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Princess Zahra Aga Khan Visits Mak, Tours Innovation Pod

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On 20th January 2025, the blazing afternoon sun was temporarily obscured by cloud cover as a convoy complete with VVIP security detail quietly made its way to the Main Building. As the convoy came to a stop at the Main Building’s Eastern staircase, all eyes were peeled to see who this VVIP was. As she emerged, there was no fanfare whatsoever as she proceeded to pleasantly greet the welcoming party. Princess Zahra Aga Khan, graceful by all standards, had arrived at Makerere University, an institution fondly talked about by her father His Late Highness Prince Karim Aga Khan IV.

It was indeed humbling that Princess Zahra Aga Khan, a Member of the Board of Directors of the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) and Trustee of the Aga Khan University (AKU) could include Makerere University on her itinerary. She had earlier on the same day paid a courtesy call on the President H.E. Yoweri Kaguta Museveni at State House Nakasero, and presided over the graduation of 120 students of the Aga Khan University-Kampala.

Princess Zahra who was received by the Acting Vice Chancellor, Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi and the Dean Makerere University School of Public Health (MakSPH), Prof. Rhoda Wanyenze was thankful for the warm reception and Makerere’s unwavering legacy.

Princess Zahra Aga Khan (Right) is received upon arrival in the Vice Chancellor's Office by Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi (Left). Visit by Princess Zahra Aga Khan, a Member of the Board of Directors of the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN), Trustee of the Aga Khan University (AKU) and eldest daughter of the Late Aga Khan IV, 20th February 2025, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Princess Zahra Aga Khan (Right) is received upon arrival in the Vice Chancellor’s Office by Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi (Left).

“My whole life, my father always told me that Makerere was the best University in Africa,” relayed Princess Zahra, before adding “And my whole life he told me how sad it was that tertiary level degrees had been de-funded and what fragility that bred in these countries.” She went on to explain that her father’s philosophy was that if a country cannot train its upper degrees, it cannot build a free, fair and successful economy.

Princess Zahra nevertheless expressed how glad she was to see that Makerere still remains a beacon of higher education, and that the Main Building that was gutted by fire was reconstructed to perfection. “So to come here and see it looking so amazing and beautiful is really good.”

She confessed that her itinerary, though involving many hops to preside over graduations in Kenya, Tanzania and finally Pakistan, was testimony of how much Aga Khan Institutions had evolved over the past twenty years. Princess Zahra explained that partnerships with Makerere and other universities, especially in the aftermath of events such as CoVID-19, were crucial in helping Aga Khan Institutions to adjust. “An institution can become far stronger and more resilient,” she explained.

Princess Zahra Aga Khan (Centre) flanked by her daughter Sarah Boyden (Left) and Dr. Tania Bubela (Right) reacts during the courtesy call. Visit by Princess Zahra Aga Khan, a Member of the Board of Directors of the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN), Trustee of the Aga Khan University (AKU) and eldest daughter of the Late Aga Khan IV, 20th February 2025, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Princess Zahra Aga Khan (Centre) flanked by her daughter Sarah Boyden (Left) and Dr. Tania Bubela (Right) reacts during the courtesy call.

In his welcome remarks, Prof. Buyinza thanked Princess Zahra for including Makerere on her eventful itinerary. “We are more than a century old and have greatly impacted the development and economy of this country, not on our own, but with the big network of our partners in many respects. Your coming reinforces the resolve that we must work together for the good of humanity.”

The Acting Vice Chancellor equally welcomed members of Princess Zahra’s delegation who included; her daughter Sarah Boyden, Mr. Zakir Mahmood-Chairman Board of Trustees AKU, Mr. Amin Mawji, OBE-Trustee AKDN, Dr. Sulaiman Shahabuddin-President and Vice Chancellor AKU, Dr. Tania Bubela-Provost and Vice President Academic AKU, Zeenat Shahabuddin-Regional CEO for Aga Khan Health Services (AKHS) in East Africa, and Joseph Mwizerwa-Associate Vice Provost AKU-Uganda.

Contributing to the day’s discussion, Dr. Sulaiman Shahabuddin the President and Vice Chancellor AKU who has been in Kampala for the last twenty years, admitted that the new campus in Nakawa heralds a new era of growth as they commence student activities in June 2025.

Princess Zahra Aga Khan (Centre) signs the Visitors Book as Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi (Left) and Dr. Sulaiman Shahabuddin (Right) witness. Visit by Princess Zahra Aga Khan, a Member of the Board of Directors of the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN), Trustee of the Aga Khan University (AKU) and eldest daughter of the Late Aga Khan IV, 20th February 2025, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Princess Zahra Aga Khan (Centre) signs the Visitors Book as Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi (Left) and Dr. Sulaiman Shahabuddin (Right) witness.

Makerere has been and is a distinguished University in Africa. We look forward to engaging and discussing how best we can come up with programmes that can benefit Uganda and Ugandans” he remarked.

As a rejoinder, Prof. Rhoda Wanyenze admitted that AKU’s and Makerere’s academic programmes present a number of potential synergies both in training and research. “Cancer clinical care and research is a big issue for us here; the burden is growing and we need to do more work to be able to characterize exposures and what it is that’s driving it.”

Other areas singled out in the discussion as potential for collaboration included; the environment, climate change and its linkage with health and other issues, and harnessing of the potential Electronic Medical Records (EMR). Makerere University currently partners with the Ministry of Health to roll out EMR systems nationwide, so as to optimize health service delivery in line with the Uganda Vision 2040.

Princess Zahra Aga Khan is received upon arrival at the Mak UniPod by Dr. Cathy Ikiror Mbidde (Right) as Prof. Rhoda Wanyenze (2nd Right) and other officials witness. Visit by Princess Zahra Aga Khan, a Member of the Board of Directors of the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN), Trustee of the Aga Khan University (AKU) and eldest daughter of the Late Aga Khan IV, 20th February 2025, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Princess Zahra Aga Khan is received upon arrival at the Mak UniPod by Dr. Cathy Ikiror Mbidde (Right) as Prof. Rhoda Wanyenze (2nd Right) and other officials witness.

“We have already done quite a number of facilities across the country for HIV, probably more than 1,000, but right now we are moving towards having an integrated electronic system for all care, the interoperability of multiple systems that exist, and being able to scale that up” complemented Prof. Wanyenze.

Prof. Buyinza who brought the lively discussion to a close concurred that a lot of potential areas for collaboration exist between the two partners and reassured Princess Zahra Aga Khan and her delegation of the Makerere’s readiness to undertake joint activities for the good of humanity. He also used the occasion to observe a moment of silence in honour of His Late Highness Prince Karim Aga Khan IV, who passed away on 4th February 2025.

Following the signing of the Vice Chancellor’s Visitors Book, Princess Zahra Aga Khan and her delegation proceeded to the Makerere University Innovation Pod (Mak UniPod), where they received a guided tour from Dr. Cathy Ikiror Mbidde, the Director.

Mark Wamai

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Mirror Frank Kalimuzo’s life of service-MUBS Principal

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Seated L-R: Mrs. Allen Kagina, Prof. Moses Muhwezi, Mrs. Esther Kallimuzo and her daughter with dignitaries and family at the 2nd Frank Kalimuzo on 13th June 2025. 2nd Frank Kalimuzo Memorial Lecture, theme ‘Building a culture of service in Public Institutions’ organised in partnership with Makerere University Business School (MUBS), 13th June 2025, Main Hall, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

The Principal of Makerere University Business School (MUBS), Prof. Moses Muhwezi, has called upon Ugandans to emulate the life of the late Frank Kalimuzo.

Today, (Friday, June 13, 2025), Makerere University hosted the 2nd Frank Kalimuzo Memorial Lecture, an event that brought together distinguished public servants, University leaders and stakeholders to honor the legacy of the late Frank Kalimuzo, Makerere University‘s first Ugandan Vice Chancellor.

The event held under the theme Building a culture of service in Public Institutions’ highlighted lessons from Frank Kalimuzo’s leadership and provided an opportunity to examine how institutions of higher learning can cultivate these same qualities of service in an era where universities are increasingly called upon to be engines of innovation, drivers of economic development and guardians of knowledge.

In his welcome speech, the Acting Vice Chancellor, Prof. Winston Tumps Ireeta, noted that the Frank Kalimuzo Annual Public Lecture serves not only as a commemorative event but as a platform for critical reflection on the principles and values that should guide our institutions in an ever-evolving world.

Acting Vice Chancellor, Prof. Winston Tumps Ireeta. 2nd Frank Kalimuzo Memorial Lecture, theme ‘Building a culture of service in Public Institutions’ organised in partnership with Makerere University Business School (MUBS), 13th June 2025, Main Hall, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Acting Vice Chancellor, Prof. Winston Tumps Ireeta.

“The late Frank Kalimuzo remains an exemplar of dedicated public service and transformational leadership. As Makerere University‘s first Ugandan Vice Chancellor, he navigated the institution through a critical period of transition with wisdom, integrity, and unwavering commitment to excellence. His legacy extends far beyond his tenure at this university, as the first Head of Public Service, first Ugandan Secretary to Cabinet, and first Permanent Secretary in the Office of the Prime Minister, he helped lay the foundation for Uganda’s administrative structures,” Prof. Ireeta, noted.

Prof. Ireeta explained that what distinguished Frank Kalimuzo, was not merely his succession of firsts, but his approach to leadership, characterized by humility, service, and an unyielding dedication to the common good.

“As we continue to build on the strong foundation laid by pioneers like Frank Kalimuzo, we must ask ourselves: How do we nurture leaders who serve with integrity? How do we create institutional cultures that prioritize the common good? How do we ensure that our graduates carry forward the values of service and excellence that have defined this university for over a century,” Prof. Ireeta, pondered?

Presenting a paper titled ‘Building a culture of service in Public Institutions’ Prof. Muhwezi, noted that Mr. Kalimuzo was not merely an academic administrator but more importantly, a servant-leader whose life exemplified the highest ideals of public service.

“Mr. Frank Kalimuzo’s life teaches us that public service is not a career choice but a calling, a commitment to using one’s talents, position, and influence to advance the common good. His example shows us that it is possible to maintain integrity, drive innovation, and achieve excellence even within imperfect systems,” Prof. Muhwezi, said.

Principal MUBS and Keynote Speaker, Prof. Moses Muhwezi. 2nd Frank Kalimuzo Memorial Lecture, theme ‘Building a culture of service in Public Institutions’ organised in partnership with Makerere University Business School (MUBS), 13th June 2025, Main Hall, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Principal MUBS and Keynote Speaker, Prof. Moses Muhwezi.

In his keynote address, Prof. Muhwezi, explained that Mr. Kalimuzo consistently demonstrated that effective public service requires placing institutional objectives above personal ambitions. He added that when faced with unprecedented resistance from various quarters, like academics who questioned his credentials to those who opposed political appointees in university leadership, Mr. Kalimuzo responded not with defensiveness but with dedication to proving himself through service.

To deal with challenges of the 21st century, Prof. Muhwezi, pointed out that the Country needs public institutions that are fit for purpose and leaders who understand that their primary responsibility is to serve, not to be served.

“We need to leave some legacy when we are out of our institutions. We should be brave. As public servants, we learn that Mr. Kalimuzo kept brave even after disappearance of other prominent personalities. As a leader, you should not be the first person to panic,” Prof. Muhwezi, said.

Prof. Muhwezi reminded leaders that they do not need many years to create impact. He explained that although Mr Kalimuzo’s tenure as Vice Chancellor was short-lived, his impact, like a writing on the wall, remains for all to see.

“When given an opportunity to serve, don’t be distracted. Offer skilled leadership execution even in the middle of the storm. As we play around with politics, we should promote peace. As an educated class, we should be good examples. We should appreciate the freedom of speech we enjoy at the moment,” Prof. Muhwezi, noted.

On 23rd June 2022, the University Leadership dedicated the Frank Kalimuzo Central Teaching Facility in his honor, that stands as a physical reminder of his contributions. But more importantly, it symbolizes the University’s commitment to ensuring that his values and principles continue to shape generations of students who will go forth to serve Uganda and the world.

Mrs. Esther Kalimuzo assisted by her daughter delivers her remarks. 2nd Frank Kalimuzo Memorial Lecture, theme ‘Building a culture of service in Public Institutions’ organised in partnership with Makerere University Business School (MUBS), 13th June 2025, Main Hall, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Mrs. Esther Kalimuzo assisted by her daughter delivers her remarks.

During the event, Mr. Kalimuzo’s family expressed gratitude to the University Leadership for always honouring a man who served the University, nation, and its people with distinction.

Addressing guests, Mrs. Esther Kalimuzo, the widow of the late Frank Kalimuzo, noted that although to-date the family has no grave, no explanation and no closure, his silence has not been wasted. On the contrary, it has become a witness, and his disappearance has become a declaration that Uganda has known men who refused to bow.

“After Frank was taken, I was left with our children young, tender, full of questions I could not answer. They were raised with memory instead of presence, with principle instead of protection. And yet, through all the hardship, uncertainty, and pain they endured. They overcame. Today, our children stand tall. They are proud citizens of Uganda, and residents in nations far beyond. They have carried their father’s spirit into classrooms, workplaces, and communities across the world. They embody the values they barely had time to hear him speak, values they absorbed through the echo of his life and the strength of his memory,” orated Mrs Kalimuzo to an audience that listened silently in great admiration.

Delivering the closing remarks, the Chairperson of the University Council, Mrs. Lorna Magara, noted that Makerere’s strategic plan echoes Mr. Kalimuzo’s spirit of innovation and visionary leadership.

Mrs. Lorna Magara delivers her remarks. 2nd Frank Kalimuzo Memorial Lecture, theme ‘Building a culture of service in Public Institutions’ organised in partnership with Makerere University Business School (MUBS), 13th June 2025, Main Hall, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Mrs. Lorna Magara delivers her remarks.

“The insights shared today provide a valuable framework for addressing current leadership challenges within African institutions. Makerere University Council is already advancing key recommendations through our Strategic Plan (2020/21–2024/25), with an emphasis on building a responsive and research-driven institution,” Mrs Magara, said.

Mrs. Magara also pointed out that Mr. Kalimuzo’s values deserve continued critical reflections and practical application in leadership development, noting that they remain relevant not just for Makerere’s transformation, but for the renewal of public institutions across the continent.

“As the late Prof. Asavia Wandira reminded us during Makerere’s 90th Anniversary, our historic mission is “to be the Golden Apex of the Education System, consistent with National Development.” This mission remains unfinished. Rising societal challenges from youth unemployment to public health demand the very kind of ethical, visionary leadership Mr. Kalimuzo embodied,” Mrs. Magara concluded.

Mrs. Allen Kagina moderated the day's discussion. 2nd Frank Kalimuzo Memorial Lecture, theme ‘Building a culture of service in Public Institutions’ organised in partnership with Makerere University Business School (MUBS), 13th June 2025, Main Hall, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Mrs. Allen Kagina moderated the day’s discussion.

During the interactive discussions chaired by Mrs. Allen Kagina, the Chairperson of the Technical, Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Council, Mrs Kalimuzo shared with the guests that when her husband went missing, she did all kinds of odd jobs to see her children through School and put food on the table. Hard work and the grace of God, she said, were the hallmarks of how she managed to raise her young family.

Organized in partnership with Makerere University Business School, the 2025 lecture was crowned with a surprise 90th Birthday celebration for Mrs. Esther Kalimuzo. It was all tears of joy as she cut cake with her grandchildren surrounded by family and friends.

A surprise 90th Birthday celebration for Mrs. Esther Kalimuzo at the event. 2nd Frank Kalimuzo Memorial Lecture, theme ‘Building a culture of service in Public Institutions’ organised in partnership with Makerere University Business School (MUBS), 13th June 2025, Main Hall, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
A surprise 90th Birthday celebration for Mrs. Esther Kalimuzo at the event.

Frank Kalimuzo at glance

Born on 24th September 1925, the late Kalimuzo was the first Vice-Chancellor of the newly formed Makerere University away from the colonial and white man’s control. He was appointed on 1st July 1970 by the then President H.E. Apollo Milton Obote. Frank Kalimuzo transformed the institution from a colonial-era university into a truly national institution serving Ugandan society. His brief but impactful tenure established principles of service-oriented leadership that continue to influence public institutional management across East Africa

He held an Overseas Course B from Wadham College in Oxford, UK (1956), an Honors Degree (Economics Major) from the University College of Aberystwyth in Wales (1955), and a BA in Education from Makerere University (1946).

In his brief tenure, courses like Bachelor of Commerce, Bachelor of Forestry, Bachelor of Laws, and Bachelor of Technology were added to the University’s Curriculum. Veterinary Medicine, which was being offered at the University of Nairobi, was also introduced at Makerere University, while Music, Dance, and Drama became diploma subjects. The Main Library and Albert Cook Medical Library were extended in 1972. Later that year, during former President Idi Amin’s rule, Mr. Kalimuzo was picked up by security personnel and was never seen alive again.

Carol Kasujja
Carol Kasujja Adii

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Directorate of Graduate Training Rolls out Research Management Information Sytems (RIMS)

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By: Moses Lutaaya

The Directorate of Graduate Training is rolling out the Research Management Information systems (RIMS) to efficiently and effectively monitor the academic progress of all graduate students.

“RIMS will be used to track efficiently every stage of activity of graduate studies from course works, research concept to thesis completion.” The Director of Graduate Training, Prof. Julius Kikooma said.

He added, “The RIMS team is here to share developments on the system that are designed to support the agenda of Makerere university. When graduate students enter a given chapter of their research works, their supervisors will automatically receive mail prompts to swiftly handle, give comments and guide the students on the way forward.”

During the roll out training recently at the College of Health Sciences in Mulago, Prof. Kikooma said, “The Directorate of Graduate Training is working in collaboration with Directorate of Innovation, Research and Partnerships (DIRP) and the Directorate of Information Communication and Technology Support (DICTS) to ensure a smooth training to all the schools and colleges. Digitalising the graduate management process is anticipated to increase the number of graduate admissions and completion in the long run.”

“As the three directorates, we sat and reviewed the university graduate strategy and policies around it. We got reviewed policies and procedures approved by the University Senate last year. We no longer have provisional admission letter requirement for our PhD students. It is now full admission straight away and we follow a cohort system of admission for the PhD by research students.” He added.

Prof. Julius Kikooma

RIMS is a version of how the Directorate of Graduate Training aims to handle the process of systematic tracking of every point of progress in the entire academic journey of graduate students.

The Directorate of Graduate Training has so far conducted the RIMS training at three Colleges namely; College of Health Sciences (CHS), College of Business and Management Sciences (COBAMS) and College of Natural Sciences (CONAS).

The critical stakeholders on the RIMS value chain include Heads of Departments, College Principals and Deputy Principals, Directors, School Deans, Supervisors as well as Graduate coordinators. “All the above are key actors and must be able to use RIMS in the graduate process, capturing all profiles of students and supervisors and should be able to use it appropriately.” He emphasized.

He said that RIMS will bring all stakeholders on the same page and will be able to adequately troubleshoot any hinderance to progress when course works are done, to dissertation and thesis completion. Makerere university target is to increase its graduate students’ enrollment from 19% to at least 30% in the next five years.

Prof. Bruce James Kirenga, Principal College of Health Sciences welcomed RIMS training saying that this kind of E- learning and supervision tracking is the way to handle graduate studies as it seems to reduce the turn around time for student- supervisor responses.

“Every activity in the graduate students learning journey is monitored swiftly. Whatever the students upload on to the system, supervisors get message pop-ups on their mails, review the works immediately and attach comments for the students to appreciate and manage appropriately.” He said.

Prof. Bruce James Kirenga

Prof. Kirenga added that the audit trail created under RIMS will provide good progressive academic reports and improve the journey to Doctoral studies.

“Heads of Departments are able to see all students in the department, any pending system approvals, observe completion rates and total progressive over view of each student and that the total overview of department performance will be clearly seen under RIMS.” He added.

Dr. Robert Kalyesubula – the Chair. Dept of Physiology, Makerere University College of Health Sciences said RIMS will improve the efficiency of supervisors while handling the graduate students.

“RIMS views all documents and proposals of students. We will be able to observe which supervisor takes long to respond, the number of days they have taken to respond and how long an issue has pended undone at a certain level.”

Mak Editor

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Israeli Ambassador Lotem Talks Innovation on Farewell Visit

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Mrs. Lorna Magara (3rd Right) flanked by Ambassador Michael Lotem (3rd Left) and Deputy Ambassador Ariel Arviv (2nd Right) with Left to Right: Assoc. Prof. Kizito Maria, Assoc. Prof. Amanda Tumusiime and Prof. Winston Tumps Ireeta. The Ambassador of Israel in Nairobi accredited to Kenya, Uganda, Malawi, Tanzania and the Seychelles, H.E. Michael Lotem farewell visit to Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa on 11th June 2025.

The Ambassador of Israel in Nairobi accredited to Kenya, Uganda, Malawi, Tanzania and the Seychelles, H.E. Michael Lotem on 11th June 2025 made a farewell visit to Makerere University as his tour draws to a close. He was accompanied by his Deputy Ambassador, H.E. Ariel Arviv and received by the Chairperson of Council, Mrs. Lorna Magara and the Acting Vice Chancellor, Prof. Winston Tumps Ireeta. Also present in the meeting were the Deputy Principal College of Engineering, Design, Art and Technology (CEDAT), Assoc. Prof. Kizito Maria and the Dean Margaret Trowel School of Industrial and Fine Art (MTSIFA), Assoc. Prof. Amanda Tumusiime.

Mrs. Lorna Magara in her welcome remarks informed the Ambassador that Makerere is translating into a research-led University, with innovation hubs taking root. “Just last week we signed into operation an organization fully owned by the University called the Makerere University Technology and Innovation Centre.

“What that is going to do is coordinate all the innovations in the units as well as knowledge transfer, startups, and linkages with industry and Government” Mrs. Magara explained. “What we are seeking to do is commercialize research, to foster startups, incubation centres, but also knowledge transfer” she added.

Mrs. Lorna Magara makes her remarks at the meeting. The Ambassador of Israel in Nairobi accredited to Kenya, Uganda, Malawi, Tanzania and the Seychelles, H.E. Michael Lotem farewell visit to Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa on 11th June 2025.
Mrs. Lorna Magara makes her remarks at the meeting.

Mrs. Magara noted that this aspiration feeds directly into the Government’s drive to promote Science, Technology and Innovation. “For a very long time Makerere has just been a knowledge hub; you have all these PhDs but knowledge that does not translate into industry,” she clarified.

Explaining how the component of intellectual property (IP) is addressed, the Acting Vice Chancellor, informed Ambassador Lotem that the University has in place an Intellectual Property Management Office (IPMO) headed by a Manager as well as a Deputy Director in Charge of Research, Innovation and Partnerships. The IPMO, he added, is tasked with registering all the IP that arises from staff and student research.

“We have an Intellectual Property Management Policy that stipulates how intellectual property created by staff and students is owned, managed, and used,” explained Prof. Ireeta. The Makerere policy stipulates that the University shall keep 60% of the net revenue coming out of the commercialization of IP with 40% going to the researcher/ research team.

Ambassador Michael Lotem and Dep. Ambassador Ariel Arviv cue in as Mrs. Lorna Magara makes her remarks. The Ambassador of Israel in Nairobi accredited to Kenya, Uganda, Malawi, Tanzania and the Seychelles, H.E. Michael Lotem farewell visit to Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa on 11th June 2025.
Ambassador Michael Lotem and Dep. Ambassador Ariel Arviv cue in as Mrs. Lorna Magara makes her remarks.

Prof. Ireeta further shared that innovations currently undergoing IP registration are from the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES) and the CEDAT. He reiterated the University’s commitment to establishing the Makerere University Technology and Innovation Centre to coordinate all innovation IP management efforts. “We want to have the University at the fore of registering all IP with the Uganda Registration Services Bureau (URSB) as opposed to individual researchers as it was in the past.”

On the question of venture capital/funding, Mrs. Magara explained that although individual researchers have been winning grants to fund their projects, Government’s annual allocation of UGX 30 billion through the Makerere University Research and Innovations Fund (Mak-RIF) has gone a long way to boost research and innovations.

Using Israel’s thriving agricultural innovations in the desert as an example, Ambassador Lotem noted that to maximize output and profitability, innovation ought to simultaneously work on both ends of the equation i.e. adapting plants to grow in challenging climates while devising appropriate technology to supply much-needed nutrients.

Ambassador Michael Lotem makes his remarks. The Ambassador of Israel in Nairobi accredited to Kenya, Uganda, Malawi, Tanzania and the Seychelles, H.E. Michael Lotem farewell visit to Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa on 11th June 2025.
Ambassador Michael Lotem makes his remarks.

Picking up on Mrs. Magara’s statement that the College of Health Sciences (CHS) conducts a great deal of Makerere’s research in the areas of Malaria, Tuberculosis and HIV/AIDS, Ambassador Lotem said he would be happy to link Makerere researchers to ongoing collaborative efforts between Israeli companies and the Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI), especially in Malaria.

“To give you an idea about what innovations we are talking about, we have one company that developed a technology/protocol to sterilize mosquitoes and it is environmentally friendly because they sterilize only one generation, and they are looking to do a pilot” he noted.

“We have another Israeli company that does a big pilot with biological nets” Ambassador Lotem shared before adding, “a third uses drones to identify the habitats of mosquitoes. These kind of things can be done here and we know how to bring others.”

Other examples of Israeli companies shared by Ambassador Lotem that are seeking to conduct pilot studies include one that developed a special type of shrimp that eats snails that host bilharzia causing parasitic worms. The other is a biological material that when put in contaminated water kills the germs and reduces turbidity.

Mrs. Lorna Magara presents a Mak Necktie to Ambassador Michael Lotem as Dep. Ambassador Ariel Arviv and Prof. Winston Tumps Ireeta witness. The Ambassador of Israel in Nairobi accredited to Kenya, Uganda, Malawi, Tanzania and the Seychelles, H.E. Michael Lotem farewell visit to Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa on 11th June 2025.
Mrs. Lorna Magara presents a Mak Necktie to Ambassador Michael Lotem as Dep. Ambassador Ariel Arviv and Prof. Winston Tumps Ireeta witness.

Chipping in on the discussion, Ambassador Arviv said, “on our side we know that there are a lot of opportunities and a lot of projects that have already began and we want to see how we can help them.”

Earlier, Assoc. Prof. Kizito Maria had informed the meeting that his tenure as Dean MTSIFA played witness to a number of academic exchanges and workshops with Bezalel Academy Jerusalem and Shenkar College of Engineering, Design and Art, facilitated by CoCuDi Center and The African Studies Gallery. However, he added that these collaborations were never formalized by signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).

In response, Ambassador Arviv reassured, “We will find the contacts to understand the specific needs; if its students exchange, etc. and then they will work on a Memorandum of Understanding as a basic” she stated, adding “I think we can take it from there.”

The visit concluded with presentation of Makerere University Souvenirs by Mrs. Lorna Magara to Ambassadors Michael Lotem and Ariel Arviv in her office.

Mark Wamai

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