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Dr Rugyendo Joins NEMRA Board as Research Body Unveils New Directors
KAMPALA, UGANDA | July 27, 2026 — The Network for Education and Multidisciplinary Research Africa (NEMRA) has unveiled a new Board of Directors that will steer the organisation for the 2026–2029 term.
The incoming leadership brings together researchers, academics, government officials, civil society representatives and members of the postgraduate research community as NEMRA seeks to strengthen research capacity and promote evidence-based policymaking across Africa.
Founded in Kampala in September 2018, NEMRA has spent the past eight years building inter-institutional research capacity, connecting researchers across the continent and promoting academic engagement beyond university walls.
Announcing the new leadership, NEMRA Secretary to the Board Dr Patrick Mutabwire said its composition reflected the organisation’s commitment to drawing on expertise from different sectors.
“This Board brings together seasoned academics, policy practitioners, and representatives from government, higher education, civil society, and our postgraduate research community,” Dr Mutabwire said.
He said the members had been selected to expand NEMRA’s reach and deepen its contribution to Uganda and Africa’s research landscape.
“On behalf of the Secretariat, I congratulate each member and look forward to working with them over the next three years,” he added.
Dr Martin Ongol Named Chairperson
The new Board will be chaired by Dr Martin Ongol, the Deputy Executive Secretary of the Uganda National Council for Science and Technology.
Dr Ongol holds a PhD in Applied Microbiology, a Master of Science in Applied Bio Sciences and a Bachelor of Science in Food Science and Technology.
Dr. Martin Ongol
He said his leadership would focus on consolidating NEMRA’s institutional partnerships and strengthening its relationship with government science and research agencies.
“My task is to ensure the Board provides clear strategic direction while strengthening our links with government science and research bodies, so that the network’s work translates into real policy impact,” Dr Ongol said.
Dr Dennis Aguma was appointed Vice Chairperson. He holds a PhD in Entrepreneurship, an MBA and a Bachelor of Science in Business Management.
Dr Aguma is a Senior Lecturer in Entrepreneurship and Innovation, an ecosystems consultant, founder of NASE Africa and Research Grants Lead at the Uganda Management Institute.
Dr Barbara N. Kayondo was appointed Finance Director. She holds a PhD in Information Systems, master’s degrees in Monitoring and Evaluation and ICT Management, Policy and Architectural Design, as well as a Bachelor of Science in Information Technology.
Dr. Barbara Kayondo
She lectures in the Department of Information Systems at Makerere University Business School.
Government, Universities and Civil Society Represented
Mr Arthur M. Makara will represent postgraduate research students on the Board.
Makara holds a Master of Agriculture in Crop Science, a Master of Science in Business Administration, a Postgraduate Diploma in Business Administration, a Bachelor of Science and a Diploma in Education.
Mr. Arthur Makara
He is pursuing a PhD in Public Administration, works under the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries and serves as Acting Deputy Principal at Bukalasa Agricultural College.
Dr Franklin Higenyi was named Government Institutions Representative. He holds a PhD and master’s degree in Gender Studies and is pursuing a Bachelor of Laws. He is also a lecturer and consultant at the Uganda Management Institute.
Civil society organisations and the business community will be represented by Dr Arinaitwe D. Rugyendo, a media entrepreneur, researcher and STEM education practitioner.
Dr Rugyendo holds a PhD in Journalism and Communication and a Master of Science in Marketing. He is also the founding Managing Director of Research Finds News.
Dr. Arinaitwe Rugyendo
Dr Asiimwe Joy Turyamwijuka will represent higher education institutions.
She holds a PhD in Management and Administration, a master’s degree in Local and Regional Development and a Bachelor of Science in Social Sciences.
Dr. Joy Asiimwe
Dr Turyamwijuka lectures in Social Sciences and serves as Academic Registrar at Bishop Barham University College, a constituent college of Uganda Christian University.
Board Takes Office Ahead of Continental Conference
The Board assumes office ahead of the third NEMRA All-Africa Multidisciplinary Research Conference, scheduled for July 28–29, 2026, at the College of Health Sciences.
The conference is expected to bring together researchers and practitioners from different disciplines as NEMRA expands its continental network and promotes collaboration between academic institutions, policymakers and development actors.
NEMRA brings together researchers, postgraduate students and practitioners from institutions in Uganda and other countries. Its work focuses on demystifying academic research, building multidisciplinary networks and advancing evidence-based policy and practice in Africa.
The organisation’s core departments cover Training and Development, Research Projects and Publications, and Mobilisation and Advocacy.