General
President Museveni Hails Makerere University
141 Farmers awarded certificates
President Yoweri Museveni has hailed Makerere University for bringing knowledge from the University to communities."You have replicated what happened 2000 years ago when Jesus Christ chose to come on earth and save sinners instead of staying in heaven and sending messengers," the President said amidst applause from the congregation gathered at Rukoni Sub-County, Ntungamo district to witness the award ceremony of Makerere University in the community.
President Museveni applauded Prof. Kabasa and the team in the College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Bio-security (COVAB) and the Africa Institute for Strategic Services and Development (AFRISA) platform for demystifying knowledge and higher education in general, coming down to the people and making it possible for skills to be accessible by the masses.
Impressed by the milestones reached through the SPEDA model, the Head of State pledged more funding to the College so that together with the Government of Uganda, they continue to transform communities, eradicate poverty, create employment and valuable production enterprises.
"We have been supporting similar programmes and in the future, we are going to give you much more support than we have done in the past", the President said amidst claps.
The Chancellor of Makerere University, Prof. George Mondo Kagonyera presided over the award ceremony during which Dr. Michael Kansiime-Head presented 141awardees for Certificates in Skills, Production, Enterprises, Development and Academics (SPEDA) model under the AFRISA platform.
Prof. Kagonyera congratulated the awardees upon their choice to acquire knowledge and skills in production. “The awardees are dressed in graduation regalia so that it sinks in the minds of all the people that the awardees have acquired knowledge. They are therefore better than before because in addition to being wise, they are knowledgeable,” he emphasized. He said that Makerere University is now more than ready to go into the communities and fight poverty through the SPEDA educational and community transformation model.
The SPEDA model was conceptualized 7 years ago after a directive from President Yoweri Museveni to the then School of Veterinary Medicine to transform the nation through veterinary medicine, animal resources, science and technology. "We had no idea how long it was going to take us to reach where we are" Prof. John David Kabasa, Principal College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Bio-security (COVAB) noted. He said that Makerere University has spent the last 7 years developing this model in consultation with different organisations and government ministries. Prof. Kabasa further noted that the entire program of community transformation starts at the grassroots to skill masses, create wealth and improve livelihoods.
The First Lady, Hon. Janet Kataha Museveni, Minister of Karamoja Affairs, Member of Parliament Ruhaama County encouraged the awardees to make use of the acquired knowledge to work hard and earn more income so that they can have a better lives. The First Lady who is also the Patron of Ntungamo Transformation Initiative (NTI), an umbrella organization of church leaders in Ntungamo appreciated the worthwhile partnership between the Government of Uganda, Makerere University, AFRISA and religious leaders that will enable Ugandans to truly get out of poverty.
A total of 141 individuals were awarded general artisan certificates in 6 disciplines of Fish industry and business, Pig industry and business, Poultry industry and business, bee industry and business, dairy industry and business and zootechnics and agro entrepreneurship. The awardees fulfilled all the requirements set by Makerere University after undergoing an intensive 8-month training and nurturing program by staff of COVAB and the Africa Institute for Strategic Animal Services and Development (AFRISA),which is the partnership engagement platform for the SPEDA programmes.
While presenting the awardees to the Chancellor, Dr. Michael Kansiime, head AFRISA secretariat said that initially 200 people registered for the training, out of which 179 actually went through the training as approved by Makerere University. Of these, 130 were male and 49 female. While 141 completed successfully, 38 did not and are still on probational progress and still being mentored and nurtured to start their enterprise.
"We vowed that lamentations at graduations should be history, said Prof. Kabasa in relation to the thousands of university students who graduate every year without employment. With the SPEDA model, an individual graduates with an enterprise. He said that the awardees if they wished could enroll for an ordinary certificate, then a diploma and finally a degree if they wished, with each level adding on to their prior skills and knowledge.
The overall best awardee was Lydia Akankwatsa, who before the training was focused on her banana plantation. She has since the training, established a viable poultry business with 100 layers, producing 89 eggs a day, an equivalent of 26,700/= a day.
Also among the outstanding awardees, was the best performing female youth. Immaculate Tweyanze, an S.3 student is now paying her school fees from the piggery business that she improved upon during the course of the nurturing period. Prior to the training, she had only one pig that she was not looking after well. She has now expanded the business by stocking more pigs having gained more knowledge. She has so far sold 3 pigs, earning her 300,000/=. Her plan is to raise her stock to 360, which will increase her business worth to 95,000,000/=
Others who received special recognition were the best male youth and the best performer per value chain. According to Dr. Kansiime, all the trainees went through a continuous assessment of their progress every month. They also sat an oral exam and were guided in the development of their business plans.
The Diocese of South Ankole under the leadership of the Rt. Rev. Nathan Ahimbisibwe has purchased a training venue and facilities for more people to be trained and currently registration is in process. In what he termed as a memorable day in the history of Ntungamo and Uganda at large, Bishop Ahimbisibwe who is also the Chairman Board of Directors, NTI thanked the university and Mrs. Museveni for their support to transform the region. The Bishop called upon AFRISA and Makerere to continue training people not only in Ntungamo but the entire region.
Present at the ceremony were delegations from Busoga, Masabaland, Lango and Bugwere who are interested in having the same programme in their respective regions.
"We have built capacity to instruct 1,000 individuals at a time, with Makerere taking leadership in curriculum development and quality assurance. We are waiting to be propelled forward", Prof. Kabasa told the congregation.
Written by: Jovia Musubika
General
Mak and University of the West of England Sign MoU to Advance Research, Innovation and Skills Development
Makerere University and the University of the West of England (UWE) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at strengthening collaboration in research, innovation, and enterprise development. The signing ceremony took place on Friday, 17th October 2025, in the Vice Chancellor’s Boardroom, Main Administration Building, Makerere University.
The partnership will focus on joint research initiatives in climate science, early childhood development and elderly care, wildlife ecology and conservation management, technology, and sustainable agriculture.
The Uganda High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, H.E. Nimisha Madhvani, who witnessed the signing, congratulated both institutions and reaffirmed the Government of Uganda’s commitment to strengthening international collaborations that enhance education, innovation, and investment.
“We are not only promoting education, but also tourism, business, and investment. This partnership is a great bridge between Uganda and the United Kingdom,” said H.E. Madhvani. “With the full support of His Excellency the President and the First Lady, we look forward to building on this momentum to establish impactful initiatives, including a proposed teaching hospital.”
Speaking during the event, the Vice Chancellor of Makerere University, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, reaffirmed the University’s commitment to producing graduates who are not only employable but also capable of creating jobs and transforming their communities.
“Our goal is to train students who go out to create their own jobs and employ others who have not had the opportunity to attend university,” said Prof. Nawangwe. “We are working seriously on issues of food security, health, and conflict management — particularly in the Great Lakes region, which has one of the highest numbers of conflicts per capita. Through research and collaboration, we aim to address these challenges while ensuring Africa is not left behind in the digital economy.”
Prof. Nawangwe also highlighted Makerere’s initiatives in the digital and peace sectors, including the work of the Rotary Peace Center, which plays a vital role in promoting peace across the world by equipping fellows with academic training, practice, and global networking opportunities through a year-long, blended-learning professional certificate program.
Representing the University of the West of England, the Vice Chancellor Ms. Jo Midgley commended Makerere University for its strong research focus and expressed enthusiasm for the partnership.
“Like Makerere, we are a comprehensive university. We want this partnership to go beyond conversations and translate into action,” she said. “Our areas of strength include sustainability, climate change, future technology, health, and community placemaking. We believe this collaboration offers a unique opportunity to co-create programmes that prepare students for the evolving global workforce.”
She further emphasized the need for universities to work closely with industry partners to co-design programs that meet current skill demands while promoting innovation and enterprise among students.
The Deputy High Commissioner, Ambassador Miriam Otengo, commended Makerere for its leadership in higher education and shared ongoing efforts to mobilize the Makerere alumni in the United Kingdom. She also revealed plans to host a Makerere Alumni Symposium in London, aimed at showcasing the University’s excellence and strengthening ties with its diaspora community.
Also in attendance was Mr. Hefin Rees KC, Chairman of Spotlight on Africa, a UK-based charitable organization, who expressed interest in partnering with Makerere University to establish a teaching hospital in Mbale focused on women and children’s health. He praised Makerere for producing world-class professionals and reaffirmed his organization’s commitment to supporting health-related initiatives.
In his closing remarks, Prof. Nawangwe thanked the High Commission for facilitating the partnership and welcomed the opportunity to discuss the proposed teaching hospital, describing it as “a timely and vital project for Uganda’s health sector.”
“This collaboration represents a new chapter for Makerere University and the University of the West of England. Together, we will advance research, promote innovation, and equip our students to respond to global challenges,” he said. The ceremony concluded with the formal signing of the MoU, marking the beginning of a long-term partnership built on shared values of excellence, innovation, and community impact.
The Acting (Ag.) Vice Chancellor, Prof. Sarah Ssali on Thursday 16th October, 2025 held a press conference to update members of the Media on the 2026 World University Rankings by Times Higher Education (THE).
The event held in the Vice Chancellor’s Boardroom, Main Building, was attended by the Director Graduate Training-Prof. Julius Kikooma, Director Quality Assurance-Dr. Cyprian Misinde, Dean of Students-Dr. Winifred Kabumbuli, Director Research, Innovations, and Partnerships-Prof. Robert Wamala, Deputy Chief – Public Relations-Ms. Eunice Rukundo, Ag. Manager International Relations-Mr. Matthias Ssemanda, and staff from the Offices of the Vice and Deputy Vice Chancellors.
The proceedings of the Press Conference follow below;
Vice Chancellor’s Press Statement
UNIVERSITY RANKINGS: MAKERERE STILL NUMBER ONE IN THE REGION
It gives me great pleasure to share with our stakeholders and the general public that Makerere University has been ranked Number 1. in the East African region, in the Times Higher Education rankings released this month of October 2025.
In its 2026 World University Rankings, Times Higher Education (THE) places Makerere University in top position in East Africa, and in the 801-1000 band globally. The ranking considers five performance indicators, namely: Teaching; Research environment; Research quality; International Outlook; and Industry. Makerere’s overall score was 37.2, significantly outperforming peer institutions in the Region that average scores of 18.8.
In particular, Makerere University continues to thrive in Research Quality where we scored 54.2% but even better in International Outlook where we scored highest with 69.7%. See Table 1 for details. On the continent, Makerere University ranked 8th in the 2024 Sub-Saharan African University Rankings.
We would like to reassure all stakeholders and well-wishers that Makerere University continues to hold steadfast as the regional leader in higher education. Our commitment to deliver excellence in our teaching, research, and socioeconomic impact has not wavered.
WE BUILD FOR THE FUTURE.
Thank you.
Fact Sheet
UNIVERSITY RANKINGS
Table 1: East African Universities – 2025 Ranking Comparison
| Rank | Name | Overall | Teaching | Research Env. | Research Quality | Industry | Int. Outlook |
| 801–1000 | Makerere University | 35.5–38.9 | 21.5 | 26.6 | 54.2 | 32.8 | 69.7 |
| 1501+ | Kenyatta University | 10.3–27.2 | 14.3 | 9.1 | 34.2 | 17.4 | 54.6 |
| 1501+ | Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences | 10.3–27.2 | 21.6 | 14.9 | 30.3 | 27.5 | 54.6 |
| 1501+ | University of Dar es Salaam | 10.3–27.2 | 14.5 | 11.1 | 26.5 | 21.9 | 47.2 |
| 1501+ | University of Nairobi | 10.3–27.2 | 15.9 | 16.1 | 39.7 | 22.5 | 49.4 |
| 1501+ | University of Rwanda | 10.3–27.2 | 14.1 | 14.9 | 25.6 | 21.1 | 57.5 |
End
The Board of the Zambia Research and Education Network (ZAMREN) led by the Chairperson, Prof. Mundia Muya on 14th October 2025 paid a courtesy call on the Vice Chancellor, Makerere University. The Board which is on a two-day exposure visit to the Research and Education Network of Uganda (RENU) was received by the Acting (Ag.) Vice Chancellor and Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic Affairs), Prof. Sarah Ssali in the Vice Chancellor’s Boardroom.
The Chairperson was accompanied by Mr. Ronald Hatoongo and Mr. Stein Mkandawire, the Board Secretary and CEO of ZAMREN respectively, as well as RENU’s CEO-Mr. Nicholas Mbonimpa and RENUMESH Technologies CEO-Mr. Brian Masiga. In attendance were Mr. Samuel Mugabi-Director DICTS, Prof. Robert Wamala-Director Research, Innovations and Partnerships (DRIP), and Prof. Tonny Oyana-Principal College of Computing and Information Sciences (CoCIS).
Also present were; Prof. Paul Birevu Muyinda-Director Institute of Open, Distance and eLearning (IODeL), Dr. Godfrey Mayende-Deputy Director IODeL, Dr. Michael Walimbwa- College of Education and External Studies (CEES), Dr. Cathy Mbidde- Ag. Manager. Makerere University Innovation Pod, Ms. Eunice Rukundo-Deputy Chief-Public Relations and staff from the Office of the Vice Chancellor.
In her welcome remarks, Prof. Ssali thanked the ZAMREN Board for including the courtesy call on their Kampala itinerary and extended warm greetings from the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe. She noted that Makerere as a founding member of RENU has enjoyed a mutually beneficial collaboration, that has benefited both staff and students in the form of supporting growing connectivity needs, as well as training, mentorship, and development of technical skills for both continuing students and graduates.
Turning to the gist of the courtesy call, the Acting Vice Chancellor noted that the Makerere University through the Centre for Artificial Intelligence (MAK-AI) seeks to harness the transformative power of AI to address society’s most pressing challenges. “Projects undertaken by our Centre tackle real-world challenges in health, agriculture, languages, and beyond.”
Prof. Ssali nevertheless underscored the importance of upholding ethics in all AI undertakings “Mindful of global trends elsewhere, the work of the Makerere AI Centre is guided by the principles of Responsible AI, ensuring that systems are transparent, accountable, fair, and designed to benefit society.”
She therefore called upon the delegation to thoughtfully engage with the ideas presented during their visit with the aim of collectively exploring both institution can better equip staff and students to meaningfully make the most of this fast-evolving trend.
On behalf of the Board, Prof. Muya who is substantively the Vice Chancellor of the University of Zambia thanked Prof. Ssali and Members of Management present for according his delegation a warm reception to Makerere University, “one of Africa’s most distinguished centres of higher learning.
“Makerere University is not only a symbol of academic excellence but also a beacon of leadership in higher education on the African continent”, remarked Prof. Muya.
The Chairperson equally expressed the delegation’s keenness to understand how AI is being adopted, and how the academia is embracing the technology as an enabler of teaching and research. “At ZAMREN, we view digital transformation and AI integration as critical enablers of academic excellence, efficiency, and competitiveness across higher education institutions,” he remarked, adding that “We therefore look to Makerere University’s experience to draw practical lessons that can inform and inspire our efforts back home.”
Turning to the lessons from Makerere in line with digital transformation and ICT, the Director DICTS shared that owing to the partnership with RENU, internet bandwidth, a vital enabler of AI transformation currently stands at 5 Gbps of monthly consumption, with plans to scale-up to 8 Gbps. He added that RENU has also facilitated Makerere’s access to Open Libraries, and Eduroam – a secure, encrypted Wi-Fi network across to staff and students freely access the internet across partner institutions in Uganda using their University emails.
Furthermore on the enablers of AI integration, Mr. Mugabi noted that in line with digitalization of institutional business process, the University Council took a bold step to develop all information systems in-house, a move that has reduced costs spent on offshore solutions, and hemorrhage of skills. He pointed to the introduction of open source solutions, and AI policy and global collaborations with corporations such as Google as additional enablers.
Addressing AI readiness, Prof. Tonny Oyana pointed out the need for the University of Zambia to start early, citing Makerere efforts which began as far back as 2007, when Dr. John Quinn joined the institution after his PhD. He added that Dr. Quinn together with other former staff from Makerere formed Sunbird AI, a thriving initiative creating practical systems for the benefit of community.
Prof. Oyana also pointed to AI initiatives that have attracted up to USD 5million from Google Awards, staff with specialized skills in the creation and development of sensor technologies, top notch students that win continental and global awards from companies such as Huawei, and active engagements with partners to produce solutions to enhance diagnosis of malaria, tuberculosis and cancer as some of areas that demonstrate Makerere’s AI readiness.
Addressing academic and research innovation, Prof. Robert Wamala pointed out that Makerere, in recognition that the institution cannot achieve its vision alone is intentional about seeking and nurturing mutually beneficial partnerships. Furthermore, he shared that Vice Chancellor’s Annual Research Excellence Awards reward and recognize the efforts of staff who have excelled in publication, teaching and winning grants.
The Director DRIP equally underscored the need for dissemination of research produced by staff and students, pointing out the annual research and innovation week as a flagship event for not only showcasing research but also forging meaningful partnerships with stakeholders. In line with technology transfer, Prof. Wamala said that the University through the Intellectual Property Management Office ensures that innovations developed by staff and students packaged for adoption by other individuals or organisations.
Addressing the use of technologies in academic work, Prof. Birevu noted that IODeL conducts capacity building in instructional design, online facilitation, use of AI in teaching and digital assessments. “We have also advised the University on ODeL and Distance Education strategies, for instance, we have developed a ten-year masterplan for distance education with support from the Korean Government to outline how Makerere University is going to integrate distance education within its offering” he added.
At the close of the deliberations the ZAMREN expressed sincere appreciation to the Ag. Vice Chancellor and Members of Management for the free sharing that pointed out a number of priorities.
-
General5 days agoCall for Applications: Government Sponsorship 2026/27
-
General2 weeks agoVice Chancellor Updates Media on DVC AA Appointment, Acquisitions, Research & Various Issues
-
General2 weeks agoStrengthening Collaboration between Makerere University and the University of Groningen
-
Computing & IS2 weeks agoICT Bootcamp for Vacists (P7, S4 & S6), Students & Professionals
-
General2 weeks agoMakerere and Nelson Mandela University Move to Actualize Existing MoU