In June 2026, Makerere University and the University of Fukui in Japan, formalized their collaboration by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to advance education through collaborative research, knowledge exchange and professional development of teachers.
The MoU was signed by the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe on behalf of Makerere University, and Dr. Yuu Kimura, the Dean, the United Graduate School of Professional Teachers on behalf of the University of Fukui.
The University of Fukui aims to promote world-class education and research in science and technology for people’s well-being, while providing advanced medical services to local residents. Makerere University is one of the oldest and leading institutions of higher learning in Africa. It is a renowned centre of academic excellence, research and innovations.
In the MoU, both universities commit to undertake academic and educational research, strengthen partnerships in education and ICT, promote joint international engagements, and enhance knowledge exchange and cooperation for mutual institutional development.
At Makerere University, the MoU signed by the Vice Chancellor on 12th June 2026, will be implemented through the College of Education and External Studies, Department of Science, Technology and Vocational Education (DSTVE). The Programme Coordinators include: Dr. Reymick Oketch-Principal Investigator, and Associate Professor Josephine Esaete with the College Principal-Prof. Anthony M. Mugagga providing the oversight function. At the University of Fukui, the Programme Coordinators include: Associate Professor Kosaka Masato and Associate Professor Takuya Numajiri.
Exchange of the MoU between Makerere University and the University of Fukui
On 19th June 2026, the Vice Chancellor of Makerere University, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe presented the MoU to the University of Fukui, Japan represented by Associate Professor Takuya Numajiri and Associate Professor Masato Kosaka.
The signing parties explained that the MoU institutionalizes the collaboration between Makerere University, College of Education and External Studies, Department of Science, Technology and Vocational Education (DSTVE) and the University of Fukui, the United Graduate School of Professional Teachers, which began in 2024.
Through this collaboration, the parties have been implementing the Japanese Lesson Study approach, a model that promotes teamwork among teachers through joint lesson planning, classroom observation, co-teaching, and reflective learning. “The initiative is aimed at improving teaching practices and enhancing the implementation of competence-based and activity-based learning in schools.”
As part of the partnership, Dr. Oketch reported that Makerere University works closely with secondary schools, including King’s College Budo and Kalinabiri Secondary School, where lecturers and teachers collaborate to improve classroom instruction.
Dr. Oketch pointed out that the collaboration encourages teachers to work together, share experiences, observe one another’s lessons, and adopt active teaching methods that improve learning outcomes.
“The programme also supports joint research to assess the effectiveness of these interventions in improving teacher performance and student learning outcomes,” stated Dr. Oketch.
Vice Chancellor proposes setting up of the Centre for Teacher Professional Development
In his remarks, the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Nawangwe praised the growing collaboration between Makerere University and the University of Fukui of Japan, describing it as a valuable partnership for strengthening teacher professional development through engagement, mentorship, and innovative teaching practices.
Reflecting on his earlier visits to Japan, the Vice Chancellor noted that his connection with the country has left a lasting impression on him and demonstrated the kindness, trust, and hospitality of the Japanese people.
The Vice Chancellor called upon the University of Fukui to support the ongoing efforts aimed at establishing a Centre for Teacher Professional Development at Makerere University, which would provide a strong platform for expanding collaboration and enhancing professional learning among educators.
“The Centre for Teacher Professional Development in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) at Makerere University, will benefit educators in Uganda and beyond,” said the Vice Chancellor.
Valuable opportunities for addressing educational challenges
In his address, Associate Professor Masato Kosaka from the University of Fukui commended Makerere University for the growing partnership, describing the collaboration as an important milestone in advancing educational research and professional development.
He noted that the collaboration has already yielded valuable opportunities for engagement, including visits to secondary schools and discussions on joint research initiatives aimed at addressing educational challenges. “The interactions with secondary schools in Uganda have strengthened the shared commitment of both universities to improving education through collaboration, innovation, and research,” he said.
He expressed optimism that the signed MoU will deepen collaborative research, promote academic exchange, and create meaningful opportunities for students, educators, and researchers from both institutions in the years ahead.
A brief about the activities that led to the Signing of the MoU
In an interview with the CEES Communication Office, Dr. Reymick Oketch, the Principal Investigator and a Biology Teacher Educator, explained that the MoU was signed during the two-week visit by delegates from the University of Fukui, Associate Professor Takuya Numajiri and Associate Professor Masato Kosaka, to Makerere University, College of Education and External Studies, Department of Science, Technology and Vocational Education.
He highlighted the growing impact of the collaboration in strengthening teacher education and STEM learning. He emphasized the importance of teacher capacity development that promotes teamwork, peer support, and reflective learning.
Dr. Oketch disclosed that the partnership extends beyond research and classroom practice to include staff and teacher exchange programmes between Uganda and Japan. “Educators from both countries have been presented with opportunities to observe teaching methods, share experiences, and learn from one another,” he said.
The collaboration has opened pathways for further education, with selected teachers receiving opportunities to pursue advanced studies in Japan. He encouraged educators and student teachers to embrace collaborative teaching, reflective practice, and learner-centred approaches that place students at the heart of the learning process.
