Connect with us

General

Wellcome Trust to enhance virus research at Makerere

Published

on

A delegation from the Wellcome Trust organization, UK paid a visit to the Vice-Chancellor’s office on 8th July 2010 to discuss a partnership on virus research in Makerere University.

A delegation from the Wellcome Trust organization, UK paid a visit to the Vice-Chancellor’s office on 8th July 2010 to discuss a partnership on virus research in Makerere University.

The organization will offer Post Doctoral training in form of academic fellowships to Makerere University staff so as to enhance their research skills, and strengthen health workers’ capacity in Africa.

Wellcome Trust is a global charity organization, which is dedicated to achieving extraordinary improvements in human and animal health. In Africa, it has worked in countries like Sudan, DRC, and Rwanda in times of disaster, while in Uganda it has sponsored a number of research programs on HIV/AIDS.

“Makerere University has been chosen for this specific partnership because it is not only one of the leading institutions in Africa, but also because the organization has already been supporting some programs in Virus research at the College of Health Sciences” remarked Sir Mark Walport who headed the delegation.

The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Venansius Baryamureeba welcomed the partnership saying that the University has been lacking enough skilled research personnel to undertake research projects within the University.

“Up to now, we lack specific research staff at the University. We use the same teaching staff to conduct research” said Prof. Baryamureeba. He referred to another problem with researchers who despite being sponsored by the university, do not return after completing their study abroad.

Sir Walport  cited inefficient laboratory equipment as one of the factors that prevent researchers from returning to their Universities. However, he expressed hope that support for the construction and equipping the research labs from Wellcome Trust would help alter this situation.

Article by Aston Mubangizi

Denis Wamala

Continue Reading

General

Mak Hosts NCHE Competence-Based Education Standards Validation Meeting

Published

on

Prof. Mary Okwakol (Centre) with Prof. Sarah Ssali and other leaders of Higher Education Institutions after the CBE minimum standards validation meeting on 23rd January 2026. National Council for Higher Education (NCHE) validation meeting of the draft minimum standards for implementing Competence-Based Education (CBE) in Higher Education Institutions, Yusuf Lule Central Teaching Facility Auditorium, 23rd January 2026, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

Makerere University on 23rd January 2026 hosted the National Council for Higher Education (NCHE) validation meeting of the draft minimum standards for implementing Competence-Based Education (CBE) in Higher Education Institutions. The meeting held in the Yusuf Lule Central Teaching Facility Auditorium brought together Vice Chancellors, Rectors, Principals and Academic Registrars from Higher Education Institutions in Uganda.

Prof. Sarah Ssali. National Council for Higher Education (NCHE) validation meeting of the draft minimum standards for implementing Competence-Based Education (CBE) in Higher Education Institutions, Yusuf Lule Central Teaching Facility Auditorium, 23rd January 2026, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Prof. Sarah Ssali.

Hosted by the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe represented by the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic Affairs), Prof. Sarah Ssali, the meeting followed institutional input into the draft minimum standards and was aimed at validating them prior to their formal adoption by the NCHE Council at their next meeting in February 2026. The minimum standards cover nine areas namely; 1) Curriculum Design, 2) Teaching and Learning Approaches, 3) Assessment, 4) Faculty Training and Support, 5) Student Support Services, 6) Quality Assurance Systems, 7) Industry and Community Linkages, 8) Monitoring and Evaluation, and 9) Gender and Equity Mainstreaming.

Prof. Mary Okwakol (Left) and Dr. Vincent Ssembatya listen to feedback from leaders. National Council for Higher Education (NCHE) validation meeting of the draft minimum standards for implementing Competence-Based Education (CBE) in Higher Education Institutions, Yusuf Lule Central Teaching Facility Auditorium, 23rd January 2026, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Prof. Mary Okwakol (Left) and Dr. Vincent Ssembatya listen to feedback from leaders.

Following feedback into presentations by the various leaders present, a motion to adopt the draft minimum standards, with institutional input incorporated, was moved by Bugema University, seconded by UMCAT School of Journalism and Mass Communication, and unanimously supported by institutions present.

Prof. Mary Okwakol. National Council for Higher Education (NCHE) validation meeting of the draft minimum standards for implementing Competence-Based Education (CBE) in Higher Education Institutions, Yusuf Lule Central Teaching Facility Auditorium, 23rd January 2026, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Prof. Mary Okwakol.

At the conclusion of the meeting, Prof. Sarah Ssali appreciated NCHE for choosing Makerere to host the landmark event, reiterating that the University greatly respects each and every Higher Education Institution and regards them as partners and collaborators in the quest to improve Uganda’s Higher Education sector.

Part of the audience that attended the validation meeting. National Council for Higher Education (NCHE) validation meeting of the draft minimum standards for implementing Competence-Based Education (CBE) in Higher Education Institutions, Yusuf Lule Central Teaching Facility Auditorium, 23rd January 2026, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Part of the audience that attended the validation meeting.

The Executive Director NCHE, Prof. Mary Okwakol reassured leaders present that all the pertinent issues raised for input into the draft minimum standards would be incorporated, and urged those with pressing issues to submit them before month’s end. She reiterated NCHE’s readiness to continue lobbying Government for the resources required by Higher Education Institutions, particularly Public Universities, to implement Competence-Based Education (CBE).

Mark Wamai

Continue Reading

General

Press Release: Semester II Set to Start 10th Feb, 76th Graduation Dates Confirmed

Published

on

An older photo of the Main Building, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda as seen from across the Freedom Square. Date taken: 22nd October 2012. Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

Kampala, Uganda – 20th January 2026Makerere University has postponed its opening date for Semester Two of Academic Year 2025/2026 from the earlier communicated 24th January 2026 to 10th February 2026.

This adjustment is in response to the Ministry of Education and Sports directive to all Schools and Education Institutions to postpone re-opening until 10th February 2026. Consequently, Semester Two at Makerere University will now run from 10th February 2026 until 6th June 2026. Attached is the detailed Calendar for Semester Two 2025/2026.

Confirmed dates for the 76th Graduation Ceremony

Makerere University also wishes to inform the general public that Makerere’s 76th Graduation Ceremony will be held from Tuesday 24th February 2026 to Friday 27th February 2026.

Specifics including the graduation schedules and standard operating procedures for participants will be communicated officially in due course.

Please see downloads for the statement, Ministry directive and revised calendar.

Mak Editor

Continue Reading

General

Call for applications: E-JUST TICAD8 African MSc. Scholarships

Published

on

E-JUST Fall 2026 International Admissions (M.Sc. TICAD8 Scholarships). Courtesy Photo.

The Egypt-Japan University of Science and Technology (E-JUST) TICAD8 African Scholarship for STI is available for all African (Non-Egyptian) students who wish to obtain their M.Sc. degree in the programs of Faculty of Engineering (FoE), Basic and Applied Science (BAS), Computer Science and Information Technology (CSIT), Faculty of International Business and Humanities (FIBH) and Heritage Science (HS).

Please note that interested applicants have to apply through E-JUST’ website (online application system). Applications will only be accepted via E-JUST’s website (online application system).

Interested applicants must complete and submit their application forms before February 15, 2026. The applicant will receive an automatic confirmation e-mail as proof of successful submission of the application.

Important Links:

For information about admission requirements: https://www.ejust.edu.eg/international-pg

For information about the available scholarships: https://www.ejust.edu.eg/international-scholarships

For information about the required documents: https://www.ejust.edu.eg/international-documents

For any inquiries, please contact the Regional and International Affairs (RIA) Office: international.affairs@ejust.edu.eg

Mak Editor

Continue Reading

Trending