The Vice Chancellor Makerere University Prof. John Ddumba-Ssentamu (L) exchanges the signed Frame Agreement with The Rector University of Bergen, Prof. Dag Rune Olsen on 30th September 2014 at Makerere University.
Makerere University has signed a Frame Agreement to extend the cooperation with University of Bergen, UiB, for a period of ten years. The Agreement, signed on 30th Sept. 2014, will see the two universities partner in joint research and teaching; exchange of staff and graduate students, and exchange of information and publications.
The initial frame agreement between the two universities was signed in 1999 for 15 years, and was set to expire this November. This Frame Agreement was the longest single North-South Institutional Agreement that both Universities have ever signed.
In his remarks, the Vice Chancellor Makerere University, Prof. John Ddumba-Ssentamu was grateful to University of Bergen for renewing the fruitful collaboration to strengthen critical areas. “We would like to strengthen the relationship in the areas of students and staff exchange that should go hand in hand with research collaboration, curriculum development, joint degree awards, and institutional capacity strengthening in human resources, administrative and financial management systems, Library resources, and research grants management capabilities in the context of the greater number of research programmes,” he said. He assured University of Bergen of Makerere University‘s commitment to the renewed Frame Agreement, which he referred to as a sign of consolidating the mutual friendship and ensuring greater internationalization of the two universities.
The Collaboration Coordinators of Makerere University and University of Bergen Prof. Edward Kirumira (L) and Prof. Thorkild Tylleskar (2nd L). Looking on is Jennifer Greenwood (R) and her husband.
The Rector of University of Bergen, Prof. Dag Rune Olsen, pointed out that the long life span of the collaboration is healthy for enabling research. “In research there are no quick wins. We have to invest over a long period of time. We would like to develop global citizens. Our task is to prepare students to work anywhere in the world,” he said.
The Coordinator of Mak UiB collaboration at Makerere University, who is also the Principal of the College of Humanities and Social Sciences, Prof. Edward Kirumira, emphasized that the two universities will collaborate for as long as they still want to collaborate. “We are hoping that this collaboration expands into serving the region and we are already discussing this possibility. As a collaboration office, we commit to provide support to the members coming through and we would like to see more of the staff exchanges. We hope this collaboration will set the pace for both institutions to reflect on the slogan of our strategic plan to reposition Makerere University to meet the development challenges,” he asserted.
Since the start of the collaboration, Makerere University has benefitted through exchange visits between researchers and administrators, over 160 Ugandan students have studied at the University of Bergen for their post-graduate courses including MPhil and PhD, and 6 NUFU projects. In January 2012, Makerere University launched the Seismic laboratory and received equipment as part of the Geosciences collaboration between Makerere University and the University of Bergen. This collaboration is supporting the MSc programme in Petroleum Geoscience, under the Department of Geology and Petroleum Studies. Makerere University also coordinated six NORHED Projects collaborating with University of Bergen plus a 7th one coordinated at Khartoum University but also involving Makerere and Bergen.
The delegation from the University of Bergen and Makerere University Management pose for a photo after the signing of the Frame Agreement.
The Director Research and Graduate Training at Makerere University, Prof. Mukadasi Buyinza emphasized that such collaborations are critical in advancing Makerere University‘s research agenda. “Partnering with a superior institution has enormous multiplier effects. We are grateful to the people and Government of Norway for the support. We hope to get spin offs because a collaboration like this, is an asset. As a Directorate, such agreements help us in fulfilling our mandate,” he said.
Prof. Thorkild Tylleskar, the Coordinator at UiB observed that Makerere University is a worthwhile partner. “One of our strategic focuses is on the global South in terms of development. We need as much knowledge as possible for our students in this collaboration. Some of the institutions in Africa are really weak. Many are new and this may cause problems in collaboration. But Makerere University is a comfort zone. It has all the necessary ingredients for a well functioning institution and from here we can invite other younger universities into the collaboration,” he said.
Giving the vote of thanks, Prof. Livingstone Luboobi, the first Coordinator of the collaboration in Makerere University, commended the partnership, which he said started as a dream he shared with a colleague-Andreas Steigen at the University of Bergen. He was grateful that the collaboration has stood the test of time and was optimistic that its fruits will have lasting impact.
The Academic Registrar, Makerere University invites applications from Ugandan, East African, and international applicants for the undergraduate programmes under the private sponsorship scheme for the 2025/2026 Academic Year for ‘A’ Level Leavers Only.
Each applicant should:
Have the Uganda Certificate of Education (UCE) with at least five (5) passes, or its equivalent and at least two (2) 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 2022 are eligible to apply. For evening, afternoon, and external programmes, a candidate is not restricted on the year of sitting A’ Level. Detailed information on the weighting system can be accessed by following this link.
Other relevant information can be obtained from UNDERGRADUATE ADMISSIONS OFFICE, LEVEL 3, SENATE BUILDING OR CAN BE found on the University Website https://www.mak.ac.ug. Effective Wednesday 16th April 2025.
A non-refundable application fee of shs.50,000/= for Ugandans, East African and S. Sudan applicants or $75 or equivalent for internationals plus bank charges should be paid in any of the banks used by Uganda Revenue Authority.
Candidates who hold grades X, Y, Z, 7 and 9 of ‘O’Levelresults should not apply because they are not eligible for admission. Below are the availble courses including respective fees structure.
Sign up by clicking on the REGISTER NOW. Use your full name, e-mail and Mobile No. Please note that your name must be similar to the one on your supporting academic documents for your application to be considered valid.
A password will be sent to you on your mobile phone and email.
The system will prompt you to change the password to the one you can easily remember.
To fill an application form, click on the APPLY NOW button displayed on the appropriate running scheme.
Obtain a payment reference number by clicking on “Pay for Form” Button
Make a payment at any of the banks used by Uganda Revenue Authority
MOBILE MONEY PAYMENT STEPS:
Dial *272*6# on either MTN or Airtel
Select option 3-Admission
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The closing date for receiving applications to undergraduate programmes shall be Tuesday 20th May 2025.
WARNING:
Applicants are strongly warned against presenting forged or other people’s academic documents to support their applications for admission. The consequences, if discovered, are very grave indeed.
Do not buy any other documents not originating from the Academic Registrar’s Office. Those who buy them do so at their own risk.
The Academic Registrar has not appointed any agent to act on his behalf to solicit for additional funds other than the application fee stated above.
Applicants are advised to use the right programme names and codes. the university will not be responsible for any wrong information entered in the system by applicants.
The Director of Makerere University Jinja Campus, Associate Professor Ronald Kakungulu-Mayambala, has urged students to familiarise themselves with the Safeguarding policy aimed at creating a safer and more inclusive learning environment.
Speaking during the safeguarding policy sensitization meeting held today Tuesday, April 15, 2025 at the Civil Service College, Jinja, Prof. Kakungulu-Mayambala, emphasized the importance of awareness and adherence to the policy, which seeks to protect students, staff, and other stakeholders from all forms of abuse, harassment, exploitation, and discrimination.
“As Management we want every student to enjoy their stay at the University without being tormented and that can only happen, if students know their rights by reading about different policies on our website. You are meant to be living in a safe environment. We do not want anybody’s dream to be shattered or somebody to drop out from University,” Prof. Kakungulu-Mayambala, said.
Prof. Ronald Kakungulu-Mayambala, the Director Makerere University Jinja Campus.
In his speech, Prof. Kakungulu-Mayambala, also called upon students who have complaints but do not know the reporting lines, to approach staff safeguarding champions to make sure that they live in a safe environment.
Addressing guests, Emmanuel Muchake, the Guild Administrator at Jinja Campus, pointed out that the launch of the safeguarding policy is timely because as a University, without creating a conducive environment for teaching and learning, they will not have students graduate.
On Friday, April 4,2025, the Third Deputy Prime Minister and Minister without Portfolio, Right Honourable Lukia Isanga Nakadama, officially launched the Safeguarding Policy and commended Makerere University for crafting a policy that lays out the University’s framework for embedding viable safeguarding measures into its ethos and all institutional activities and processes to: Identify, detect, and act swiftly on safeguarding risks.
The Safeguarding Policy was developed in response to the growing need for institutions of higher learning to implement proactive measures that address concerns related to student welfare, mental health, gender-based violence, and power imbalances in academic settings.
Mr. Emmanuel Muchake addressing guests.
Some of potential safeguarding risks in Institutions of higher learning include emotional distress, Sexual Exploitation, Abuse and Harassment (SEAH); material loss, financial exploitation, discrimination and neglect, unfair and illegitimate response to civic engagements, cyber security/threats, psychological and emotional harm, substance abuse and physical assault. Discrimination and neglect which are often high risks for students with disabilities and international students.
The safeguarding policy sensitization meeting in Jinja Campus brought together students and staff in a meaningful dialogue on safeguarding issues affecting learning.
The event was graced by Dr. Rodney Rugyema, from the Dean of Students Office, who emphasized the University’s commitment to the well-being of all its members. In his remarks, he highlighted the importance of safeguarding policies in preventing abuse, harassment, exploitation, and other forms of misconduct within the Jinja Campus community.
“Safeguarding is not a one-time action, but a continuous culture of care and accountability. We all have a role to play in ensuring a safe and respectful space for learning and growth,” Dr Rugyema, said.
Dr. Rodney Rugyema (Left) and Prof. Ronald Kakungulu-Mayambala (Right) during the sensitization.
The sensitization session covered key topics including; recognizing signs of abuse, understanding reporting procedures on the MakSafeSpace and fostering mutual respect among peers.
Participants were encouraged to actively engage and reflect on their roles in upholding safety standards both on and off campus.
Students who attended the sensitization welcomed the initiative, with many expressing optimism that the policy would improve campus safety and encourage victims to come forward without fear of retaliation.
“We have seen issues go unreported in the past because students didn’t know where to turn. This policy provides clarity and assurance that the university is taking these matters seriously,” noted, a third-year student.
The University plans to conduct a series of sensitization workshops and distribute printed copies of the policy to ensure that every member of the campus community is well-informed. This initiative is part of Makerere University‘s broader strategy to reinforce its values of integrity, respect, and protection for all.
The Safeguarding Sensitization Meeting concluded with a collective pledge to uphold safety, dignity, and mutual respect within the University community.