Dr. Martin Ongol is the newly elected Chairperson of NEMRA
By Arinaitwe Rugyendo
Amidst an atmosphere of anticipation and enthusiasm, the Network for Multidisciplinary Research Africa (NEMRA) has held its much-awaited board elections and brought a stellar team of top researchers in Uganda.
NEMRA, a prominent organization dedicated to fostering collaborative research and driving positive change across diverse sectors, elected a new board of directors to lead the way for the organization’s 2023-2026 term.
The election results were announced by the Secretary/Returning Officer, Dr. Robert Kakuru, on July 20, 2023, who expressed his admiration for the democratic process and the dedication shown by NEMRA members. The newly elected board members are poised to guide NEMRA’s initiatives and make a lasting impact in the region.
Heading the newly formed leadership is Dr. Martin Ongol, who emerged victorious as the Chairperson. Dr. Ongol is celebrated for his visionary approach and expertise in effecting transformative change. Alongside him is Prof. Edith Natukunda, a distinguished academic, who has been elected as the Vice Chairperson, reinforcing NEMRA’s commitment to academic excellence.
Representing government institutions, Mr. Arthur Makara was elected to serve on the board, while Mr. Moses Tuhame will represent civil society and businesses.
Dr. Christine Charity Mwebesa, as Finance Director, will be responsible for ensuring prudent financial management to support NEMRA’s diverse projects and research initiatives.
Highlighting NEMRA’s dedication to fostering emerging talent, Kabweru Wilberforce Musoga, a promising Ph.D. candidate, was elected as the representative for Ph.D. candidates.
Prof. John Mugisha, recognized for his unwavering commitment to NEMRA’s founding principles, will represent the Board itself.
The academic community will be represented by Prof. Monica Chibita, a distinguished figure in academia known for her contributions to research and education.
NEMRA’s outgoing leadership led by Prof Stella Neema congratulated the newly elected board and expressed confidence in their abilities to lead the organization towards a brighter future.
She emphasized that the new team’s collective expertise and commitment to collaborative research would steer NEMRA to new heights of impactful contributions and community engagement.
As NEMRA continues its mission of driving innovation and uplifting lives, the new board of directors will focus on harnessing available resources and utilizing the talents to achieve quality research outputs for sustainable livelihoods for communities.
The organization’s dedication to multidisciplinary research and its collaborative approach to addressing societal challenges are expected to remain at the forefront of its endeavors.
The new board members have officially assumed their roles on the NEMRA board and are eager to take on the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.
With a renewed sense of purpose and commitment, NEMRA is poised to make a meaningful difference in the lives of the people it serves, solidifying its position as a leading force for positive change in the African research landscape.
Profiles of the New Board Members
Dr. Martin Ongol –Chairperson
Dr. Martin Ongol holds a PhD in Applied Biosciences from Hokkaido University Japan. Currently, he is the Acting Executive Secretary of, the Uganda National Council for Science and Technology. Dr Ongol also serves on the Governing Council for the National Agricultural Research Organisation, the Research and Education Network of Uganda, East African Science and Technology Commission. Previously he served as Vice President East African Research and Innovation Managers Association and director of Research, Innovation, and Postgraduate studies- at the College of Agriculture, Animal Sciences and Veterinary Medicine. Dr Ongol has over 25 years of professional experience has authored over 45 scientific publications and brings wide experience to NEMRA.
Prof. Edith Natukunda – Vice Chairperson
Edith is an associate professor of the French language, a Fulbright scholar, and a member of the Department of European and Oriental Languages at the School of Liberal and Performing Arts at Makerere University. She has widely supervised PhD students, published, and is a role model for NEMRA’s female researchers.
Professor Monica Chibita – Academic Institutions Representative
Monica B. Chibita is a highly accomplished individual with extensive experience in the field of journalism and media communication. She currently serves as a Professor and Dean at the Faculty of Journalism, Media, and Communication and has been the coordinator of the NORHED capacity-building project at Uganda Christian University (UCU) since 2013. With an impressive academic background, she holds a Doctor of Literature and Philosophy in Communication from the University of South Africa, an M.A. in Journalism from the University of Iowa, and a B.A./Education from Makerere University. Monica has held significant roles in academia throughout her career and served on various boards, including Uganda’s Broadcasting Council and the African Centre for Media Excellence. Her research interests revolve around media and democracy, with a focus on media regulation, diversity, and participation. Additionally, she has a secondary interest in Strategic Communication. Over the years, Monica has made substantial contributions to the field through numerous publications and her role as Associate Editor of the Journal of African Media Studies (JAMS) since 2006, as well as her involvement with other reputable journals in the communication field.
Mr. Arthur Makara – Government Institutions Representative
Arthur is a committed member of the vision of NEMRA. He joined NEMRA when he was a commissioner at the Ministry of Science and Technology and Innovation. He now works as a commissioner at UNCST and is a champion of biotechnology/biosafety regulation. He has been serving on NEMRA BoD in this same position and has initiated collaborations between NEMRA the NPA and UNCST.
Dr. Christine Charity Mwebesa – Finance Director
Christine is a PhD holder in corporatization of higher education from the University of Witwatersrand- South Africa. She currently works as the Special Presidential Assistant on Economic Affairs.
Dr. Wilberforce Kabweru – PhD students Rep
Dr. Kabweru is a medical doctor and consultant at Mulago Hospital. He is also pursuing a PhD.
Moses Tuhame- CSO and Business Institutions Representative
Moses holds a master’s degree in computer science from Makerere University. He is the manager, of ICT & Multimedia Services at Uganda’s National Curriculum Development Centre.
