General
CODESRIA HELP Call for Proposals for National Working Groups & Comparative Research Networks
Published
13 years agoon

Within the framework of its mandate to build knowledge on Africa produced in the African continent or by the African scholars, the Council for the Development of Social Science Research in Africa (CODESRIA) invites
proposals from researchers based in African universities and research centres to constitute *National Working Groups (NWGs), and/ or Comparative Research Networks (CRNs)*, to undertake studies around its newly launched research programme on higher education leadership in Africa (HELP).
This call for proposals is intended for university based scholars and researchers from the six countries that are, for the time being, covered by the project. These are Ghana, Nigeria, Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda and South Africa.
The Higher Education Leadership Programme (HELP)
Globally, higher education has undergone profound changes over the last two decades. Traditional conceptions of the university have been challenged by the forces of globalization, the increased use of ICTs, and the
introduction and spread of the market logic into the higher education sector. Today, a variety of new types of higher education institutions exists. Student demographics, access and delivery modes have changed too.
In the midst of these changes traditional modes of higher education governance and leadership have come under close scrutiny. Central to this questioning especially with regard to higher education institutions in
Africa is not only how traditional governance structures (where they still exist), are responding to these changes, but also what kind of leadership and governance is needed to position the institutions to confront the
challenges and positively respond to the development challenges of their societies. Higher education leadership in the continent face continued pressures to innovate and adapt to the rapid changes affecting the sector, and those affecting the societies more generally.
With the advent of a global consensus on the importance of knowledge for development, African higher education is receiving much greater attention than before. The strategic importance of Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) in the education systems has now been widely recognized and acknowledged. However, the leadership of universities in Africa is increasingly obliged to respond to or adapt to changes coming from Europe and the United States, such as those associated with the Bologna Process, and the introduction of the LMD (the French acronym for Bachelors, Masters, and Doctorate degree programmes) in Francophone Africa, and the broad allay of forces in global higher education categorized as Internationalization
What are the implications of such changes for HE leadership and how have the adaptation processes contributed to the evolution of leadership roles in African universities? How can African HE leaders ensure that African HE continues to be informed by, and relevant to Africa’s realities and needs for democratic transformation and development, rather than being primarily driven by concerns that are far removed from those of the African continent and its peoples?
A key issue that this Programme will seek to address, therefore, is to better understand the various changes taking place with regard to the governance and leadership of higher education institutions in Africa, the
nature and forces at play in constituting leadership and governance organs in HEIs in Africa, the extent to which changes in governance and leadership of African HE have contributed or not to changing the general
perceptions of the mission and roles of HEIs, documenting of case studies of governance and leadership that have had a positive impact in repositioning the institutions to respond to their missions (weather such
leadership has emanated from the core institutional management team, faculty boards, etc., or student and staff Unions, or both). Furthermore, the Program seeks to encourage research that will focus on investigating
how changes in the higher education system and the perceptions of the mission and roles of HEIs are impacting on HE leadership, the types of adaptation that HE leadership has had to make to respond to the challenges associated with globalization and the spread of managerialism in the HE sector?
CODESRIA’s history is inextricably linked to the challenges which the African higher education system have faced at various stages of its development, and the changing contexts within which different generations
of African scholars have evolved and strived to function. The Programme therefore seeks to deepen scholarly understanding of the nature of, trends in and challenges associated with Higher Education Leadership and
university governance in Africa in the second decade of the 21st Century.
The universities form the core constituency of CODESRIA, and the main site of the bulk of CODESRIA’s research and research training activities. CODESRIA is also one of the few institutions that have been carrying out
social science research on HE in Africa. In the past ten years alone, CODESRIA has launched several national working groups (NWG), and comparative research networks (CRN), as well as a multinational working
group (MWG) on HE. In addition to the Journal of Higher Education in Africa, CODESRIA has published many books on HE and academic freedom. This Programme is therefore informed to a large extent by CODESRIA’s own experience working with the HEIs of Africa, and by the research it has already carried out on the dynamics and challenges facing the HE sector in Africa. These experience and materials have tended to identify governance and leadership as some of the most important issues for African HE in the 21st Century. So, this programme on HE leadership will bring the knowledge on HE and, more specifically, on HE governance and leadership to new and higher levels, both scientifically and from a policy perspective.
Objectives
The objectives of the Higher Education Leadership Programme are:
1) to provide a rigorous historical and social science analysis on higher education leadership and higher education governance in Africa;
2) to examine the changes which are occurring , and challenges facing, HE governance and leadership in Africa in the 21st century;
3) to identify and analyse ways in which the leadership and governance of African universities are constituted and exercised and how leadership is trying to address global, regional and local challenges facing the HE
sector.
4) to elaborate models of university leadership that can ultimately serve as a basis for new policy on the governance of the rapidly expanding higher education sector.
Strategies
The High Education Leadership Programme aims to produce high quality knowledge on HE leadership through 1) comparative research experiences shared across countries, both at the institutional level and at the more
general system level; 2) research teams on HE that are similar to National Working Groups or Comparative Research Networks 3) research grants and fellowships on a competitive basis, 4) case studies; 5) publications of research findings.
Researchers who are interested are requested to send a research proposal (in form of National Working Groups-NWG or Comparative Research Networks-CRN) that highlight clearly the questions they want to address.
** **
NWG are set up to mobilise national-level research capacities and to channel these into autonomous organised reflections on research themes of their choice. They have been an important instrument for promoting research into and publications about different national-level experiences pertinent to the pre-occupations of African scholars active in the Social Sciences and Humanities. The size of an NWG will vary from country to country but on average, most of the groups sponsored by CODESRIA in the past have had between five and seven members. ****
** **
The primary purpose of CRNs is to encourage the development and
consolidation of a comparative analytic perspective in the work of African
social researchers. In so doing, it is hoped to establish a strong corpus
of comparative studies produced by African scholars that could help to
advance theoretical knowledge and discussion. ****
** **
For more information on NWG and CRN see www.codesria.org.
** **
Each proposal should include:-an introduction, a problem statement, a literature review, the objectives of the study, the research methodology, the expected results, the outline of the proposed budget and time frame
knowing that the total duration of the study is 18 months from the date of launch. Furthermore, the proposal should include information on the research team, including the coordinator(s) of the group, the bio data of
researchers, their institutional affiliations, and the curriculum vitae of the coordinator and members of the network.
A proposal should not exceed 12 pages (font Times New Roman, size 12, line spacing: single).
Authors of proposals are requested to pay close attention to the methodology they intend to apply and to demonstrate a good understanding of the leadership and governance challenges facing the HE sector in Africa.
For CRNs, a comparative approach involving scholars from at least two countries out of the six covered by the project (Ghana, Nigeria, Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda and South Africa) is highly encouraged. The teams are
requested to ensure that they are multidisciplinary in composition, sensitive to gender issues, and accommodative of younger scholars.
Each team will be entitled to organise three meetings/workshops during its lifespan, the first one is a methodological workshop; the second to evaluate the progress of the work, and the third to review draft research reports, and identify policy recommendations, and begin disseminating the results. For indicative purposes, the budget for each group will vary from USD 10,000 to USD 35,000, based on past grants that have been awarded by CODESRIA under similar programmes. Similarly, although no specific format is required for the presentation of the budget, authors are requested to note that resources will be allocated by the Council to cover the following costs:
i) A methodological workshop for the members of the NWG/CRN;
ii) A mid-term review workshop on the progress of the research;
iii) The field work to be undertaken by the members of the network;
iv) Books to be purchased for the research;
v) The honorarium to be paid to the members of the research network for the work undertaken.
vi) A final workshop
For this call for proposals, CODESRIA will be open to receive proposals up to 15th September 2012. Notification of the result of the selection committee will be done by 30th September 2012. Proposals (Electronic version) for the constitution of NWGs or CRNs should be sent to:
Higher Education Research Leadership Programme (HELP)
CODESRIA,
BP 3304, CP 18524
Dakar, Senegal.
Tel: +221-33 825 98 22/23
Fax:+221-33 824 12 89
E-mail: help@codesria.sn
Web Site: http://:www.codesria.org
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/CODESRIA/181817969495
Twitter: http://twitter.com/codesria
NB: In addition to the CVs of the team members required, the identification sheet (Please see Attachments Below) for the updated database of the Council should be filled and sent along with the proposal .The applicants should clearly indicate on the outer page of the proposal if they are submitting for NWG or CRN, with the
designated group or network coordinator(s) identified. Incomplete proposals and those sent outside the deadline will not be considered.
You may like
General
Management Training Calls for Budget Execution that Impacts Uganda
Published
1 day agoon
August 14, 2025
Universities in the 21st century worldwide are increasingly being subject to a number of changes in their operating environment majorly due to rapid technological advancement, changing student demographics, intensifying financial pressures, and heightened accountability demands from governments, donors, and society. Makerere University, as Uganda’s oldest and flagship institution has not been spared the effects of these changes. As such, the increasing need to support national development priorities in the midst of evolving regulatory frameworks, increasing stakeholder scrutiny and expectations necessitates not just response but proactive transformation.
“While graduation numbers and publication counts remain important indicators, our reporting must illuminate Makerere’s transformative impact on Uganda’s development trajectory” remarked the Chairperson of Council, Mrs. Lorna Magara as she delivered her communication at the Top Management Capacity Building Training for Makerere University on 14th August 2025.
The training running from 13th to 15th August 2025 at Speke Resort Munyonyo is aimed at building excellence in 21st Century University Leadership at Makerere through two objectives namely; Strategic Budget Mastery and Implementation Excellence, and Comprehensive Management Excellence and Skills Enhancement. “We must explicitly demonstrate how our work advances Uganda’s Vision 2040 and the National Development Plan IV priorities, especially the four-way growth strategy,” rallied Mrs. Magara.

The Chairperson of Council was making reference to Government’s earmarking of Agro-industrialisation, Tourism development, Mining and minerals development, as well as Science, Technology and Innovation (ATMS) as priority areas to propel Uganda’s economy to a US$500billion one by 2040. Describing the workshop as timely in enabling Makerere appreciate her role in these national aspirations, Mrs. Magara who had in an earlier engagement met with College Principals called for increased collaboration across various disciplines.
“This afternoon’s conversations with our College Principals reaffirmed my confidence in the calibre of leadership we have; their energy, commitment – and we have made some commitments, and candid reflections demonstrate the openness and determination needed to keep Makerere at the forefront of higher education” she affirmed.
Quoting world-renowned Management Consultant Peter Drucker who said “What gets measured gets managed” she added, “However, at Makerere, we elevate this principle and say, ‘what creates impact gets sustained’.” In this, she drew attention to the fact that budget execution is a shared responsibility of all leaders who beyond ensuring accountability for funds allocated ought to adopt results-oriented management.

“Traditional reporting that merely chronicles expenditure and activities is insufficient” said Mrs. Magara, adding that “we require evidence of tangible impact.” She further noted that every leader invited to take part in the training by virtue of their position holds a critical multiplier effect that ought to be felt by those they lead. “Everything rises and falls on leadership” she reminded, citing John Maxwell’s 21 irrefutable laws of leadership.
Earlier, the Vice Chancellor Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe who officially opened the training noted that Makerere is already fulfilling her part in terms of producing quality human resource for the region and increasing her research output in partnership with leading institutions globally. He nevertheless underscored the need for the training, which is aimed at nurturing transformational excellence in leadership and strategic management. This excellence, according to the training objective, ought to be demonstrated through strategic budgeting and budget execution, human resource management, statutory reporting and compliance, procurement optimisation, and comprehensive legal compliance frameworks.

Prof. Nawangwe who appreciated the good work currently done by staff in line with achieving institutional and national objectives nevertheless encouraged participants to continue working with diligence. “Continue loving Makerere, continue working well for Uganda, for Africa, so that we can move our people out of poverty in the shortest time possible.”
Subsequent sessions following the official opening covered; Key issues and lessons from the Financial Year (FY) 2024/2025 budget execution, Highlights of the approved Budget for FY 2025/26, Budget execution guidelines for FY 2025/26, and focus on key budget outputs and reporting.
Tackling key issues and lessons from the recently concluded Financial Year, the University Secretary, Mr. Yusuf Kiranda outlined technical challenges such as: Budget transitions that moved funds for allowances from teaching units, Budget credibility in relation to cashflow planning, Adherence to approved budgets and workplans, Accountability for funds disbursed versus quarterly deadlines, Budget reporting in line with approved workplans, and Responsiveness to audits, and the need to do better in the present financial year.

Highlighting key issues from the approved budget for FY 2025/2026, the University Bursar, Mr. Evarist Bainomugisha noted that Makerere’s allocations are aligned with NDP IV and are aimed at fostering growth in the four priority areas (ATMS). “How do we ensure that we support these areas as Makerere University?” he prompted.
Delving into a few specifics, the University Bursar noted that Government allocated approximately 33.9billion shillings to the Development budget. This, he noted will cover; the College of Business and Management Sciences (CoBAMS) Infrastructure Expansion, Acquisition of Computers for Colleges, Administrative Units and Smart classrooms, Furniture for Colleges and Administrative Units, E-resources for the Library, Renovation of CCE Hall, Office Equipment, Renovation of selected Halls or Residence, Repairs at the College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resourses and Biosecurity (CoVAB) Building, ICT Equipment, Digitalisation of Financial Management, Extension of Street lighting and Automation of switching system, among other undertakings.

Sharing Budget execution guidelines for the current financial year, the Deputy University Secretary, Mr. Simon Kizito outlined the need for Units to adhere to policy directives regarding; fiscal consolidation in terms of following workplans to the letter and ensuring timely collection of non-tax revenue (NTR) such as payment of tuition. Also emphasized was the need for units to honour timely payment of taxes and statutory deductions such as pay as you earn (PAYE), value-added tax (VAT) and withholding tax (WHT).
In line with administrative guidelines, Mr. Kizito urged colleges to ensure that their finance committees meet before any expenditure is approved. He equally urged units to avoid getting into situations that necessitate virement and change of workplans, noting that this was heavily discouraged by the line Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development.

Handling the day’s final topic; focus on key budget outputs and reporting, the Acting Deputy Chief, Planning and Development, Mr. Emmanuel Kitamirike emphasized the need for units to quantify what they seek to achieve, the budgets required to achieve expected results, and at the end of the budgeting period, a report on what was done, and the reasons for variation of expected performance, if any. On how this can be achieved, Mr. Kitamirike proposed; the need for University Secretary’s Office to share copies of final approved planning, reporting and budget documents with the implementing units, as well as the need for unit heads to examine workplans and begin the reporting process early, and where necessary revise workplans for upcoming quarters.

The highlight of the day’s sessions was an opportunity for Mrs. Lorna Magara to bask in the limelight as participants sung Happy Birthday to their Chairperson of Council. Council Member and Head of the Institute of Gender and Development Studies (IGDS), Prof. Sarah Ssali who moved a vote of thanks appreciated Mrs. Lorna Magara for choosing to spend a significant amount of time on her special day speaking to Principals and staff.
The final day of the training will cover Human Resource Matters, with special communication from the Chairperson Appointments Board, Mr. Edwin Karugire. Also set to be covered are the procurement function of public entities and key legal matters in university operations.
General
Graduate Training Students Advised to Read the Graduate Handbook as a “Bible”
Published
3 days agoon
August 12, 2025By
Eve Nakyanzi
At an orientation for Postgraduate students held at the Yusuf Lule Central Teaching Facility Auditorium on 11th August 2025, the Academic Registrar and Acting Deputy Vice Chancellor in charge of Academic Affairs, Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi, reiterated Makerere University’s readiness to avail all the necessary support to ensure timely completion of various programmes. He underscored the contribution of research conducted by Makerere to national development priorities and urged Postgraduate students to play their role in making this influence more impactful.
Picking up from where Prof. Buyinza left off, the Director, Directorate of Graduate Training, Prof. Julius Kikooma reassured students that “Makerere University has all the resources to facilitate you through the academic journey of your graduate studies.” He equally further advised that “The Graduate Handbook is your bible that will guide you through your academic programs,” given its comprehensive reference to policies, procedures, and resources that support students during their graduate journey.

In his remarks, the Director, Prof. Robert Wamala introduced the Directorate of Research, Innovations, and Partnerships (DRIP) and outlined its role in guiding students in research. He explained DRIP’s primary functions, which include promoting and coordinating research activities, innovation and technology transfer, and overseeing research ethics and integrity. The Directorate also enhances research capacity and infrastructure, secures funding, and manages partnerships. He stressed the importance of understanding and following key university policies such as the Research and Innovations Policy and the Intellectual Property Management Policy. Prof. Wamala explained that the Intellectual Property Policy ensures that “IP created by a student in the course of study at the university, will be owned by the student,” adding that, “whatever you develop through the course of your study belongs to you and not the university.” He further encouraged students to protect their ideas and innovations through proper registration and documentation.

Dr. Godfrey Kawooya Kubiriza, from the Department of Zoology, Entomology & Fisheries at the College of Natural Sciences (CoNAS), discussed the importance of aligning research with relevant Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to ensure it remains current and impactful. He advised students to be cautious of peers who might negatively influence their studies and urged them to co-create with stakeholders to ensure their research has a clear impact. He also emphasized translating research evidence into policy briefs and building interdisciplinary and regional networks, encouraging connections with colleagues from East Africa, West Africa, and Europe for future collaborations and career development.
The Head ICT Division, Office of the Academic Registrar, Dr. Mike Barongo welcomed the students and underscored the importance of downloading admission letters from the portal, as these contain student numbers necessary to activate the student portal. He highlighted that enrolment is key to knowing the fees to be paid and to creating a Makerere University email address. In case of challenges, students were encouraged to seek help from college registrars or the Directorate of ICT Support. “The College of Computing has a support center at the basement of Block A, where students can get assistance,” he said.

The Deputy University Librarian, Dr. Kizito Ongaya, provided an overview of library services, noting significant changes compared to the 1990s and early 2000s. He outlined various training programs, including Reference Management Tools and Plagiarism Detection, and stressed the importance of using the available resources. “There are over 40 online libraries that we pay for. We pay over 1 billion shillings per annum to subscribe to these libraries, and you need special training so that you are able to access these,” he said. He also shared the library website, https://mulib.mak.ac.ug/ as a valuable resource.

Mr. Henry Nsubuga the Head of Counselling and Guidance Services addressed mental health and well-being, especially for PhD and Masters students, noting the significant mental toll of such programs. He pointed out that over 40% of graduate students experience depression, anxiety, and stress, and urged them to seek help early. He advised against internalizing negative feedback, suggesting instead that criticism be reframed as external rather than personal. He also encouraged positive self-talk to maintain motivation.

Ms. Diana Nabikolo, the Safeguarding Liaison Officer, briefed students on the Safeguarding Policy launched in April, which complements 11 other safeguarding policies available on the university policies website. She explained that the policy addresses various forms of abuse—physical, emotional, and neglect—as well as infrastructure-related concerns. She mentioned the presence of Safeguarding Champions in each college, both staff and students, who may assist in logging cases into the Makerere Safe Space and determining whether an issue qualifies as a safeguarding concern.

The Registrar at the Directorate of Graduate Training Ms. Caroline Nannono Jjingo explained the Directorate’s presence at all colleges and its coordination role with college and school registrars. She clarified the difference between enrolment and registration, noting that enrolment signifies acceptance of the study offer and triggers billing, while registration must follow enrolment. She also outlined the official withdrawal process, which can be prompted by financial challenges, illness, or job opportunities. Students were advised to formally notify the university to avoid being marked absent. “Withdrawal can only occur after registration,” she said, adding that students should inform the university if they plan to return.

The event was moderated by the Managing Editor Makerere University Press Dr. William Tayeebwa, who also doubles as a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Journalism and Communication, College of Humanities and Social Sciences (CHUSS). It follows a similar orientation session for undergraduate students held on 4th August 2025.
General
Application for Change of Programmes/Subjects 2025/2026
Published
4 days agoon
August 12, 2025By
Mak Editor
The Academic Registrar, Makerere University informs all intending applicants for Change of Programmes /Subjects for 2025/2026 Academic year that the deadline has been extended from Tuesday 12th August 2025 to Friday 15th August 2025.
Trending
-
General1 week ago
Admission Lists for Postgraduate Programmes 2025/26
-
General2 weeks ago
Makerere University Repositions Doctoral Training to Build Africa-Centered Scholarship
-
General2 weeks ago
Academic Year 2025/2026 at Makerere Begins With Freshers’ Orientation
-
Health1 week ago
Makerere University College of Health Sciences marks Centenary with expansion of Super-Specialized healthcare Training
-
General1 week ago
Admission Lists -Successful Appeals 2025/26