The Government of Uganda received a grant from the African Development Bank Group to support higher education science and technology. The project covers five components including;
(i) Needs assessment study for HEST,
(ii) Improvement of infrastructure and equipment for HEST in five public universities and tertiary colleges,
(iii) Staff and capacity improvement and enhancement of learning/training capabilities for HEST
(iv) Research, innovation and linkages with labour markets, and
(v) Project coordination
The component under ‘Staff and capacity improvement and enhancement of learning/training capabilities for HEST’ is to contribute to enhancing the quality of university education delivery by training HEST faculty and technical staff to doctoral level or other higher qualifications with the aim of strengthening programmes delivery and also those who could start/enhance new strategic research/ programmes for HEST. Funds have been provided to support 10 PhD scholarships to staff of Makerere University.
Applications are now invited from eligible staff of Makerere University who are PhD students from Science and Technology or related disciplines to compete for 10 PhD scholarships tenable at Makerere University or any other recognised university in the Africa region.
Applications in a soft and three hard copies should be submitted by March 30th 2014 to:
Directorate of Research and Graduate Training
Research and Publications Office, Lincoln Flat B5 . E-mail: conference@rgt.mak.ac.ug
For enquires/clarifications regarding this CFA please contact the Research & Publications Office, Lincoln Flat B5
The application should include: 1) Evidence of employment by Appointments Board at Makerere University as member of staff 2) Evidence of ADMISSION for a PhD program 3) If registered outside Makerere University, evidence that the applicant was granted STUDY LEAVE 4) Declaration of any other support 5) A current CV 6) Itemised budget following the Makerere University format 7) Application must be endorsed by the Head of Department 8) At least 30% of the grantees will be reserved for women 9) Supported PhD applicants must complete the activity by December 2016 10) Each scholarship is up to US 50,000 and covers research related costs, and may include tuition costs, stipend, and travel to conferences where appropriate.
The Academic Registrar, Makerere University informs all Head Teachers of Advanced Level (UACE) Schools with UNEB Centre Numbers that applications for admission to Public Universities and other Tertiary Institutions for 2026/2027 Academic Year for government sponsorship will be done electronically/online using the Academic Management Information System (ACMIS) from 15th October, 2025 to 31st December, 2025. The Public Universities include: (a) Makerere University (b) Makerere University Business School (c) Mbarara University of Science and Technology (d)Kyambogo University (e) Gulu University (f) Busitema University (g) Muni University (h) Kabale University (i) Lira University (j) Soroti University (k) Mountains ofthe Moon University
NB: The list of Other Tertiary Institutions is provided on the online application portal.
The meeting was chaired by Ms. Getrude Basiima, who represented Mr. Hannington Ashaba, Director Budget at the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development (MoFPED). Ms. Basiima commended the Centre for its continued commitment to strengthening public investment management capacity across government institutions.
In her remarks, Ms. Basiima applauded the Centre for successfully hosting the Public Investment Management Conference held in August at Makerere University. The conference attracted key policymakers, development partners, and academics who deliberated on how to enhance the efficiency, sustainability, and impact of public investments in Uganda.
She further shared exciting news that the Government of Uganda has secured funding from the World Bank to support the public investment management function. The PIM Centre, she announced, will be among the key beneficiaries of these funds — receiving support for the construction and acquisition of a permanent home to enhance its institutional sustainability and training capacity.
Reviewing the Centre’s quarterly performance, Ms. Basiima congratulated the team for successfully conducting three specialized trainings in the first quarter, reaching officials from various Ministries, Departments, and Agencies. These trainings continue to strengthen the technical competencies required for effective project preparation, appraisal, and implementation in line with Uganda’s National Development Plan.
The PIM Steering Committee in a meeting held at Emin Pasha Hotel
She encouraged the Centre to integrate climate change considerations into its future training programmes, noting that sustainable public investment must now account for environmental resilience and climate adaptation.
The centre team presented the proposed structure/ organogram, the financial performance of 2024/2025, research areas for 2025/2026 and the strategic plan for 2025 – 2030.
The Steering Committee reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the PIM Centre’s vision of becoming a regional leader in building capacity for efficient, transparent, and sustainable public investment management.
A significant development unfolded at Makerere University during a strategic, hour-long meeting in the vice chancellor’s boardroom on 7th October 2025, marking a deepening bond with the University of Groningen in the Netherlands. The primary goal was to move beyond existing collaborations and formalize a new Double Doctorate (PhD) program. Prof. Sarah Saali, the Deputy Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, set the tone by emphasizing that institutional partnerships are crucial to Makerere University, which she proudly called the leading research and most collaborative university in the world.
The parties from Makerere University and the University of Groningen meeting in the Vice Chancellor’s Boardroom.
The discussion promptly formed the core structure of the program: a four-year PhD (or three if the master’s was research-based), with supervision duties split 50-50% between the two institutions. A key feature is the mobility requirement, stipulating that PhD candidates would spend a total of six months in the Netherlands, potentially divided into two three-month periods. Crucially, the University of Groningen confirmed there would be no teaching requirement during this stay, allowing students full access to focus on their research. A major financial hurdle was overcome with the adoption of a fee-waiver policy; Makerere would waive tuition for incoming Groningen candidates, and Groningen would reciprocate for Makerere‘s students, significantly boosting the program’s financial viability.
Prof. Sarah Ssali (R) presents a Mak Souvenir to Dr. Anita Veltmaat.
However, the critical issue of the stipend remained. Dr. Anita Veltmaat explained that to meet the required living standard of approximately €1,875 per month in Groningen, the incoming candidate must secure a partial external scholarship of around €250 per month. The positive news is that if the candidate secures this minimum scholarship, the University of Groningen is prepared to top up the amount to the full living standard for the six months the student spends in the Netherlands. It was noted that this initial financial hurdle might be simplified for Makerere students, as many are already staff members receiving a salary, which could help cover the required €250.
The meeting in session.
The path forward was clear: it was to complete the agreement template guided by the setup committee from both institutions. The plan culminated in scheduling an online follow-up meeting for Tuesday, November 11th, to review the first revision of the agreement, capping a highly constructive discussion that solidified the two universities’ shared future in graduate education.
The Team from Makerere University from Left to Right: Dr. Ruth Nsibirano, Dr. Racheal Nuwagaba, Dr. Patricia Ndugga, Dr. Stella Achen, Dr. Joseph Watuleke, and Ms. Agatha Ainemukama.
Makerere University was represented by Prof. Sarah Ssali, the Deputy Vice Chancellor in charge of Academics Affairs; Dr. Ruth Nsibirano, Head of the Department of Gender Studies; Dr. Patricia Ndugga, School of Statistics; Dr. Stella Achen and Dr. Joseph Watuleke, School of Distance and Lifelong Learning; Agatha Ainemukama, School of Engineering; Racheal Nuwagaba, School of Psychology; Awel Uwihanganye, Martine Rugamba, and Hawa Ndagire from the Advancement Office; and Muhammad Kiggundu from the Institute of Gender and Development Studies.
Prof. Sarah Ssali (R) presents a Makerere Souvenir to Mrs. Alette Arendshorst.
The University of Groningen was represented by Dr. Dinie Bouwman, Senior Policy Advisor, Internationalization and Quality Assurance; Dr. Anita Veltmaat, Faculty of Social Behavior and Social Sciences, Department of International Studies, involved in mentorship programs for women; and Dr. Alette Arendshorst, Faculty of Behavioral and Social Sciences, working on graduation/collaboration for students/staff.