The State Minister for Higher Education, Hon. Dr. J.C. Muyingo, has officially launched a US$12.2 million KOICA-funded project aimed at enhancing the Distance Education Environment at Makerere University.
The project, funded by the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA), is set to revolutionise digital learning in Uganda and reinforce the strong partnership between the Republic of Korea and the Government of Uganda.
Speaking at the launch, Hon. Dr Muyingo highlighted the significance of the grant, describing it as more than just financial support but a testament to the two nations’ shared commitment to advancing higher education, digital transformation, and skills development.
“This grant is a symbol of our strong partnership and shared commitment to advancing higher education, digital transformation, and skills development. I have no doubt that this initiative will have a lasting impact on Makerere University, its students, and the broader Ugandan community,” Hon. Dr. Muyingo said.
The Republic of Korea Ambassador to Uganda, H.E. Park Sung-Soo, reaffirmed his government’s commitment to supporting education, alongside health and rural development, as key areas of development cooperation with Uganda.
He emphasised the importance of leveraging technology to improve learning outcomes and ensure accessibility to quality education.
“As a global leader in information technology and a country that deeply values education, Korea is honoured to work with Uganda to enhance digital learning infrastructure and expand access to education for all students, regardless of location and circumstance,” said Ambassador Park Sung-Soo.
The Vice Chancellor of Makerere University, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, expressed gratitude to KOICA and the Republic of Korea for their generous support.
He noted that strengthening Makerere’s Open, Distance, and e-Learning (ODeL) framework would expand access to quality higher education and promote digital innovation.
“This project will enhance teaching and research capabilities at Makerere University while fostering innovation, digital entrepreneurship, and knowledge sharing across borders. Through this initiative, we aim to establish a dynamic e-learning ecosystem that nurtures creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving,” Prof. Nawangwe stated.
Key Components of the KOICA Project
Prof. Chun Seyeoung, the Korean PMC Project Manager, outlined the core elements of the project, which include the construction of a 3,500 sqm Makerere ODeL Centre by 2027, fully equipped with modern digital learning facilities, training of 40 professors and support staff in Korea, equipping them with the latest digital education tools and methodologies and development of a master plan with a short-, mid-, and long-term vision, alongside a structured action plan to ensure the project’s sustainability and impact.
Prof. Seyeoung also introduced the Project Steering Committee, which comprises prominent education stakeholders, including Dr. Safina Museene from the Ministry of Education and Sports, Prof. Mary Okwakol from the National Council for Higher Education, and Makerere University leadership, including Prof. Henry Alinaitwe, Prof. Moses Musinguzi, and Ms. Ahn Jihee from KOICA Uganda.
Project Implementation Unit
The project will be implemented at Makerere University under the leadership of Prof. Henry Alinaitwe, supported by a dedicated team that includes Dr Venny Nakazibwe, Mr Matiya Kabuye, Prof. Paul Birevu Muyinda, Dr Godfrey Mayende, Mr Mugabi Samuel, Mr Alex Mwebaze, Eng. Okuk Owera, and Eng. Ezra Sekadde.
With the implementation of this transformative project, Makerere University is set to become a regional hub for digital education, offering flexible, technology-driven learning opportunities that will benefit students both locally and internationally.
The project aligns with Uganda’s broader vision of leveraging technology for inclusive education and skills development, ensuring that no learner is left behind.
