Kampala, Uganda – As Makerere University kicks off the week-long graduation, 49 outstanding researchers have been honored with the first-ever Vice-Chancellor’s Research Excellence Awards for 2023.
This being the first ever in the university’s history, the awards, based on the number of publications between 2017 and 2023 according to SCOPUS, will recognize the remarkable contributions of scholars who have demonstrated exceptional dedication to advancing knowledge.
Scopus is an Elsevier’s abstract and citation database launched in 2004. Scopus covers 36,377 titles from 11,678 publishers, of which 34,346 are peer-reviewed journals in top-level subject fields: life sciences, social sciences, physical sciences, and health sciences.
Best Overall Researchers
Prof. Moses Robert Kamya from the College of Health Sciences, Department of Medicine, has emerged as the Best Overall Researcher, with an impressive record of 271 publications.
Prof. Rhoda Wanyenze, also from the College of Health Sciences, specializing in Public Health, will be recognized as the Best Female Overall Researcher, with 153 publications.
Diversity in Academic Excellence
Category B of the awards highlights the top researchers with at least five publications between 2017 and 2023 in each college. The diverse fields of expertise showcased the university’s commitment to excellence across disciplines.
From the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, Dr. Nakimbugwe Ndaula Dorothy, specializing in Food Technology and Nutrition, led with 54 publications.
From the College of Business and Management Sciences, Dr. Matovu Wasswa Joseph, an expert in Economics, stood out with an impressive 69 publications.
From the College of Computing and Information Sciences, Dr. Bainomugisha Engineer, specializing in Computing, demonstrated excellence with 30 publications.
From the College of Education and External Studies, Dr. Ssekatawa Kenneth, focusing on Education, secured the top spot with 12 publications.
From the College of Engineering, Design, Art, and Technology, Dr. Lubwama Michael, an authority in Engineering, leads with an impressive 40 publications.
From the College of Health Sciences, Prof. Kamya Robert Moses, from the Medicine department, maintained his remarkable record with 271 publications.
From the College of Humanities and Social Sciences, Dr. Walakira Eddy, contributing to Social Sciences, showcased excellence with 27 publications.
From the College of Natural Sciences, Dr. Masembe Charles, an expert in Biological Sciences, led with 45 publications.
From the College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources, and Biosecurity, Dr. Matovu Enock, specializing in Biosecurity, stood out with 48 publications.
From the School of Law, Dr. Nampewo Zahara, focusing on Human Rights, demonstrated academic prowess with 5 publications.
From the University Library, Dr. Kinengyere Annet Alison, contributing to Library Sciences, showcased excellence with 27 publications.
The awards ceremony is a testimony to Makerere University’s commitment to fostering a culture of research excellence and promoting diversity across academic disciplines. As the university continues to push the boundaries of knowledge, these researchers serve as beacons of inspiration, guiding the way for future generations of scholars and innovators.
In his speech, Vice Chancellor Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe said the awards have been launched to encourage Makerere staff to excel in research and contribute to national development in line with the vision of turning Makerere into a research-led university.
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