_{By the Program Communication Team}

A decade after graduating, Alex still exudes a warm and approachable demeanor. Despite his esteemed position, he carries no air of superiority. He is an accommodating and attentive listener, and our conversation about his journey flowed effortlessly.

“I don’t think I would have pursued a Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering if it had not been for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Makerere University,” Alex Mirugwe recalls.

Alex’s journey was one of purely humble beginnings, began 30 years ago in Kyotera District, where he was the third of six children born to the late Charles Kalimirwa and Margaret Nampija.

His academic path led him to Broadway High School for both O’ and A’ levels, where he studied Physics, Economics, Mathematics, and ICT.

Alex recounts that when his Senior Six results were released, he had scored 17 points, but was uncertain of the following steps since his family could not afford his university tuition.

“If it hadn’t been for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Makerere University, my family would have struggled to raise my tuition,” he notes.

Faced with his results, Alex sought all possible opportunities to further his education. As luck would have it, while reading the New Vision Newspaper one day, he saw an advertisement for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program.

“I applied, got shortlisted, attended interviews, and I succeeded. That is how I gained the opportunity to join Makerere University,” he remarks.

The Program offers scholarships to bright but underprivileged children who have demonstrated a commitment to improving the lives of others.

He graduated with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Computer Engineering.

Upon completing his first degree, he received another opportunity from the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at the University of Cape Town to pursue his Master of Science (M.Sc.) in Data Science.

After attaining his M.Sc. from the University of Cape Town, he returned to Uganda and began applying for jobs.

“When I returned, I relaxed for only three months, and in the fourth month, when I decided to send out my applications, I secured a job at Makerere University School of Public Health (MakSPH) Monitoring and Evaluation Technical Support (METS) project as a data scientist,” Alex pointed out.

When Alex landed his dream job, it was the perfect opportunity to continue researching something he has always loved; supporting the analysis of HIV data. His dream job exposed him to data from more than 1,600 health facilities across the country.

“It has been an intriguing journey; I am pursuing what I studied. I would advise people to seize postgraduate opportunities because, when I completed my Master’s, I encountered no obstacles in securing a job.” 

For now, he is focused on raising his young family. 

His story is a powerful reminder of the significance of education for all. His journey from a humble village upbringing to a national role has been driven by a profound sense of purpose and a commitment to creating a better world for everyone. 

Alex’s parting words, “Take your studies seriously, and learning never ceases.

“Continue to enhance your academic qualifications. You will transform your story.”

The Academic Registrar, Makerere University invites applications for admission to Graduate Programmes (Postgraduate Diplomas,  Masters and Doctoral Degree Programmes) for the 2025/2026 Academic Year. Applicants should have obtained at least a first or second class degree (or its equivalent) from a Chartered University at the time of completion. Applicants should also possess a Uganda Certificate of Education (or its equivalent) and a Uganda Advanced Certificate of Education (or its equivalent).

Sponsorship:

All Graduate Programmes are PRIVATELY-SPONSORED. Therefore applicants seeking sponsorship should have their applications endorsed by their respective sponsors where applicable.  Applicants should note that the various fees payable to the University indicated for the various programmes EXCLUDE functional fees, accommodation, books, research and other expenses.  

How to submit your application:

1. Visit the Makerere University’s Admissions URL https://apply.mak.ac.ug

2. Sign up using 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. 

3. A password will be sent to both your e-mail and mobile number.

4. The system will prompt you to change the password to the one you can easily remember.

5. To fill a form (all form sections must be filled) the applicant clicks on the APPLY NOW button (for first time applicants) or MY PORTAL button (for renewal of application)  displayed on the appropriate scheme i.e. Taught PhDs, Masters & Postgrad Diplomas OR PhD by Research.

6. All academic transcripts/certificates and passport photos should be scanned and uploaded on the system.

7. You can access the referees’ letter by following the following link: https://news.mak.ac.ug/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Makerere-Referee-Form-Graduate-Programmes.pdf. These should be filled, scanned and uploaded.

8. Obtain a payment reference number [PRN] by clicking on “Pay for Form” button

9. Make the following payments at any of the banks used by URA
10. Application fee = Ugx 50,000 (East African applicants) or  Ugx 151,500 (International Applicants)

For INTERNATIONAL APPLICANTS, application fees can be transferred either by EFT or any other means in UGX to a designated URA collection account in Bank of Uganda as follows:

Account Name: UGANDA REVENUE AUTHORITY COLLECTIONS
Account No: 003410158000002
Swift Code: UGBAUGKAU
Bank Name: BANK OF UGANDA
Bank Address: KAMPALA, UGANDA
Currency: UGANDA SHILLINGS
Strictly observe the closing date of Wednesday, 30^th April, 2025

11. All Applicants for Master of Business Administration (College of Business and Management Sciences and Makerere University Business School) will do a GMAT test on dates to be communicated by College of Business and Management Sciences and Makerere University Business School respectively.

12. All Applicants for Master of Clinical Psychology, Master of Counselling Psychology, Master of Organisational Psychology and Postgraduate Diploma in Counselling Psychology will be invited for an interview before admission can be made on dates to be communicated by College of Humanities and Social Sciences.

Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi
ACADEMIC REGISTRAR

The Office of Academic Registrar, Makerere University has released results for the Mature Age Entry Scheme Examinations held on Saturday 14th December, 2024.

The Candidates who scored 50% and above in the aptitude test passed the aptitude examination and will have their programme -specific examination paper marked. Those who scored less than 50% failed.

Access the links below for the lists categorised under Science-based and Humanities based programmes respectively:

• Mature Age Entry Aptitude Exam Results -HUMANITIES
• Mature Age Entry Aptitude Exam Results -SCIENCE