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Makerere’s AFRISA Model Excites 6th FARA Conference Participants

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Academic and curriculum developers attending the on-going FARA conference in Accra, Ghana have expressed interest in the integration of the Makerere University AFRISA-SPEDA educational model in their respective curricula. This follows a presentation by the Principal, College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Biosecurity (CoVAB) Prof. John David Kabasa on special and innovative curricula and programs that Makerere University has developed. Prof. Kabasa also won an award from African Network for Agriculture, Agroforestry and Natural Resources Education (ANAFE). This was in recognition of curricula reforms that he has spearheaded at the College which support ANAFE’s agenda and service to the African continent.

Prof. Kabasa explained the efforts Makerere has made through partnerships to transform communities in Somaliland and the reforms that are required to establish transformative education in Africa using the AFRISA-SPEDA model.

He said the thrust is to graduate somebody who is a job creator or already has an enterprise, skills and is involved in production. “We normally nurture the student to learn competencies, develop a strategic and business plan. By the time the student graduates, (s)he is a certified producer and entrepreneur. In this, we are solving the problem of job creation and using higher education as a tool for supporting production. We are taking the university to the community and anchoring higher education directly in development,” Prof. Kabasa explained.

The model has been seen as a good example for thematic curricula that are aligned to industrial value chains, which is the current drive for the African Union. This has prompted participants to appreciate the model and extend their invitation to the University.  “We want to request Makerere University to assist us integrate this model in our curriculum,” Prof. Adandedjan Claude from Benin’s University of Abomey-Calavi, Faculty of Agronomic Sciences appealed.

The same invitation was extended by TEAM AFRICA, the network that deals with tertiary education for agricultural modernization. RUFORUM also invited the University to submit the concept for the AFRISA-SPEDA model with regard to the graduate programs that were developed under the vocationalisation of the animal sector education systems (VASES).

“We are particularly interested in learning about the experiences of Makerere’s vocationalisation in tertiary institutions”, said Prof. Igor Besson from Cameroon

Prof. Kabasa also participated in other fora including one on the organization of food systems in Africa. Members expressed the need to develop the African food systems in a balanced way, taking care of not just available food but ensuring that the food is safe and healthy.  Prof. David Kabasa observed that while we have so many people lacking what to eat, we also have many people who have food but are eating it in an unbalanced manner.

“The proportion of people who are malnourished because of unbalanced food intake has increased and the problem of obesity and [being] overweight is as critical in Africa today as it is in the western world. As the African union and its agents are planning to transform the food systems in Africa and agriculture in general, it must be a holistic approach ensuring that these aspects are embedded in the curricula”, he said.

Other issues discussed were on food of animal origin as a key aspect for income and livelihood of the people where more than half of the continent is relying on animal production.

The conference has brought Makerere’s innovations more into the limelight on the African continent and in the international community, complete with some take-home lessons. Indeed, many participants expected Makerere to be present on grounds that it is setting the pace in higher education and research.

“It gave us a big lesson that Makerere should learn to be where it is expected. I think in future, Makerere should be vigilant particularly the communication and Public Relations office should keep everybody informed so that other sections of the university can participate. At the same time, we have picked a lot of knowledge. This is like a shopping place where there is lots of information to inform our curricula development, strategic planning, research agenda and it is a place where we have been able to get partners already”, Prof. Kabasa observed.

Story by Jovia Musubika Kavulu, Jane Anyango and Agaba Issa Mugabo

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Press Statement on Ranking

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An older photo of the Main Building, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda as seen from across the Freedom Square. Date taken: 22nd October 2012.

Makerere University has noted with concern the article titled “Mak Drops Marks” published by the Daily Monitor Newspaper on 8th July 2025. The article raises issues that require clarification to ensure accurate information is shared with our stakeholders and the public. We wish to address the following key points: 

1. Misrepresentation of Ranking Data 

The article inaccurately combines the Sub-Saharan African University Rankings and the World University Rankings to portray a misleading performance trend for Makerere University. For clarity, Makerere University was ranked 8th in the 2024 Sub-Saharan African University Rankings. However, the 2025 Sub-Saharan African Rankings have not yet been released, making any comparison with the World University Rankings is misleading. This is a misrepresentation of facts aimed at tarnishing the University’s reputation and causing alarm among stakeholders.

2. Omission of Impact Rankings Achievements 

The article fails to acknowledge Makerere University’s outstanding performance in the 2025 Impact Rankings, which assess contributions to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Makerere University significantly improved its global standing, moving from the 601–800 band in 2024 to the 301–400 band in 2025. Notably, the University ranked 17th globally in Decent Work and Economic Growth and within the 401–600 band for Quality Education. These achievements reflect Makerere’s commitment to societal impact and sustainable development, which the article conspicuously ignores. 

3. Balanced Perspective on World University Rankings 

While Makerere University acknowledges a decline in certain parameters in the World University Rankings, we view these as areas for improvement. At the same time, we celebrate our strengths, including high-quality research output and a robust international outlook, which continue to position Makerere as a leading institution globally. 

Makerere University remains committed to excellence in teaching, research, and societal impact. We urge our stakeholders and the public to rely on verified information from credible sources and to engage directly with the University for clarity on such matters. We acknowledge the Daily Monitor’s interest in Makerere University and implore them to report more accurately in the future. 

PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICE
Email: pro@mak.ac.ug

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Re-advert: Admission to Undergraduate Programmes 2025/2026

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The Academic Registrar, Makerere University invites applications from Ugandan, East African, and international applicants for the undergraduate programmes under Self Sponsorship Scheme for the 2025/2026 Academic Year.

Each applicant should:

a) Have the Uganda Certificate of Education (UCE) with at least five passes, or its equivalent and at least two principal passes at Uganda Advanced Certificate of Education (UACE) obtained at the same sitting. For day programmes, only candidates who sat A’ Level in 2024, 2023 and 2020 are eligible to apply. For evening, afternoon, and external programmes, a candidate is not restricted on the year of sitting A’ Level.

OR

d) Degree from a recognised /Chartered Institution

Further details on the re-advertised programmes , fees structure, and the procedure of submitting applications can be accessed from the document below: 

The closing date for submitting applications is Tuesday 22nd July 2025.

Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi
ACADEMIC REGISTRAR

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Undergraduate Admissions List: Mop-up/Appeals 2025/2026

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The Office of Academic Registrar, Makerere University has released lists of Successful appeals and supplementary lists. Below is a list arising from appeals of Government Sponsored candidates who have been admitted:

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