Connect with us

General

Mak News Magazine: January 2025

Published

on

I warmly congratulate all the Graduands and our hardworking staff upon their perseverance that has culminated into the 75th Graduation Ceremony of Makerere University. This success has been made possible by the sacrifices and diligence of your parents, guardians, sponsors, families and friends. We equally congratulate them upon their respective contributions.

In a special way, I wish to congratulate Hon. Dr. Crispus Kiyonga upon his appointment as Chancellor of Makerere University. Dr. Kiyonga, an alumnus of Makerere University, has had a distinguished career as a Physician, Statesman and Diplomat, and thus, is well positioned to serve as titular head of this great institution, especially as we continue to strategically align with Government programmes to drive high technology innovation, commercialisation of research outputs and wealth creation.

Makerere University by virtue of her status as a Government institution and a globally acclaimed University continues to enjoy generous funding from the Government of Uganda as well as our development partners. This funding has enabled us to boost our research capacity through training staff at Masters, PhD and Post-doctoral level, produce more research and innovations, improve our laboratory infrastructure, grow our international networks and contribute to the attainment of National Development Priorities as well as the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

I am happy to note that with the support of Government through the Makerere University Research and Innovations Fund (Mak-RIF), we have not only been able to fund a number of innovations that are set for commercialization, but also supported PhD Research that addresses national development priorities.

I equally applaud our development partners whose generous support has contributed to training staff, conducting research and the establishment of Innovation Hubs aimed at creating job opportunities for our young people.

On 22nd October 2024, Makerere University in partnership with Kiira Motors Corporation, and UNDP Uganda, launched the Skilling Programme in Electric Mobility and Associated Technologies, aimed at building the required pool of young people to drive Uganda’s electric mobility and related technologies for industrial application. Additionally, on 19th November 2024, we signed an MoU with The Innovation Village to establish the Research2Industry (R2I) platform. The platform will provide infrastructure that fosters innovation and resource sharing as well as streamline the path from research to commercialization through funding mechanisms that remove barriers and accelerate impact.

Therefore, as you leave the gates of Makerere today, I wish to reassure you that your alma mater remains committed to not only providing impactful education, but also nurturing innovations and partnerships that contribute to your employability and our national development priorities.

Once again, I congratulate the Graduands, our staff, parents, guardians and sponsors upon achieving this milestone and pray that God will grant you good health and keep you safe, as We Build for the Future.

Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe
VICE CHANCELLOR

Mak Editor

General

2025 K-POP Festival: Online Auditions

Published

on

2025 K-POP Festival, 8th November 2025, Yusuf Lule Auditorium, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

The Embassy of the Republic of Korea in Uganda is organizing the 2025 K-POP Festival in Uganda. K-POP stands for Korean Popular Music and this festival will include a K-POP singing or dancing contest open to both individuals and groups. There will be online auditions and a grand festival open to the public.

1. Eligibility

  • The contest is open to all Ugandans
  • Participation is as an individual or in a group

2. How to apply

Record a video of yourself of about 3 minutes of dancing or singing to a K-POP song. Upload the video on your Social Media or YouTube with the hashtag #2025KPOPUG and copy and paste the link to the video in the application form at https://han.gl/kE1xN. The application deadline is 17th October 2025.

The GRAND K-POP FESTIVAL will be held on 8th November 2025 starting 1:00PM at the Yusuf Lule Central Teaching Facility Auditorium, Makerere University.

There will also be a K-POP Random Play Dance Event and everyone is invited to participate and watch.

Mak Editor

Continue Reading

General

Makerere University Council and Top Management Convene Strategic Planning Retreat

Published

on

Members of the University Council together with Management in a group photo at consultative meeting towards the formulation of the University’s Strategic Plan 2025/2026–2029/2030.

The Makerere University Council and Top Management have today convened at Speke Resort Munyonyo to deliberate on the University’s Strategic Plan 2025/2026 – 2029/2030. The retreat seeks to align Makerere’s priorities with the Fourth National Development Plan (NDP IV) and ensure that all key stakeholders contribute to shaping the institution’s next five years.

Opening the discussions, the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, underscored the centrality of planning in the University’s growth trajectory. He called on members of management to actively participate in the drafting of the new strategic plan. Prof. Nawangwe highlighted Makerere’s progress in recent years, noting that the University has drawn a roadmap to becoming a research-led institution, with publications rising from 700 five years ago to 2,000 currently.

He further pointed out the revision of research policies to align with the University’s research agenda, as well as the establishment of innovation hubs that support product development, commercialisation, and intellectual property management. Commending staff for their resilience and success, Prof. Nawangwe congratulated them on winning significant individual grants, some of which now surpass institutional grants. “NDP IV is intended to grow the country tenfold, and I am confident Makerere will make a huge contribution,” he remarked.

Mrs. Lorna Magara

In her keynote remarks, the Chairperson of the University Council, Mrs. Lorna Magara, described the retreat as a defining moment for Makerere’s role in Uganda’s transformation. She urged the University to move beyond traditional teaching and research, positioning itself as a central driver of national development.

“Our mandate extends beyond academia. The knowledge we generate, the leaders we shape, and the innovations we deliver must directly fuel Uganda’s growth,” Mrs. Magara stated.

She outlined priority national development areas— agro-industrialisation, tourism, mineral-based development, and advances in science and technology—where Makerere’s expertise can make a decisive impact. Emphasising the urgency of challenges such as youth unemployment, climate change, food insecurity, and fragile health systems, she noted that within these lie opportunities for Makerere to lead in testing and scaling solutions.

Vice Chancellor Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe.

“This retreat is about discipline and focus. Our strategy cannot be a wish list; it must be a blueprint for measurable national impact,” she said, challenging participants to critically reflect on how Makerere can anchor Uganda’s food security, nurture digital innovators, strengthen health resilience, and raise transformative leaders.

She concluded with a call for boldness and clarity in execution: “The next five years are decisive. Makerere must shift from being a participant in national development to being its strongest driver. What we agree here must position Makerere not only as Uganda’s premier university but also as a trusted national partner and a beacon of Africa’s transformation.”

Participants in a group discussion

The retreat involved detailed discussions and contributions from University leaders, aimed at developing a practical and impact-driven strategic plan that cements Makerere’s role in advancing Uganda’s development agenda.

Betty Kyakuwa
Betty Kyakuwa

Continue Reading

Education

Makerere University signs Memorandum of Understanding with International Rescue Committee to Advance Research, Innovation and Partnerships

Published

on

Prof. Anthony Mugagga (Left), Principal of MakCEES exchanging the MoU with Mr. Elijah Okuyo, Country Director, IRC

Makerere University has signed a five-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the International Rescue Committee to formalize undertakings in research, innovation & partnerships.

Signed in September 2025 by the Vice Chancellor of Makerere University, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe and the Country Director, International Rescue Committee,  Mr. Elijah Okeyo, the MoU provides a framework to implement research intensive programmes, promote innovative teaching and learning, internationalization, and contribute to societal transformation.

According to Mr. Okeyo, the MoU re-affirms Makerere University as the academic partner of the International Rescue Committee (IRC). “This MoU formalizes IRC’s working relationship with Makerere University. This framework empowers both institutions to tap into opportunities together. We believe in equal partnership. Makerere University commits to being our partner in research to contribute to evidence based humanitarian undertakings,” he said.

Under this collaboration, Makerere University and IRC will work on developing child-centered learning resources, innovative curricula, and policy-relevant research to enhance the quality of education in crisis-affected regions.

At Makerere University, the MoU brings on board, the College of Education and External Studies (CEES), Makerere University Institute of Teacher Education and Research (MITER), and the Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) Research Centre.

To concretize the MoU, the Principal of the College of Education and External Studies, Prof. Anthony Muwagga Mugagga convened a partnership meeting on Friday 12th September 2025  involving a delegation from the International Rescue Committee (IRC), Dr. David Kabugo, the Deputy Director of Makerere University Institute of Teacher Education and Research (MITER),  and Ms. Ritah Namisango, the Principal Communication Officer.

Mak CEES and IRC partnership meeting in progress

The delegation from the International Rescue Committee (IRC) consisted of the following: Mr. Elijah Okeyo-Country Director, Mr. Vincent Wanyama-Senior Program Development and Quality Coordinator,  Mr. Richard Omasete-Policy and Advocacy PlayMatters, and Ms. Janet Nambuya-Grants and Partnerships Coordinator.

The MoU focuses on the following areas of interest: Early Childhood Development, joint research and capacity building in education, the plight of refugees and the host communities, humanitarian aid, as well as, evidence based research to inform the education policy.

In line with its mandate, IRC brings onboard, its unmatched expertise in helping children in crisis-affected areas. The MoU therefore positions both institutions to undertake a leading role in the protection of children and families through evidence based research, access to education, and humanitarian undertakings.

Dr. Kabugo, the Deputy Director MITER, noted that the MoU opens new opportunities for joint efforts in research, training, and policy. He said: “We are committed to co-designing practitioner research, engaging in professional development, and generating evidence to guide the education policy in Uganda and beyond.” Dr. Kabugo explained that this partnership builds on years of cooperation between CEES and IRC, especially in child-centered methods such as play-based learning.

Prof. Mugagga described the MOU as a practical framework that connects Makerere University’s research with IRC’s field experiences. He stated that the College of Education and External Studies (CEES) conducts programmes focused on the future of the young people through training and empowering students/teachers. He articulated that the College significantly impacts on the education sector through delivery of quality academic programmes and research under the School of Education, School of  Distance and Lifelong Learning, and the East African School of Higher Education Studies and Development.

“Our strongest synergy is education and early child-focused care,” Prof. Mugagga emphasized. He revealed that the collaboration presents CEES with a strong and reliable partner (IRC), which stands for protection and the well-being of children and families. “Through this MoU, both CEES and IRC, will significantly contribute to improving education for children, families, and communities impacted by conflict and crisis.”

Prof. Mugagga commended IRC for the earlier support and expertise extended to the College in the development of the early childhood centre, and working together to provide valuable input during the Ministry of Education and Sports’ consultative process that led to the Early Childhood development policy.

Reflecting on the increasing number of refugees enrolling for studies at Makerere University, Prof. Mugagga  said: “ IRC has come at the right time. The College will tap into the IRC expertise to teach our staff and learners components in refugee education. They will equip our students and teachers with knowledge and skills in refugee education. Some of our students will cooperate with IRC to undertake research in refugee settlement and host communities.”

[L-R] Dr. David Kabugo, Deputy Director (MITER), Mr. Vincent Wanyama (IRC), Prof. Anthony Mugagga (Principal, MakCEES), Mr. Elijah Okeyo( Country Director-IRC), Ms. Janet Nambuya (IRC), Mr. Richard Omasette (IRC) and Ms. Ritah Namisango, PCO (MakCEES)

Prof. Mugagga implored both MITER and IRC to undertake research and develop modules on refugee education, parenting, re-tooling street children, integration of a health component into the curriculum, and management of truamatised students/learners who come from areas affected by war, conflict and crisis.

On the issue of play materials, Prof. Mugagga stressed that already made play materials derial creativing. “Both CEES and IRC should work towards a context that empowers children and learners to ignite their creative potential by developing home-made play materials,” he submitted.

About IRC

Stating a brief profile history about IRC, Mr. Okeyo explained that IRC is a global non-profit organisation that provides humanitarian aid and assistance to people affected by conflict and disaster. IRC has been active in Uganda since 1998, originally assisting displaced populations in Northern Uganda and later expanding its efforts to refugee settlements and urban areas.. Currently, IRC operates more than 35 health facilities in refugee settlements and runs a variety of programs in health, education, protection, and economic recovery. IRC also undertakes projects focusing on early childhood development, prevention of gender-based violence, and protection of refugees and families.

Ritah Namisango
Ritah Namisango

Continue Reading

Trending