Research
Makerere Hosts CARTA’s 11th Cohort of Doctoral Fellows
On Monday, March 3, 2025, Makerere University hosted the launch of the 11th cohort of the Consortium for Advanced Research Training in Africa (CARTA) doctoral fellowship. The new cohort comprises 11 females and nine males, drawn from eight partner universities across nine African countries. For the next four years, the group will undergo advanced training through the consortium’s collaborative efforts to strengthen research capacity across the continent.
CARTA, formed in 2008, is a network of eight African partner universities, four research institutes, and eight international collaborators, dedicated to strengthening doctoral training and institutional research capacity in Africa. The consortium is co-led by the African Population and Health Research Center (APHRC), based in Nairobi, Kenya, and the University of Witwatersrand in South Africa. Makerere University is a key partner, leading the consortium’s The Emerging and Re-emerging Infectious Diseases (TERID) East Africa Research Hub.
Among its key interventions, the consortium facilitates targeted and structured training and mentorship aimed at strengthening university-wide research systems. One such initiative is the doctoral fellowship programme’s Joint Advanced Seminars (JAS) started in 2011. JAS is a sequence of four annual seminars designed to support doctoral students registered in different CARTA partner institutions to progress seamlessly through their PhD journeys.
Now, since its inception over a decade ago, the consortium has supported many early career researchers across its partner institutions in Africa, admitting at least 265 doctoral Fellows and graduating over 183 of them. In turn, the Fellows have gone on to contribute to over 4,000 peer-reviewed research publications and secured more than $43 million in research grant awards, applying the skills gained through the intensive CARTA four-year programme.
Of the 183 CARTA graduates, Makerere University has had its fair share, with 25 PhD graduates supported through the consortium. One of them, Dr. Kato Charles Drago of the 3rd CARTA doctoral fellowship cohort who completed his PhD in clinical immunology and molecular genetics at Makerere University in 2016, is currently a Lecturer and Head, Department of Biotechnical and Diagnostic Sciences, and the Principal Investigator for the TERID Research Hub at Makerere University, where he is leading the efforts to improve disease diagnosis, treatment, and research capacity development within the region.
The ongoing Joint Advanced Seminar One (JAS 1) for the 11th cohort of the CARTA doctoral fellowship, launched last week at Makerere University School of Public Health’s (MakSPH) Resilient Africa Network in Kololo, Kampala, Uganda, runs for three weeks until March 21. Dr. John Bosco Isunju, CARTA Board member and institutional focal person at Makerere University noted that JAS 1 is designed to build critical thinking, technical skills, and core research competencies, critical for exposing the Fellows to key theories, seminal readings, and interdisciplinary research methods to interrogate public and population health.
“For our Fellows, you are joining the best consortium on the continent, to give you the best skills and make you change agents in your institutions. That is really CARTA’s vision. To create a critical mass that will go back and transform the situation in your institutions. What you are going to get here is the skills to write grants and attract resources, and skills to network and make partnerships. The first partners are the colleagues you have around you,” Dr Isunju said.
He revealed that the emergence of COVID-19 pandemic disrupted the 10th cohort, whose JAS 1 training was prematurely concluded in 2020. Since then, no new cohort of CARTA doctoral fellows had been admitted until now. “It has been a long struggle, but thanks to our dedicated partners worldwide who recognize the need and the gap, we are finally here,” Isunju shared.
The current 11th cohort was possible with support from the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida) and the Oak Foundation (OAK), selected from a competitive pool of more than 150 eligible applicants from CARTA partner institutions.
Notably, for the first time, the consortium is having two PhD Fellows coming from Somali National University (SNU), that is: Ms. Amina Hassan Husien and Mr. Gallad Dahir Hassan. The two students will be hosted at Makerere University for their doctoral studies, to aid with capacity development and mentorship. Their research focus will be around maternal and reproductive health, and vaccine-preventable disease surveillance, respectively.
Expressing optimism, Gallad said the fellowship will equip them with the requisite skills to conduct policy-relevant research, ultimately enabling them (the Fellows) make meaningful impact in their home institutions and contribute to Africa’s research and development agenda.
“My research is in disease surveillance system especially vaccines preventable diseases. I want to fill the gap in reporting from the community level. I appreciate CARTA for providing us with this invaluable opportunity and Prof. Rhoda Wanyenze for her efforts to secure the two positions for Somalia National University to be mentored at Makerere University.” He said.
For her part, officiating the launch of the 11th cohort of the CARTA doctoral fellowship, Makerere University School of Public Health Dean, Prof. Rhoda Wanyenze, expressed gratitude for the support to help the Fellows through their PhD journeys. However, she challenged the Fellows to look beyond simply earning their PhD qualifications and instead focus on making meaningful contributions that improve lives and impact communities.
“I know each of you has likely defined what success looks like at the end of this programme or even 10 years from now. But I urge you to go beyond personal achievement and add to that impacting others, shaping the world around you, starting with Africa, and speaking for something you are really passionate about,” Prof. Rhoda Wanyenze emphasized.
She also noted that the 11th cohort is unique, because they are starting their PhD journey amid major global changes. While these shifts may pose a challenge, she said they also present an opportunity to rethink how health systems are structured, financed, and coordinated, to enhance the promotion of global health equity and access to critical services.
The CARTA doctoral fellowship supports PhD students at partner institutions through the Joint Advanced Seminars (JAS), in addition to offering stipend, research funding, essential equipment and software, and coverage for tuition, medical insurance, and travel. Fellows also receive mentorship, supervisory support, networking opportunities, and training in grant writing and research dissemination, including support for presentations at international conferences. The fellowship is open to staff from CARTA partner institutions.
Dr. Florah Karimi, the CARTA Program Manager for Institutionalization and Scientific Quality and the Head of Research and Capacity Strengthening at APHRC, Kenya, stated that CARTA’s structured doctoral model has transformed PhD education in African universities, integrating mentorship and interdisciplinary approach to training to produce scholars who are well equipped for global academic and policy engagement.
“CARTA has grown, and we now consider ourselves a proven concept. We deeply appreciate the support from our partner institutions, which have been instrumental in shaping what CARTA is all about. As more institutions come on board, we have reached a point where this is no longer just about us. We are influencing our universities, shaping individual careers, and now, we must extend that impact to other institutions,” Dr. Karimi noted passionately.
The African Research Universities Alliance (ARUA) 5th Biennial Conference is underway at Makerere University, and Day 2 has kicked off with a keynote address from Prof. Vukosi Marivate. The keynote speaker and ABSA-UP Chair of Data Science at the University of Pretoria delivered his address under the theme “Research, Innovation & Artificial Intelligence for Africa’s Transformation: The Power of the Grassroots”.
Prof. Marivate reminded the audience that Africa’s AI journey is growing from the ground up, powered not by huge institutions but by determined communities and university-based innovators who refuse to wait for permission to build. He spoke passionately about initiatives like Masakhane and the Deep Learning Indaba, which have transformed African language research and expanded technical capacity across the continent. Rather than chasing prestige journals alone, he emphasized work that actually serves African people: building language models, releasing open-source tools, nurturing talent and keeping researchers rooted on the continent. In his words, the future of African AI will be shaped by local builders who choose their own path, invest in research, and create technology guided by real community needs, not external validation.
The keynote address was followed by a round discussion moderated by Prof. Kayode Oyebode Adebowale, Vice Chancellor of the University of Ibadan and speakers emphasized that Africa’s AI future will be built through deep, intentional collaboration. The discussion was centered on a theme: Collaboration of Networks (Promoting Collaborative Research and Innovation Networks in AI in Africa). They noted that the question is no longer whether AI will reshape society; it already is. The real task now is ensuring Africa shapes AI in a way that advances prosperity, equity and shared opportunity. Panelists highlighted that isolated excellence will not deliver transformation. Instead, the continent needs networks that pool expertise, resources and vision across universities, sectors and borders.
Prof. Sharon Fonn of the CARTA Consortium stressed the value of co-created knowledge systems and shared investment in research platforms. She showcased CARTA’s AI-driven research visibility tool, which is already helping African scholars connect findings to policy and practice. Prof. Anthony Egeru of RUFORUM grounded the conversation in agriculture, reminding delegates that AI must reach the acre, not just the algorithm. He emphasized practical innovation that improves smallholder farmers’ productivity and livelihoods, especially through youth-led agritech ventures. From PASGR, Mr. Jim Kaketch underscored that social scientists must not be an afterthought in AI governance, urging frameworks that safeguard ethics, accountability and citizen inclusion.
Dr. Rachid Serraj from Mohammed VI Polytechnic highlighted the power of industry-university partnerships and hands-on innovation models that prepare young Africans to build, not just consume, AI tools. Prof. Akinyemi added that African universities must rethink promotion and reward systems to recognize innovation, impact and cross-disciplinary work. The panel’s shared message was simple but powerful: Africa has talent, vision and momentum. What is needed now is aligned investment, harmonized policies and a commitment to build AI ecosystems that reflect African priorities and enable African creators to lead from the front.
The keynote address and roundtable discussion were followed by the the Fourth Keynote Address delivered by Dr. Adama Ibrahim, Vice-Chair of the Science for Africa Foundation, and a Special Panel of the O.R. Tambo Research Chairs Initiative chaired by Makerere University‘s Dr. Joyce Nakatumba-Nabende. The session tackled themes such as: Application of AI in Research and Innovation in African Universities; Building AI Capacity and Talents in African Higher Education Institutions; Promoting Collaborative Research and Innovation Networks in AI in Africa; Research, Innovation and Artificial Intelligence for Africa’s Transformation; and AI and Creative Economies.
View Session
The Minister for Science, Technology and Innovation Information, Hon. Dr. Monica Musenero Masanza has officially opened the 5th African Research Universities Alliance (ARUA) Biennial International Conference on Research, Innovation and Artificial Intelligence, held on October 29, 2025. Hosted by Makerere University, the three-day conference has drawn together distinguished guests including Vice Chancellors and their deputies from universities under the ARUA, alongside leading scholars and practitioners in Science, Technology and Innovation. The gathering comes at a momentous time as ARUA celebrates its 10th anniversary—an occasion that underscores the alliance’s growing impact on advancing research and collaboration across the continent. Over the course of the conference, participants will deliberate on how research, innovation and artificial intelligence can be harnessed to address Africa’s most pressing challenges and drive sustainable transformation.
Addressing Africa’s Scientific Renaissance
Hon. Dr. Monica Musenero, opened the conference with a compelling call for Africa to seize its moment in the Fourth Industrial Revolution. She reflected on the continent’s history of disruption—from the slave trade to colonization—that interrupted the continuity of African innovation, noting how earlier generations independently developed technologies, smelted iron, and applied natural therapeutics without formal laboratories. Hon. Musenero urged African scientists, researchers, and universities to reclaim this legacy by transforming knowledge into practical solutions that address real-world challenges, create jobs, and drive economic growth.
She emphasized that the role of science must extend beyond academic publications and ivory towers, stressing the need for inventions, industrialization, and commercialization of research outcomes. Highlighting Uganda’s progress, she pointed to innovations in electric vehicles, pharmaceuticals, and agriculture, as well as initiatives to harness AI and digital technology to benefit local economies. She challenged researchers to align their work with national priorities, protect intellectual property, and translate knowledge into tools, industries, and enterprises that uplift communities. Hon. Musenero concluded by urging African scientists to embrace challenges as opportunities, enter the “Evil Forest” of innovation with courage and resilience, and ensure that Africa no longer remains a passive observer in global technological advancement but a leader shaping its own development trajectory.
Dr. Lorna Magara, Chairperson of the Makerere University Council on her part described the gathering as a convergence of visionaries, dream builders, and custodians of Africa’s future. She emphasized that the theme of the conference, Research, Innovation, and Artificial Intelligence for Africa’s Transformation, called for a shift from consuming knowledge to creating and exporting it, positioning Africa at the center of global development.
Dr. Magara highlighted Makerere University’s initiatives, including the Makerere University Research and Innovation Fund (MakRIF), the AI and Data Science Research Center, and the Innovation Pod, as examples of how African universities can drive societal transformation when innovation is pursued with vision and intentionality. She also underlined the importance of collaboration through ARUA, noting that technology must serve humanity and be guided by African values of ethics, community, dignity, and shared prosperity. Pointing to Africa’s young population as a key engine of creativity and growth, Dr. Magara called on leaders and researchers to build ecosystems that empower scholars, inspire innovations that uplift communities, and forge partnerships to accelerate the continent’s progress.
The Vice Chancellor of Makerere University, Professor Barnabas Nawangwe, welcomed delegates to the Conference, expressed gratitude for Makerere’s role as a pioneer member of the alliance and paid tribute to the visionaries who laid its foundation. Speaking from the historic Main Hall—where Africa’s early independence leaders once debated the continent’s future—Professor Nawangwe reflected on how today’s struggles have shifted from political emancipation to scientific, technological, and economic liberation. He emphasized the urgent need to address Africa’s pressing challenges, including population growth, health, governance, and the transformative potential of artificial intelligence. Highlighting Uganda’s commitment to science, he cited the government’s support to Mak-RIF and the appointment of a scientist-led Ministry for Science, Technology, and Innovation as milestones of progress. He added that under the stewardship of strong leaders such as Dr. Lorna Magara and Hon. Dr. Monica Musenero, Makerere has received over $8 million annually in research funding, fostering groundbreaking innovations by students, faculty, and community innovators. Professor Nawangwe called for sustained collaboration, increased investment, and shared resolve to harness Africa’s knowledge and innovation for true emancipation.
A call to prepare early and act decisively for AI
The Secretary General of ARUA, Professor John Owusu Gyapong, delivered an insightful overview of the 5th Biennial International Conference, highlighting the urgency for Africa to leverage AI and research to transform its social, economic, and political landscape. He observed that while the continent continues to grapple with challenges such as poverty, unemployment, health crises, and governance gaps, artificial intelligence presents a unique opportunity to accelerate progress towards Africa’s Agenda 2063 and the Sustainable Development Goals.
Professor Gyapong emphasized the potential of AI to enhance research efficiency, drive innovation, and address pressing issues in agriculture, health, education, and governance. He also underscored the need for Africa to develop data infrastructure, ethical frameworks, and equitable access to AI tools. Outlining the conference program, he noted that discussions would center on building AI capacity in higher education, strengthening university–industry collaboration, and advancing responsible AI ecosystems. Concluding with an African proverb, he reminded participants that “you cannot fatten a goat on the market day,” urging institutions to prepare early and act decisively for Africa’s transformation.
In his address, the Chairperson of the ARUA Board, Prof. Sizwe Mabizela, paid tribute to the visionary leaders who founded ARUA and commended its founding Secretary General, Professor Ernest Aryeetey, for his exceptional leadership in strengthening the alliance across the continent. Professor Mabizela emphasized the importance of collaboration among African universities and their global partners in addressing the complex challenges facing humanity—ranging from climate change and pandemics to inequality and technological disruption. He called for stronger, sustainable international research networks that enable knowledge exchange, innovation, and institutional growth, allowing African universities to become central contributors to global progress. Expressing appreciation to Makerere University for hosting the conference, he applauded the organizers, keynote speakers, and participants for their dedication to advancing Africa’s research and innovation agenda. He concluded with optimism, affirming that through collaboration, shared purpose, and resilience, Africa’s future remains bright with promise and possibility.
In his virtual address, Professor Tshilidzi Marwala, Rector of the United Nations University, urged Africa to harness its vast potential as the world’s youngest and fastest-growing continent. He reflected on the continent’s unique position to redefine its development path through courage, collaboration, and conviction. Acknowledging the challenges of climate change, health inequities, educational disparities, and economic inequality, he emphasized that Africa’s research institutions are already generating groundbreaking, context-driven innovations. Drawing inspiration from Robert Frost, Professor Marwala noted that Africa stands at a crossroads—and that the choices made today will shape its destiny. He called for bridging the gap between knowledge and implementation, affirming that with collective effort and optimism, “nothing can stop us now.”
During the conference, Makerere University signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Astria Learning, a global education technology company dedicated to developing impactful, flexible, and accessible e-learning solutions. Speaking at the signing ceremony, Astria Learning’s CEO Dr. Jeff Bordes highlighted how artificial intelligence is revolutionizing education and underscored the partnership’s role in shaping the future of learning in Africa. He shared that, recognizing AI’s potential to redefine teaching and research, Astria pivoted its focus from traditional software development to AI-driven educational technologies. Through this collaboration, Makerere University and Astria Learning will establish an AI e-Campus aimed at accelerating postgraduate education and supporting the African Union’s goal of producing one million PhDs by 2035. Dr. Bordes noted that AI tools such as automated grading systems, intelligent tutoring, and adaptive content creation will empower lecturers to manage larger cohorts efficiently without compromising quality. Expressing gratitude to Makerere University’s leadership, he affirmed Astria Learning’s commitment to transforming higher education and building global capacity through technology.
A Host’s heartfelt appreciation
Professor Robert Wamala, Director of Research, Innovation and Partnerships at Makerere University and Chairperson of the Local Organizing Committee expressed deep gratitude to the participants, partners, and sponsors whose collaboration made the event possible, and extended a special welcome to international guests visiting Uganda for the first time. Professor Wamala described the conference theme as both timely and forward-looking, noting that AI is reshaping how societies live, learn, and develop.
He emphasized that for Africa, this technological revolution presents not just an opportunity to catch up, but to lead — anchored in strong research, ethical practices, and a shared vision for sustainable development. Appreciating the dedication of his organizing team, he encouraged participants to use the conference as a platform for learning, co-creation, and collaboration across nations, reminding them that while artificial intelligence is powerful, “human intelligence, ethics, and purpose must lead the way.”
Natural Sciences
Mak-CoNAS Wins CAD 0.8 Million Grant to Scale-up Fish Processing Technologies & Empower Women in Uganda
The College of Natural Sciences (CoNAS) at Makerere University has been awarded a highly competitive research grant worth CAD 0.8 million to implement the “NutriFishPLUS” project, which aims to scale up innovative fish processing technologies, improve market access, and empower women in Uganda’s fishing communities to boost incomes and livelihoods.
This project builds on the significant achievements of the previous ground-breaking NutriFish project (2019–2023), funded by the International Development Research Centre (IDRC) and the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR) through the Cultivate Africa’s Future Fund Phase (CultiAF2). The achievements included: 1) establishing group savings schemes to improve access to capital by women and youth; 2) piloting solar tent dryers for processing silverfish (mukene), resulting in doubling of women’s incomes and tripling of the shelf-life to almost five months; 3) developing and test-marketing certified, nutrient enriched fish products, including baby food, sauce and fortified maize meal; 4) conducting comprehensive social and behavioural change interventions, leading to increased women’s participation in profitable ventures and 30% reduction in domestic violence in intervention areas. Despite these achievements, gaps still remain with regard to increasing production of high-quality Small Pelagic Fishes (SPFs) through adoption of solar tent dryers and raised drying racks; enhancing capacity of men, women and the youth in processing, packaging, branding and marketing; improving access to capital and lucrative markets for fish and fish products; and empowering women, youth and other marginalized groups in the small fish value chain; and strengthening resilience of fishing communities through diversified income streams.
NutriFishPLUS will be implemented by the Department of Zoology, Entomology and Fisheries Sciences, CoNAS, in collaboration with two private companies (Kati Farms and Nutreal) through a public-private partnership. The Principal Investigator is Dr. Jackson Efitre and his team will focus on scaling-up the use of improved, sustainable fish processing technologies such as the solar Tent dryers and raised racks to new communities across Uganda; enhancing market access and supply chain linkages for high-quality fish and fish products; as well as deepening women’s empowerment and strengthening the resilience of fishing communities through diversified income streams. The project is expected to run for September 2025- March 2028. The expected outcomes include: enhanced incomes and livelihoods for marginalized fishing groups, particularly women and youth; improved health and nutrition for vulnerable groups through diversification of fish products that are embedded in the market with strong supply chain linkages; sustainable fish processing and marketing models that can be scaled across Uganda and the East African region; improved women and youth participation in decision making and control of benefits in the SPF value chains; and improved socioeconomic conditions and ecosystem health through participatory, scalable approaches.
“Winning this competitive grant is an incredible opportunity for the team to solidify the achievements of the first phase as the funding enables us to move beyond research to embed these nutritional and technological solutions into the livelihoods of local communities,” said Dr. Efitre. “I am privileged to lead this impactful work on behalf of Makerere University. Scaling up these tested, climate-responsive technologies as well as empowering the women and youth will secure better nutrition and more sustainable livelihoods across fishing communities in Uganda.”
The project is set to be launched tomorrow, Tuesday, 28th October 2025 by the Acting Deputy Vice Chancellor, Finance and Administration and Principal, CoNAS, Prof. Winston Tumps Ireeta.
Please see below for details on the project.
Details on the previous project: https://news.mak.ac.ug/2023/03/nutrifish-project-registers-significant-achievements/
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