Makerere University gets sh30b for research

EDUCATION

KAMPALA - The government through the Presidential Initiative for Science and Technology has earmarked sh30b to support scientific research at Makerere University for the next financial year.

The acting Vice Chancellor, Dr. Umar Kakumba revealed that the money will enable the university to continue to advance its research agenda as it contributes to transformations of lives.

"I thank the President for his support through the Presidential Initiative on Science and Technology that has resulted into a number of innovations that are transforming our country," Kakumba said.

The Vice-Chancellor revealed this during the 2019 annual media convention at Makerere University on Thursday. The convention was held under the theme: "Communicating science /research in the social media age: Sharing technical information from researchers with the public."

Kakumba said the university cannot effectively benefit from the large volumes of scientific research and innovations without the support of mass media.

"It is therefore important that we work together to address the gaps in science communication," he said.

The convention brought on board journalists, communication professionals, scholars and students in the field of journalism and communication, researchers from universities, civil society, and policy, makers among others.

The New Vision also awarded the Department of Journalism and Communication's best student in photojournalism with the Cranimer Mugerwa Award.

Who is Cranimer Mugerwa

Cranimer Mugerwa worked with the New Vision from August 1994 until the time he died in March 2001 as a journalist/photographer. He was a first-class journalist in photography.

Mugerwa excelled in photography during challenging times. Jimmy Adriko, the former New Vision photo editor, said Mugerwa delivered quality work despite the challenges in the equipment at that time.

Mugerwa died at Nsambya Hospital after a short illness in March 2001 at the age 36 and was buried at Biira-Bulenga, 10kms on Mityana Road.

He was described by colleagues as an aggressive journalist who would not ask for what to do but said what he would do.

Mugerwa was survived by a daughter of 12 years at the time of his death.

The Cranimer Mugerwa Photography Award

The award was started by The New Vision in memory of the brave New Vision photojournalist Cranimer Mugerwa.

The award is presented annually by The New Vision to the best performing photo journalism student at the Journalism and Communication department, Makerere University and it carries with it a sh500,000 cash prize and a six-month attachment to the New Vision. The lucky winners of the Cranimer Mugerwa Award also get a plaque

The first Cranimer Mugerwa Memorial award was given at a World Press photo exhibition held at Sharing hall in Nsambya in October 2001.

Cranimer Mugerwa Photography Award winners

•        Sister Grace Chandiru October 2001

•        Fred Nangoli 2002

•        Gilbert Awekofua 2004

•        Joseph Kariuki 2007

•        Edward Echwalu 2009

•        Nancy Karunganwa 2010

•        Racheal Ninsiima 2012

•        Badru Katumba 2015/2016

•        Betty Musasizi 2019