Makerere University has struck a major partnership with Belgium’s Ghent University Association, signing a student exchange agreement aimed at boosting international collaboration and research opportunities.
The delegation, led by Prof. Mieke Van Herreweghe, Vice Rector of Ghent University, included representatives from Howest University and Hogent University of Applied Sciences. They were hosted by Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, Vice Chancellor of Makerere, who praised the move as a step toward tackling Africa’s most urgent challenges.
Prof. Nawangwe underscored Makerere’s mission: addressing the pressures of climate change, a surging population nearing 50 million, and youth unemployment in one of the world’s youngest nations. He highlighted the university’s cutting-edge research hubs — from the Infectious Diseases Institute to the Regional Centre for Crop Improvement — as vital engines for solutions in health, agriculture, and governance.
Prof. Van Herreweghe spotlighted Ghent’s global reputation. Founded in 1817 and ranked among the world’s top 100 universities, Ghent runs unique joint PhD “sandwich programs” with African partners like Makerere. Under this system, doctoral students split their training between Belgium and Uganda under shared supervision — strengthening both research and academic capacity.
The new exchange agreement builds on an existing Memorandum of Understanding and promises expanded opportunities for Makerere students to study in Belgium and vice versa.
Also present were senior figures from Makerere’s colleges, including Prof. Winston Tumps Ireeta (Natural Sciences), Prof. Tonny Oyana (Computing), and Prof. Moses Musinguzi (Engineering, Design, Art and Technology), alongside officials from Agriculture, Business, and Health Sciences.
What it means:
- Makerere students will gain more international exposure and access to Ghent’s advanced research facilities.
- Ghent University reinforces its African partnerships while bolstering Makerere’s role as a continental research powerhouse.
- Both institutions commit to tackling global issues — from food insecurity to infectious diseases — through joint projects.
As Prof. Nawangwe put it, “Makerere is determined to strengthen partnerships that deliver solutions to the challenges our society faces.”
