General
Israeli Ambassador Lotem Talks Innovation on Farewell Visit
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. 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.
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.
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.
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.
General
Unlocking Global Opportunities: Makerere University Career Fair – Day Two Connects Students to Scholarships and Fellowships
By Christopher Kaahwa
After an engaging opening day that explored the growing role of artificial intelligence in shaping the future of work, the second day of Makerere University Careers Fair – 2026 focused on scholarship and fellowship opportunities for students and graduates.
Day one of the Careers Fair highlighted how emerging technologies, particularly AI, are transforming industries and the skills that young professionals need to remain competitive in the evolving global job market. Building on these conversations, Day Two of the Careers Fair, held on Thursday, 12th March 2026, provided participants with practical guidance on accessing funding opportunities for further study, research, and professional development, both locally and internationally.
The day featured a series of presentations, information sessions, and interactive engagements delivered through a panel discussion. This approach was designed to help participants better understand the wide range of scholarship and fellowship opportunities available to support their academic and professional journeys. Participants interacted directly with program representatives and alumni who have previously benefited from international scholarships and fellowships.
Throughout the discussions, speakers encouraged students to prioritize early preparations for such opportunities by identifying programs that align with their academic interests, leadership aspirations, and long-term career goals. They emphasized that while academic excellence is important, most of the scholarship and fellowship programs also look out for individuals who demonstrate leadership potential, community engagement, and a clear commitment to addressing societal challenges.
Mastercard Foundation Scholarships at Makerere University
Speaking during the session, Prof. Justine Namaalwa Jjumba, Program Director, Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Makerere University, highlighted the scholarship opportunities available for both undergraduate and graduate students. Prof. Namaalwa stated that the Mastercard Foundation extends scholarships across the entire University, and this year, the Program would soon advertise 260 scholarships, with 70 per cent reserved for female students and 30 per cent for male students.
Prof. Namaalwa highlighted the Program’s dedication to inclusion, referencing the Mastercard Foundation initiatives that aim to serve all categories of prospective applicants in the quest to promote gender equity in higher education. “Beyond the gender percentages, we are very keen on inclusion,” she stated, noting that 25 per cent of the scholarships are allocated to refugees and internally displaced persons, while 10 per cent are reserved for young people with disabilities.
She explained that the Mastercard Foundation initiatives prioritize students from economically dis-advantaged and hard-to-reach regions such as Karamoja, Teso, Busoga, and West Nile, with 20 per cent of the scholarships designated for applicants from such areas. An additional 20 per cent are for students from refugee-hosting communities, 10 per cent allocated to international students, and the remaining opportunities remain open to other Ugandan applicants.
In addition, Prof. Namaalwa announced graduate scholarships under the Africa Climate Collaborative, which will provide 50 scholarships for master’s students and 12 scholarships for PhD students across the university. She revealed that the scholarships offer comprehensive support, including full tuition and functional fees, and urged prospective applicants to demonstrate academic excellence, leadership potential, and a commitment to community service.
She encouraged participants to carry on the mantle of sharing the information widely within their communities, particularly with bright learners who may lack the financial means to pursue university education. “So, I call upon every one of you present today to extend a hand of charity by sharing this information,” she urged.
U.S. Exchange and Fellowship Opportunities
Representatives from the United States Exchange Program shared a wide range of scholarship, fellowship, and leadership opportunities available to students and young professionals who aspire to study or undertake any programme in the United States.
Ms. Blessing Owomugisha Immaculate, President of the U.S. Exchange Program Alumni Network in Uganda, explained that Uganda currently has a vibrant Alumni Network of more than 6,000 members comprising individuals who have previously participated in Exchange Programs in the United States and returned to contribute to community development and mentorship.
She stated that there are several United States-sponsored exchange programs available for students, graduates, and professionals, primarily focusing on leadership, academic research, and professional development. The key programs include the Fulbright Foreign Student Program (master’s/research), Mandela Washington Fellowship (young leaders), Study of the U.S. Institutes (SUSI), Pan-Africa Youth Leadership Program, Academy for Women Entrepreneur Program, Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI), Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship,EducationUSA Scholars Program, and many more tailored to meet the diverse needs and aspirations of Ugandan youth.
EducationUSA Scholars Program
In the same session, participants received valuable guidance on pursuing higher education in the United States during a presentation by Mr. Ezra On’rel Nuwenyine, an EducationUSA Adviser in Kampala. Mr. Nuwenyine mentioned that EducationUSA is a global network of over 430 advising centres in more than 175 countries, including Uganda, providing accurate and comprehensive information for international students aspiring to study in the U.S.
He presented the benefits of studying in the United States and guided the participants through the five key steps to consider for their studies abroad. The steps included researching suitable academic institutions that match one’s interests, financial support for their studies, completing application forms with the necessary supporting documents, applying for a student visa, and preparing for their departure to the U.S for their academic journey. He highlighted important resources such as educationusa.state.gov, collegeboard.org, and finaid.org, which can be visited for accurate and credible information.
“Make sure to always check the eligibility criteria before applying to any university and focus on finding institutions that match your academic, financial and personal goals,” he advised, while encouraging participants to carefully plan their academic journey.
Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI)
Sharing his personal experience, Mr. Joseph Luswabi, a veterinary medicine student at Makerere University, shared about his remarkable participation in the Young Africa Leaders Initiative (YALI). He explained that the program provides leadership and professional development opportunities to young people across Africa.
Mr. Luswabi informed students that his selection to participate in the YALI program required persistence, revealing that he applied four times before being selected in 2024. He shared that his experience, which included intensive training on leadership and networking with fellows across the continent, has broadened his perspective beyond his academic discipline.
“Before you leave the University, make sure you apply and gain an opportunity to participate in any fellowship program,” he said. He encouraged students to take advantage of fellowship opportunities while still at the university, emphasizing that such experiences provide exposure, leadership training, and access to influential professional networks that can significantly shape their career path.
Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship
Another speaker, Mr. James Katumba, President – Hubert Humphrey Fellowship alumni association in Uganda, shared insights about the prestigious fellowship designed for mid-career professionals. The program, named after former U.S. Vice President Hubert Humphrey, focuses on leadership, public service, and professional development.
Mr. Katumba elaborated that the fellowship takes professionals to the United States for a 10-month non-degree academic study, during which fellows are placed at different universities where they can attend courses, engage with faculty members, and undertake professional placements aligned with their career goals.
Reflecting on his journey, Mr. Katumba encouraged students not to be discouraged by rejection during competitive applications, and emphasized that persistence often pays off, sharing that many successful fellows apply multiple times before being selected.
The second day of the Fair also featured presentations from several partner universities – Ashesi University, Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA), and industry players – Tamani Solutions and AniScholar, who presented study and employment opportunities available to students and graduates. These equipped participants with the knowledge and resources needed to take the next step in their academic and professional journeys. Ms. Ritah Namisango, a Public Relations and Communication Specialist at Makerere University moderated the proceedings of the Career Fair.
Writer: Christopher Kaahwa is an alumnus of the Mastercard Foundation Scholars’ Program at Makerere University
In a landmark event symbolizing Uganda’s stride towards sustainable transportation, Hon. Dr. Monica Musenero Masanza, Minister of Science, Technology, and Innovation, commissioned the first Electric Fast-Charging Station at Makerere University on Friday 13th March 2026. The ceremony, held at the Senate Building Parking Lot, marks a pivotal moment in the nation’s e-mobility journey, blending academic innovation with industrial application and governmental support.
The station, a DC Fast Charger C6-180 installed in collaboration with Kiira Motors Corporation (KMC), is designed to power electric vehicles efficiently, supporting Uganda’s shift from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources. This setup ensures high-power DC charging ideal for fleet operations.
Hon. Dr. Musenero, in her keynote remarks, highlighted the profound significance of the occasion, tracing its roots back to 2011 when Makerere unveiled the Kiira EV – Uganda’s first electric vehicle prototype. “This infrastructure is the physical manifestation of a journey that began on this very hill nearly two decades ago,” she stated, emphasizing how the university’s initial proof-of-concept challenged skepticism about Africa’s role in automotive technology.
The event, she noted, completes a narrative full circle, with the birthplace of the Kiira EV now hosting the infrastructure to sustain a modern electric fleet. The commissioning aligns seamlessly with Uganda’s National E-Mobility Strategy, which aims to localize 65% of the e-mobility value chain by 2040 and create over 500,000 high-quality green jobs.
Hon. Dr. Musenero underscored the strategy’s focus on reducing dependence on imported fossil fuels while enhancing environmental well-being. “We are transforming Uganda into a net source of e-mobility solutions,” she declared, pointing to the potential for Ugandan intellect to produce vehicle parts and charging systems domestically.
In his remarks at the event, the Vice Chancellor Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe described the launch as a “multi-faceted achievement,” not only advancing the institution’s inclusive agenda but also setting an example for public institutions in adopting e-mobility. In so doing, Makerere University has positioned itself at the forefront of this transition.
On September 26, 2025, President Yoweri Museveni commissioned the Kiira Vehicle Plant in Jinja and handed over three Kiira Motors Corporation (KMC) buses to Makerere University to enhance staff and student mobility. The fleet included two diesel-powered Kayoola Coaches and one electric Kayoola EVS 8.5m bus donated by KMC specifically to aid the movement of differently-abled staff and students. This move demonstrates academia’s capacity to integrate home-grown solutions into daily operations, impacting the economy through practical science.
The commissioning of the fast-charging station is rooted in a long history of collaboration. The Kiira Electric Vehicle Project, hatched in the former Faculty of Technology, has evolved into a national movement for automotive manufacturing. Hon. Dr. Musenero praised this progression: “We have moved beyond proving that an electric vehicle can be built in Uganda. We are now ensuring our electric vehicles are deployed across the continent, solving Africa’s mobility problems.”
Academia’s role remains central, as Hon. Dr. Musenero elaborated. While government provides policy frameworks and the private sector offers capital, universities supply the essential knowledge. The E-Mobility Skilling Programme at Makerere University‘s Innovation Pod (Mak-UniPod) is training the next generation of electric vehicle engineers, who are tackling “moonshot projects” to redefine urban transport. Research into optimizing local resources, such as Uganda’s lithium and cobalt deposits for battery production, is also underway.
A key environmental highlight of this development is Uganda’s renewable energy advantage. With over 95% of the national grid powered by hydroelectric dams, every charge at this station utilizes clean energy. “We are using our own water to power our own vehicles, keeping our wealth within our economy rather than exporting it to purchase foreign oil,” Hon. Dr. Musenero remarked, framing the launch as Uganda plugging into the global renewable shift. She pledged the Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI) Secretariat’s continued collaboration with Makerere University, KMC, and partners to proliferate such stations across Kampala and beyond.
Addressing Makerere students, Hon. Dr. Musenero issued a challenge: “See this charging station as a symbol of your own potential. The engineers who built the first Kiira EV were once sitting exactly where you are. They did not wait for permission to be great.” She urged them to leverage available resources to innovate, building on a legacy that has shifted national conversations.
The event drew distinguished guests, including Members of Management, Eng. Paul Isaac Musasizi, KMC’s CEO and his management team, private sector partners, development agencies, and university faculty.
Looking ahead, this launch propels Uganda towards a “Qualitative Leap” in its economy, as Hon. Dr. Musenero described. By fostering innovation and investing in young minds, the nation aims to lead in technological advancement. The station not only powers vehicles but ignites progress, ensuring Uganda remains at the forefront of Africa’s e-mobility revolution.
As the ceremony which was intermittently “blessed” by drizzles drew to a close, the feeling of hope for a cleaner, self-reliant future – one charged by Ugandan ingenuity, was unmistakable.
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