A variety of research projects are taking place across the University. In the following section, we highlight some of them.
A variety of research projects are taking place across the University. In the following section, we highlight some of them.
Sida/ SAREC support of Capacity Building for Research
Makerere University with support from Sida/SAREC has undertaken several research projects in the Faculties of Social Sciences, Agriculture, Medicine and Technology. The key focus of support was on research and PhD supervision in the various areas as outlined below:
Faculty of Agriculture Focus of support was on utilization of urban market crop waste on crop/livestock production system in the Lake Victoria region. The following projects are supported:
Livestock nutrition and husbandry project
Urban crop waste soil fertility inputs in urban and peri- urban Agricultural systems
Integrated pest management following use of crop-wastes
Social- economic implications of market waste utilization in urban and Peri-Urban Agriculture
Faculty of Medicine The following research areas are supported:
Molecular Biology of Malaria
Clinical Pharmacology of Malaria
Degenerative Diseases, particularly cancer
Reproductive Health and HIV/AIDS
Mental Health
Faculty of Social Science Focus of support was on “Consolidating Peace and Development in the Lake Victoria Regions and its Environments: The National and Local responses to Transformation from Turmoil to a more sustainable development process.’’ The following were the specific Research areas:
Uganda’s Foreign Policy in the Security Complexes in the Great Lakes Region from 1986
Agricultural Liberalisation, Gender Relations and Livelihood patterns in Central Uganda
Gender vulnerability to HIV/AIDS and changes in risk behaviour
Faculty capacity building Fund
Conflict and Post conflict reconciliation in Uganda
Public Policy, changing Gender Relations, Ideologies and Identities in Uganda
The Political economy of Disease in the context of conflict
Faculty of Technology The following research areas are supported:
Performance of highway pavements in the Lake Region
Development of Environment Friendly Architecture in the Lake Victoria region
Water quality management and pollution control in Uganda
Characterisation of high temperature ceramic raw materials in Uganda for manufacture of firebricks
Sustainable energy for rural development
Integration of small renewable energy sources
Geographical Information System database for Uganda
Support for research under NORAD Institutional Development Programme
The following research projects have been supported by NORAD
Faculty of Forestry and Nature Conservation
A multidisciplinary approach to encompass a range of species of plants, animals and socio-economic studies of local communities in Budongo Forest
Faculty of Agriculture
Ankole cow and Mubende goat genetic research through the Department of Animal Science, in collaboration with both local and international research institutions.
Directorate of ICT Research Projects include:
Incubator: The Directorate for Information and Communication Technology Support (DICTS) in collaboration with IDRC and SPIDER software development projects
Amategaitu: Amate Gaitu is a community of commercial farmers in partnership with researchers, students, input suppliers, processors, distributors, consultants, investors and service providers, creating, sharing and applying scientific knowledge and technological innovation through supplying high quality, value added dairy, grain and fruit products for the nourishment and health of Africans.
CMUWRP is a Non Governmental not for profit HIV research organization dedicated to finding a safe and effective HIV vaccine. For Details please Visit us at: www.muwrp.org
‘Water is Life: Amazzi Bulamu’ (2007-2011) is a large multi-disciplinary project comprising a partnership of Irish Higher Education Institutions (Dundalk Institute of Technology, NUI Maynooth, Dublin City University, Trinity College Dublin,Dublin Institute of Technology Bolton St., The Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, University College Dublin and Queens University Belfast), Makerere University in Uganda and various NGOs. The goal of the partnership, in support of the Government of Ireland’s development goals, is: to build research capacity in Ireland and Africa and to conduct research that supports sustainable water resource management as a catalyst for sustainable economic and social development in rural Uganda. The project is funded under the Programme for Strategic Cooperation between Irish Aid and Higher-Education and Research Institutes (2007-2011) and is led by Dundalk Institute of Technology.
The partner institutions wish to recruit 8 PhD researchers as outlined in Table 1, each with a start date of 1st January 2010. All PhDs are fully funded for 36 months and Successful candidates will be required to spend time in both Ireland and Uganda as Part of their course of study. Practical work experience, particularly in a developing Country, would be an advantage for many of the projects. The PhD scholarships will include:
Relevant taught modules in the first year of study in Ireland
Full guidance in developing the research topic
Supervision by principal investigator in both Ireland and Uganda
PhD fees paid for three years plus laptop computer
Annual stipends to support living expenses in Ireland and Africa
Support to attend one international conference
Support to undertake field work in Uganda, including travel costs to and from Ireland as appropriate.
The Office of Academic Registrar, Makerere University has released admission lists of candidates admitted under the Talented Sports Men & Women, Disability and District Quota Schemes with Government sponsorship 2026/27 Academic Year including appeals and remarked cases.
Other admission lists released include A-Level Applicants with Ugandan and those with Foreign Qualifications, Diploma in Performing Arts, Mature-Age Entry and Bachelor of Education (EXTERNAL Batch 2) for the Academic Year 2026/2027 under self sponsorship.
Makerere University has once again cemented its place as a regional leader in academic excellence after successfully hosting the East African Universities Debate Championships (EAUDC) 2026, welcoming the continent’s brightest young minds for a week of intellectual competition, cultural exchange, and leadership development.
Held from 26th July to 1st August 2026, the championship brought together more than 200 student debaters, adjudicators and delegates from 25 universities across Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, South Sudan and other invited institutions, transforming the Ivory Tower into East Africa’s premier arena for ideas, innovation and public discourse.
Impeccable! A participant from South Sudan takes to the podium.
The week-long tournament featured rigorous British Parliamentary debate rounds, public speaking competitions, adjudication workshops and networking sessions designed to sharpen critical thinking, leadership and persuasive communication. Participants debated contemporary issues ranging from governance and economic transformation to technology, public health, climate change and Africa’s future.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, the Deputy Vice Chancellor welcomed delegates to Makerere University, emphasizing the institution’s enduring commitment to nurturing graduates who are not only academically accomplished but also capable of leading meaningful conversations that shape society. The championship reflected Makerere’s vision of producing graduates who are innovative, analytical and prepared to address regional and global challenges.
Prof. Sarah Ssali.
Beyond competition, EAUDC 2026 became a celebration of East African unity. Delegates experienced Uganda’s rich cultural heritage through social events, campus tours and cultural showcases that fostered friendships beyond national borders. The interactions reinforced the championship’s belief that dialogue remains one of the strongest foundations for regional integration and peaceful cooperation.
The tournament concluded with an electrifying Grand Finale witnessed by students, alumni, university leaders, invited guests and debate enthusiasts. The Chairperson of the Parliamentary Committee on Education and Sports Hon. Eng. Cuthbert Abigaba represented the Speaker of Parliament as the Guest of Honour. In his remarks he congratulated Makerere University on the successful event and encouraged debate among students.
The Guest of Honour, Hon. Eng. Cuthbert Abigaba.
Prof Sarah Ssali the Deputy Vice Chancellor in charge of Academic Affairs at Makerere University pledged continuous support from the administration towards Makerere Debate Union. Teams demonstrated exceptional research, analytical reasoning and eloquence before a distinguished panel of international adjudicators, bringing to a close one of the most competitive editions of the championship.
The successful hosting of EAUDC 2026 marks another milestone in Makerere University‘s growing reputation as a centre of excellence for debating and public speaking. The event builds on the university’s long-standing tradition of producing outstanding debaters while providing students with opportunities to engage with peers from across the region in meaningful intellectual exchange.
Hon. Eng. Cuthbert Abigaba (Left) receives Makerere Souvenirs from Prof. Sarah Ssali (Right).
As the championship drew to a close, participants departed Kampala with new friendships, stronger networks and renewed inspiration to continue using debate as a tool for leadership, democratic participation and social transformation.
Hon. Eng. Cuthbert Abigaba and Prof. Sarah Ssali (Centre) enjoy a photo moment with a section of participants.
With the East African chapter successfully concluded, attention now turns to the Pan-African Universities Debating Championship (PAUDC) 2026, where Makerere University will once again represent East Africa on the continental stage.
This April–June 2026 edition of the Makerere University Newsletter captures a decisive push toward becoming a research-led institution. Vice Chancellor Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe’s college engagements emphasized prioritizing graduate training to ensure research addresses Uganda’s and Africa’s development needs.
New Memoranda of Understanding are deepening collaborative research, staff and student exchanges, and the conversion of knowledge into practical solutions. The upgraded Makerere Financial Management System (Mak-FMS), launched this quarter, exemplifies institutional innovation by enabling fully paperless financial processes that boost efficiency, transparency and accountability.
Individual achievement also highlights our global reach. Mr. Kiggundu Muhammed’s win in the University of Groningen’s Erasmus+ African Perspectives Video Contest showcases how Makerere minds contribute distinctive African insights to international discourse. Complementary efforts, such as the sign-language training for undertaking Pharmacy students, demonstrate research-informed practice that advances inclusive service delivery.
The upgraded Makerere Financial Management System (Mak-FMS), launched this quarter, exemplifies institutional innovation by enabling fully paperless financial processes that boost efficiency, transparency and accountability.
Together, these developments confirm that Makerere’s research output is growing in both scale and relevance. As Makerere natures cultivate the next generation of scholars and innovators, we remain committed to producing knowledge that transforms lives, strengthens communities, and positions Uganda as a continental leader in higher education and innovation. As We Build for the Future