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Mak Automated Vehicle Control System Project kicks off

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Makerere University has contracted Kenya Airport Parking Services (KAPS) Limited to run commercial parking services at the Main Campus. KAPS is to introduce a 24-hour automated vehicle management system that will involve installation of CCTV cameras at all main entrances to Makerere University, and erecting of ticketing machines to bill external vehicles users who access the University. Installation works will start in mid May and allow for a testing period before the system becomes fully operational on 1st July 2014.

According to the Vice Chancellor, Prof. John Ddumba Ssentamu, “The procurement of these services was a Management decision to control traffic flow within the university and also generate income. Makerere University is currently used as a shortcut by many vehicles, and this increases the wear and tear on our roads.” Records show that 58% of the traffic entering and exiting the university has no business to conduct at the main campus.

 

How the system works and Provisions for Staff/Students

The vehicle control system will use cards and tickets. Staff members and students of Makerere University will be exempted from paying parking fees for a yet- to- be determined grace period. Special access cards will be issued for this purpose. Each member of staff will be required to register a maximum of two vehicles and will be given two cards. These cards are not transferable. The registration exercise will be conducted by the Estates and Works Department (EWD) at College level and at other central locations, in a scheduling to be shared out soon. The Estates Department will work in liaison with the Academic Registrar’s Department and the Office of the Dean of Students in verifying students who need cards.

A booth will be installed at each entrance and manned by KAPS officials. “We will use wireless network for the different gates to communicate to each other and coordinate the movement of vehicles. We will also provide monthly/seasonal cards to those who prefer to pay for longer periods,” explained Kuria Njenga, the KAPS Project Manager.

“Members of staff should expect minimum inconvenience as the installation of the equipment is ongoing at the three university gates. We are optimistic that they will appreciate the need for this system after familiarizing with it,” asserted the Estates and Works Director, Fred Nuwagaba.

Charges

Automated Vehicle Control System as installed by KAPS LtdExternal vehicles will pay an hourly charge depending on the vehicle type. Salon vehicles will pay 500/=, Pickups and 4-wheel drives will pay 700/=, Coasters and small trucks 1,000/=. Lorries and Buses will pay a higher fee of 1,500/=.  Vehicles that park for more than 5 hours will be charged 1,000/= per extra hour.

The projected income from this venture is currently estimated at 50m shillings annually, which will form part of the internally generated funds.

External users will be issued a ticket reflecting the time they have accessed Makerere University. They will present the same ticket on exit and pay the charge to a KAPS official at the desired exit point, before the barriers are removed to allow them pass. Ambulances and other emergency vehicles will be granted free access.

Loss of a card/ticket

In case a card is lost, Members of Staff will have to first report to the Makerere University Police Station and also pay 15,000/= for replacement. Members of Staff will be expected to carry the access cards with them as opposed to leaving them in the car.

External users who will have lost/misplaced their tickets will equally be required to first report to the Police Station before they can be allowed to pay 3,000/= before retrieving their vehicles.

This, according to the Deputy Vice Chancellor in Charge of Finance and Administration, Dr. Barnabas Nawangwe, will help curb the rampant car thefts since vehicle owners will be required to show their cards before they can be allowed to exit the university. “We have gone through a lengthy procurement process and finally we have signed a contract with an international firm to manage parking at our University. This is something the university community has been yearning for over some time. I call upon the University community to support and own this project,” he said. There will be periodic review of the system to address emerging gaps.

According to Johnson Mucunguzi, Chief Security Officer/OC Makerere University Police Station, “About 20 cars have been stolen from Makerere University over the last 6 months. Although we eventually recover them, we are glad that this system is here now to supplement our efforts.”

Motorcycles

The university policy prohibiting motorcycles from accessing the Main campus still stands. Members of staff/students who come in with motorcycles will be required to register with the Estates Department too, to get special access cards for this purpose.

About KAPS
KAPS installed the Entebbe Airport system and also supplied the Multiplex Parking equipment. They have also installed the parking system at the newly opened Acacia Mall in Kamokya.

Article by Marion Alina, Public Relations Office

Mark Wamai

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Call for Research Support Applications from Master’s Students who have Completed their First Year of Taught Classes at Makerere University

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Call for Research Support Applications from Master’s Students who have Completed their First Year of Taught Classes at Makerere University. Photo: Nano Banan 2

Makerere University, in partnership with Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Independent University of Bangladesh, Eduardo Mondlane University, and Pokhara University, with funding from Norwegian Programme for Capacity Development in Higher Education and Research for Development (NORHED), is implementing a project: ‘Co-creating Knowledge for Local Adaptation to Climate Change in LDCs (COLOCAL).

The expected outputs of the project include strengthened educational and research capacity, improved knowledge on inclusive Locally Led Adaptation (LLA) and Community Based Adaptation (CBA) including delivering skilled knowledge co-creators, and partnerships to support needs-driven, locally-based and contextually sensitive adaptation. The outputs are anticipated to influence policy, planning and practice around LLA and CBA through collaborative learning and knowledge translation.

In line with targets and activities for 2026/2027, COLOCAL project is offering research support for three (3) Master’s students who have completed their first academic year of taught classes at Makerere University and are interested in undertaking research under one of the following thematic areas. The students MUST have undertaken the course offered under the auspices of the project on Disability, Social Justice and Climate Resilient Development.

Requirements:

  • A first degree from a reputable university in a field related to the focus of the project
  • Ugandan citizen below 35 years
  • Good command of English (spoken and written)
  • Demonstrated interest in inclusive and climate resilient development
  • Evidence of practical experience in conducting relevant research during and after undergraduate level
  • Evidence of full payment of all university fees for the first academic year
  • The Masters programme being undertaken MUST have explicit content on climate change mitigation and adaptation
  • Special consideration will be given to students with disabilities, financial challenges, students from ethnic minority groups, internally displaced students, among others

Scholarship and study/research conditions

Availability to complete all research activities in a maximum of 10 months.

Scope of the scholarship

The project will specifically cover stipends and support for field activities only. Support with tuition fees, for the research year, will be provided for students who will complete and submit the research thesis for examination within 10 months from the date of receiving the scholarship offer letter.

How to apply

Interested and eligible candidates should submit the following documents: Application letter, research concept note of not more than 2 pages, academic transcripts/certificates, an updated CV (including contacts of at least two referees) and two recommendation letters.

Send applications via email to: colocal.caes@mak.ac.ug, not later than 20th May, 2026. This contact can as well be used for inquiries, where necessary.

Mak Editor

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Request For Consultancy Services: Training & Digital Solutions Expert

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Infectious Diseases Institute (IDI) Request For Consultancy Services: Training & Digital Solutions Expert. Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa

The Makerere University Infectious Diseases Institute (IDI) Limited implemented a Gates Foundation training program dubbed “Principle of Management Excellence for Research training” PRIMER in francophone countries, namely, Mali, Cameroon and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). This training was delivered by content experts and experienced practitioners, not professionally trained experts. As such, limiting the quality of slide decks, which were largely fragmented with text rather than graphical and infographic elements that suit a mature audience. To effectively deliver a research training program, advanced, engaging, and efficient tools are critical for fostering audience engagement and participation, and for learning and assessment in research management excellence. To achieve this, IDI seeks to hire an expert to:

  1. design and deliver a set of integrated advanced slide decks combining text, visual learning materials (graphical and infographics) and case scenarios
  2. develop a virtual bilingual community learning platform (VBCLP), i.e. with in-built French and English to engage alumni,
  3. develop and automate a pre-course assessment system that potential trainees fill out, and it automates results that are presented in statistical form for easy interpretation and decision making.

Details: https://shorturl.at/Rzn8d

Apply to: EAkankwasa@idi.co.ug

Deadline: 5 June 2026, 5 PM EAT

Mak Editor

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Makerere University Waste Management Boosted by Centenary Bank

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Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe (3rd L) shakes hands with Centenary Bank's Mr. Sunday Julius (C) as L-R: Mr. Simon Kizito, Prof. Sarah Ssali, Prof. Henry Alinaitwe, Mr. Paul Agaba and SSP Kaheebwa Geoffrey applaud on 11th May 2026. Donation of 30 waste bins by Centenary Bank’s Makerere Branch as part of ESG objectives, 11th May 2026, Freedom Square, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda.

Waste Management efforts at Makerere University have been boosted by a donation of 30 waste bins by Centenary Bank’s Makerere Branch. The bins received on Monday 11th May 2026 in the Freedom Square by the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe in the company of the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic Affairs), Prof. Sarah Ssali, Deputy University Secretary, Mr. Simon Kizito and other officials were handed over by the Branch Manager, Mr. Sunday Julius.

Appreciating the donation from Centenary Bank on behalf of University Management, Prof. Nawangwe noted that Makerere University strives to maintain “the cleanest environment in Kampala”, especially as a good example to future leaders, the students.

Donation of 30 waste bins by Centenary Bank’s Makerere Branch as part of ESG objectives, 11th May 2026, Freedom Square, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda.
Some of the 30 bins donated by Centenary Bank Makerere Branch.

Acknowledging earlier donations to the Halls of Residence by Centenary Bank, Prof. Nawangwe described the ceremony as “the beginning of a long journey of collaboration in environmental stewardship,” with separation of plastics from biodegradable waste earmarked as the next step in user education.

In his remarks, Mr. Sunday noted that the donation was in line with the Bank’s Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) objectives, particularly the Social component, where supporting institutions with waste management facilities to enhance hygiene is key. “It is important for Centenary Bank to give back to the society where it makes money”, he emphasized.

Officials pose for a group photo after the donation ceremony. Donation of 30 waste bins by Centenary Bank’s Makerere Branch as part of ESG objectives, 11th May 2026, Freedom Square, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda.
Officials pose for a group photo after the donation ceremony.

Describing Makerere University as the “main institution that Centenary Bank operates a branch”, Mr. Sunday recognised the donation as a step in the right direction with a valuable partner.

The newly-donated bins will be placed in various public locations under supervision of the Estates and Works Directorate.

Mark Wamai

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