Fifteen NORHED I projects and twenty under NORHED II demonstrate how applied research informs policy and strengthens institutions nationwide.
For more than a decade, research at Makerere University has shaped policies, strengthened institutions, and improved livelihoods across Uganda and the wider region — supported by the Norwegian Agency for Development Cooperation (NORAD) through the NORHED programme.
Launched in 2012, NORHED I (2013–2020) and NORHED II (2021–2026) support long-term academic partnerships for research, postgraduate training, and institutional development. Makerere implemented 15 projects under NORHED I and 20 under NORHED II.
MERIT: Environmental risk and climate resilience
The MERIT Project (20 million Norwegian kroner) advances environmental risk management through postgraduate training, interdisciplinary research, and community interventions in landslide- and flood-prone districts — with academic exchange between Makerere and NTNU.
CABUTE: Research-based teacher education
The Capacity Building for Research-Based Teacher Education project links CEES, Kyambogo University, UNITE, and the University of Bergen — with 16 Master’s, 8 PhD, and 4 post-doctoral fellowships supporting Uganda’s National Teacher Policy.
Water ESSENCE Africa
This NORHED II initiative strengthens water–health–environment–energy research across six African countries, aligned with SDG 6 and building partnerships with government, utilities, and civil society.
Climate-smart agriculture
Implemented in Alebtong and Mubende with NMBU, the CSA project tests climate-resilient practices while training 8 Master’s and 5 PhD students and 1,500 farmers in pigeon pea and biochar technologies.
Together, these collaborations show how Makerere translates knowledge into practical solutions that inform policy and support communities across Uganda and the region.
