Alokolum Major Seminary is an affiliated institution to Makerere University.
Undergraduate Programmes
The Seminary offers the same undergraduate programmes offered by Katigondo National Major Seminary
Bachelor of arts in Social and Philosophical studies
Introduction
The BA Social and Philosophical Studies is intended to benefit not only future priests but also those who do not get ordained but serve society in many other ways.
Alokolum Seminary
Alokolum Major Seminary is an affiliated institution to Makerere University.
Undergraduate Programmes
The Seminary offers the same undergraduate programmes offered by Katigondo National Major Seminary
Bachelor of arts in Social and Philosophical studies
Introduction
The BA Social and Philosophical Studies is intended to benefit not only future priests but also those who do not get ordained but serve society in many other ways.
The programme is extensive enough to equip the graduates with sufficient academic training and especially those skills for effective Leadership. It also prepares the graduates to serve competently in schools either as Chaplains and / or as teachers.
Objectives
The BA Social and Philosophical Studies programme aims at achieving the following General Objectives:
To stimulate students to think, speak and write methodically, critically, clearly and precisely.
To develop their Natural Philosophy.
To enable them to be good communicators.
To develop skills and the art of management.
To enhance the appreciation of various Religions and Values.
Admission Requirements
Direct Entry
A candidate should possess at least an “O” level Certificate or its equivalent.
Two Advanced level principal passes in Arts or Sciences.
Diploma Entry
Diploma Applicants should posses at least a Second Class Diploma in any discipline.
Mature Age Entry
Applicants must pass the mature age examinations.
Knowledge
This programme will offer students knowledge of:
The origin and destiny of humanity.
A deep understanding of themselves and others.
Basic forms of special organisation.
Forms of political organisations.
Norms and Values of Various ethical systems.
Historical and contemporary factors influencing African thinking.
Skills
The student will be able to:
Relate with others guided with ethical and psychological skills.
Develop a critical and balanced mind.
Run and operate basic computer programmes.
Effective in oral and written communication.
Plan and conduct Religious Service effectively.
Relate and have dialogue with people of various Religious persuasions.
Counsel effectively some different categories of people: students, street children, married couples, drug addicts, etc.
Attitude
At the end of the programme the student should have developed:
A positive and balanced attitude to all types of people.
A spirit of commitment to the service of others.
A mature balanced personality.
Katigondo Seminary
Katigondo National Major Seminary is affiliated to the Department of Philosophy in the Faculty of Arts, Makerere University Undergraduate Programme
Bachelor of Arts in Social and Philosophical Studies
Introduction
This programme has been offered at Katigondo National Major Seminary since 1998/99 academic year. Katigondo National Major Seminary primarily trains future priests but it is also evident that many seminarians do not become priests.
The BA Social and Philosophical Studies is intended to benefit not only future priests but also those who do not get ordained but serve society in many other ways.
The programme is extensive enough to equip the graduates with sufficient academic training and especially those skills for effective Leadership. It also prepares the graduates to serve competently in schools either as Chaplains and / or as teachers.
Objectives
The BA Social and Philosophical Studies programme aims at achieving the following General Objectives:
To stimulate students to think, speak and write methodically, critically, clearly and precisely.
To develop their Natural Philosophy.
To enable them to be good communicators.
To develop skills and the art of management.
To enhance the appreciation of various Religions and Values.
Admission Requirements
Direct Entry
i) A candidate should possess at least an “O” level Certificate or its equivalent.
ii) Two Advanced level principal passes in Arts or Sciences.
Diploma Entry
Diploma Applicants should posses at least a Second Class Diploma in any discipline. Mature Age Entry
Applicants must pass the mature age examinations.
Knowledge
This programme will offer students knowledge of:
The origin and destiny of humanity.
A deep understanding of themselves and others.
Basic forms of special organisation.
Forms of political organisations.
Norms and Values of Various ethical systems.
Historical and contemporary factors influencing African thinking.
Skills
The student will be able to:
Relate with others guided with ethical and psychological skills.
Develop a critical and balanced mind.
Run and operate basic computer programmes.
Effective in oral and written communication.
Plan and conduct Religious Service effectively.
Relate and have dialogue with people of various Religious persuasions.
Counsel effectively some different categories of people: students, street children, married couples, drug addicts, etc.
Attitude
At the end of the programme the student should have developed:
A positive and balanced attitude to all types of people.
A spirit of commitment to the service of others.
A mature balanced personality
Programme Structure
The duration of the Course shall extend over three academic years leading to the award of the Degree of Bachelor of Arts. A student shall take all the first year core courses from Philosophy, Humanities and Religious disciplines. In the 2nd year he/she will take 3 core courses and 6 electives per Semester while in the 3rd year he/she will take 3 core and 6 electives in the first semester and 4 core courses and 5 electives in the Second Semester. Courses for 2nd and 3rd year shall be selected from Philosophy, Humanities and Religious studies respectively.
Ggaba Seminary
St.Mary’s National Major Seminary Ggaba, henceforth to be referred to as National Seminary Ggaba, hasbeen an Affiliated Institution of Makerere University since 1989, offering a Bachelor of Divinity of Makerere University to qualifying candidates. In 1997, however, a Bachelor of Arts in Social and Philosophical Studies of Makerere University was approved for Katigondo National Major Seminary and Alokolum National Seminary which have since been affiliated to Makerere University. This has necessitated a reworking of the programmes in National Seminary Ggaba, which receives its candidates that will already have done the Bachelor of Arts from Katigondo and Alokolum that will already have done the Bachelor of Arts.
Master of Arts in Religious and Theological Studies
The M.A (Religious and Theological Studies) programme is based on the felt need for the development of research capability of students who study Theology and Religious Studies in Uganda. Religion touches matters of ultimate concern in our daily lives and our future. The Ugandan society, however, is experiencing certain changes in education, social development and communication. The Pastor will therefore have to play a relevant role in such a society. He will also need skills of research and ecumenism so as to offer a way out of some situations of division, poverty and ignorance.
Furthermore not all the finalists of National Seminary Ggaba look after rural Parishes. Some are called upon to teach in institutions of higher learning or to occupy administrative posts. The MA in Religious and Theological Studies programme aims, therefore, at offering advanced training for those who will be called to teach and administer schools and other institutions. This should contribute to improving the country’s human resource base in education and development.
The principle is that students should be given more and not less. An MA would offer more than the Bachelor of Divinity degree formerly offered.
Objectives of the Programme
The general objective is to train competent human resource in religion and administration to manage the challenges of a fast changing society.
The programmes are also intended to enable the student acquire the skills of research which should make him inclined to approach his work and mission in a methodological way.
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.
University of Perugia has received funding from the European Commission to support six exchange mobility for students (for Traineeship purposes).
The present Call establishes the rules and criteria for participating in Erasmus+ Mobility Exchange.
Destination and Duration of the Exchange Mobility
Students interested in the Erasmus+ Programme can spend a Mobility Exchange during the Academic Year 2025/2026 or 2026/2027 at the University of Perugia (Italy) https://www.unipg.it/en/
Who can apply
In order to take part in a mobility exchange period at University of Perugia (Italy), interested students need to submit a formal application to the International Relations Office, Makerere University via email: international@mak.ac.ug
The subject areas involved in the exchange mobility are the following:
0811 Crop and livestock production
0841 Veterinary
0888 Inter-disciplinary programmes and qualifications involving agriculture, forestry, fisheries and veterinary
See below for detailed call.
Deadline for submitting the application: Friday 07th August 2026
Hosts Makerere University have officially kicked off the East African Universities’ Debate Championship EAUDC ZAABU 2026, bringing together student debaters, university leaders, and representatives from universities across the region to promote intellectual engagement, critical thinking, leadership development, and regional collaboration. The championship provides a platform for students to exchange ideas, strengthen public speaking skills, and develop solutions through constructive dialogue. This year’s theme is: From Dialogue to Action: The Role of Youth in Africa’s Transformation.
The event reflects Makerere University’s continued commitment to nurturing student leadership, academic excellence, and regional integration by providing opportunities for young people to engage in meaningful discussions and build networks beyond national borders.
Debate as a Platform for Regional Engagement
Chairperson of the Organizing Committee and Makerere University Debate Union (MDU), Mr. Arthur Akatwijuka highlighted the importance of hosting the championship and bringing together universities from different countries across East Africa. He noted that the event demonstrates the role of debate in connecting young leaders, promoting intellectual diversity, and strengthening collaboration among institutions of higher learning.
‘We are excited to have representation from the different countries and universities. This championship is not only about competition but also about creating a platform where young leaders can engage, share ideas, and shape the future of our region,’ said Mr. Akatwijuka.
Mr. Akatwijuka further explained that the championship provides participants with an opportunity to learn from different perspectives, develop confidence, and build skills that will contribute to their leadership journey. He encouraged students to embrace the experience as a platform for knowledge exchange and regional cooperation.
Speaking on behalf of the Vice Chancellor, Deputy Vice Chancellor (Finance and Administration), Prof. Henry Alinaitwe reaffirmed Makerere University’s commitment to advancing regional integration and nurturing future leaders through the EAUDC2026. He descried the championship as a vital platform for strengthening collaboration among universities.
‘Makerere was the first university in East Africa, so you are coming back home. This is your university, and its doors are always open to you,’ said Prof. Alinaitwe.
Prof. Henry Alinaitwe
The Deputy Vice Chancellor noted that the championship builds on Makerere University‘s efforts to promote youth leadership and regional cooperation through debate. He said the competition equips participants with critical thinking, communication, research, and leadership skills while fostering unity among East African youth. ‘As we debate regionally, we are strengthening regional integration. By coming here, articulating your points and convincing others, you are being groomed to become formidable leaders and a force for production and transformation in our societies,’ he said.
Prof. Alinaitwe emphasized that beyond the competition, the championship creates opportunities for participants to build regional networks and lasting partnerships that can support future academic, professional, and leadership opportunities. He encouraged all participants to view themselves as winners for contributing to East Africa’s shared vision of integration and development.
‘All of us are already winners simply by participating in this championship. Whether you finish first or sixth, you have strengthened your skills and contributed to building the future of our region,’ stated Prof. Alinaitwe.
Developing Responsible Leaders Through Debate
The Dean of Students Makerere University, Dr. Winifred Namuwonge Kabumbuli warmly welcomed participants and described the championship as an important opportunity for developing responsible and innovative leaders. Dr. Namuwonge noted that debate enables students to improve their communication skills, engage with diverse perspectives, and become better prepared for future leadership roles.
Dr. Winfred Namuwonge Kabumbuli
Dr. Namuwonge encouraged participants to uphold integrity, respect different viewpoints, and use the championship as a platform for learning and cultural exchange. ‘Makerere University is proud to host this championship because debate develops leaders who can engage society with knowledge, confidence, and respect,’ Dr. Namuwonge noted.
Communication Skills for Future Leaders
The Electoral Commission Uganda, Head of Public Relations and Spokesperson, Mr. Julius Mucunguzi congratulated the organizers and participants for promoting intellectual dialogue through the championship. He emphasized that debate plays a significant role in preparing young people to communicate effectively and participate in leadership.
Mr. Mucunguzi explained that the skills acquired through debating extend beyond competition and are valuable in professional and public spaces. ‘Debate equips young people with the ability to think critically, communicate effectively, and contribute meaningfully to society. Makerere is proud to provide this platform for East Africa’s future leaders.’
He encouraged students to continue embracing debate as a tool for knowledge sharing, understanding different perspectives, and contributing positively to society.
Transform Dialogue into Action
The keynote speaker and Executive Secretary of Inter University Council for East Africa (IUCEA), Prof. Idris A. Rai who was represented by Dr. Gervais Ndayizeye challenged young people across East Africa to move beyond discussions and take action in addressing challenges facing the continent. He described the championship as a platform for developing future leaders, innovators, and problem-solvers who will contribute to Africa’s transformation.
‘We wish that the end comes not only with debate but with action. The role of youth in African transformation is very important,’ the keynote speaker said.
Dr. Ndayizeye emphasized that young people, who make up more than 70 per cent of Africa’s population, have the potential to turn challenges into opportunities through innovation, entrepreneurship, and leadership. He encouraged the youth to change their mindset from seeking employment to creating solutions and opportunities for others.
‘The question should no longer be, ‘Who will employ me?’ The new question should be, ‘What problem can I solve?’ challenged Dr. Ndayizeye.
Prof. Henry Alinaitwe addresses at the EAUDC2026
Dr. Ndayizeye urged young leaders to actively participate in governance by voting, engaging in public affairs, and holding leaders accountable. He also highlighted the importance of East African integration, calling on young people to embrace regional cooperation and take advantage of opportunities across member states.
‘You must vote. You must engage. You must contribute. You must hold leaders accountable. You must become part of the leadership,’ Dr. Ndayizeye stated.
He further stressed that discipline is essential for success, noting that talent and education must be supported by commitment and responsibility. ‘Talent without discipline is wasted potential. Discipline is what transforms goals into achievements,’ Prof. Idris said.
Concluding his remarks, Dr. Ndayizeye challenged participants to become innovators, responsible citizens, and creators of opportunities who will turn ideas into action. ‘This generation will be remembered as the generation that transformed dialogue into action, challenges into opportunities, and possibilities into progress. The future of this East African Community is sitting in this room today,’ he concluded.
EAUDC ZAABU 2026 is organised by the Makerere University Debate Union (MDU), the official student organization that promotes debate, public speaking, poetry, and critical discourse. The debate will be held from 27th to 31st July 2026 at the Yusuf Lule Central Teaching Facility.