Author: Rowena Quinan

Professor John Gyapong is the Secretary-General of the African Research Universities Alliance (ARUA), bringing to the role a distinguished record of leadership, scholarship, and commitment to advancing research and higher education across Africa. Before his current appointment, he served as Vice Chancellor of the University of Health and Allied Sciences from 2016 to 2022, and as Pro Vice-Chancellor for Research, Innovation and Development at the University of Ghana from 2011 to 2016. He has also held the position of Adjunct Professor of Global Health at Georgetown University in Washington, D.C. From 1987 to 2010, Professor Gyapong practised as a medical doctor in Ghana, during which period he rose to become Director of Research and Development at the Ghana Health Service, where he oversaw health systems and implementation research. Professor Gyapong has made significant contributions to the higher education landscape in Africa, as well as to global research governance and university leadership. He serves on several international research granting bodies and review panels. His primary field of expertise is the epidemiology of infectious diseases, particularly neglected tropical diseases. He is a Fellow of the Ghana Academy of Arts and Sciences, the Ghana College of Physicians and Surgeons, and the Faculty of Public Health of the Royal College of Physicians.

Hon. Dr. Monica Musenero Masanza, DVM, MS, MPH, is a renowned Ugandan scientist, and epidemiologist currently serving as the Minister for Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI) in the Office of the President of Uganda. Prior to joining the Cabinet Dr Monica was a Senior Presidential Advisor on Epidemics a role which plunged her at the forefront of Uganda ‘s response and management of the COVID-19 pandemic. As Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation (STI), Dr. Musenero has repositioned science, technology, and innovation as drivers of socio-economic transformation. She has led flagship programs including E-Mobility, Pathogen Economy, Infrastructure Innovation, Industry 4.0+, Productivity Acceleration & Import Substitution, Space & Aeronautics, and Support Services. Under her leadership, Uganda has established landmark infrastructure such as the Kiira Vehicle Plant, Deep-Tech Centre, the Engineering Development and Innovation Centre, Coffee Innovation Hubs, and the Biosciences Park, a cutting-edge initiative specializing in vaccines, diagnostics, and therapeutics R&D, capacity development and manufacturing.      

Dr. Lorna Magara has been actively engaged in the world of education for over 37 years. She firmly believes education is a transformational process that impacts the whole of life and is a critical determinant in forming the character and quality of society. She holds a BA in Education from Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda; an MA in Organizational Leadership & Management from Uganda Christian University, Mukono; and a Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) in Advanced Educational Leadership from Regent University, USA. She also holds a certificate from the Haggai International Institute for Advanced Leadership. Dr. Lorna Magara’s passion and ability to develop effective leadership and management systems and structures have seen her serve on several Governing Bodies of Education organizations. She is currently Chairperson of the Makerere University Council, now in her second term (2018–2022; 2023–2026), where she continues to provide strategic leadership to Uganda’s premier university, advancing academic excellence, research, and societal impact.

Professor Barnabas Nawangwe is the Vice Chancellor of Makerere University. He is responsible for the overall academic, administrative, and financial affairs of the institution.

Professor Nawangwe is an academic, architect, researcher, publisher and public administrator, who has significantly contributed to the transformation of Makerere University. Committed to the realization of a strong, powerful and resilient institution, Professor Nawangwe is renowned for the catchy phrase- Unlocking the potential of Makerere University.

Professor Nawangwe was appointed Vice Chancellor of Makerere University in 2017. Prior to his appointment, he had served as the Deputy Vice Chancellor in charge of Finance and Administration (September 2013 to August 2017).  He served as 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 from its inception in 1987 until 2002.

He chairs boards of several national, regional and international professional bodies. He serves as the Chairman of the Board of the African Research Universities Alliance (ARUA) He is the Patron of the Resilient Africa Network (RAN). He is the Director of the UK-based Worldwide Universities Network (WUN). He is also a member of Executive Committee of the Council of the Association of Commonwealth Universities (ACU), a unique network of over 500 universities in 50 countries dedicated to building a better world through higher education.

A statistician by training with a wide range of experience in quantitative and qualitative approaches to data and methods. Prof. Wamala has served in various capacities at Makerere University: (i) Head Department of Planning and Applied Statistics, School of Statistics and Planning (SSP), Makerere University (ii) Dean, SSP, Makerere University, (iii) Deputy Director, Innovations Development and Partnerships, Directorate of Research and Graduate (DRGT), Makerere University. In addition to the aforementioned responsibilities, Robert served on various Committees of the University including, University Senate, Makerere University Research and Innovation Fund (MakRIF), Makerere University Grants Administration and Support Unit (GAMSU), Board of Research and Graduate Training, and Intellectual Property Management Committee (IPMC). I have also served in various capacities elsewhere including: (i) Member of Board of Directors, Uganda Bureau of Statistics, (ii) Member of Advisory Board, African Centre of Excellence in Data Science.