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CODESRIA HELP Call for Proposals for National Working Groups & Comparative Research Networks

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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.

 

Mark Wamai

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Applications for Admission to Undergraduate Programmes 2026/27

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Students in discussion groups in Freedom Square on 1st April 2026.

The Academic Registrar, Makerere University invites applications from Ugandan, East African, and international applicants for the undergraduate programmes under the private sponsorship scheme for the 2026/2027 Academic Year for ‘A’ Level Leavers Only.

Each applicant should:

Have the Uganda Certificate of Education (UCE) with at least five (5) passes, or its equivalent and at least two (2) principal passes at Uganda Advanced Certificate of Education (UACE) obtained at the same sitting. For day programmes only candidates who sat A’ Level in 2025, 2024 and 2023 are eligible to apply. For evening, afternoon, and external programmes, a candidate is not restricted on the year of sitting A’ Level. Detailed information on the weighting system can be accessed by following this link.

Other relevant information can be obtained from UNDERGRADUATE ADMISSIONS OFFICE, LEVEL 3, SENATE BUILDING OR CAN BE found on the University Website https://www.mak.ac.ug. Effective Monday 20th April 2026. 

A non-refundable application fee of shs.50,000/= for Ugandans, East African and S. Sudan applicants or $75 or equivalent for internationals  plus bank charges should be paid in any of the banks used by Uganda Revenue Authority.                                           

 Candidates who hold grades X, Y, Z, 7 and 9 of ‘O’Level results should not apply because they are not eligible for admission. Below are the availble courses including respective fees structure.

How to submit your application                                            

  1. Applicants should access the Institution’s Admissions URL https://apply.mak.ac.ug/
  2. Sign up by clicking on the REGISTER NOW. Use your full name, e-mail and Mobile No.  Please note that your name must be similar to the one on your supporting academic documents for your application to be considered valid.
  3. A password will be sent to you on your mobile phone and email.                                      
  4. The system will prompt you to change the password to the one you can easily remember.
  5. To fill an application form, click on the APPLY NOW button displayed on the appropriate running scheme.                                              
  6. Obtain a payment reference number by clicking on “Pay for Form” Button
  7. Make a payment at any of the banks used by Uganda Revenue Authority                                            

MOBILE MONEY PAYMENT STEPS:                                                 

  1. Dial *272*6# on either MTN or Airtel                                                             
  2. Select option 3-Admission                                                     
  3. Select option 3-Pay Fees
  4. Enter reference number obtained from Application portal 
  5. Details of Application form will be confirmed                                                              
  6. Enter PIN to confirm payment                                                            

The closing date for receiving applications shall be Friday 22nd May 2026.

WARNING:                                                             

  1. Applicants are strongly warned against presenting forged or other people’s academic documents to support their applications for admission.  The consequences, if discovered, are very grave indeed.
  2. Do not buy any other documents not originating from the Academic Registrar’s Office.  Those who buy them do so at their own risk. 
  3. The Academic Registrar has not appointed any agent to act on his behalf to solicit for additional funds other than the application fee stated above.    
  4. Applicants are advised to use the right programme names and codes. the university will not be responsible for any wrong information entered in the system by applicants.                                               

Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi
ACADEMIC REGISTRAR

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CHS Registrars, Heads of Departments Embrace RIMS as Makerere Deepens Digital Shift in Graduate Supervision

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Participants pose for a group photo after the hands-on training in the Research Information Management System (RIMS) at the College of Health Sciences (CHS). Hands-on training in the Research Information Management System (RIMS) by the Directorate of Graduate Training (DGT) and Directorate for ICT Support (DICTS) for over 25 Heads of Departments and College Registrars from the School of Medicine, School of Biomedical Sciences, School of Health Sciences, School of Dentistry, and School of Public Health, 15th April 2026, College of Health Sciences, Mulago Campus, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

By Moses Lutaaya

The College of Health Sciences (CHS) at Makerere University has taken a significant step toward strengthening graduate training and research oversight following a hands-on training in the Research Information Management System (RIMS) held on Wednesday, April 15, 2026, at the CHS premises.

The training brought together over 25 Heads of Departments and College Registrars from the School of Medicine, School of Biomedical Sciences, School of Health Sciences, School of Dentistry, and School of Public Health, in a strategic push to digitize and streamline graduate supervision.

Leading the CHS team, Associate Professor Annettee Olivia Nakimuli, Dean of the School of Medicine, described RIMS as a transformative tool that will redefine how graduate students are tracked and supported.

“RIMS is definitely the way to go. It will help us track students in real time,” she said. “We have struggled to know how well students are progressing, and sometimes we are not even sure who needs help along the way.”

Prof. Nakimuli emphasized that the system will enhance accountability on both sides of the supervision divide.

“It will facilitate supervision for both the supervisor and the student. Supervisors will be more accountable, but students too will be more accountable. At any one time, we shall know exactly what is happening between student-supervisor pairs.”

Addressing concerns about possible resistance or tension arising from increased transparency, she noted that RIMS would instead clarify longstanding challenges affecting completion rates.

The training in session. Hands-on training in the Research Information Management System (RIMS) by the Directorate of Graduate Training (DGT) and Directorate for ICT Support (DICTS) for over 25 Heads of Departments and College Registrars from the School of Medicine, School of Biomedical Sciences, School of Health Sciences, School of Dentistry, and School of Public Health, 15th April 2026, College of Health Sciences, Mulago Campus, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
The training in session.

“Completion challenges are multifactorial—sometimes it is the supervisor, sometimes the student, and sometimes both. This system will make it clear where the problem is so it can be addressed,” she explained, adding that mindset change—not technical ability—remains the biggest hurdle for some staff transitioning from analog systems.

She further aligned RIMS with Makerere University’s broader agenda of becoming a research-led, graduate-focused institution.

“This is how we begin to walk the talk of being a graduate training university,” she added.

Representing the Director of Graduate Training, Mr. Nestor Mugabe underscored that RIMS is part of a larger, evolving digital ecosystem aimed at strengthening research management across the university.

“RIMS is a comprehensive system that captures the entire research process, but today we are focusing on the e-supervision component,” he said.

He noted that the system has been rolled out progressively across colleges, with CHS engagements tailored to accommodate the demanding schedules of health professionals.

“A student cannot progress if their supervisor is not on the system. That is why we are bringing everyone on board—supervisors, administrators, and students—so that the system works seamlessly,” Mugabe emphasized.

To ensure sustainability, he revealed that dedicated technical personnel have been deployed to provide on-site support.

“We now have resident technical staff who can support you directly in your offices, ensuring that no one is left behind in this transition.”

Arthur Moses Opio from DICTS was the lead trainer on RIMS. Hands-on training in the Research Information Management System (RIMS) by the Directorate of Graduate Training (DGT) and Directorate for ICT Support (DICTS) for over 25 Heads of Departments and College Registrars from the School of Medicine, School of Biomedical Sciences, School of Health Sciences, School of Dentistry, and School of Public Health, 15th April 2026, College of Health Sciences, Mulago Campus, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Arthur Moses Opio from DICTS was the lead trainer on RIMS.

From a technical standpoint, Arthur Moses Opio of the Directorate for ICT Support (DICTS) highlighted RIMS as a critical pillar in Makerere’s digital transformation journey.

“This system is about bridging the gap between supervisors and students,” he said. “It logs activities, tracks feedback, and ensures that no academic guidance is lost or disputed.”

He explained that RIMS allows students to upload research milestones—from concept notes to final theses—while enabling supervisors and examiners to engage within a transparent, traceable system.

“Before, a student could get lost in the process. Now, every comment, every revision, every step is recorded. It brings clarity and accountability.”

Opio also noted that RIMS is integrated with key university systems, including the Human Resource Management System and the Academic Management Information System (ACMIS), ensuring data consistency and institutional oversight.

CHS College Registrar Mr. Herbert Batamye welcomed the initiative, describing it as a timely intervention in addressing inefficiencies in graduate supervision.

Prof. Annettee Olivia Nakimuli, the Dean School of Medicine (L) and Mr. Herbert Batamye, the Registrar of CHS (R). Hands-on training in the Research Information Management System (RIMS) by the Directorate of Graduate Training (DGT) and Directorate for ICT Support (DICTS) for over 25 Heads of Departments and College Registrars from the School of Medicine, School of Biomedical Sciences, School of Health Sciences, School of Dentistry, and School of Public Health, 15th April 2026, College of Health Sciences, Mulago Campus, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Prof. Annettee Olivia Nakimuli, the Dean School of Medicine (L) and Mr. Herbert Batamye, the Registrar of CHS (R).

“RIMS is going to be a wonderful addition to our academic processes. It will accelerate supervision and improve efficiency if fully adopted,” he said.

He observed that the system had already received strong buy-in from participants.

“We brought together over 25 Heads of Departments and registrars, and the response has been very positive. Staff appreciate its potential.”

Mr. Batamye pointed out that one of the key strengths of RIMS is its ability to synchronize multiple supervisors on a single student’s progress.

“If a candidate has several supervisors, each will clearly see what the other is doing. It ensures that everyone is accountable and that delays are minimized.”

As Makerere University continues to digitize its academic and research processes, the CHS RIMS training signals a growing institutional commitment to improving graduate completion rates, enhancing supervision quality, and positioning research at the heart of its mission.

Mak Editor

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A Graceful Exit: Makerere Celebrates Patience Mushengyezi’s 26 Years of Service

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Academic Registrar Prof. Mukadasi Buyinza handing over a plaque in appreciation of Mrs. Patience Rubabinda Mushengyezi.

There are farewells that pass quietly and then there are those that leave a lasting imprint on the hearts of all who attend. The retirement luncheon of Patience Mushengyezi held at the Senate Building University was unmistakably the latter.

Held in an atmosphere filled with warmth, gratitude, and reflection, the event brought together colleagues, friends, and family to celebrate a woman whose 26-year journey at the University has been defined by diligence, humility, and quiet impact.

From the moment she rose to speak, Patience set the tone, not with grandeur, but with gratitude.

Patience Mushengyezi (R) and her sister Alexandra Kalemera
Patience Mushengyezi (R) and her sister Alexandra Kalemera

“I thank God for the opportunity He gave me to serve,” she said, her voice steady but reflective. “Everything I have achieved has not been by my own strength.”

Her career began in the Transcripts Office as an Assistant Registrar, a role that would become the foundation of her legacy. Over the years, she rose through the ranks to Senior Assistant Registrar and later Deputy Registrar, serving in various units including the Senate. Along the way, she became not only a custodian of records but also a steward of institutional memory.

Colleagues recalled how, in earlier years, obtaining a transcript in a single day was nearly impossible. Today, that process has been streamlined, thanks in part to Patience’s innovation and persistence. Patience initiated the Digitalization of Academic Records and Processes (DARP) project to ease the storage, retrieval and acquisition of academic documents by stakeholders. What began as a simple concern about poorly kept records evolved into a transformative records management initiative that has since improved efficiency and safeguarded academic history.

Framed message in appreciation to Mrs. Mushengyezi dedicated service to Makerere University.
Framed message in appreciation to Mrs. Mushengyezi dedicated service to Makerere University.

“She is like a moving encyclopedia,” one colleague remarked, highlighting her deep knowledge of university policies, many of which, he noted, exist as much in her mind as they do on paper.

The luncheon was not just a celebration of professional achievement, but also of character. Speaker after speaker described Patience as calm, dependable, and deeply empathetic “a friend you can trust,” as her supervisor, Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi, put it.

Mrs. Mushengyezi receiving a bouquet of flowers from Ms. Ruth Iteu Eyoku
Mrs. Mushengyezi receiving a bouquet of flowers from Ms. Ruth Iteu Eyoku(L)

In his tribute, he reflected on his own transition from academia into administration, crediting Patience for guiding and mentoring him. “It is through her willingness to teach and support me that I became the administrator I am today,” he said.

Beyond the office, Patience’s impact extended into personal lives. Rev. Dr. Lydia Kitayimbwa – Chaplain, St. Francis Chapel spoke fondly of their friendship, describing her as a confidant and prayer partner. “She brings a sense of peace,” she said. “She listens, she prays, and she walks with people.”

Her sister, Alexandra Kalemera, offered an emotional reflection that captured the essence of the day. “It is a beautiful thing to serve in one place for 26 years and not simply disappear,” she said. “Today, we see the impact of a life well lived.”

Indeed, that impact was evident not only in speeches, but in the collective emotion in the room. There was laughter and moments of quiet introspection as colleagues reflected on their own journeys.

A cake was cut.

At the heart of Patience’s message was a call to action: to serve with integrity, to embrace small but meaningful change, and to value people above titles.

“Do not sit comfortably when things are not working,” she advised. “Do something.”

She also reminded colleagues of the importance of balance and self-care, urging them to find satisfaction in their work while recognizing the limits of their control.

As she steps into retirement, Patience is far from slowing down. She looks forward to pursuing personal ventures, including producing organic dairy products, and expanding her passion for mentoring young people, a calling she believes has already transformed lives.

Rev. Lydia Kitayimbwa lead a prayer for Mrs Mushengyezi.

“This is not the end,” Rev. Kitayimbwa noted. “It is the beginning of a new chapter.”

Perhaps the most profound reflection of the afternoon came from Prof. Buyinza, who posed a question to those gathered: When your time comes, will people come for you like this?

It was a moment that lingered, a reminder that legacy is not built on titles, but on relationships, integrity, and service.

As the luncheon drew to a close, one thing was clear: Patience Mushengyezi may be retiring from office, but her influence will remain deeply woven into the fabric of the Department of Academic Registry.

And in the words echoed throughout the room—this was not goodbye.

It was simply the beginning of another journey.

Betty Kyakuwa
Betty Kyakuwa

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