Tina Kantono Walube is the Training Coordinator for the Enhancing Research Capacity in Sickle Cell Disease and Related Non-Communicable Diseases in Uganda (ENRICH) Project at Makerere University College of Health Sciences. She holds a Bachelor’s degree, a Postgraduate Diploma in Education, and a Master’s degree in Public Administration and Management from Makerere University. She is currently pursuing a PhD at Makerere University, with a growing interest in research capacity strengthening, higher education development, mentorship, and public administration.

In 2024, Tina undertook a three-month academic visit to the University of Bergen, Norway, from September to November, where she participated in a range of research and academic capacity-building activities. During this period, she worked on developing research concepts and proposals in preparation for doctoral studies, while strengthening her skills in research methodology, proposal development, scholarly writing, and related research competencies. The visit also provided valuable opportunities to engage with faculty, researchers, and postgraduate students from diverse academic backgrounds, fostering professional networks and enriching her understanding of the global research environment.

Since her visit to Bergen, Tina has continued to build on the knowledge and skills gained through the experience. She published findings from her Master's research in the article, “Academic Staff Mentorship at Makerere University: A Qualitative Study” (Walube, T. K., Makoboza, P., & Rutanga, M., 2024), which appeared in the Pan-African Journal of Education and Social Sciences, 5(2), 91-105. She has also commenced her PhD studies at Makerere University, further advancing her academic and research journey. The opportunities, mentorship, and international exposure gained during her time at the University of Bergen strengthened her research capacity, expanded her professional networks, and provided a strong foundation for her continued growth as a researcher and academic professional.