General
Amb. Tone Tinnes Visits Mak, Gains Insight into NORHED II Projects
The Norwegian Ambassador to Tanzania, the Comoros, Rwanda, Burundi and Uganda, H.E. Tone Tinnes visited Makerere University on 25th March 2025 and met with University Management as well as researchers under the NORHED II projects. Amb. Tinnes visit begun with a courtesy call, where he was received upon arrival by Acting Vice Chancellor, Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi before interacting with the delegation from the Norwegian Agency for Development Cooperation (Norad) and NORHED II researchers.
The Norad team included: Tor-Øyvind Rand, Senior Adviser, Education and Research; Solbjørg Sjøveian, Policy Director – Higher Education and Research; Thomas Poulsen, Assistant Director and Chief of Education, Higher Education and Research; Tone Margrethe Utvik, Senior Advisor, Grant Management Systems; and Karstein Haarberg, Senior Advisor, Internal Audit and Investigation Unit. Also present were staff from the Norwegian Embassy in Dar es Salaam.
NORHED is Mutually Beneficial
H.E. Tone Tinnes thanked the leadership and staff of Makerere University for a warm welcome and reiterated her Government’s commitment to continue supporting energy for development and gender equality for development programmes in partnership with the relevant Ugandan Ministries.
Amb. Tinnes added that NORHED is a very important programme in the collaboration between Uganda and Norway, not only because Uganda is the largest participant but also because of the programme’s longstanding nature and mutual benefit.
“It is not only beneficial to Uganda and Makerere University but it is also beneficial to Norway and Universities that take part from the Norwegian side” underlined Amb. Tinnes, who also lauded NORHED II’s South-South collaborations as very important.
Norway’s Impact at Mak
Prof. Buyinza in his welcome address thanked Amb. Tinnes for visiting Makerere to appraise the collaboration with Norwegian institutions which dates back to the 1960s.
“Makerere has benefited enormously from the generosity of the Government and people of Norway. You find a footprint of the Government of Norway in Makerere in many respects; in terms infrastructure, professional skills development, and technical assistance,” narrated Prof. Buyinza.
He also acknowledged gains of the specific Norwegian Programme for Capacity Building in Higher Education and Research for Development – NORHED I (2013-2019) and its successor NORHED II (2021-2026) upon which the visit was based. Uganda is the biggest partner in the NORHED II programme with twenty-one (21) out of the sixty (60) total projects, of which nineteen (19) are being implemented at Makerere University.
“Your Excellency, Makerere is old in age but we are a learning institution. We want to expand our collaboration network and consolidate our huge gains with institutions in Norway, and some of them like the University of Bergen have got a cooperation desk here” Prof. Buyinza committed.
On the future outlook, Prof. Buyinza explained Makerere’s working model of mentoring other universities in Uganda, “we are the oldest university in the region and therefore we have a duty to support upcoming public universities to build their research infrastructure.”
The Role of HEIs
Speaking on behalf of Norad, Thomas Poulsen reiterated that Norway’s support to Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) is based on the acknowledgement that they are essential partners of sustainable development and societal change. He nevertheless outlined significant disparities that still exist between the North and sub-Saharan Africa such as gross national enrolment ratios (75% vs. 8%) and women’s participation.
“In Norway, women were the majority in Higher Education Institutions in 1988. So Norway’s wealth is not built on oil and gas and fish and energy but it’s built on very early inclusion of females into Higher Education” shared Poulsen.
In this regard, he said that efforts to foster inclusive higher education should focus on underrepresented groups, diverse curricula, academic freedom, and equitable government sub-structures.
“Uganda is Norway’s largest Higher Education partner, with Makerere University boasting nineteen out of twenty-one projects. Makerere is a key partner, demonstrating strong institutional commitment to education and research. As Uganda’s oldest and largest University, and I am proud to say that I am an alumni myself, Makerere plays a vital role in mentoring institutions across the region” added Thomas Poulsen.
NORHED II Projects
Following the remarks, Amb. Tinnes and Norad officials received presentations from some the nineteen (19) projects the University is taking part in. Makerere was listed most in Sub-programme: 3. Climate Change and Natural Resources (6 projects), followed by Sub-programme: 5. Humanities and Social Sciences (5 projects), Sub-programme: 1. Education and Teacher Training (4 projects) as well as Sub-programme 2. Health and Sub-programme: 6. Energy with two projects apiece. Please click the link below to view the detailed list of projects.
https://news.mak.ac.ug/2021/09/mak-listed-in-19-of-60-projects-to-be-funded-under-norhed-ii/
General
Makerere University and World Bank Sign Partnership to Strengthen Environmental and Social Sustainability Capacity
On 5th March 2026, Makerere University signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the International Development Association (IDA), the financing arm of the World Bank Group, establishing a strategic partnership aimed at strengthening environmental and social sustainability systems in Uganda and the wider East African region.
The collaboration brings together Makerere University through the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES) and the College of Humanities and Social Sciences (CHUSS) and the World Bank to jointly advance training, research, and policy advisory in environmental and social sustainability.
The three-year agreement provides a framework for cooperation focused on building national capacity to manage environmental and social risks associated with large-scale development investments.
Advancing Sustainable Development through Knowledge Partnerships
The partnership will be anchored in the Environment and Social Sustainability Centre (ESSC) at Makerere University, a national hub established to promote applied research, policy engagement, and professional training in environmental and social governance.
Through the Centre, the two institutions will collaborate to strengthen Uganda’s ability to plan and implement development projects in ways that safeguard communities and the environment.
Speaking during the signing ceremony, Ms. Francisca Ayodeji (Ayo) Akala, the World Bank Country Manager emphasised that the collaboration reflects a shared commitment to strengthening systems that support sustainable growth.
“This partnership with Makerere University is an important step in strengthening Uganda’s systems for environmental and social sustainability. By working through the Environment and Social Sustainability Centre, we aim to build the capacity of professionals across government, the private sector, and development institutions to better manage environmental and social risks and deliver investments that promote sustainable growth while protecting people and the environment.” Ms. Francisca Ayodeji (Ayo) Akala, World Bank Country Manager, Uganda, noted.
The partnership will support training, research, and policy advisory activities through the ESSC, helping Uganda pursue a development trajectory that promotes economic growth while protecting people and the environment.
Building National Capacity for Environmental and Social Risk Management
Uganda’s development agenda under the Fourth National Development Plan prioritises large-scale investments in infrastructure, agro-industrialisation, energy, and science and technology. However, such investments require strong environmental and social risk management systems to ensure sustainable outcomes.
The new partnership, therefore, focuses on building a skilled workforce capable of applying international best practices in environmental and social governance.
Under the MoU, Makerere University will design and deliver demand-driven short-course training programs targeting public sector officials, development practitioners, financial institutions, civil society organisations, and private sector actors implementing major projects.
Seven certificate-level short courses have already been developed and approved across multiple colleges at the University. These courses cover areas such as environmental and social risk management, climate risk assessment, construction health and safety, and integrating environmental and social considerations into investment cycles.
“Makerere Universityis proud to partner with the World Bank in strengthening Uganda’s capacity to manage environmental and social risks in development investments. Through the Environment and Social Sustainability Centre, we have already developed and approved seven certificate-level short courses across multiple colleges, designed to equip professionals in government, the private sector, and development institutions with practical skills to plan and implement sustainable projects. This collaboration reflects Makerere’s commitment to providing knowledge-driven solutions that support Uganda’s development while safeguarding communities and the environment.” Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe noted.
Strengthening Collaboration between Academia and Development Partners
As part of the agreement, the World Bank will support the development and delivery of the training programs, including conducting Training of Trainers (ToT) on the Bank’s Environment and Social Standards and international best practices.
The Bank will also leverage its convening power to encourage participation from development partners, government institutions, and project implementers, while supporting impact monitoring of trained professionals to document improvements in project performance and job creation.
The collaboration will further promote professional networking, policy dialogue, knowledge exchange, and the development of knowledge hubs containing environmental and social tools, databases, and resources for practitioners.
Positioning Makerere as a Regional Knowledge Hub
Through this partnership, Makerere University seeks to position the Environment and Social Sustainability Centre as a leading knowledge hub for environmental and social governance in Africa.
By combining academic expertise with the World Bank’s global experience in development financing and technical assistance, the initiative is expected to strengthen the institutional capacity required to deliver sustainable and climate-resilient investments in Uganda.
The partnership also aligns with the World Bank’s broader commitment to supporting Uganda’s development agenda and strengthening country systems for environmental and social sustainability.
Together, the two institutions aim to equip professionals across government, the private sector, and development organizations with the skills required to ensure that Uganda’s development pathway remains inclusive, responsible, and environmentally sustainable.
Caroline Kainomugisha is the Communications Officer, Advancement Office, Makerere University
General
Makerere University Explores Expanded Partnership with Stanbic Bank to Advance Innovation and Investment
On 5th March 2025, the Vice Chancellor, Makerere University, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, paid a courtesy visit to Stanbic Bank Uganda’s Chief Executive Officer, Mr Mumba Kalifungwa. The purpose of the visit was to explore areas for further collaboration with Stanbic Bank Uganda to strengthen innovation, entrepreneurship, and strategic investment.
The engagement reaffirmed the long-standing relationship between the two institutions and provided an opportunity to explore how academia and the financial sector can work together to unlock opportunities for students, staff, alumni, and the broader Ugandan community.
Discussions during the meeting focused on innovation and entrepreneurship support, student development programs, infrastructure partnerships, and investment opportunities linked to the University’s strategic development agenda.
Driving Innovation and Youth Entrepreneurship
During the engagement, the Vice Chancellor highlighted Makerere’s continued efforts to position itself as a research-led and innovation-driven university, emphasising the importance of partnerships with industry in translating academic research and ideas into practical solutions.
He underscored the need to empower young people with the skills and support required to create enterprises and generate employment opportunities, given Uganda’s fast-growing population, particularly the mushrooming young population. According to UBOS, by 2024, the young population was approximately 22.8 million persons out of a total population of 45.9 million people.
“If we do not support young people to innovate and create enterprises, we risk facing serious economic and social challenges. The employment of the future will increasingly be created by young people themselves,” he noted.
Among the proposals discussed was the possibility of establishing a Stanbic-supported innovation competition, aimed at stimulating entrepreneurship and providing a platform for students and young innovators to transform ideas into viable businesses.
Such an initiative could build on existing innovation and incubation programs run at Makerere and Stanbic Bank while strengthening collaboration between academia and the private sector in supporting enterprise development.
Expanding Strategic Collaboration
Speaking during the meeting, Mr Mumba Kalifungwa, the Chief Executive Officer of Stanbic Bank Uganda reaffirmed the bank’s commitment to strengthening its partnership with Makerere University.
He noted that while the bank has long provided financial services to the university and its staff, there is a significant opportunity to deepen collaboration in areas that generate broader societal impact.
“As an institution, we are interested in partnerships that go beyond financial services to create meaningful impact in society through the Stanbic Bank positive impact agenda. Education is one of the most important sectors through which we can drive that impact,” he noted.
The CEO also highlighted Stanbic Bank’s National Schools Championship program, which promotes innovation among secondary school students across Uganda, noting that a similar approach could potentially inspire initiatives at the university level.
Exploring Investment and Infrastructure Opportunities
The meeting also explored opportunities for collaboration in investment and commercialisation initiatives linked to university infrastructure and land assets.
University representatives shared insights into ongoing efforts to explore public–private partnership (PPP) models for strategic investments aimed at improving infrastructure and unlocking value from underutilised university assets.
Potential development opportunities discussed include projects related to hospitality facilities, commercial spaces, and other revenue-generating infrastructure within and around the university. Such initiatives could provide sustainable revenue streams for the university while creating opportunities for private sector participation in campus development.
Supporting Students, Staff, and Alumni
Additional discussions focused on expanding programs that benefit the wider Makerere community. These include financial literacy initiatives for students, expanded internship and graduate training opportunities, and collaborative programs to support student entrepreneurship and enterprise development.
The meeting also explored opportunities for collaboration in alumni engagement, leveraging Makerere’s extensive global alumni network to strengthen partnerships between the university and industry.
Programs aimed at improving financial preparedness and retirement planning for staff were also discussed, alongside potential housing and asset financing solutions tailored to the needs of university employees.
“Through this partnership, we are exploring opportunities that support the entire Makerere community, from financial literacy and entrepreneurship programs for students to internship pathways, alumni engagement, and financial preparedness initiatives for staff. These efforts will be anchored within the renewed collaboration framework between Makerere University and Stanbic Bank Uganda,” said Mr Awel Uwihanganye, Chief Advancement Officer.
The Chief Advancement Officer further noted that these initiatives are expected to be anchored within a renewed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Makerere University and Stanbic Bank.
A Shared Vision for Impact
Both institutions expressed optimism about the potential of the partnership to contribute to national development by supporting innovation, enterprise creation, and the development of future leaders.
As Makerere University continues to strengthen its role as a leading research and innovation institution in Africa, partnerships with forward-looking institutions such as Stanbic Bank Uganda remain critical in advancing the university’s mission of generating knowledge, nurturing talent, and driving solutions that address national and global challenges.
Caroline Kainomugisha is the Communications Officer, Advancement Office, Makerere University
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