General
June 2010 events
Published
15 years agoon
June 2010
28th June 2010: MUSPH Communications Strategy Launch
The Vice Chancellor presided over the Launch of the Makerere University School of Public Health Communications strategy launch. The strategy is aimed at improving on the School’s stakeholder engagement and awareness of public health policy and practice.
25th June 2010: Luganda Conference
This conference held at Makerere University was aimed at showcasing research conducted on Luganda as a language as well as providing a platform for debate on how to boost it to a higher level.
21st June 2010: Meeting with Delegation from the University of Georgia
A team from the University of Georgia, USA visited Makerere University to discuss the possibility of broadening the already existing collaboration with the School of Public Health to other Faculties and Departments in Makerere University. Led by Vice President for the Research Association, Prof. David Lee, the team explained that in so doing, they aim at improving the society at large rather than just the university itself
18th June 2010: Techzine Magazine and Website Launch
The Vice Chancellor was the Chief Guest at the launch of the Techzine Magazine and Website. Techzine was established in 2009 with the aim of filling the gap between ICT service suppliers/providers and the user groups through the provision of information and a platform for dialogue and networking.
17th – 18th June 2010: 11th Scientific Conference
The Uganda Society for Health Scientists (USHS) organized the 11th Annual Scientific conference under the theme “Optimizing Care and Treatment Settings for research”. USHS has a mission to advance knowledge and seek scientific discoveries that will lead to the improved health of Ugandans. Prof. Ikoja-Odongo represented the Vice-Chancllor as the Guest of Honour.
16th June 2010: Makerere – KUC MoU signing
Makerere University and the Kenya Utalii College (KUC) signed the Memorandum of Understanding to foster partnerhip in the fields of tourism, hospitality and hotel management. The University Secretary, Mr. Kahundha Muhwezi, Prof. Lillian Tibatemwa-Ekirikubinza – DVC-AA as well as KUC Principal Dr. Kenneth Ombongi signed the MoU. The move will support the Department of Geography towards an understanding that will enable the Bachelor of Tourism Management secure UNWTO TEDQUAL Certification.
14th June 2010: Management tour of the Faculty of Agriculture
The University Management paid a visit to the Faculty of Agriculture, including the Department of Food Science and Technology and Kabanyolo campus-Makerere University Agricultural Research Institute Kabanyolo (MUARIK), This was part of the Faculty’s initiative to reposition itself as a vital contributor to the University’s vision.
10th June 2010: Launch of the Master in Arts in Gender-Aware Economics
This new programme was launched by the Faculty of Economics and Management in conjunction with the UNDP. It is aimed at arming policy makers and planners with knowledge and tools to apply gender consideration in economic analysis and policymaking. Dr. Gabriel Opio, Minister of Gender Labour & Social Development and the UN Resident Coordinator/UNDP Resident Representative, Mr. Theophane Nikyema presided over the ceremony.
8th June 2010: Meeting with DBSA-DF team
A team from the Development Bank of South Africa met with the Vice-Chancellor to finalize all matters relating to the Masters in Infrastructure Management as well as the signed MoU between DBSA and Makerere. The meeting was also attended by Prof. Kansiime and Prof. Ddumba.
8th June 2010: Kennesaw State University (KSU) delegation visit
A team from the KSU met with the Vice-Chancellor to discuss terms of an MoU signed, for the purpose of aiding Academic Exchanges in the humanities between the two institutions.
7th June 2010: Drake University delegation visit
Prof. Baryamureeba together with Prof. Joseph Y.T. Mugisha and Dr. A. B. Rukooko welcomed the Drake University delegation led by the Provost Mr. Michael J. Renner and held cordial discussions. The visit was an expression of interest by Drake University to partner with Makerere University so as to produce students responsive to global needs.
7th June 2010: 6th Vice Chancellors Media briefing
The 6th monthly media briefing featured the Faculty of Forestry and Nature Conservation and the Margaret Trowell Scholl of Industrial & Fine Arts. The Vice Chancellor made presentations on the programmes being run at the Makerere University Jinja Campus, and the announcement for the first intake of the Makerere University Fort Portal Campus starting August 2010 and the courses to be run. He also talked about the plan to enhance secondary education in Kabarole and surrounding districts through supplementary teaching by Fort Portal Campus students. The Vice Chancellor further clarified that apart from the Bachelor of Commerce and Bachelor of Business Administration, all other MUBS programmes had not been affected by the restructuring process, and the closure of the Undergraduate applications process as of 7th June 2010. He also commended the Government interventions through funding to Faculties, and all public universities courtesy of African Development Bank grant (code-named ADB-V) aimed at institutional building.
4th June 2010: Launch of the Makerere Fact book
“FACTS ABOUT MAKERERE UNIVERSITY” the Makerere University fact book, was launched after over 15 years at an event hosted by the Planning and Development Department and presided over by the DVC-AA Prof. Lillian Tibatemwa-Ekirikubinza. The fact book is aimed at providing historical data about Makerere University to support decision making, and will be used for strategic and operational planning by the different units of the University.
2nd June 2010: iLABS@MAK project end of year workshop
iLabs@MAK is a Faculty of Technology based Research Project that is carried out in collaboration with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Obafemi Awolowolo University (OAU) and the University of Dar-es-salaam. The workshop saw the handover of power to the new team of student developers, in the fields of Digital Signal Processing, Control Systems, Embedded Systems and Fiber Optics.
June 2010
28th June 2010: MUSPH Communications Strategy Launch
The Vice Chancellor presided over the Launch of the Makerere University School of Public Health Communications strategy launch. The strategy is aimed at improving on the School’s stakeholder engagement and awareness of public health policy and practice.
25th June 2010: Luganda Conference
This conference held at Makerere University was aimed at showcasing research conducted on Luganda as a language as well as providing a platform for debate on how to boost it to a higher level.
21st June 2010: Meeting with Delegation from the University of Georgia
A team from the University of Georgia, USA visited Makerere University to discuss the possibility of broadening the already existing collaboration with the School of Public Health to other Faculties and Departments in Makerere University. Led by Vice President for the Research Association, Prof. David Lee, the team explained that in so doing, they aim at improving the society at large rather than just the university itself
18th June 2010: Techzine Magazine and Website Launch
The Vice Chancellor was the Chief Guest at the launch of the Techzine Magazine and Website. Techzine was established in 2009 with the aim of filling the gap between ICT service suppliers/providers and the user groups through the provision of information and a platform for dialogue and networking.
17th – 18th June 2010: 11th Scientific Conference
The Uganda Society for Health Scientists (USHS) organized the 11th Annual Scientific conference under the theme “Optimizing Care and Treatment Settings for research”. USHS has a mission to advance knowledge and seek scientific discoveries that will lead to the improved health of Ugandans. Prof. Ikoja-Odongo represented the Vice-Chancllor as the Guest of Honour.
16th June 2010: Makerere – KUC MoU signing
Makerere University and the Kenya Utalii College (KUC) signed the Memorandum of Understanding to foster partnerhip in the fields of tourism, hospitality and hotel management. The University Secretary, Mr. Kahundha Muhwezi, Prof. Lillian Tibatemwa-Ekirikubinza – DVC-AA as well as KUC Principal Dr. Kenneth Ombongi signed the MoU. The move will support the Department of Geography towards an understanding that will enable the Bachelor of Tourism Management secure UNWTO TEDQUAL Certification.
14th June 2010: Management tour of the Faculty of Agriculture
The University Management paid a visit to the Faculty of Agriculture, including the Department of Food Science and Technology and Kabanyolo campus-Makerere University Agricultural Research Institute Kabanyolo (MUARIK), This was part of the Faculty’s initiative to reposition itself as a vital contributor to the University’s vision.
10th June 2010: Launch of the Master in Arts in Gender-Aware Economics
This new programme was launched by the Faculty of Economics and Management in conjunction with the UNDP. It is aimed at arming policy makers and planners with knowledge and tools to apply gender consideration in economic analysis and policymaking. Dr. Gabriel Opio, Minister of Gender Labour & Social Development and the UN Resident Coordinator/UNDP Resident Representative, Mr. Theophane Nikyema presided over the ceremony.
8th June 2010: Meeting with DBSA-DF team
A team from the Development Bank of South Africa met with the Vice-Chancellor to finalize all matters relating to the Masters in Infrastructure Management as well as the signed MoU between DBSA and Makerere. The meeting was also attended by Prof. Kansiime and Prof. Ddumba.
8th June 2010: Kennesaw State University (KSU) delegation visit
A team from the KSU met with the Vice-Chancellor to discuss terms of an MoU signed, for the purpose of aiding Academic Exchanges in the humanities between the two institutions.
7th June 2010: Drake University delegation visit
Prof. Baryamureeba together with Prof. Joseph Y.T. Mugisha and Dr. A. B. Rukooko welcomed the Drake University delegation led by the Provost Mr. Michael J. Renner and held cordial discussions. The visit was an expression of interest by Drake University to partner with Makerere University so as to produce students responsive to global needs.
7th June 2010: 6th Vice Chancellors Media briefing
The 6th monthly media briefing featured the Faculty of Forestry and Nature Conservation and the Margaret Trowell Scholl of Industrial & Fine Arts. The Vice Chancellor made presentations on the programmes being run at the Makerere University Jinja Campus, and the announcement for the first intake of the Makerere University Fort Portal Campus starting August 2010 and the courses to be run. He also talked about the plan to enhance secondary education in Kabarole and surrounding districts through supplementary teaching by Fort Portal Campus students. The Vice Chancellor further clarified that apart from the Bachelor of Commerce and Bachelor of Business Administration, all other MUBS programmes had not been affected by the restructuring process, and the closure of the Undergraduate applications process as of 7th June 2010. He also commended the Government interventions through funding to Faculties, and all public universities courtesy of African Development Bank grant (code-named ADB-V) aimed at institutional building.
4th June 2010: Launch of the Makerere Fact book
“FACTS ABOUT MAKERERE UNIVERSITY” the Makerere University fact book, was launched after over 15 years at an event hosted by the Planning and Development Department and presided over by the DVC-AA Prof. Lillian Tibatemwa-Ekirikubinza. The fact book is aimed at providing historical data about Makerere University to support decision making, and will be used for strategic and operational planning by the different units of the University.
2nd June 2010: iLABS@MAK project end of year workshop
iLabs@MAK is a Faculty of Technology based Research Project that is carried out in collaboration with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Obafemi Awolowolo University (OAU) and the University of Dar-es-salaam. The workshop saw the handover of power to the new team of student developers, in the fields of Digital Signal Processing, Control Systems, Embedded Systems and Fiber Optics.
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General
Mak and University of the West of England Sign MoU to Advance Research, Innovation and Skills Development
Published
22 hours agoon
October 17, 2025By
Eve Nakyanzi
Makerere University and the University of the West of England (UWE) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at strengthening collaboration in research, innovation, and enterprise development. The signing ceremony took place on Friday, 17th October 2025, in the Vice Chancellor’s Boardroom, Main Administration Building, Makerere University.
The partnership will focus on joint research initiatives in climate science, early childhood development and elderly care, wildlife ecology and conservation management, technology, and sustainable agriculture.
The Uganda High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, H.E. Nimisha Madhvani, who witnessed the signing, congratulated both institutions and reaffirmed the Government of Uganda’s commitment to strengthening international collaborations that enhance education, innovation, and investment.
“We are not only promoting education, but also tourism, business, and investment. This partnership is a great bridge between Uganda and the United Kingdom,” said H.E. Madhvani. “With the full support of His Excellency the President and the First Lady, we look forward to building on this momentum to establish impactful initiatives, including a proposed teaching hospital.”

Speaking during the event, the Vice Chancellor of Makerere University, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, reaffirmed the University’s commitment to producing graduates who are not only employable but also capable of creating jobs and transforming their communities.
“Our goal is to train students who go out to create their own jobs and employ others who have not had the opportunity to attend university,” said Prof. Nawangwe. “We are working seriously on issues of food security, health, and conflict management — particularly in the Great Lakes region, which has one of the highest numbers of conflicts per capita. Through research and collaboration, we aim to address these challenges while ensuring Africa is not left behind in the digital economy.”
Prof. Nawangwe also highlighted Makerere’s initiatives in the digital and peace sectors, including the work of the Rotary Peace Center, which plays a vital role in promoting peace across the world by equipping fellows with academic training, practice, and global networking opportunities through a year-long, blended-learning professional certificate program.
Representing the University of the West of England, the Vice Chancellor Ms. Jo Midgley commended Makerere University for its strong research focus and expressed enthusiasm for the partnership.
“Like Makerere, we are a comprehensive university. We want this partnership to go beyond conversations and translate into action,” she said. “Our areas of strength include sustainability, climate change, future technology, health, and community placemaking. We believe this collaboration offers a unique opportunity to co-create programmes that prepare students for the evolving global workforce.”

She further emphasized the need for universities to work closely with industry partners to co-design programs that meet current skill demands while promoting innovation and enterprise among students.
The Deputy High Commissioner, Ambassador Miriam Otengo, commended Makerere for its leadership in higher education and shared ongoing efforts to mobilize the Makerere alumni in the United Kingdom. She also revealed plans to host a Makerere Alumni Symposium in London, aimed at showcasing the University’s excellence and strengthening ties with its diaspora community.
Also in attendance was Mr. Hefin Rees KC, Chairman of Spotlight on Africa, a UK-based charitable organization, who expressed interest in partnering with Makerere University to establish a teaching hospital in Mbale focused on women and children’s health. He praised Makerere for producing world-class professionals and reaffirmed his organization’s commitment to supporting health-related initiatives.
In his closing remarks, Prof. Nawangwe thanked the High Commission for facilitating the partnership and welcomed the opportunity to discuss the proposed teaching hospital, describing it as “a timely and vital project for Uganda’s health sector.”
“This collaboration represents a new chapter for Makerere University and the University of the West of England. Together, we will advance research, promote innovation, and equip our students to respond to global challenges,” he said. The ceremony concluded with the formal signing of the MoU, marking the beginning of a long-term partnership built on shared values of excellence, innovation, and community impact.
General
Makerere is No.1 in the Region – THE University Rankings
Published
1 day agoon
October 17, 2025By
Mak Editor
The Acting (Ag.) Vice Chancellor, Prof. Sarah Ssali on Thursday 16th October, 2025 held a press conference to update members of the Media on the 2026 World University Rankings by Times Higher Education (THE).
The event held in the Vice Chancellor’s Boardroom, Main Building, was attended by the Director Graduate Training-Prof. Julius Kikooma, Director Quality Assurance-Dr. Cyprian Misinde, Dean of Students-Dr. Winifred Kabumbuli, Director Research, Innovations, and Partnerships-Prof. Robert Wamala, Deputy Chief – Public Relations-Ms. Eunice Rukundo, Ag. Manager International Relations-Mr. Matthias Ssemanda, and staff from the Offices of the Vice and Deputy Vice Chancellors.
The proceedings of the Press Conference follow below;
Vice Chancellor’s Press Statement
UNIVERSITY RANKINGS: MAKERERE STILL NUMBER ONE IN THE REGION
It gives me great pleasure to share with our stakeholders and the general public that Makerere University has been ranked Number 1. in the East African region, in the Times Higher Education rankings released this month of October 2025.
In its 2026 World University Rankings, Times Higher Education (THE) places Makerere University in top position in East Africa, and in the 801-1000 band globally. The ranking considers five performance indicators, namely: Teaching; Research environment; Research quality; International Outlook; and Industry. Makerere’s overall score was 37.2, significantly outperforming peer institutions in the Region that average scores of 18.8.
In particular, Makerere University continues to thrive in Research Quality where we scored 54.2% but even better in International Outlook where we scored highest with 69.7%. See Table 1 for details. On the continent, Makerere University ranked 8th in the 2024 Sub-Saharan African University Rankings.
We would like to reassure all stakeholders and well-wishers that Makerere University continues to hold steadfast as the regional leader in higher education. Our commitment to deliver excellence in our teaching, research, and socioeconomic impact has not wavered.
WE BUILD FOR THE FUTURE.
Thank you.
Fact Sheet
UNIVERSITY RANKINGS
Table 1: East African Universities – 2025 Ranking Comparison
Rank | Name | Overall | Teaching | Research Env. | Research Quality | Industry | Int. Outlook |
801–1000 | Makerere University | 35.5–38.9 | 21.5 | 26.6 | 54.2 | 32.8 | 69.7 |
1501+ | Kenyatta University | 10.3–27.2 | 14.3 | 9.1 | 34.2 | 17.4 | 54.6 |
1501+ | Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences | 10.3–27.2 | 21.6 | 14.9 | 30.3 | 27.5 | 54.6 |
1501+ | University of Dar es Salaam | 10.3–27.2 | 14.5 | 11.1 | 26.5 | 21.9 | 47.2 |
1501+ | University of Nairobi | 10.3–27.2 | 15.9 | 16.1 | 39.7 | 22.5 | 49.4 |
1501+ | University of Rwanda | 10.3–27.2 | 14.1 | 14.9 | 25.6 | 21.1 | 57.5 |

End

The Board of the Zambia Research and Education Network (ZAMREN) led by the Chairperson, Prof. Mundia Muya on 14th October 2025 paid a courtesy call on the Vice Chancellor, Makerere University. The Board which is on a two-day exposure visit to the Research and Education Network of Uganda (RENU) was received by the Acting (Ag.) Vice Chancellor and Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic Affairs), Prof. Sarah Ssali in the Vice Chancellor’s Boardroom.
The Chairperson was accompanied by Mr. Ronald Hatoongo and Mr. Stein Mkandawire, the Board Secretary and CEO of ZAMREN respectively, as well as RENU’s CEO-Mr. Nicholas Mbonimpa and RENUMESH Technologies CEO-Mr. Brian Masiga. In attendance were Mr. Samuel Mugabi-Director DICTS, Prof. Robert Wamala-Director Research, Innovations and Partnerships (DRIP), and Prof. Tonny Oyana-Principal College of Computing and Information Sciences (CoCIS).
Also present were; Prof. Paul Birevu Muyinda-Director Institute of Open, Distance and eLearning (IODeL), Dr. Godfrey Mayende-Deputy Director IODeL, Dr. Michael Walimbwa- College of Education and External Studies (CEES), Dr. Cathy Mbidde- Ag. Manager. Makerere University Innovation Pod, Ms. Eunice Rukundo-Deputy Chief-Public Relations and staff from the Office of the Vice Chancellor.
In her welcome remarks, Prof. Ssali thanked the ZAMREN Board for including the courtesy call on their Kampala itinerary and extended warm greetings from the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe. She noted that Makerere as a founding member of RENU has enjoyed a mutually beneficial collaboration, that has benefited both staff and students in the form of supporting growing connectivity needs, as well as training, mentorship, and development of technical skills for both continuing students and graduates.

Turning to the gist of the courtesy call, the Acting Vice Chancellor noted that the Makerere University through the Centre for Artificial Intelligence (MAK-AI) seeks to harness the transformative power of AI to address society’s most pressing challenges. “Projects undertaken by our Centre tackle real-world challenges in health, agriculture, languages, and beyond.”
Prof. Ssali nevertheless underscored the importance of upholding ethics in all AI undertakings “Mindful of global trends elsewhere, the work of the Makerere AI Centre is guided by the principles of Responsible AI, ensuring that systems are transparent, accountable, fair, and designed to benefit society.”
She therefore called upon the delegation to thoughtfully engage with the ideas presented during their visit with the aim of collectively exploring both institution can better equip staff and students to meaningfully make the most of this fast-evolving trend.
On behalf of the Board, Prof. Muya who is substantively the Vice Chancellor of the University of Zambia thanked Prof. Ssali and Members of Management present for according his delegation a warm reception to Makerere University, “one of Africa’s most distinguished centres of higher learning.
“Makerere University is not only a symbol of academic excellence but also a beacon of leadership in higher education on the African continent”, remarked Prof. Muya.
The Chairperson equally expressed the delegation’s keenness to understand how AI is being adopted, and how the academia is embracing the technology as an enabler of teaching and research. “At ZAMREN, we view digital transformation and AI integration as critical enablers of academic excellence, efficiency, and competitiveness across higher education institutions,” he remarked, adding that “We therefore look to Makerere University’s experience to draw practical lessons that can inform and inspire our efforts back home.”

Turning to the lessons from Makerere in line with digital transformation and ICT, the Director DICTS shared that owing to the partnership with RENU, internet bandwidth, a vital enabler of AI transformation currently stands at 5 Gbps of monthly consumption, with plans to scale-up to 8 Gbps. He added that RENU has also facilitated Makerere’s access to Open Libraries, and Eduroam – a secure, encrypted Wi-Fi network across to staff and students freely access the internet across partner institutions in Uganda using their University emails.
Furthermore on the enablers of AI integration, Mr. Mugabi noted that in line with digitalization of institutional business process, the University Council took a bold step to develop all information systems in-house, a move that has reduced costs spent on offshore solutions, and hemorrhage of skills. He pointed to the introduction of open source solutions, and AI policy and global collaborations with corporations such as Google as additional enablers.
Addressing AI readiness, Prof. Tonny Oyana pointed out the need for the University of Zambia to start early, citing Makerere efforts which began as far back as 2007, when Dr. John Quinn joined the institution after his PhD. He added that Dr. Quinn together with other former staff from Makerere formed Sunbird AI, a thriving initiative creating practical systems for the benefit of community.
Prof. Oyana also pointed to AI initiatives that have attracted up to USD 5million from Google Awards, staff with specialized skills in the creation and development of sensor technologies, top notch students that win continental and global awards from companies such as Huawei, and active engagements with partners to produce solutions to enhance diagnosis of malaria, tuberculosis and cancer as some of areas that demonstrate Makerere’s AI readiness.

Addressing academic and research innovation, Prof. Robert Wamala pointed out that Makerere, in recognition that the institution cannot achieve its vision alone is intentional about seeking and nurturing mutually beneficial partnerships. Furthermore, he shared that Vice Chancellor’s Annual Research Excellence Awards reward and recognize the efforts of staff who have excelled in publication, teaching and winning grants.
The Director DRIP equally underscored the need for dissemination of research produced by staff and students, pointing out the annual research and innovation week as a flagship event for not only showcasing research but also forging meaningful partnerships with stakeholders. In line with technology transfer, Prof. Wamala said that the University through the Intellectual Property Management Office ensures that innovations developed by staff and students packaged for adoption by other individuals or organisations.
Addressing the use of technologies in academic work, Prof. Birevu noted that IODeL conducts capacity building in instructional design, online facilitation, use of AI in teaching and digital assessments. “We have also advised the University on ODeL and Distance Education strategies, for instance, we have developed a ten-year masterplan for distance education with support from the Korean Government to outline how Makerere University is going to integrate distance education within its offering” he added.
At the close of the deliberations the ZAMREN expressed sincere appreciation to the Ag. Vice Chancellor and Members of Management for the free sharing that pointed out a number of priorities.
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