell further urged universities to be loosely coupled and environmentally open, to embrace networks and communication especially in the form of South-South partnerships and concluded calling on the State, Private Sector, NGOs, CSOs and Multinationals to fund the research and resource intensiveness of universities.
Prof. Okori on his part observed that whereas universities account for 40% of Full-Time Equivalent (FTE) scientists, they spend most of their time teaching and less of it innovating. He therefore called for the need for universities to focus on training transformative leaders across staff and communities as well as produce science solutions that are relevant to societal needs and scalable so as to attract funding.
On the need for innovative curricula, he shared that RUFORUM embraced coursework-based PhD which have increased the number of candidates trained and strengthened Agri-food systems resilience in Africa, with particular emphasis on crop improvement. Prof. Okori equally stressed the need for Universities to shift from project-based to programmatic-based models so as to attract long-term funding and partnerships.
Prof. Tabulawa who shared the University of Botswana’s staff development strategy noted that the Government’s role in providing funds for staff to be trained abroad and hiring international expertise to fill local gaps was and remains fundamental. He equally shared sandwich programmes that enable staff to be trained while at work as a game changer.
He equally shared the University of Botswana’s Equity, Inclusion and Sustainability strategy that introduced an affirmative action policy that relaxed admission requirements for students with disabilities as well as those from marginalized communities as pivotal. To address the skills mismatch in the labour market, Prof. Tabulawa shared that despite its failure in other countries, the outcome-based approach to education allows for players from the industry to provide input into curricula, thereby increasing relevance of programmes taught.
Tackling the gender perspective, Dr. Nansubuga shared that whereas Makerere has achieved gender parity at undergraduate level, the same is yet to be achieved at postgraduate level due to a number of barriers. These, she added, have been identified over time and embedded into HERS-EA innovative curriculum that aims to shape female leaders’ career and professional development aspirations.
As such, HERS-EA has carried out policy advocacy workshops with male allies and mentorship workshops that help women develop their PhD concepts and identify supervisors. Dr. Nansubuga added that HERS-EA enables female leaders to tap into global partnerships for grants and as a result of these empowerment initiatives, eight of the female graduates from the HERS-EA Academy have become Deans. She nevertheless highlighted the need to do more at a higher level, as majority of female leaders who attend the Academy have receive support from their Schools, Colleges, Administrative Units and the Vice Chancellor’s Office, which she applauded for the enormous support, including granting HERS-EA Office Space.
Concluding Remarks
The Dialogue was closed by Prof. Mwenda Ntarangwi, Vice Chancellor, USIU-Africa who urged participants to always distinguish between proactive and reactive responses opportunities, the former being preferable as it caters for the partners’ strategic objectives. Secondly, he urged institutions to have a stake in partnerships so as to work towards their survival. He equally called for examination of what institutions bring to the table that others can tap into, citing the launch of the Centre of Excellence for Sickle Cell Anemia and Other Neglected Tropical Diseases as a show of great commitment by the Government of Uganda.
“What it means, and I hope this is true, is that the results of the research being done here will be applied to solving problems that the Government has identified as priority” added Prof. Ntarangwi.
He concluded by adding that AAP Members were gathered at Makerere, not because they didn’t have convention centres of their own but because it is important to work together. “Conflict, disease and climate change have demonstrated to us that there are no boundaries that can keep all these things out.”
General
Mastercard Foundation Scholars at Makerere University encouraged to participate in philanthropy work
By Carol Kasujja Adii and Bernard Buteera
Mastercard Foundation Scholars at Makerere University have been encouraged to embrace the spirit of philanthropy as a vital foundation for fostering stronger and more resilient communities. This inspiring call to action took place during the 2025 Community Open Day at the Freedom Square on Saturday, September 6, 2025, where hundreds of Mastercard Scholars, Scholar-alumni, and partners of the Scholars Program gathered to initiate a fundraising drive for the signature Annual Scholars Day of Service.
The Annual Scholars Day of Service stands as a hallmark event through which the Scholars give back to the community in impactful and sustainable ways. During a keynote address titled “How Philanthropy Shapes Resilient Communities,” Prof. Winston Tumps Ireeta, the Deputy Vice Chancellor of Finance and Administration, emphasised that while local philanthropy is not a new concept in Uganda, a more intentional mobilisation of this giving back power is necessary to address broader social challenges.
“Communities that mobilise their own resources—financial, human, and material—are empowered to take ownership of their development. Ownership naturally leads to sustainability, ensuring that solutions emerge from local knowledge, context, and values rather than being imposed from the outside. This approach is essential for effectively tackling our social challenges,” Prof. Ireeta stated.
In his remarks delivered by Prof. Helen Nambalirwa Nkabala, the Principal of the College of Humanities and Social Sciences, Prof. Ireeta highlighted the importance of nurturing the inherent power of local giving. He urged the celebration of current local philanthropic efforts, which can be initiated at the individual, religious, and community levels.
“To foster a culture of giving, we need to create platforms that promote structured, transparent, and impactful contributions,” he argued. “It’s crucial to strengthen our generosity, particularly among the youth, and cultivate a society where giving is valued as a core aspect of leadership and citizenship.”
Prof. Ireeta further noted, “The future of our Communities’ strength lies not in distant promises but in our own hands and collective actions. By fostering local philanthropy, we can build a society that is not only fairer but also more resilient and united.
In his welcoming remarks, Mr. John Osuna, Transition Lead for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Makerere University, who spoke on behalf of the Program Director, Prof. Justine Namaalwa, expressed gratitude to the Scholars for their collaborative efforts in turning the idea of giving back into reality.
“Let us embody humility, kindness, and compassion through actionable philanthropy. By doing so, we can create lasting impacts, enhancing our reputation as a community that genuinely cares,” Mr. Osuna stated.
The Community Open Day was organised under the inspiring theme: “Nurturing Philanthropy for Resilient Communities,” paving the way for future initiatives that strengthen community bonds through collective generosity.
“We believe that through nurturing philanthropy for resilient communities, our communities shall be able to organise themselves to build resilience beyond what we shall give back,” Mr. Osuna explained.
The vibrant event saw Scholars and Scholar-alumni actively participating by bringing items for auction and buying tickets for the raffle draw as a means of mobilising resources for the construction of a ventilated pit latrine, renovation of two classroom blocks and providing tanks for harvesting clean water for Bwera Primary School in Kabale District.
Speaking at the event, Mrs. Agnes Katumba, the Director of Katumba Estates, one of the long-standing partners of the Scholars Program at Makerere University, tasked the Scholars to embrace the heart of giving back without expecting something in return.
“I thank the Mastercard Foundation; they not only provide scholarships but also give back to the community. I have been able to grow because of them. For scholars, you do not have to wait to be wealthy to give back; every coin counts,” Mrs. Katumba said.
Katumba Estates Ltd contributed three million shillings to the Scholars Give Back project. Another long-standing partner, DFCU Bank, pledged over sh10 million towards the Scholars’ building project.
In her presentation, Ms. Malvin Akwara, a Mastercard Foundation Scholar-alumna, urged current Scholars to contribute to their communities in various ways, including mentorship and guiding young people.
“We are all here because someone chose to give. During my first year at Makerere, I contributed to some young man’s school fees back home in my community. The young man is now in his second year at Makerere. You don’t have to be wealthy to make an impact; be intentional in your giving, and you will witness the difference it makes. There is no greater fulfilment than helping someone in need,” Akwara stated.
The event was punctuated with a number of activities that ranged from auctioning items, raffle draws, exhibitions, quizzes and a lot of games and fun.
Carol Kasujja and Bernard Buteera form the communications team for the Scholars Programme at Makerere University.
Makerere University, through the Makerere University Convocation (MUC), has hosted the first-ever CEOs/Investors’ Round Table Summit on Tuesday, 2nd September 2025. The historic event brought together alumni, Chief Executive Officers (CEOs), and stakeholders in a distinguished assembly aimed at re-imagining the university’s role in national and continental transformation.
The Convocation, which serves as a critical forum for foresight and life-transformational dialogue, unveiled five transformative points carefully crafted to transform Makerere from a symbolic “ivory tower” into an “impact tower” that influences the country and the world more than ever before.
Government Endorsement and Call to Action
The Chief Guest, Prime Minister Rt. Hon. Robinah Nabbanja, was represented at the event by the 3rd Deputy Prime Minister, Rt. Hon. Rukia Nakadama Isanga. She conveyed warm greetings from H.E. the President of Uganda, Gen. Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, and the Rt. Hon. Prime Minister.
She commended the Convocation for convening under the summit under a significant and timely theme: “Exploring the Opportunities for Entrepreneurship, Innovation and Value Creation for Accelerated Socio-Economic Integration and Development of Sub-Saharan Africa.”
She described the summit as not just a gathering but a journey and a call to action, urging academia, industry, and government to align efforts with Uganda’s and Africa’s transformation priorities.
Framing her remarks around the World Bank’s guiding principles—Trust, Humility, Inclusion, Collaboration, and Knowledge—she explained:
- “Trust must be built between government, academia, and business… the gathering reflects the trust in CEOs and investors to walk this journey together.”
- “Humility requires listening and learning, recognizing that no single institution has all the answers.”
- “Inclusion reminds us that no youth, woman, or marginalized group should be left behind in transformation.”
- “Collaboration is the currency of progress, necessary for solving complex challenges across sectors.”
- “Knowledge remains our greatest asset, with Makerere University demonstrating its importance in moving from ivory towers to communities to transform lives.”
She then unveiled a “massive transformation purpose”, commissioning five working teams led by CEOs and investors. The teams, nominated lead persons, and their respective objectives included:
- From Ivory Tower to Impact Tower – Dr. Patricia Ojangole (UDB) with Patrick Ayota (NSSF), translating research into market-ready innovations.
- Diaspora Dividend vs Brain Drain – Jennifer Bamuturaki (Uganda Airlines) with Michael Mugabi (Housing Finance Bank), harnessing diaspora capital, skills, and mentorship.
- Intergenerational Knowledge Bridges – Fabian Kasi (Centenary Bank) with Ajay Kumar (Quality Chemicals), institutionalizing mentorship and reverse mentorship.
- Climate and Infrastructure Leadership – Proscovia Nabbanja (UNOC) with Silver Mugisha (NWSC), anchoring research in energy security, green transition, and infrastructure.
- Pan-African Digital and AI Advantage – Sylvia Mulinge (MTN Uganda) with Mumba Kalifungwa (Stanbic Bank), positioning Makerere as Africa’s digital and AI hub.
She pledged full government support, noting that the teams would convene in the Office of the President. “This summit is not ceremonial but a covenant,” she stressed.
The Minister’s Reflection
Hon. Balaam Barugahara, State Minister for Gender, Labour and Social Development in charge of Children and Youth Affairs, emphasized that the summit was not a party but a process of transformation.
Drawing from personal experience, he recalled joining Makerere in 2000 and completing his degree in seven years due to balancing work, hustling for fees, and studying. He praised the university’s role in shaping his success and highlighted recent developments such as the renovation of Mary Stuart Hall and revamping the Main and Western gates, as milestones that have enhanced Makerere’s image. He equally applauded the curbing of staff and student unrest.
He noted that the summit aimed to facilitate networking, mentorship, career opportunities, and university development, signalling collective commitment to Uganda’s transformation.
Council’s Vision: A Legacy Re-imagined
Representing Makerere University Council Chairperson Ms. Lorna Magara, Prof. Sarah Ssali described the summit as a “historic alumni CEO investor round table” and a reaffirmation of Makerere’s role in Africa’s development. She described the university as a “cradle of leadership, innovation and resilience”, noting that the gathering’s objectives included fostering partnerships, showcasing research, launching a fundraising drive, and strengthening alumni engagement. Prof. Ssali emphasized that alumni relations must go beyond occasional financial contributions during events, to continuous communication and genuine relationships. “This summit marks the start of a journey, not just an isolated event,” she reechoed.
Vice Chancellor on Unlocking Makerere’s Potential
Reflecting on the theme of his bid for the Office of Vice Chancellor, “Unlocking the Potential of Makerere University,” Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe noted that while many only celebrate the absence of strikes, behind the calmness is a vibrant transformation.
He highlighted Makerere’s alumni strength, with over 20,000 CEOs globally, and underscored their contributions to Uganda’s economy, governance, health, sports, and research. “What would Uganda do without Makerere?” he pondered. Prof. Nawangwe quickly added that the moment was ripe for Makerere to collaborate more with diaspora alumni so as to tap into fast-evolving niches such as blockchain.
Convocation’s Strategic Role
MUC Chairperson CPA George Mugabi Turyamureeba outlined the Convocation’s mission to support the university’s growth and well-being. He highlighted innovations such as the Convocation House, the annual luncheon for first-class graduates and their parents, mentorship programs, and the MUC SACCO as initiatives that his team had established and promoted during the term so far. The Chairperson nevertheless urged the CEOs present to enable the Convocation have greater impact collaborating on existing as well as envisaged projects such as the Convocation Innovation Centre.
Adding her voice, Vice Chairperson Ms. Grace Cherotich Ruto urged participants—described as “movers and shakers” of Uganda’s economy—to ensure that their decisions today would be celebrated by future generations.
Keynote Address: The Journey’s Just Began
In his keynote, Dr. Peter Kimbowa, Founder and Board Chair of the CEO Summit and Makerere alumnus, congratulated his alma mater on the initiative and reaffirmed the Convocation’s strategic role.
He emphasized that the Round Table Summit should not be seen as a one-time event but as an ongoing journey, echoing American Football Player Jalen Hurts’ mantra: “There’s no arrival. Only the journey.” Dr. Kimbowa defined the Convocation as a community of leaders, alumni, and faculty united by heritage and vision. He described it as a bridge connecting:
- The past to the future,
- Business and industry to academia, and
- Learning to market needs.
He stressed that the Convocation’s ultimate goal was to transform Makerere into a self-sustaining engine of innovation, opportunity, and national transformation. Drawing on corporate insights, he challenged participants to always ask “what is the next opportunity?” and warned against complacency. He unpacked the massive transformation purpose structured around five working teams which MUC has developed, whereby corporate chief executives from Uganda are called upon to lead collaboration with the university. He highlighted the importance of mobilizing talent to connect with successful Ugandan alumni, underscoring the need for local CEOs to harness talent in the diaspora. He emphasized deliberate action, mobilization of global alumni talent, and collaboration between CEOs and the university to sustain transformation
Panel Discussions and Triple Helix Framework
The day’s panel discussion featured Mr. Samuel Mwogeza (Executive Director, Stanbic Bank), Mr. Peter Sibukule (Headmaster, Busoga College Mwiri), Mr. Clovice Bright Irumba (Petroleum Authority of Uganda), and Ms. Grace Cherotich.
Mr. Mwogeza stressed the need to commercialize university prototypes and ideas. He explained that banks like Stanbic use their networks to strengthen innovators’ business cases, preparing them for market entry. Mr. Sibukule on the other hand called for transformation of mindsets right from secondary school level so that students are well primed to communicate, collaborate, uphold integrity and good work attitudes over qualifications in the marketplace. Mr. Irumba highlighted efforts by the PAU to create more opportunities for Ugandan entities to get involved in the oil and gas sector thanks to gaps highlighted by a study undertaken by the Economic Policy Research Centre (EPRC). Ms. Cherotich on the other hand invited CEOs to take interest in research outputs of the Makerere University Research and Innovations Fund (Mak-RIF) and reassured the audience of the Convocation’s readiness to provide a trusted platform for engagement with industry.
Contributing to the day’s discussion, Prof. Eriabu Lugujjo, Executive Director of the Uganda Vice Chancellors’ Forum (UVF), reminded the audience of the “Triple Helix” model and it’s underlying policy frameworks that in the recent past guided collaboration between universities, government, and the private sector. He observed Uganda’s lack of a robust framework, and called for policies that tie tax incentives to university support by corporations and other business entities.
Proceedings
The inaugural edition of the summit was moderated by Dr. Tayeebwa William from the Department of Journalism and Communication who doubles as Managing Editor Makerere University Press and Dr. Viola Karungi from the Department of Performing Arts and Film (PAF).
The PAF team took charge of the leading the anthems and day’s entertainment, which included a poetic presentation of the Makerere University Anthem.
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