General
Makerere’s Doctoral Completion Rates Improve
“By the power of the authority vested in me, I confer upon you the Degree of the Doctor of Philosopy of Makerere University,” declares the Chancellor as he confers a Doctoral Degree upon a successful candidate, on completion of his/her study.
“By the power of the authority vested in me, I confer upon you the Degree of the Doctor of Philosopy of Makerere University,” declares the Chancellor as he confers a Doctoral Degree upon a successful candidate, on completion of his/her study.
To the casual observer, this doctoral award process is all too repetitive and laborious, considering that the Masters and Bachelors awards are done en mass! Unknown to them however, this unique award practice is just the tip of the iceberg, the icing on the cake that has taken over five and in some cases seven years of careful planning, meticulous research, laborious poring over countless theses, books and stacks of references, and finally fervent and on occasion argumentative defence of your work before a panel of experts.
Makerere produces the highest number of PhDs in the region, with this year’s tally alone coming 57. However, this figure could have even been higher, had more candidates managed to complete in time. This 
was the focus of the 8th PhD Dissemination series featuring Mr. Robert Wamala from the School of Statistics and Planning, College of Business and Management Sciences. Mr Wamala’s paper; Likelihood of Completion and Extended Candidature of a PhD: A Five-year Analysis of Studies at Makerere University was based on data from 295 doctoral students at Makerere University in the enrolment cohorts from 2000 to 2005.
In his remarks, Mr. Alfred Masikye Namoah the Academic Registrar, noted the importance of dissemination, as an avenue of public information, so as to help turn research into policy and hence help increase Makerere University’s visibility and relevance to the community.
Dr. Bruno Ocaya , Senior Lecturer-School of Statistics and Planning and Mr. Wamala’s supervisor, commended him for his persistent research, whose data is now being used to teach fellow graduate students, unlike in the past where data from institutions outside Uganda was used.
Mr. Robert Wamala started off his presentation by objecting to the assertion that Makerere’s doctoral completion rates had declined over the last 5years, as his research had proved otherwise. He then observed that whereas academic scholarships made life easier for candidates at Makerere, extended candidature was more common among science-based, financially supported candidates. And while a high Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) is every undergraduate student’s dream, Mr. Wamala observed that this CGPA was not a strong determinant of timely completion. Candidates with relatively low CGPA on enrollment had the same completion times and sometimes even better ones than their counterparts who had higher CGPAs.
He further noted that completion rates are not purely affected by factors within the PhD study but also prior factors such as age; younger candidates had better completion times, and nationality; international students register better completion times than their Ugandan counterparts. Factors during, such as financial support as noted earlier, were only found to actually increase completion time and extend candidature.
Per capita expenditure per student in any country is vital for the promotion of research in Universities. Whereas it was observed that Uganda’s per capita expenditure per student paled in comparison to her South African counterparts, Makerere University’s doctoral completion rates were higher than some South African institutions and her attrition rates fared favourably with other International Universities.
The discussant of the day Dr. Xavier Mugisha a Senior Research Fellow at the Economic Policy Research Centre commended Mr. Wamala for his great presentation, “Robert has done great work, and as far as his paper is concerned, I found it flawless.”
He further congratulated Makerere University on her completion rates considering the support received, but challenged the institution to perform even better. He noted that the institution has a good catchment area with academics that have a drive to succeed and excel. He further noted that with good remuneration, Makerere could easily register the highest doctoral completion rates in Africa.
Professor Buyinza Mukadasi, Deputy Director, Research and Graduate Training (DRGT), Makerere University and the day’s Chief Guest thanked Mr. Wamala for his elaborate presentation and acknowledged that the Directorate would surely benefit from the paper. He reiterated the directorate’s vision to make Makerere the leader in research and graduate training in the region, by ensuring even better completion rates.
Student interaction with peers and faculty is an enhancer of graduate training, and Prof. Buyinza pledged that the Directorate would promote these interactions, as enabling pillars of PhD completion.
Downloads
PhD Abstract-Mr. Robert Wamala: doc(24KB), pdf(11KB)
8th PhD Dissemination Series Programme: pdf(23KB)
8th PhD Dissemination Attrition and Completion Rates: pdf(27KB)
8th PhD Dissemination Attrition and Completion Rates Table: pdf(46KB)
mwamai@admin.mak.ac.ug, Public Relations Office
The Makerere University Council and Top Management have today convened at Speke Resort Munyonyo to deliberate on the University’s Strategic Plan 2025/2026 – 2029/2030. The retreat seeks to align Makerere’s priorities with the Fourth National Development Plan (NDP IV) and ensure that all key stakeholders contribute to shaping the institution’s next five years.
Opening the discussions, the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, underscored the centrality of planning in the University’s growth trajectory. He called on members of management to actively participate in the drafting of the new strategic plan. Prof. Nawangwe highlighted Makerere’s progress in recent years, noting that the University has drawn a roadmap to becoming a research-led institution, with publications rising from 700 five years ago to 2,000 currently.
He further pointed out the revision of research policies to align with the University’s research agenda, as well as the establishment of innovation hubs that support product development, commercialisation, and intellectual property management. Commending staff for their resilience and success, Prof. Nawangwe congratulated them on winning significant individual grants, some of which now surpass institutional grants. “NDP IV is intended to grow the country tenfold, and I am confident Makerere will make a huge contribution,” he remarked.
In her keynote remarks, the Chairperson of the University Council, Mrs. Lorna Magara, described the retreat as a defining moment for Makerere’s role in Uganda’s transformation. She urged the University to move beyond traditional teaching and research, positioning itself as a central driver of national development.
“Our mandate extends beyond academia. The knowledge we generate, the leaders we shape, and the innovations we deliver must directly fuel Uganda’s growth,” Mrs. Magara stated.
She outlined priority national development areas— agro-industrialisation, tourism, mineral-based development, and advances in science and technology—where Makerere’s expertise can make a decisive impact. Emphasising the urgency of challenges such as youth unemployment, climate change, food insecurity, and fragile health systems, she noted that within these lie opportunities for Makerere to lead in testing and scaling solutions.
“This retreat is about discipline and focus. Our strategy cannot be a wish list; it must be a blueprint for measurable national impact,” she said, challenging participants to critically reflect on how Makerere can anchor Uganda’s food security, nurture digital innovators, strengthen health resilience, and raise transformative leaders.
She concluded with a call for boldness and clarity in execution: “The next five years are decisive. Makerere must shift from being a participant in national development to being its strongest driver. What we agree here must position Makerere not only as Uganda’s premier university but also as a trusted national partner and a beacon of Africa’s transformation.”
The retreat involved detailed discussions and contributions from University leaders, aimed at developing a practical and impact-driven strategic plan that cements Makerere’s role in advancing Uganda’s development agenda.
Education
Makerere University signs Memorandum of Understanding with International Rescue Committee to Advance Research, Innovation and Partnerships
Makerere University has signed a five-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the International Rescue Committee to formalize undertakings in research, innovation & partnerships.
Signed in September 2025 by the Vice Chancellor of Makerere University, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe and the Country Director, International Rescue Committee, Mr. Elijah Okeyo, the MoU provides a framework to implement research intensive programmes, promote innovative teaching and learning, internationalization, and contribute to societal transformation.
According to Mr. Okeyo, the MoU re-affirms Makerere University as the academic partner of the International Rescue Committee (IRC). “This MoU formalizes IRC’s working relationship with Makerere University. This framework empowers both institutions to tap into opportunities together. We believe in equal partnership. Makerere University commits to being our partner in research to contribute to evidence based humanitarian undertakings,” he said.
Under this collaboration, Makerere University and IRC will work on developing child-centered learning resources, innovative curricula, and policy-relevant research to enhance the quality of education in crisis-affected regions.
At Makerere University, the MoU brings on board, the College of Education and External Studies (CEES), Makerere University Institute of Teacher Education and Research (MITER), and the Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) Research Centre.
To concretize the MoU, the Principal of the College of Education and External Studies, Prof. Anthony Muwagga Mugagga convened a partnership meeting on Friday 12th September 2025 involving a delegation from the International Rescue Committee (IRC), Dr. David Kabugo, the Deputy Director of Makerere University Institute of Teacher Education and Research (MITER), and Ms. Ritah Namisango, the Principal Communication Officer.
The delegation from the International Rescue Committee (IRC) consisted of the following: Mr. Elijah Okeyo-Country Director, Mr. Vincent Wanyama-Senior Program Development and Quality Coordinator, Mr. Richard Omasete-Policy and Advocacy PlayMatters, and Ms. Janet Nambuya-Grants and Partnerships Coordinator.
The MoU focuses on the following areas of interest: Early Childhood Development, joint research and capacity building in education, the plight of refugees and the host communities, humanitarian aid, as well as, evidence based research to inform the education policy.
In line with its mandate, IRC brings onboard, its unmatched expertise in helping children in crisis-affected areas. The MoU therefore positions both institutions to undertake a leading role in the protection of children and families through evidence based research, access to education, and humanitarian undertakings.
Dr. Kabugo, the Deputy Director MITER, noted that the MoU opens new opportunities for joint efforts in research, training, and policy. He said: “We are committed to co-designing practitioner research, engaging in professional development, and generating evidence to guide the education policy in Uganda and beyond.” Dr. Kabugo explained that this partnership builds on years of cooperation between CEES and IRC, especially in child-centered methods such as play-based learning.
Prof. Mugagga described the MOU as a practical framework that connects Makerere University’s research with IRC’s field experiences. He stated that the College of Education and External Studies (CEES) conducts programmes focused on the future of the young people through training and empowering students/teachers. He articulated that the College significantly impacts on the education sector through delivery of quality academic programmes and research under the School of Education, School of Distance and Lifelong Learning, and the East African School of Higher Education Studies and Development.
“Our strongest synergy is education and early child-focused care,” Prof. Mugagga emphasized. He revealed that the collaboration presents CEES with a strong and reliable partner (IRC), which stands for protection and the well-being of children and families. “Through this MoU, both CEES and IRC, will significantly contribute to improving education for children, families, and communities impacted by conflict and crisis.”
Prof. Mugagga commended IRC for the earlier support and expertise extended to the College in the development of the early childhood centre, and working together to provide valuable input during the Ministry of Education and Sports’ consultative process that led to the Early Childhood development policy.
Reflecting on the increasing number of refugees enrolling for studies at Makerere University, Prof. Mugagga said: “ IRC has come at the right time. The College will tap into the IRC expertise to teach our staff and learners components in refugee education. They will equip our students and teachers with knowledge and skills in refugee education. Some of our students will cooperate with IRC to undertake research in refugee settlement and host communities.”
Prof. Mugagga implored both MITER and IRC to undertake research and develop modules on refugee education, parenting, re-tooling street children, integration of a health component into the curriculum, and management of truamatised students/learners who come from areas affected by war, conflict and crisis.
On the issue of play materials, Prof. Mugagga stressed that already made play materials derial creativing. “Both CEES and IRC should work towards a context that empowers children and learners to ignite their creative potential by developing home-made play materials,” he submitted.
About IRC
Stating a brief profile history about IRC, Mr. Okeyo explained that IRC is a global non-profit organisation that provides humanitarian aid and assistance to people affected by conflict and disaster. IRC has been active in Uganda since 1998, originally assisting displaced populations in Northern Uganda and later expanding its efforts to refugee settlements and urban areas.. Currently, IRC operates more than 35 health facilities in refugee settlements and runs a variety of programs in health, education, protection, and economic recovery. IRC also undertakes projects focusing on early childhood development, prevention of gender-based violence, and protection of refugees and families.
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