The African Research Universities Biennial Conference (ARUA) 2025, hosted by Makerere University provided me with an opportunity to meet the Vice Chancellor - Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe - and discuss my Fulbright fellowship work with the Great Lakes Center for the Study of the United States.
As explained on the Makerere University website, the role of the Vice Chancellor is "the Chief Coordinator of all administrative, academic and public relations affairs of the University" -- similar to what we could call the university President in the US.
with Vice Chancellor of Makerere University Barnabas Nawangwe
"The Vice Chancellor is the Chief Coordinator of all administrative, academic and public relations affairs of the University. He is also the direct link between the University and the Government, the public and the academic institutions within and outside Uganda. The Vice Chancellor is elected by the Council on the recommendation of Senate and, once elected, sits as an ex officio member of the board and of all its standing committees except the Audit Committee."
Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, Vice Chancellor, Makerere University, bio:
"Arch. Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe is the current Vice Chancellor of Makerere University, having assumed office in September 2017, and been reappointed for a second five-year term in August 2022. He holds a PhD in Architecture from the Kyiv National University of Construction and Architecture (KNUCA). He also holds a number of certificates in Management.
"Prior to his appointment as Vice Chancellor, Prof. Nawangwe served Makerere University as the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Finance and Administration) from 2013 to 2017, Acting Principal of the College of Engineering, Design, Art and Technology-CEDAT (2011-2013), Dean of the Faculty of Technology (2002-2011) and Head of the Department of Architecture right from its inception in 1989 until 2002. He has chaired several University committees, including the University Research, Administrative and Financial Reforms Committee."
US Fulbright Scholar Judithanne McLauchlan Concludes Residency, Ushers Makerere into Global Classrooms with Virtual Exchange.
Makerere University has strengthened its drive toward global academic
competitiveness through a high-level capacity-building workshop on
Virtual Global Exchange (VGE)—an innovative model that links students
and lecturers across countries for joint coursework, multicultural
dialogue, and collaborative learning.
The training, held on 30th October 2025, capped a one-month academic
residency by Professor Judithanne McLauchlan, a U.S. Fulbright Scholar
from the University of South Florida (USF). More than 30 Makerere
faculty members from various disciplines participated and received
certificates of attendance, recognizing their commitment to advancing
internationalized teaching and learning.
Prof. McLauchlan: “VGE Builds Global Citizens”
Addressing participants, Prof. McLauchlan emphasized that Virtual
Global Exchange equips students with key competencies needed in today’s
interconnected world.
Prof. Judithanne making her presentation in the Social Sciences Smart room
“Students develop global citizenship competencies, improve
communication skills, strengthen their ability to work in groups, and
deepen their understanding of diversity when they collaborate with peers
abroad,” she said.
She added that VGE prepares graduates who can apply knowledge across cultures and contexts.
“Students learn how to navigate intercultural challenges, appreciate
different contexts and cultures, and engage critically with course
material in richer and more meaningful ways. The impact is profound.”
Prof. McLauchlan highlighted the versatility of VGE and shared examples sparked by the Makerere session.
“We had faculty here from all disciplines. A religion professor spoke
of students interviewing community members from different
faiths—imagine if students in Uganda and the United States compared
those experiences. A biology lecturer shared ideas on students
collecting plant samples and identifying pathogens, which could become a
comparative study with students abroad.”
She noted that none of the participants had implemented VGE before, yet all could easily adapt their coursework.
“No one in the room had implemented this before, but everyone had
assignments that could be adapted. That shows how much potential there
is for collaboration.”
Prof. McLauchlan announced that a resource folder and recorded
session had been shared to support staff unable to attend in person, and
she confirmed plans for a follow-up workshop.
“We are not ending here. This is the beginning of long-term cooperation.”
A Rewarding and Fast-Paced Residency
Reflecting on her stay, the Fulbright scholar described her month at Makerere as intense and fulfilling.
“We knew the month would go fast, so we worked like we were
supercharged,” she said. “I have built wonderful relationships with
researchers, faculty, and students.”
She noted memorable engagements beyond teaching, including a public lecture on America at 250, conversations with students leading community projects, and support for youth civic engagement initiatives.
“Students approached me—one running a children’s NGO in his village,
another hosting a youth podcast—and I will continue working with them.
This has been a privilege, and I am very proud to be the first Fulbright
fellow with this Center.”
A staff member from the college Agriculture handed over his certificate
During her residency at the Great Lakes Center for the Study of the United States,
Prof. McLauchlan, Mentored researchers contributing to a forthcoming
edited book, Facilitated teaching partnership discussions with U.S.
universities, Engaged Makerere students and youth leaders and Linked the
Center to American business networks in Uganda for potential CSR
support.
“It has been an honor to be the first Fulbright fellow with this Center. The collaboration will continue.”
The training signals Makerere University’s continued commitment to
expanding international collaborations, enhancing global learning
experiences, and developing skills for a globally competitive workforce.
With certificates in hand and plans for future joint teaching
initiatives, Makerere faculty are now positioned to pioneer VGE-based
teaching across disciplines.
A Month of Collaboration, Research, Mentorship, and Networking
Speaking at the closing session, Dr. Sylvester Kaweesi, Principal
Investigator and Coordinator of Research at the Makerere University
Great Lakes Center for the Study of the United States, emphasized that
the workshop was designed to build capacity for joint teaching and
strengthen Makerere’s internationalization agenda. He explained that the
goal is to establish collaborative teaching arrangements where Makerere
academics work with colleagues in the United States to deliver courses
online.
Prof. Judithanne hands over books as a gift to Dr. Sylivestre Kaweesi in the center office
“This final presentation was meant to bring colleagues on board in
the teaching aspects of internationalization,” Dr. Kaweesi said. “The
idea is to collaborate with universities in the United States to offer
courses online and in the virtual space.”
According to Dr. Kaweesi, the initiative will allow Makerere students
to benefit from global academic expertise and diverse perspectives.
“We want to ensure our students benefit from what professors
elsewhere can offer,” he added. “Once colleagues understand the virtual
platform introduced today, we shall link them with U.S. scholars so they
can jointly deliver selected courses.”
Reflecting on the impact of Professor McLauchlan’s residency, Dr.
Kaweesi commended her for playing a pivotal role in strengthening the
foundation of the Great Lakes Center for the Study of the United States.
He noted that her first contribution was supporting the
conceptualization and structural setup of the Center, including helping
map the institutional structures necessary for its effective operation
and connecting Makerere with U.S. academics who will continue supporting
the Center’s work.
He further explained that Professor McLauchlan enriched the Makerere
community by offering insights into U.S. politics and governance,
including an engaging public lecture on 250 years of American democracy,
which formed part of the Center’s public dialogue series. In addition
to her academic contributions, she engaged the American business
community in Uganda with the aim of identifying corporate social
responsibility opportunities that could support the Center’s activities.
A participant gets her certificate after the training
Dr. Kaweesi also highlighted her efforts to advance research and
academic partnerships with U.S. institutions to support Makerere’s
global collaboration agenda. He said the Fulbright Scholar’s visit laid a
strong foundation for future cooperation, particularly in research,
teaching, and resource mobilization.
“She has been extremely helpful in mapping American businesses we can
engage and in laying the foundation for firm research and academic
partnerships,” he said. “We are grateful for her contribution to
strengthening the Center’s future.”
Looking ahead, Makerere plans to begin matching trained staff with
U.S. counterparts to pilot joint courses delivered virtually, a move
expected to enrich student learning and expand global engagement.
“This training is only the beginning,” Dr. Kaweesi noted. “We are now
ready to establish virtual exchange partnerships that will benefit our
students and support the university’s internationalization agenda.”
“Makerere’s Global Outlook Is Now a Key Strength” – International Office
Makerere University’s Office of International Affairs has underscored
the pivotal role it plays in advancing the institution’s global outlook
and internationalization agenda. Mr. Mathias Ssemanda, Senior
International Relations Officer and head of the office, highlighted the
significance of recent initiatives such as the launch of the Great Lakes Center for American Studies, which strengthens Makerere’s engagement with global academic and research networks.
Mr. Mathias Ssemanda speaking during the certificate award ceremony
“This is a very important step in the internationalization of the
university,” Semanda said. “Events like this not only support our
international agenda but also consolidate our position in the global
academic landscape.”
He pointed out that Makerere’s recent ranking improvements reflect both regional and global performance.
“Recent rankings show that Makerere has rebounded into the top ten
universities in Africa, and when looking at the actual statistics, we
have outperformed many institutions in terms of global outlook,” he
said.
Semanda emphasized that the international office will continue
participating in events with a global element to leverage the
university’s strengths.
“We are going to be present at events that enhance our international
engagement because this is a strength we have not fully leveraged. By
doing so, we can perform even better and support the university’s
internationalization agenda,” he said.
He further noted the synergy between research and international
engagement, stressing that leadership in research requires robust
international collaboration.
“Makerere is a research-led university, and you cannot lead in
research without supporting the international office and
internationalization. The two move concurrently, and that is why we are
part of this important event,” Semanda added.
Highlighting Makerere’s extensive global partnerships, he mentioned
that the university currently collaborates with over 50 institutions in
the United States, reflecting the breadth of its international
connections.
“The presenter today is from an American university, and as you can
see, we have more than 50 U.S. university partners. That is a
significant number, and our presence here was essential,” he said.
The VGE training signalled a strong commitment by Makerere University
to deepen global collaborations and equip students with competencies
needed in the international arena. As participants left with
certificates in hand and plans for future VGE projects, the University
reaffirmed its mission to foster globally connected learning and
research environments.
The Fairway Hotel provided safe, modern, and convenient lodging for my fellowship at Makerere University. See my post where I share more about the lovely gardens and restaurants that make up the hotel complex:
However, I do believe that the cats and kittens who live at the Fairway deserve their own post.
Walking to and from breakfast, to and from the university, to and from dinner, I would pass these delightful cats and kittens. And they would always brighten my days.
Over the month that I stayed at the hotel, the kittens gained strength and became more playful.
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