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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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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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Makerere University, DFCU Bank Sign MoU to Advance Innovation, Student Leadership and Research

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Officials from Makerere University and DFCU Bank pose for a group photo at the Main Building Entrance after the MoU signing ceremony on 4th July 2025. Makerere University and DFCU Bank Limited sign a three-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) designed to enhance academic excellence, advance research and innovation capabilities, and provide crucial student support services through key activities; Annual Tumusiime Muteile Lecture, MakRun and Student activities, 4th July 2025, Council Room, Main Building, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

By Eve Nakyanzi and Atwenda Nancy

Makerere University and DFCU Bank have today signed a three-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to bolster innovation, student leadership, research and community impact initiatives.

The collaboration which will see the equipping of the Disability Support center for students living with disabilities through the MAK run and more leadership trainings for students will begin this July.

“The MoU will strengthen research collaborations across sectors like agriculture and health and it will also support the Mutebile Centre to assist private sector growth, which is crucial in lifting Africa out of poverty,” said Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, the Vice Chancellor.

Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe (R) flanked by Mr. Charles Mudiwa (L) makes his remarks at the MoU signing ceremony. Makerere University and DFCU Bank Limited sign a three-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) designed to enhance academic excellence, advance research and innovation capabilities, and provide crucial student support services through key activities; Annual Tumusiime Muteile Lecture, MakRun and Student activities, 4th July 2025, Council Room, Main Building, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe (R) flanked by Mr. Charles Mudiwa (L) makes his remarks at the MoU signing ceremony.

Speaking during the event, Mr. Charles M. Mudiwa, the DFCU Bank Chief Executive Officer, welcomed the move, noting its alignment with the bank’s mission to transform lives and support national development through four pillars: funding, financial inclusion, enterprise development, and vocational education.

“This MoU crowns years of effort and shared intent between our institutions,” he stated.
Mr. Mudiwa highlighted the bank’s commitment to skilling youth through internships, curriculum development, and support for innovation hubs and centres of excellence at the university.
“We consume the graduates of Makerere. In our most recent graduate intake of 87, 60% were Makerere alumni. The bank allocates around 30 internship positions annually to equip young people with the skills necessary for future roles within the institution,” Mr. Mudiwa, noted.

Representing the student body, Guild President His Excellency, Sentamu Churchill James, commended the partnership as a timely intervention that will empower youth, support SMEs, and expand internship and leadership development opportunities.

Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe (2nd L) presents a framed portrait of the Main Building to Mr. Charles Mudiwa (C) as L-R: University Secretary-Mr. Yusuf Kiranda, 91st Guild President-H.E. Ssentamu Churchill James and Acting Deputy Vice Chancellor (Finance and Administration)-Prof. Winston Tumps Ireeta witness. Makerere University and DFCU Bank Limited sign a three-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) designed to enhance academic excellence, advance research and innovation capabilities, and provide crucial student support services through key activities; Annual Tumusiime Muteile Lecture, MakRun and Student activities, 4th July 2025, Council Room, Main Building, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe (2nd L) presents a framed portrait of the Main Building to Mr. Charles Mudiwa (C) as L-R: University Secretary-Mr. Yusuf Kiranda, 91st Guild President-H.E. Ssentamu Churchill James and Acting Deputy Vice Chancellor (Finance and Administration)-Prof. Winston Tumps Ireeta witness.

“Students are the heartbeat of the university. This collaboration will empower youth and strengthen their role in national development,” His Excellency Ssentamu, said.

About MAK RUN 2025

The Makerere Run 2025 (#MakRun2025), hosted by the Makerere University Endowment Fund (MAKEF) on 17th August 2025, returns for its fifth edition as Kampala’s premier charity marathon, uniting 8,000+ runners—students, alumni, corporate teams, and elite athletes—to tackle the city’s iconic hills under the theme “Run the Hills for the Future.” This landmark event combines competitive racing with transformative impact, channeling proceeds to strengthen Makerere University’s community programs while offering unmatched branding opportunities for partners through Kampala’s largest university-led sporting spectacle.

The Mak Run, scheduled this year for August 17th, is a flagship initiative that mobilizes students, staff, alumni, and partners to raise funds for projects such as the Disability Support Unit and the Student Centre.

The Writers are Interns in the Public Relations Office, Makerere University

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Diploma in Performing Arts Admission List 2025/26

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The Office of Academic Registrar, Makerere University has released the admission list of candidates who passed the special entry examinations for the Diploma in Performing Arts held on Saturday 17th May, 2025

The following have been admitted by the University’s Admissions Committee on Private Sponsorship for the 2025/26 Academic Year

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