Makerere University has strengthened its drive toward global academic competitiveness through a high-level capacity-building workshop on Virtual Global Exchange (VGE)—an innovative model that links students and lecturers across countries for joint coursework, multicultural dialogue, and collaborative learning.
The training, held on 30th October 2025, capped a one-month academic residency by Professor Judithanne McLauchlan, a U.S. Fulbright Scholar from the University of South Florida (USF). More than 30 Makerere faculty members from various disciplines participated and received certificates of attendance, recognizing their commitment to advancing internationalized teaching and learning.
Prof. McLauchlan: “VGE Builds Global Citizens”
Addressing participants, Prof. McLauchlan emphasized that Virtual Global Exchange equips students with key competencies needed in today’s interconnected world.
“Students develop global citizenship competencies, improve communication skills, strengthen their ability to work in groups, and deepen their understanding of diversity when they collaborate with peers abroad,” she said.
She added that VGE prepares graduates who can apply knowledge across cultures and contexts.
“Students learn how to navigate intercultural challenges, appreciate different contexts and cultures, and engage critically with course material in richer and more meaningful ways. The impact is profound.”
Prof. McLauchlan highlighted the versatility of VGE and shared examples sparked by the Makerere session.
“We had faculty here from all disciplines. A religion professor spoke of students interviewing community members from different faiths—imagine if students in Uganda and the United States compared those experiences. A biology lecturer shared ideas on students collecting plant samples and identifying pathogens, which could become a comparative study with students abroad.”
She noted that none of the participants had implemented VGE before, yet all could easily adapt their coursework.
“No one in the room had implemented this before, but everyone had assignments that could be adapted. That shows how much potential there is for collaboration.”
Prof. McLauchlan announced that a resource folder and recorded session had been shared to support staff unable to attend in person, and she confirmed plans for a follow-up workshop.
“We are not ending here. This is the beginning of long-term cooperation.”
A Rewarding and Fast-Paced Residency
Reflecting on her stay, the Fulbright scholar described her month at Makerere as intense and fulfilling.
“We knew the month would go fast, so we worked like we were supercharged,” she said. “I have built wonderful relationships with researchers, faculty, and students.”
She noted memorable engagements beyond teaching, including a public lecture on America at 250, conversations with students leading community projects, and support for youth civic engagement initiatives.
“Students approached me—one running a children’s NGO in his village, another hosting a youth podcast—and I will continue working with them. This has been a privilege, and I am very proud to be the first Fulbright fellow with this Center.”
During her residency at the Great Lakes Center for the Study of the United States, Prof. McLauchlan, Mentored researchers contributing to a forthcoming edited book, Facilitated teaching partnership discussions with U.S. universities, Engaged Makerere students and youth leaders and Linked the Center to American business networks in Uganda for potential CSR support.
“It has been an honor to be the first Fulbright fellow with this Center. The collaboration will continue.”
The training signals Makerere University’s continued commitment to expanding international collaborations, enhancing global learning experiences, and developing skills for a globally competitive workforce.
With certificates in hand and plans for future joint teaching initiatives, Makerere faculty are now positioned to pioneer VGE-based teaching across disciplines.
A Month of Collaboration, Research, Mentorship, and Networking
Speaking at the closing session, Dr. Sylvester Kaweesi, Principal Investigator and Coordinator of Research at the Makerere University Great Lakes Center for the Study of the United States, emphasized that the workshop was designed to build capacity for joint teaching and strengthen Makerere’s internationalization agenda. He explained that the goal is to establish collaborative teaching arrangements where Makerere academics work with colleagues in the United States to deliver courses online.
“This final presentation was meant to bring colleagues on board in the teaching aspects of internationalization,” Dr. Kaweesi said. “The idea is to collaborate with universities in the United States to offer courses online and in the virtual space.”
According to Dr. Kaweesi, the initiative will allow Makerere students to benefit from global academic expertise and diverse perspectives.
“We want to ensure our students benefit from what professors elsewhere can offer,” he added. “Once colleagues understand the virtual platform introduced today, we shall link them with U.S. scholars so they can jointly deliver selected courses.”
Reflecting on the impact of Professor McLauchlan’s residency, Dr. Kaweesi commended her for playing a pivotal role in strengthening the foundation of the Great Lakes Center for the Study of the United States. He noted that her first contribution was supporting the conceptualization and structural setup of the Center, including helping map the institutional structures necessary for its effective operation and connecting Makerere with U.S. academics who will continue supporting the Center’s work.
He further explained that Professor McLauchlan enriched the Makerere community by offering insights into U.S. politics and governance, including an engaging public lecture on 250 years of American democracy, which formed part of the Center’s public dialogue series. In addition to her academic contributions, she engaged the American business community in Uganda with the aim of identifying corporate social responsibility opportunities that could support the Center’s activities.
Dr. Kaweesi also highlighted her efforts to advance research and academic partnerships with U.S. institutions to support Makerere’s global collaboration agenda. He said the Fulbright Scholar’s visit laid a strong foundation for future cooperation, particularly in research, teaching, and resource mobilization.
“She has been extremely helpful in mapping American businesses we can engage and in laying the foundation for firm research and academic partnerships,” he said. “We are grateful for her contribution to strengthening the Center’s future.”
Looking ahead, Makerere plans to begin matching trained staff with U.S. counterparts to pilot joint courses delivered virtually, a move expected to enrich student learning and expand global engagement.
“This training is only the beginning,” Dr. Kaweesi noted. “We are now ready to establish virtual exchange partnerships that will benefit our students and support the university’s internationalization agenda.”
“Makerere’s Global Outlook Is Now a Key Strength” – International Office
Makerere University’s Office of International Affairs has underscored the pivotal role it plays in advancing the institution’s global outlook and internationalization agenda. Mr. Mathias Ssemanda, Senior International Relations Officer and head of the office, highlighted the significance of recent initiatives such as the launch of the Great Lakes Center for American Studies, which strengthens Makerere’s engagement with global academic and research networks.
“This is a very important step in the internationalization of the university,” Semanda said. “Events like this not only support our international agenda but also consolidate our position in the global academic landscape.”
He pointed out that Makerere’s recent ranking improvements reflect both regional and global performance.
“Recent rankings show that Makerere has rebounded into the top ten universities in Africa, and when looking at the actual statistics, we have outperformed many institutions in terms of global outlook,” he said.
Semanda emphasized that the international office will continue participating in events with a global element to leverage the university’s strengths.
“We are going to be present at events that enhance our international engagement because this is a strength we have not fully leveraged. By doing so, we can perform even better and support the university’s internationalization agenda,” he said.
He further noted the synergy between research and international engagement, stressing that leadership in research requires robust international collaboration.
“Makerere is a research-led university, and you cannot lead in research without supporting the international office and internationalization. The two move concurrently, and that is why we are part of this important event,” Semanda added.
Highlighting Makerere’s extensive global partnerships, he mentioned that the university currently collaborates with over 50 institutions in the United States, reflecting the breadth of its international connections.
“The presenter today is from an American university, and as you can see, we have more than 50 U.S. university partners. That is a significant number, and our presence here was essential,” he said.
The VGE training signalled a strong commitment by Makerere University to deepen global collaborations and equip students with competencies needed in the international arena. As participants left with certificates in hand and plans for future VGE projects, the University reaffirmed its mission to foster globally connected learning and research environments.
By Jane Anyango
Principal Communication Officer CHUSS