Makerere University set to Launch USD 2 million e-Learning Grant

Makerere University is set to officially launch the USD 2 million e-Learning grant on Tuesday 20^th September 2022 starting at 9:00 am.

The official launch follows a successful proposal by Makerere University through the Institute of Open, Distance and e-Learning (IODeL) aimed at bringing on board colleges to develop high-quality and inclusive academic online content, high-quality and inclusive learner support services as well as enhancing access to and utilisation of online content.

This competitive bid was realised under the stewardship of  the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic Affairs), Associate Professor Umar Kakumba, the IODeL team led by Associate Professor Paul Birevu Muyinda and the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Programme Coordinator, Associate Professor Justine Namaalwa.

The Executive Director of National Council for Higher Education, Prof. Mary Okwakol will officially launch the project known as Mastercard Foundation e-Learning Initiative at Makerere University.

The Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, University Management, Principals. Deans, Heads of Departments, staff and students are expected to witness launch of the Mastercard Foundation e-Learning Initiative that will take place at the Yusuf Lule Central Teaching Facility Auditorium.

Taking into consideration that the project brings on board colleges to develop high quality inclusive e-content and to further contribute to improving the e-learning environment at Makerere University, the official launch entails a Panel Discussion featuring College Principals.

The following College Principals will participate in the Panel Discussion on Opportunities for Open Distance and e-Learning:

• Associate Professor Josephine Ahikire, Principal, College of Humanities and Social Sciences (CHUSS);
• Prof. Damalie Nakanjako, Principal,College of Health Sciences (CHS);
• Prof. Anthony Muwagga Mugagga, Principal, College of Education and External Studies (CEES);
• Prof. Tonny Oyana, Principal, College of Computing and Information Sciences (CoCIS); and
• Prof. Jockey B. Nyakaana, Director, Makerere University Jinja Campus.

In an interview with the Principal Public Relations Officer Makerere University, Ms. Ritah Namisango, the Principal Investigator, Associate Professor Paul Birevu Muyinda shared that the project was developed in response to a call for proposals by the Mastercard Foundation aimed at supporting universities to recover from the effects of COVID-19.

“The e-Learning Initiative is a project funded by Mastercard Foundation out of the need to address the negative impact of the COVID-19 pandemic that constrained access and continuity of teaching, learning and community engagement activities at Makerere University,” said Associate Professor Birevu Muyinda.

Associate Professor Birevu Muyinda highlighted that revitalizing the institutional Learning Management System (LMS) known as the Makerere University e-Learning Environment (MUELE) was one of the strategies to address the disruption of teaching and learning caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Through this strategic approach, MUELE presents a golden opportunity to fast-track guidance of academic staff in the design and development of emergency online course content.

According to Associate Professor Umar Kakumba, who is the Chairperson of the Steering Committee, Mastercard Foundation e-Learning Initiative at Makerere University, the project resonates with Makerere University’s strategic plan 2020-2030 that puts up a strong case for innovating teaching and learning strategies.

Associate Professor Kakumba has applauded the Mastercard Foundation for being a true partner in Makerere University’s development agenda.