Makerere University has entered a strategic partnership with the University of the West of England (UWE) to strengthen collaboration in research, innovation, and enterprise development.
The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was officially signed on Friday, 17th October 2025, in the Vice Chancellor’s Boardroom, Main Administration Building, Makerere University.
The new partnership will drive joint research and capacity-building initiatives in climate science, early childhood development and elderly care, wildlife ecology and conservation, technology, and sustainable agriculture.
Speaking at the ceremony, the Uganda High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, H.E. Nimisha Madhvani, who witnessed the signing, commended both universities for their commitment to education and innovation.
“We are not only promoting education, but also tourism, business, and investment. This partnership is a great bridge between Uganda and the United Kingdom,” said H.E. Madhvani. “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.”
Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, the Vice Chancellor of Makerere University, reaffirmed the institution’s mission to produce graduates who are job creators and community change-makers.
“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,” he said. “Through research and collaboration, we aim to address challenges of food security, health, and conflict management in the Great Lakes region while ensuring Africa is not left behind in the digital economy.”
He also highlighted Makerere’s ongoing work in peacebuilding and digital transformation, including the efforts of the Rotary Peace Center, which trains global fellows in conflict resolution and leadership.
Representing UWE, Vice Chancellor Ms. Jo Midgley expressed enthusiasm for the collaboration and lauded Makerere’s strong research foundation.
“Like Makerere, we are a comprehensive university. We want this partnership to go beyond conversations and translate into action,” she said. “Our areas of strength include sustainability, climate change, future technology, health, and community placemaking. Together, we can co-create programmes that prepare students for the evolving global workforce.”
Ms. Midgley further emphasized the importance of working with industry partners to ensure academic programs meet modern skill demands while fostering innovation and entrepreneurship among students.
The Deputy High Commissioner, Ambassador Miriam Otengo, applauded Makerere’s leadership in higher education and revealed plans to host a Makerere Alumni Symposium in London to showcase the university’s global excellence and strengthen ties with its diaspora.
Mr. Hefin Rees KC, Chairman of Spotlight on Africa, also attended the event and expressed interest in partnering with Makerere to establish a teaching hospital in Mbale focusing on women and children’s health.
In his closing remarks, Prof. Nawangwe thanked the Ugandan High Commission for facilitating the collaboration and welcomed discussions on the proposed 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,” he concluded. “Together, we will advance research, promote innovation, and equip our students to respond to global challenges.”
The event ended with a group photo of officials from both universities — symbolizing the beginning of a long-term partnership anchored in excellence, innovation, and community impact.
