KAMPALA – Makerere University has hosted a delegation from the Western Sydney University (WSU), Australia as a precursor to collaboration especially in the area of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs).
Led by the Vice-Chancellor and President WSU, Prof. Barney Glover, the delegation was received by the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic Affairs), Dr. Umar Kakumba and Members of University Management.
The WSU delegation which also consisted of Pro-Vice-Chancellor (International) Assoc. Prof. Linda Taylor, Prof. Andre Renzaho and Prof. Athula Ginige, accompanied by Dr. Paul Bukuluki was on a two-week visit to Africa, which took them to South Africa, Zimbabwe, Kenya and finally Uganda.
“We are honored to start this partnership with Makerere which is not only one of the oldest academic institutions in Africa but also famous for its research and publications. Since Western Sydney University is also a research-led university, I believe that this partnership will benefit both institutions,” said Prof. Glover.
He further noted that they seek to build on their relationship with Makerere to engage the Government, NGOs and other partners both in Africa and Australia in capacity building, using technology to influence lives and finding solutions to Non-Communicable Diseases.
Emphasizing on research, Prof. Glover listed some of the research institutes owned by Western Sydney University which include; Health Research Institute, Environment Institute, Culture and Society Institute, Brain, Behavior, and Development Institute
Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe welcomed the Vice-Chancellor and his delegation to Makerere and thanked them for deciding to collaborate with the premier University in the region. Reflecting on the fact that both universities are research-led, Prof. Nawangwe said that “this partnership will yield to more research publications, joint publications and also play an important role in societal development.”
In his presentation, Prof. Nawangwe revealed that Makerere is the 8th largest university in Africa with the largest Library which holds over 200,000 volumes and a sitting capacity of 4,000, ranked 2nd top research university in Africa. He added that Makerere generates 90% of research publications in Uganda and accounts for 50% of university enrollment nationally.
Western Sydney University was founded in 1989 under the terms of the University of Western Sydney Act, 1988. In 2015, the university underwent a rebranding which resulted in a change in name from the University of Western Sydney to Western Sydney University.
The University consists of an amalgamation of campuses which include; Bankstown, Blacktown, Campbelltown, Hawkesbury, Parramatta, and Penrith.
The university boasts of its design to unlock the potential of youths and the largest nursing school which is ranked 4th in the world.
Also in attendance from Makerere were; Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi, Mr. Walter Yorac Nono, Prof. Henry Alinaitwe, Prof. Tonny Oyana, Prof. JYT Mugisha, Dr. Josephine Ahikire, Dr. Gorettie Nabanoga, Dr. Samuel Majalija, Dr. Paul Muyinda Birevu, Prof. Rhoda Wanyenze, Prof. Eli Sabiiti, Dr. Richard Edema, Dr. Moses Galukande, Mr. Paul Agaba, Mr. Matia Kabuye, Mr. Darius Muwanguzi, Ms. Martha Muwanguzi, Ms. Ritah Namisango, Mr. Gordon Murangira and members of the Public Relations Office.
