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i@MAK officially lanches 19 new publications

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The Innovations at Makerere Committee (I@Mak.com) has since 2001 implemented a capacity building programme for decentralization at Makerere University Kampala. The main focus of this committee is to promote innovations in teaching and research to make university education more relevant to the country’s changing needs, especially relating to service delivery under the decentralization policy.

The Innovations at Makerere Committee (I@Mak.com) has since 2001 implemented a capacity building programme for decentralization at Makerere University Kampala. The main focus of this committee is to promote innovations in teaching and research to make university education more relevant to the country’s changing needs, especially relating to service delivery under the decentralization policy.

One of the key strategies adopted to achieve the overall program goal was to promote publishing among the academic staff at Makerere University and other partnering institutions. A lot of knowledge and information relevant to society is generated within Higher Education Institutions, and needs to be appropriately disseminated for public consumption. Through publication, this knowledge would be made accessible to many people outside academia.

Consequently, a Publications Board was established as a Sub Committee of I@Mak.com , to promote scholarly writing and publishing initially among the staff and students of partnering institutions. The Board Mr. James Tumusiime MD Fountain Publishers & C/Man Publicatoins Boardhas since published over 40 books through a public private partnership with M/s Fountain Publishers Limited, a leading local publishing firm. A peer reviewed Journal titled Makerere University Research Journal (MURJ) has also since been introduced and five issues published thus far. On Friday, 11th December 2009, the committee launched 19 peer reviewed books at a lively ceremony held at the Makerere University Guest House gardens.

Mr. James Tumusiime MD, Fountain publishers and Chairman I@Mak.com Publications Board in his opening remarks appreciated the role played by the partnership between Makerere Univesity and the private sector in fostering the dissemination of knowledge especially through publishing. He also appreciated the role of the Revitalization Committee for the Makerere University Press (MUP) aimed at reviving the University’s publishing arm.

Dr. Nakanyike B. MusisiA few of the authors present then proceeded to make brief statements on the books to be launched. Dr. Nakanyike B. Musisi, author of three titles “What is Critical Thinking?”, “What is Academic Writing?” and “What is Plagiarism?” acknowledged the role played by members of her family and the Publications Board in encouraging her to author the aforementioned titles. Another author of the day Dr. Seggane Musisi, a professor in the Department of Psychiatry in the College of Health Sciences and co-author of “Psychiatric Problems of HIV/AIDS and their Management in Africa” further stressed the need for Academics to publish their findings.

Prof. Kyamanywa, Dean, Faculty of AgricultureRepresenting the Vice Chancellor Prof. Venansius Baryamureeba on the occasion, Prof. Samuel Kyamanywa Dean, Faculty of Agriculture lauded the role played by I@Mak.com and the Publications Board in particular for supporting the realization of a key goal of the University’s strategic plan, publishing research outputs adding that “This would undoubtedly give full thrust to the mission of our university, to provide innovative teaching, learning, research and services responsive to National and Global needs” He further emphasized that the University exits to generate new knowledge and innovations, which must be adequately disseminated through publication.

The Guest of Honor Prof. A.B. Kasozi, Executive Director, National Council for Higher Education (NCHE) who represented the Prime Minister Prof. Apollo Nsibambi welcomed all present to the publications’ launch and highlighted of the I@Mak.com project implementations to date including supporting the annual Vice Prof. A.B. Kasozi, Executive Director, National Council for Higher EducationChancellor’s Awards for innovation and academic excellence to promote innovativeness amongst pilot local governments and academic staff in partnering higher education institutions. The annual local government innovations award worth USD 30,000, has been awarded four (4) times and the academic excellence and innovations award worth USD 25,000, awarded five (5) times.

He then commended the excellent work done by the Publications Board in partnership with the Private Sector represented by MS Fountain Publishers Limited. The Board has produced over 40 publications in less than four years. He then thanked the development partners Rockefeller Foundation and the World Bank for their role in supporting Makerere University to play a significant role in National service delivery, before proceeding to officially launch the books and sign copies for all the titles’ authors.

Mr. Samwiri Katunguka, Task Manager, I@Mak.comMr. Samwiri Katunguka, Task Manager, I@Mak.com and emcee of the day then read an excerpt from the book ‘Uganda’s human resource challenge: Training, Business Culture and Economic Development, by Jörg Wiegratz , a political Scientist and Economist by training, who is a Research Associate with the Economic Policy Research Centre at Makerere University and has taught at Makerere University and the University of Sheffield .

 

Read the full VC's Speech here

Read the full Guest of Honour's Speech here

 Click here to read the full excerpt by Jorg Wiegratz 

Full list of Publications launched below 

1. Kiswahili Pupils' and Teachers' Books 5, 6 & 7 Total 6 books by John C. Nsookwa  

2. Beekeeping – Theory and Practice by D.R. Kugonza  

3. Pigs: A guide to Production at Farm Level by D. Mutetikka

4. Okuganyulwa Mu Bulunzi Bw'embizzi by D. Mutetikka and D.R. Kugonza 

5. Fish Farming as a Business J. Rutaisire et. al.  

6. What is Plagiarism? What is Academic Writing? What is Critical Thinking Total 3 titles by Nakanyike B. Musisi and Edgar C. Taylor 

7. Principles of Agronomy: Challenges and Prospects for Higher Crop Yield by Charles Ssekabembe  

8. Realities of Interpersonal Relations Among Politicians and Technocrats Under Decentralisation in Uganda by Peter Claver Matovu 

9. Psychiatric Problems of HIV/AIDS and their Management in Africa by Seggane Musisi, Eugene Kinyanda et al 

10. Uganda's Human Resource Challenge – Training, Business Culture and Economic Development by Joerg Wietgratz et al 

11. Choosing a Career and Finding a Job in Agriculture by B. Bashaasha and Elizabeth Basalirwa 

12. Food and Nutrition Essentials by John H. Muyonga et al. 

 

Denis Wamala

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Call for Applications: Government Sponsorship 2026/27

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Makerere University -Main Building

The Academic Registrar, Makerere University informs all Head Teachers of Advanced Level (UACE) Schools with UNEB Centre Numbers that applications for admission to Public Universities and other Tertiary Institutions for 2026/2027 Academic Year for government sponsorship will be done electronically/online using the Academic Management Information
System (ACMIS) from 15th October, 2025 to 31st December, 2025. The Public Universities include:
(a) Makerere University
(b) Makerere University Business School
(c) Mbarara University of Science and Technology
(d)Kyambogo University
(e) Gulu University
(f) Busitema University
(g) Muni University
(h) Kabale University
(i) Lira University
(j) Soroti University
(k) Mountains ofthe Moon University

NB: The list of Other Tertiary Institutions is provided on the online application portal.

Other Important documents:

Mak Editor

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Business & Management

PIM Centre Holds 9th Steering Committee Meeting, Set to Benefit from World Bank Support

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Mak PIM COE Steering Committee

The Public Investment Management (PIM) Centre of Excellence at Makerere University today, October 10th, 2025, held its 9th Steering Committee Meeting to review progress made in the first quarter of the financial year and plan for the months ahead.

The meeting was chaired by Ms. Getrude Basiima, who represented Mr. Hannington Ashaba, Director Budget at the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development (MoFPED). Ms. Basiima commended the Centre for its continued commitment to strengthening public investment management capacity across government institutions.

In her remarks, Ms. Basiima applauded the Centre for successfully hosting the Public Investment Management Conference held in August at Makerere University. The conference attracted key policymakers, development partners, and academics who deliberated on how to enhance the efficiency, sustainability, and impact of public investments in Uganda.

She further shared exciting news that the Government of Uganda has secured funding from the World Bank to support the public investment management function. The PIM Centre, she announced, will be among the key beneficiaries of these funds — receiving support for the construction and acquisition of a permanent home to enhance its institutional sustainability and training capacity.

Reviewing the Centre’s quarterly performance, Ms. Basiima congratulated the team for successfully conducting three specialized trainings in the first quarter, reaching officials from various Ministries, Departments, and Agencies. These trainings continue to strengthen the technical competencies required for effective project preparation, appraisal, and implementation in line with Uganda’s National Development Plan.

The PIM Steering Committee in a meeting held at Emin Pasha Hotel

She encouraged the Centre to integrate climate change considerations into its future training programmes, noting that sustainable public investment must now account for environmental resilience and climate adaptation.

The centre team presented the proposed  structure/ organogram, the financial performance of 2024/2025, research areas for 2025/2026 and the strategic plan for 2025 – 2030.

The Steering Committee reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the PIM Centre’s vision of becoming a regional leader in building capacity for efficient, transparent, and sustainable public investment management.

Betty Kyakuwa
Betty Kyakuwa

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Strengthening Collaboration between Makerere University and the University of Groningen

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Seated: Prof. Sarah Ssali (C), Dr. Dinie Bouwman (L) and Dr. Anita Veltmaat (R) with teams from Makerere University and the University of Groningen during the meeting on 7th October 2025. Strategic meeting between Makerere University and the University of Groningen, Netherlands to move beyond existing collaborations and formalize a new Double Doctorate (PhD) program, 7th October 2025, Main Building, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

A significant development unfolded at Makerere University during a strategic, hour-long meeting in the vice chancellor’s boardroom on 7th October 2025, marking a deepening bond with the University of Groningen in the Netherlands. The primary goal was to move beyond existing collaborations and formalize a new Double Doctorate (PhD) program. Prof. Sarah Saali, the Deputy Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, set the tone by emphasizing that institutional partnerships are crucial to Makerere University, which she proudly called the leading research and most collaborative university in the world.

The parties from Makerere University and the University of Groningen meeting in the Vice Chancellor's Boardroom. Strategic meeting between Makerere University and the University of Groningen, Netherlands to move beyond existing collaborations and formalize a new Double Doctorate (PhD) program, 7th October 2025, Main Building, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
The parties from Makerere University and the University of Groningen meeting in the Vice Chancellor’s Boardroom.

The discussion promptly formed the core structure of the program: a four-year PhD (or three if the master’s was research-based), with supervision duties split 50-50% between the two institutions. A key feature is the mobility requirement, stipulating that PhD candidates would spend a total of six months in the Netherlands, potentially divided into two three-month periods. Crucially, the University of Groningen confirmed there would be no teaching requirement during this stay, allowing students full access to focus on their research. A major financial hurdle was overcome with the adoption of a fee-waiver policy; Makerere would waive tuition for incoming Groningen candidates, and Groningen would reciprocate for Makerere‘s students, significantly boosting the program’s financial viability.

Prof. Sarah Ssali (R) presents a Mak Souvenir to Dr. Anita Veltmaat. Strategic meeting between Makerere University and the University of Groningen, Netherlands to move beyond existing collaborations and formalize a new Double Doctorate (PhD) program, 7th October 2025, Main Building, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Prof. Sarah Ssali (R) presents a Mak Souvenir to Dr. Anita Veltmaat.

However, the critical issue of the stipend remained. Dr. Anita Veltmaat explained that to meet the required living standard of approximately €1,875 per month in Groningen, the incoming candidate must secure a partial external scholarship of around €250 per month. The positive news is that if the candidate secures this minimum scholarship, the University of Groningen is prepared to top up the amount to the full living standard for the six months the student spends in the Netherlands. It was noted that this initial financial hurdle might be simplified for Makerere students, as many are already staff members receiving a salary, which could help cover the required €250.

The meeting in session. Strategic meeting between Makerere University and the University of Groningen, Netherlands to move beyond existing collaborations and formalize a new Double Doctorate (PhD) program, 7th October 2025, Main Building, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
The meeting in session.

The path forward was clear: it was to complete the agreement template guided by the setup committee from both institutions. The plan culminated in scheduling an online follow-up meeting for Tuesday, November 11th, to review the first revision of the agreement, capping a highly constructive discussion that solidified the two universities’ shared future in graduate education.

The Team from Makerere University from Left to Right: Dr. Ruth Nsibirano, Dr. Racheal Nuwagaba, Dr. Patricia Ndugga, Dr. Stella Achen, Dr. Joseph Watuleke, and Ms. Agatha Ainemukama. Strategic meeting between Makerere University and the University of Groningen, Netherlands to move beyond existing collaborations and formalize a new Double Doctorate (PhD) program, 7th October 2025, Main Building, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
The Team from Makerere University from Left to Right: Dr. Ruth Nsibirano, Dr. Racheal Nuwagaba, Dr. Patricia Ndugga, Dr. Stella Achen, Dr. Joseph Watuleke, and Ms. Agatha Ainemukama.

Makerere University was represented by Prof. Sarah Ssali, the Deputy Vice Chancellor in charge of Academics Affairs; Dr. Ruth Nsibirano, Head of the Department of Gender Studies; Dr. Patricia Ndugga, School of Statistics; Dr. Stella Achen and Dr. Joseph Watuleke, School of Distance and Lifelong Learning; Agatha Ainemukama, School of Engineering; Racheal Nuwagaba, School of Psychology; Awel Uwihanganye, Martine Rugamba, and Hawa Ndagire from the Advancement Office; and Muhammad Kiggundu from the Institute of Gender and Development Studies.

Prof. Sarah Ssali (R) presents a Mak Souvenir to Mrs. Alette Arendshorst. Strategic meeting between Makerere University and the University of Groningen, Netherlands to move beyond existing collaborations and formalize a new Double Doctorate (PhD) program, 7th October 2025, Main Building, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Prof. Sarah Ssali (R) presents a Makerere Souvenir to Mrs. Alette Arendshorst.

The University of Groningen was represented by Dr. Dinie Bouwman, Senior Policy Advisor, Internationalization and Quality Assurance; Dr. Anita Veltmaat, Faculty of Social Behavior and Social Sciences, Department of International Studies, involved in mentorship programs for women; and Dr. Alette Arendshorst, Faculty of Behavioral and Social Sciences, working on graduation/collaboration for students/staff.

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