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LOOKING AHEAD GENDER BRINGING CEDAT Education minister, Updated sexual CHINA CLOSE Going 02 Janet Kataaha 16harassment policy 23 The Confucius 32 commercial with Museveni: Self funding guarantees students’ Institute pioneers engineering is key safety Chinese classes creations

STRATEGIC LIBRARY MUBS COMPUTING DIRECTION The University Library Doing battle on 38 Creativity abounds 04 University Council 18 is the backbone to 27 plastic: A solutions at the College Chairperson Lorna Magara: Makerere’s research to environmental of Computing We will be research-led ambitions problems and Information

ADMINISTRATION FUNDERS COBAMS CHUSS Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Financial support Tackling the Training in critical 06Barnabas Nawangwe: 20 from partners helps 30 challenges that 44 thinking and writing Makerere rivals major keep the wheels hinder development drives the College of universities turning head-on Humanities

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MAKERERE UNIVERSITY 1 offers short term training courses for mid-career managers and policy makers Professor Mahmood Mamdani

MAKERERE UNIVERSITY >> mak.ac.ug We must be the masters of our future

Makerere University, ...we can very proudly say that Uganda’s oldest university Makerere University was a pioneer will next year celebrate in Higher Education on the African 100 years of its existence. continent. It played the role Barbara Kaija, Conan of producing the first pioneer candidates in many professions. Businge and Richard Janet Museveni, Education minister Kayiira caught up with the First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Janet Kataaha Museveni, in an exclusive interview about the institution and higher education in general.

Makerere, which is the seventh oldest university What do you think should be done to make in Africa, is celebrating 100 years in existence Makerere University more productive, as next year. In your view, as the education and incubation of research and knowledge, for the sports minister, what are its greatest milestones development of the country’s industrial and in the last 10 decades? economic growth? Makerere University provided the initial and strong I think that doing what they have already started, foundation for Higher Education in Sub-Saharan namely, reducing in the intake of undergraduate Africa. For some time, it stood alone in this region, and students and slowly making Makerere University therefore, provided Higher Education to the prominent a research-led university is one of the major points leaders of Africa and beyond who became pioneers in endowment fund right from its young days, Makerere that will bring some breakthroughs to become more political leadership after colonial rule. would have been able to stand the test of time. I know productive. Research will bring some innovations that Leaders such as Mwalimu Nyerere who was the first that most of the old universities in other countries will bring life to our industrialisation efforts. Research President of Tanganyika later on Tanzania entered practically own the towns around them which bring will also bring the university the desperately needed Makerere University in 1943 to 1947. Others included all the benefits to these universities. resources. If these resources can then be re-invested Jaramogi Oginga Odinga, Presidents Mwai Kibaki of This empowers the universities to expand at will, in the endowment fund, then surely sooner rather Kenya and Benjamin Mkapa of Tanzania. And most of to fund their research programmes, maintain their than later, Makerere University will become a master the prominent African leaders not just in politics but infrastructure, and offer scholarships to some of of its own future and provide the engine for our doctors, economists, and writers such as Okot p’Bitek, their students including the needy ones from other industrialisation revolution and economic growth as a Ali Mazrui, and many others. countries. Therefore, I regret the fact that Makerere country. Makerere University was also the first university University was founded by a colonial government to admit women that included the first African which may have ignored that important fact. Makerere, like most other public and private female doctor in East Africa – Dr. Sarah Nyendwoha Unfortunately, even our own governments that took universities, has for years been operating on a Ntiiro, who passed away recently in 2018 at the age over after independence did not consider that life- very low budget for research and innovation. of 93 years. Therefore, we can very proudly say giving detail. Hence, the vulnerability of Makerere Most of the research done in these universities that Makerere University was a pioneer in Higher University continued. is funded by donors who at times have their Education on the African continent. It played the role However, by God’s grace, I am happy to report interests. What is Government planning to do, of producing the first pioneer candidates in many that on April 30, 2021, I am scheduled to launch to reverse this trend? professions. an endowment fund of one of the constituent Funding our universities’ research effort by donor Colleges – the College of Business Administration support is indeed like feeding a country with food Looking back at the history of Makerere and Management Sciences (CoBAMS) of Makerere donations. It cripples people so that they never make University, what do you think should have been University. The Bible cautions us in Zechariah 4:10 any effort to produce their own food. done differently in the past, for the betterment not to “despise the days of small beginnings.” While That is why as the country becomes more of this academic institution? this may sound like a small thing now, it may be the financially stable, government will slowly increase the I happen to be a person who believes in liberty and beginning we need, and it may catch up like wildfire. funding for education including Higher Education but building independent institutions. I believe that With time, you may find Wandegeya becoming a true also help to guide universities better. if Makerere University had started building an university town. For example, the Higher Education White Paper

2 MAKERERE UNIVERSITY Economic Policy Research Centre

New life at 100

What special message do you have for the students, staff, Council, and the country as Makerere University celebrates 100 years? I want to reassure all concerned that we at the Ministry of Education and Sports know how emotional this celebration is for students, staff, the University Council and the country as a whole. Recently, I toured the Makerere University campus to get an on-spot assessment of the situation, especially the infrastructure that includes lecture rooms, the main Janet Museveni, Education minister library, and the halls of residence. I would like to see some new life injected in most, if not all, of the buildings at Makerere for the 100 years celebrations to give real meaning to all concerned. Therefore, it is my sincere prayer that government will support the Ministry of Education and Sports to give The Freedom Square is one of Makerere University a meaningful the facilities getting a facelift celebration of 100 years.

which is now being written from the Rwendeire the various funding models of university education. What plan does Government have regarding Visitation Report will give guidelines that will This programme is still ongoing but I can say in the restoration of Makerere University’s main streamline the management of higher education summary that government has not yet agreed on a building, which requires about sh15b for institutions so that their budgets bring better results conclusive unit cost for a university student. However, reconstruction? from all the funding they get from either government I trust that the work that has started will get us to the Government is going to find funding from or other sources such as non-tax revenue. This will conclusion of this question. its Consolidated Fund to reconstruct Makerere empower universities to do more research with home- University’s Main Building. However, Makerere grown resources. Makerere University offers not only day but also University is also not short of friends that include evening and external study programmes to a alumni of the oldest university in sub-Saharan In the next five years, what is the Government student body of about 35,000 undergraduates Africa. plan to continuously develop Makerere and 3,000 postgraduates. However, the In fact, if it had not been for government denying University to a level of making it the best university is gradually turning into an the university to accept donations earlier on, university on the continent? entirely post-graduate university, shedding Makerere probably would have raised the funds In the next five years, we are concentrating on off undergraduates who need high-quality already. But the Ministry of Finance has now allowed first fulfilling the government promise of paying the education at this institution. What is the plan for the university to accept support from friends who salaries of the personnel in public universities so that the undergraduate students? come from practically across the globe. Therefore, I staff can seriously and patriotically go an extra mile to The truth of what Makerere University is doing have no doubt in my mind that the Main Building at improve on the quality of their performance. may have been misunderstood. The transformation Makerere University will not be a problem, for a long This will in turn improve the performance of of Makerere University into a research-led university time. students so that sooner rather than later we regain will not entirely throw out undergraduate courses Makerere’s glory. Not that it has been doing badly at altogether. It is merely adjusting the ratios of Over the years, the government has been all, but we want it to become even better. As of the undergraduate and postgraduate enrolment. improving the remuneration of staff in year 2020, Makerere University is ranked fifth on the The recommended ratio for a research-led Makerere and other public universities. But African continent and grouped between 400th and university is at least 30% of the total enrolment should there is still a high rate of brain-drain. What 500th in the whole world. be graduate students. The plan, therefore, is to have do you think needs to be done to resolve this a phased reduction in the number of undergraduate issue? What plans does Government have to improve students and an increase in the enrollment of post- That effort of improving the remuneration of staff the university’s unit cost of educating university graduate students. is still ongoing. When it is well concluded it will make students in public universities, since most of Makerere University, I have learned, plans to a big difference. them are struggling financially? have 15,000 undergraduate students and 10,000 People may begin to feel secure to come back and An inter-ministerial committee comprised of the postgraduate students by the end of the year 2030 serve their homeland because they will now know Ministry of Education and Sports, Ministry of Finance, which is the end of their Strategic Plan period 2020 – that serving other countries brings nothing more Planning and Economic Development, the Ministry 2030. You can note that the number of undergraduate than their own country can give them. I trust that of Public Service, and public universities was set up in students will still be higher than the postgraduates. gradually, brain drain will end and instead we will see 2020 to study the different unit costs for running the Therefore, Makerere University will not eliminate a re-migration homeward. programmes in public universities in Uganda as well as undergraduate programmes.

MAKERERE UNIVERSITY 3 MAKERERE UNIVERSITY >> mak.ac.ug

Research at the Infectious Diseases Institute

Our future is research In the years ahead, Makerere University will shift focus to its graduate programmes. Lorna Magara, the Makerere University Council Chairperson, explains why The goal is to move from just n 2020, Makerere University Council knowledge approved the new Strategic Plan 2020- creation to 2030, which focuses on transforming the knowledge that university into a research-led university. will spur social IThe Strategic Plan’s goal is to have all the transformation research output align with the National and economic Development Plan III (NDP3) and Vision 2040, thus establishing a link between Makerere development University and the development needs of the nation. This strategic plan builds on previous Government studies, including the Rwendeire Visitation Committee Report (2016), which emphasised the need for Makerere University

4 MAKERERE UNIVERSITY The FUNDING NEEDS We appreciate Government for the numbers fi nancial support given towards the vision. In the last fi nancial year, Government gave the University, Uganda sh30b towards research. As 30% a result, there are over 500 ongoing Desired postgraduate research projects. We will continue enrollment to seek government support in the following areas:

 Finance the Makerere University Postgraduates Scholarship Scheme 500 (MUPSS) which will enable brilliant Number of researches ongoing in and talented students to enroll a variety of sectors. in post-graduate study programs. Currently, all post-graduate programs are privately sponsored. This is a signifi cant impediment to Sh30b attaining the desired 30% post- Government funding for research PhD students at the Institute of Social Research graduate enrollment. in the last fi nancial year.  Investment in rehabilitating the existing infrastructure and establishing new ones, such as research laboratories, libraries, to focus on research. H.E. President Museveni residential halls for graduate and the Visitor to Makerere University has students, and ICT facilities. severally encouraged the university to research  Fund the establishment of Africa’s development challenges to develop research centres of excellence and homegrown solutions. think-tanks, focusing on different Research is critical in enabling a country and emerging research interests and to modernise. Countries such as South Korea, topics. Malaysia, and Singapore in Asia, and Mauritius  Through the Ministry of and Botswana in Africa demonstrate that the Trade, Industry and Cooperatives, successful transformation, modernisation, and other line Departments and and independence of nations require the Authorities, recommend and application of indigenous knowledge and facilitate partnerships between locally contextualised ideas instead of reliance Makerere and the private sector to on external prescriptions to local challenges. leverage the industry’s experience, These countries focused their energies on while allowing students to interact research to resolve the challenges. with potential employers directly Makerere University has played a leading  Support the establishment role as a champion of human capital of a Makerere University Press development and knowledge production specializing in academic publishing in Uganda. According to Times Higher of monographs, scholarly journals, Education World Universities Rankings and books, hence enlarging the report 2020, Makerere occupies the fi fth reach of Makerere’s research output. position in Africa and is among the 500 best  Support the establishment of the Universities globally. Guaranteeing Makerere’s Maxine Atuheirwe, a Master’s Makerere Science and Technology competitiveness and positioning her as a student of Immunology and Clinical Park and enforcement of Intellectual leader in fi nding sustainable and homegrown Microbiology storing blood samples Property Rights laws to inspire solutions necessitates the University to follow a innovation and commercialization research-led agenda. of research innovations/outputs Considering the fast-changing environment Makerere University will leverage existing and the establishment of spin-off globally in the provision of higher education, capacities of the knowledge generated and companies. Makerere University will be restructured engage the public and private sectors to create in the programmes offered, the mode and a research and innovations eco-system that At the bedrock of Makerere’s delivery of learning, and any other services is multi-disciplinary and multi-institution. research-led agenda is a that support the realisation of the universities’ This research eco-system will provide commitment to build a dynamic mandate. There will be a distinct shift in the demonstrable economic, environmental, health, University whose mandate is to ratios of graduate and undergraduate students. and social impact. The goal is to move from become a knowledge hub and a The goal is to have at least 30% of the student just knowledge creation to knowledge that driver of national development. enrollment as graduate students. STEM will spur social transformation and economic Makerere University Council is courses will be promoted as required by the development. committed to ensuring an enabling Government. Consultations with staff in all the Building an impactful research-intensive policy environment for the 10 colleges and School of Law, plus external university requires reorienting and investing implementation of this strategy. stakeholders, are ongoing. in Makerere’s human, fi nancial, and capital resources to focus on research and innovation.

MAKERERE UNIVERSITY 5 >> OFFICE OF Vice-Chancellor Makerere rivals major global universities

According to World University rankings by Times Higher Education (2020), Makerere is ranked fifth best in Africa

hey say that Makerere has ensured efficiency and prudent use University is now like any of resources. other major global university “No organisation can run efficiently and I tend to think that they and effectively without the appropriate Tare probably right, ” Prof. Barnabas governance structures. This is Nawangwe, the Vice-Chancellor of even more important for a complex “ concluded at the college. Participatory Uganda’s prestigious university says. organisation like Makerere University, TRANSCRIPTS budgeting and participatory policy And the Vice-Chancellor is right: with multiple stakeholders and It has now become a norm, formulation are now the norm. anybody who has been at Makerere numerous international links and that students get their All university policies have lately will attest to its remarkable partnerships,” he says. transcripts before graduation. been uploaded on the website and transformation. What was once Although we still have a few sensitisation on key policies, including Uganda’s most strike-prone university Governance structures hitches with the system, we the anti-sexual harassment policy has is now a contrast of its dark past: pot- According to Nawangwe, the are working to improve it. been undertaken. holed driveways have been replaced University Council — which is the Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, “Restructuring of the entire with smooth asphalt, the lawns university’s supreme governing body Makerere University university is on-going, in order to are regularly mowed and skyline is which works through committees — is Vice-Chancellor achieve a structure which will enable changing with new structures. now more effective than ever. our strategy of becoming a research-led He says the committees of council University,” he says. Fifth best in Africa have been restructured and the been strengthened and compliance On the academic front, Makerere Council Charter has been revised. ensured. Academic Reforms is grabbing headlines. According to The relationship between Council and The College Statute has been fully The outcry about delayed examination World University rankings by Times Senate, the supreme academic body, has operationalised and many academic marks, lost marks and difficulty in Higher Education (2020), Makerere is been streamlined. College boards have and administrative functions are now obtaining academic transcripts had ranked 5th best in Africa, and best in reached alarming levels. East Africa, based on four performance “We have addressed this problem by areas of teaching — research, Administrative reforms making every lecturer answerable for knowledge transfer and international their marks and devolving issuance of outlook. The University is now connected to the Government Integrated transcripts to the colleges. It has now This places Makerere together with Financial Information Management System (IFIMS). This has become a norm, that students get their Mansoura University in Egypt, the greatly simplified and streamlined financial management. Budget transcripts before graduation. Although University of Ibadan, Nigeria, and management discipline has also been greatly enhanced. we still have a few hitches with the Durban University of Technology in Makerere University is also connected to the Government-owned system, we are working to improve it,” South Africa, among others in the same Academic Information Management System (AIMS), which is also he says. position. used by all public universities in Uganda. IFIMS is connected to AIMS Equally important is the setting up “When I applied for the position and this has helped to streamline management of student records, of the Open, Distance and e-Learning of Vice-Chancellor, my slogan was including verification of fees payment. (ODeL) programme, which Nawangwe unlocking Makerere University’s Makerere University is working on a more advanced Academic describes as the future of university potential. Under this slogan, I pledged Records Information System (MakARIS), which will address the education, with the emergence of to unlock the huge under-utilised complexity of Makerere University as a major research institution. global challenges such as the COVID-19 potential of Makerere University. I am Regular reporting by Management to Council and by colleges to the pandemic. glad I have accomplished about 90% of Centre has been operationalised. The regular flow of information in the Nawangwe adds that the persistent what I set out to do,” he says. university’s administrative hierarchy has greatly enhanced the spirit of public outcry about the duplication of Nawangwe credits improved collegiality and collective responsibility, hence reducing conflict. ‘our academic programmes’ is no more. governance at the university, which “Over the last four to five years,

6 MAKERERE UNIVERSITY we have reduced the number of undergraduate academic programmes STAFF WELFARE from more than 150 to 62. The Challenges harmonisation of programmes will help Nawangwe says all these could not have been achieved without the us produce graduates who are more support of the Government, which has enhanced salaries of staff at The university has not been prepared for the job market and for public universities and they are now very competitive in the region. without challenges. And the biggest entrepreneurship. It will also help us “This has greatly improved staff morale, even if a of all them, according to Prof. free our professors from the heavy load few challenges still remain, which we are Nawangwe, has been the COVID-19 of teaching and allow them time for working on,” he says. pandemic. research,” he explains. Apart from salary enhancement, he “COVID-19 devastated the says the university has put in place a whole world and higher education medical insurance scheme for members Research and Innovation institutions were the worst Makerere University desires to be a of staff. This has greatly improved access affected,” he says, before adding that more research-intensive university to medical care for members of staff and rather than lie down, “We faced because this is what will sustain her it is a major contributor to staff stability. the challenge of COVID-19 head-on, profi le as a leading global university. Then there are SACCOS which are helping with the resilient Makerere spirit.” “Modern universities are not only members of staff access affordable loans With new universities cropping expected to produce good graduates, to solve some of their problems. “While a up everywhere, Makerere they are also expected to create few years ago we were losing many highly University is responding to the stiff knowledge and transform that qualifi ed persons to the private and public sectors, today many of competition for resources through knowledge into products and services those who left are anxious to return,” he says. innovation in teaching and learning that enhance the quality of life of the and reinforcing its competitive societies in which they operate,” he says He reveals that research institutes, best laboratories at any university advantage as a graduate training Prof. Nawangwe says Makerere including the Infectious Diseases globally and we have probably the institution. University has seen a tremendous Institute (IDI) and the Makerere best research human resource on the transformation in her research profi le Institute for Social Research (MISR), African Continent. Our think tanks, low-cost medical ventilator, protocol in the last three years. In setting itself are conducting research at the highest including MISR and the Economic for evaluation of youth employability, for the new role, Nawangwe says the international standards, as are many Policy Research Centre (EPRC) are solar-powered hand washing device university has not only modernised academic units in all the colleges. internationally recognised and they including water recycling and many its laboratories, but also established “Our publication rate has grown play a big role in lifting our image as a others. new laboratories and other research tremendously. For the fi rst time, we research University.” Nawangwe says such innovations infrastructure. passed the 1,000 publications per He says since the Government have a huge potential for transforming “We have several centres of annum, despite the challenges brought injected sh30b as research funds in the the manufacturing industry in excellence, including two World by the COVID-19 pandemic,” he says. university last year, innovations have Uganda and for the fi rst time making Bank centres of excellence, one in “We thank the Government changed the face of the University. indigenous manufacturing at the centre crop improvement and the other in and our development partners for Nawangwe explains that cutting- of industrialization. materials and nanotechnology. These the enormous investments in our edge research has led to major “Our next challenge is to centres are training the next generation research infrastructure, as well as innovations, including the anti-tick commercialise all these innovations of researchers for many countries in the development of our human vaccine, peptides for the manufacture and we are steadily getting there,” he across the African Continent,” he says resource. We now boast of one of the of COVID-19 testing kits, the Bulamu says.

MAKERERE UNIVERSITY 7 MAKERERE UNIVERSITY ACADEMIC REGISTRAR’S OFFICE >> ar.mak.ac.ug

Towering over the others With at least 90% of all research in Uganda conducted at Makerere, the university has established a reputation in the field The building that currently hosts the administrative offices

8 MAKERERE UNIVERSITY He notes that this context explains why the doctoral fellows who graduate from MISR are eagerly absorbed in higher institutions in Uganda, established and new: for example, at MISR (Yahya Seremba) and at Gulu University (Laury Ocen).

akerere University will clock 100 Year two students of next year, an anniversary that telecommunication will no doubt be celebrated on the engineering working backdrop of many highs. MMakerere is the fifth top university in on a mortar during a lecture Africa, and the premier university in East and Central Africa, according to world university rankings by Times Higher Education. The ranking places Makerere together with Mansoura University of Egypt, the University of Ibadan of Nigeria, and the Durban University of Technology of South Africa, among others in the same position. Makerere is also the undisputed leader in research hosting regional Centres of Excellence and collaborative research projects with reputable global agencies. At least 90 percent of all research output in Uganda is conducted at Makerere. The university also has the highest number of qualified staff, with over 700 of its 1452 staff having PhDs. The story can go on and on. However, all these accolades are not by accident. Born in 1922 as a Technical Institute, Makerere later became a constituent College “ of the University of London. “Mak had that status until 1961, when we became the University of East Africa,” says Prof Umar Kakumba, the Deputy Vice Chancellor on increasing the postgraduate programmes Academic Affairs. “The entire region had one BROAD SPECTRUM enrolment while downsizing undergraduate university – Nairobi and Dar es Salaam were The diversity of disciplines offered student numbers as they push to become a branches of,” he says. at the university, is another research university. It is therefore not surprising; he says that contributing factor to its high “A research-led university can be the university has consistently been ranked rankings, described as one whose foundations of among the top 400 universities in the world knowledge creation, generation, teaching out of 100,000 universities that are assessed Dr Prof Umar Kakumba, and learning is predominantly derived from by the Times Higher Education. the Deputy Vice Chancellor research, and which utilises its research The diversity of disciplines and training Academic Affairs knowledge outputs to impact society in programmes offered at the university, is positive transformation. Through research, another contributing factor to its high Universities produce quintessential bodies of rankings, Kakumba says. knowledge and innovations to understand “There are about 10 major discipline the underlying constraints to development categorisations and we have them all,” and provide solutions to transform societies, he says. They include health sciences, in Uganda,” he repeats his earlier assertion, enterprises and nation states”.. Physical Sciences, law, education, Business adding that over 300 research projects “In doing this, you have to reduce & Management, Arts & Humanities and receive grants every year. undergraduates because undergraduates engineering & Technology, among others. “We came out strongly in COVID-19 hardly do publishable research. On the The other big plus is its research output. research output. Besides that, we have been other hand, there is a lot of research output “Last year, we had about 1,200 research able to carry out research on many other from graduate students, which we hope to publications, which was higher than what infectious diseases,” he says. “That informs publish. So, whatever we are cutting in the we had previously (944),” he says. our strategic direction. That why we are undergraduate programmes, we are going This, he says is in part due to the decision striving to become a research-intensive to compensate in the graduate programmes by government to up its contribution to the university.” enrolment. Focusing on graduate education university’s Research and Innovation fund means more masters, graduate diplomas and basket from a paltry sh2b about 10 years ago Revised strategic direction PhDs,” he says. to sh30b. “That has given us a very big boost,” In order to achieve its aims, Makerere He says the university hopes to achieve he says. revised its vision and goals, part of which this goal thanks to its generous share of At the same time, the university continues has culminated in the current restructuring highly qualified human resources when to receive funding from external donors, of courses at university. The restructuring compared with other universities in the some of which include the Swedish (SIDA), has resulted in the reduction in the number country. Norwegians (NORAD) and the Americans undergraduate programmes, which is being “We have over 700 staff (of the 120 staff through several agencies including, the achieved by scrapping some and merging at the university) having PhDs. A PhD can Carnegie Corporation of New York, National some programmes with others. train a PhD and Masters students. That Institute of Health, Rockfeller, USAID, among From 120 undergraduate programmes 10 means each graduate student will have a others. years ago, the university will have only 78 research output as a minimum which can “Research is our major contribution. in the academic year 2021/2022. Kakumba be in journals, policy briefs, innovations, Makerere has 9% of all research conducted says at the same time they have embarked patents, and text books,” he says.

MAKERERE UNIVERSITY 9 COLLEGE OF EDUCATION AND EXTERNAL STUD- IES

COLLEGE OF EDUCATION AND EXTERNAL STUDIES >> cees.mak.ac.ug Educating Uganda for new market realities The College of Education and External Studies is engaged in activities to ensure that educators are equipped with the skills necessary to prepare Ugandans for the changing job market

he nature of work is changing and in order to adjust to this change and ensure workers are equipped with the skills When required to succeed, education will also teachers Tneed to undergo a transformation. This is already happening at Makerere have the University, where the College of Education and right External Studies (CEES) is engaged in a number of information innovations that are aimed at changing the way and skills the education sector operates. the country Prof. Fred Masagazi Masaazi, the CEES Principal, says they are mandated to prepare benefi ts. educators, community workers, administrators, Prof. Fred Masagazi Masaazi, inspectors of schools, curriculum designers and CEES Principal community outreach implementers to work at all levels and forms of the education system. The college also focuses on the provision of “ adult, continuing, community, open, distance and e-learning. The college is a centre of excellence in the development, research and application of professional educational approaches in response to national and global needs. With the world undergoing rapid, global changes, including serious environmental problems, Masaazi says education must be ahead. He notes that through the research they carry out and as an institution responsible for education they help the ministry understand what is on ground to make informed decisions. “We are writing policy briefs to the Ministry of Education and Sports about interventions to improve the sector and before the semester ends, The project aimed at identifying the we will submit them to the stakeholders,” Musaazi employability skills gaps in selected teacher says. and BTVET education institutions in Uganda. Teaching teachers He says the transformation of Uganda lies Develop a transformative framework for in transforming its teachers who are vital in integrating employability skills and delineate David Kabugo, the Centre for Teaching and the education sector. “A teacher is a conduit of the employability concept in way that is clearly Learning Support director, notes they have information to learners and parents. When the understood by teachers. introduced the Postgraduate Diploma in teachers have the right information and right With a number of researches done by the Higher Education Pedagogy to skill lecturers. skills the country benefi ts,” Musaazi says. college, the education ministry has been able to Introduced in 2019, it aims at transforming the The college has been supported by government make informed decisions backed by data says way teaching is conducted at university. under the Makerere University Research Prof Anthony Mugagga-Muwagga, the Director “The most dominant way of recruiting and Innovation Fund. Under this fund from Makerere University Institute of Education lectures is getting students who have excelled government of Uganda, the college has been able Research with First-Class or Second-Class degrees. This to carry over 15 research projects all aimed at “Most policies are not backed by data; they affects learning because these don’t have the improving the education sector. are now using our information which is key skills,” Kabugo says. Musaazi says the research portfolio is contribution from us,” Muwagga says. With the introduction of the diploma, all improving at Makerere University. “The research Meanwhile, Dr John Sentongo says they lecturers recruited are required to undergo funding from government has increased, research have made recommendations to the National training at the college to get teaching skills. skills improved and this has improved knowledge Curriculum Development Centre and the “We are now aiming at retooling professors,” transfer and skills,” Musaazi says. education ministry to include science in the Lower Kabugo says. One of the projects under the college is Primary Thematic Curriculum. It is now a requirement for everyone to have promoting youth employment by integrating “Science is not spelt out in the lower curriculum a certifi cate in higher education pedagogy employability skills in teacher and BTVET and we think science concepts should be taught in before they can teach at Makerere. The same education in Uganda by Masaazi. lower primary,” Sentongo says. service is being extended to other universities.

10 MAKERERE UNIVERSITY MAKERERE SCHOOL OF LAW >> law.mak.ac.ug School of Law: Tried and tested More than 50 years old, the Students seeking School of Law has had the lto join the school are now subjected to biggest influence on the a pre-entry exam that country’s legal terrain checks one’s analytical, comprehension and communication akerere Law School is the oldest and skills and general biggest law school in Uganda, accounting knowledge on for the largest share of the country’s contemporary issues. lawyers produced over many decades. This has helped to MFrom just 23 pioneer students and two lecturers check the quality of at its inception more than 50 years ago, the school students and ensure is now home to more than 40 staff and over 2,000 there is a mix of bright students from all students. academic backgrounds Makerere Law School has produced many of the and social class. country’s eminent legal minds. With alumni of over 350,000 legal minds in gainful employment Through the and influential positions in government and lMakerere Law private practice at home and abroad, the School Journal that was has built a name to reckon with. first launched Prof Christopher Mbazira, the Principal of in 1971, the Law Makerere School of Law, identifies the reputation School community of the institution as one of its biggest selling points publishes research and other content on and enduring legacies. Law students holding discussions contemporary issues. “We have the reputation as a serious law school in the region. We are ranked highly in East Africa and have a number of collaborations with law Through clinical methods and hand-on schools all over the world,” he explains. techniques of teaching, students have had exposure to practical methods such as moot courts, clinical projects, student research and internships. Over the years, the academics at the school of law have contributed to jurisprudence, especially in courts of law, including in 2016 when they As students learn, they are also intervened in the presidential election petition. exposed to the practical challenges According to Mbazira, the involvement of law that the community faces. dons in the presidential election petition made a significant contribution in terms of proposals for Prof. Christopher Mbazira, Principal legal reform that were implemented. The growth of public interest litigation, through outreach clinics, has helped transform the way law is taught at university. The last five years, for instance, the methods of teaching law have Prior to its establishment in 1968, Ugandans undergone reform to ensure that students learn who wanted to study Law would have togo to the while they provide service. “As students learn, University of Dar es salaam or the UK. they are also exposed to the practical challenges Students from Makerere Law School have that the community faces, while we show them enrolled into some of the world’s most prestigious how to respond,” Prof Mbazira explains. colleges and universities, including Harvard, Students from Makerere Law School have Cambridge and Oxford. won numerous moot awards and recognition for Apart from the broad profile of lawyers and service. Senior members of staff have also gained judges who have come out of Makerere, the school international recognition for their contribution to has also produced the top legal academics in research in various fields. Uganda and the region. Compared with other law kind in Uganda and the region to provide free All the accomplishments have, however, been schools in the region, Makerere has the largest legal aid services to the community. registered in spite of key challenges including concentration of doctorates. The School of Law is also proud of its wealth of ageing, colonial-type infrastructure that needs a One of the defining features of Makerere’s Law research on legal issues. new face. On the bright side, Makerere University School is its community engagement, in which In 2012, the school embarked on a process has budgeted for a new building for the school. several projects deal directly with the community. of becoming a college, transforming from the In 2018, Makerere Law School celebrated the These include: the Human Rights and Peace erstwhile Faculty of Law to the School of Law, 50-year anniversary. According to Mbazira, the Centre, which handles human rights and social with a measure of independence. school will now strive to maintain its reputation justice issues; Refugee Law Project, one of the Besides the Bachelor of Laws (LLB), the law as the premier law school in Uganda and the highly-rated projects serving refugees globally, school offers the Master of Laws, the Doctor of region, and embrace technology to teach law in a and the Public Interest Law Clinic, the first of its Laws (LLD) and a number of short courses. post-Covid-19 era.

MAKERERE UNIVERSITY 11 >> OFFICE OF Vice-Chancellor

Universities rely heavily on tuition to run their operations. Makerere planning endowment fund However, this key source of funding has been affected due to disruptions in learning triggered by the COVID-19 pandemic. This has necessitated universities to be innovative in order to survive. Prof. Josephine Nabukenya, the Deputy Vice- Chancellor Finance and Administration

explains how the Prof. John Baptist Kirabira teaching students of the College of Engneering, Design Art and Technology university is riding the tide

Describe to us the operations of finance and administration. “ The operations of the Payment of tuition in time Qfinance and administration entity of There is also a continuous reminder to students of the Makerere University involve assisting tuition fees payment deadlines. Only after full payment the Vice- Chancellor’s functions such and registration, can students generate examination as overseeing finance management, cards from AIMS. We ensure that no student sits exams administration of assets and human without full payment. resources, investment and resources mobilization as well as planning and Prof. Josephine Nabukenya, development of the University. Deputy Vice-Chancellor Finance and Administration Particularly, the entity is responsible for ensuring effective management and mobilisation of the funds of the University; putting in place proper functions to ensure coordination of the funds from Government) with other university finance and administrative planning, budgeting and development procurement and disposal activities sources such as research funding services including the academic methods of the university; overseeing of all the user departments in the avenues) as well as promoting grant/ services. human resource functions as a means university also responsibilities under project proposal writing for funding We have internally automated to bridge the gap between employees’ this docket. research and other unfunded priorities. the human resources management performance and the university’s We have also enhanced savings processes and currently embarked strategic objectives. What are some of the revenue from efficiency and reduction on the automation of the university The entity is also responsible for mobilisation strategies you have of administrative costs; and are finance processes as well as the managing security matters to ensure come up with to ensure the undertaking fundraising activities academic records management a safe teaching, learning and university is up and running? and mobilising funds from alumni and services. research environment for the students We have and continue to develop and other friends and well-wishers of the Accordingly, the university will and employees of the University. undertake Public Private Partnership University among others. enhance its data management Other roles include framing of the (PPP) framework proposals; promote and reporting, hence optimizing university’s effective financial policies and build an endowment fund. What are some of the innovations sustainability of its operations. and regulations in order to provide We have also undertaken you have come up with to ensure efficient financial management, risk commercialisation of innovations and operations are sustained? Tell us about funding gaps mitigation, and the alignment of project startups incubating through We have done the same as above, and (shortfalls) and how you plan to financial operations with the overall PPP incubation centres development. In in addition we are developing a digital bridge the gap going forward mission of the Institution. Overseeing addition, we are augmenting traditional service enterprise architecture for the We are majorly constrained by the the procurement and disposal revenue opportunities (tuition and university to support digitisation of the following issues: staff recruitment and

12 MAKERERE UNIVERSITY Makerere planning endowment fund promotion due to limited wage. We are addressing this through the continued engagement with the Government to provide additional funds to meet our wage bill in order to recruit and promote staff. In addition, the university is undergoing restructuring and reviewing of its staffing in order to support the new vision of turning Makerere into a research-led university. The university also has a challenge of domestic arrears, especially the Students in-house retirement benefits scheme. at the This, we are addressing, through Makerere the continued engagement with University Government to clear the domestic campus. arrears. The We are also minimising the coronavirus accumulation of domestic arrears pandemic through use of the commitment system has affected under IFMS. learning Lastly, there has also been limited financial support for capital development projects such as Multi- Scholarships purpose teaching facility III, multi- measures: facilitating the enrollment of existing tuition fees payment policies, Many universities have a purpose students’ centre and student students and invoicing on AIMS, which procedures and regulations. scholarship fund to cater for halls. We are addressing this by is a government system used to manage bright but needy students. Does undertaking PPP frameworks. students’ academic records and tuition What is the impact of delayed fees Makerere have such a fund? We also continue to mobilize funding fees payments. payment on the operations of the No, it does not. This is part of from Donors and Development There is also a continuous reminder university? our futuristic plans to promote Partners; and a continuous engagement to students about the tuition fees Priority activities such as teaching and a research-led university with Government for more funds payment deadlines. Only after full learning may be compromised; and through creation of graduate under capital development. payment and registration, can students the university ends up accumulating fellows who are academically generate examination cards from AIMS. domestic arrears. There may also be and intellectually competent to What are you doing to ensure more We ensure that no student sits exams increase in court cases which may support some of the university students pay fees in time? without full payment. We also ensure result in garnishing of university key roles such as teaching and We are undertaking the following implementation and enforcement of accounts including donor funds. research.

Students during a discussion

MAKERERE UNIVERSITY 13 DIRECTORATE OF RESEARCH & GRADUATE TRAINING >> rgt.mak.ac.ug

Last year, Makerere University was named Africa’s fifth MAK among the best best university and the best in East Africa, according to universities in research the World University contribution to SDGs (Sustainable rankings by Times Development Goals), the Africa Charter, Uganda Vision 2040 and also Higher Education. achieve on our strategic plan,” he said. Makerere is second He explains that good research could be used by companies in making in Africa in research. important decisions about things like pricing and investment. “We want to go beyond the academic boundary and build alliances with the private sector,” he said. He explains that in countries like South Africa, companies invest lot of money for research by universities. The research produced by those universities is the lifeblood of the company operations.

International collaborations Prof. Mukadasi Things seem to be moving in the right direction as the vision is coming he Government has been to light. Beside the sh30b annual funding research at Makerere funding from government, the A post-graduate student in the library University, which has helped university has increased collaborations at the Institute of Social research the university develop new with international agencies who are Tstrategies to become a global academic bringing in more resources. During the centre of excellence. What is a research-led university? 2013-14 academic year, for example, From just under sh2b, about 10 years It is one where research takes the university reportedly attracted ago, the university now receives sh30b up the central part of its mission. $90m (sh315,000) in external support annually, which goes into the Makerere Such universities have a strong for research from a number of donor University Research and Innovation focus on research. Globally agencies and foundations. Fund. This has boosted Makerere’s research universities are “The largest sum – $62m long-held ambition of becoming a predominantly public universities (sh217,000m) – went to research in research-led institution. with heavy funding from the health sciences, $8.9m (sh31,150) for According to Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi, state, due to the importance of natural sciences, $5.4m (sh18,900) the Director of Research and Graduate The their research in nation building. for institutional development, $4.5m Training, there are many reasons for numbers According to Prof Buyinza, despite (sh15,750m) for engineering, design, art pursuing this ambitious plan, most the sh30b from the Government, and technology and $3m (sh10,500m) important being the need to harness Sh30b they are pushing to have this for agriculture, business and the university’s niche in research The amount the funding increased because it is management sciences,” says https:// which has seen the university hog a Government gives to not enough to run their research www.universityworldnews.com. number of international accolades. Last Makerere University programmmes. He says they need The Bill and Melinda Gates year, the university was named Africa’s or research. a lot of money especially to set up Foundation was the biggest donor, fifth-best university and the best in infrastructure like laboratories and contributing $13m (sh45,500), followed East Africa, according to the World science programmes. “Some of by the National Institutes of Health University rankings by Times Higher these (laboratories) need not less with $12,6m, US Centres for Disease Education. $90m than $20m to set up,” he says. Control and Prevention ($9.4m), the European Union ($8.2m), the Welcome Makerere’s academic supremacy is The money Makerere Trust ($8.2m) and USAID ($7.2m). also contained in indicators produced received from momentum,” says Prof Buyinza, before Makerere also collaborates with by Higher Education Research donors during the adding: “We have a research agenda to other universities like Massachusetts and Advocacy Network in Africa 2013-14 academic become the best university in health Institute of Technology (MIT). This, (HERANA) which placed Makerere year for research. sciences, agriculture, natural resource as the second university after Cape management and climate change according to www.universityworldnews. Town among ‘flagships’ in eight governance and culture.” com, is part of a multidisciplinary effort African countries in terms of research, Buyinza says the university’s new led by seven world-class universities scholarship and knowledge production. $13m direction is also born out of the desire to working to evaluate and strengthen Received from the broaden the university’s international real-world innovations in development. A research focus Bill & Melinda Gates network and act as a vehicle for social These include Duke, Michigan State, “To sustain ourselves at the pinnacle Foundation as the transformation in Uganda and the rest Berkeley, College of William and Mary, of excellence, we need to sustain the biggest donor. of Africa. “We want to make a significant Texas A&M, Makerere and MIT.

14 MAKERERE UNIVERSITY QUALITY ASSURANCE DEPARTMENT >>

The fund aims at increasing the local generation of translatable research and innovations very now and then, Makerere University carries out self- that address key gaps required to drive Uganda’s development agenda assessment which is a requirement by the National Makerere keen on ECouncil for Higher Education as part of quality assurance. Dr Vincent Ssembatya, the Makerere University director Quality Assurance, reflects on the recent self-assessment quality assurance the university carried out. “Quality assurance rides on the In 1988 we had only 5,000 undergraduate students. Thirty years later, principal of continuous improvement by looking at the things you do, how the number has grown to over 180,000 students you do them and the output of these activities. You see where you have fallen short and then seek to improve. In the last research we saw a lot of improvement in each of the areas we assessed compared to what we had earlier. When it comes to human resource, we realised that the academic staff had increased in their qualifications and we have close to 900 PhDs in Makerere alone and this is the largest number we have had in the “ Better history of the university. Salaries Among the academic staff we saw the productivity increase. We attained There has also been an the highest number of researches improvement in the salaries produced at the university with over of lecturers across the board. 1,300 publications in just a single year. Dr Vincent Ssembatya, the What makes it very special is that this Makerere University Director was achieved during the COVID-19 Quality Assurance year.

Better student to staff ratios We have also improved in terms of ratios. When you divide the number of students to the number of staff, we are now close to 1:20, closer to the about 45 million people. For the PhDs ideal divide of 1:18, set by the National we have 44 per every one million Council for Higher Education. With people. fewer students, the staff can focus We want government to come back more on research. and sponsor PhD studies because We also focused on the distribution Uganda has a shortage of PhD of staff in the colleges, their age, holders. We are not graduating the gender, how much money the lecturers PhD numbers we should because the bring in because many of them apply Graduate students students are self-sponsored and this is for grants and then supervision of We want to achieve a balance of 60% undergraduate students and 40% costly. students. graduate students. Right now, the graduate students are 13%. We have really Most of our publications are in moved to get to that figure. medicine and they attract a lot of Infrastructure We didn’t expect the graduate students to grow from 13% to 40% overnight, funding. We have also won the World We also talked about E-learning, because in 1988 we had only 5,000 undergraduate students and Makerere Bank funded award for excellence. Governance and management and admitted all of them. Thirty years later, we have 180,000 students. We have The university has greatly benefited other supporting elements where we students from 43 different countries up from 34 last year. We have Japanese, from the research. There have been take a look at the infrastructure based German, Swedish and Norwegian nationals. Our target is to grow the numbers financial and reputation benefits. The in the university such as the buildings to over 200 countries. rankings depend on the publications and the facilities like the ICT, libraries, you produce and the resulting citations. students’ welfare and offices. We have schools that Makerere Over the last three graduations, According to international protocols, Implementing findings owns such as Makerere College School, however more female students have we need to have 40% female admission We have levels of implementing our in addition to primary schools and been graduating than the boys. into these courses. In Africa only two findings. Things that do not require nursery schools. In the Science, Technology, countries —South Africa and Mauritius money are implemented immediately Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) — have attained this. once there is agreement that we should Gender we have achieved more than 43% of go that way. On the issue of gender, the self- female student admissions. Researchers However, for those that require assessment revealed that the All the countries that have taken off As a country we do not have budgeting, we normally try to fit within admissions are balanced, but on in one way or the other a lot of science researchers. We currently have about our budgets and in some cases, we rely graduation, girls are more than boys. and technology at universities . 2,000 researchers in a population of on support from the Government.

MAKERERE UNIVERSITY 15 MAKERERE UNIVERSITY DIRECTORATE OF GENDER MAINSTREAMING >> gendermainstreaming.mak.ac.ug New sexual harassment policy guarantees students’ safety

The gender What is sexual harassment? The new policy expounds further on mainstreaming The what constitutes sexual harassment to directorate trains numbers cover inappropriate physical contact, unwanted propositions to engage in students and staff on 21 sex, exposure of sexual body parts, sexual harassment The number of stalking, lustful gestures and stares, and supports other cases that have sexual assault and demands for sex been reported in exchange for academic favours or universities to to the gender employment. develop policies mainstreaming Most of the sexual harassment directorate since cases reported to the directorate against the vice 2019. relate to solicitation of sexual activity in exchange for marks, a pervasive he pervasive footprint of culture that undermines key learning sexual harassment has left outcomes. far-reaching scars on victims 100 The number of globally, no far less than at Reforms members on the Tinstitutions of learning. According to Baine, one of the ad hoc committee Following a 2004 study by the landmark reforms under the revised from which a special Gender Mainstreaming Directorate that policy was granting the mandate to team is picked to found that acts and practices related to coordinate implementation of the investigate a case of sexual harassment were widespread, policy to the Gender Mainstreaming sexual harassment. Makerere University promulgated its Directorate. The directorate performs first policy against the vice in 2006. this function with support from the The policy and its attendant Directorate of Legal Affairs, the office regulations aimed to stamp out sexual 2018 of the Vice chancellor, academic and harassment between or among The year the administration units, among others. students, academic staff, support staff, university formulated Baine says the revised policy has contractors, partners, visitors and a new policy on dealt with the issue of conflict of researchers. sexual harassment. interest, ensuring that no person under The policy helped to broadly outline investigation has prior knowledge of the different acts or practices that the investigating team. constitute sexual harassment, and “ Penalty for sexual harassment Unlike in the old policy, the revised draw a firm red line against the cruel A person found guilty of sexual harassment may, depending policy lays emphasis on confidentiality practices. on the gravity of the offence, be subject to a written for the complainant and the accused so However, while the policy was warning, counselling, restraint, apology, compensation to that cases are handled with care. well-intentioned and offered a rare the aggrieved, a fine, suspension, demotion, dismissal or a While anonymous complaints on window to victims to report abuse, it criminal investigation and prosecution. their own are not deemed admissible, turned out to be ineffective, Euzobia they can be investigated and followed Mugisha Baine, the Director of the Dr Euzobia Mugisha Baine head of the gender mainstreaming up by the directorate when filed, Gender Mainstreaming Directorate at directorate at Makerere University. given the complex nature of sexual Makerere University, explains. harassment. “Implementation of the policy was it was not as effective as was expected. which a special investigations team is “While the old policy did not allow difficult. It was not easy to investigate After a thorough study, the university picked to investigate a case of sexual for anonymous complaints, we now colleagues and act on the findings revised the policy with significant harassment if and when it emerges. know that sexual abuse is emotive. The because of conflict of interest and changes that have gradually helped fear of retaliation and stigma restrain victims’ reluctance to report due to fear to transform its implementation and The committee people from reporting. Therefore, if we of retaliation among other reasons,” she promote vigilance. The committee members represent receive an anonymous complaint, we explains. Cases would be talked about Unlike in the past, when cases of all categories of groups, including still follow up and explore if there is in whispers and occasionally in the sexual harassment were handled by academic, administrative and support merit in what is being reported,” Baine mass media, but would not be officially committees that were more prone to staff as well as students (undergraduate explains. reported for handling according to the compromise, the new arrangement and postgraduate). policy. provides key safeguards for victims and Members of the committee are Sexual harassment - penalty the accused. selected from competent people of A person found guilty of sexual Revised policy The revised policy provides for a integrity with no previous allegations harassment may, depending on the In 2018, the university decided to standing committee of 100 members of sexual harassment and abuse against gravity of the offence, be subject to review the policy to understand why appointed by the Vice Chancellor, from them. written warning, counselling, restraint,

16 MAKERERE UNIVERSITY apology, compensation to the aggrieved, a fine, suspension, demotion, dismissal or a criminal investigation and prosecution. At least 21 cases have been reported to the directorate since 2019, with four concluded (including three dismissals, and an acquittal); six are ongoing and 10 are at a preliminary stage of collecting evidence. The directorate runs policy dissemination and sensitisation seminars about sexual harassment to empower learners and staff with the knowledge and skills to prevent, resist and report incidents. The directorate currently provides support to other universities to develop their own policies against the vice. The revised policy against sexual harassment is evidently beginning to bear fruits.

The Makerere University Gender Equality Policy The directorate oversees the Professor Grace Bantebya Kyomuhendo from the School of Women and Gender Studies showing how the Kish online system implementation of Makerere is used to report sexual harassment cases within Makerere University’s Gender Equality Policy that seeks to promote full participation of males and females in all spheres of Women in top positions life of the university. According to Baine, there are fewer The policy is an instrument for women in top leadership positions of changes at all levels of the university university management structures such as functions and for addressing the root Heads of Department, Deans. Principals, causes of gender inequality within Central Management, Senate, and Council. university functions and practices. “We have fewer women entering academic According to Baine, the directorate ranks at entry level and even fewer as you is responsible for coordinating and climb the academic ranks. If you don’t have a providing technical support to colleges critical mass at the base, you are unlikely to and departments to ensure that the get more women coming out to compete for gender equality policy provisions are leadership. We have to have a multipronged incorporated in all aspects of university strategy to increase the numbers of women operations, with focus on 10 strategic at recruitment and providing opportunities areas. for growth such as opportunities to conduct Some of these include: engendering research, publications and leadership the curriculum (content and training for women among others. in those methodology), promotion of women in positions, as well as men,” she explains. leadership and university management and decision-making processes. Developed in 2009, the policy has academic programme. internship and supportive policies The findings from the baseline have brought forth numerous benefits, The Gender Equality Policy is and infrastructure to support positive helped in the design of modules that even though key challenges remain. also under review after 10 years of work-life balance such as work place will help in bridging the knowledge For instance, while affirmative action implementation. One of the weaknesses day care centers. gap and will guide the action research has aided more girls to enroll for that have already been identified is lack As part of its mandate to on enhancing women’s visibility undergraduate and graduate studies, of gender-specific quantifiable targets conduct research for institutional in leadership and management of girls still trail their male peers in in recruitment and promotions and strengthening, the gender Universities. science, technology, entrepreneurship some of the University policies that Mainstreaming Directorate is The formulation of the Makerere and mathematics, the Directorate’s are not aligned to the Gender Equality conducting a study in six public University Gender Equality Policy and analysis conducted last year reveals. Policy. universities to enhance women’s the Policy and Regulations Against In order to improve gender The Gender Mainstreaming visibility participation in decision- Sexual harassment are hallmarks in representation in STEM and Directorate is currently advocating making organs of higher education Makerere University’s commitment to operationalise the gender equality for gender-specific specific targets institutions. its Gender Mainstreaming Programme. policy, effective 2020/2021 academic on gender responsiveness that are The research was supported by It also provides a mandate for the year, the University Council put in measurable and can be periodically the Government of Uganda, through Gender Mainstreaming Directorate, place an allocation of slots based on evaluated; adoption of gender the Makerere University Research & an independent organ that came into a 60:40 ratio for students in STEM responsiveness in calls for research Innovations fund and a baseline study effect in 2010 but started as a Division in order to prop up the numbers of proposals and the processes for on women in leadership has been under the Academic Registrar’s the disadvantaged gender for each conducting and disseminating research; completed. Department in 2001.

MAKERERE UNIVERSITY 17 Professor Mahmood Mamdani

MAKERERE UNIVERSITY LIBRARY >> mulib.mak.ac.ug

With its rich collection of content, the library provides a strong foundation for the university’s research goals Isaac Obong goes through the manual catalogues A backbone for research work

or any scholar, hardly any experience may This translated into a student to book ratio of measure up to a walk through a hallway 1:160 and 4 square feet per student, much higher of a well curated collection of information than the current student to book ratio of 1:40 sources, in the physical space or virtually. book ratio and 2.5 square feet per student. FSuch is the experience at Makerere University More than 45 years later, in 2007, an additional Library which serves as an academic library, 4,000 square metres of space was created at a national reference library, national Legal cost of sh3.4b, and subsequently, another 4,000 Depository for all works published in, on Uganda square metres were added in 2012 at a cost of and by Ugandans, including Government sh5.2b, raising the additional space by 8,000 sq. publications. It is also a depository for the United metres altogether. Nations and other related bodies’ publications. Currently, the total area of the main library The University Library is mandated to collect, is 12,000 sq meters and has sitting capacity of develop, manage, disseminate information, as 3,980. well as control and coordinate all library and In 2018, additional space and furniture were information services of Makerere University. acquired at Albert Cook College of Health Dr. Helen Byamugisha, the University Sciences Library through a partnership between Librarian, says the library provides access to the College and Stanbic Bank. The College of 12,000,000 electronic journal titles and over Humanities and Social Sciences (CHUSS) also 240,000 electronic book titles. earmarked $40,000 to support the ongoing The Main Library emerged in 1949 from a expansion of the library space and to procure small tutor’s library that was housed in the information resources. According to Dr. then Makerere University Main administration Byamugisha, Makerere University Library building. currently serves a population of approximately The university later received a grant of 30,000 students, over 1,000 Makerere staff and 140,000 pound sterling and constructed the researchers. current old wing of the Main Library. It was The Main Library has the following sections: completed in February 1959 and had an area of Africana, Book Bank, Bindery, ICT, Microfilming 3,065 square metres. and Digitization; Periodicals/Serials, Reference The Main Library was completed and opened and Circulation (Law, IDA/Basic text books, by the Queen of England in 1959. It had an area of Reserve collection and open shelves) and 3,065 square metres and could accommodate 270 Technical Services. users from a student’s body of 750 with 40 staff. The University Library also has nine College Dr Helen Byamugisha, the University Librarian It had 120,000 volumes of books and periodicals. Libraries and one School of Law Library.

18 MAKERERE UNIVERSITY The collections

he Makerere University library collection consists of over 290,984 titles (450,995 copies) of print books and 11,261 print journal holdings that are accessible Telectronically through the online catalogue.It also has access to 12,000,000 electronic journal titles and over 240,000 electronic book titles. Close to 7,792 records of digitised materials are accessible in the institutional repository. The library provides various services that include: document delivery, reading carrels (special study rooms for researchers), group study/discussion rooms, a computer laboratory and other academic services for people with disabilities, a Mothers’ space, as well as a Power The strong room Point room for users who wish to project their presentations to study groups. There is an institutional repository where 10 affi liates 30,000 users researchers can self -archive their research 290,984 titles (450,995 copies) of print The University The library currently outputs (in electronic format) and become visible books and 11,261 print Library has nine serves a population of locally and internationally. journal holdings that are College Libraries approximately 30,000 users, There are meeting rooms, research commons for accessible through the and one School of comprising of students, over graduate students and senior researchers, learners online catalogue. Law Library. 1,000 Makerere staff and commons for undergraduates, a multi-media unit; researchers. two computer laboratories for users with own laptops, and a multi-purpose computer training unit for conducting information literacy trainings. The library also has a Legal Deposit collection and archives consisting of the national imprint from Ugandan authors, authors who have written 12,000 about Uganda and documents on Uganda’s square metres heritage. This collection is housed in the Africana The total area of the Section and boasts of a special collection of pre- main library independence newspapers, minutes of Uganda Chamber of Commerce since its beginning in 1905 to 1951, letters written by and for Sir Apollo Kagwa, Apollo Kivebulaya’s diaries and Ham Mukasa and Ezera Kabali’s papers. 3,980 There are manuscripts of Gerald Portal and Seating capacity other earlier colonial administrators and Church of the main library Missionary Society fi les. Africana Section also houses government collections dating from the defunct East African community territories, other African colonial territories, UN bodies, including UNESCO and UNICEF. The Africana section also holds a unique photographic and newspaper collection that depicts the political history of Uganda and that of Makerere University. Also in the archives is the history of medicine in Uganda Digital Environment which is housed at Albert Cook Medical Library Dr. Byamugisha says Makerere University Library has in the College of Health Sciences. The rich and embraced information, communication and technology unique Legal Deposit collection and archives, applications, including social media applications to serve together with other important references, enable key stakeholders. She says that although the library was the library to continuously attract both local and physically closed during the COVID-19 lockdown, it was international researchers. able and continues to provide information services online. Makerere University Library provides outreach The library is banking on the digital environment services to non-Makerere university users, and to enhance access to current or updated electronic hence works closely with other government resources, real time communication, as well as space and departments such as the National Planning storage solutions. It can be accessed through its website: Authority, the National Library of Uganda, https://mulib.mak.ac.ug National Council of Science and Technology, The library has highly trained staff. Most of them have National Information Technology Authority- Master’s and doctoral degrees with research skills and Uganda (NITA-U), among others. capacity to adequately provide information and advice to Online catalogue researchers. Some of the staff members are professors.

MAKERERE UNIVERSITY 19 MAKERERE UNIVERSITY >> mak.ac.ug

Vice-Chancellor Prof. Nawangwe (left) poses with Master Card scholarship beneficiaries in March Funders help turn the wheels To succeed, universities receive support from a variety of funders. Makerere University has over the years benefited from partnerships that facilitate the smooth running of operations

akerere University is what it is because of of implementation at the university. to date, 780 are females, which represent 76% of the the outstanding contribution of funders. Namaalwa says the programme has recruited total number of scholars,” Namaalwa says. Universities receive financial contributions and educated 1,032 students from seven African from various sources in order to perform countries, of which 211 have graduated and are SIDA support Mtheir statutory obligations in the field of education, either employed, undergoing further studies or into Dr. Gity Behravan, First Secretary Research research and knowledge valorisation. entrepreneurship. Cooperation at the Embassy of Sweden, says in 2000, Valorisation involves the use of scientific The programme offers comprehensive support to the Swedish International Development Cooperation knowledge, increasing knowledge value and the recipients of the scholarship as follows; tuition Agency (Sida) selected Makerere University (MAK) innovation. The funds received from different and functional fees, accommodation, feeding and one of the largest Ugandan public universities as the funders form the basis of the university’s financing stipend, a laptop and other learning materials, site for support. for its educational and research tasks. excluding textbooks. The support is aimed at building up sustainable The funders at Makerere University include: The other support includes: financial support for research capacity that contributes to the Mastercard Foundation, the Embassy of Sweden (the academic internship, financial support for academic establishment of a coherent agenda for research and Swedish International Development Cooperation research/or special projects, transport to and from research training in Uganda. Agency), the United States Agency for International home and personal medical insurance. From 2010, four other Ugandan public universities Development (USAID), the Norwegian Agency for She says the scholars are provided with were introduced into the cooperation; namely Gulu Development Cooperation (NORAD) and the Carnegie psychosocial and mentoring support. They are University, Mbarara University of Science and Corporation of New York. expected to participate in community engagements. It Technology; Kyambogo University and Busitema The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Programme is hoped they will give back to their communities. University. at Makerere University is one of the biggest They are equipped with professional development Support has been given for five consecutive partnerships between Mastercard Foundation and skills that consists of the following; leadership agreement periods (Pilot Phase ( September 2000- Dec Makerere University. It offers scholarships to 1,000 development, career support, communication skills, 2001) 15 million SEK, Phase I( 2002-June2005) for academically bright, but economically disadvantaged Information Communication Technology (ICT), 104.110 million SEK; Phase II (2005-2009) 181 million youth from Africa to study at the university. entrepreneurship development, financial literacy, SEK; Phase III (2010-2015) 215 million SEK and the Dr Justin Namaalwa, the programme coordinator at gender and human rights. current and final phase IV (Nov 2015- June 2022) 320 the Scholars Programme Mastercard Foundation, says “The programme emphasises girl child education, million SEK). the 10-year project worth $21m is in its seventh year out of the 1,032 scholars recruited on the programme From 2000, the Swedish research funding to

20 MAKERERE UNIVERSITY Uganda has included components of institutional support that is organically linked to support for graduate training. Institution-building, postgraduate training and the existence of an environment that is conducive for research and research training are all part of one single effort. “This is why we support the University Library, labs, ICT, GIS, gender mainstreaming, cross-cutting PhD courses, supervision training, Curriculum development for Master and PhD training, the system for Quality Assurance, the competitive small research grants, core support to Makerere University Centre for Heath and Population Research (MUCAHAP) and the research management system,” Behravan says. The current and final phase of the programme (November 2015- June 2022) consists of 17 projects and consists of a network between five Universities in Uganda and 17 universities / institutions and agency in Sweden. Projects are spread across teaching and service units. The five Makerere University colleges are: Humanities and Social Sciences, Computing and Information Technology, Natural Sciences, Health Sciences and Agriculture & Environmental Sciences “To transfer a teaching university to a research- led university takes time. It requires change in organization, right conditions and incentives, infrastructure and a critical mass of trained researchers,” Behravan says.

he 20 years of Swedish support have among others brought forward transformations of key importance for academic sustainability. The old CEDAT building. Below, “A great step is that the Makerere University Thas systems for local PhD training and has also the new USAID-funded building developed guidelines for supervisors of doctoral candidates (2016),” Behravan says. Behravan explains that more staff members have completed their Masters and PhD studies, Post doctorate researchers are trained and provided with research opportunities, relevant and promising research has been conducted. “Infrastructure for research has been upgraded and mechanisms for maintenance improved. This work will continue and be consolidated during the phase out period,” Behravan says. Today the number of academic staff who obtained their Masters, PhD, Postdoctoral qualifications and small grants through the Swedish support stands at 407. With the ongoing 389 (121 PhDs, 182 Masters, 61 Post doc and 26 small grants) by 2022 in total it will be 796 academic staff from five public universities in Uganda. “The lesson learned from our cooperation is that funding of universities cannot only be left to international donors. This would indeed not be sustainable. The issue of funding universities is a matter of development of and for a country and needs to be steered nationally,” Behravan says. With the support from many individuals and institutions Makerere University will continue to support development processes. It is said that unity is strength and when there is teamwork and collaboration, wonderful things can be achieved.

MAKERERE UNIVERSITY 21 Professor Mahmood Mamdani

MAKERERE INSTITUTE OF SOCIAL RESEARCH >> misr.mak.ac.ug

A 73-year story

The evolution of ISR was established in 1948. She has been able to change with the times, at times to muster the courage to defy scholarly convention, often to be at the cutting social research Medge of change at Makerere. MISR was led by anthropologists Audrey I. Established in 1948, the Institute of Social Research Richards, Lloyd Fallers who saw themselves as giving voice to ‘native peoples’ inside an otherwise is giving Makerere an international reputation hostile colonial establishment. On the morrow of independence, MISR was he transformation of the Makerere fortunate to be steered by young nationalist Institute of Social Research (MISR) scholars Ali Mazrui, Victor Uchendu, Yash Tandon began in 2012 with the introduction who saw themselves both as pioneers of an of the five-year multi-disciplinary emancipatory nationalist scholarship and as critics TMPhil/PhD programme in Social Studies. of nationalism’s anti-liberal tendencies, especially MISR was until then a consultancy unit when these tended to undermine the autonomy of where the client sets the research question. the scholar. After 2012 it gradually became a research When the times were difficult, MISR found institution, where the student and faculty prudent directors Samwiri Karugire, Dan Mudoola researchers formulate the question. who understood that the most important goal The research output and impact is manifest under the circumstances may be survival. in many activities. MISR publications over When MISR and Makerere came under pressure the years have covered many diverse areas. from those who shelter under the banner of These include: land; food; ethnic issues; ‘market forces’, MISR found a director Nakanyike political movements; integration; history. Musisi who endeavoured to turn the situation to MISR has held many workshops based institutional advantage. on original research on various topics like Mamdani has been the director since 2010. He higher education; beyond criminal justice; retires next year. Over the last 10 years he focused governance; security and land in Uganda. on building the PhD program. He has transformed MISR offers a seminar every Wednesday the institute from a consultancy unit to a centre of where MISR and external researchers submit excellence, a research centre which now produces the results of their research. The seminars African researchers in great demand. have covered numerous topical social, Today, MISR takes a critical look at how it has economic and political issues. been shaped by this legacy, in particular the Professor Mahmood Mamdani, director impact of ‘market forces’ over the past decade. In at MISR, says when COVID-19 made the face of a growing and pervasive culture of travel impossible, MISR shifted to Zoom consultancy, MISR recommits itself to its original and launched a weekly series of ‘Global vocation, social research. It cannot do this alone. Conversations’ with scholars from around To build a sustainable research culture MISR the world speaking on their work. Some of seeks to join hands with others, starting with the the matters discussed included: capitalism different Faculties at Makerere that contribute as a mode of colonising the Future; coping to the study of society, government departments with COVID-19; the future of sustainable that appreciate the importance of research for development; democracy and populism. the country’s future, and then going outward to Others were: who is afraid of “gender”; the Prof Mamdani. Below, with PhD embrace the wider world of research and social religion of translation; thinking about religion students at the new faculty building activism. through Wittgenstein; a democratic theory of finance for the 21st century; imperialism, nationalism and Chinese thought in early PUBLISHING at MISR (Yahya Seremba), Gulu University 20th Century. MISR has established its own press, the MISR Press, and its own (Laury Ocen) and Uganda Martyrs University Mamdani says there has been a remarkable journal, The MISR Review, gaining Makerere continental and (David Ngendo-Tshimba). expansion of higher education on the African global recognition. Some of the books published by the MISR MISR graduates are just as warmly continent, particularly in the middle belt Press recently include: Saviors and Survivors: Darfur, Politics welcome in the more established universities colonised in late 19th century, over the past and the War on Terror; Displacing Human Rights: War and around the continent. Mamadani cites a two decades. Student numbers have gone up Intervention in Northern Uganda; Define and Rule: Native as few examples such as at the Centre for astronomically, but not that of instructors. Political Identity; Getting the Question Right: Interdisciplinary Humanities Research at the University of He explains that the gap is filled by ‘moon- exploration at Makerere University. Western Cape in South Africa (Ayanda lighting’ faculty from more established Nombila); the Faculty of Social Sciences universities, and by instructors whose Others are: The land question: Socialism, capitalism and the in Addis Ababa University where Yonas qualifications remain limited to Master’s market; Gender, ethnicity and violence in Kenya’s transitions to Ashine has risen to the position of Deputy level. Not surprisingly, most universities democracy: States of violence; Scholars in the marketplace: The Principal in a short time; the institute of remain teaching institutions, with research dilemmas of neo-liberal reforms at Makerere University, 1989- Ethiopian Studies (Netsanet GebreMicheal), a poor add-on. He notes that this context 2005; Subjects of empires, citizens of states: Yemenis in the Port also at Addis Ababa University; and Cheikh explains why the doctoral fellows who of Djibouti and its hinterlands. Anta Diop University in Dakar (Haydee graduate from MISR are eagerly absorbed in Bangerezako). higher institutions in Uganda, for example, “Wherever MISR graduates go, they tend

22 MAKERERE UNIVERSITY Economic Policy Research Centre

ECONOMIC POLICY RESEARCH CENTRE >> eprcug.org

Adapting to COVID A new vision Doctoral programmes have adapted in the face of the pandemic and certain adaptations will likely be maintained for agriculture once the pandemic abates. The Economic Policy Research Centre Online lectures on Zoom. This will likely make it possible to introduce seeks to unlock Uganda’s full agricututral 1a long distance version of the potential by driving industrialisation three-year MPhil. This will make the programme sustainable by increasing the share of locally raised funds in the he Economic Policy Research Centre budget. (EPRC) is Uganda’s leading think tank in economics and development Building of an online collection policy-oriented research and policy Tanalysis. of books and other educational 2materials in the library that will Established in 1993 as an autonomous make it possible to make the most not-for-profi t organisation, the centre fi lls economic use of limited funds. vital vacuums in economics research, policy analysis, and capacity building for Uganda’s effective policy processes. EPRC is founded to take ‘the MISR model’ along,” Mamdani by Government of Uganda, Makerere says. He adds that the model has inspired University and Bank of Uganda. parallel experiments at Makerere University, In 2018, through the Strategic Economic in particular at the College of Humanities Policy Management Forum, the EPRC, and Social Science, which is in the course of together with the Ministry of Finance and introducing its fi rst ‘taught PhD’, departing Economic Development, Operation Wealth Dr Sarah Ssewanyana from the entrenched British model which Creation and the Private Sector Foundation focused almost exclusively on a research- Uganda, conducted a study on a sustainable agro-industrialisation agenda in Uganda. based PhD. requirements. The model encourages This study made a case for activating “The inadequacy of the older model has manufacturers to work closely with farmers transformative agro-industrialisation become most evident where undergraduate by facilitating the formation of farmer (AGI) in the context of Uganda’s proposed training has been so weak that most of its cooperatives to smoothen information fl ow. national industrial policy. graduates are unable to move directly into an Ssewanyana says that in addition to Dr Sarah Ssewanyana, the executive exclusively research-based PhD,” Mamdani ensuring agro-input availability in the right director at the EPRC, says that with says. quantities, high-end manufacturers could agriculture as a dominant source of He says that though the academy is the identify the knowledge gaps to be fi lled by livelihood AGI offered an excellent primary destination for MISR graduates, the extension services. “The manufacturers opportunity for Uganda to embark on its it is not the only one. It is followed by the The EPRC must create an incentive system that long-term aspiration of transitioning into policy-making world (Barbra Nakungu at the made a motivates farmers to supply raw materials a modern industrial economy for several World Bank in Washington D.C.) and local case for of the right quality and industry quantities. reasons. These include promoting inclusive community-based organisation combining focusing on Within this model, government creates an and equitable growth; Uganda’s positive activism with research. He cites two examples nine game- enabling environment for transformative trade balance in agro-industrial products — Teresa Alieu the executive director of changers: value chains.” and the need to promote export of high- Land and Equity Movement in Uganda “The aim is to unlock the critical value products. (LEMU) and Frank Muhereza who has been 1. Coffee productivity enablers such as research and “Government urgently needed to shift elected executive director of Centre for Basic 2. Cotton development, increase technology adoption, the country’s economic centre of gravity Research. Both organisations are based in 3. Tea unlocks opportunities for irrigation, from low-value agriculture to value-added Kampala but their activities cover the entire 4. Fisheries establish better storage facilities, increase manufacturing,” Ssewanyana says. East African region. 5. Dairy access to fi nance, and encourage effi cient She adds that more efforts are required to “MISR has also been the site of innovative 6. Beef land use. The government adopted our leverage the domestic market for selected research, though research takes a longer time 7. Cassava suggestions,” Ssewanyana says. agro-industrial products through import to bear fruit,” Mamdani says. 8. Maize The AGI study culminated into the Public replacement. He identifi es two theses likely to be noted 9.Vegetable Investment Management for Agro-Industry “Agro-industrialisation would address for bringing an original contribution to oil (PIMA) Strategy. This joint effort gave rise the high post-harvest losses experienced the world of scholarship. The fi rst is Yonas to the Agro-Industrialisation Programme throughout the country,” Ssewanyana says. Ashine’s thesis on the genealogy of the of the National Development Plan III (NDP The EPRC proposed an integrated Ethiopian state. The second is Teresa Alieu’s III). In 2020, the EPRC conducted market model where agricultural production is soon to be competed thesis that offers a studies for the nine PIMA commodities. anchored on agro-manufacturers, with the critique of the World Bank’s programme to The studies focused on the prospects for government playing a key strategic role in commodify customary tenure, at the same industrialisation are expected to help providing public services such as research time offering an alternative project for government in the implementation of the and development guided by industrial increasing the productivity of agriculture in NDP III agro-industrialisation programme. an equitable manner.

MAKERERE UNIVERSITY 23 Professor Mahmood Mamdani

CONFUCIUS INSTITUTE >> ci.mak.ac.ug

Students are assisted with getting internship placements, scholarships and employment opportunities Dr. Gilbert Gumoshabe, Director, Confucius Institute Pioneering Chinese language classes At the Confucius Institute, members of the public can opt to take a short course in the language

he unique role of the Confucius Institute is to teach the Chinese language and culture in Uganda. The institute teaches the Chinese Tlanguage as part of Makerere University’s Bachelor of Chinese and Asian Studies and as a subject under the Bachelor of Arts (Arts) and B. Arts (Social Sciences). Dr. Gilbert Gumoshabe, the director at the Confucius Institute at Makerere University, says Chinese is taught as a short course to the members of the general public at the Confucius Institute. Gilbert says that in partnership with the National Curriculum Development Centre (NCDC) the Confucius Institute supports the teaching of Chinese in the Ugandan secondary schools under the new curriculum. “Our achievements include introducing the teaching of Chinese language in Uganda. Because of the Confucius Institute we were able to formally introduce Chinese which has been embraced by the public, secondary schools and other tertiary institutions,” Gumoshabe says. Students at the institute Training teachers to teach Chinese in Ugandan secondary schools is another of the institute’s achievements. The nine-month to demonstrate their knowledge of the The institute acts as a bridge between trainings are done in partnership with the Chinese language, culture, talent and general graduates and the Chinese universities and National Curriculum Development Centre knowledge about the world. Ugandan employers. Through the Confucius (NCDC). The institute also supported NCDC in The winners get prizes and are sent Institute, qualifying Ugandans receive over the development of the syllabus for teaching to China to represent Uganda in a global 30 scholarships at various levels to study in Chinese and has also partnered with NCDC to competition. Winter and summer camps have China. develop the A’ level syllabus for Chinese. been carried out to improve the learners’ Gomushabe says that with the approval The institute has organised cultural knowledge of the Chinese language. of their partners they are looking forward and academic events through which the The institute has transformed into a link to training another 500 Ugandan teachers. secondary school students of Chinese can between the students/graduates and Chinese He adds that they plan to construct a state- improve their proficiency. employers in Uganda. of-the-art building to house the Confucius He says that every university and “The students are assisted with getting Institute. The building will provide space secondary school student has an opportunity internship placements, scholarships and for teaching, offices, language laboratories, to compete in the Chinese bridge competition employment opportunities,” Gumoshabe says. computer labs and a conference centre.

24 MAKERERE UNIVERSITY RECREATION >> mak.ac.ug

PHOTOS: MICHAEL NSUBUGA

Makerere University netball court under construction. Mak is developing state-of-the-art sports facilities

Makerere prides itself in providing an Mak championing environment that nurtures sporting talent sports development akerere University is not only to building a strong Makerere aesthetics. “We aspire to rise to a committed to the promotion brand and the university’s sportsmen standard similar to (or even better than) of sports and a healthy and women, but churns out top sports the top universities on the continent so lifestyle among all students, administrators in the country and we can live by our motto “Building for Macademic, administrative and support internationally, thus playing a big the Future,” Kabenge says. staff. The broader vision is to enable role in the development of sports “Getting engaged in games and sports them enjoy equal opportunities and worldwide. activities promotes individual talents.” access to sports activities and facilities. “The idea of forming the Association “Strong partnerships and linkages Sports at Makerere University is a of Uganda University Sports was with organisations in other sectors means of education and one factor that hatched at Makerere University by has helped to ensure competitive brings students and staff together. the then Dean of Students George sport where talented athletes have The university recognises sports Kihuguru as the President and the then achieved their full potential in personal as a powerful means of enhancing Principal Sports Tutor, Era N. B Mugisa, and social development through the health, wellbeing, entertainment, the first General Secretary. participation.” recreation and nurturing of talent of Mak is home to the Federation of her members. Games Africa University Sports (FASU) and the According to Peninnah Kabenge, “The national university games are Federation of East Africa University the head of sports and recreation, a product of Makerere University and Sports. It has seen FASU grow into a this commitment is demonstrated by have grown and produced world class formidable continental organisation. The national university two basic aspects of the rich sports athletes, so are the other programmes Students’ exposure to different sports games are a product of programme: organised and competitive such as the 3x3 Basketball Challenge, “ activities at international level such as Makerere University and championships in various sports and The University Basketball Foodlights FISU Volunteers Leadership Academy, have produced world class informal self-directed and purely and the University Football League, FISU Young Journalist Programme, the athletes. recreational sports. which have been championed with FISU Forum, World University Games, “While the primary function of the Makerere University at the helm”. Peninnah Kabenge, the Continental Games and Championships university is academic, the value of the Makerere University has hosted head of sports at Mak has given them a competitive holistic development of students and University Games at all levels like no advantage and produced the leading establishing a culture of participation other university in Africa. Sports Championship and the FISU sports administrators in the country, and competition is central to the Makerere hosted the second National Weightlifting Championship. region, continent and the world. institution’s focus on the well-being of University Games, several editions of students,” Kabenge notes. the East Africa University Games, the Enormous opportunities. Future plans “Makerere University has dedicated 5th All Africa University Games 2008, Makerere participates in regional, Mak is looking at having a healthy resources to sports and games thus the the Third World University Netball continental and international events campus which aims to enhance University prides itself in providing an Championship. where the university dominates students’ wellbeing and the campus enabling environment for students to Makerere also has the hosting positions on the representative teams. community at large. Having state of art nurture their skills and talents.” rights to the 2024 FISU (Federation of Mak is planning to redevelop its sports facilities as will be guided by the She says Makerere sport contributes International University Sports ) Mind facilities to increase capacity and sports policy once approved.

MAKERERE UNIVERSITY 25 MAKERERE INFECTIOUS DISEASES INSTITUTE >> idi.mak.ac.ug

At the Infectious Diseases Institute, a key goal is African-led research that benefits the locals Connecting with communities he Infectious Diseases Institute (IDI) at Makerere University connects the traditional strengths of academia OPERATIONS REACH T(research, training and clinical excellence) to real-world challenges 1. Prevention The institute in the community in Uganda and 2. Care and Treatment has established Africa at large. This work is primarily 3. Training programmes in undertaken in the field of infectious 4. Research Bunyoro, Central diseases, which includes HIV/AIDS, 5. Laboratory services. Uganda, West Nile tuberculosis, malaria, and more 6. Global health security and Karamoja. Dr. Andrew Kambugu recently, emerging infectious diseases like Ebola virus disease and COVID-19. undertake research, from conception According to Dr. Andrew Kambugu, of a scientific idea to protocol writing, the Executive Director of IDI, scholars implementation, and dissemination. at the institute undertake research and Our research programme emphasises capacity building activities which are the journey towards scientific relevant to our communities. That is independence. Through the why today theinstitute not only has Ssewankambo Scholar Pogramme programmes in Kampala and Wakiso, many scholars have been mentored but also in the West Nile and Karamoja who have also turned out to be leaders regions. in the university,” Kambugu says. IDI is a non-profit organisation The institute seeks to make whose mission is to strengthen contributions beyond HIV, given the health systems in Africa, with strong scientific and programmatic progress emphasis on infectious diseases, made towards achieving HIV epidemic through research and capacity control. development. “When we saw the progress, we had The institute was established in made with HIV, we started scanning 2002 by a group of infectious diseases A Microbiology Master’s the environment and we realised experts from Uganda and the US. student experiencing the the increasing number of emerging They included: Dr. Merle A Sande, virtual reality technology infectious diseases in central and and Dr. Nelson K Ssewankambo. Their that will be used to train East Africa. So, we started a global steady vision of an Africa free from frontline health workers health security programme in 2016. the burden of infectious disease has to manage COVID-19 This investment paid off when enabled the IDI to become a world- COVID-19 hit Uganda. We had already class centre of excellence. SOME IDI PRODUCTS established some capacity to do the This institute has provided excellent detection and response through the care for People Living with HIV Beneficiaries nurtured through IDI’s research programmes include: programme. That way, we have been (PLHIV) in Uganda, by training Prof Pauline Byakika, who specialised in Malaria and HIV, Prof Damalie key in supporting the health ministry healthcare workers to serve the tens Nakajanko, the Principal of the College of Health Sciences (HIV to make sure Ugandans are safe,” of millions of PLHIV in Africa, to Immunology), Prof Noelina Nakasujja, a psychiatrist (HIV and Mental Kambugu says. maintain the strategic emphasis on Health) and Prof Posiano Ocama, liver specialist (HIV and Liver Diseases). The Institute is also central to prevention, and to conduct research the harnessing of the data science relevant to improving the outcome of trainings that have enabled us build treatment in all the corners of the revolution to deal with health the epidemic. capacity especially in HIV, today we country,” Kambugu says. challenges within the university. In When the College of Health Sciences have so many health workers who can What drives their research March 2019, the 2nd African Centre was established in 2004, IDI became an prescribe ARVS. Traditionally doctors programmes is the desire to generate of Excellence in Data Science and integral part of the School of Medicine used to prescribe but because of the evidence that can inform guidelines Bioinformatics was launched at within the college. long lines, it was going to be hard for and policies, at the same time make Makerere University. “The institute has an interesting doctors so we introduced something sure it is Ugandans and Africans doing Through a university-wide networks journey, the public might not be aware called task shifting. Nurses and clinical the research. The institute does this of data scientists, this centre will be a that our trainees are from beyond officers can now prescribe ARVs if through the Ssewankambo Scholars’ catalyst for innovation and research, Africa, the philosophy we train one they are well trained. It has enabled Programme. including exciting fields like artificial who trainees thousands, we have had government to have this life-saving “We want Africans to independently intelligence and machine learning.

26 MAKERERE UNIVERSITY Professor Mahmood Mamdani

MAKERERE UNIVERSITY BUSINESS SCHOOL >> mubs.mak.ac.ug

Unpacking Makerere Research and Innovation Fund

The Government of the Republic of Uganda is funding Makerere University to support high impact Research and Innovations to drive Uganda’s development Agenda. This unique initiative was a climax of strategic meetings and continuous engagements involving Makerere University Management and the Government. Under the Fund, Makerere University receives special funding worth sh30b (equivalent to $ 8.1m) from the Government under the Research and Innovations Fund (RIF) to support high impact Research and Innovations. The money is directed towards increasing local generation of translatable research and scalable innovations that address key gaps required to drive Uganda’s development agenda. The fund is aimed at complementing available research funding to address unfunded priorities critical to accelerating development across different sectors of the economy in Uganda. The Research and Innovations grant targets MUBS seeks to end researchers and innovators from Makerere University. These include Makerere University appointed academic staff (assistant lecturers, lecturers, senior lecturers, associate professors plastic bag menace and professors) and research staff who hold a valid and current appointment (research Under the Research and Innovations Fund, Makerere University fellows and senior research fellows). Business School is digging up solutions to everyday problems How the fund is administerED The Principal Investigator (PI) should igure this out: your garden is strewn be an academic or research staff of with lots of polythene bags (kaveera), old Makerere University on permanent jerricans, mineral water bottles and all OTHER STUDIES or full-time contract or a senior staff manner of environmentally hazardous member from one of the administrative Fwaste. It is a real problem on your hands. And T he Governance Forum (GF): A culturally based units linked to research (Library, Gender you have been scratching your head but cannot model for building grass root governance 1 Mainstreaming, Quality Assurance, figure how to clear this mess in preparation for structures undertaken by Dr Isaac Newton Kayongo. and the Directorate of Research and the planting season. Graduate Training (DRGT)) Well, thanks to a new innovation being The Design and implementation of an innovative n The PI should be actively in service pioneered by Makerere Business School, plastic Milestone-based program monitoring system 2 (not on study leave or sabbatical leave). waste such as kaveera could cease being a for the university undertaken by Diana Ntamu, and n The PI should obtain a letter of support problem to farmers in Uganda. Policy and regulatory compliance with Smart Grid from his/her department/school or “We are trying to look at how we can manage Technologies. College (any one of the three). polymers waste,” says Susan Watundu, the brain n The PI should attach a copy of his/her behind the innovation titled “Management of Post electricity sector reform in Uganda by Dr appointment letter or most-recent letter polymers waste in slum areas in Kampala: A Hassan Bashir. 3 of promotion issued by the Directorate randomised control experiment”. of Human Resource of Makerere Watundu and a group of other researchers are University. trying to look at an enzyme that will decompose recycling to deal with the problem, not all the n A researcher cannot be a PI on more plastic waste such that it does not become a waste can be removed from the environment. than one application but it is allowable problem to the soil, making it possible to convert As such, the waste is finding itself on farming for a person to be on multiple applying dumping grounds into agriculture zones. fields, and some of it is getting washed into water teams. On average, it takes about 350 years for bodies, which is becoming a big challenge to n Researchers from Makerere University the plastic to decompose which has made it aquatic life such as fish. are encouraged to collaborate with nightmare for the country’s farmers. However, Watundu’s project is part of three others that resource persons from civil society with the innovation, Watundu says plastic can are taking shape at Makerere Business School. organisations, government sectors, turn into a useful ingredient to the soil the way, The projects are being done with the support other universities within Uganda, like any organic waste, such as banana fibre, of the Government of Uganda through the independent research institutions, because it will decompose rapidly. Makerere University Research and Innovation business and industry as part of their “We are trying to find how to degrade plastic Fund (RIF) grant. teams; in such cases, the external team and make it important to the soil rather than it MUBS is benefiting from the research fund members will provide a letter of support being the problem it is now,” she says. by virtue of being an affiliate institution to from their institution. Although the country currently depends on Makerere University.

MAKERERE UNIVERSITY 27 >> Research and Innovations Fund

The fund aims at increasing the local generation of translatable research and innovations that address key gaps in order to drive Uganda’s development agenda Research, innovations elevate Makerere’s global rank “ akerere University received Research special funding from the is key Government to support Funding in numbers high impact The fund exemplifies the Funds received in 2019/20 Mresearch and role government attaches to financial year innovations that sh30b research and innovations as address national key drivers of development development priorities. Number of projects awarded and national transformation. The objective of the 587 grants out of 1,446 applicants Prof. William Bazeyo, the head fund is to increase of the Makerere Research and the local generation Number of projects funded in Innovations Fund of translatable 158 2020/21 research and scalable innovations gaps in the national development plan, available research funding to that address key relevant sector development plans or address unfunded priorities critical gaps required to drive the sustainable development goals and to accelerating development across Uganda’s development are within the framework of Makerere different sectors of the economy in agenda. University’s Strategic Plan. Uganda. Prof. William Bazeyo, The fund aims to complement Over the 2019/20 financial year, the head of the Makerere Research and Innovations Fund (RIF), says the fund exemplifies the role government attaches to research and innovations as key COVID-19 research projects awarded drivers of development and national l transformation. A total of 112 special COVID-19 research Education and ICT (including Data mining The fund is open to researchers projects were awarded to generate rapid and modelling) l from all academic colleges of Makerere information on the effects of COVID-19 on the Health system issues and health shocks University who have research that economy and to generate quick solutions and from other high burden diseases l aligns with national priorities. innovations to address gaps in the following Innovations in preventive health care The initial focus was on already response areas: against COVID-19 l l existing research and innovation Addressing psychosocial impact of Justice, security and human rights ideas among researchers, with grants COVID-19 (for example stigmatisation, (including employee retention and awarded on a competitive process in sexual and gender-based violence-SGBV) employability, Livelihood’s resilience, socio- l response to call for applications. Agriculture and livestock production and economic impacts and income transfers productivity l Low-cost appropriate technologies in l Approaches in promoting uptake of response to COVID-19 (e.g., engineering The beneficiaries A potential beneficiary may be any behavioral measures for prevention of and manufacturing; ICT (including data scholar who has a research and COVID-19 mining and modelling) l l innovation idea that has a clear Clinical manifestation, diagnosis and Strengthening surveillance and contact connection to or fills critical knowledge treatment of COVID-19 tracing

28 MAKERERE UNIVERSITY 10 special Makerere University received a total Summary of the calls and response to-date projects of sh30b ($8.1m) , giving a boost to local innovations across several fields. Call No. Applicants No. awardees Ten emergency-need special A multi-sectoral Grants Management 1 RIF1 Response to national priorities 704 224 projects were awarded to Committee has been appointed after address innovations in key RIF 2 Response to national priorities 2 66 wide consultations with the Colleges (resubmissions) areas of emergency demand and has received the Terms of RIF 1 Institutional capacity building for the sectors. The projects 3 10 Reference. needs specifically include the The committee rapidly developed 4 Special coronavirus (COVID-19 grants 356 112 following: grant guidelines and has so far issued Building mathematical 5 COVID-19 urgent needs 16 four grant calls, attracting 1,446 framework for guiding RIF 2 New research agenda-based applicants and 587 awarded projects 6 386 159 decision making and projects 1 with the potential to transform Uganda. assessing potential intervention The grants are guided by four core TOTAL 1,446 587 policies in the wake of novel principles — results and impact, equity COVID-19 pandemic outbreak. and inclusion, multi-disciplinarity and accountability and utilisation. Purchase of COVID-19 They include commitment to Sars-Cov Project- actionable results within one year and Grant Principles 2Makerere University potential for wider impact, ensuring Immunology Lab. that all colleges to benefit, with Results and impact Accountability and utilisation women researchers and junior faculty A commitment to actionable results To protect our reputation, Characteristics of persons representation; involvement of more within one year and potential for wider accountability and utilisation will be of screened, tested and than one sector in the projects, and a impact. utmost importance. 4diagnosed with COVID-19 commitment to protect the university’s disease at health facilities in reputation, accountability and use. Equity and inclusion Types of projects Uganda. The funded projects are also required All colleges to benefit; women There were three types of research gap to be research-based, innovation-based researchers and junior faculty —research based, innovation-based and Assessment of the and capacity building-based. representation ensured. capacity building based. feasibility and safety of The research agenda may be drawn A total of 447 projects have been 5Immune/Convalescent from consultations with researchers, Multi-disciplinary funded in response to national Plasma Treatment among government sectors, the National Major development challenges require development needs, of which 289 were COVID-19 patients in Uganda Planning Authority and implementing more than the effort of one sector; this awarded in the FY 2019-20 and 158 (COVID Trial). partners. should be reflected in the projects. have been awarded in the FY 2020-21. Development of an open design Low-Cost 6Ventilator in Response to Outputs from projects that are near completion the COVID-19 Need. Some of the key projects that have so far produced tangible Rural Health Centres research products generated from this research and with l Integration of on- and off-grid decentralized renewable A randomised Open potential transformation are summarized by college as energy systems: Enabling Uganda’s largest distributor Phase II Clinical Trial to follows: UMEME to pilot the integration of off-grid decentralised 7determine the Efficacy College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences renewable energy systems with grid systems to extend of Hydroxychloroquine for l Enhancing Value addition on Potato-Sorghum electricity access to unserved communities. Treatment of COVID-19 in enterprises l Establishing a Knowledge Management and Evidence Adults in Uganda. l Empowering the Agro-Processing Industry to meet Response Unit: A Knowledge Management & Evidence standards for the local and export market, etc Response Unit (KERU) has been established to accelerate Efficacy and the pooling of evidence to inform policy and to accelerate practicability of the Buy College of Computing and Information Sciences its uptake. 8Uganda Build Uganda l Crane Cloud: An open-source multi-cloud service layer Initiative. for highly available cloud-based services College of Business and Management Sciences l Gamification to strengthen Science, Technology, l An interrogation of Tax Education Gaps in the Informal Investing data and Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education, etc Sector: This research has identified gaps and proposed evidence to Inform approaches to help URA widen the tax-based from the 9Education Policy in College of Health Sciences informal sector. response to the new normal l Makerere Antimicrobial Resistance Monitoring System l Using Telehealth Services to Support the Continuity caused by COVID-19 pandemic. l Leveraging technology to reduce cardiovascular- of Family Planning Information, Access: Researchers are metabolic risk. utilising an existing telehealth platform for the provision Virtual Centre l Scaling-up the ‘‘Training on outbreak preparedness and of reproductive health services during and post COVID-19 of Excellence response at district level’’. pandemic. 10for Sustainable l Skills Matching, Wages and Productivity gains: Findings Health to Support the College of Engineering, Design, Art and Technology from this research will inform policy makers on the COVID-19 Response and l Portable Deep Learning-based Platform for Passion Fruit appropriate policies needed to improve the responsiveness Post-COVID Recovery Process Disease Identification. of labor supply to labour demand, bridging skills gaps, COVIDCanIDoIt: A COVID-19 l Parametric Optimisation of Solar Autoclaves for use in enhancing productivity and bridging income inequalities. Daily Activity Risk Assessment Tool.

MAKERERE UNIVERSITY 29 COLLEGE OF BUSINESS AND MANAGEMENT SCIENCES >> bams.mak.ac.ug Tackling challenges of development Programmes at the College of Business and Management Sciences aim to enable students to analyse and deal with problems of development

he College of Business and Management Sciences is a constituent college of Makerere University. It was formed in 2011 as a merger between the then Faculty Tof Economics and Management (FEMA) and the Institute of Statistics and Applied Economics and is composed of three schools, seven departments and a centre. The School of Economics is made up of the Department of Economic Theory and Analysis and the Department of Policy and Development Economics. The School of Business comprises of the Department of Marketing and Management and the Department of Accounting and Finance. The School of Statistics and Planning has the Department of Planning and Applied Statistics, the Department of Population Studies, the Department of Statistical Methods and Actuarial Science and the Center for Population and Applied Statistics (CPAS). The college is currently home to 5,500 students across 21 taught programmes from undergraduate to doctorate level. The training programmes seek to prepare learners for further studies. The programmes aim to enable them analyse and deal with problems of development in the region through a blend of theory from the classroom with practice from the ‘world of work’ through the internship program. The college offers short-term training courses for mid-career managers and policy makers on a fee-paying basis and self-sponsorship. The the principle will be preserved. Only a percentage of total staffing position of the college stands at returns will be spent to supplement the university’s 238 members, 131 of whom are academic staff human resource capacity development efforts. The structure members. Of these, 43% are PhD holders. The fund will facilitate cutting-edge research The overall objective and strategy is to position and outreach. It will offer scholarships to talented the college as a relevant and sustainable institution but under-privileged candidates enrolling on School of School of of international standing with high calibre staff, programmes that fall within the mandate of the Economics Business an active presence in public policy research and college. l Department formulation and contribution to the community. The college has initially committed sh300m of its l Department of Economic of Marketing Dr. Eria Hisali Principal at the College of annual remittances from the centre to the fund over Theory and Business and Management Sciences, says that the last two years. Management Analysis l Department in order to fulfill the college’s mission while The official launch of the Fund will take place in l Department of Accounting working towards attaining the vision, they are April 2021. Hisali says that they are aware of the of Policy and and Finance. implementing many strategic level interventions. principle that a higher fund value earns higher Development They have made strides in laying a firm returns. “The college has set itself an enviable target Economics foundation for future financial sustainability, of raising sh20b in 10 years,” Hisali says. brand visibility, research and collaborations, The college has positioned itself as a center of human resources capacity and staffing, quality choice by international development organisations assurance, teaching and learning. for short term training and capacity development in The 142nd Meeting of the Makerere University the areas of data management and statistics on the School of Statistics and Planning Council that sat on March 1, 2018 approved continent. l a proposal from the college to establish an The School of Statistics and Planning has over the Department of Planning and Applied Statistics l Department of Population Studies, endowment fund as one of the measures for last three years won grants worth about $550,000 l Department of Statistical Methods financial sustainability. from the World Bank and the African Development and Actuarial Science It will be a perpetual self-sustaining fund where Bank. l Centre for Population and Applied Statistics

30 MAKERERE UNIVERSITY The potential of the college to contribute to policy formulation, implementation and evaluation remains largely untapped Dr. Eria Hisali, COBAMS Principal Students at the university

2017/18 to over 160 in 2019/2020. The college has IN NUMBERS established three new flagship activities, one at each of its three schools. These are the Data Analysis and Management Unit, based at the School of Statistics and 238 Total staffing at the college. Of Planning. The other is the Macroeconomic these, 131 are academic staff Modelling, Analysis and Forecasting Unit at the members, 43% of whom are School of Economics. The Makerere University PhD holders. Entrepreneurship and Innovation Center is at the School of Business. These are meant to coordinate public policy, industry and community and engagement, improve visibility and contribute to 5,500 long term financial sustainability. Number of students, across On research and visibility, he says most of the 21 taught programmes from research and community engagement activities at undergraduate to doctorate the college are currently individual based. level. He notes that there are few established frameworks such as Centers of Excellence, Policy Labs and journals within the College to mainstream such engagements in order to respond to problems of society and even challenges that policy makers face. Other plans “The potential, therefore, of the College to contribute to policy formulation, implementation The college will expand its revenue and evaluation remains largely untapped,” Hisali sources beyond the endowment says. fund through among others In the medium-term, Hisali says attention will expanding the graduate students’ be given to the following: expanding the graduate intake, executive programmes and students’ numbers to 45% of enrolment over the internationalisation. next five years. They will complete the process This will be realised through new programmes of international accreditation The grants are to facilitate training for such as the proposed Master of Investment of the college and its flagship government officials from Africa in the areas and Risk Management, Master of Development academic programmes such as data management and analysis, poverty Finance, Master of Arts in Development They will increase the number analysis, gender and agricultural statistics. Economics, Master of Science in Actuarial Science, of publications and research It recently received a grant of $452,000 dollars Master of Science in Impact Evaluation, Master of outputs to about 350 per year from the World to support IT equipment and Arts in Demography, Master of Economic Policy within three years. facilities in order to strengthen its capacity to Modelling and PhD programmes in accounting, They will expand and maintain continue with its short term and long-term finance and management. physical infrastructure to cope capacity development efforts. This will go hand in hand with measures to with emerging demands . The college is home to a centre of excellence in strengthen research and the graduate students’ Hisali says the college will Public Investment Management supported by the office to improve on the graduate students’ review the college research focus World Bank and a regional centre for Environment experience at the college. and agenda. They will set up the and Development (EfD) supported by SIDA. They will institutionalise seminar and working college research infrastructure The EfD Centre at Makerere University is one paper series, policy labs and establish a multi- and systems (institutional review of the 15 such centres worldwide. It works with disciplinary journal for the college to enhance its board, grants office), ensure staff relevant government departments, the private visibility. exchanges, secondments and sector, development partners and civil society to The college will complete the transition professional affiliations as a way drive research and policy action. to the learner-centred teaching methods by of retooling academic staff and The research and policy are underpinned by mainstreaming modern technologies such as researchers. issues regarding environmental management and multimedia, video, online content, electronic They will mainstream and sustainable development. boards, computers, cyber networks and virtual improve processes that enhance The college has for the last five years supported platforms, among others. quality and service delivery research and publication through its small grants They will establish new partnerships and including quality assurance, programme. This intervention has increased strengthen existing ones with reputable academic communication and grievance the number of publications from under 40 in and research institutions across the globe. resolution.

MAKERERE UNIVERSITY 31 >> MAKERERE COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING, DESIGN ART & TECHNOLOGY

Dr Peter Olupot (centre) with his students learning about the recyclable water hand washing facility (ECO-WASH) Commercial innovations take the lead at CEDAT he College of Engineering, Many of CEDAT’s fl agship innovations have since been Design, Art and Technology (CEDAT) was born out of a commercialised or at advanced stages of production merger of the then Faculty of TTechnology and the Margaret Trowell There are two new centres at the The other innovation that CEDAT School of Industrial and Fine Art. college: the Africa Center of Excellence prides itself in is the biodegradable At the time of formation of colleges, on Materials, Product Development and sanitary pad dubbed MakaPads, a the former Faculty of Technology Nano-Technology that is supported by biodegradable sanitary napkin made was split into two schools one for the World Bank and the East African out of papyrus that is highly absorbent engineering and the other for built Centre for Renewable Energy and and cheap. environment. The college is comprised Energy Effi ciency that is supported by The low-cost sanitary napkin was School of Engineering, School of Built United Nations Industrial Development born out of research that found that Environment and the Margaret Trowell Organisation. most school-going girls dropped out of School of Industrial and Fine Art. Prof Alinaitwe, the Principal of school or could not attend class because In 2020, the School of Engineering CEDAT, says the college and Makerere they could not afford sanitary pads and the Art Gallery at the University have transformed over during menstruation. Margaret Trowell School of the years of implementation of the According to Prof. Alinaitwe, the Industrial and Fine Art celebrated Collegiate system. MakaPads are not only good for the 50 years. learner due to affordability but also Each of the three schools Innovations for the environment since they are that form CEDAT has three CEDAT is riding high on biodegradable. The Makapads project departments handling specialised innovations that have given was spearheaded by the late Dr Moses programmes/courses in their Makerere University an edge , Musaazi. respective fi elds. as the college develops ground- CEDAT is also proud of the solar- CEDAT has also established breaking applications. powered irrigation project headed by centres to facilitate research, One of the star innovations Dr Joseph Kadoma Byaruhanga. including the Centre for Research in is the KIIRA EV, born out of a Backed by the Presidential Initiative Transportation Technology; Centre student extra-curriculum activity that on Science and Technology, the solar for Geographical Information Systems; has morphed into a corporation, Kiira irrigation project is envisaged to help Centre for Technology Development Motors Corporation. The staff at KMC promote the adoption of irrigation and Transfer; Centre for Renewable are former students from the three technologies by small holder farmers Energy and Energy Conservation. schools and they have continued to to irrigate crops and guarantee all-year The college also had the institute of demonstrate the work collaboration production and improve the country’s heritage conservation and restoration. Prof. Henry Alinaitwe initiated while at the college. food security.

32 MAKERERE UNIVERSITY 'NTIJLWFIFGQJUFHPFLNSLXTQZYNTS KTWQNVZNIGFXJIHTXRJYNHXZXNSL WJXUTSXJXZWKFHJRJYMTITQTL^G^ *SL7TSFQI0F^N\F There is an increase in the usage of cosmetics mainly due to an exponential growth in number of consumers as well as rising standards of living. Their relatively short lifespan has resulted in a need for frequent replacement by consumers. This has triggered a need for their frequent manufacture and inevitably that of their packaging. Yet this packaging is predominantly made of plastic. 9MJIFRUNSLWFYJNSQFSIąQQXNX high and the hazardous effects of burning such waste are immense. This project has results showing the possibility of sustainable manufacturing of liquid based cosmetic packaging from agricultural waste. Not only does this abate the consequences of the prevalent plastic packaging but also improves the livelihood of the third tier suppliers of the waste 7TSFQI0F^N\F QJKYF5M)XYZIJSYFSI*RRFSZJQ*HM\FQZFRFXYJWèX materials. ^JFWY\TXYZIJSY\TWPNSLTSYMJQT\HTXYXJQKINXNSKJHYNSLLQT[J

5FWFRJYWNH4UYNRNXFYNTSTK8TQFW waste before disposal. This machine :UH^HQNSLUQFXYNH\FXYJXG^NSHTWUTWFYNTS &ZYTHQF[JXKTWWZWFQMJFQYMHJSYWJX uses solar energy. TKFLWNHZQYZWFQWJXNIZJXKTWYMJ G^*SL,JWFQI0NXJPF It uses a principle of irradiance As the world’s burden of surgical IJ[JQTURJSYTKJS[NWTSRJSYFQQ^KWNJSIQ^ and insolation concentration using diseases increases, so does the gap UFHPFLNSLUWTIZHYXG^*SL2NHMFJQ parabolic surfaces to heat water to between access to life saving and 1ZG\FRF temperatures beyond 1000C. disability preventing surgical care, both Plastic waste management is a major The fi rst prototype built has been between and within countries. problem affecting cities and towns in tested and can raise the temperature of Uganda. Plastics are disposed haphazardly The surgical care gap between water to 1000C. and most of them end up blocking drainage developing and developed countries channels. could be substantially reduced through ;FQTWN_FYNTSTK(FXXF[F5JJQX In addition, agricultural residues are integrated strategies including KTW&GFYJRJSYTK&HYN[J also produced in very large quantities appropriate medical equipment 5MFWRFHJZYNHFQ(TSYFRNSFSYX and their disposal by open burning has design for surgical procedures in low- KWTR

MAKERERE UNIVERSITY 33 MAKERERE UNIVERSITY College of Health Sciences >> chs.mak.ac.ug

Makerere University College of Health Sciences is a leader in medical training and research in sub-Saharan Africa, ranking

second after the A lab attendant examining a University of sample with a microscope at Cape Town the college of Health Sciences New lab expands research at College of Health Sciences he Makerere University College ranking second after University of boosted their efforts in undertaking Non-Hodgkin lymphoma. This led to of Health Sciences (MAKCHS) Cape Town. research and innovations at the college. the establishment of a dedicated cancer has championed a number “Graduates of MAKCHS continue She says they have been able to research institute _ the Uganda Cancer of health innovations and to meet requirements of graduate tackle HIV/AIDS and Tuberculosis Institute in 1967. Tresearches over the years. Created training worldwide and faculty are because of their expanded research Similarly, in 1970, research on in 1924 as a Faculty of Medicine and internationally recognised leaders in capacity. The research laboratories Kaposi’s sarcoma was conducted in subsequently transformed into College medical education and research,” says enabled them to support government’s Uganda through early immunological of Health Sciences, MAKCHS is the Prof. Damalie Nakanjako the Principal national COVID-19 response through studies, where a striking impairment in oldest and leading medical school in of MakCHS. expanding testing and research. the delayed hypersensitivity response East Africa and one of the best in She adds, “Throughout the COVID-19 Similarly, in partnership with the to dinitrochlorobenzene (a molecular Africa. pandemic, we have scaled up our Government and the University of formula) was noted in patients with MakCHS has led innovations in virtual learning opportunities. We Cucurova in Turkey, the college was a “malignant” type of tumor. “Fast medical education in the region; with now provide our learners with virtual able to set up a forensic pathology forward to 1985, ‘Slim disease’ was the introduction of student-centered opportunities for interactive clinical centre led by Ugandan scientists and described by three MAK scientists as a learning approaches to medical discussions through online tutorials, pathologists. new disease associated with HTLV-III education; including problem-based clinical grand rounds and mini rounds, infection,” says Prof. Nakanjako. learning, community-based education journal clubs, and various webinars of Research Subsequently, the 1999 landmark and research as a part of medical international repute.” Clinical research discoveries at HIVNET 012 study showed that single- training, competence-based training MakCHS have contributed to advances dose Nevirapine at the onset of labour and inter-professional education; all Laboratories in patient care in Uganda and the and a single dose to the infant led to of which are the leading approaches According to the Principal, Prof. region. Burkitt’s lymphoma was first a 42 percent reduction in maternal- to medical training worldwide. This Damalie Nakanjako their state-of- detected in Uganda, initially described to- child HIV transmission, providing has contributed greatly to keeping the-art diagnostics laboratories set up as a sarcoma (a type of cancer) of the developing world with a cheap and MakCHS a leader in medical training through collaborative support with the jaw and subsequently, in 1962, simple option to protect thousands of and research in sub-Saharan Africa; local and international partners have discovered to be a distinct form of children born by HIV-infected mothers.

34 MAKERERE UNIVERSITY Epi-Tent: Field ‘hospital’ for health Makerere University is providing the and humanitarian emergencies project leadership through Resilient The COVID-19 pandemic saw a sharp Africa Network (RAN) while the increase in demand for appropriate College of Health Sciences (CHS) will treatment spaces to help decongest carry out bench top tests. The College the few treatment centres. The Epi- of Veterinary Medicine, Animal tent, which was invented by a team of Resources and Bio-Security (CoVAB) is researchers from the Resilient Africa responsible for the animal trials. Network (RAN) at Makerere University, The project is currently working on came in handy. the fourth generation prototype which Dr. Roy William Mayega from is undergoing testing and validation. It MakCHS’ school of public health says includes bench-top testing on computer that the team was supported by RAN models, standard test lungs and test and USAID. Prof. Damalie Nakanjako, equipment; tests in animals and tests in The Epi-tent is a portable housing the Principal College of human subjects. that vastly improves the living Health Sciences environment for emergency service Multidisciplinary innovation delivery. hospitals. Another tent was set up at the ecosystem “By integrating smart humane- Busia border to support the immigration Higher education Institutions in low- centered design features, it reduces surveillance activities for COVID-19. and middle-income countries face a extreme temperatures in very hot Adapting challenge of producing graduates who conditions by an average of 100 degrees are not innovative. Necessity, the mother of invention centigrade,” he explains, adding that, to COVID According to Korukundo, an early They also lack the skills and “The tent also improves air circulation engineering prototype of Bulamu ingenuity to develop ideas and products to prevent cross-infection.” Several inventions were made ventilator was developed in April, 2020 that contribute to national development The design makes it possible to have Makerere’s College of Health and the project was launched amidst the and job creation. deployable portable hospitals available Sciences: COVID-19 pandemic. It’s against that background that a within national epidemic and disaster The Epi-tent, which was It was intended to design, prototype, team at Makerere University school of response inventories. invented by a team of optimize and bring to scale an effective public health with support from RAN; Away from COVID 19, usually, 1researchers from the but low-cost ventilator for treatment an Innovation Lab at the university health workers working in emergency Resilient Africa Network at of severe COVID-19 and other similar developed a tool kit for mainstreaming treatment units in very hot humid Makerere University, came in severe respiratory and heart illnesses in Innovation training and innovation environments such as where there handy to decongest treatment Uganda and East Africa region. ecosystem development into the is an outbreak of Ebola ,face life centres. Meanwhile, this project is a academic programs of Makerere threatening challenges. In such Low-cost Bulamu collaboration between Makerere University. circumstances, the Epi-tent provides a ventilator open design University and the ministry of science, Dr. Roy William Mayega says the sustainable solution. 2ventilator used in treating technology and Innovation which is tool kit involves a package of easy Mayega says with funding from the COVID-19 patients. represented by Kiira Motors Corporation to integrate materials that introduce private sector and in corporation with A forensic pathology which is leading the technical design and students to vital knowledge in human the Ministry of Health, they have so far centre. development process towards a refined centred design and designing for set up Epi-tents at Masaka, Mbarara, 3 functional ventilator. Impact. This toolkit also includes Mbale and Gulu regional referral resources for skills building in: The innovative approach and design science, designing with the user- Bulamu ventilator and treatment of COVID-19 patients experience in mind, how to take ideas A team at MAKCHS also invented The “Bulamu” ventilator; a positive and products to scale, how to present pressure device designed for high dependency units and emergency a good pitch to potential funders, applications. It is a low-cost open design ventilator used in treating entrepreneurship skills including COVID-19 patients. business model and go-to-market “Bulamu has been designed as a safe and compliant medical ventilator. strategy development, and managing It uses locally available parts as well as standard parts which are standard- innovation. compliant,” says Pauline Korukundo, the project member. “These skills prepare our graduates to Key parts of the ventilator have been developed using printed circuit face the challenges of the 21st Century, boards, embedded software, computer-aided design, 3D scanning, metal better their lives and drive us into a fabrication and 4th Industrial revolution technologies such as additive middle-income country,” Mayega says. manufacturing, among others. The project also aims to build the Korukundo says the ventilator uses mandatory ventilation to push air to capacity of university teaching staff the patient’s lungs. to be able to develop sustainable “It is supplied by an AC power supply and backup system for off-grid innovation support ecosystems. That use,” she adds. way, individual academic units can The main gas tubing connects from a blender which mixes oxygen and support an innovator right from idea air in preferred ratios. The air flow and pressure are regulated inside the conception to development, project unit and injected into the breathing circuit to provide the driving force for management, application for seed- each patient breath. The oxygen and air supply lines are attached to the grants, going through regulatory blender. Additionally, anti-viral and anti-bacterial HME and HEPA filters approval, linkage to potential scaling are integrated into the ventilator to ensure air quality purification and partners, protection of intellectual cross-contamination prevention, and with that, possible complications Bulamu ventilator property and industrialization of arising from mechanical ventilation are greatly minimised. products and applications.

MAKERERE UNIVERSITY 35 >> College of Natural Sciences (CoNAS) Mathematical modeling key in fighting pandemics

At the onset of COVID-19, the department of mathematics came up with two mathematical models to manage the pandemic

hereas most people see mathematics as an abstract and difficult subject to understand, mathematics Wcannot be avoided in almost every aspect of life. Various aspects of mathematics have evolved since mathematics was discovered in the 6th Century BC. “From objects to symbols, different areas of mathematics were developed. The first and very popular area was pure mathematics. But, the various applications of mathematics led to the development of applied mathematics,” “ says Joseph Mugisha a professor of Biomathematics and Principal COVID-19 MATHEMATICAL PROJECTIONS form a mathematical model,” says Prof. Makerere University College of Natural The staggered ease of lockdown was to let the population Mugisha Sciences (CoNAS). return to some level of normalcy not contravening the Applied mathematics became useful guidelines. The effectiveness of standard operating procedures Mathematical modelling in many fields; for example, before and monitoring the reproductive number to inform the system Mathematical modelling is a system you look you must measure. If you of how it can be brought to less than unity. generated by hypothesis and from are going to bake you must measure Prof. Joseph Mugisha, there, subsequent equations, that will the ingredients. All that is simple but Principal, Makerere University College of Natural Sciences generate answers are formed. applied mathematics. “The models have epidemiological “In real life situations you find and demographic parameters that we mathematics in finance, markets use to make accurate estimates,” says and banks. Eventually, we developed Prof. Mugisha. other forms and one of the interesting “Ideally mathematical models are forms we are using is applications of meant for predication and control,” he mathematics in biology and biomedical In medicine the applications of “We have a threshold value we talk says. processes,” Mugisha says. mathematics have now generated about; the basic reproduction number, In 1985, HIV/AIDS had no vaccine a new research area known as that depending on how many people or treatment and nobody knew what Applying mathematics mathematical epidemiology. the chain has produced, then the entire it was. People were dying at alarming “A typical application of mathematics in For example, if there is a population group will get flu. If one person has rates and eventually, the only option biology can be noted in cell biology — of 20 persons in a closed room and one infected more than one and that person was to predict the next course of action. the rate at which the cell is developing person has the flu, the immune systems infects more than one then the entire Mathematical models were — multiplying and the rate at which notwithstanding, one will catch it population will get infected. formulated to predict the effectiveness it is producing other cells and the rate depending on the proximity to the “That is where we start to say we of interventions such as, use of at which it is diminishing — then we infected person. are applying mathematics in medicine condoms, sticking to one sexual partner are able to tell you that your brain cell If one person has flu, he or she is to identify how the disease is being or abstaining. is degenerating at this rate and, if we likely to infect another person and the transmitted, and depending on the “The question was what fraction don’t be careful you are going to die infected person will also infect another levels of susceptibility and the immune of people should use condoms so that in the next certain number of years person and soon the rate of interaction system, where they are seated and we see the disease going down? What because they will be depleted” says can lead to an outbreak of the infection how they are mixing with each other fraction of people should abstain or Prof. Mugisha. in that population. all those are conditions we embed and have one sexual partner,” Mugisha says.

36 Mathematical modeling key in fighting pandemics

“The underlying epidemiological numbers were used in different models to see the trend and impact of various intervention measures. We were able to explain what was happening and what needed to be done to help public health systems in curbing the spread,” says Prof. Mugisha. “It is important that before you go into mathematical modeling of epidemics you must read the biology of the disease. “When the Spanish flu came it killed almost everybody because it was novel. Nobody knew what to do but hide behind masks just like with the coronavirus,” he says

Dealing with COVID-19 The case of COVID-19 is a global puzzle. MAK-RIF PROJECT “We need to know the dynamics of One of the projects funded this virus, we are enforcing social by the Makerere University distancing but how much distance Research and Innovations Fund should we put? How long should the is Documentation, bioactivity lockdown be? Uganda had the capacity and phyto-chemistry of to completely lockdown but you saw selected herbal medicines how people became unsettled. used by local communities in Prof. Mugisha explains that by the family planning management in The College of Natural Sciences building time President Yoweri Museveni eased Uganda by Dr Madina Mohamed the lock down, it was not because Adia COVID-19 had ended but because other things must work if the entire The modern family planning population is to survive. methods like Implants are expensive In this situation, the mathematics for most Ugandans and some of how to effectively and successfully women fear using them because project enforcement of intervention of the side effects like obesity. As measures becomes the basic focus. a result, some resort to natural Models to manage COVID methods of family planning like Projection withdrawal which are not effective. The main challenges associated with At the onset of COVID-19 in March 2020, the department of mathematics Traditional fertility control the novel COVID-19 pandemic that came up with two mathematical models to manage the pandemic. methods like taking herbs to needed mathematical projections prevent pregnancy are not safe and included the flattening of the curve The first was the mathematical model of COVID-19 transmission their efficacy is unknown due to in order not to overwhelm Uganda’s dynamics in Uganda implications of complacency and early easing of lack of research, yet these studies poorly and ill-equipped health system. 1 lockdown. are important in discovering the The staggered ease of lockdown was “We were able to show that if you mess up and ease the lockdown as effectiveness of herbal drugs and to let the population return to some early as everybody wanted, we would be in shock as it required some establishing their dosage. level of normalcy without contravening element of staggered (phased) opening. We also suggested measures to Some plants like Prunus africana the guidelines. avoid a possibility of second wave of the infection,” he says. and Sporobolus pyramidalis were The effectiveness of standard identified as being used in birth operating procedures and monitoring The second was the mathematical model for COVID-19 management control in Mpigi and Kamuli the reproductive number to inform the in crowded settlements and high activity areas. respectively. system of how it can be brought to less 2 “We said to open for activities in high-activity areas we need to A database of plants used in than unity. specify certain area acreage,” he says. family planning management One important aspect that becomes in Uganda is almost complete. very useful in interventions of such This database can help in further novel pandemics is the effective models answer questions such as what The other side of the intervention research like phytochemical analysis implementation of vaccination fraction of the population should be measures has to do with crowd control. to find out the active ingredients programmes. vaccinated to obtain herd immunity. Many systems are governed by large responsible for stopping conception. “While we wait for processes of “We want to see that herd immunity gatherings — schools, places of worship, The policy makers can base on the vaccine development, mathematicians is attained as soon as possible and at markets, malls and transport — so how findings to do a clinical trial and to prepare models to suggest the most minimum cost, so how long should much populations and appropriate make herbal products for family appropriate ways to administer vaccination take to see the peak of the space should any of this take at any planning. vaccination. Here, mathematical pandemic start to decline.” time to avoid continued spread.

MAKERERE UNIVERSITY 37 offers short term training courses for mid-career managers and policy makers Professor Mahmood Mamdani

COLLEGE OF COMPUTING AND INFORMATION SCIENCES >> cis.mak.ac.ug

HUB OF INNOVATION

The College of Computing and Information Sciences (CoCIS) is without doubt the hub of innovations at Makerere University. According to Prof. Tony Oyana, the CoCIS Principal, the college has received over 30 grants under the Makerere University Research and Innovations Fund (Mak-RIF) in all the funding cycles since it was established. “We have received close to sh3b, since the project was launched,” Prof Oyana says. He adds that the fund has enabled them come up with creative projects and is helping them build the research capacity of their staff.

Raspberry Pi, a surveillance camera

Crane Cloud Strengthening Science, An open source multi-cloud service layer Technology, Engineering, and 1for highly available cloud-based services 2Mathematics (STEM) Using Computing in Africa by Engineer Bainomugisha: Gamifi cation in Primary Schools (GamePlus) Cloud computing when used effectively can By Benjamin Kanagwa accelerate Africa’s realisation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SGDs). For instance, cloud Obtaining quality education is the a path to computing can accelerate access to affordable foundation to improving people’s lives. College of Computing and online educational services and content, digital Improving the quality of education and Information Sciences (CoCIS) fi nancial services, online agricultural extension ensuring high quality skilled population services, and e-health services. Cloud computing is one of the critical game changers to the future is also a key enabler for the Fourth Industrial realizing the demographic dividend. In Revolution (4IR), which has been recently order to develop a well-educated, skilled embraced by African countries including Uganda. and innovative labour force, Uganda The following projects have The Ministry of ICT and National Guidance has needs to address the underlying causes been rolled out at the College identifi ed Cloud computing as a proxy measure of the deteriorating quality of education for a digital economy. With the 4IR, data is the in all institutions, This project team has of Computing and Information new “cash crop” and cloud computing providing built a National Gamifi cation Portal for Sciences with funding from the necessary fertile ground for it to thrive. This distributing gamifi ed content. The portal project is an important and relevant step towards is located on http://mathsciencegames. Mak-RIF preparing Uganda and the continent for the com. The fi rst application is Gustro Trek, 4IR. An open source multi-cloud service layer focusing on teaching and learning of for highly available cloud-based services is now the human digestive system using game available on http://staging.cranecloud.io hosting mechanics, aesthetics and dynamics. They a couple of sample applications. Uniquely, this also completed and released the Kamati, a server is capable of hosting Uganda’s and other gamifi ed application focusing on learning countries in Africa’s data to avoid the need to host and teaching of mathematics. The third this data in other continents such as Europe and game focusing on blood circulation is America. under testing.

38 MAKERERE UNIVERSITY

Economic Policy Research Centre

Kamati: A gamifi ed application focusing on learning and teaching of mathematics.

A Mobile E- Governance Service A Mobile Health Individualized Dietary Plan Makerere University’s e-Human Advisor (AMESA): and Behavioral lifestyle tracker for Diabetics in Resources Management System 3A Citizen Centric Process Alignment 4Uganda By Alice Nandawula Mugisha 5(e-HRMS), to Public Service Delivery. By Prof. Gilbert Dr Josephine Nabukenya Maiga: People living with diabetes Mellitus are particularly at high risk of poor health outcomes, including obesity, The Directorate of Human Resources at Good governance characterised by citizen hypertension, dyslipidemia, “cardiac risk equivalent”, Makerere University operates a manual participation (as advocated in this project) and and neuropathy. In Uganda, despite the adoption and system / paper-based system with respect to control of corruption is identifi ed as a prerequisite effectiveness of the Nutrition, Education, Exercise, its processes from entry of a new employee to to transform the economy to a middle income Drugs and Self-monitoring (NEEDS) strategy in clinical the exit of this employee. These processes are status. In Uganda’s second National Development settings, there are still nutrition challenges consequently labour-intensive and paper-based records and Plan (NDP 2015 – 2020), the ICT sector is impairing quality of life. Healthy eating is a primary thus, tend to produce outdated and untimely mandated to provide sustainable, effective and method of treating diabetes with individual dietary plans information, which affects the HR decision- effi cient development, harnessing the utilisation proven to be a useful remedy against diabetes. However, making process. of ICT to enable the country achieve its national appropriate nutritional treatment, implementation, and Worse still, the HR processes are run by development goals. Essentially, this project aligns ultimate compliance with the diet plan remain some of uncoordinated functional units resulting in with Uganda’s National development framework the most vexing problems in diabetes management. This is production of diverse and duplicated records by providing a process based model that leverages because the differences in dietary structure based on the on the same type of employee. Due to the the concepts of e-governance to increase citizen type of diabetes and the ever evolving plethora of dietary uncoordinated functions, the University participation in municipal government to enhance information available is often faced with costly litigations,. The PSD in the sectors of education, health, water and This project has developed a state-of-the-art evidence- uncoordinated functions further cause losses waste management. based, user-centered mobile application that will support to the university, for instance, the analysis of The AMESA system is a tool that leverages diabetes management among persons living with diabetes. employees who retire or whose contracts expire concepts of e-governance to enhance citizen The Application comes with twomajor functionalities; are not effectively reported for the payroll participation in the delivery of public services dietary monitoring and behavioral lifestyle tracking. adjustment in time. This often causes payment in public health, water and waste management. This application shall minimise morbidity but also ensure of salaries to retired and un-contracted System validation is on-going in Gulu and it is yet effective management of diabetes hence an improvement employees. This project team has addressed to be carried out in Mbale, Tororo, Mbarara and in quality of life and a reduction in mortality cases. this problem by successfully streamlining the Jinja municipalities too. After user validation, Further scale up of the application shall entail an artifi cial records of all staff in Makerere University the fi nal system will be ready for wider use and intelligence feature to automatically recommend particular into a digitised online Human Resources adoption. food nutrients based on one’s previous diet or lifestyle. Management System.

MAKERERE UNIVERSITY 39

>> COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE AND ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES Offering solutions to daily challenges Researchers at the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES) are among several benefi ciaries of the Makerere University Research and Innovations Fund. According to the Principal of the College, Prof. Bernard Bashaasha, the innovation fund will go a long way in facilitating the development of innovations aimed at increasing food A pedal seed cleaner security and development of new markets and employment for the youth. A pedal-operated seed cleaner (pos-cleaner) to boost post harvest grain & legume quality, increase Enhancing Value addition on school-study time & Potato-Sorghum enterprises for create fi nancial freedom in Improved Livelihoods in Uganda rural Uganda by Dr Peter (EVaPoSIL) by Prof. Johnny Tumutegyereize Mugisha Unclean seeds and foreign Currently, the project team materials promote mould is producing carefully baked development resulting in dry nutritious and delicious cookies matter loss, nutritional changes, made from Irish potato fl our. seed quality loss, afl atoxin This project focused on contamination and post-harvest enhancing physical, economic losses during storage and and nutrition value of potato and processing. sorghum in Uganda with interest In the developing world, in the South-western region. Potato powered grain cleaners exist, and sorghum are the region’s main but they are impractical in rural enterprises. regions because of electricity However, they compete for farm that is either expensive or resources and in terms of household unavailable. The objective is food, they are neither substitutes to develop a low cost, pedal nor complements. operated cleaner that is Sorghum occupies the largest designed using readily available farm area but is among the lowest parts. yielding and lowest profi table crops. By preventing post-harvest The variety grown (sweet) has high losses, this pedal operated socio-cultural value among the seed cleaner is contributing population, but limited use (local to revolutionising agriculture drinks — bushera and muramba) the backbone of Uganda’s and no industrial use. economy, employing 70% of the Similarly, in potatoes, value population, and contributing addition is largely limited to Improving access to biodiversity data for conservation decision- half of Uganda’s export earnings consumption of fresh tubers; 92.6% making: A case of the National Biodiversity Data Bank, Makerere and a quarter of the country’s as boiled potato and productivity University, Uganda by Dr Daniel Waiswa gross domestic product (GDP). has been declining, from 7.0 MT/ha Our country needs to conserve biodiversity and use natural resources The seed cleaner is ready for in 2007 to 4.2 in 2017. rationally if they are to avoid continued environmental degradation that commercialisation. Five Seed Furthermore, 30-40% of the jeopardises sustainable development and human wellbeing. cleaner machines have been output is non-marketable small size Additionally, many government agencies cannot access or use the developed and preliminary test tubers; a loss of $13.7m–$18.3m per biodiversity data they need to make informed decisions for environmental results indicate effi ciency of annum. and economic management. 90%. This cutting-edge research is It is from this research that we have coined a fully-fl edged one stop This is promising in that adding value to Irish potatoes, data base for biodiversity data in Uganda. This research team is heavily it will save a lot of time for providing jobs, increasing income contributing to the enhancement of tourism, economy and livelihoods in farmers. Where they have been and improving livelihoods for the the communities. In addition, the team is ensuring that the government spending more than fi ve hours communities. The project targeted Civil Society Organisations and academic bodies build on existing to clean their produce, one hour small holder farmers with the infrastructure and work together to break down barriers to data access and will be suffi cient. They will purpose to increase production and sharing and mainstream biodiversity information into decision-making. also be free from dust that was productivity, reduce post-harvest These include the Uganda Wildlife Authority, Uganda Tourism Board and reported by over 90% of the losses and increase incomes of National Environmental Management Authority among others. respondents as being the source value chain actors. of diseases during winnowing.

40 Digitalising the Makerere University Soil Test Kit (NAK-STK) for rapid soil assessment, improved soil management, crop yields and incomes among farmers in Uganda by Dr. Emmanuel Opolot

Declining soil fertility, together with erratic and digital soil information, for informed soil and variable rainfall resulting in droughts and dry nutrient management for crop production. spells, remains a serious threat to food security Using the existing Uganda national soil and poverty eradication in Uganda and sub- information, and supplementing with additional Saharan Africa. soil surveys, sampling and analysis, the project Yet, Uganda’s agriculture is dominated by will generate a digital soil database, calibrate resource poor and subsistence farmers who the MAK-STK and develop a digital platform continue to endure unsustainable exploitation through which results from the MAK-STK are of soil resources for their livelihoods. translated into valuable soil management and Accurate assessment of soil is key for fertilizer recommendations currently needed by its efficient use for crop production. The farmers and other stake-holders. conventional process of soil fertility assessment The project will improve the MAK-STK by involves collecting soil samples and taking them calibrating it with laboratory measurements so to the laboratory for analysis. Although this as to directly translate soil test kit results into process produces accurate and reliable results, it laboratory equivalence required to generate remains expensive and time consuming. fertilizer and liming rates. The MAK-STK comes in handy to provide rapid By developing the digital soil database and affordable soil fertility assessment. It is easy Soil testing and web-based and android application, the to use and gives soil results for five parameters project aims at improving and easing access (pH, Nitrogen, potassium, Phosphorus and soil to soil information through which prompt organic matter) within minutes. able to identify the best soil for different crops. soil management decisions can be made by This digital soil test kit is enabling farmers to This project aimed at advancing the use of farmers, agricultural extension workers and realise improved yields because they are now MAK-STK for improved and timely access to policy makers.

Design and development of mobile irrigation technology systems for farmers in rain constrained areas of Uganda by Dr Kivumbi Balimunsi Hussein Agriculture in Uganda is predominantly rain-fed and is increasingly suffering adverse effects due to climate change and variability manifested in erratic rainfall patterns, prolonged dry spells and floods. As a result, farm-level productivity is far below the attainable potential for most crops. Under these conditions, irrigation is critical in aiding farmers in climate change adaptation and plays an integral role in transitions from subsistence to commercial farming by ensuring year-round production coupled with farm employment. There is unreliability of food A farmer drying ginger in one of the solar dryers Makerere agriculture research centre in Kabanyolo security in Uganda caused by over- reliance on rain-fed agriculture by the biggest percentage (97%) Developing an automatically controlled commercial solar-dryer and efficient resource recovery of households in Uganda. This is innovation for sustained market responsive fruit production in Uganda by Dr Ahamada Zziwa further exacerbated by prolonged Food insecurity and poor livelihoods continue to fruits can now be effectively dried while retaining all droughts, which lead to food scarcity prevail in Uganda partly due to high post-harvest the nutrients and maintaining their original taste and in the country. Introduction of losses, limited value addition options and low farm- colour. Irrigation systems as per the National gate prices particularly for perishable foods (FAO, The project supported the value addition efforts Irrigation Master Plan provides a 2013). of the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and solution to this problem. The lack of affordable preservation options Fisheries focusing on promotion of solar food drying. This project has developed a contributes to over 30% postharvest losses because the It also supported the Ministry of Energy and Mineral mobile irrigation system that will majority of farmers have no access to electricity for Development’s efforts to promote the development and help farmers who suffer with processing and preservation and adoption of renewable utilisation of climate resilient and renewable energy unpredictable rainfalls and those in energy options is still low. technologies. areas which experience long drought Uganda being endowed with fresh fruits; this The project will enhance utilisation of perishable seasons to have an all-year harvest of project team developed a solar dryer that is ready for food stuffs to produce value-added products including produce. commercialisation and use in the communities. The biogas and manure for sustained crop production.

MAKERERE UNIVERSITY 41 MAKERERE UNIVERSITY college of VETERINARY MEDICINE, ANIMAL RESOURCES & BIOSECURITY >> covab.mak.ac.ug

Makerere University College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Biosecurity has embarked on developing drugs which will help to reduce the country’s import bill.

rof. John David Kabasa is the Remedy Principal, College of Veterinary To address such losses incurred by the Medicine, Animal Resources and farmers and the country, researchers Biosecurity (CoVAB), Makerere Developing at Makerere University College of PUniversity. Innovation and research Veterinary Medicine (CoVAB), Animal are what drives the college. Kabasa Resources and Biosecurity embarked says the college is positioning itself for on developing alternative methods of the 21st century, by developing for the tick and tick-borne disease control. market vaccines, diagnostic tools and vaccines for The use of tick tissues to control drugs to reduce the country’s import ticks by immunisation has been used bill. successfully for over 20 years in The CoVAB team is also working countries such as Cuba, Latin America to integrate digital and Artificial mass market and Australia. Intelligence in their line of work. The Principal Investigator, Dr. Diseases like East Coast Fever These challenges have inspired Mbulaiteye-Saimo-Kahwa, together transmitted by the brown ear tick as researchers at CoVAB to develop with other scientists from CoVAB well as Babesiosis and Anaplasmosis vaccines to address this issue. started the anti-tick vaccine transmitted by the blue tick, have In development research initiative to become resistant to most acaricides on Cost of ticks on economy numbers develop an “anti-tick vaccine” that the local market. In a March 2020 report by the Food would work on the local ticks and be To effectively manage ticks and and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), integrated into the control strategy of tick-borne diseases, farmers have the livestock sector contributed 9% Sh200,000 ticks and tick-borne disease. to dip or spray their animals with out of the 24% total contribution of The price of a litre of acaricide Though anti-tick vaccines existed acaricides twice or thrice a week. the agriculture sector to the country’s on the local market. in Cuba and Australia, these vaccines Apparently, a litre of acaricides costs Gross Domestic Product (GDP). were tailored towards ticks found in between sh150,000 and sh200,000, However, the sector is threatened those countries and not in East Africa. which rural cattle keepers and farmers by pests and diseases related to ticks, Ticks found in Uganda include cannot afford. With ticks increasingly leading to an annual loss of 70% of the Brown ear tick (Rhipicephalus developing resistance to acaricides, the the total $86.3m major annual losses appendiculatus) found around the eyes outcry from farmers in the countryside experienced by the country in the and inside the ears of an animal, and over losses has been massive. livestock sector. is responsible for East Coast Fever

42 MAKERERE UNIVERSITY Prof. John Kabasa Part of the laboratory principal of CoVAB which can cause up to 100% death in untreated exotic cattle. CONTRIBUTION TO MAK-RIF The other ticks include the Blue UGANDA’S GDP project - CoVAB tick (Boophilus decoloratus which can be found on the body of cattle and Developing a Monitoring causes bloody urine. The tick that 9% System for Quantifying cause deaths in cattle, goats and sheep 76% Livestock and Mapping antibacterial is locally known as madowadowa Other sectors used in Livestock Farming (Amblyomma variegatum) because it is Systems in Uganda. coloured and transmits a disease that The project provides a causes a cow to rotate around one area platform that will facilitate several times, before the it collapses regulators such as and dies, Saimo-Kahwa explains. National Drug Authority, Uganda Revenue Authority Project setback and policy makers such The research project, however 24% as Ministry of Agriculture, suffered a setback due to lack of Total from Animal Industry and funds and only resumed in 2021, after agriculture Fisheries (MAAIF) to have receiving support from the Presidential access to real-time data Initiative Fund. The project now has on antibiotics for livestock land at Ngoma and clinical trials are set in the country. to be rolled out. 14% With a click of a button “We have a prototype or an anti-tick Other agricultural sectors on the system, one is able vaccine candidate which will be handed to access, review, record over to the manufacturer to produce in 70% R ay of hope and analyze antibiotic larger quantities,” Saimo-Kahwa says. licenses and import data Tick diseases contribute this The process of producing to establish quantities of percentage of the total $86.3m acaricides already underway Finances imported antibiotics per annual losses experienced by the once funds are released, to There is need for further funding year. country in the livestock sector. produce in bulk of the clinical trial to be conducted. The research team has Brooks Gerald Musinguzi, the anti-tick developed an IT based project spokesperson, explained that once funds are released, to produce in future once funds are available to start monitoring system with they will need more funds because bulk because already a memorandum the clinical trial, Musingunzi says. interfaces along the value clinical trial involves different phases of understanding (MOU) between Saimo-Kahwa advises farmers to chain from importers to of trial. Alfasan and Makerere University was continue dipping or spraying their consumers of livestock The phases use increasing number signed two weeks ago and Alfasan who animals using the correct acaricide and antibiotics. They have of animals and looking at different have dedicated a line for the anti-tick follow the manufacturer’s instructions. compiled an inventory of parameters, under the supervision vaccine production. She urged the Government to help importers, wholesalers, of National Drug authority (NDA) in Letters to NDA and other regulatory farmers by supporting research into retailers and distributors of the field before NDA can give them a bodies including the National acaricides, other alternatives, herbal antibiotics used in animals, license. Agriculture Research Organisation and TBDs vaccines for an integrated with their geo-locations. The process is already underway (NARO) will be dispatched in the near management of ticks and TBDs.

MAKERERE UNIVERSITY 43 >> College of Humanities and social sciences A new crop of intellectuals CHUSS focuses on research and training in critical thinking and writing Prof. Sr Dominica Dipio displays ‘Hidden Riches’ animation

he College of Humanities and Social Sciences (CHUSS) prides PANL S T he college has increased possibilities of itself in being not only the publishing work produced by reviving largest, but also a significantly the Mawazo Journal, a college journal Tvibrant college at Makerere University. focusing on humanities and social CHUSS is a composite college made sciences. of five schools (Liberal and Performing Pplans are underway to have the Arts, Women and Gender, Social journal supported through the college Sciences, Psychology and Languages, budget. This way, it will cease to be a Literature and Communication) donor-funded undertaking to encourage and one institute — the Makerere academics to write about things that are University Institute for Social Research relevant to the nation. (MISR) — offering over 37 academic “Most journals outside Uganda programmes. that write about us tend to use a Over the last few years, the college condescending tone. In the spirit of has positioned itself as the champion decolonisation, we want to emphasise of knowledge in the humanities and local content and knowledge as defined social sciences through teaching, by Africans themselves,” Ahikire says. learning and knowledge transfer, in The college is also strengthening line with the university’s strategic graduate training, eliminating vision as a thought leader in bureaucratic delays and promoting group knowledge generation for research, which fosters peer learning. societal development and CHUSS principal Prof. Josephine Ahikire transformation. The college is focusing on research solutions to societal challenges. and training in critical thinking and MAK-RIF projects Over the years, CHUSS has writing skills, following innovative and established solid partnership with key well-enriched curricula in the various Researchers from the Department of African Languages, in stakeholders such as Andrew Mellon disciplines. collaboration with public health officials, translated COVID-19 Foundation (New York) which has Prof. Josephine Ahikire, the CHUSS 1 sensitisation messages into six major languages in Uganda funded five projects. Principal, says key reforms have — Luganda, Runyankore-Rukiga, Ateso, Luo, Lugbarati and In 2017, the Gerda Henkel Stiftung in focused on research and using cohort Kiswahili, including Braille for the visually impaired. Germany signed an agreement with the training, in which groups of 10 to 15 College to support PhD training under students undertake PhD studies in Another team of researchers from Makerere, in partnership the Inter-disciplinary PhD by Research well-structured manner. with several institutions, transformed Ugandan folktales Programme in Historical Humanities “The arrangement has helped grow 2into animated films for educational and leisure purposes. and Humanistic Social Sciences. The the pool of doctorates in humanities The folktales include: Njabala (a central region adaption), Hidden Foundation has supported PhD training and social sciences in a short time and Riches (a western Uganda adaption), Lia and Origa (a West Nile of 30 members of staff and students. made the teaching and learning process adaption) and Opiyo and Odongo (an eastern Uganda adaption). In 2020, the Foundation committed more interactive and vibrant,” she The objectives of the project included generating cultural content to support 60 PhD fellows for the next explains. relevant for the educational and recreational needs of Ugandan six years. University lecturers at CHUSS are youth. In 2020, the President of the Andrew also encouraged to publish and actively W. Mellon Foundation, Dr Elizabeth conduct research in their respective A team of researchers documented the immediate Alexander and the Chief of Staff and disciplines. The college is supporting consequences of COVID-19 on four urban areas in Kampala — Programme Advisor at the Foundation, students in their early careers through 3Katanga, Kikoni, Kivulu and Kisenyi. The team also trained Julie B. Ehrlich, visited Makerere to fellowships that enable them to scale up 60 local leaders in slums around Kampala in conflict resolution. establish mechanisms for further their intellectual endeavors. strengthening the Foundation projects. Students from the college cleaned different areas in Mukono According to Ahikire, the support has Key partnerships Town, including the taxi park, Mukono Police Station, greatly increased academic rigour and The college is also counting on 4Mukono Hospital and the trading centre on February 29, vibrancy of the college, grooming what collaboration with key partners 2020. The students also sensitised residents on the dangers of poor she describes as ‘quotable intellectuals’. to support doctorate students to hygiene and sanitation and visited the sick in Mukono Hospital. This has raised the profile of the interrogate critical subjects and Such activities help students to connect with the community and college, with students writing more and contribute to intellectual discourse and be part of future solutions. participating in conferences globally.

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