Makerere and Canadian university forge ahead with new partnership

The delegation, led by Western University's President and Vice-Chancellor, Dr. Alan Shepard, was met with enthusiasm by Makerere's Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, along with the university management team, marking a pivotal moment in the cultivation of international partnerships and academic exchange.

Accompanying Dr. Shepard were key members of his team: Vice-Provost and Associate Vice-President Dr. Lily Cho, Associate Vice-President for Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Dr. Opiyo Oloya, and Dean of the Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry Dr. John Yoo. Together, they engaged in deep and insightful discussions with various colleges, departments, and units across Makerere University, uncovering a wide array of mutual interests and potentials for collaboration that spanned several disciplines.

The centerpiece of this visit was the signing of a new Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), a testament to the strong relationship that has been nurtured between Makerere University and Western University.

This new agreement underscores both institutions' commitment to leveraging their strengths for mutual benefit, particularly in the realms of engineering, design, and technology and emphasizing interdisciplinary collaboration and knowledge exchange.

Throughout the visit, discussions highlighted the importance of inclusivity and diversity in academia, with a particular focus on integrating indigenous knowledge, combating global anti-blackness, and promoting social integration within university communities. Mr. Opio Oloya’s dialogue on these subjects resonated deeply, pointing towards a future where academic communities are more inclusive and diverse.

Makerere University took this opportunity to showcase its academic excellence and initiatives aimed at building capacity.

The conversations delved into expanding graduate training opportunities, enhancing capacity through student and faculty exchanges, and fostering a shared vision for future collaborations that include research projects, academic programs, and student exchanges.

Meetings with the School of Law and the Infectious Diseases Institute (IDI) further emphasized the power and potential of international partnerships. The School of Law meeting, led by Associate Prof. Ronald Naluwairo, explored avenues for academic collaboration and highlighted the mutual interest in internationalization and interdisciplinary collaboration.

Meanwhile, the IDI meeting, led by Executive Director Dr. Andrew Kambugu, underscored the evolution of the institute and the tangible outcomes of cross-border collaboration, especially in data management and public health interventions.

The visit concluded with a farewell luncheon hosted by Mrs. Lorna Magara, Chairperson of the Makerere University Council, symbolizing the strong bonds of friendship and cooperation forged between the two universities. As the delegation departed, the air was filled with anticipation and a shared commitment to nurturing this partnership for future endeavors, with both institutions looking forward to a future bright with collaborative success.

This strategic engagement between Makerere and Western Universities not only reinforces their existing relationship but also opens new avenues for academic excellence and global engagement, setting a precedent for how institutions can work together to address global challenges and foster international understanding.

This content was created with the help of an AI model and verified by the writer.