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Mak Unveils Units Quality Assurance Committees

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According to the Makerere University Strategic Plan 2008/09 – 2018/19, Quality Assurance is one of three crosscutting issues; the other two being internationalisation and gender mainstreaming, that impact on the activities of the University. In addition to contributing to the global phenomenon that higher education has become, these three issues also form the basis for investment in higher education at all levels.

The Quality Assurance Directorate (QAD) was therefore created as the guarantor of Makerere University’s Quality Assurance Mission To promote confidence in the academic provision (teaching, research and outreach services) that the quality and the standards of awards of Makerere University are safeguarded, enhanced and effectively managed. In line with this mandate, QAD organized a half-day workshop on Tuesday 24th March 2015, where Quality Assurance Committees from Colleges, The Library and Administrative Units were officially inaugurated by the Vice Chancellor Professor John Ddumba-Ssentamu.

Director QAD-Dr. Vincent Ssembatya elaborates on the role of Quality Assurance at Makerere, 24th March 2015, CEDAT, Makerere University, Kampala UgandaIn his welcome remarks at the workshop held at the College of Engineering, Design, Art and Technology (CEDAT), the Director-Quality Assurance, Dr. Vincent Ssembatya thanked all participants for keeping time and turning up in large numbers for the historic first meeting of Units’ Quality Assurance Committees. He however pointed out the Quality Assurance Committees had always existed under the faculty-based system where they were tasked with overseeing the standards of teaching, timetabling, examinations-setting, invigilation and marking as well as a host of other functions.

He highlighted that the face of Quality Assurance was constantly evolving hence necessitating engrafting of IT-enabled systems in the daily processes that delivered services to both staff and students. In this regard, he highlighted the newly-developed Courses Website http://courses.mak.ac.ug and the Graduate Tracking website as two systems that are being deployed to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the teaching and learning environment at Makerere University.

The Vice Chancellor Prof. John Ddumba-Ssentamu in his address to participants commended QAD for organizing the workshop and the Royal Government of Sweden through the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency-Sida for supporting University activities especially through the Quality Assurance sub-programme.
“Sida has supported the development of the following systems that will improve the Quality of processes within the University namely the: Graduate Tracking System; Courses Website; Equipment Database-under construction; and Research Management System-under construction. We have come a long way to this point and the fruits of our hard work can be seen already through increased visibility in terms of our services, notably research output and publications” said the Vice Chancellor.

Mr. Innocent Nkwasibwe-UNCHE gives an overview of Quality Assurance in Institutions, 24th March 2015, CEDAT, Makerere University, Kampala UgandaFollowing a brief demonstration of Graduate Tracking and Courses Management Systems by Ms. Catherine Kuteesa and Ms. Rachael Nakirya respectively, the Vice Chancellor officially inaugurated the Makerere Quality Assurance, Gender and ICT Committees as well as launched the aforementioned IT Systems.  

The Uganda National Council for Higher Education (UNCHE) as the regulator for higher education in Uganda is the chief custodian of Quality Assurance for all institutions of higher learning in the Nation. Providing an overview of Quality Assurance in Institutions of Higher Education at the workshop, Mr. Innocent Nkwasibwe-Senior Quality Assurance Official & Head Tertiary Institutions at UNCHE who represented Mr. Pius Achang said the Quality Assurance Framework of UNCHE is the basic guideline for discharging the Council’s roles.

He shared that whereas Public Institutions have well laid-out structures of governance, most Private Higher Education Institutions on the other hand had Governance as the biggest challenge despite faring well on the financial and infrastructural fronts. He commended Makerere University for being the only university to have conducted a Self-Assessment Study and produced a report as well as for guaranteeing that QAD is full established and adequately staffed.

“Any Higher Education Institution that does not have a Quality Assurance Directorate as well as a separate set of staff for this function will continue muddling through in as far as quality is concerned. Quality Assurance Officers are the watchdogs. They need to be agile, resilient and exemplary,” Mr. Nkwasibwe advised.

L-R: Vice Chancellor-Prof. John Ddumba-Ssentamu, CEDAT Principal-Dr. Henry Alinaitwe and UNCHE's Mr. Innocent Nkwasibwe at the Units' QA Committees Launch 24th March 2015, CEDAT Conf Hall, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda

Mr. Nkwasibwe shared that indicators from UNCHE showed that staff development especially at Masters Level was on the decline in Higher Education Institutions and urged Makerere University continue implementing quality assurance procedures so as to be able to retain both students and staff.

Article by Public Relations Office
 

Mark Wamai

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Call for Applications: Admission to Postgraduate Programmes 2026/2027

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SoL Graduands celebrate after being conferred upon their awards. 75th Graduation Ceremony, Day 1, CoCIS, CEES, CoVAB and School of Law. 13th January 2025, Freedom Square, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

The Academic Registrar, Makerere University invites applications for admission to Graduate Programmes (Postgraduate Diplomas, Masters and Doctoral Degree Programmes) for the 2026/2027 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.

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Simon Mungudit: Mak’s Best Performing Male Science Student & Rising Star in Petroleum Geoscience

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Simon Mungudit emerged the best performing male science student this year. He is set to graduate from Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa on 24th February 2026 in the Freedom Square.

At just 24 years old, Simon Mungudit from the College of Natural Sciences (CoNAS) has etched his name in the academic history of Makerere University, having emerged as the overall best male student in the Sciences, an achievement earned through perseverance, discipline, and an unrelenting pursuit of excellence.

Mungudit is set to graduate during 76th graduation ceremony scheduled for 24th to 27th February 2026, having attained a CGPA of 4.76 in the Bachelor of Science in Petroleum Geoscience and Production. His academic interests-Reservoir Engineering, Petrophysics, and Drilling-reflect a deep understanding of the subsurface sciences that power modern energy systems.

Early Life and Journey to Academic Excellence

Born to Mr. Owor Thomas, a Game Ranger with the Uganda Wildlife Authority at Murchison Falls National Park, and Ms. Lilly Obewun Grace of Akuru Bridge Village, Nyaravur Sub-County in Nebbi District, Mungudit’s journey to academic excellence began far from the lecture halls of Makerere. At Karuma Primary School, Mungudit scored 12 aggregates in the Primary Leaving Examinations (PLE), setting the pace for his future success. He proceeded to St. Daniel Comboni College, Nebbi, where he attained 14 aggregates in 8 subjects at O’ Level. He then joined Namilyango College, one of the best secondary schools in Uganda, where he studied Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics (PCM) and scored 19 points, results that secured him government sponsorship to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Petroleum Geoscience and Production at Makerere University.

Gratitude to his mentors and sponsors

Behind these milestones lies a story of humility, gratitude and opportunity. Mungudit credits his parents for supporting his primary and O’ Level education and expresses gratitude to TotalEnergies, which provided a full bursary for his A’ Level studies, covering tuition, upkeep, and medical care. He also acknowledges the Government of Uganda for sponsoring his university education, a factor he says motivated him to excel.

At Makerere, Mungudit thrived in an environment that blended rigorous academics with mentorship. He pays tribute to his lecturers, particularly Dr. Arthur Batte, Head, Department of Geology and Petroleum Studies, for their unwavering commitment to nurturing students and pushing them to excel.

“I always aimed to excel,” Mungudit says. “Together with a few colleagues, we formed a group and held discussions on a daily. This, coupled with a conducive study environment, prayer, and discipline, enabled us to attain excellent grades.”

Dr Arthur Batte describes Mungidit as a humble yet very intelligent student.

Achievements and Professional Experience

Beyond academics, Mungudit consistently demonstrated expertise in petroleum engineering. In 2024, he led a team that won the Reservoir Modelling Challenge, organized by the American Association of Petroleum Geologists (AAPG) Makerere University Chapter, earning prize money and a sponsored field trip to the Tilenga Project courtesy of COSL. He was First Runner-Up in the Petro Bowl competitions of 2023 and 2025, a highly competitive petroleum knowledge quiz organized by the Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE) Uganda Section. He served as a Student Officer for the SPE Makerere University Chapter in 2023, and in 2024, he chaired the Organizing Committee of the SPE Annual Students’ Technical Conference and Exhibition, helping bridge the gap between academia and industry.

His learning extended beyond the classroom. During his internship, he worked with TotalEnergies, where he applied petrophysics skills to analyze gas-while-drilling data for formation evaluation, hands-on exposure that sharpened his professional competence. At Makerere University, he mastered PetroMod 2018, a critical software tool in oil and gas exploration. After completing his studies in June 2025, Mungudit trained with the Uganda National Oil Company (UNOC), participating in the 2D seismic acquisition in the Kasurubani Block in Buliisa and Hoima districts.

Mungudit currently works as the Special Projects Coordinator for the Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE) Uganda Section Student Liaison Committee.

Future Plans

Mungudit hopes to work in the oil and gas industry in the upstream sector as a geoscientist. He also plans to pursue further studies in petroleum engineering.

From a village in Nebbi to the forefront of petroleum geoscience, Mungudit’s story is one of an opportunity seized and potential realized. It is a testament to what is possible when talent meets support, and when determination is guided by faith, mentorship, and service. As Uganda’s oil and gas sector continues to evolve, Mungudit stands as a symbol of the skilled, principled professionals poised to shape its future.

The CoNAS fraternity congratulates Mungudit on this noble achievement.

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Hasifa Kabejja

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Press Statement: Makerere 76th Graduation Ceremony

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Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe (Centre) presents one of the printed batches of transcripts the Registrar College of Computing and Information Sciences (CoCIS)-Ms. Ruth Iteu Eyoku (2nd Right) as Right to Left: DVCAA-Prof. Sarah Ssali, AR-Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi and Ms. Prossy Nakayiki witness on 28th January 2026. Vice Chancellor's Press Briefing on the 76th Graduation due to be held 24th-27th February 2026 at Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

Makerere University’s 76th graduation ceremony will be held from February 24th – 27th, 2026, at the Makerere University Freedom Square, starting at 8.30am. During the 76th graduation ceremony, we shall confer degrees and award certificates to 185 PhDs, 2034 Masters, 6,043 bachelors, 137 postgraduate diplomas and 33 diplomas.

I am proud to announce that in comparison to the 75th graduation, we have registered a 30% growth in graduate student output. This is a result of our strategic decision to prioritize graduate education per our research-led agenda.

I also wish to announce that the transcripts have been finalized and are ready for pick up. Today, I am handing over the ready transcripts to the College principals and can be picked up from respective Colleges even before the graduation ceremony.

Important to Note:

In preparation for the graduation ceremony, the University wishes to note the following:

  1. Pre-graduation clearances
    Graduands are reminded to clear all necessary payments such as tuition and all graduation
    fees. It is also important to check with your College to ensure your name is on the graduation
    list and all mandatory clearances with university officials have been finalized. Note and
    internalize the graduation schedule (attached) to know which day you are graduating.
  2. Securing the graduation gowns
    Graduation gowns will be issued starting from 2nd February 2026 from the University Hall (Dinning Hall), Monday to Friday, from 9am to 4pm. To collect your gown, check and ensure your name appears on the Senate Graduation list, present your student number or National ID, and proof of payment for the gown.
  3. Security requirements
    • Attendance: For each day of graduation, entrance to the graduation ground will be by invitation only. Graduands will be issued with invitation cards which permits two guests per graduand. Do not come with more than two people or they will not be allowed access to the graduation venue. Graduands are encouraged to arrive to settle at the Freedom Square by 7am on graduation day to for a seamless flow of planned activities including the necessary security checks.
    • Prohibited items: Prohibited items include firearms, sharp instruments like mirrors and knives, alcohol, cell or batteries and chemicals, canned food and drinks, laptops, flashes and hard disks, radios including pocket radios, bottled drinks, cameras, large bags or any other heavy items.
    • Media: All media and journalists who wish to cover the ceremony must be pre-accredited by the Makerere University Public Relations office or they will not be allowed to access the ceremony venue. The access point for accredited media personnel will be the Senate Building.
    • Parking: There will be two designated parking areas; Rugby Grounds for those coming through the Eastern and Main Gate; and the second one is the Makerere University Main Grounds at Makerere College School. For VVIPs, VIPs and procession parking will be at CTF1, Directorate of Legal parking, St Francis and St Augustine parking, JICA and Senate Building.
    • Access Control: To ease traffic flow and management, the University has planned three access points to the graduation venue: the School of Social Sciences, Senate Building and the University Swimming Pool.
  4. For help and inquiries
    • Starting February 2, 2026, the Academic Registrar ’s Office and Graduation Committee will set up an information tent outside the Senate Building to provide guidance and handle all inquiries pertaining to graduation.


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