General
Office of the University Librarian
Published
16 years agoon
The University Librarian is the overall head of Makerere University Library Services, which comprise of the Main Library and seven specialised Branch Libraries. Five of these are located at the Makerere University main campus (namely: Education Library, Veterinary Medicine Library, I.A.C.E. Library, MISR Library and EASLIS Library) and two off campus (namely: Albert Cook Library at the College of Health Sciences in Mulago; and MUARIK Library at the Agricultural Institute in Kabanyolo). At the centre of the University is the Main Library, situated on Makerere Hill, opposite the Faculty of Agriculture.
Profile
Prof. Maria Musoke is heralded as being the first Uganda woman to hold a PhD in Information Science, which she obtained from the University of Sheffield, UK. She also holds a Masters of Librarianship and Information Science from the University of Wales, UK. Her other honours include a Post-graduate Diploma in Librarianship, and a Bachelor of Science and Diploma in Education both from Makerere University.
Prof. Maria Musoke started off her career as Librarian Makerere University Main Library, before becoming Librarian, Albert Cook Medical library for 4years. She then rose Senior Librarian in charge of Acquisitions and processing of Medical literature, and Deputy Librarian in-charge of the Medical Library. She was thereafter appointed Senior Librarian in charge of Albert Cook Medical Library, and later Documentalist/Senior Librarian Makerere University Library. Prof. Maria Musoke was appointed University Librarian from 2004- 2009 and then re-appointed University Librarian January 2010 – January 2015.
She has over18 publications to her name including; “Courtship Behavior in animals: an annotated bibliography E.A.S.L Kampala 1980”, “Uganda Libraries: Uganda Library Association Position Paper. In Proceedings of FES and SID Uganda Chapter Seminar, Kampala1988” and “Gender, Transformation and Empowerment: East African Women’s Conference report, edited by E. Kharono, M. Mugisha and M.G. Musoke”.
The Library
The Main Library consists of eight sections namely: Reference and Circulation – whose main functions are to register library users, handle book reservations and issue library rules and regulations; The Africana/Special Collections – the primary depository for Ugandan history consisting manuscripts, newspapers, microfilms, music and photographic collections; The Periodicals – housing print serial/journal publications obtained from a variety of sources; Law – which houses a special collection consisting of textbooks on law, human rights, bound volumes of periodicals plus law reports from Britain and Wales, America, India and Africa and Uganda.
Other sections include: The Book Bank – which maintains a database of acquired books and distributes the new processed books to respective units among other services; The International Development Agency (IDA) – which houses reference materials such as dictionaries, encyclopedias, year books, and text books for undergraduate studies; Technical Services – which provides services such as cataloguing and classification, and is out of bounds to library users; Digitisation – charged with converting manuscripts, theses and documents into digital format; and The Microfilming and Photographic section.
In addition to the seven sepcialised Branch Libraries, Makerere University Library serves as a National Reference Library. In this capacity, it is a legal depository of all works published in Uganda, including government publications. It is also the depository of United Nations' publications and related bodies. The Library also boasts of a special collection of information resources, consisting of the University archives, and the history of medicine in Uganda (located in Albert Cook Branch Library). These unique collections are preserved and provide access to interesting information on Uganda's heritage.
The University Librarian: Dr. Maria G.N. Musoke
The University Library
Makerere University
P.O. Box 7062, Kampala, Uganda
Tel: +256 414 533735
Fax: +256 414 540374
Email: universitylibrarian[at]mulib.mak.ac.ug or mmusoke[at]mulib.mak.ac.ug
Deputy University Librarian (Administration): Mr. Robert Kakembo
The University Library
Makerere University
P.O. Box 7062, Kampala, Uganda
Tel: +256 414 540375
Fax: +256 414 540374
Email: rjkkakembo[at]mulib.mak.ac.ug
Head, Reference and Circulation: Mr. Charles B. Hashakimana
The University Library
Makerere University
P.O. Box 7062, Kampala, Uganda
E-Mail: hashaka[at]mulib.mak.ac.ug
Head, Africana/Special Collections: Ms. Margaret Nakiganda
The University Library
Makerere University
P.O. Box 7062, Kampala, Uganda
E-Mail: nakiganda[at]mulib.mak.ac.ug
Head, Periodicals: Ms. Faith Akiteng
The University Library
Makerere University
P.O. Box 7062, Kampala, Uganda
E-Mail: faitha[at]mulib.mak.ac.ug
Head, Law: Ms. Carol Ilako
The University Library
Makerere University
P.O. Box 7062, Kampala, Uganda
Email: cilako[at]mulib.mak.ac.ug
Head, Book Bank: Ms. Helen Byamugisha
The University Library
Makerere University
P.O. Box 7062, Kampala, Uganda
Email: hbyamugisha[at]mulib.mak.ac.ug
Head, IDA: Mr. Fredrick K Lugya
The University Library
Makerere University
P.O. Box 7062, Kampala, Uganda
Email: flugya[at]mulib.mak.ac.ug
Head, Technical Services & ICT: Ms. Eliz Nassali State
The University Library
Makerere University
P.O. Box 7062, Kampala, Uganda
Email: state[at]mulib.mak.ac.ug
Ag. Head, Microfilming and Photography: Ms. Monica Naluwooza
The University Library
Makerere University
P.O. Box 7062, Kampala, Uganda
Email: mnaluwoza[at]mulib.mak.ac.ug
Head, Digitization: Ms. Miriam Kakai
The University Library
Makerere University
P.O. Box 7062, Kampala, Uganda
Email: m5kakai[at]mulib.mak.ac.ug
For more information please visit the Library page at http://mulib.mak.ac.ug
The University Librarian is the overall head of Makerere University Library Services, which comprise of the Main Library and seven specialised Branch Libraries. Five of these are located at the Makerere University main campus (namely: Education Library, Veterinary Medicine Library, I.A.C.E. Library, MISR Library and EASLIS Library) and two off campus (namely: Albert Cook Library at the College of Health Sciences in Mulago; and MUARIK Library at the Agricultural Institute in Kabanyolo). At the centre of the University is the Main Library, situated on Makerere Hill, opposite the Faculty of Agriculture.
Profile
Prof. Maria Musoke is heralded as being the first Uganda woman to hold a PhD in Information Science, which she obtained from the University of Sheffield, UK. She also holds a Masters of Librarianship and Information Science from the University of Wales, UK. Her other honours include a Post-graduate Diploma in Librarianship, and a Bachelor of Science and Diploma in Education both from Makerere University.
Prof. Maria Musoke started off her career as Librarian Makerere University Main Library, before becoming Librarian, Albert Cook Medical library for 4years. She then rose Senior Librarian in charge of Acquisitions and processing of Medical literature, and Deputy Librarian in-charge of the Medical Library. She was thereafter appointed Senior Librarian in charge of Albert Cook Medical Library, and later Documentalist/Senior Librarian Makerere University Library. Prof. Maria Musoke was appointed University Librarian from 2004- 2009 and then re-appointed University Librarian January 2010 – January 2015.
She has over18 publications to her name including; “Courtship Behavior in animals: an annotated bibliography E.A.S.L Kampala 1980”, “Uganda Libraries: Uganda Library Association Position Paper. In Proceedings of FES and SID Uganda Chapter Seminar, Kampala1988” and “Gender, Transformation and Empowerment: East African Women’s Conference report, edited by E. Kharono, M. Mugisha and M.G. Musoke”.
The Library
The Main Library consists of eight sections namely: Reference and Circulation – whose main functions are to register library users, handle book reservations and issue library rules and regulations; The Africana/Special Collections – the primary depository for Ugandan history consisting manuscripts, newspapers, microfilms, music and photographic collections; The Periodicals – housing print serial/journal publications obtained from a variety of sources; Law – which houses a special collection consisting of textbooks on law, human rights, bound volumes of periodicals plus law reports from Britain and Wales, America, India and Africa and Uganda.
Other sections include: The Book Bank – which maintains a database of acquired books and distributes the new processed books to respective units among other services; The International Development Agency (IDA) – which houses reference materials such as dictionaries, encyclopedias, year books, and text books for undergraduate studies; Technical Services – which provides services such as cataloguing and classification, and is out of bounds to library users; Digitisation – charged with converting manuscripts, theses and documents into digital format; and The Microfilming and Photographic section.
In addition to the seven sepcialised Branch Libraries, Makerere University Library serves as a National Reference Library. In this capacity, it is a legal depository of all works published in Uganda, including government publications. It is also the depository of United Nations' publications and related bodies. The Library also boasts of a special collection of information resources, consisting of the University archives, and the history of medicine in Uganda (located in Albert Cook Branch Library). These unique collections are preserved and provide access to interesting information on Uganda's heritage.
The University Librarian: Dr. Maria G.N. Musoke
The University Library
Makerere University
P.O. Box 7062, Kampala, Uganda
Tel: +256 414 533735
Fax: +256 414 540374
Email: universitylibrarian[at]mulib.mak.ac.ug or mmusoke[at]mulib.mak.ac.ug
Deputy University Librarian (Administration): Mr. Robert Kakembo
The University Library
Makerere University
P.O. Box 7062, Kampala, Uganda
Tel: +256 414 540375
Fax: +256 414 540374
Email: rjkkakembo[at]mulib.mak.ac.ug
Head, Reference and Circulation: Mr. Charles B. Hashakimana
The University Library
Makerere University
P.O. Box 7062, Kampala, Uganda
E-Mail: hashaka[at]mulib.mak.ac.ug
Head, Africana/Special Collections: Ms. Margaret Nakiganda
The University Library
Makerere University
P.O. Box 7062, Kampala, Uganda
E-Mail: nakiganda[at]mulib.mak.ac.ug
Head, Periodicals: Ms. Faith Akiteng
The University Library
Makerere University
P.O. Box 7062, Kampala, Uganda
E-Mail: faitha[at]mulib.mak.ac.ug
Head, Law: Ms. Carol Ilako
The University Library
Makerere University
P.O. Box 7062, Kampala, Uganda
Email: cilako[at]mulib.mak.ac.ug
Head, Book Bank: Ms. Helen Byamugisha
The University Library
Makerere University
P.O. Box 7062, Kampala, Uganda
Email: hbyamugisha[at]mulib.mak.ac.ug
Head, IDA: Mr. Fredrick K Lugya
The University Library
Makerere University
P.O. Box 7062, Kampala, Uganda
Email: flugya[at]mulib.mak.ac.ug
Head, Technical Services & ICT: Ms. Eliz Nassali State
The University Library
Makerere University
P.O. Box 7062, Kampala, Uganda
Email: state[at]mulib.mak.ac.ug
Ag. Head, Microfilming and Photography: Ms. Monica Naluwooza
The University Library
Makerere University
P.O. Box 7062, Kampala, Uganda
Email: mnaluwoza[at]mulib.mak.ac.ug
Head, Digitization: Ms. Miriam Kakai
The University Library
Makerere University
P.O. Box 7062, Kampala, Uganda
Email: m5kakai[at]mulib.mak.ac.ug
For more information please visit the Library page at http://mulib.mak.ac.ug
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Education
Makerere University signs Memorandum of Understanding with International Rescue Committee to Advance Research, Innovation and Partnerships
Published
14 hours agoon
September 15, 2025
Makerere University has signed a five-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the International Rescue Committee to formalize undertakings in research, innovation & partnerships.
Signed in September 2025 by the Vice Chancellor of Makerere University, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe and the Country Director, International Rescue Committee, Mr. Elijah Okeyo, the MoU provides a framework to implement research intensive programmes, promote innovative teaching and learning, internationalization, and contribute to societal transformation.
According to Mr. Okeyo, the MoU re-affirms Makerere University as the academic partner of the International Rescue Committee (IRC). “This MoU formalizes IRC’s working relationship with Makerere University. This framework empowers both institutions to tap into opportunities together. We believe in equal partnership. Makerere University commits to being our partner in research to contribute to evidence based humanitarian undertakings,” he said.
Under this collaboration, Makerere University and IRC will work on developing child-centered learning resources, innovative curricula, and policy-relevant research to enhance the quality of education in crisis-affected regions.
At Makerere University, the MoU brings on board, the College of Education and External Studies (CEES), Makerere University Institute of Teacher Education and Research (MITER), and the Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) Research Centre.
To concretize the MoU, the Principal of the College of Education and External Studies, Prof. Anthony Muwagga Mugagga convened a partnership meeting on Friday 12th September 2025 involving a delegation from the International Rescue Committee (IRC), Dr. David Kabugo, the Deputy Director of Makerere University Institute of Teacher Education and Research (MITER), and Ms. Ritah Namisango, the Principal Communication Officer.

The delegation from the International Rescue Committee (IRC) consisted of the following: Mr. Elijah Okeyo-Country Director, Mr. Vincent Wanyama-Senior Program Development and Quality Coordinator, Mr. Richard Omasete-Policy and Advocacy PlayMatters, and Ms. Janet Nambuya-Grants and Partnerships Coordinator.
The MoU focuses on the following areas of interest: Early Childhood Development, joint research and capacity building in education, the plight of refugees and the host communities, humanitarian aid, as well as, evidence based research to inform the education policy.
In line with its mandate, IRC brings onboard, its unmatched expertise in helping children in crisis-affected areas. The MoU therefore positions both institutions to undertake a leading role in the protection of children and families through evidence based research, access to education, and humanitarian undertakings.
Dr. Kabugo, the Deputy Director MITER, noted that the MoU opens new opportunities for joint efforts in research, training, and policy. He said: “We are committed to co-designing practitioner research, engaging in professional development, and generating evidence to guide the education policy in Uganda and beyond.” Dr. Kabugo explained that this partnership builds on years of cooperation between CEES and IRC, especially in child-centered methods such as play-based learning.
Prof. Mugagga described the MOU as a practical framework that connects Makerere University’s research with IRC’s field experiences. He stated that the College of Education and External Studies (CEES) conducts programmes focused on the future of the young people through training and empowering students/teachers. He articulated that the College significantly impacts on the education sector through delivery of quality academic programmes and research under the School of Education, School of Distance and Lifelong Learning, and the East African School of Higher Education Studies and Development.
“Our strongest synergy is education and early child-focused care,” Prof. Mugagga emphasized. He revealed that the collaboration presents CEES with a strong and reliable partner (IRC), which stands for protection and the well-being of children and families. “Through this MoU, both CEES and IRC, will significantly contribute to improving education for children, families, and communities impacted by conflict and crisis.”
Prof. Mugagga commended IRC for the earlier support and expertise extended to the College in the development of the early childhood centre, and working together to provide valuable input during the Ministry of Education and Sports’ consultative process that led to the Early Childhood development policy.
Reflecting on the increasing number of refugees enrolling for studies at Makerere University, Prof. Mugagga said: “ IRC has come at the right time. The College will tap into the IRC expertise to teach our staff and learners components in refugee education. They will equip our students and teachers with knowledge and skills in refugee education. Some of our students will cooperate with IRC to undertake research in refugee settlement and host communities.”

Prof. Mugagga implored both MITER and IRC to undertake research and develop modules on refugee education, parenting, re-tooling street children, integration of a health component into the curriculum, and management of truamatised students/learners who come from areas affected by war, conflict and crisis.
On the issue of play materials, Prof. Mugagga stressed that already made play materials derial creativing. “Both CEES and IRC should work towards a context that empowers children and learners to ignite their creative potential by developing home-made play materials,” he submitted.
About IRC
Stating a brief profile history about IRC, Mr. Okeyo explained that IRC is a global non-profit organisation that provides humanitarian aid and assistance to people affected by conflict and disaster. IRC has been active in Uganda since 1998, originally assisting displaced populations in Northern Uganda and later expanding its efforts to refugee settlements and urban areas.. Currently, IRC operates more than 35 health facilities in refugee settlements and runs a variety of programs in health, education, protection, and economic recovery. IRC also undertakes projects focusing on early childhood development, prevention of gender-based violence, and protection of refugees and families.
General
Mastercard Foundation Scholars at Makerere University encouraged to participate in philanthropy work
Published
6 days agoon
September 10, 2025By
Mak Editor
By Carol Kasujja Adii and Bernard Buteera
Mastercard Foundation Scholars at Makerere University have been encouraged to embrace the spirit of philanthropy as a vital foundation for fostering stronger and more resilient communities. This inspiring call to action took place during the 2025 Community Open Day at the Freedom Square on Saturday, September 6, 2025, where hundreds of Mastercard Scholars, Scholar-alumni, and partners of the Scholars Program gathered to initiate a fundraising drive for the signature Annual Scholars Day of Service.
The Annual Scholars Day of Service stands as a hallmark event through which the Scholars give back to the community in impactful and sustainable ways. During a keynote address titled “How Philanthropy Shapes Resilient Communities,” Prof. Winston Tumps Ireeta, the Deputy Vice Chancellor of Finance and Administration, emphasised that while local philanthropy is not a new concept in Uganda, a more intentional mobilisation of this giving back power is necessary to address broader social challenges.
“Communities that mobilise their own resources—financial, human, and material—are empowered to take ownership of their development. Ownership naturally leads to sustainability, ensuring that solutions emerge from local knowledge, context, and values rather than being imposed from the outside. This approach is essential for effectively tackling our social challenges,” Prof. Ireeta stated.

In his remarks delivered by Prof. Helen Nambalirwa Nkabala, the Principal of the College of Humanities and Social Sciences, Prof. Ireeta highlighted the importance of nurturing the inherent power of local giving. He urged the celebration of current local philanthropic efforts, which can be initiated at the individual, religious, and community levels.
“To foster a culture of giving, we need to create platforms that promote structured, transparent, and impactful contributions,” he argued. “It’s crucial to strengthen our generosity, particularly among the youth, and cultivate a society where giving is valued as a core aspect of leadership and citizenship.”
Prof. Ireeta further noted, “The future of our Communities’ strength lies not in distant promises but in our own hands and collective actions. By fostering local philanthropy, we can build a society that is not only fairer but also more resilient and united.

In his welcoming remarks, Mr. John Osuna, Transition Lead for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Makerere University, who spoke on behalf of the Program Director, Prof. Justine Namaalwa, expressed gratitude to the Scholars for their collaborative efforts in turning the idea of giving back into reality.
“Let us embody humility, kindness, and compassion through actionable philanthropy. By doing so, we can create lasting impacts, enhancing our reputation as a community that genuinely cares,” Mr. Osuna stated.
The Community Open Day was organised under the inspiring theme: “Nurturing Philanthropy for Resilient Communities,” paving the way for future initiatives that strengthen community bonds through collective generosity.

“We believe that through nurturing philanthropy for resilient communities, our communities shall be able to organise themselves to build resilience beyond what we shall give back,” Mr. Osuna explained.
The vibrant event saw Scholars and Scholar-alumni actively participating by bringing items for auction and buying tickets for the raffle draw as a means of mobilising resources for the construction of a ventilated pit latrine, renovation of two classroom blocks and providing tanks for harvesting clean water for Bwera Primary School in Kabale District.
Speaking at the event, Mrs. Agnes Katumba, the Director of Katumba Estates, one of the long-standing partners of the Scholars Program at Makerere University, tasked the Scholars to embrace the heart of giving back without expecting something in return.

“I thank the Mastercard Foundation; they not only provide scholarships but also give back to the community. I have been able to grow because of them. For scholars, you do not have to wait to be wealthy to give back; every coin counts,” Mrs. Katumba said.
Katumba Estates Ltd contributed three million shillings to the Scholars Give Back project. Another long-standing partner, DFCU Bank, pledged over sh10 million towards the Scholars’ building project.

In her presentation, Ms. Malvin Akwara, a Mastercard Foundation Scholar-alumna, urged current Scholars to contribute to their communities in various ways, including mentorship and guiding young people.

“We are all here because someone chose to give. During my first year at Makerere, I contributed to some young man’s school fees back home in my community. The young man is now in his second year at Makerere. You don’t have to be wealthy to make an impact; be intentional in your giving, and you will witness the difference it makes. There is no greater fulfilment than helping someone in need,” Akwara stated.

The event was punctuated with a number of activities that ranged from auctioning items, raffle draws, exhibitions, quizzes and a lot of games and fun.

Carol Kasujja and Bernard Buteera form the communications team for the Scholars Programme at Makerere University.
General
First-Year Student’s Joining Instructions 2025/26
Published
2 weeks agoon
September 4, 2025By
Mak Editor
Dear Students; Class of 2025/2026
I am very delighted to welcome you to Makerere University. You are joining a Premier University and I hope you all are excited to start your new academic journey. We would like to first congratulate all of you for successfully overcoming the many challenges you have all faced, from completing high school to choosing a university and a study program and the extensive delays in the admission process you experienced.
As you are about to begin one of the most exciting times in your life, you should acknowledge and appreciate your efforts and achievements so far. I am aware that as a fresher, you are filled with hope and ambition, and I encourage you to take a moment to reflect on the road that has brought you here. I know that you have worked hard and overcome many obstacles
to reach this point. So, take a moment to savor this achievement and be proud of yourselves.
Now, as you step into the next phase of your lives, I want to remind you that this is a time of growth and exploration. You will face new challenges, make new friends, and gain experiences that will shape you into the person you will become. This is the time to embrace new opportunities, learn from your mistakes, and never stop growing.
I also want to emphasise the importance of hard work, determination, and resilience. These are the qualities that will help you overcome any obstacle and succeed in your endeavors. Remember to keep your focus on your goals and work towards them with determination.
I encourage you to approach your studies with a growth mindset. This means that you believe that your abilities can be developed through hard work and perseverance. Remember that failure is not the end, but rather an opportunity to learn and grow.
Professor Buyinza Mukadasi (PhD)
Academic Registrar
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