By Pius Kikomeko.
On Friday 13th February 2026, Makerere University was honored to host Prof. Daniel Branch, the Deputy Vice Chancellor of the University of Warwick. This visit marked a significant follow-up to a 2025 delegation from Makerere to Warwick, emphasizing a growing and reciprocal relationship between the two prestigious institutions. Organized by the Makerere University Research and Innovation Fund (Mak-RIF), the day began with a strategic meeting in the office of the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, alongside key university leadership including Prof. Fred Masagazi Masaazi chairperson of Mak-RIF and Mr. Simon Kizito the Deputy University Secretary.
During the initial discussions, Mr. Simon Kizito, reflected on the eye-opening experience of visiting Warwick, specifically praising their forward-thinking approach to industry collaboration and innovation. These observations set the stage for exploring new possibilities for student exchange programs. Such initiatives are envisioned to allow students from both universities to share valuable experiences in research and technology, fostering a global academic environment
Prof. Nawangwe provided Prof. Branch with an overview of Makerere’s historical significance as the oldest university in East Africa and its immense research capacity, supported by an academic staff holding approximately 1,390 PhDs. He highlighted Makerere’s leadership in technological advancements, citing the design and production of Africa’s first electric car, the Kiira EV. Prof. Nawangwe also addressed the global knowledge gap, noting that Africa currently contributes only 3% of the world’s knowledge. He emphasized that collaborating with institutions like the University of Warwick is essential to increasing this percentage by improving supervision capacity and research impact.
In response, Prof. Daniel Branch underscored that innovation is the central theme for any collaboration involving the University of Warwick. He shared insights into Warwick’s strong corporate partnerships, notably with Jaguar Land Rover, which serves as a major employer for their graduates. Prof. Branch further explained University of Warwick’s commitment to applied engineering, where they work closely with industry partners to successfully transition student innovations from the lab to the commercial market.
The visit continued at the College of Engineering, Design, Art and Technology (CEDAT), where Prof. Branch was hosted by the Principal, Prof. Moses Musinguzi. He was presented with a variety of groundbreaking research projects, including a solar water pump developed by Dr. Edmund Tumusiime and affordable housing digitalization pathways by Assoc. Prof. Stephen Mukiibi. The tour also included a showcase of the Crane Cloud project from the College of Computing and Information Sciences and a visit to the Materials Lab at the School of Engineering to view its high-tech machinery.
The day concluded with a comprehensive tour of the Makerere University Innovation Pod (UNIPod), led by its Manager, Dr. Cathy Mbidde. Prof. Branch was given a detailed presentation on the history and mission of the UNIPod before touring its diverse facilities. The walk-through included the textile room, food technology room, and the audio production room, showcasing the wide ranging creative and technical capabilities that Makerere continues to nurture through its innovation hubs.
This high-level visit underscores the growing partnership between Makerere University and the University of Warwick, centered on a shared vision for global innovation. By leveraging Makerere’s extensive research capacity and Warwick’s expertise in industry-led applied engineering, both institutions aim to bridge the knowledge gap and create transformative opportunities for students through future exchange programs. As evidenced by the cutting edge work showcased at CEDAT and the UNIPod, this collaboration is poised to turn academic research into tangible solutions that resonate on both a local and global scale.
Posted by Isemaghendera Alex, IT Officer,
College of Engineering Design, Art and Technology (CEDAT), Makerere University.