Makerere University Launches Scholarly Guide to Boost Research, Publication, and Innovation in Africa
Makerere University has introduced a new scholarly guide titled “From Records to Publication: A Guide to Academic Authorship,” aimed at enhancing research and publication efforts among universities in Africa. The launch took place on February 12, 2026, led by Vice Chancellor Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, who underscored the necessity of investing in research and innovation to improve African institutions’ participation in the global knowledge economy.
Addressing Disparities in Research Output
Prof. Nawangwe highlighted the disparity between Africa’s population and its research output, noting that the continent contributes merely 3% of global research publications while representing 15% of the world’s population. He attributed this issue to historical factors, including the impacts of colonialism, which have constrained the academic contributions of African countries.
Lessons from China
In his address, the Vice Chancellor contrasted Africa’s situation with China’s advancements, which he credited to significant investments in education and research that have elevated China’s position in the global arena. He urged other African nations to adopt similar priorities regarding research and publication to enhance their contributions to global scholarship.
Makerere University’s Publication Growth
During the event, Prof. Nawangwe reported that Makerere University has seen an increase in its peer-reviewed publications, growing from about 500 a decade ago to over 2,000 currently. However, he acknowledged that the university still trails behind South African institutions, which have effectively utilized local journals. He expressed a commitment to fortifying Makerere University Press and increasing journal production to leverage the university’s identity.
Endorsement from College Leadership
Prof. Tonny Oyana, Principal of the College of Computing and Information Sciences, endorsed the guide as an essential resource for new faculty and postgraduate students, recommending its adoption as a mandatory reference. He shared insights from his collaborative experience on the guide, emphasizing the significance of mentorship in academia.
Editorial Process and Support
The guide’s editor, Prof. Elisam Magara, explained that the resource is intended to assist scholars from the initial conception of research ideas through to publication. He detailed the thorough editorial process that included international peer reviews and workshops aimed at improving academic writing quality.
Enhancing Discoverability of Research
Representatives from Makerere University Press also contributed to the event by outlining the rigorous publishing process, emphasizing that new journals and articles will be assigned Digital Object Identifiers (DOIs) for enhanced discoverability.
Pivotal Effort for African Scholarship
The launch of “From Records to Publication” signifies a pivotal effort to address challenges faced by scholars in Africa and aims to promote a culture of research and innovation within higher education institutions across the continent. The guide has been recommended for early-career researchers and graduate students as a valuable tool for their academic endeavors.
(Source: news.mak.ac.ug)
