Makerere University successfully hosted the first-ever BBC Science Festival for a five day period, at the University’s Freedom Square, starting 24th – 28th March 2013. The highly attended event was part of celebrations to mark 90 years of Makerere University, and attracted the academia, policy makers, Government and the general public to participate in discussions on ‘Celebrating the role of Africa in Global Science.’ The event sought to hear various views on how best Africa can prioritize science. The event was broadcast on BBC to an estimated 140m listeners across the world.
In his explanation on how the Government of Uganda has prioritized science, the Prime Minister Hon. Amama Mbabazi (who attended the last day of the festival) said, “Government has allocated substantial funding to Science. We are building labs in four schools per sub –county, and have made science compulsory at O-level. The demand is overwhelming but Government is aware and has taken steps.”
“We need to create incentives in favour of Science and technology, not only for academia but also for the private sector. We also need to dedicate more resources towards the same,” added the Deputy Secretary to the Treasury – Keith Muhakanizi.
The DVC AA, Prof. Lillian Tibatemwa –Ekirikubinza, represented the Vice Chancellor in a panel discussion on how to teach Science in the African century. “Schools are not teaching science adequately because we have failed to demystify Science. We have defined science to be found only in class. Science cannot be separated from the social and behavioral sciences,” she said.
Throughout the festival, Science Contact Session were held in the early mornings at different Science Colleges within the university. These presented an opportunity for visiting Scientists to interact with their counterparts from Makerere University and also give lectures to Graduate students.
In his comments about the Science Festival, the Chairperson of Makerere University Academic Staff Association (MUASA), Dr. Kiggundu Musoke said, “I am impressed by the level of participation. This greatly inspires the academia. I request academic staff to continue supporting such events.’’
See the links below for related stories about the BBC Science Festival:
The Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe on 20th April 2026 inaugurated the Second Makerere University Health User Committee (Mak-HUC). The Committee was established by the Vice Chancellor in 2022 as part of his strategic mandate to strengthen and oversee the University Hospital services delivery.
Chaired by Dr. Allen Kabagenyi from the College of Business and Management Sciences (CoBAMS), Mak-HUC has as its members; Prof. Josaphat K. Byamugisha-Director Makerere University Health Services (MakHS) and Dr. Daniel Ronald Ruhweza-Department of Law and Jurisprudence, School of Law.
Other members include; Dr. Arthur Kwizera-Department of Anaesthesia and Critical Care, College of Health Sciences (CHS) and Makerere University Academic Staff Association (MUASA) Representative, Dr. Lillian Tukahirwa-Makerere University Administrative Staff Association (MASA) Representative, Mr. Godfrey Othieno- National Union of Educational Institutions (NUEI) Representative, and as Secretariat, Ms. Kevin M. Nabiryo-Directorate of Human Resources.
Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe (C) interacts with members of the 2nd Mak-HUC.
The 2nd Mak-HUC has been appointed for a period of four years effective 1st January 2026 with a mandate to: Guide, monitor and oversee delivery of health services by MakHS; Represent the interests and concerns of staff and students that use MakHS; Advise on alignment with sustainable health financing and insurance models; Strengthen systems for fraud prevention, digital transformation and access to specialized treatment, among other responsibilities.
The 1st Mak-HUC was chaired by Dr. Allen Kabagenyi and had as members; Prof. Josaphat Byamugisha, Dr. Fred Mayambala, Dr. Zahara Nampewo, Mr. Othieno Godfrey, Mr. Apunyo Paul Okiria and Ms. Ikiriza Racheal. Milestones during the first era included; Outpatient Department visits growth from 4,802 (2022) to 7,388 (Nov 2025) for staff and 14,641 (2022) to 19,069 (Nov 2025) for students.
Others milestones included; Commissioning of a fully equipped Operating Theatre, Establishment of a modern Imaging Hub, Development of a fully functional Audiology Unit, Expansion of the Temporal Bone Laboratory, Launch of the Olink Proteomics Platform and Enhancement of the Dental Unit with 32 dental chairs and experienced personnel.
All applications must be submitted electronically via the Makerere University Electronic Human Resource Management System through the above link (ehrms). Applicants will be required to provide the necessary information on the ehrms and attach the following documents:
An application letter clearly stating the job applied for and duly signed by the applicant.
An up-to-date curriculum vitae. The curriculum must also state the names and addresses of at least three referees.
Copies of academic certificates and transcripts.
A minimum of three recommendation letters duly signed by the referees.
The application should be addressed to:
The Chief Human Resource Officer Makerere University P.O. Box 7062 Kampala