This afternoon I have launched the Makerere University Grants Administration Professionals (MakGAP) after a four-day intensive training conducted by experts from Makerere University and Northwestern University, USA. With a portfolio of more than 100 new grants registered every month, Makerere University needs to have a critical mass of grants administration professionals to manage this huge research grants portfolio. I thank the Grants Administration and Management Unit (GAMSU), led by Prof. Sylvia Tamusuza Nakimera Nnanyonga for conducting the training.

I have received with deep sadness the news of the passing of Professor Livingstone Luboobi, former Vice Chancellor of Makerere University. A distinguished Professor of Mathematics, Professor Luboobi served as Vice Chancellor from 2004 to 2009, guiding the university through a critical period of transformation and growth. His contributions to academia and leadership at Makerere will be remembered with great respect and admiration. May his soul rest in eternal peace.

I have met a group of Makerere engineering students who are on internship training at the site of the proposed building for the directorates of research and graduate training at Makerere University. The students took me on a tour of the site which is progressing very well. I thank the contractor, M/s Jesani Construction for a good job so far.