General
Research and Innovations Communication Strategy under way
Makerere University held her first consultative meeting to discuss the Research and Innovations Communication Strategy (RICS) on 13th July 2015 at the College of Engineering, Design Art and Technology conference hall. The RICS document aims at addressing a key challenge on how to effectively communicate research outputs from Makerere University to both national and international audiences. The draft document was prepared by the Makerere University Department of Journalism and Communication with Dr. William Tayeebwa as the lead consultant, Marjorie K. Niyitegeka as a Consultant and other team members from this department. The Department won the tender after a competitive bidding process; with sponsorship from the Swedish International Development Agency (SIDA).
Among the hindrances/constraints to research output pointed out in the RICS document include; apathy by researchers who do not feel obliged to share their research and innovation outputs with Makerere University, competing research dissemination activities, inadequate funds for research dissemination and absence of a Communication Officer at the Directorate of Research and Graduate Training (DRGT). Nonetheless, the University prides in a coveted brand which continues to attract research funding, increase in research by both staff and students and presence of a research management structure within DRGT.
The RICS document streamlines the officers in charge of communicating the university’s research and innovation output. These include the Vice Chancellor, Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic Affairs), Deans, Principals, Deputy Principals, Researchers and Innovators. It proposes various channels of communication ranging from traditional to online platforms including social media. For purposes of monitoring the efficiency of all these, the document advocates for a monitoring and evaluation mechanism involving both internal and external checks and balances.
According to the Director, Directorate of Research and Graduate Training Prof. Mukadasi Buyinza, “the ultimate benefit of research lies not only in the generation of new knowledge but also in its uptake through the translation of knowledge into technologies, interventions and strategies effectively and appropriately delivered to the end-users. In order to reach this objective, we intend to pursue the entire research process within the context of contemporary knowledge, good ethics, effective policy, adequate resources and international cooperation.”
Dr. Tayeebwa explained that RICS is a result of a consultative process with different stakeholders including Principals, deputy principals, researchers, DRGT, Communication Officers and the directorate of ICT Support. It draws input from the Research and Innovations Policy 2008, the University Research Agenda 2013-18, the ICT Policy and Master Plan 2010-2014 and the Communication Policy 2013.
“Universities are expected to change their role from simply knowledge generation to a more proactive role of generating knowledge that contributes to development. This is because the 21st century is now based on a knowledge economy, where policies and development agenda are informed by knowledge. The knowledge economy implies also that the economies are private sector led and hence Makerere needs to partner with the private sector regarding the graduates it produces as well as the research it conducts. It is heartwarming to note that the University has a vast amount of research outputs that could be shared with other stakeholders nationally and internationally,” added Prof. Buyinza.
During the consultative workshop, participants divided into five groups, discussed the RICS document in detail and provided input. In their proposals, participants suggested that the University holds a Research Week every Semester in order to promote research and innovation output.
"The ideas provided during this workshop have greatly enriched the draft strategy. I must however emphasize that it is important to ensure that funding is available to implement the dissemination activities. The Mak Public Relations and Communications team is ready to perform the tasks within their mandate for the successful implementation of the strategy to internal and external stakeholders," said Ms. Ritah Namisango, the Senior PRO of Makerere University in her vote of thanks.
Mrs. Niyitegeka explained that the consultants will take two weeks to incorporate the proposed amendments and share the document with the wider university community. The consultative meeting was attended by College Principals and their deputies, Researchers, Mak PR office, Communication officers, Web Administrators, the University Librarian, DICTS, DRGT and the Department of Journalism and Communication.
Story by Marion Alina
The Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe on 20th April 2026 inaugurated the Second Makerere University Health User Committee (Mak-HUC). The Committee was established by the Vice Chancellor in 2022 as part of his strategic mandate to strengthen and oversee the University Hospital services delivery.
Chaired by Dr. Allen Kabagenyi from the College of Business and Management Sciences (CoBAMS), Mak-HUC has as its members; Prof. Josaphat K. Byamugisha-Director Makerere University Health Services (MakHS) and Dr. Daniel Ronald Ruhweza-Department of Law and Jurisprudence, School of Law.
Other members include; Dr. Arthur Kwizera-Department of Anaesthesia and Critical Care, College of Health Sciences (CHS) and Makerere University Academic Staff Association (MUASA) Representative, Dr. Lillian Tukahirwa-Makerere University Administrative Staff Association (MASA) Representative, Mr. Godfrey Othieno- National Union of Educational Institutions (NUEI) Representative, and as Secretariat, Ms. Kevin M. Nabiryo-Directorate of Human Resources.
The 2nd Mak-HUC has been appointed for a period of four years effective 1st January 2026 with a mandate to: Guide, monitor and oversee delivery of health services by MakHS; Represent the interests and concerns of staff and students that use MakHS; Advise on alignment with sustainable health financing and insurance models; Strengthen systems for fraud prevention, digital transformation and access to specialized treatment, among other responsibilities.
The 1st Mak-HUC was chaired by Dr. Allen Kabagenyi and had as members; Prof. Josaphat Byamugisha, Dr. Fred Mayambala, Dr. Zahara Nampewo, Mr. Othieno Godfrey, Mr. Apunyo Paul Okiria and Ms. Ikiriza Racheal. Milestones during the first era included; Outpatient Department visits growth from 4,802 (2022) to 7,388 (Nov 2025) for staff and 14,641 (2022) to 19,069 (Nov 2025) for students.
Others milestones included; Commissioning of a fully equipped Operating Theatre, Establishment of a modern Imaging Hub, Development of a fully functional Audiology Unit, Expansion of the Temporal Bone Laboratory, Launch of the Olink Proteomics Platform and Enhancement of the Dental Unit with 32 dental chairs and experienced personnel.
Related article: https://news.mak.ac.ug/2025/12/three-years-of-impact-makerere-university-health-user-committee-presents-status-report/
By Gerald Ochwo
On Monday, 20th April 2026, the Academic Registrar, Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi and his Senior Management Team (SMT) convened to witness the official handover of office within the Senate Division. The ceremony, attended by representatives from the Directorate of Internal Audit, marked an important moment of transition and continuity in the University’s academic administration. The outgoing Deputy Academic Registrar in charge of the Senate Division, Mrs. Patience Mushengyezi, formally handed over office to Ms. Gladys Khamili, who assumes the role in an acting capacity.
In his remarks, Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi underscored the significance of the transition, situating it within a broader institutional context. He observed that the Department of the Academic Registrar has, over the years, experienced a steady wave of retirements, particularly among senior staff. He noted that this trend is expected to continue, with a considerable number of experienced personnel due to retire within the next two years.
While acknowledging the institutional gaps created by these departures, he reassured staff that the University is actively addressing the situation to ensure the continued efficiency of the Department.
“You will agree with me that the Department has, over the years, witnessed the retirement of many senior colleagues. Their departure leaves behind a significant institutional gap. However, the University is fully aware and will address it through targeted recruitment,” he stated.
In her detailed handover report, which she delivered verbatim, Mrs. Patience Mushengyezi reflected on her tenure with gratitude and a deep sense of fulfillment. She paid tribute to the Vice-Chancellor, in his capacity as Chairperson of the University Senate, for his steadfast guidance and support throughout her service. She also expressed sincere appreciation to the Academic Registrar, Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi, for his pragmatic and results-oriented leadership.
“I remain deeply grateful for the support from the Vice-Chancellor and all members of Senate for the trust they accorded me. I equally thank the Academic Registrar, Prof. Buyinza, for his results-oriented approach to administration. His support enabled us to achieve remarkable progress under the DARP (Digitalization of Academic Records and Processes) Project, including the successful digitalization of Senate minutes, some dating as far back as the 1990s, which are now easily retrievable,” she noted.
Her remarks painted a picture of dedication, progress, and institutional strengthening, leaving behind a legacy that will continue to benefit the University.
In her acceptance remarks, Ms. Gladys Khamili expressed heartfelt appreciation to the Academic Registrar for the confidence placed in her. She acknowledged the weight of responsibility that comes with the role and pledged her commitment to upholding the standards and gains established by her predecessor.
She paid glowing tribute to Mrs. Mushengyezi’s exceptional service, noting that her impact within the Senate Division is both profound and enduring.
“I am truly honored by the trust bestowed upon me. I am committed to building on the strong foundation laid by Mrs. Mushengyezi, whose remarkable contribution and dedication will continue to inspire us all,” she said.
The ceremony not only marked the end of a distinguished era in the Department of the Academic Registrar, but also the beginning of a new phase, underscored by continuity, renewal, and a shared commitment to excellence in academic administration at Makerere University.
Gerald Ochwo is the Liaison and Communication Officer, Office of the Academic Registrar
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