General
Minister Muyingo launches USD 12.2Million KOICA project to enhance E-learning at Makerere
The Minister of State for Higher Education, John Chrysostom Muyingo, has launched a project aimed at strengthening Makerere University’s Open, Distance and e-learning (ODeL) capacity.
Addressing guests yesterday (Thursday, February 27, 2025) while officiating the launch of a $12.2million (44billion shillings) Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) grant, Mr. Muyingo, commended the Government of Korea, for supporting Uganda’s Education sector.
“This grant is more than just a financial contribution, it is a symbol of Uganda and the Government of Korea’s strong partnership to advance higher education, digital transformation, and skills development,” Mr. Muyingo, said.
He highlighted that the grant will support the expansion of online learning platforms, improve access to digital resources, and elevate the overall quality of education which will bridge the gap between traditional and digital learning, something which will make Makerere University education more accessible and flexible for students both within Uganda and beyond.
“With the advancing technological environment, educational institutions have to work smarter and better than before to ensure that educators and learners have the appropriate tools to deliver quality and relevant education,” Mr. Muyingo, explained.
The minister also commended the Makerere University Council and the Vice Chancellor for their visionary leadership in steering the University towards excellence in digital education.
The initiative aligns with Uganda’s Vision 2040, which prioritizes human resource development, technological advancement, and expanded access to digital education. According to a recent World Bank report on Uganda’s economic outlook, the country’s economic growth remains stable. However, it highlights the need for greater investment in human capital.
At the same event, the Chairperson Makerere University Council Mrs. Lorna Magara, encouraged students, faculty, and staff members to fully embrace the opportunity, and harness the power of technology to unlock Makerere University‘s full potential and drive a brighter future for Uganda and the region.
In her speech, read by Dr. James Nkata, a University Council member, Mrs. Magara, pointed out that the Makerere takes great pride in the partnership with KOICA, an organization whose dedication to education and development aligns perfectly with the University’s vision.
“I extend my heartfelt appreciation to the people of the Republic of Korea, for their trust and generous support of our vision. We are grateful for the continued collaboration and backing of the Ministry of Education and Sports and the Ministry of Finance, Planning, and Economic Development, whose commitment has been instrumental in making this project a reality,” Mrs Magara, said.
Prof Barnabas Nawangwe, the University Vice Chancellor, noted that the trust of the Korean people in Makerere University is a testament to Makerere University’s reputation as a center of academic excellence and innovation.
“The KOICA project, aligns seamlessly with our institution’s strategic goals and Uganda’s national development priorities. By strengthening our ODeL framework, this initiative will enhance teaching and research capabilities at Makerere University while fostering innovation, digital entrepreneurship, and knowledge sharing across borders,” Prof Nawangwe, said.
Voicing his gratitude, Prof. Nawangwe, noted that through the project, the University will establish a dynamic e-learning ecosystem that nurtures creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving.
“By equipping students and faculty with advanced digital tools and methodologies, we will drive the development of innovative solutions to address socio-economic challenges in Uganda and the broader region. We are confident that this initiative will have a lasting impact, improving livelihoods, stimulating economic growth, and promoting sustainable development,” Prof Nawangwe, pointed out.
The Vice Chancellor commended Prof. Henry Mwanaki Alinaitwe and Dr Venny Nakazibwe, who have worked tirelessly to bring the project to fruition.
The Project team at Makerere include Prof. Paul Birevu Muyinda, Dr. Godftey Mayende and Mr. Paul Mugabi.
Presenting the project’s objectives, Prof. Alinaitwe, noted the University is going to establish a state-of-the-art e-learning facility, equipped with advanced tools and resources to support interactive and immersive learning experiences.
“We will have a masterplan to accommodate a platform and network of resources to guide the infrastructure development. We are also going to establish a state-of-the-art e-learning facility, equipped with advanced tools and resources to support interactive and immersive learning experiences,”
Prof. Alinaitwe explained that his team will create a comprehensive repository of high-quality digital course materials, tailored to the needs of students and faculty.
In his remarks, the South Korean Ambassador to Uganda, Park Sung-Soo, told guests that Korea firmly believes that education is the foundation of national development, and their own economic success was built upon strong investments in human capital.
“Korea’s experience demonstrates that education is a long-term commitment, often described as a ‘hundred-year plan,’ and we are eager to share our knowledge and expertise with the Ministry of Education of Uganda and Makerere University to support Uganda’s educational advancement,” the ambassador, said.
The envoy explained that digital transformation is no longer an option but a necessity for ensuring equal educational opportunities and fostering future-ready talent that is why the Korean government is fully committed to supporting Uganda in this critical endeavor.
“The Covid pandemic showed us the critical need for flexible and resilient learning environments. As a global leader in information technology and a country that deeply values education, Korea is honored to work with Uganda to enhance digital learning infrastructure and expand access to education for all students, regardless of location or circumstance,” he said.
On his part, Prof Chun Seyeoung, explained that with the Mak ODel project, the most important engine for the success of Mak ODel project is the people who are destined to be involved and committed.
“Based on the valuable experience expected to be gained from this short term Mak ODel project, Makerere University will be able to digitally transform so that the e-learning paradigm will be applied to all of the academic programmes including masters and doctoral programmes. Ultimately, Makerere University will be the central hub of ODeL for the entire African continent,” Prof Seyeoung, said.
The Makerere University Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe has today, Friday, 26th June 2026 handed over the CCE (Complex) Hall of Residence Site to National Enterprise Corporation (NEC) Managing Director and CEO, Lieutenant General James Mugira for renovation and overhaul works. The UGX 12billion Government of Uganda-funded works, expected to be completed within a year, are the fourth project to be undertaken by NEC. They were preceded by; construction of the University Perimeter Wall, Renovation of Lumumba Hall, and Renovation of Mary Stuart Hall.
NEC’s Record Lauded
Prof. Nawangwe in his remarks at the handover ceremony lauded these projects. “The quality of work done by NEC makes us proud because we can finally say that we have Ugandans who can do the things, which we previously depended on foreigners to do.” He therefore thanked the Government of Uganda for fully funding the projects and the First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Hon. Janet Museveni, whose visit set the renovation projects in motion.
The Vice Chancellor added that as the Alma mater for most members of both the Contractor and Project Management Teams, this was a moment of great pride as their expertise and skills have saved the country billions of taxpayers’ money. “Thank you for being patriotic”, he commended.
Prof. Nawangwe concluded by noting that CCE Hall, by virtue of its location, provides a first impression of Makerere University as a whole. He therefore urged the contractor to ensure that upon renovation, CCE Hall would create a memorable and lasting first impression, exceeding even that of the renovated Mary Stuart Hall.
A Project Fueled by Nostalgia
Speaking of impressions, Lt. Gen. Mugira, with nostalgia recalled that close to 42 years ago, he not only attended his first lectures in Hall 1 of the CCE Complex but also, on a more personal note added, “my wife was a resident, and so I have every motivation to put in a lot of effort and make sure that I deliver more than was done with Mary Stuart and Lumumba.”
He therefore extended heartfelt appreciation to his Alma mater Makerere University for the trust and confidence bestowed in NEC, which underscored their ability to deliver. “Trust is earned through performance, through integrity and consistency, and your decision to engage us motivates us to work even harder to exceed your expectations.”
In his remarks, the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Finance and Administration) Prof. Henry Alinaitwe reechoed the need to ensure that the project is executed with adherence to the cost, quality, specifications and safety related issues as earlier shared by the Acting (Ag.) Chief Engineer of Estates and Works, Eng. Ezra Sekadde.
“NEC has already demonstrated this (with previous projects), and that is why we have all the confidence that you can deliver this project within 12 months” remarked Prof. Alinaitwe. He equally lauded the Project Management Team (PMT) led by Arch. Dr. Kenneth Ssemwogerere whose supervision ensures timely project completion.
Relatedly, Arch. Dr. Semwogerere was on 25th June 2026, the eve of the handover, promoted to the rank of Associate Professor, a milestone Prof. Alinaitwe attributed to his track record as Head of PMT. He therefore, on a light note, urged him to keep up the good work as this could equally contribute to his promotion to the rank of full Professor.
Also present at the handover ceremony was the Principal, College of Education and External Studies (CEES) Prof. Anthony Mugagga, whose unit will be greatly affected by the renovations. He nevertheless welcomed and reiterated his full support for the project, noting that just as renovation of Lumumba and Mary Stuart Halls had resulted in many alumni revisiting, the CCE Complex would upon renovation attract former residents and teaching professionals to give back or forge new partnerships.
Student Welfare at the Forefront
On her part, the Dean of Students Dr. Winifred Kabumbuli lauded the renovations of Halls of Residence as a clear demonstration of Government’s dedication to the improvement of student welfare, and creating an environment conducive for nurturing responsible citizens who can contribute to national development. She pledged her Office’s and the Student Leadership’s readiness to ensure that the renovated facilities used responsibly for the benefit of future generations.
As a resident of the recently renovated Mary Stuart Hall, 92nd Guild President H.E. Kadondi Gracious could not help but appreciate how impactful the renovation of CCE Hall would be to student welfare. “The female students will be very excited (to occupy CCE Hall) but the male students will be left complaining – so we shall be expecting more renovations, not just for the female but also the male students,” she amiably concluded.
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