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81st Guild Champions First Ever Mak Varsity Awards

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Makerere University has unveiled the first ever “Mak Varsity Awards” in which the institution will recognize public personalities, organizations, staff and students with exceptional achievements. Set to be officially launched on 2nd October 2015, the Mak Varsity Awards will be held annually with this year’s event slated for Thursday, 15th October 2015 in the Makerere University Main Hall under the theme: ‘Motivate To Inspire’.

In light of this, the Awards Organising Committee made up of the Makerere University 81st Guild Cabinet, their partners and sponsors, held a meeting on 23rd September 2015 in Makerere University Council Room. Speaking at the meeting, the Dean of Students Mr. Cyriaco Kabagambe noted that the University is privileged to host the awards as a way of recognising the persons behind the institution’s success as well as increasing the university’s visibility to its stakeholders and the public.

Mr. Kabagambe called upon the public to start nominating their preferred candidates based on the most appropriate category. “Any outstanding organisation, personality, current member of staff and current student with exceptional achievement in any arena is fit for the nomination,” he added.

According to the Mak Guild Information Minister David Ndyabahika, for a candidate to be eligible for nomination he/she must:

  • Possess an exceptional achievement in any arena.
  • Have a notable Endeavour which has made a difference to the University.
  • Have engaged in a substantive contribution which has enhanced the reputation of the University.
  • Have engaged in an activity which has had a noticeably positive impact for students, staff or the local community.
  • Have registered an individual achievement or sustained achievement over a period of time.

“Examples of exceptional achievements by staff include; sporting success, leadership of a community project, exceptional service, innovation in service delivery, notable curricular innovation or significant research impact of some kind. Student exceptional achievements could include; contributions to Hall or SCR, sporting club, student society, other Students' Union activities or representation, volunteering in the community, as a student ambassador, and fundraising activities through College Level,” he said.

The Mak Varsity Award Project Coordinator John Paul Mugwanya, said that, the nomination process is open until 30th September 2015, and voting will take place from 2nd to 12th October 2015.

“We therefore call upon every student, staff, alumni and the entire public to join us as we rebrand our institution. We ought to be the institution our predecessors are proud to associate with wherever they are. Let us therefore nominate and reward our own,” he said.

In his remarks the Makerere University Guild President H.E Bala David said organising the Mak Varsity Awards as the students’ fraternity is a sign of improved relations at the university. He therefore emphasized that the next generation had an obligation to preserve the brand of the mighty Ivory Tower on the African continent and beyond.
    
“As the 81st Guild Cabinet, our mission is really to re-brand Makerere University and improve on our relationship with the public. We want to showcase our academic, research and innovative abilities and capabilities to the public. We want to tell the world out there that Makerere still holds its originality as the best university in East Africa, one of the top ten universities in Africa and one of the best universities in research and innovation globally. This is what we are as Makerere, so we need to increase our visibility and this underlines the importance of the Mak University Awards,” he explained.

The Mak Varsity Awards have attracted many big and successful organisations in Uganda to support the event. Unveiling their packages and support to the media at the gathering, Mrs. Belinda Sebunya–Sales/Reservations and Marketing Manager, Brussels Airlines announced that her company is willing to provide a return ticket to the project of the year winner to travel to Europe.

“In support of this event, Enterprise Uganda is willing to provide business and mentorship services to Makerere University  students and staff,” said Mr. Allan Ssembajjwe from Enterprise Uganda.

In the same meeting, Centenary Bank announced their support by handing over a UGX5million cheque to the Dean of Students Mr. Cyriaco Kabagambe. Mr. Leo Henghes from University Together Empowering Development (UNITED) said that the winner of the Social Impact category will be rewarded with a fully paid trip to Oxford University to present his/her project at the OXFID Conference.

Other key sponsors include; MTN Uganda, Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA), National Social Security Fund (NSSF), Century Bottling Company, SMS one, Capital FM,  Events Warehouse, Vision Group, Enterprise Uganda, HRN Media and the Uganda Police Force.

Please see the Downloads for the award categories.

By Nabatte Proscovia, Mak Public Relations Office
 

Mark Wamai

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Call for Applications: Government Sponsorship 2026/27

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Makerere University -Main Building

The Academic Registrar, Makerere University informs all Head Teachers of Advanced Level (UACE) Schools with UNEB Centre Numbers that applications for admission to Public Universities and other Tertiary Institutions for 2026/2027 Academic Year for government sponsorship will be done electronically/online using the Academic Management Information
System (ACMIS) from 15th October, 2025 to 31st December, 2025. The Public Universities include:
(a) Makerere University
(b) Makerere University Business School
(c) Mbarara University of Science and Technology
(d)Kyambogo University
(e) Gulu University
(f) Busitema University
(g) Muni University
(h) Kabale University
(i) Lira University
(j) Soroti University
(k) Mountains ofthe Moon University

NB: The list of Other Tertiary Institutions is provided on the online application portal.

Other Important documents:

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Business & Management

PIM Centre Holds 9th Steering Committee Meeting, Set to Benefit from World Bank Support

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Mak PIM COE Steering Committee

The Public Investment Management (PIM) Centre of Excellence at Makerere University today, October 10th, 2025, held its 9th Steering Committee Meeting to review progress made in the first quarter of the financial year and plan for the months ahead.

The meeting was chaired by Ms. Getrude Basiima, who represented Mr. Hannington Ashaba, Director Budget at the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development (MoFPED). Ms. Basiima commended the Centre for its continued commitment to strengthening public investment management capacity across government institutions.

In her remarks, Ms. Basiima applauded the Centre for successfully hosting the Public Investment Management Conference held in August at Makerere University. The conference attracted key policymakers, development partners, and academics who deliberated on how to enhance the efficiency, sustainability, and impact of public investments in Uganda.

She further shared exciting news that the Government of Uganda has secured funding from the World Bank to support the public investment management function. The PIM Centre, she announced, will be among the key beneficiaries of these funds — receiving support for the construction and acquisition of a permanent home to enhance its institutional sustainability and training capacity.

Reviewing the Centre’s quarterly performance, Ms. Basiima congratulated the team for successfully conducting three specialized trainings in the first quarter, reaching officials from various Ministries, Departments, and Agencies. These trainings continue to strengthen the technical competencies required for effective project preparation, appraisal, and implementation in line with Uganda’s National Development Plan.

The PIM Steering Committee in a meeting held at Emin Pasha Hotel

She encouraged the Centre to integrate climate change considerations into its future training programmes, noting that sustainable public investment must now account for environmental resilience and climate adaptation.

The centre team presented the proposed  structure/ organogram, the financial performance of 2024/2025, research areas for 2025/2026 and the strategic plan for 2025 – 2030.

The Steering Committee reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the PIM Centre’s vision of becoming a regional leader in building capacity for efficient, transparent, and sustainable public investment management.

Betty Kyakuwa
Betty Kyakuwa

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Strengthening Collaboration between Makerere University and the University of Groningen

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Seated: Prof. Sarah Ssali (C), Dr. Dinie Bouwman (L) and Dr. Anita Veltmaat (R) with teams from Makerere University and the University of Groningen during the meeting on 7th October 2025. Strategic meeting between Makerere University and the University of Groningen, Netherlands to move beyond existing collaborations and formalize a new Double Doctorate (PhD) program, 7th October 2025, Main Building, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

A significant development unfolded at Makerere University during a strategic, hour-long meeting in the vice chancellor’s boardroom on 7th October 2025, marking a deepening bond with the University of Groningen in the Netherlands. The primary goal was to move beyond existing collaborations and formalize a new Double Doctorate (PhD) program. Prof. Sarah Saali, the Deputy Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, set the tone by emphasizing that institutional partnerships are crucial to Makerere University, which she proudly called the leading research and most collaborative university in the world.

The parties from Makerere University and the University of Groningen meeting in the Vice Chancellor's Boardroom. Strategic meeting between Makerere University and the University of Groningen, Netherlands to move beyond existing collaborations and formalize a new Double Doctorate (PhD) program, 7th October 2025, Main Building, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
The parties from Makerere University and the University of Groningen meeting in the Vice Chancellor’s Boardroom.

The discussion promptly formed the core structure of the program: a four-year PhD (or three if the master’s was research-based), with supervision duties split 50-50% between the two institutions. A key feature is the mobility requirement, stipulating that PhD candidates would spend a total of six months in the Netherlands, potentially divided into two three-month periods. Crucially, the University of Groningen confirmed there would be no teaching requirement during this stay, allowing students full access to focus on their research. A major financial hurdle was overcome with the adoption of a fee-waiver policy; Makerere would waive tuition for incoming Groningen candidates, and Groningen would reciprocate for Makerere‘s students, significantly boosting the program’s financial viability.

Prof. Sarah Ssali (R) presents a Mak Souvenir to Dr. Anita Veltmaat. Strategic meeting between Makerere University and the University of Groningen, Netherlands to move beyond existing collaborations and formalize a new Double Doctorate (PhD) program, 7th October 2025, Main Building, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Prof. Sarah Ssali (R) presents a Mak Souvenir to Dr. Anita Veltmaat.

However, the critical issue of the stipend remained. Dr. Anita Veltmaat explained that to meet the required living standard of approximately €1,875 per month in Groningen, the incoming candidate must secure a partial external scholarship of around €250 per month. The positive news is that if the candidate secures this minimum scholarship, the University of Groningen is prepared to top up the amount to the full living standard for the six months the student spends in the Netherlands. It was noted that this initial financial hurdle might be simplified for Makerere students, as many are already staff members receiving a salary, which could help cover the required €250.

The meeting in session. Strategic meeting between Makerere University and the University of Groningen, Netherlands to move beyond existing collaborations and formalize a new Double Doctorate (PhD) program, 7th October 2025, Main Building, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
The meeting in session.

The path forward was clear: it was to complete the agreement template guided by the setup committee from both institutions. The plan culminated in scheduling an online follow-up meeting for Tuesday, November 11th, to review the first revision of the agreement, capping a highly constructive discussion that solidified the two universities’ shared future in graduate education.

The Team from Makerere University from Left to Right: Dr. Ruth Nsibirano, Dr. Racheal Nuwagaba, Dr. Patricia Ndugga, Dr. Stella Achen, Dr. Joseph Watuleke, and Ms. Agatha Ainemukama. Strategic meeting between Makerere University and the University of Groningen, Netherlands to move beyond existing collaborations and formalize a new Double Doctorate (PhD) program, 7th October 2025, Main Building, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
The Team from Makerere University from Left to Right: Dr. Ruth Nsibirano, Dr. Racheal Nuwagaba, Dr. Patricia Ndugga, Dr. Stella Achen, Dr. Joseph Watuleke, and Ms. Agatha Ainemukama.

Makerere University was represented by Prof. Sarah Ssali, the Deputy Vice Chancellor in charge of Academics Affairs; Dr. Ruth Nsibirano, Head of the Department of Gender Studies; Dr. Patricia Ndugga, School of Statistics; Dr. Stella Achen and Dr. Joseph Watuleke, School of Distance and Lifelong Learning; Agatha Ainemukama, School of Engineering; Racheal Nuwagaba, School of Psychology; Awel Uwihanganye, Martine Rugamba, and Hawa Ndagire from the Advancement Office; and Muhammad Kiggundu from the Institute of Gender and Development Studies.

Prof. Sarah Ssali (R) presents a Mak Souvenir to Mrs. Alette Arendshorst. Strategic meeting between Makerere University and the University of Groningen, Netherlands to move beyond existing collaborations and formalize a new Double Doctorate (PhD) program, 7th October 2025, Main Building, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Prof. Sarah Ssali (R) presents a Makerere Souvenir to Mrs. Alette Arendshorst.

The University of Groningen was represented by Dr. Dinie Bouwman, Senior Policy Advisor, Internationalization and Quality Assurance; Dr. Anita Veltmaat, Faculty of Social Behavior and Social Sciences, Department of International Studies, involved in mentorship programs for women; and Dr. Alette Arendshorst, Faculty of Behavioral and Social Sciences, working on graduation/collaboration for students/staff.

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