Ms. Spets said that although the Swedish Government had frozen aid to the Government of Uganda; this freeze will not affect support to development research.
“Our aid is not unconditional. Sweden will hold Government-to-Government support until we reach a decision on the Anti-Homosexuality law. The Swedish Government is concerned by the enactment of the bill into law,” Ms. Spets said. She encouraged researchers to continue finding home-grown solutions to the problems afflicting the society.
Dr. Pohjolainen Yap Katri, the Senior Research Advisor at the Swedish Embassy cautioned the university not to get excited by the improved research rankings of the university. She advised that the ranking should not be looked at as a singular achievement but rather what this research has contributed to the development of the country. “All countries must have capacity to define their problems and find solutions, and this programme [Sida] is building that research capacity,” she said. She also charged researchers on the programme to always ensure timely submission of reports, noting that these are a prerequisite for the disbursement of funds.
Dr. Katri also said the recently submitted letters of intent for the 4th phase of Sida support would be sent to Sweden where an academic appraisal committee will vet them. “In mid-May, we will know the outcome based on the results of the vetting,” she said.
In the next phase, about 200 members of staff from Makerere and other public universities will get an opportunity to receive PhD training. The Director, Research and Graduate Training (DRGT),Makerere University, Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi cautioned that translating research, science, technology and innovation information and knowledge for popular consumption is a must have skill that needed to be provided to the researchers.
The Vice Chancellor, who was represented by the Deputy Vice Chancellor in charge of Academic Affairs, Dr. Ernest Okello Ogwang, thanked the Swedish Government for the continued generosity to the university. Sida has since the year 2000 supported research and institutional reforms. Over 140 staff have acquired PhDs with the support of the Swedish government under Sida. Another 30 members have completed their Masters degrees. “This support has been monumental and critical to the realisation of our core functions of teaching and learning, research and innovations and partnerships and networking,” he said.
He noted that many researchers are now able to write proposals and win research grants owing to the experience they have received under the Sida programme. Sida has also supported laboratory improvement especially for the Biomedical and GIS laboratories as well as The Makerere Library and ICT Services in the university. The University has through Sida support also been able to expand her partnerships with other universities regionally.
“All these achievements have enabled us to contribute substantially to the attainment of the National Development Goals and reduced the degree of brain drain,” added Dr. Okello Ogwang.
Candidates who scored 50% and above passed the examination and have been recommended to the Admissions Committee for consideration. However, the candidates who passed have to submit an application where Bachelor of Laws is among the programme choices in the application system here: https://apply.mak.ac.ug.
Candidate who are not satisfied with their results may appeal within two weeks from the date of the release of results.
Follow the links below for the candidate lists showing results of the categories of candidates respectively:
Makerere University and the University of Notre Dame, Indiana, USA (ND) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), which opens opportunities for collaboration between the two historic and leading research institutions in the areas of staff and student exchange, joint research and training, joint supervision of graduate students, and others.
Officials pose for a group photo with the signed MoU.
The Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe signed on behalf of Makerere University and Rev. Robert A. Dowd, the 18th President signed on behalf of the University of Notre Dame. The ceremony, which was held at the University of Notre Dame campus at South Bend, Indiana was witnessed by Dr. Lorna Magara, the Chairperson of the Council of Makerere University, who led the Mak delegation.
The Chairperson of Council Dr. Lorna Magara (Centre) presents Mak Coffee to an ND official as University Secretary-Mr. Yusuf Kiranda (Right) witnesses.
Dr. Magara appreciated the institutionalisation of the collaboration between the two universities and the very warm hospitality accorded to the Mak delegation.
Press Release: Government of Uganda and Partners Launch SAY Plus+ to Scale Youth Sexual Reproductive Health & Rights (SRHR) Impact in Underserved Regions
USD 50 million national programme moves into full implementation, strengthening adolescent and youth rights, empowerment, protection and access to youth-responsive services in 13 districts across five sub-regions
KAMPALA, 7 MAY 2026: The Government of Uganda, through the Ministry of Health, today officially launched the SAY Plus+ Programme, a Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) initiative designed to strengthen adolescent and youth rights, empowerment, protection and access to quality services in Uganda’s underserved regions.
The launch, held at Makerere University‘s Freedom Square under the theme “My Voice Matters: Youth Voices for SAY Plus+” and the tagline “Nothing for us, without us”, marks the programme’s transition into full implementation.
SAY Plus+, formerly known as Strengthening Adolescents and Youth Rights and Empowerment: Scaling Impact, is led by the Ministry of Health, in coordination with other Ministries, with UNFPA Uganda serving as the Managing and Technical Agency.
Backed by a USD 50 million pooled fund from the Governments of Iceland, Denmark, the Netherlands, and Sweden, the initiative is scheduled to operate between 2024 and 2030. It is currently being rolled out across thirteen districts within five sub-regions, providing targeted assistance to regional referral hospitals in Jinja, Mbale, Moroto, Yumbe, Arua, and Gulu. Furthermore, the programme supports the Human Capital Development goals established in Uganda’s National Development Plan IV.
“SAY Plus+ represents a shift from fragmented interventions to a coordinated national effort that meaningfully places young people at the centre of both design and delivery. Through our partnership with the Government of Uganda, development partners, and implementing partners, we are investing not only in services, but in the systems, communities, and environments that enable adolescents and young people to thrive not only today but also in the future,” said Ms. Kristine Blokhus, Representative – UNFPA Uganda.
Officially launched by the Minister of State for Health Hon. Margaret Muhanga, the SAY Plus+ programme targets adolescents and young people aged 10 to 24 years, with particular focus on adolescent girls and young women, refugees and host-community youth, out-of-school young people, those not in employment, education or training, adolescents with disabilities, and young people in humanitarian and post-conflict settings.
“For many of us, things like this one are designed without listening to what we go through every day, think or even feel. SAY Plus+ feels different because it starts with our voices and gives us a real role in shaping solutions. It is not just about information, it is about being supported to make decisions, access services, and build the future we want.” – Jovia Dranzoa, Young person.
SAY Plus+ operates through three pillars. First, it empowers youth to exercise their rights and make informed choices. Second, it engages families, communities, and leaders to address harmful social norms. Third, it strengthens youth-responsive SRHR, HIV, and gender-based violence services via health facilities and community platforms, aiming to reach over 2.3 million direct and indirect beneficiaries.
The SAY Plus+ initiative stands as a model of international cooperation and multi-sectoral synergy. Through the combined support of the Governments of Iceland, Denmark, the Netherlands, and Sweden, and the technical leadership of UNFPA, Uganda is now equipped to scale-up critical interventions in HIV prevention, gender-based violence response, and reproductive health. With implementation now in high gear through 2030, the programme is poised to make a lasting contribution to the nation’s human capital development goals.
Prof. Henry Alinaitwe addresses participants at the launch.Ms. Kristine Blokhus.Part of the audience at the event.Some of the young people that attended the event.Prof. Henry Alinaitwe signs the commemorative piece.L-R: Prof. Henry Alinaitwe, Dr. Charles Olaro, Hon. Margaret Muhanga, Amb. Signe Winding Albjerg, Amb. Maria Håkansson, Amb. Frederieke Quispel, Amb. Unnur Orradottir Ramette, Ms. Kristine Blokhus and a young lady during the press interviews.