General
One Thousand Students to Benefit from the Mak- Mastercard Partnership
Makerere University has signed US$20,989,965.15 contract with MasterCard Foundation to sponsor 1000 students who are academically bright but economically disadvantaged youth from Africa to study at Makerere University from 2013 to 2023. The contract, signed by Makerere University Vice Chancellor Prof. John Ddumba- Ssentamu and Peggy Woo Chief Financial Officer, MasterCard Foundation, was officially exchanged on 1st September 2015 at a ceremony in Senate building, Makerere University.
According to Dr. Florence Nakayiwa, the Coordinator of Makerere University – MasterCard Foundation Program, this project will help in developing the next generation of African Leaders and also promote the strategic objectives of Makerere University and MasterCard Foundation in contributing to Africa's higher education sector and development.
“The project is also aligned to the visions and missions of the two organisations categorised under academics with the aim of transforming African leaders to address societal needs, “she said.
MasterCard foundation is a global, independent foundation which advances youth learning and promotes inclusion so as to catalyse prosperity in developing countries. The foundation is committed to its vision of educating young people who are dedicated to the betterment of their communities.
In an earlier meeting with the Vice Chancellor, delegates from MasterCard Foundation Ms. Ivy Mwai and Ms. Grace Hui discussed the terms of the contract upon which the project will be implemented. The team highlighted that the MasterCard Foundation Scholars Program at Makerere University is a six cohort scholars program with the first cohort of 50 Scholars recruited for the 2014/2015 academic year. The program is offering comprehensive student support, that include;
- Tuition and Functional fees
- Accommodation, Feeding and stipend
- Laptop, books and other learning materials,
- Transport to and from home
- Medical insurance
- Psychosocial support and mentoring of scholars
- Capacity building program for life skills development in ICT, Leadership, Gender, Human Rights, Communication, Entrepreneurship and Financial Literacy.
Ms. Ivy Mwai- MasterCard Foundation representative based in Kenya acknowledged Makerere University’s legacy in academic excellence and leadership training skills which have mentored several academicians and leaders. Ms Mwai said that Makerere’s historical relationship with Kenya will never be undermined due to the fact that the institution mentored the country’s prominent Presidents who have led to tremendous change in Kenya and the rest of Africa.
“We are therefore happy to have Makerere University on board. We believe that with you and your historical legacy we shall build a well informed and skilfully capable Africa,” she said.
Speaking to the Vice Chancellor, Ms. Grace Hui unveiled the Global Network of Education Institutions and non-profit organisations, a new program to MasterCard Foundation. Ms. Hui said that the growing network will document and share best practices to identify, educate and mentor students and transition them into work force.
“Partners in Global Network of Education Institutions and non-profit organisations are selected for their shared values, academic excellence, nurturing environments, and programs relevant to developing countries. I therefore encourage Makerere University to actively participate in this network so as to gain more recognition from the partner sponsors,” she stated.
The team also interacted with over 80 students sponsored under the MasterCard Foundation program. The students their life and academic experiences, engaged in discussions and debates. The Scholars thanked MasterCard Foundation for investing in their education, an opportunity that will enable them to positively change the world.
“If it was not for MasterCard scholarship program, I wouldn’t have been here. Since my childhood I have always wanted to study and reach Makerere University. However my dream had been washed away after the death of my mother when I was only 9 years. I was left in the hands of my grandfather who also died when I had just joined O-level. At this point I lost all the hope of continuing with my studies. However, my hope was raised by MasterCard when they funded my O and A level education and I am glad that I managed to score highly in my A-level results and the program enrolled me to Makerere University. I sincerely thank MasterCard Foundation for the support and care you have offered to us because from here I can now achieve my dream of being an engineer,” said Robinah Anyikuru, second-year student of Bachelors of Commerce.
During this meeting Ms. Mwai encouraged students to focus on their academics in order to achieve their goals. She explained that the students’ achievements will determine the success of the project’s main objectives.
“So success is to all of us. If you succeed, the project succeeds and the same to MasterCard. It excites me to meet the people we are doing this project for therefore we want to see you engaged. You are pursuing those degrees to be happy in future and it is all about you and how you maximise your opportunity. Together we can make the world we want to see,” she said.
Ms. Ivy Mwai encouraged the youth to work hard and develop Africa.
“Africa is rising. It is rising because of the young people. I am happy to see that Makerere University management is here. It is a testimony that you will confidently promote the MasterCard Foundation scholarship program," she said.
In a speech read by the Makerere University Academic Registrar Alfred Namoah Masikye, the Vice Chancellor Prof. John Ddumba-Ssentamu argued the beneficiaries not to take this opportunity for granted but rather work hard and excel in order to transform their lives.
“You are being nurtured to be the leaders of tomorrow who will have the skills and ability to transform the society. Your actions and behaviours will matter a lot in the course of your education and transitions," the Vice Chancellor remarked.
The function climaxed with a dinner organised at the Vice Chancellor’s Lodge. At the dinner, Prof. Ddumba-Ssentamu presented a plaque to the MasterCard Foundation received by Ms. Ivy Mwai, in recognition of the institution’s great contribution to developing the next generation of African leaders by sponsoring bright but economically disadvantaged youth access quality higher education at Makerere University.
Giving a vote of thanks, the Dean, School of Women and Gender Studies and Member of the MCF Steering Committee, Dr. Josephine Ahikire in her vote of thanks said that the Steering Committee chaired by Makerere University Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic Affairs) is committed to the success of the MasterCard Scholarship Program at Makerere University.
Dr. Ahikire added that the project presents Makerere University with an opportunity to produce role models for society and students who have been nurtured and given proper guidance.
Article: Mak Public Relations Office
By Murungi Gloria N.
Building a century of excellence, Makerere University Strategic Plan 2026-2030 lays a clear roadmap to strengthen research, innovation, transformative education as well as national and global development over the next five years.
Makerere University launches the strategic plan 2025-2030 central(c)Hon. Henry Musasizi, left(L) Mrs. Lorna Magara, second right Guild President Makerere University, third right Prof. Barnabus Nawangwe.
On Thursday 2nd July 2026, at Makerere Main Campus, the launching event gathered government leaders, development partners, university leaders and dignitaries such the Minister of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, representative of the Executive Director of the National Planning Authority as well as the University Vice Chancellor. Makerere launched its strategic plan under the theme; ‘Optimizing the University’s Research Potential for National and Global Transformation.’
Preparing the strategic plan
‘Preparing this plan has been a process,’ the Deputy Vice Chancellor Finance and Administration, Prof. Herny Alinaitwe said. He emphasized that the strategic plan was developed through careful consultation, review and participation rather than being created in isolation. The previous Makerere University plan used to have long term of 10years. However, around 2019-2020 the National Planning Authority advised to adjust to the five years of National Development Plan (NDP IV) ensuring that the University contributes directly to the country’s development.
Prof. Henry Alinaitwe
Accelerating to national transformation
The Makerere University Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, began his speech by reaffirming University’s long-term vision. ‘Our vision is to be an outstanding leader of knowledge generation for societal transformation and development.’ He added the Makerere’s mission is to provide transformative and innovative teaching, learning, research and service responsive to dynamic national and global needs.
He emphasised that the new strategic plan is designed to transform Makerere into a research-led University and for this to happen we need to have more than 419 professors and 473 associate professors. Currently the university has 73 professors and 144 associate professors.
Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe
‘We are not removing undergraduate programmes but we want to reduce them gradually and increase graduate numbers because those are the ones going to do the innovations and transform the economy,’ continued Prof. Nawangwe. He stressed the postgraduate students play a crucial role in research and innovation and increasing postgraduates from 10% to 16.1% enrolment is therefore central to achieving the University’s vison of becoming a leading research institution.
He said, ‘Makerere University continues to contribute its fair share to transforming human capital in the country and economic development.’ He thanked and encouraged the government and other partners to further increase the goodwill towards the institution.
‘Today marks not the end of the process but the beginning of an even greater responsibility it’s successful implementation,’ noted the Chairperson of Makerere University Council, Mrs. Lorna Magara. reminded stakeholders that the launch is only the first step and its success will depend on faithful implementation.
She highlighted the central roles of higher education, research and innovation in Uganda’s economic transformation. ‘Let us therefore move with courage, lead with integrity, purse excellence without compromise and together we will build a much stronger Makerere for a stronger Uganda.’
Transformation objectives
Prof. Nawangwe and the chairperson University Council Mrs. Lorna presented possible targets in the strategic plan, among them increasing PhD student enrolment from 15% to 35%, registered patents from 15 to 45, commercialised innovations from 25 to 65, STEM enrolment from 32% to 55%, postgraduate enrolment from 3700 to 7000 by 2030 and raise graduate employability from 45% to 65%within six months of graduation.
Mrs. Lorna Magara
Government commitment to the strategic plan
Speaking as the Guest of Honor, Minister of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, Hon. Henry Musasizi launched the strategic plan 2025-2030 describing it as a timely and forward-looking roadmap that aligns with Uganda’s vision 2040, the Fourth National Development Plan (NDP IV), and the country’s Tenfold Growth Strategy.
Hon. Henry Musasizi
‘This Strategic plan comes at an important time as the country works to grow its economy from about USD50 billion to over USD500 billion by 2040.’
The Chief Guest, Hon. Herny Musasizi noted that Uganda’s ambition to expand its economy from approximately USD50 billion to over USD500 billion by 2040 will require sustained investment in research, innovation, industrialisation and human capital development, with universities playing a central role in achieving these aspirations.
He reaffirmed government’s commitment to continue working with Makerere University to build a growing income, industrialised and knowledge driven economy while stressing accountability, innovation and the need to apply research in solving Uganda’s development hardships. He also commended Makerere for aligning its strategic priorities with national development goals, explaining that such alignment would facilitate government support and resource allocation through the national budgeting process.
Leading to national economic transformation through universities
Reflecting on the central role of higher education in Uganda’s economic transformation, Samuel Kasule, the Senior Planner for Education and Skills, National Planning Authority appreciated Makerere roles.
Samuel Kasule
‘At the cornerstone of increased labour productivity is the role of universities especially in supporting the high impact sectors identified in the tenfold growth strategy,’ Mr. Kasule remarked.
He elaborated that universities are expected to equip graduates with the knowledge, skills and competencies needed to drive innovation across sectors such as minerals, oil and gas, agro-industrialisation, tourism and agriculture. He also argued the by producing highly skilled human capital as well as fostering innovation institutions like Makerere University will play a pivotal role in increasing labour production and accelerate economic growth achieving Uganda’s ambition of becoming a USD500 billion from USD50 billion under the Tenfold Growth Strategy.
Conclusion
Guided by its strategies direction of excellence, accountability, professionalism, integrity and respect together with inclusivity, the University has reinforced its commitment to advancing quality education, research and innovation. The launch of strategic plan 2025-2030 reflects this commitment by positioning the University as a key partner in Uganda’s development and transformation, consistent with national priorities.
General
Gulu University Benchmarks Makerere University’s Management of Mature Age Entry Examinations
College of Health Sciences Quality Assurance (QA) Training in Assessments, Pedagogy and Competence Based Curriculum Held 18–19 June 2026 at Esella Hotel.
Pedagogy, Assessment and Supervision Training Workshop
The College of Health Sciences has embarked on the journey to improve the teaching, assessment and preparation for the adoption of the competence-based curriculum.
The training was held on 18-19 June 2026, at Esella Hotel, Kira, the training targeted the teaching assistants, lecturers’ senior lecturers’ key administrators and some PhD fellows, generally the early career academic staff that are yet growing in the ranks.
Objectives
- Equip participants with modern pedagogical approaches for effective teaching and learning.
- Review and harmonize assessment strategies to ensure quality and fairness in academic evaluation.
- Enhance supervisory competencies for guiding graduate students in research and academic progress.
- Foster collaboration and shared experiences among facilitators, supervisors, and administrators.
The key focus areas for the training
- Guidelines in Assessment & Course Outlines- Dr. Cyprian Misinde -Chief Quality Assurance Officer.
- Competence Based Education and Assessment- Dr. Mike Kagawa
- Advancing continuous improvement in teaching, learning through teaching styles -Dr. Ssebowa Dorothy.
- Teaching methods Knowledge production and acquisition- Dr. Peter Ssenkusu
- Graduate Supervision Challenges and Opportunities- Prof. Grace Ndeezi.
- Competence Based Curriculum in line with the NCHE- Dr. Innocent Besigye.
- Feedback mechanisms in training- Dr. Irene Rebecca Namatende.
Key Outcomes for this training
- The participants gained the understanding of learner-centered teaching approaches and pedagogical principles.
- Acquired new skills supervisory skills, particularly in guiding research and addressing student challenges.
- Consensus on adopting standardized assessment tools across graduate programmes.
- Practical exposure to teaching models and interactive learning methods.
- Development of action plans for continuous professional development in pedagogy and supervision.
- The participants also acquired more skills in line with the competence-based curriculum as required by the National Council for Higher Education.
During the Discussion Key important Questions emerged as follows:
- Who supervises the supervisor?
- What is the difference between notion hours and contact hours?
- The 60/40 way of assessments—can it be independent for every course unit taught or allocated differently?
- How do we manage difficult supervisors?
- How do we Coerce PhD students to be fully involved in departmental activities without them feeling Coerced?
- How much time do we need to prepare for the review of the programmes in line with the competence-based curriculum as required by the National Council for Higher Education (NCHE) and the World Health Organization (WHO)?
We truly thank the facilitators and the participants who made this training very informative and enlightened. We also appreciate the Principal/Deputy CHS, the Chief QA Officer, Makerere University and the University Management for the enormous support and for making this activity possible.
Dr. Irene Rebecca Namatende
Quality Assurance 0ffice
College of Health Sciences,
Makerere University
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