We are delighted that Makerere University has joined the Worldwide Universities Network. WUN warmly welcomed Vice Chancellor Barnabas Nwangwe and colleagues as partners. “WUN derives its strength from the diversity—both geographical and cultural—of the major research universities that constitute the network, and from the distinctive research collaborations that it gives rise to. In joining WUN, Makerere University brings us major strengths in research areas of central importance,” said Executive Director Peter Lennie.
Makerere Universityis Uganda’s largest and oldest institution of higher learning. It was first established as a technical school in 1922 before becoming an independent national university in 1970. Today, Makerere University is composed of nine colleges and one school, offering programmes for approximately 36,000 undergraduates and 4,000 postgraduates.
Makerere University plays an important role in research regionally and internationally. The university is a global leader in public health, and through its distinguished Infectious Disease Institute has major research programmes on HIV/AIDS, Ebola, tuberculosis, malaria, and other diseases. The university’s research also focuses on climate change and its effects on food security, water management, migration and conflict. Makerere hosts the World Bank Centre of Excellence on Crop Improvement. The university is also home to the African Research Universities Alliance Centre of Excellence on Notions of Identity in Africa.
Vice Chancellor Nwangwe noted that “Makerere University is excited to become a member of the Worldwide Universities Network. As a leading global research university, Makerere highly regards WUN as a forum for strengthening the research culture and for sharing experiences with other leading research universities globally. This will certainly enrich our research environment. We are glad to be here.”
