KAMPALA, Uganda — Makerere University and the University of the West of England, or UWE, signed a Memorandum of Understanding on Friday to strengthen joint research, innovation and skills development.
The partnership, signed at Makerere’s Main Administration Building, will focus on research initiatives in areas including climate science, early childhood development and elderly care, wildlife ecology and conservation management, technology and sustainable agriculture.
Uganda High Commissioner to the United Kingdom Nimisha Madhvani, who witnessed the signing, congratulated the institutions and affirmed the Ugandan government’s commitment to international collaborations that boost education, innovation and investment.
“We are not only promoting education, but also tourism, business, and investment. This partnership is a great bridge between Uganda and the United Kingdom,” Madhvani said. “With the full support of His Excellency the President and the First Lady, we look forward to building on this momentum to establish impactful initiatives, including a proposed teaching hospital.”
Makerere Vice Chancellor Barnabas Nawangwe reaffirmed the university’s goal of producing graduates who not only are employable but also capable of creating jobs and transforming their communities. The university does not capitalize the title professor.
“Our goal is to train students who go out to create their own jobs and employ others who have not had the opportunity to attend university,” Nawangwe said. “We are working seriously on issues of food security, health, and conflict management — particularly in the Great Lakes region, which has one of the highest numbers of conflicts per capita. Through research and collaboration, we aim to address these challenges while ensuring Africa is not left behind in the digital economy.”
Nawangwe also highlighted Makerere’s work in the peace sector, including the Rotary Peace Center, which promotes peace by offering a yearlong, blended-learning professional certificate program.
Representing UWE, Vice Chancellor Jo Midgley commended Makerere’s strong research focus.
“Like Makerere, we are a comprehensive university. We want this partnership to go beyond conversations and translate into action,” Midgley said. “Our areas of strength include sustainability, climate change, future technology, health, and community placemaking.”
She stressed the importance of universities working closely with industry partners to co-design programs that meet current skill demands and promote innovation among students.
Deputy High Commissioner Miriam Otengo praised Makerere’s leadership and shared efforts to mobilize Makerere alumni in the UK. She announced plans to host a Makerere Alumni Symposium in London to showcase the university’s excellence and strengthen ties with its diaspora community.
Hefin Rees, chairman of Spotlight on Africa, a UK-based charitable organization, was also in attendance. Rees expressed interest in partnering with Makerere to establish a teaching hospital in Mbale focused on women’s and children’s health. He praised Makerere for producing world-class professionals and committed his organization to supporting health-related initiatives.
Nawangwe thanked the High Commission for facilitating the partnership and welcomed the discussion on the proposed teaching hospital, calling it “a timely and vital project for Uganda’s health sector.”
“This collaboration represents a new chapter for Makerere University and the University of the West of England. Together, we will advance research, promote innovation, and equip our students to respond to global challenges,” Nawangwe added.
