Makerere University has signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the University of the West of England (UWE), Bristol, establishing a strategic partnership aimed at advancing research, innovation, and academic exchange across multiple disciplines.
The formal signing ceremony was held at Makerere University, presided over by Vice Chancellor Professor Barnabas Nawangwe, who signed on behalf of Makerere, while Deputy Vice Chancellor Ms Jo Midgley signed on behalf of UWE. The event was graced by Uganda’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, H.E. Nimisha Madhvani, who later paid a courtesy call on the Vice Chancellor.
Speaking at the signing, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe hailed the agreement as a milestone in Makerere’s global engagement agenda.
“This partnership reflects Makerere University’s continued commitment to strengthening international collaborations that enhance research capacity, promote innovation, and provide transformative opportunities for our students and staff,” said Prof. Nawangwe.
“We are proud to join hands with the University of the West of England, an institution that shares our vision for using education and research to solve pressing global challenges.”
Prof Nawangwe thanked the delegation of the UWE as well as Uganda’s High Commissioner to the UK for facilitating the collaboration.
The UWE delegation was led by Ms Midgley and included senior academics and administrators: Professor Emmanuel Adukwu, Dean of Students; Mian Ng, Lead for Global Partnerships in Social and Cultural Engagement; Jimi Ogunnusi, International Director and Africa Strategy Lead; and Dr Anne Eason, Associate Director of Policing.
Partnership for Sustainable Development
The newly signed MoU establishes a framework for joint research, academic exchange, and innovation in key areas aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The partnership will facilitate collaborative work in: climate science, early childhood development and elderly care, wildlife ecology and conservation management, technology and digital innovation and sustainable agriculture.
According to the statement from both institutions, the collaboration will leverage the mutual strengths of the universities to address critical global issues.
“The collaboration with UWE is expected to facilitate knowledge exchange, capacity building, and the creation of innovative solutions to address contemporary challenges in Africa and beyond,” the joint communiqué noted.
Makerere, one of Africa’s oldest and most reputable universities, brings deep expertise and contextual understanding of African development challenges. UWE, on the other hand, contributes extensive experience in applied research, community engagement, and innovation ecosystems.
“Together, we aim to produce meaningful research products and foster relationships that benefit our academic communities and society at large,” the statement added.
A Bridge Between Uganda and the UK
In her remarks, H.E. Nimisha Madhvani, Uganda’s High Commissioner to the UK, commended the partnership as a symbol of the growing collaboration between Uganda and the United Kingdom.
“We are not only focusing on education, but also tourism, business, and investment promotion — all to make the Pearl of Africa shine,” said H.E. Madhvani. “This partnership is a bigger bridge between our two institutions and our two countries.”
She emphasised that such initiatives deepen people-to-people connections and strengthen Uganda’s global academic footprint.
Deepening Academic Engagement
The UWE delegation’s visit to Makerere is part of a broader three-day working mission aimed at identifying college-level collaborations. The team is expected to meet with Professor Sarah Ssali, Deputy Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, and other college principals to explore opportunities for joint research projects, student and staff exchanges, and co-created academic programs.
Ms Jo Midgley expressed optimism about the long-term potential of the collaboration. “This MoU marks the beginning of an exciting journey,” she said.
She added: “Our shared focus on sustainability, innovation, and global engagement will create opportunities for our students, academics, and communities to thrive together. We see Makerere as a vital partner in shaping solutions that matter.”
The Makerere–UWE partnership builds on Makerere University’s broader internationalisation strategy, which seeks to strengthen research linkages and global visibility while ensuring relevance to national and regional priorities.
The MoU is expected to pave the way for joint grant applications, exchange programs, and multi-disciplinary research hubs, further reinforcing Makerere’s status as a leading research institution in Africa.