Makerere University has inked a strategic partnership with Japan’s University of Fukui to revolutionize science education and teacher training through collaborative global research.
The two institutions formalized the pact through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed by Makerere University Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, and Dr. Yuu Kimura, the Dean of the United Graduate School of Professional Teachers at the University of Fukui.
The cross-continental alliance focuses on joint academic research, information communication technology (ICT) integration, and international knowledge exchange.
At Makerere University, the College of Education and External Studies (CEES) will drive the project through the Department of Science, Technology and Vocational Education (DSTVE).
Dr. Reymick Oketch serves as the Principal Investigator alongside co-coordinator Associate Professor Josephine Esaete, under the oversight of College Principal Prof. Anthony M. Mugagga. The Japanese delegation is led by Associate Professor Kosaka Masato and Associate Professor Takuya Numajiri.
The partnership institutionalizes a relationship that started in 2024 to implement the Japanese Lesson Study approach. This educational model champions teacher teamwork through joint lesson planning, classroom observations, and reflective learning.
To test the model, Makerere University currently works with local secondary schools like King’s College Budo and Kalinabiri Secondary School.
"The initiative is aimed at improving teaching practices and enhancing the implementation of competence-based and activity-based learning in schools," the signing parties explained in a joint statement.
Dr. Oketch noted that the model encourages educators to share experiences and adopt active teaching methods.
“The programme also supports joint research to assess the effectiveness of these interventions in improving teacher performance and student learning outcomes,” Dr. Oketch stated.
Prof. Nawangwe proposed scaling up the initiative by building a specialized hub at the Kampala campus. He urged the Japanese institution to back the creation of a Centre for Teacher Professional Development.
“The Centre for Teacher Professional Development in Science in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) at Makerere University, will benefit educators in Uganda and beyond,” the Vice Chancellor said.
The Japanese delegation welcomed the expansion plan, citing positive field observations from Ugandan classrooms during their two-week visit.
“The interactions with secondary schools in Uganda have strengthened the shared commitment of both universities to improving education through collaboration, innovation, and research,” Associate Professor Masato Kosaka said.
The partnership also covers fully funded staff and teacher exchange opportunities between Uganda and Japan.
“Educators from both countries have been presented with opportunities to observe teaching methods, share experiences, and learn from one another,” Dr. Oketch disclosed.
