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Admission Requirements, 2010/2011 Academic Year

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A.      QUOTA FOR DIPLOMA HOLDERS

          (i)      For Government Sponsorship

The number of candidates admitted to each programme under the Diploma Holders Avenue should not exceed 5% of the intake per programme, except for Bachelor of Adult and Community Education whose quota for Diploma Holders is up to 30% of the intake for the programme.

For the Private Scheme the quota for Diploma Holders applicants varies as will be determined by each Faculty/Institute/School.

  1. The following Programmes have no Diploma Scheme.
  2. B.Sc. Nursing
  3. B.Sc. Education
  4. B.A. Education
  5. B. Sc (Actuarial Science)

B.      REQUIRED PERFORMANCE IN THE DIPLOMAS

          At least Second Class, Credit or equivalent performance.

C.      FACULTY REQUIREMENTS (The required Diplomas)

COLLEGE OF HEALTH SCIENCES

 B.Pharm, MBChB, BDS,

 A Diploma in any of the following health disciplines:

  1. Medical Laboratory Technologists
  2. Radiographers
  3. Physiotherapists
  4. Anaesthetic Officers
  5. Medical Assistants
  6. Orthopaedic Officers/assistants
  7. Clinical Ophthalmic Officers
  8. Environmental Health Officers
  9. Public Health Dental Assistants
  10. Public Health Assistants
  11. Dispensers/Pharmacy Technicians
  12. Psychiatry Clinical Officers
  13. Uganda Registered Nurses/Midwives
  14. Occupational Therapy
  15. Orthopaedic Technology.

1.2     Bachelor of Science in Medical Radiography

A Diploma in Medical Radiography of Makerere University or its equivalent from recognised Institutions.

1.3     Bachelor of Environmental Health Science

A Diploma in Environmental Health Science of Makerere       
University or its equivalent from recognised Institutions.

2.       FACULTY OF VETERINARY MEDICINE

2.1     Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine

A Diploma from the Veterinary Training Institute, Entebbe or Bukalasa Agricultural College.

2.2     Bachelor of Biomedical Laboratory Technology

An Ordinary Diploma in Laboratory Technology or its equivalent from a recognised Institution.
         
2.3     Bachelor of Science in Wildlife Health and Management

A Diploma in Wildlife Ecology, Veterinary Sciences, Agriculture, Animal Science, Forestry, Environmental Science, Animal Nursing or their equivalent from recognised Institutions.

2.4     Bachelor of Animal Production Technology and Management.

An Ordinary Diploma in Animal Health and Production (or its equivalent) from a recognised Institution.

3.       FACULTY OF AGRICULTURE

3.1     Bachelor of Agricultural Extension Education

A Diploma or its equivalent from a recognised Agricultural related Tertiary Institution.  Eligible candidates must have a related Post Diploma working experience of at least 2 years.

          3.2    Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Engineering

An ordinary Technician Diploma, with at least credit 3 in Mathematics, from a recognised Institution of Higher Learning.

3.3     Bachelor of Science in Agriculture

A National Diploma in Agriculture or Animal Husbandry or its equivalent obtained from a recognised Institution of Higher Learning.

3.4     Bachelor of Science in Food Science and Technology

A National diploma in either Food Science, or Food Technology, or Veterinary Science, Forestry or Agriculture or the equivalent from recognised Institutions.

3.5     Bachelor of Science in Agricultural land Use and         Management

A Diploma or its equivalent in relevant fields from recognised Institutions.

3.6    Bachelor of Agribusiness Management

A National Diploma or its equivalent in Agricultural Business Studies and relevant fields from recognised Institutions.

3.7    Bachelor of Science in Horticulture

A National Diploma or its equivalent in Horticulture, Forestry, Agriculture or Biological Sciences from a recognised Institutions.

3.8     Bachelor of Science in Human Nutrition

          Holders of the following Second Class or Credit Diplomas are eligible for admission

                   a)       Diploma in Education, Applicants must have studied the following subjects:  Biology, Chemistry, Agriculture, Home Economics.

                   b)       The Higher National Diploma from a recognized Institution in any of the following:

Chemistry, Human Nutrition, Home Economics, Food Science, Science and Technology, Catering, Agriculture, Health, Social Work.

c)       Ordinary Diploma from a recognized Institution in any of the following:

  • Science Technology (Biology)
  • Science Technology (Chemistry, Biochemistry)
  • Food Processing
  • Agriculture, Biology
  • Diploma in any of the Paramedical Institutions
  • Medical Laboratory Technologists
  • Radiographers
  • Physiotherapists
  • Anaesthetic Officers
  • Medical Assistants
  • Orthopedic Officers/assistants
  • Clinical Ophthalmic Officers
  • Environmental Health Officers
  • Public Health Dental Assistants
  • Public Health Assistants
  • Dispensers/Pharmacy Technicians
  • Psychiatry Clinical Officers
  • Uganda Registered Nurses/Midwives
  • Occupational Therapy
  • Orthopedic Technology.

     

4.       FACULTY OF FORESTRY AND NATURE CONSERVATION

4.1      Bachelor of Science in Forestry

A National Diploma in Forestry or Agriculture, or its equivalent from recognised Institutions.

4.2      Bachelor of Community Forestry

A National Diploma or its equivalent of good Standing in Forestry or other related agricultural sciences from a recognised Institution.

4.3      Bachelor of Science in Wood Science and Technology

A National Diploma or its equivalent in Forestry or related Technical fields, from a recognised Institution.
5.       FACULTY OF TECHNOLOGY

5.1     B.Sc. (Civil Engineering), BSc. (Electrical Engineering) and B.Sc.  (Mechanical Engineering)

A relevant Ordinary Diploma or its equivalent, with a Credit in Mathematics, from UPK, or any of the UTCs.

5.2     B.Sc. Telecommunications Engineering)

A Uganda National Examinations Board Ordinary Technical

Diploma or its equivalent (Credit Class).

Applicant should have obtained a Credit Pass in Mathematics.

          5.3     Bachelor of Science in Surveying
 
A Diploma from Entebbe Surveying School or its equivalent.  The applicants should have:

a)       Passed all the subjects of the final part at the same sitting.

  1.       b)     An overall average mark of at least 60% in all the                
  2.                   examinations.
  3.       c)      An average mark in Mathematics of at least 70%.

5.4     Bachelor of Architecture

(i)      An Ordinary Diploma in Architectural Draughtsmanship or its equivalent from UPK or any other recognised Institutions.

Applicants should have obtained at least a Credit 3 in the Building Construction and Drawing subject of the Diploma.

5.5     B.Sc. (Land Economics), B.Sc. (Quantity Surveying),
B.Sc. (Construction Management)

  • A UNEB Ordinary Diploma in Building and Civil
  • Engineering or its equivalent (Credit Class).
  • Applicant should have passed Mathematics, Building

Construction and Drawing with at least Credit 4 (four).

5.6     Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering

Candidates must hold UNEB Credit Ordinary Technical Diploma or its equivalent with Credit Pass in Mathematics.

6.       FACULTY OF LAW

6.1      Bachelor of Laws

Any diploma from a recognised Institution of Higher Learning.

7.       INSTITUTE OF STATISTICS AND APPLIED ECONOMICS

7.1    Bachelor of Statistics

EITHER:       A Diploma in Statistics (at Intermediate Professional Level) from the East African Statistical Training Centre, Dar-es-Salaam or its equivalent.

OR:              Any other Diploma from a recognised Institution with Mathematics as a major subject.

Initially, on an experimental basis and subject to review a candidate who is a holder of a Diploma of at least Credit grading obtained at the East African Statistical Training Centre, Dar es Salaam, will on admission to the Bachelor of Statistics Programme, be exempted from the first year and will thus enter the programme in the second year.  The holders of Pass Diplomas may be admitted to B.Stat Year I.

7.2     Bachelor of Science (Quantitative Economics)

A Diploma from a recognised Institution. The Diploma Programme must have involved Mathematics as a major subject.

7.3     Bachelor of Science in Population Studies

Any diploma from a recognised Institution.

7.4     Bachelor of Science in Business Statistics

At least a Second Class or Credit Diploma from a recognised Institution with Mathematics as a subject.

8.       MAKERERE UNIVERSITY BUSINESS SCHOOL

8.1     Bachelor of Commerce and Bachelor of Business        Administration

(a)      A Diploma from the former National College of Business Studies and its sister Colleges of Commerce in:

(i)      Business Studies

Marketing (both Ordinary and Higher Diplomas)

(b)     A Diploma in Cooperatives from the Uganda Cooperative College, Kigumba.

(c)      The professional qualifications in courses such as CPA (Kenya), ACCA, ICMA, ICSA or their equivalent.

Diploma in Education with a bias in Business Education.

The following levels of passing are acceptable.

(a)      For the Business Studies and Marketing Diplomas:
          Credit in Principal or Core subjects, and

(b)     For the Professional Courses:  applicants should have passed the first level or stage of the professional courses such that the applicants would have been allowed to proceed to the second level or stage.

8.2     Bachelor of Catering and Hotel Management

     The following Diplomas or their equivalents:

  1. Uganda Diploma in Hotel and Institutional Catering
  2. Diploma in Business Studies
  3. Higher Diploma in Marketing
  4. Diploma from the Institute of Bankers
  5. Business Diploma from NTCs
  6. Diploma in Co-operatives

8.3     Bachelor of Human Resource Management.

          A Diploma from a recognised Institution

8.4     Bachelor of International Business

          A Diploma from a recognised Institution.

8.5     Bachelor of Leisure and Hospitality Management

A Diploma from a recognised Institution

8.6     Bachelor of Entrepreneurship and Small Business Management.

A Diploma from a recognised Institution.

8.7     Bachelor of Business Computing

A Diploma from a recognised Institution
8.8     Bachelor of Procurement and Supply Chain Management

EITHER :      A Diploma in any discipline from a recognised institution

OR          :    A candidate should have completed level one of any professional course.

8.9     Bachelor of Office and Information Management.

A Diploma from a recognised Institution.

8.10   Bachelor of Real Estate Business Management

(i)      A candidates must hold a Credit Diploma in Business related discipline from a recognized Institution and must have passed Mathematics with Credit at O’Level.

(ii)      Candidates who completed Level One of the following Professional Courses ACCA, CIM, CIPS, ICSA, CPA and must have passed Mathematics with Credit at O’Level.

8.11   Bachelor of Science in Marketing

A Credit Diploma in any discipline from a recognized Institution or Candidates who have completed Level One of any Professional Courses.

8.12   Bachelor of Business Statistics

A relevant Credit Diploma from a recognized Institution with a bias in statistics.  Candidates who have completed Level One of any Professional Course are eligible with a bias in statistics.

8.13   Bachelor of Science in Finance

(i)      A candidate must hold a Credit Diploma in Business related discipline from a recognised Institution and must have passed Mathematics with at least a Credit at O’Level.

(ii)      Candidates who completed Level One of the following Professional Courses ACCA, CIM, CIPS, ICSA, CPA and must have passed Mathematics with at least a Credit at O’Level.

8.14   Bachelor of Leadership and Governance

          A candidate must hold a Second Class Diploma in any discipline from a recognised Institution
8.15   Bachelor of Arts in Economics

(i)      A candidate must hold a Credit Diploma in Business related discipline from a recognized Institution and must have passed Mathematics with at least a Credit at O’Level.

(ii)      Candidates who completed Level One of the following Professional Courses ACCA, CIM, CIPS, ICSA, CPA and must have passed Mathematics with at least Credit at O’Level.

8.16   Bachelor of Transport and Logistics Management

A candidate must hold a Credit Diploma from a recognized Institution.

8.17   Bachelor of Science in Accounting

(i)      A candidate must hold a Credit Diploma in Business related field with a Credit in Principal or Core courses like Quantitative Mathematics from a recognized Institution.

(ii)      Candidates who completed Level One of relevant professional Courses will also be eligible.

8.18   Bachelor of Travel and Tourism Management

(i)      A candidate must hold a Credit Diploma in any discipline from recognized Institution.

(ii)      Candidates who completed Level One of relevant professional Courses will also be eligible.

9.       FACULTY OF COMPUTING AND INFORMATION SCIENCE

9.1     Bachelor of Science in Computer Science

A Diploma in Computer Science, Engineering, Business Studies, Information Technology, Statistics or any other diploma with Mathematics as one of the subjects from any recognised Institution

9.2     Bachelor of Information Technology

A Diploma from a recognized Institution in any discipline or its equivalent.
 

9.3     Diploma in Computer Science and Information Technology

 Possess a Diploma from any recognized institution

For Certificate Holders   – a candidate must be a holder of at least Credit certificate in Computer Science or related field from a recognized   institution.

9.4     Bachelor of Science in Software Engineering

Candidates should possess at least a Second Class (Lower Division) Diploma in Computer Science, Engineering, Statistics or Any Diploma with either Mathematics or Computer Science as one of the subjects from any recognized Institution.

9.5     Bachelor of Information Systems

Candidates should possess at least a Second Class (Lower Division) Diploma in Computer Science or any other Diploma with business or computing aspects from any recognized Institution.

10.     FACULTY OF SOCIAL SCIENCES      
         
10.1   Bachelor of Arts (Social Sciences)

Any diploma from a recognised Institution.

10.2      Bachelor of Social Work and Social Administration

Any diploma from a recognised Institution.

11.     FACULTY OF ARTS

11.1   Bachelor of Arts

Any diploma from a recognised Institution.

11.2   Bachelor of Mass Communication

Any diploma from a recognised Institution.

11.3   Bachelor of Development Studies

Any diploma from a recognised Institution.

11.4   Bachelor of Urban Planning

Any diploma from a recognised Institution.

11.5   Bachelor of Arts in Music

A diploma in Music, Dance and Drama or a Diploma in Music from a recognised Institution.

11.6   Bachelor of Arts in Environmental Management

Any diploma from a recognised Institution.

          11.7   Bachelor of Tourism

Any diploma from a recognised Institution.

11.8   Bachelor of Arts in Dance

A Diploma in Music, Dance and Drama or a Diploma in Dance from a recognised Institution.

11.9     Bachelor of Arts in Drama

A Diploma in Music, Dance and Drama or a Diploma in Drama
from a recognised Institution.

11.10  Bachelor of Secretarial Studies

(a)      EITHER        A Secretarial Studies diploma from a recognised
                   Institution.

(b)     OR      Advanced Level Certificates in Secretarial
Studies from a recognised Institute, in the following subjects:

1.  Shorthand Stage III     –        100 w.p.m
2.  Typewriting III             –          50.w.p.m.
3.  Business English Stage III and

  1. Any two other subjects from among:
  2. Secretarial Duties Stage II
  3.    Office Practice/Management Stage
  4.   Commerce/Economics Stage II
  5.  (iv)  Accounting Stage II
  6. (v)   General Principles of Law Stage II
  7.   Marketing Stage II

Obtained from UNEB or an equivalent examining body.
12.     SCHOOL OF INDUSTRIAL AND FINE ARTS

 Bachelor of Industrial and Fine Arts

(a)      A Diploma from a recognised Institution with Art, Design, Technical Drawing as a bias or Art  and Design related course like Fashion Design, Computer graphics, Photography and Architecture.

Diplomas other than in Fine Art but with One-year Certificate in Art or Design Discipline from recognised Institutions and a portfolio of work in Art or Design Discipline.

NOTE:    This category of candidates should also possess an Advanced Level Certificate with at least One Principle Pass in Art or Technical Drawing.

13.      EAST AFRICAN SCHOOL OF LIBRARY AND INFORMATION
           SCIENCE

13.1  Bachelor of Library and Information Science

Candidates must hold a Credit Diploma from any of these fields or related discipline from recognized Institution:

(i)      Diploma in Library and Information Science
(ii)      Diploma in Records and Archives Management
(iii)     Diploma in Library and Information Science
(iv)     Diploma in Information Management
(v)      Diploma in Publishing and Book Trade

The applicants should be strongly recommended by their employers.

13.2  Bachelor of Records and Archives Management

Candidates must hold at least a Second Class or Credit Diploma from recognized Institutions:

(i)      Diploma in Records and Archives Management
(ii)      Diploma in Library and Information Science
(iii)     Diploma in Information Management
(iv)     Diploma in Information Technology
(v)      Diploma in Computer Science
(vi)     Diploma in Secretarial Studies
(vii)    Diploma in Public Administration
Any related Diploma from any recognized Institution 

14.     FACULTY OF SCIENCE

14.1   Bachelor of Science

(a)      A Diploma in Education from National Teachers Colleges.

The applicants must have studied any of the following subjects:
Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry, Economics, Physics,
Geography or Agriculture.

(b)     At least an ordinary Diploma from the Uganda Polytechnic, Kyambogo or the UTCs and

The applicants must have studied any of the following subjects:
Mathematics, Physics and Chemistry.
                  
  c)       A Diploma from any of the following Agricultural Colleges:
Arapai, Nyabyeya, Fisheries Training Institute Entebbe, Bukalasa, Busitema, Veterinary Training Institute- Entebbe.

The candidates should have studied any of the following subjects:
Agriculture, Biology.

d)       A diploma from any of the Schools of Health (Medicine)

Radiographers, Dispensers, Nurses, Medical Laboratory
Technicians or Environmental Health Officers.

14.2   Bachelor of Science in Ethnobotany

Holders of a Diploma in Science based subjects with a bias in
Biology, Chemistry or Agriculture from recognised Institutions
may be admitted to the programme.

14.3   Bachelor of Science in Industrial Chemistry

(a)      An ordinary Diploma of UPK, UTCs and recognised
Technical Colleges with qualifications in Chemistry and Mathematics or related fields.

(b)     A Diploma in Education with Chemistry and either
          Mathematics or Physics.

14.4   Bachelor of Science in Fisheries and Aquaculture

    Diploma in Fisheries Management and Technology, Aquaculture Yacht and Boat Building, Veterinary Sciences or the equivalent from recognised Institutions.
14.5   Bachelor of Sports Science

          A Diploma in the relevant subjects:

          Biology, Physics, Chemistry, Geography, Mathematics, Commerce from ITEK, UPK, School of Hygiene, Paramedical Institute and other recognised Institutions of Higher Learning.

14.6   Bachelor of Science in Geological Resource Management

          A Diploma from a recognised Institution with a bias in Physical
          Sciences:  Mathematics, Physics, chemistry.

          14.7   Bachelor of Science in Conservation Biology

          Diplomas from recognised Institutions with a bias in Biology, chemistry, Forestry, Wildlife, Animal Husbandry, Environmental Education and Environmental Management.

14.8   Bachelor of Science in Petroleum Geosciences and Production

          The applicant must have obtained at least a Second Class Diploma in Science based disciplines with a bias either in Physics, Chemistry or mathematics or a Higher Diploma in Engineering and /or Geosciences.

15.     INSTITUTE OF ADULT AND CONTINUING EDUCATION

    1. Bachelor of Adult and Community Education up to (30% of the intake) 

          (a)     Diploma in Adult Education
          (b)     Diploma in Social Development
          (c)     Diploma in Co-operatives
          (d)     Diploma in Agriculture
          (e)     Diploma in Public Health
          (f)      Diploma in Animal Husbandry
          (g)     Diploma in Fisheries, and

          Any other Diplomas which prepare professionals for extension work or other community work.

16.     INSTITUTE OF PSYCHOLOGY

          16.1   Bachelor of Community Psychology

          A Diploma or its equivalent from a recognised Institution in any      of the following disciplines:
         
          Social Work, Counselling, Occupational Therapy, Psychiatry   and Education.

16.2   Bachelor of Industrial and Organizational Psychology

          Holders of at least a second class Diploma or its equivalent from     an Institution recognized by Makerere University.

17.     FACULTY OF ECONOMICS AND MANAGEMENT

17.1   Bachelor of Arts in Economics

          A Diploma from a recognised Institution in relevant    fields/subjects (Economics, Mathematics)

17.2   Bachelor of Arts in Development Economics

          At least a Second Class Diploma award from a recognised     Institution of higher learning.

17.3   Bachelor of Business Administration

Holders of Degree or at least a Second Class/Credit Diploma from a recognised Institution in the areas of Business Administration, Accounting, Cooperatives and Business Studies of at least a Lower Second-Class and a Credit in Principal or core subjects for the programme.

17.4   Bachelor of Procurement and Supplies Management

          A candidate must possess a Degree or at least a Second Class Diploma award from a recognised Institution.

18.     INSTITUTE OF ENVIRONMENT AND NATURAL RESOURCES

          Holders of Relevant Diploma (at least a Second Class) in Science related subjects from Makerere University or other recognized   Institutions.

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A.      QUOTA FOR DIPLOMA HOLDERS

          (i)      For Government Sponsorship

The number of candidates admitted to each programme under the Diploma Holders Avenue should not exceed 5% of the intake per programme, except for Bachelor of Adult and Community Education whose quota for Diploma Holders is up to 30% of the intake for the programme.

For the Private Scheme the quota for Diploma Holders applicants varies as will be determined by each Faculty/Institute/School.

  1. The following Programmes have no Diploma Scheme.
  2. B.Sc. Nursing
  3. B.Sc. Education
  4. B.A. Education
  5. B. Sc (Actuarial Science)

B.      REQUIRED PERFORMANCE IN THE DIPLOMAS

          At least Second Class, Credit or equivalent performance.

C.      FACULTY REQUIREMENTS (The required Diplomas)

COLLEGE OF HEALTH SCIENCES

 B.Pharm, MBChB, BDS,

 A Diploma in any of the following health disciplines:

  1. Medical Laboratory Technologists
  2. Radiographers
  3. Physiotherapists
  4. Anaesthetic Officers
  5. Medical Assistants
  6. Orthopaedic Officers/assistants
  7. Clinical Ophthalmic Officers
  8. Environmental Health Officers
  9. Public Health Dental Assistants
  10. Public Health Assistants
  11. Dispensers/Pharmacy Technicians
  12. Psychiatry Clinical Officers
  13. Uganda Registered Nurses/Midwives
  14. Occupational Therapy
  15. Orthopaedic Technology.

1.2     Bachelor of Science in Medical Radiography

A Diploma in Medical Radiography of Makerere University or its equivalent from recognised Institutions.

1.3     Bachelor of Environmental Health Science

A Diploma in Environmental Health Science of Makerere       
University or its equivalent from recognised Institutions.

2.       FACULTY OF VETERINARY MEDICINE

2.1     Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine

A Diploma from the Veterinary Training Institute, Entebbe or Bukalasa Agricultural College.

2.2     Bachelor of Biomedical Laboratory Technology

An Ordinary Diploma in Laboratory Technology or its equivalent from a recognised Institution.
         
2.3     Bachelor of Science in Wildlife Health and Management

A Diploma in Wildlife Ecology, Veterinary Sciences, Agriculture, Animal Science, Forestry, Environmental Science, Animal Nursing or their equivalent from recognised Institutions.

2.4     Bachelor of Animal Production Technology and Management.

An Ordinary Diploma in Animal Health and Production (or its equivalent) from a recognised Institution.

3.       FACULTY OF AGRICULTURE

3.1     Bachelor of Agricultural Extension Education

A Diploma or its equivalent from a recognised Agricultural related Tertiary Institution.  Eligible candidates must have a related Post Diploma working experience of at least 2 years.

          3.2    Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Engineering

An ordinary Technician Diploma, with at least credit 3 in Mathematics, from a recognised Institution of Higher Learning.

3.3     Bachelor of Science in Agriculture

A National Diploma in Agriculture or Animal Husbandry or its equivalent obtained from a recognised Institution of Higher Learning.

3.4     Bachelor of Science in Food Science and Technology

A National diploma in either Food Science, or Food Technology, or Veterinary Science, Forestry or Agriculture or the equivalent from recognised Institutions.

3.5     Bachelor of Science in Agricultural land Use and         Management

A Diploma or its equivalent in relevant fields from recognised Institutions.

3.6    Bachelor of Agribusiness Management

A National Diploma or its equivalent in Agricultural Business Studies and relevant fields from recognised Institutions.

3.7    Bachelor of Science in Horticulture

A National Diploma or its equivalent in Horticulture, Forestry, Agriculture or Biological Sciences from a recognised Institutions.

3.8     Bachelor of Science in Human Nutrition

          Holders of the following Second Class or Credit Diplomas are eligible for admission

                   a)       Diploma in Education, Applicants must have studied the following subjects:  Biology, Chemistry, Agriculture, Home Economics.

                   b)       The Higher National Diploma from a recognized Institution in any of the following:

Chemistry, Human Nutrition, Home Economics, Food Science, Science and Technology, Catering, Agriculture, Health, Social Work.

c)       Ordinary Diploma from a recognized Institution in any of the following:

  • Science Technology (Biology)
  • Science Technology (Chemistry, Biochemistry)
  • Food Processing
  • Agriculture, Biology
  • Diploma in any of the Paramedical Institutions
  • Medical Laboratory Technologists
  • Radiographers
  • Physiotherapists
  • Anaesthetic Officers
  • Medical Assistants
  • Orthopedic Officers/assistants
  • Clinical Ophthalmic Officers
  • Environmental Health Officers
  • Public Health Dental Assistants
  • Public Health Assistants
  • Dispensers/Pharmacy Technicians
  • Psychiatry Clinical Officers
  • Uganda Registered Nurses/Midwives
  • Occupational Therapy
  • Orthopedic Technology.

     

4.       FACULTY OF FORESTRY AND NATURE CONSERVATION

4.1      Bachelor of Science in Forestry

A National Diploma in Forestry or Agriculture, or its equivalent from recognised Institutions.

4.2      Bachelor of Community Forestry

A National Diploma or its equivalent of good Standing in Forestry or other related agricultural sciences from a recognised Institution.

4.3      Bachelor of Science in Wood Science and Technology

A National Diploma or its equivalent in Forestry or related Technical fields, from a recognised Institution.
5.       FACULTY OF TECHNOLOGY

5.1     B.Sc. (Civil Engineering), BSc. (Electrical Engineering) and B.Sc.  (Mechanical Engineering)

A relevant Ordinary Diploma or its equivalent, with a Credit in Mathematics, from UPK, or any of the UTCs.

5.2     B.Sc. Telecommunications Engineering)

A Uganda National Examinations Board Ordinary Technical

Diploma or its equivalent (Credit Class).

Applicant should have obtained a Credit Pass in Mathematics.

          5.3     Bachelor of Science in Surveying
 
A Diploma from Entebbe Surveying School or its equivalent.  The applicants should have:

a)       Passed all the subjects of the final part at the same sitting.

  1.       b)     An overall average mark of at least 60% in all the                
  2.                   examinations.
  3.       c)      An average mark in Mathematics of at least 70%.

5.4     Bachelor of Architecture

(i)      An Ordinary Diploma in Architectural Draughtsmanship or its equivalent from UPK or any other recognised Institutions.

Applicants should have obtained at least a Credit 3 in the Building Construction and Drawing subject of the Diploma.

5.5     B.Sc. (Land Economics), B.Sc. (Quantity Surveying),
B.Sc. (Construction Management)

  • A UNEB Ordinary Diploma in Building and Civil
  • Engineering or its equivalent (Credit Class).
  • Applicant should have passed Mathematics, Building

Construction and Drawing with at least Credit 4 (four).

5.6     Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering

Candidates must hold UNEB Credit Ordinary Technical Diploma or its equivalent with Credit Pass in Mathematics.

6.       FACULTY OF LAW

6.1      Bachelor of Laws

Any diploma from a recognised Institution of Higher Learning.

7.       INSTITUTE OF STATISTICS AND APPLIED ECONOMICS

7.1    Bachelor of Statistics

EITHER:       A Diploma in Statistics (at Intermediate Professional Level) from the East African Statistical Training Centre, Dar-es-Salaam or its equivalent.

OR:              Any other Diploma from a recognised Institution with Mathematics as a major subject.

Initially, on an experimental basis and subject to review a candidate who is a holder of a Diploma of at least Credit grading obtained at the East African Statistical Training Centre, Dar es Salaam, will on admission to the Bachelor of Statistics Programme, be exempted from the first year and will thus enter the programme in the second year.  The holders of Pass Diplomas may be admitted to B.Stat Year I.

7.2     Bachelor of Science (Quantitative Economics)

A Diploma from a recognised Institution. The Diploma Programme must have involved Mathematics as a major subject.

7.3     Bachelor of Science in Population Studies

Any diploma from a recognised Institution.

7.4     Bachelor of Science in Business Statistics

At least a Second Class or Credit Diploma from a recognised Institution with Mathematics as a subject.

8.       MAKERERE UNIVERSITY BUSINESS SCHOOL

8.1     Bachelor of Commerce and Bachelor of Business        Administration

(a)      A Diploma from the former National College of Business Studies and its sister Colleges of Commerce in:

(i)      Business Studies

Marketing (both Ordinary and Higher Diplomas)

(b)     A Diploma in Cooperatives from the Uganda Cooperative College, Kigumba.

(c)      The professional qualifications in courses such as CPA (Kenya), ACCA, ICMA, ICSA or their equivalent.

Diploma in Education with a bias in Business Education.

The following levels of passing are acceptable.

(a)      For the Business Studies and Marketing Diplomas:
          Credit in Principal or Core subjects, and

(b)     For the Professional Courses:  applicants should have passed the first level or stage of the professional courses such that the applicants would have been allowed to proceed to the second level or stage.

8.2     Bachelor of Catering and Hotel Management

     The following Diplomas or their equivalents:

  1. Uganda Diploma in Hotel and Institutional Catering
  2. Diploma in Business Studies
  3. Higher Diploma in Marketing
  4. Diploma from the Institute of Bankers
  5. Business Diploma from NTCs
  6. Diploma in Co-operatives

8.3     Bachelor of Human Resource Management.

          A Diploma from a recognised Institution

8.4     Bachelor of International Business

          A Diploma from a recognised Institution.

8.5     Bachelor of Leisure and Hospitality Management

A Diploma from a recognised Institution

8.6     Bachelor of Entrepreneurship and Small Business Management.

A Diploma from a recognised Institution.

8.7     Bachelor of Business Computing

A Diploma from a recognised Institution
8.8     Bachelor of Procurement and Supply Chain Management

EITHER :      A Diploma in any discipline from a recognised institution

OR          :    A candidate should have completed level one of any professional course.

8.9     Bachelor of Office and Information Management.

A Diploma from a recognised Institution.

8.10   Bachelor of Real Estate Business Management

(i)      A candidates must hold a Credit Diploma in Business related discipline from a recognized Institution and must have passed Mathematics with Credit at O’Level.

(ii)      Candidates who completed Level One of the following Professional Courses ACCA, CIM, CIPS, ICSA, CPA and must have passed Mathematics with Credit at O’Level.

8.11   Bachelor of Science in Marketing

A Credit Diploma in any discipline from a recognized Institution or Candidates who have completed Level One of any Professional Courses.

8.12   Bachelor of Business Statistics

A relevant Credit Diploma from a recognized Institution with a bias in statistics.  Candidates who have completed Level One of any Professional Course are eligible with a bias in statistics.

8.13   Bachelor of Science in Finance

(i)      A candidate must hold a Credit Diploma in Business related discipline from a recognised Institution and must have passed Mathematics with at least a Credit at O’Level.

(ii)      Candidates who completed Level One of the following Professional Courses ACCA, CIM, CIPS, ICSA, CPA and must have passed Mathematics with at least a Credit at O’Level.

8.14   Bachelor of Leadership and Governance

          A candidate must hold a Second Class Diploma in any discipline from a recognised Institution
8.15   Bachelor of Arts in Economics

(i)      A candidate must hold a Credit Diploma in Business related discipline from a recognized Institution and must have passed Mathematics with at least a Credit at O’Level.

(ii)      Candidates who completed Level One of the following Professional Courses ACCA, CIM, CIPS, ICSA, CPA and must have passed Mathematics with at least Credit at O’Level.

8.16   Bachelor of Transport and Logistics Management

A candidate must hold a Credit Diploma from a recognized Institution.

8.17   Bachelor of Science in Accounting

(i)      A candidate must hold a Credit Diploma in Business related field with a Credit in Principal or Core courses like Quantitative Mathematics from a recognized Institution.

(ii)      Candidates who completed Level One of relevant professional Courses will also be eligible.

8.18   Bachelor of Travel and Tourism Management

(i)      A candidate must hold a Credit Diploma in any discipline from recognized Institution.

(ii)      Candidates who completed Level One of relevant professional Courses will also be eligible.

9.       FACULTY OF COMPUTING AND INFORMATION SCIENCE

9.1     Bachelor of Science in Computer Science

A Diploma in Computer Science, Engineering, Business Studies, Information Technology, Statistics or any other diploma with Mathematics as one of the subjects from any recognised Institution

9.2     Bachelor of Information Technology

A Diploma from a recognized Institution in any discipline or its equivalent.
 

9.3     Diploma in Computer Science and Information Technology

 Possess a Diploma from any recognized institution

For Certificate Holders   – a candidate must be a holder of at least Credit certificate in Computer Science or related field from a recognized   institution.

9.4     Bachelor of Science in Software Engineering

Candidates should possess at least a Second Class (Lower Division) Diploma in Computer Science, Engineering, Statistics or Any Diploma with either Mathematics or Computer Science as one of the subjects from any recognized Institution.

9.5     Bachelor of Information Systems

Candidates should possess at least a Second Class (Lower Division) Diploma in Computer Science or any other Diploma with business or computing aspects from any recognized Institution.

10.     FACULTY OF SOCIAL SCIENCES      
         
10.1   Bachelor of Arts (Social Sciences)

Any diploma from a recognised Institution.

10.2      Bachelor of Social Work and Social Administration

Any diploma from a recognised Institution.

11.     FACULTY OF ARTS

11.1   Bachelor of Arts

Any diploma from a recognised Institution.

11.2   Bachelor of Mass Communication

Any diploma from a recognised Institution.

11.3   Bachelor of Development Studies

Any diploma from a recognised Institution.

11.4   Bachelor of Urban Planning

Any diploma from a recognised Institution.

11.5   Bachelor of Arts in Music

A diploma in Music, Dance and Drama or a Diploma in Music from a recognised Institution.

11.6   Bachelor of Arts in Environmental Management

Any diploma from a recognised Institution.

          11.7   Bachelor of Tourism

Any diploma from a recognised Institution.

11.8   Bachelor of Arts in Dance

A Diploma in Music, Dance and Drama or a Diploma in Dance from a recognised Institution.

11.9     Bachelor of Arts in Drama

A Diploma in Music, Dance and Drama or a Diploma in Drama
from a recognised Institution.

11.10  Bachelor of Secretarial Studies

(a)      EITHER        A Secretarial Studies diploma from a recognised
                   Institution.

(b)     OR      Advanced Level Certificates in Secretarial
Studies from a recognised Institute, in the following subjects:

1.  Shorthand Stage III     –        100 w.p.m
2.  Typewriting III             –          50.w.p.m.
3.  Business English Stage III and

  1. Any two other subjects from among:
  2. Secretarial Duties Stage II
  3.    Office Practice/Management Stage
  4.   Commerce/Economics Stage II
  5.  (iv)  Accounting Stage II
  6. (v)   General Principles of Law Stage II
  7.   Marketing Stage II

Obtained from UNEB or an equivalent examining body.
12.     SCHOOL OF INDUSTRIAL AND FINE ARTS

 Bachelor of Industrial and Fine Arts

(a)      A Diploma from a recognised Institution with Art, Design, Technical Drawing as a bias or Art  and Design related course like Fashion Design, Computer graphics, Photography and Architecture.

Diplomas other than in Fine Art but with One-year Certificate in Art or Design Discipline from recognised Institutions and a portfolio of work in Art or Design Discipline.

NOTE:    This category of candidates should also possess an Advanced Level Certificate with at least One Principle Pass in Art or Technical Drawing.

13.      EAST AFRICAN SCHOOL OF LIBRARY AND INFORMATION
           SCIENCE

13.1  Bachelor of Library and Information Science

Candidates must hold a Credit Diploma from any of these fields or related discipline from recognized Institution:

(i)      Diploma in Library and Information Science
(ii)      Diploma in Records and Archives Management
(iii)     Diploma in Library and Information Science
(iv)     Diploma in Information Management
(v)      Diploma in Publishing and Book Trade

The applicants should be strongly recommended by their employers.

13.2  Bachelor of Records and Archives Management

Candidates must hold at least a Second Class or Credit Diploma from recognized Institutions:

(i)      Diploma in Records and Archives Management
(ii)      Diploma in Library and Information Science
(iii)     Diploma in Information Management
(iv)     Diploma in Information Technology
(v)      Diploma in Computer Science
(vi)     Diploma in Secretarial Studies
(vii)    Diploma in Public Administration
Any related Diploma from any recognized Institution 

14.     FACULTY OF SCIENCE

14.1   Bachelor of Science

(a)      A Diploma in Education from National Teachers Colleges.

The applicants must have studied any of the following subjects:
Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry, Economics, Physics,
Geography or Agriculture.

(b)     At least an ordinary Diploma from the Uganda Polytechnic, Kyambogo or the UTCs and

The applicants must have studied any of the following subjects:
Mathematics, Physics and Chemistry.
                  
  c)       A Diploma from any of the following Agricultural Colleges:
Arapai, Nyabyeya, Fisheries Training Institute Entebbe, Bukalasa, Busitema, Veterinary Training Institute- Entebbe.

The candidates should have studied any of the following subjects:
Agriculture, Biology.

d)       A diploma from any of the Schools of Health (Medicine)

Radiographers, Dispensers, Nurses, Medical Laboratory
Technicians or Environmental Health Officers.

14.2   Bachelor of Science in Ethnobotany

Holders of a Diploma in Science based subjects with a bias in
Biology, Chemistry or Agriculture from recognised Institutions
may be admitted to the programme.

14.3   Bachelor of Science in Industrial Chemistry

(a)      An ordinary Diploma of UPK, UTCs and recognised
Technical Colleges with qualifications in Chemistry and Mathematics or related fields.

(b)     A Diploma in Education with Chemistry and either
          Mathematics or Physics.

14.4   Bachelor of Science in Fisheries and Aquaculture

    Diploma in Fisheries Management and Technology, Aquaculture Yacht and Boat Building, Veterinary Sciences or the equivalent from recognised Institutions.
14.5   Bachelor of Sports Science

          A Diploma in the relevant subjects:

          Biology, Physics, Chemistry, Geography, Mathematics, Commerce from ITEK, UPK, School of Hygiene, Paramedical Institute and other recognised Institutions of Higher Learning.

14.6   Bachelor of Science in Geological Resource Management

          A Diploma from a recognised Institution with a bias in Physical
          Sciences:  Mathematics, Physics, chemistry.

          14.7   Bachelor of Science in Conservation Biology

          Diplomas from recognised Institutions with a bias in Biology, chemistry, Forestry, Wildlife, Animal Husbandry, Environmental Education and Environmental Management.

14.8   Bachelor of Science in Petroleum Geosciences and Production

          The applicant must have obtained at least a Second Class Diploma in Science based disciplines with a bias either in Physics, Chemistry or mathematics or a Higher Diploma in Engineering and /or Geosciences.

15.     INSTITUTE OF ADULT AND CONTINUING EDUCATION

    1. Bachelor of Adult and Community Education up to (30% of the intake) 

          (a)     Diploma in Adult Education
          (b)     Diploma in Social Development
          (c)     Diploma in Co-operatives
          (d)     Diploma in Agriculture
          (e)     Diploma in Public Health
          (f)      Diploma in Animal Husbandry
          (g)     Diploma in Fisheries, and

          Any other Diplomas which prepare professionals for extension work or other community work.

16.     INSTITUTE OF PSYCHOLOGY

          16.1   Bachelor of Community Psychology

          A Diploma or its equivalent from a recognised Institution in any      of the following disciplines:
         
          Social Work, Counselling, Occupational Therapy, Psychiatry   and Education.

16.2   Bachelor of Industrial and Organizational Psychology

          Holders of at least a second class Diploma or its equivalent from     an Institution recognized by Makerere University.

17.     FACULTY OF ECONOMICS AND MANAGEMENT

17.1   Bachelor of Arts in Economics

          A Diploma from a recognised Institution in relevant    fields/subjects (Economics, Mathematics)

17.2   Bachelor of Arts in Development Economics

          At least a Second Class Diploma award from a recognised     Institution of higher learning.

17.3   Bachelor of Business Administration

Holders of Degree or at least a Second Class/Credit Diploma from a recognised Institution in the areas of Business Administration, Accounting, Cooperatives and Business Studies of at least a Lower Second-Class and a Credit in Principal or core subjects for the programme.

17.4   Bachelor of Procurement and Supplies Management

          A candidate must possess a Degree or at least a Second Class Diploma award from a recognised Institution.

18.     INSTITUTE OF ENVIRONMENT AND NATURAL RESOURCES

          Holders of Relevant Diploma (at least a Second Class) in Science related subjects from Makerere University or other recognized   Institutions.

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Scholars Discuss Techno-Colonialism and Decolonizing AI for African Identity at Makerere University

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8 hours ago

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October 31, 2025

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Prof. Sarah Ssali (2nd Left) flanked by Prof. Eddy Walakira and other participants during the parallel session on Techno-Colonialism on 31st October 2025. Webinar on TECHNO-COLONIALISM: Decolonising AI for Africa's Transformation, Day 3 of the 5th African Research Universities Alliance (ARUA) Biennial International Conference on Research, Innovation and Artificial Intelligence, October 31, 2025 hosted by Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

Betty Kyakuwa & Eve Nakyanzi

Scholars from across Africa and beyond convened at Makerere University for a workshop on “Techno-Colonialism: Decolonizing Artificial Intelligence (AI) for African Identity.” The event formed part of the ongoing African Research Universities Alliance (ARUA) Conference hosted at Makerere University, under the ARUA Centre of Excellence in Notions of Identity.

In her opening remarks, Prof. Sarah Ssali, Director of the ARUA Centre of Excellence in Notions of Identity, welcomed participants to what she described as a “thought-provoking engagement for early career researchers.” She noted that the Centre, hosted at Makerere University, now brings together over 10 universities across Africa and partner institutions in the Global North to examine evolving African identities in the face of global transformations.

“We don’t imagine a single African identity defined by class, tribe, or religion,” Prof. Ssali said. “We consider African identities as lived, negotiated, and continually reshaped by experiences such as colonialism, globalization, and technological change.”

The workshop was moderated by Dr. Kemi Kehinde, an ARUA–Carnegie Postdoctoral Fellow from Anchor University, Nigeria, who emphasized the need to critically examine the intersections between artificial intelligence, indigenous knowledge, and identity formation.

Dr. Kemi Kehinde. Webinar on TECHNO-COLONIALISM: Decolonising AI for Africa's Transformation, Day 3 of the 5th African Research Universities Alliance (ARUA) Biennial International Conference on Research, Innovation and Artificial Intelligence, October 31, 2025 hosted by Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Dr. Kemi Kehinde.

Dr. Kemi invited participants to reflect on a presentation by Dr. Sameen Musa on Indigenous Knowledge Systems and AI in the Context of Decoloniality and Sustainable Futures. She highlighted the importance of ensuring that AI systems recognize and integrate oral African traditions such as storytelling, proverbs, and performance arts—areas where current technologies often fall short.

“As young African scholars, we have a responsibility to shape the training models of AI so that future systems engage authentically with African oral traditions and worldviews,” Dr. Kemi noted.

The panel featured Prof. Aghogho Akpome from the University of Zululand, Dr. Isaac Tibasiima and Marvin Galiwango, a machine learning engineer at Makerere, and Dr. Nikolai Golovko from the Centre for African Studies at the Higher School of Economics, Moscow and Dr. Chongomweru Halimu, a lecturer at the Department of Information Technology, Makerere University.

Speaking from South Africa, Prof. Aghogho Akpome delivered a strong critique of what he termed “the intellectual dependency fostered by generative AI tools.” He cautioned that over reliance on artificial intelligence for writing and research risks eroding cognitive skills and perpetuating new forms of colonial dependence.

“The use of generative AI without critical engagement amounts to intellectual theft,” he said. “It replaces creative thought with algorithmic mimicry, and that is the essence of techno-colonialism.”

A lively Q&A during the parallel session. Webinar on TECHNO-COLONIALISM: Decolonising AI for Africa's Transformation, Day 3 of the 5th African Research Universities Alliance (ARUA) Biennial International Conference on Research, Innovation and Artificial Intelligence, October 31, 2025 hosted by Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
A lively Q&A during the parallel session.

Dr. Isaac Tibasiima, from Makerere University’s Department of Literature, offered a balanced view, arguing that while AI poses risks of cultural misrepresentation, it also presents opportunities for Africans to reclaim their agency by shaping the data that powers these systems.

“We need to feed our own knowledge into AI systems—honest, transparent, contextually grounded African knowledge,” Dr. Tibasiima said. “That’s the path to inclusion and authentic representation.”

From Moscow, Dr. Nikolai Golovko provided a global policy perspective, noting that while 11 African countries have adopted national AI strategies, implementation remains limited by resource and data inequalities. He warned that foreign-designed algorithms often ignore local contexts, reinforcing what he called “algorithmic colonialism.”

“African governments and universities must prioritize indigenous participation in AI design,” Dr. Golovko urged. “Otherwise, we risk reproducing colonial hierarchies in digital form.”

Dr. Halimu Chongomweru discussed the theme “Techno-Colonialism and Decolonizing Artificial Intelligence (AI) for African Ideas.” He argued that today’s global digital ecosystem mirrors historical patterns of colonial exploitation—only now, instead of natural resources, Africa’s data is being extracted to fuel AI economies controlled by others.

He described this as a form of modern colonialism, not through armies or flags, but through algorithms, cloud servers, and digital platforms that define African problems and solutions without African participation. These systems enrich others while disempowering African communities.

Dr. Halimu Chongomweru. Webinar on TECHNO-COLONIALISM: Decolonising AI for Africa's Transformation, Day 3 of the 5th African Research Universities Alliance (ARUA) Biennial International Conference on Research, Innovation and Artificial Intelligence, October 31, 2025 hosted by Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Dr. Halimu Chongomweru.

Dr. Chongomweru emphasized that AI without culture is not intelligence but extraction. When AI models are trained on Western norms, they impose Western values globally, leading Africans to adopt technology without shifting the moral and cultural lenses behind it.

He urged a shift in focus from access to ownership, arguing that access without control only deepens dependency — another form of digital colonialism. True equalization, he said, means determining who owns, benefits from, and governs African data and AI systems.

To decolonize AI, Dr. Chongomweru proposed several actions:

  1. Build African-owned data repositories hosted on African soil and governed by African laws.
  2. Invest in AI research in African languages, moving from translation (copying) to representation (originating ideas).
  3. Develop home-grown technological infrastructure, ensuring computation and innovation occur within the continent.

He concluded that Africa’s AI agenda must be rooted in cultural, linguistic, historical, and sovereign identity, drawing from African philosophical traditions to create ethical and inclusive AI systems.

Marvin Galiwango cautioned that Africa’s growing engagement with AI still relies heavily on foreign tools, funding, and servers, creating digital dependency rather than empowerment. He argued that so-called “inclusion” often leaves Africans creating within systems they don’t control. Drawing parallels with genomics, he noted that Africa provides data but lacks ownership of infrastructure and outcomes. He concluded that true technological independence requires Africans to build and govern their own digital systems.

The session closed with a lively discussion on the ethics of AI use in research, the need for inclusive data models, and the role of African universities in decolonizing digital technologies. Participants agreed that decolonizing AI is not merely a technological issue but a cultural, ethical, and identity-driven imperative for Africa’s future.

Betty Kyakuwa
Betty Kyakuwa

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Building for the future: Makerere Vice Chancellor calls for collaborative research and innovation to drive human capital development in Africa

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10 hours ago

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October 31, 2025

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Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe addresses the 5th ARUA Biennial Conference Opening Ceremony. The Minister for Science, Technology and Innovation Information, Hon. Dr. Monica Musenero Masanza has officially opened the 5th African Research Universities Alliance (ARUA) Biennial International Conference on Research, Innovation and Artificial Intelligence, held on October 29, 2025 hosted by Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

In an era defined by rapid technological disruption and a deepening knowledge economy, Africa stands at crossroads. The continent’s quest for transformation hinges not merely on resources or infrastructure, but on the strategic cultivation of its greatest asset, human capital. Universities, long recognised as the engines of progress, through their traditional primary roles of teaching, research and community engagement must now evolve to meet the demands of a digital and data-driven world. It is within this context that the fifth African Research Universities Alliance (ARUA) Biennial International Conference, convened at Makerere University under the theme “Research, Innovation, and Artificial Intelligence for Africa’s Transformation,” assumes scholarly significance. Bringing together hundreds of scholars, policymakers, and thought leaders from across the continent and beyond, the conference underscores a collective urgency to harness the power of artificial intelligence not as a distant frontier, but as a practical tool for addressing Africa’s most pressing developmental challenges, from food security and health to employment, conflict, and migration. As Professor Barnabas Nawangwe, the Vice Chancellor of Makerere University aptly observed in his opening remarks that the responsibility before Africa’s universities is not only to generate knowledge, but to translate it into transformative action through research and community engagement.

Across the African continent, universities are grappling with meeting the heightened demand for higher education. In the decades post-independence, enrolment in higher education has expanded more than tenfold, reflecting both the aspirations of a young and dynamic population and the continent’s growing recognition of knowledge as a catalyst for development through expansion of access to tertiary education. Yet, this expansion has not been matched by a proportional growth in academic human resources, particularly at the doctoral and professorial levels. A significant proportion of Africa’s senior academics, many trained in the 1970s and early 1980s, are now approaching or have reached retirement, leaving institutions operating at roughly 60% of their optimal staffing capacity. This demographic shift poses a critical challenge to the sustainability and quality of higher education and research. Also, often-overlooked, is the shortage of skilled technicians, whose expertise is essential to sustaining effective teaching, research, and innovation. As Africa strives to assert its place in the global knowledge economy, strengthening the pipeline of qualified academics and technical professionals emerges not just as a priority but as an imperative for the continent’s intellectual and developmental future.

The future of work is already being rewritten, according to the World Economic Forum, an astounding 65% of children currently in primary school will work in jobs that do not even exist yet, a startling statistic that underscores the magnitude of transformation ahead. This projection challenges traditional education systems to evolve towards prioritizing skills, critical thinking, adaptability and creativity. This paradigm shift presents both an urgency and opportunity for Africa to leverage on the power of technology and collaboration. The coming decades will witness a profound shift in labour markets, as demand transitions from conventional white-collar roles to emerging fields in computing, scientific research, healthcare, and engineering. Therefore harnessing the continent’s youthful technological potential and vigor will be essential in shaping a distinctly African model of innovation-driven development.

The African Union’s ambitious goal of training 100,000 PhDs by 2035 reflects a recognition that sustainable development depends on the continent’s capacity to generate and apply knowledge for its own advancement. Yet, the current landscape reveals stark disparities: while Africa is home to nearly 19% of the world’s population, it contributes less than 3% to global GDP share, shoulders 25% of the global disease burden, and produces a mere 2% of the world’s research output, 1.3% of world research spending and holds less than 1% of patent application worldwide. These figures expose the continent’s underrepresentation in the global knowledge economy. The good news is that Africa has a robust entrepreneurial class thriving everywhere from technological hubs to telecentres and incubators creatively adapting solutions to uniquely African challenges. This momentum is a critical driver of the economy, both because it facilitates access to basic needs such as education, financial services and healthcare, but also represents a shift to the knowledge-based economy that will carry Africa into a prosperous future.

Those who innovate will achieve Africa’s transformation story and the universities stand at the centre of this transformation. They must continue to nurture new generations of researchers, thinkers, and innovators capable of confronting Africa’s complex challenges with creativity and purpose. The rise of artificial intelligence offers unprecedented opportunities to leapfrog effects of colonialism and historical barriers, provided education systems adapt to prioritise critical thinking, and innovation.

Maureen Agena.
Maureen Agena

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Makerere University & UNESCO Deepen Partnership to Strengthen Student Skills and Innovation

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1 day ago

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October 30, 2025

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A photo moment of the Visiting delegation in the Office of the Vice-Chancellor on 30th October 2025. Officials from the UNESCO Antenna Office in Uganda led by the Regional Director of the UNESCO Regional Office for Eastern Africa, Ms. Louise Haxthausen courtesy visit to the Vice-Chancellor of Makerere University, 30th October 2025, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

Officials from the UNESCO Antenna Office in Uganda paid a courtesy visit to the Vice-Chancellor of Makerere University, marking another chapter in a long-standing partnership focused on equipping students with industry-ready skills and advancing cross-disciplinary innovation.

Led by the Regional Director of the UNESCO Regional Office for Eastern Africa, Ms. Louise Haxthausen, the delegation met with the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe to review flagship partnership programmes and explore expansion across all ten colleges of the University. The discussions centered on the implementation of the Chinese Fund-in-Trust (CFIT) through the College of Engineering, Design, Art and Technology (CEDAT), and the O-3Plus project, which addresses mental health, gender-based violence (GBV), HIV awareness, and other student-wellbeing priorities.

Ms. Louise Haxthausen signs the Vice Chancellor's Visitors' Book. Officials from the UNESCO Antenna Office in Uganda led by the Regional Director of the UNESCO Regional Office for Eastern Africa, Ms. Louise Haxthausen courtesy visit to the Vice-Chancellor of Makerere University, 30th October 2025, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Ms. Louise Haxthausen signs the Vice Chancellor’s Visitors’ Book.

During the meeting, the discussion highlighted several key elements:

  • The CFIT initiative at CEDAT has enabled students to access equipment, industry exposure, and practical training, aligning academic curricula with workplace demands.
  • The O-3Plus project has delivered transformative activities beyond classrooms, facilitating mental-health dialogues, HIV awareness, and GBV prevention campaigns, thereby supporting the holistic development of learners.
  • UNESCO emphasized the importance of scaling these interventions beyond CEDAT across all ten colleges of Makerere University.
  • Collaboration with the University’s alumni mentorship network was identified as a key strategy to connect previously trained students with current cohorts, strengthening peer-learning, internships, and pathways to job creation.

Applauding Faculty Leadership at CEDAT

The Vice Chancellor commended Professor Dorothy Okello, Dean of the School of Engineering at CEDAT, for her exceptional leadership in coordinating and implementing these initiatives. Prof. Okello has been instrumental in steering UNESCO-supported projects such as CFIT, ensuring that Makerere students not only gain technical expertise but also develop the soft skills and professional readiness needed in today’s evolving job market.

Her leadership demonstrates the power of faculty-led partnerships in translating institutional collaborations into tangible outcomes that directly benefit students. By aligning global partnerships with Makerere’s teaching and research agenda, faculty leaders like Prof. Okello are helping bridge the gap between academia and industry, creating graduates who are innovative, adaptable, and ready to lead.

Partnerships for a Job-Creating Future

Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe applauded UNESCO’s longstanding collaboration with Makerere, recalling that the organization played a foundational role over fifty years ago in establishing the University’s Engineering Department.

“UNESCO has been a key partner of Makerere for over five decades. They helped us lay the foundation for engineering education. Today, the CFIT programme is helping our students acquire industry-ready skills. Our goal is not to send out job-seekers but job-creators,” he said.

Prof. Nawangwe also emphasized the need to broaden attention to the creative arts and industries, which hold untapped potential for entrepreneurship and job creation. He further highlighted the importance of building African capacity in artificial intelligence (AI) and programming to ensure that Africa is not left behind in future technological economies.

Ms. Louise Haxthausen receives a gift from Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe. Officials from the UNESCO Antenna Office in Uganda led by the Regional Director of the UNESCO Regional Office for Eastern Africa, Ms. Louise Haxthausen courtesy visit to the Vice-Chancellor of Makerere University, 30th October 2025, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Ms. Louise Haxthausen receives a gift from Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe.

In her remarks, Ms. Louise Haxthausen, the Regional Director of the UNESCO Regional Office for Eastern Africa, commended Makerere University for its outstanding implementation of the Chinese Fund-in-Trust (CFIT) project and the broader collaboration with UNESCO. She noted that Makerere’s model anchored in strong faculty leadership and student-centered innovation stands out as a best practice within the region.

“We are deeply impressed by the impact the CFIT project has achieved at Makerere University, particularly in equipping students with the skills and confidence they need to succeed beyond the classroom,” Ms. Haxthausen said. “Our hope is to replicate this success in other universities across the region.”

She further inquired about opportunities to expand UNESCO-supported initiatives beyond the College of Engineering, Design, Art and Technology (CEDAT) to other colleges within the University, noting that such expansion would ensure that all Makerere students benefit from the programs’ holistic approach to learning, innovation, and personal development.

Prof. Henry Alinaitwe from CEDAT, emphasized the need to strengthen technical capacity within the program to sustain and scale its success. He highlighted the importance of bringing in more experts to work closely with students, as well as improving infrastructure for data storage, management, and digital learning systems. Prof. Alinaitwe further noted that enhancing programming and coding skills among students is essential for preparing them to engage with emerging technologies and contribute meaningfully to Uganda’s and Africa’s digital transformation.

The meeting reaffirmed Makerere University and UNESCO’s shared commitment to strengthening higher-education partnerships, closing the gap between academia and industry, and ensuring that scientific knowledge translates into real-world impact.

As both institutions prepare to expand initiatives across all colleges and deepen alumni-led mentorship, the collaboration sets a strong foundation for nurturing graduates equipped for the future world of work and innovation.

Caroline Kainomugisha is the Communications Officer, Advancement Office, Makerere University.

Caroline Kainomugisha
Caroline Kainomugisha

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