Makerere University on June 16, 2025, hosted an academic dialogue under the Network on Europe and Africa Relations–Education and Research (NEAR-ER) project, bringing together delegates from 20 universities across both continents. The event focused on empowering early career researchers and graduate students through cross-continental collaboration, capacity building, and strategic dialogue.
The NEAR-ER initiative, a Jean Monnet policy network co-funded by the European Union, comprises seven European and 13 African higher education institutions. Makerere University is a key partner and host of the project, which runs from December 2024 to November 2027 under the thematic pillars of Shared Peace, Shared Prosperity, and Shared Spaces—covering issues from democracy and trade to climate action and migration.
Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi, Acting Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic Affairs), officially opened the event on behalf of Vice Chancellor Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe. He described the dialogue as “a defining moment in research collaboration” and called for participants to see the platform as a catalyst for preparing Africa’s next generation of digitally skilled leaders.
“Our continent’s future rests on homegrown innovation, strategic partnerships, and empowering young scholars to lead in a digital world,” Prof. Buyinza said. He also underscored Makerere’s alignment with Uganda’s national development agenda and EU-Africa cooperation frameworks.
The NEAR-ER research team at Makerere is led by Dr. John A. Mushomi and includes Dr. Patricia Ndugga, Dr. Elizabeth Nansubuga, Dr. Olivia Nankinga, Dr. Nicholas Tunanukye, and Dr. Fred Maniragaba. Dr. Mushomi emphasized student empowerment through global academic engagement, stating, “Our students are our main customers. We must nurture them through opportunities like NEAR-ER.”
In his remarks, Prof. Muller Gustavo, the NEAR-ER Overall Principal Investigator from KU Leuven and a senior researcher at the London Centre for Global Government Studies, praised Makerere as a symbolic host for the network’s first African convening. “This initiative is about amplifying African voices and co-producing knowledge that shapes global policy,” he said.
He called on students to become active contributors to the NEAR-ER digital platform through blogs, podcasts, and collaborative projects. “If you have ideas to improve EU-Africa relations, this is your space,” Prof. Gustavo added.
The day’s events included a panel discussion on career prospects in the EU, where scholars emphasized the value of academic mobility, trust-based networking, and strategic planning. They encouraged participants to embrace their diverse backgrounds and engage proactively in global opportunities.
Earlier, the delegation toured the Makerere University Innovation Pod (Mak UniPod), where Prof. Gustavo described the innovation showcased as a beacon for African-led academic transformation.
At a courtesy meeting with university officials, Prof. Buyinza reassured NEAR-ER stakeholders that Makerere would continue investing in theological training, digital learning, and research infrastructure.
College leaders echoed similar optimism. Associate Prof. James Wokadala, Deputy Principal of CoBAMS, called the NEAR-ER project “a foundational moment in re-defining global academic cooperation from the heart of Africa.” He reaffirmed the College’s commitment to supporting young researchers and strengthening international partnerships.
Dr. Margaret Banga, Dean of the School of Statistics and Planning, challenged scholars to translate ideas into action through strategic planning and research. “This is not about North teaching South—it’s about mutual learning,” she said. “Your research can shape the future. Don’t just study the world. Change it.”
Students also took center stage. PhD Fellow Claire Cheremoi emphasized the power of collective engagement, while undergraduate leader Ssozi Fahad Batte called for actionable follow-up, urging participants to document, share, and apply insights from the dialogue.
The NEAR-ER event underscored Makerere’s position as a regional hub for academic collaboration. It also spotlighted the shared commitment between Africa and Europe to build a knowledge-driven future anchored in equity, sustainability, and global solidarity.
