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UNDP and JNLC hold training in Fort Portal: Participants equipped with skills in Advocacy and Gender Equality, Team Building, Inclusive Leadership, and Financial Literacy

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By Charles Iga

Fort Portal-Uganda: On 5th December 2025, more than 70 emerging leaders convened to participate in the second day of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Julius Nyerere Leadership Centre (JNLC) comprehensive leadership training for youth, young women and local councilors.

Hosted at Mountains of the Moon University (MMU) in Fort Portal, the training focused on deepening the leadership skills of young leaders as they navigate the increasingly complex governance and development landscape.

Building on the knowledge acquired during the first day of the workshop, on the second day (5th December 2025), the participants engaged in interactive sessions covering problem-solving, team building, advocacy, gender equality, media literacy, self-marketing, and financial literacy in leadership.

The discussions challenged the young leaders to sharpen their mindsets, broaden their spheres of influence, and strengthen their capacity to champion inclusive and sustainable community development.

Advocacy and Gender Equality: Understanding gender dynamics and women acceptance in leadership

Facilitators: Professor Consolata Kabonesa (Right) and Ms. Teddy Namutebi (Left). Makerere University, Julius Nyerere Leadership Centre (JNLC) in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), three-day comprehensive leadership training targeting youth, young women, and local council leaders for more than 70 participants starting 5th December 2025 at Mountains of the Moon University (MMU) in Fort Portal City Uganda, East Africa.
Facilitators: Professor Consolata Kabonesa (Right) and Ms. Teddy Namutebi (Left).

Delivering an informative presentation titled, Advocacy and Gender Equality: Understanding Gender Dynamics and Women’s Acceptance in Leadership, the Guest Speaker- Professor Consolata Kabonesa highlighted that women remain underrepresented in leadership due to entrenched power structures shaped by societal norms and cultural traditions.

Professor Kabonesa emphasized that leadership depends not only on individual ability, but also on the systems that determine who is recognized and legitimized as a leader.

“The roles of women in leadership remain under-represented because power is shaped and perpetuated by societal norms and traditions that socialize women and men differently. These norms influence how leadership roles are assumed and who is considered legitimate to lead,” she explained.

How Socialization Shapes Leadership Pathways of Boys and Girls

Professor Kabonesa highlighted that socialization shapes leadership opportunities, with boys typically encouraged to be assertive, while girls are guided towards empathy and collaboration. This unequal conditioning reinforces gender stereotypes, often undermining women’s authority and sustaining male-dominated leadership structures. She advocated for mentorship as a vital tool, illustrating how role models help girls balance assertiveness with empathy.

She noted that early participation in councils, debates, and leadership roles develops skills, challenges biases, and empowers girls to pursue leadership in traditionally male-dominated fields. She articulated that integrating discussions on gender dynamics into educational curricula equips young girls to recognize and challenge societal norms that limit their potential, while fostering resilience against the discouragements they may face.

Inclusive Leadership: Engaging both Women and Men

Professor Kabonesa articulated that achieving gender equality in leadership is not solely an issue for women, but a collective responsibility. She underscored that balancing participation between men and women fosters mutual understanding, shared accountability, and collaborative problem-solving. She pointed out that inclusive leadership models prevent the isolation of women’s perspectives, ensures all voices are heard, and ultimately contribute to stronger, more equitable, and sustainable leadership that reflects the diversity and potential of society.

“Balancing participation across genders is critical. It helps us understand gender issues collectively, prevents the isolation of women’s experiences, and encourages men and women to address biases together. This approach will ensure that women are not left behind and will foster inclusive leadership models that benefit society as a whole.”

Leading within the Existing Leadership Structures

Facilitator: Mr. Henry Kasacca. Makerere University, Julius Nyerere Leadership Centre (JNLC) in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), three-day comprehensive leadership training targeting youth, young women, and local council leaders for more than 70 participants starting 5th December 2025 at Mountains of the Moon University (MMU) in Fort Portal City Uganda, East Africa.
Facilitator: Mr. Henry Kasacca.

Expounding on the existing leadership structures and the power of relationships, Mr. Henry Kasacca, the Director of Dialogue and Democracy, explained that people support leaders not for their titles, but for the meaningful connections they build. He stated that effective leadership depends on listening, connecting, and collaborating across diverse spaces. “Leadership is not about the title you hold; it is about the relationships you build. There are people who will support you simply because you have invested time in connecting with them,” he said.

Mr. Kasacca stressed that leaders must navigate the organizational power structures by understanding where influence lies and how decisions are made. He noted that strategic thinking, long-term planning, and aligning ideas with action are key to effective leadership, while qualities such as listening, collaboration, kindness, and clarity of purpose are essential for achieving meaningful organizational and community impact.

He urged participants to maintain a clear vision, develop well-crafted plans addressing both immediate and long-term needs, and combine relationship-building with an understanding of power dynamics to become effective, and inclusive change-makers.

Strategic Thinking: Decision making and Problem Solving Techniques

Guiding participants on strategic thinking for decision-making and problem-solving techniques for effective leadership, Ms. Allen Baguma, a facilitator at JNLC and Founder of the Future Learning Centre (FLC) emphasized that strong leadership is anchored in intentional thinking, clear judgment, and the ability to translate vision into well-considered action.

“A strong team is built on clearly defined roles, an understanding of team dynamics, and psychological safety. When people feel safe to speak, contribute ideas, and make mistakes without fear, teams perform better,” she said.

Facilitator: Ms. Allen Baguma. Makerere University, Julius Nyerere Leadership Centre (JNLC) in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), three-day comprehensive leadership training targeting youth, young women, and local council leaders for more than 70 participants starting 5th December 2025 at Mountains of the Moon University (MMU) in Fort Portal City Uganda, East Africa.
Facilitator: Ms. Allen Baguma.

Building Strong Teams through Clarity and Trust

Ms. Baguma emphasized the importance of clearly defined roles within teams, explaining that role clarity enhances accountability, minimizes conflict, and boosts overall performance. She observed that effective leadership requires understanding of team dynamics and fostering psychological safety, where members feel valued, respected, and confident to share ideas without fear of judgment.

She added that effective team building fosters social interaction, a sense of belonging, and a shared pro-social purpose. She noted that teams perform best when individuals are united by common goals and mutual trust.

Leadership growth across the five (5) levels

Citing John Maxwell’s five levels of leadership namely position, permission, production, people development, and pinnacle, Ms. Baguma explained that leadership growth is a progressive journey, moving from reliance on position to influence built through relationships, results, people development, and ultimately, value-based leadership that inspires others beyond formal structures.

Applying Strategic Thinking to Real-Life Challenges

Ms. Baguma guided participants through a practical exercise on strategic thinking, tasking them to identify personal challenges, explore innovative solutions, and evaluate their feasibility and impact. The exercise highlighted the importance of strategic decision-making in enabling leaders to address both personal and community challenges effectively.

Team Building for Effective Leadership

Facilitator: Mr. Ronald Ssazi engages participants in a team building exercise. Makerere University, Julius Nyerere Leadership Centre (JNLC) in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), three-day comprehensive leadership training targeting youth, young women, and local council leaders for more than 70 participants starting 5th December 2025 at Mountains of the Moon University (MMU) in Fort Portal City Uganda, East Africa.
Facilitator: Mr. Ronald Ssazi engages participants in a team building exercise.

Mr. Ronald Ssazi, a facilitator and leadership trainer revealed that leadership extends beyond authority and depends on creating genuine connections. He stressed that building a strong and committed team involves engagement of members, which emotionally sparks curiosity and draws people in.

Mr. Ssazi explained that storytelling bridges attention to understanding. He illustrated this with the story of the youngest king of the Toro Kingdom, crowned at the age of three and now navigating life as a father at 33. Such narratives, he observed, showcase growth, resilience, and cultural awareness, humanizing leaders and making leadership relatable. “Leadership is not merely a title, but a journey of responsibility and influence,” he said.

He emphasized that leadership thrives in communities. Effective leaders, he explained, consistently share updates, insights, and experiences with their teams. Strategic use of social media, for example, allows leaders to post short, regular updates capturing daily activities, which builds a loyal and engaged audience that evolves into a network supporting initiatives, sharing knowledge, and amplifying impact.

“Leadership is not solitary; it thrives in communities. Effective leaders consistently share updates, insights, and experiences with their teams and followers. When used strategically, social media becomes a powerful tool for team building,” he said.

Preserving Culture while embracing modernity and team building

Mr. Ssazi highlighted that modern leaders have unprecedented resources at their disposal. He explained that tools such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), social media analytics, and online platforms can be used to strengthen teams. AI, he noted, can help craft content that resonates with audiences and analyze engagement to refine communication strategies. He stressed that leaders who effectively harness these tools can expand their reach and influence while remaining authentic and true to their values.

Mr. Ssazi emphasized that effective leadership balances modern strategies with cultural preservation, using community history and traditions. “Team building and leadership are about values and vision, balancing modern strategies with cultural heritage to foster pride, cohesion, and inspired and well-rounded teams.”

He stated that whereas true leadership is demonstrated through action, effective team building requires creation of genuine opportunities for participation and contribution. “Leaders who share opportunities, invite collaboration, and encourage feedback, transform their teams into active contributors,” he said. He added that assessing engagement, adapting strategies, and celebrating achievements fosters a culture of involvement and accountability.

Media Literacy: Promoting and Marketing Leadership through Social Media

Facilitator: Mr. Ivan Ssegawa Sebastian engaging the participants. Makerere University, Julius Nyerere Leadership Centre (JNLC) in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), three-day comprehensive leadership training targeting youth, young women, and local council leaders for more than 70 participants starting 5th December 2025 at Mountains of the Moon University (MMU) in Fort Portal City Uganda, East Africa.
Facilitator: Mr. Ivan Ssegawa Sebastian engaging the participants.

Describing digital competence as an essential leadership skill, Mr. Ivan Ssegawa Sebastian, rallied participants to effectively utilize social media to promote and market their leadership roles and activities. He observed that most of the participants had smartphones, and were using social media platforms such as Facebook, WhatsApp, LinkedIn, X, Instagram, and TikTok. Noting that the key challenge was not access, he challenged the participants on the intentional, responsible and strategic use of social media tools.

Mr. Ssegawa underscored the influence of social media, citing its vast global and national reach and its role in driving social and political movements. He described the Internet as a new battleground for leadership visibility, and provided guidance on the ethical use of artificial intelligence. He tipped the participants on authentic personal branding and effective content creation using emotion, story-telling, and a clear call to action.

Financial Literacy in Leadership: Managing financial resources for Effective leadership

Facilitator: Mr. David Nyaribi. Makerere University, Julius Nyerere Leadership Centre (JNLC) in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), three-day comprehensive leadership training targeting youth, young women, and local council leaders for more than 70 participants starting 5th December 2025 at Mountains of the Moon University (MMU) in Fort Portal City Uganda, East Africa.
Facilitator: Mr. David Nyaribi.

Mr. David Nyaribi, Specialist at ActionAid International, explored the vital connection between financial literacy and effective leadership. During this session, Mr. Nyaribi focused on equipping participants with essential skills to manage financial resources effectively, both at a personal level, and in leadership roles.

He reminded participants that every leader must navigate the reality of unlimited wants and limited resources—especially time and money. “You may acquire more possessions in life,” he cautioned, “but time once lost is gone forever.”

He described the four dimensions that every human being must manage namely physical, cognitive, spiritual, and socio-economic. He emphasized that the socio-economic aspect, which includes financial capacity, is inseparable from leadership. Quoting Tony Robbins, he reiterated: “You either master money, or money masters you.”

The Flight Analogy: How Financial Choices Shape Life Stages

Mr. Nyaribi used a flight analogy to indicate how financial decisions shape life’s stages. From Preparation (0–20 years), building values, skills, and education, to Take-off (20–30 years), where career choices and earnings begin. Stability (30–50 years) is for investing and building systems, Descent (50–60 years) for consolidating and planning succession, and Landing (70+ years) for reflection and enjoying the results.

Impressed that most of the participants in the UNDP-JNLC leadership training workshop were in the preparation or take-off stages, Mr. Nyaribi advised them to invest in education, skills, and self-development.  “Many people struggle later because they wasted their take-off stage,” he revealed.

Pillars of Personal Finance every leader must master

Mr. Nyaribi reminded the participants that financial literacy is not just a personal asset, but a leadership necessity. Underscoring the power of discipline and mindset, he urged young leaders to focus on both earning money and building true wealth­­­­­­­-assets that empower them to uplift their communities. Mr. Nyaribi highlighted five (5) core financial principles that are essential for responsible leadership:

  • Earning through either services or products;
  • Saving first as a disciplined priority rather than keeping what remains after spending;
  • Investing to turn savings into income-generating assets;
  • Spending wisely to avoid living beyond one’s means; and
  • Protecting gains through careful planning and accountability.

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Mak Selected to Host Alliance for African Partnership Africa Office

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Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe (5th L) with DVCAA-Prof. Sarah Ssali (4th L), DVCFA-Prof. Winston Ireeta Tumps (3rd L), Dr. Amy Jamison (6th L), Dr. Jose Jackson-Malete (7th L) and members of Management after the meeting on 23rd February 2026. Makerere University selected to host the Africa Office of the Alliance for African Partnership (AAP), a significant milestone that underscores Makerere’s role in fostering research, innovation, and global collaborations across the continent, announced at a meeting of the University’s Central Management with an AAP delegation on 23rd February 2026, Main Building, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

Makerere University has been selected to host the Africa Office of the Alliance for African Partnership (AAP). The significant milestone that underscores Makerere’s role in fostering research, innovation, and global collaborations across the continent was announced at a meeting of the University’s Central Management with an AAP delegation on 23rd February 2026.

Makerere’s selection was based on the University’s robust commitment, alignment with the AAP’s Strategic Plan, and proven ability to manage consortium activities. The AAP, which was initiated by Michigan State University (MSU) in collaboration with Ten African Universities and agricultural policy research networks in 2016, targets critical challenges in education, youth empowerment, health and nutrition, agri-food systems, science and technology, water, energy, environment, and culture and society.

Addressing the delegation consisting of AAP Co-Directors from MSU, Dr. Jose Jackson-Malete and Dr. Amy Jamison, accompanied by newly-appointed Director of the AAP Africa Office, Dr. Racheal Ddungu Mugabi and Ms. Clare Cheromoi, the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe who appreciated the choice of Makerere to host the Africa Office said:

“One of the greatest challenges facing African universities is PhD training, particularly supervisory capacity. Through partnerships such as the Alliance for African Partnership we can leverage international expertise to strengthen supervision—whether through training supervisors or through joint supervision arrangements.”

Prof. Nawangwe equally applauded joint initiatives such as the Grant Writing and Publication project, which gave rise to the establishment of a Writing Centre that he said can be used to build capacity in AAP member universities with Makerere as the hub. Officially launched on 21st March 2023, the project is living up to its expectation of becoming a springboard for strong postdoctoral collaborative research for both institutions and other US universities.

Dr. Titus Awokuse, Vice Provost and Dean for International Studies and Programs at Michigan State University (MSU) who attended virtually, reiterated that Makerere’s selection reflects its long-standing commitment to advancing African higher education, research excellence, and meaningful global collaboration.

Reflecting on the origins of the Alliance for African Partnerships (AAP), Dr. Awokuse explained that nearly a decade ago, MSU initiated a transformative conversation in Atlanta centered on the question: How should we partner differently? From this dialogue emerged AAP—an Africa-centered consortium that now brings together 12 institutions across Africa and the United States.

Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe (Seated) and Members of Management and the AAP delegation applaud following the official announcement. Makerere University selected to host the Africa Office of the Alliance for African Partnership (AAP), a significant milestone that underscores Makerere’s role in fostering research, innovation, and global collaborations across the continent, announced at a meeting of the University’s Central Management with an AAP delegation on 23rd February 2026, Main Building, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe (Seated) and Members of Management and the AAP delegation applaud following the official announcement.

He emphasized that AAP is grounded in equity, mutual benefit, shared leadership, and deep respect for African priorities and expertise. Since its founding, MSU has served as convener and key supporter, working with member institutions to strengthen research collaboration, promote faculty and student engagement, and address shared development priorities.

Dr. Awokuse underscored that AAP’s success is the result of collective vision and commitment, not the efforts of a single institution. He paid tribute to Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resources for hosting the Africa Office in its early years and acknowledged the foundational leadership of the inaugural Africa Office Director.

He described the launch of the Africa Office at Makerere University as a significant milestone that reinforces Africa-led leadership, strengthens regional collaboration, and enhances responsiveness to emerging opportunities. MSU, he affirmed, remains fully committed to AAP and to working closely with Makerere and all consortium partners to expand collaborative research, nurture the next generation of scholars, and advance Africa-led solutions to global challenges.

The newly-appointed AAP Africa Office Director, Dr. Racheal Ddungu Mugabi is a member of faculty in the Department of Development Studies, Institute of Gender and Development Studies. Her work on intersectional inequalities in Uganda and other Global South regions uniquely positions her to drive collaborative research and partnerships at the Africa Office.

Initially founded by ten African Universities and MSU, AAP now comprises eleven African members including; the African Network of Agricultural Policy Institutes (ANAPRI)-Zambia, Egerton University-Kenya, Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resources (LUANAR)-Malawi, Makerere University-Uganda, United States International University-Africa-Kenya, Universite Cheikh Anta Diop-Senegal, Universite Yambo Ouologuem de Bamako-Mali, University of Botswana-Botswana, University of Dar es Salaam-Tanzania, University of Nigeria, Nsukka-Nigeria, and the latest, University of Pretoria-South Africa.

These Universites collaborate under Focal Points to advance policy-relevant research and sustainable development. Makerere University’s Focal Point is Prof. Robert Wamala, Director of Research, Innovations and Partnerships (DRIP).

Addressing the University Management, Dr. Jackson-Malete outlined the African Futures Research Leadership Program, which nurtures early career scholars through mentorship and skill-building as one of AAP’s flagship programs. She noted that the Program that prioritizes female participants or men committed to promoting women in higher education has for the first time during its fifth cohort admitted the first male, Dr. Alfadaniels Mabingo from the Department of Performing Arts and Film, Makerere University.

The AAP Africa Office at Makerere will coordinate activities, boost research collaboration, mobilize resources, and enhance global engagements for socio-economic transformation. This aligns with Makerere‘s broader goals of leveraging international expertise to build resilient institutions.

View more photos from the event: https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjCLjoA

Mark Wamai

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Students empowered to thrive through the Semester

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A Student with visual impairment demostrating the use of assistive technology that was installed at University Disability Support Unit. Level 1, Frank Kalimuzo Central Teaching Facility, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

Students with disabilities at Makerere University have been requested to stop seeking for special attention and instead look for solutions and opportunities for personal growth.

This was during a mental wellness, inclusion and safeguarding session organized by the Dean of Students office and the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Makerere University.

Addressing students on mental health and disability inclusion, Mr. Marvin Ggaliwango, a lecturer at the College of Computing and Information Sciences (CoCIS), noted that if the students stop complaining, they will become empowered to take charge of their own development, build resilience and engage confidently in both academic and social environments.

“Turn your lived experiences into tools for innovation. Stop complaining and start creating solutions for yourselves. You are the one living this life, and that gives you the authority to be an expert. When you develop a solution, it doesn’t just benefit you, it helps others too, by removing barriers,” Mr. Marvin Ggaliwango, said.

He encouraged students to see themselves not as victims of circumstance, but as active participants and co-creators of the inclusive environment they wish to experience.

“Learn how to communicate effectively and humbly. If you have a problem, express yourself clearly. Do not isolate yourself or feel resentful. You are not defined by disability, you may face disadvantages, but you still have ability,” he encouraged.

Mr. Marvin Galiwango addresses scholars.
Mr. Marvin Galiwango addresses scholars.

Throughout the session, students listened attentively as he emphasized the importance of self-awareness and personal responsibility, urging them to understand their strengths, acknowledge their limitations and take deliberate steps toward personal growth while contributing positively to the University community.

“We must enhance and ensure that our mental health is number one. Always choose yourself first. Choose what makes you happy and protect your peace. If you are at peace with yourself, your academics will improve. There is a strong link between mental wellness and academic success,” Mr. Ggaliwango, noted.

In his speech, Mr. Musa Mwambu, the Disability Inclusion Advisor at Light for the World Uganda, called upon the students with disabilities to enhance and ensure that their mental health is prioritized.

“As students living with disabilities, sometimes you over expect, because you have a disability you should be given, listened to and when people do not listen to you, you attribute it to your disability, get it from me, even those without disabilities are not listened too. Things are not happening to you because of your disability it is because of the world we live in. Everything that happens to you can happen to others,” Mr Mwambu, noted.

“Have fun with your life. Make yourself happy and be smart. Present yourself in public confidently wherever you go. The way you carry yourself can improve your mental health and how others perceive you,” Mr. Mwambu said.

He reminded the students that gaining admission to Makerere is itself a milestone.

“There are many people without disabilities who have never stepped at Makerere University. Find something that empowers you and hold on to it. You may have a physical impairment, but if you are brilliant in class, you can lead discussions and inspire others,” he added.

Dr. Rodney Rugyema, representing the Dean of Students. Powerful campaign themed “Safeguarding Starts With Me”, Organized by the Office of the Dean of Students in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program and the College of Business and Management Sciences (CoBAMS), 13th October 2025, Yusuf Lule Central Teaching Facility Auditorium, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Dr. Rodney Rugyema.

During the session, Dr. Rodney Rugyema, the Acting Principal Warden, welcomed the students back from the long holiday. He assured them that the University is committed to their safety and well-being while on campus.

Dr. Rugyema emphasized that the University has systems in place to protect students, both physically and psychologically and encouraged them to report any concerns promptly.

 “When you are at the University, you are not on your own, we are always here for you. For us to engage you on mental wellness and inclusion, we want you to be in the right state of mind, whole and complete,” Dr Rugyema, said.

He added: “We are here to empower you and we are calling upon you not be a risk for yourself and always be able to detect risks that are likely to affect your mental health and works towards avoiding them and reporting them to ensure that the University manages them before they escalate into real harm whose impact is more serious than you can think,”

During the session, Ms. Diane Nabikolo Osiru highlighted the University’s broader commitment to safeguarding.

Safeguarding at Makerere University refers to measures put in place to promote safety and wellness of all students, staffs and other stakeholders.

“At Makerere University, safety is not a luxury for few. but it is a right for every student. As the semesters begins, we are urging you to learn how to identify signs of harm or abuses and report them to the appropriate safeguarding contact points,” Ms Nabikolo, said.

For support in case of any harm or abuse, International and Refugee Students, can access support through the Advancement and International Office, while Students with Disabilities, can utilize the Disability Support Center. Those with personal and emotional challenges, can visit the Counselling and Guidance Centre.

In his speech, Dr Joab Agaba, a Lecturer in the College of Computing and Information Sciences, guided students how to report risks and incidences to the MakSafeSpace, the e-reporting platform complimenting the other University traditional reporting channels.

Mr. Henry Nsubuga (Right), Ms. Rose Nalwanga (Centre) and other officials at the event.
Mr. Henry Nsubuga (Right), Ms. Rose Nalwanga (Centre) and other officials at the event.

Mr. Henry Nsubuga, the Manager of the Counselling and Guidance Center, shared practical strategies for coping with stress effectively including time management, setting realistic goals, seeking support from peers or counsellors.

Students speak out

Shanitah Nahamya, 2nd year student of the Bachelor of Adult and Community Education

“I have learned how to respectfully and appropriately engage with students with disabilities. In the past, I often felt pity when I encountered them, but now I understand that what they need is not pity, it is respect, support, and equal opportunity.”

Guo Dorothy Geri, 1st year student of the Bachelor of Commerce

“I have learnt how to use inclusive language. Before offering help to a student with a disability, I will first ask them, because not all the time do they need our help. You might think someone wants to be helped to cross the road, yet they are waiting for someone.”

Valentines Doris Aduka, 1st Year student of the Bachelor of Biomedical Science

“I have been calling students with disabilities special names, thinking it was kind. But I have learned that they do not want to be treated differently or labeled in a special way. What they value most is being treated like everyone else, with respect, dignity, and fairness.”

Carol Kasujja
Carol Kasujja Adii

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Strengthening Global Partnerships to Advance Research, Innovation, and Graduate Training: Makerere University Hosts Delegation from the University of Warwick

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A group photo of the meeting attendees, with Prof. Daniel Branch and Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe at the centre. Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe and University Management engagement with a delegation from the University of Warwick (UK) led by Prof. Daniel Branch, 13th February 2026, Main Building, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

Makerere University continues to deepen its global engagement agenda through strategic partnerships that enhance research, innovation, and graduate training. On Friday, 13th February, 2025, during a recent engagement with a delegation from the University of Warwick (UK), university leaders, researchers, and administrators explored potential collaborations to address pressing development challenges and strengthen institutional capacity.

Expanding Collaboration in Research and Innovation

Welcoming the delegation, Prof. Fred Masagazi-Masaazi, Chairperson of the Makerere University Research and Innovations Fund (Mak-RIF) Grants Management Committee, emphasized the growing dialogue between Makerere University and the University of Warwick. He noted that ongoing discussions are focused on resource mobilization to support research and innovation, as well as building sustainable academic exchanges for both staff and students.

Dr. Roy Mayega, Mak-RIF Coordinator, together with Mrs. Phoebe Lutaaya Kamya, Deputy Coordinator, and members of the Mak-RIF team, highlighted the Fund’s role in catalyzing collaborative research and strengthening partnerships that translate research into societal impact.

Mr. Simon Kizito, Deputy University Secretary, outlined key areas identified for collaboration, including joint research and innovation initiatives, benchmarking visits across disciplines such as law, science, and ICT, and student exchanges designed to strengthen applied research skills. He also pointed to opportunities for training Makerere staff in specialized areas such as tropical diseases and innovation ecosystems, drawing lessons from Warwick’s strong linkages with industry partners located within its campus.

Makerere’s Strategic Priorities and Global Role

In his remarks, the Vice Chancellor underscored the longstanding relationship between Makerere University and the University of Warwick, dating back to the early 1980s, initially through staff training and more recently through collaborative research.

He highlighted Makerere’s historic contribution to leadership development across Africa and beyond, and the University’s continued growth following faculty rebuilding efforts in the 1980s, which have strengthened its research capacity. Today, Makerere has over 1,300 academic staff, more than 1,000 of whom hold PhDs, positioning the institution to play a leading role in knowledge production.

The Vice Chancellor also outlined major thematic areas where partnerships are critical:

  • Climate change and food security: Researchers at the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES) are developing drought-resistant and high-yield seed varieties to address changing weather patterns and food insecurity.
  • Public health and infectious diseases: Uganda faces frequent outbreaks of diseases such as Ebola and Marburg, and Makerere has built strong capacity in outbreak response and tropical medicine. The University’s medical school and the Infectious Diseases Institute (IDI) continue to play a pivotal role in research and treatment.
  • Peace and conflict studies: Through initiatives such as the Rotary Peace Centre, Makerere contributes to training global leaders in conflict resolution.
  • Climate-sensitive macroeconomic modelling: Makerere recently hosted a conference in collaboration with the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development to advocate for climate-responsive macroeconomic modelling and to plan for the establishment of a Centre of Excellence in this field.
  • Innovation and technology: The University’s innovation ecosystem has produced notable outputs, including Africa’s first electric vehicle and ongoing work to expand incubation facilities to enable students to graduate with viable enterprises.
Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe gifting Prof. Daniel Branch a souvenir. Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe and University Management engagement with a delegation from the University of Warwick (UK) led by Prof. Daniel Branch, 13th February 2026, Main Building, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe gifting Prof. Daniel Branch a souvenir.

The Vice Chancellor emphasized that addressing youth unemployment remains a central priority, noting that innovation, entrepreneurship, and graduate training are essential to building stable societies.

He further stressed the importance of expanding graduate education. Africa currently produces a small proportion of global research output, and increasing PhD and Master’s training supported by international partnerships remains critical to accelerating knowledge production and development outcomes.

Internationalization and Shared Learning

Speaking on behalf of the University of Warwick, Professor Daniel Branch, Deputy Vice Chancellor, reflected on Warwick’s own institutional journey, noting that its growth has been driven by a strong focus on internationalization, innovation, and research. He expressed Warwick’s commitment to building productive partnerships with African universities, including Makerere, to advance joint research, training, and innovation.

Professor Branch also highlighted the importance of university-industry linkages, citing examples such as collaborations with major manufacturing firms that provide practical training opportunities and inform curriculum development.

Professor Daniel Branch making his remarks during the meeting. Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe and University Management engagement with a delegation from the University of Warwick (UK) led by Prof. Daniel Branch, 13th February 2026, Main Building, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Professor Daniel Branch making his remarks during the meeting.

Showcasing Research and Innovation at CEDAT

A second session of the engagement was held at the College of Engineering, Design, Art and Technology (CEDAT), where academic leaders and researchers presented ongoing work across multiple disciplines.

Presentations included:

  • Development of a solar water pump through reverse engineering (Dr. Edmund Tumusiime)
  • Crane Cloud, a locally developed cloud-computing platform (team from the College of Computing and Information Sciences)
  • Profiling gaseous emissions associated with burnt bricks (Dr. Nathan)
  • Integration of centralized grid and decentralized renewable off-grid systems: a techno-economic analysis (Dr. Abubaker Waswa)
  • Innovation and digitalization pathways for affordable housing in Sub-Saharan Africa (Prof. Stephen Mukiibi)

The session was attended by CEDAT leadership, including the Principal, Prof. Moses Musinguzi, as well as deans and heads of department from engineering, built environment, and industrial and fine arts. The day’s activities were concluded with a tour of Makerere University’s Innovation Hub.

The engagement reaffirmed Makerere University’s commitment to building strong, mutually beneficial partnerships that accelerate research, strengthen graduate training, and drive innovation. As global challenges such as climate change, public health threats, and youth unemployment intensify, collaboration among universities remains essential to developing scalable, evidence-based solutions.

Through partnerships such as the one Makerere University and the University of Warwick hope to activate through a Memorandum of Understanding in the near future, Makerere continues to position itself as a leading research-intensive university dedicated to transforming society through knowledge, innovation, and global cooperation.

Caroline Kainomugisha is the Communications Officer, Advancement Office, Makerere University.

Caroline Kainomugisha
Caroline Kainomugisha

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