General
Makerere University Draft Fees Policy (Share your Comments)
Published
9 years agoon

The Prime Minister, Rt. Hon. Ruhakana Rugunda established a committee to review the Makerere University's Fees Policy. In the view of involving all stakeholders in the new fees policy fomulation, the comittee would like to receive comments/contributions from the general public.
Please leave a comment by filling in the form at the bottom of the draft policy.
The draft fees policy is as follows:
A. Policy Statement
Makerere University is committed to providing the best service to her students to ensure that they get the best higher education experience from the University. In order to achieve this, the University raises financial resources from different sources, including tuition and functional fees, charges for use of University facilities, endowments and donations. Tuition and functional fees payable by students form an important component of the University’s financial resources.
B. Legal Framework
Fees payable by students shall be fixed by the University Council in accordance with article 41(c) of the Universities and Other Institutions Act (UOTIA) of 2001 as amended and may be reviewed from time to time.
C. Objectives of the Fees Policy
The objective of this policy is to:
- Ensure the setting fees is compliant with government regulations while supporting strategic and financial imperatives
- Ensure that additional charges levied are compliant with the legal requirements while ensuring coverage of legitimate costs
- Provide clarity regarding the requirements for administration, invoicing, collection and refund of fees.
D. Scope
This policy applies to all categories of fees chargeable for services to students of Makerere University for programmes of study.
E. Guiding Principles
- The University will set tuition fees according to economic and strategic considerations.
- The University will levy fees and charges on students in accordance with legal requirements and University regulations.
- Fees for tuition are set and charged at different rates for different cohorts based citizenship status, level of study and other criteria in accordance with the UOTIA 2001 as ammended.
- The University will publish comprehensive and accessible information on fees and charges for students and will ensure that the administration of these fees and charges is consistent with the published information and in accordance with the legal requirements and University regulations, policies and procedures.
- The University will refund tuition fees or remit HELB debt in accordance with legal requirements and University regulations.
- The University recognises that students may face financial hardship during the course of their studies and provides fees payment options to enable eligible students to continue their studies.
F. Categories of Fees
University fees are categorized as tuition, functional and other fees as detailed below:
i. Tuition Fees (payable each ordinary and recess semester)
ii. Undergraduate Students Functional Fees (payable in the first semester of each semester)
(a) Registration
(b) Examination
(c) Book Bank
(d) Library
(e) Information and Communication Technology
(f) Guild
(g) Sports
(h) Identity Card
(i) Medical Capitation
(j) Field attachment supervision
(k) Development
(l) Caution
(m) Endowment
(n) Research Fee
iii. Graduate Students Functional fees (payable in the first semester of each semester)
(a) Registration
(b) Examination
(c) Book Bank
(d) Library
(e) Information and Communication Technology
(f) Guild
(g) Sports
(h) Identity Card
(i) Medical Capitation
(j) Development
(k) Caution
(l) Endowment
(m) Research Fee
iv. Other Undergraduate Fees (payable as and when required)
(a) Graduation
(b) Transcript
(c) Certificate
(d) Convocation
(e) Certification
(f) Academic Gowns
(g) Recess Term fee
(h) Late Registration
(i) Re-mark Fee
(j) Re-take Fee
(k) Late Fees Payment Fee
(l) Verification Fee
(m) Affiliated Institutions Fee
(n) Application Fee
(o) Any other fees as may be fixed by Council from time to time
v. Other Graduate Fees (payable as and when required)
(a) Graduation
(b) Transcript
(c) Certificate
(d) Convocation
(e) Certification
(f) Academic Gowns
(g) PhD Cylinder
(h) Recess Term fee
(i) Late Registration
(j) Re-mark Fee
(k) Re-take fee
(l) Late fees Payment fee
(m) Verification Fee
(n) Thesis Examination Fee
(o) Affiliated Institutions Fee
(p) Application Fee
(q) Any other fees as may be fixed by Council from time to time
G. Fees Regulations
1. General Provisions
- Payment of University fees is the responsibility of students. An account shall be opened for each student in the computerized information system of the University. Students who default on the payment of fees are subject to sanctions, including de-registration, payment of a fine and legal action.
- Fees are due on the first day of each semester.
- All students admitted for programmes at the University are personally responsible for the payment of fees. This includes arrangements where students obtain sponsorship for fees and the sponsor defaults.
- The specific fee applicable is confirmed at the point of admission.
- When there is a review between admission and registration, the applicable fee will be that given to the students at the time of registration.
- Students repeating a course unit or programme of study will be charged the appropriate fee for the unit or programme for continuing students and those who will have overstayed on the programme.
- Students repeating course units or programmes where the fee structure has been revised upwards will be charged the revised rates.
- Every student admitted to a programme of study of Makerere University shall be required to sign and undertaking regarding fees payment.
2 Specific Requirements
a) New Students
-
Every student admitted to a programme of study of Makerere University will be issued a provisional admission letter with an invoice for payment of the requisite fees.
-
All functional fees and 60% of tuition fees for new joining students must be paid before the admission letter is issued.#
b) Continuing Students
Every continuing student shall pay a commitment fee as may be fixed by the University Council, provided that at the time of approval of this policy the commitment fee shall be UGX 200,000/= (Uganda Shillings Two Hundred Thousand only), before the student is provisionally registered for the subsequent semester. Provisional registration must be completed within the first two weeks of a semester.
The commitment fee shall form part of fees due for the semester. A student who is not provisionally registered by the end of the second week of a semester shall be de-registered. However, a student who fails to provisionally register by the end of the second week of a semester for genuine reasons may apply to the Vice Chancellor for special consideration for late registration.
Students permitted to complete Late Registration must do so by the sixth week of a semester upon payment of a Late Registration Fee as may be determined by the University Council, provided that at the time of approval of this policy the Late Registration Fee shall be UGX 100,000/- (Uganda Shillings One Hundred Thousand only), this in addition to the commitment fee.
All fees should preferably be paid at the start of each semester. However, within the first week of a semester students may choose any of three fees payment windows outlined below for payment of the fees due.
i) Window 1
Students opting to pay fees through window 1 shall pay all the approved functional and tuition fees by the end of the sixth week of a semester. Upon completion of payment of the approved fees, a student shall be given full registration for that semester.
ii) Window 2
Students opting to pay fees through window 2 shall pay all the approved functional and tuition fees as well as a Late Fees Payment charge equivalent to 5% of all fees due for that semester by the end of the 12th week of a semester. Upon completion of payment of the requisite fees, a student shall be given full registration for that semester.
Upon choosing any of two fees payment windows, the student shall be invoiced accordingly.
iii) Window 3
In order to provide quality service to her students, the University must collect all the requisite fees. The University nevertheless appreciates that a few students, particularly those who raise their tuition fees through employment, might genuinely be unable to pay their fees using any of the two windows.
Students who have difficulty paying their tuition fees due to financial hardship may apply to pay their tuition fee under a monthly payment plan. Students must apply in writing to the Vice Chancellor, and provide documentation as evidence of their financial hardship. Applications are reviewed on an individual basis and arranged on a per-semester basis only. Payment plans cannot be applied retrospectively and are not available to new students.
Please note: an administrative fee as may be fixed by Council will be charged for the establishment of a fees payment plan. Students who wish to apply for a payment plan arrangement must submit a written request/application no later than the fee payment due date for the semester in which they are requesting a payment plan.
Applications received after the fee payment due date will not be considered. Students permitted to pay by plan will be required to pay the commitment fee before the payment plan will be approved. The application fee will be billed to the student and included in his/her schedule of payments. The remaining balance will be paid under a monthly payment. All fees must be finalised in accordance with the agreed terms and conditions of the individual payment plan and in any case not later than the 12th week of the semester. Payment plans will be limited to the semester in which the request is made and no further extensions will be granted.
The Monthly Payment Plan is available to all undergraduates and graduates. Students desiring to use the Monthly Payment Plan are encouraged to sign up as soon as possible to realize the maximum number of months over which to pay the balance due. There is no interest charge or finance charge (zero percent annual percentage rate) imposed for use of the Monthly Payment Plan.
Application forms for this plan may be obtained from the College accountant. Continued participation in the Monthly Payment Plan is contingent upon a satisfactory payment history. Makerere University reserves the right to deny continued participation to anyone who has previously not complied with the terms of the monthly payment plan billing schedule.
c) Prepaid Tuition Plan
The University’s Prepaid Tuition Plan allows new students to prepay all the semesters in their study plan thereby locking in the rate of tuition in effect at the time of the plan’s initiation. Payment must be received before the first semester of the student’s study programme. For a copy of the Prepaid Tuition Plan agreement that governs this plan, please contact the Bursar’s Office.
d) Financial Support and Advice
Students who are experiencing unforeseen financial difficulties in paying their tuition fees should seek help at the earliest opportunity. The University will assist by providing information about possible scholarships where possible. It must be noted, however, that payment of fees remains the responsibility of the student.
e) Students Who Have Overstayed on a Programme
Continuing students who have overstayed on a programme and are repeating a course unit or programme of study shall be charged the appropriate fee for the unit or programme of study
f) Students at Affiliated Institutions
Fees for students studying for Makerere University awards at affiliated institutions will be determined by the affiliated institution, provided that functional fees payable directly to Makerere University will be the same fees payable by Makerere University students.
g) Students With Sponsors
Students who have an approved sponsor shall be liable for any unpaid tuition fee costs if the sponsor defaults on payment in any given semester.
h) Accommodation Fees
Residence fees must be paid before allocation of a room.
i) Other fees
-
On completion of their programmes of study, students shall pay stipulated fees, e.g. certificate, convocation, graduation and academic transcript fees.
-
Students shall be required to pay for certification of their documents at rates determined by the University Council.
j) Fees Upon Withdrawal and Discontinuation From Studies
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Students who withdraw from a programme of study are still liable for the fees which they owe to the University.
-
A student who is dismissed for academic or disciplinary reasons, prior to the end of semester, shall forfeit all tuition and other fees paid for that semester.
3 Defaulting Students:
-
Students who default payment of fees, or who are in debt to the University for any reason, shall not be allowed to write their examinations or proceed further with their studies or receive a University Transcript, degree or any award.
-
A student who fails to pay fees within the stipulated period may apply for withdraw from the programme and on resumption shall be required to pay all the requisite fees.
-
If, with notice, a student's enrolment is cancelled for abscondment from the programme of study and that student is subsequently permitted to have his/her enrolment reinstated, a UGX 500,000/=. re-instatement fee will be levied in addition to the requisite functional and tution fees not paid by the student at the time of abscondment.
-
Non-payment of fees within the prescribed period shall lead to cancellation of registration.
-
A student whose enrolment is cancelled will retain her/his fee liability, and re-admission in a subsequent year or semester will only be permitted when the debt is paid in.
-
A student who is in debt to the University at the time of graduation shall not be issued with Academic Transcript, Degree or Diploma certificate and will not be permitted to graduate.
-
The University reserves the right to take legal action, where appropriate, to effect recovery of monies from students who leave the University with outstanding debts.
-
Transfer of fees from one student’s account to another student’s account is not permissible.
H. Procedure for Paying Fees
The following is the procedure for paying University fees:
- Students are invoiced for the fees before the start of the semester.
- Payments are made to an approved Makerere University Bank collection account.
- Upon confirmation of payment, receipts are issued by the Finance Department to students after which the student may register on the computerized system of the University.
- Upon registration an account is opened and maintained in the computerized system of the University for each student.
I. Methods of Payment
Methods of payment of University fees include the following:
- Cash deposit in a University bank account
- Bank drafts
- Direct Transfer
- Other electronic transfer methods as may be approved by University Management
4 Fees Subsidy Schemes:
i. Biological children of members of staff who are less than 21 years on entry into the University may be permitted to pay ½ tuition fees and full functional fees in accordancewith the existing policy on fees subsidy for biological children of members of staff. Members of staff who are on the Staff Development programme on programmes offered at Makerere University will have a waiver of the tuition and functional fees.
5 Refund of Fees
- Students’ Withdrawal
Students who choose to withdraw from a programme may be refunded some tuition fees as detailed below.
5.1.1 Tuition fees
A student who has been permitted to withdraw from studies shall be refunded the Tuition Fees already paid prorata to the equivalent fees due for the time spent on the programme of studies.
In case an Academic Programme to which a student has been admitted is not conducted in a particular academic year, the University will refund the full tuition fees paid by the student.
5.1.2 All Functional fees are non-refundable
5.1.3 Residence fee – NIL
5.1.4 A refund may be granted to a student unable to notify the Registrar in writing by the dates required, provided evidence is supplied that the student had ceased attendance by the 6th week of a semester, and was unable to notify the Registrar for reasons beyond her/his control.
5.1.5 These applications will only be approved where the University is satisfied that:
- The circumstances were beyond the student’s control (and those circumstances were unusual, uncommon or abnormal) and
- The circumstances did not make their full impact on the student until after the census date for the course(s) they wish to withdraw from and
- The circumstances make it impracticable for the student to complete the requirements for the course.
2. Payment in excess of statutory fees
Students, who pay more than the University’s tuition and other fees requirement, shall be refunded the sum paid beyond the University statutory fee requirements to
- The student or sponsor upon completion of programme of study
- By special permission of the Vice Chancellor upon proof of excess payment
- Or rolled forward depending on the circumstances.
Any credit resulting from an overpayment or an adjustment/amendment to a student’s fee liability will be credited towards her/his fee liability for the following semester.
3. Application for Refund
In every case a refund will be made on production of University receipt. Students’ written application seeking for the refund shall be verified by the Academic Registrar and Bursar before a refund is paid.
4. Forgeries
i. Students who are registered on the basis of forged academic documents will not get fees refund.
ii. Students who present forged fees payment documents will be dismissed from the University and prosecuted.
J. Responsibility for Implementation of the Fees Policy
The overall responsibility for implementation of this policy is the Vice Chancellor, assisted by the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic Affairs) and the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Finance and Administration).
The operational responsibility for implementation of this policy lies with the University Secretary, the Academic Registrar, the Bursar, the College Principals, Directors of External Campuses, Deans and Heads of Department.
Every member of staff has the general responsibility of ensuring that this policy is implemented effectively.
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Vice Chancellor Updates Media on Medical Drones, Road Safety Research & Various Issues
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The Acting Vice Chancellor, Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi on Thursday 29th May, 2025 held a press conference to update members of the Media on the Infectious Diseases Institute (IDI) Medical Drone Programme, and the Kampala Status Summary 2023 on Road Safety Risk Factors, conducted under the Bloomberg Philanthropies Initiative for Global Road Safety, a collaborative effort between the Johns Hopkins International Injury Research Unit and the Trauma, Injury, and Disability (TRIAD) Unit at Makerere University School of Public Health (MakSPH). Also presented were updates on; Digital Certification of Academic Transcripts, Digital Supervision of Graduate Students, Inclusive e-Learning and Smart Classrooms, and Launch of the Artificial Intelligence (AI) Laboratory at the College of Computing and Information Sciences (CoCIS).
The event held in the Senior Common Room, Main Building, was on behalf of the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe presided over by the Acting (Ag.) DVC AA and substantive Academic Registrar, Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi. Presentations were made by Executive Director of the Infectious Diseases Institute (IDI), Dr. Andrew Kambugu and Head of the Trauma, Injuries, and Disability (TRIAD) Unit, Dr. Fredrick Oporia. Dr. Jimmy Osuret and Dr. Esther Bayiga from TRIAD supplemented Dr. Oporia’s presentation. In attendance were; the Director for ICT Support (DICTS)-Mr. Samuel Mugabi, Deputy Chief – Public Relations-Ms. Betty Kyakuwa, Deputy Chief Security Officer-Mr. Musa Mulindwa and other university officials.
The proceedings of the Press Conference follow below;
Vice Chancellors’ Press Statement
Good morning colleagues, members of the press,
It is my pleasure to welcome you to this important media briefing, where we share compelling findings from two groundbreaking studies that reflect Makerere University‘s ongoing commitment to impactful research, innovation, and community transformation.
The first is a pioneering initiative led by the Infectious Diseases Institute—the IDI Medical Drone Programme. This project explores the use of drone technology to deliver lifesaving HIV medications and test samples to hard-to-reach populations, particularly in Kalangala District and the West Nile region. The study demonstrates how drones can overcome logistical barriers, reduce costs, and enhance access to critical healthcare in some of Uganda’s most underserved communities.
The second study is the Kampala Status Summary 2023 on Road Safety Risk Factors, conducted under the Bloomberg Philanthropies Initiative for Global Road Safety. This collaborative effort between the Johns Hopkins International Injury Research Unit and our Trauma, Injury, and Disability Unit here at Makerere University presents over two years of data on vehicle speed and helmet use in Kampala. It provides vital insights into the human behaviours and systemic gaps contributing to road traffic injuries and fatalities—particularly among vulnerable road users. The study also offers evidence-based recommendations for enforcement, planning, and public health messaging aimed at making Kampala’s roads safer for all.
We are proud to support this kind of research that not only advances knowledge but also drives tangible improvements in public health and safety.
Before I invite the researchers to present their findings, allow me to briefly highlight some transformative developments in the areas of academic registry and ICT advancement here at Makerere University:
- Digital Certification of Academic Transcripts:
- Alumni can now certify their transcripts digitally through the Makerere Academic Records System (Mak-ARS https://makars.mak.ac.ug/), eliminating the need for physical visits. This user-friendly platform allows access from anywhere in the world, supported by comprehensive video tutorials and public communications.
- Digital Supervision of Graduate Students
- We have introduced the Research Information Management System (Mak-RIMS), piloted at the College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, to streamline the supervision of Master’s and PhD research. This initiative enhances accountability, timely feedback, and is now being rolled out university-wide to improve graduation rates.
- Inclusive eLearning and Smart Classrooms
- Through support from development partners and the Government of Uganda, we are establishing multimedia studios and smart classrooms across our colleges. These state-of-the-art facilities are designed to produce professional, accessible learning content, including tools tailored for students with visual and auditory disabilities. This aligns with our goal of equitable, globally competitive education.
- Launch of the AI Laboratory at CoCIS:
- The newly launched Artificial Intelligence Laboratory will spearhead the development of AI-enabled solutions tailored to Uganda’s socio-economic needs, including localized assistive eLearning tools and context-sensitive curriculum development.
These initiatives are part of our broader vision to transform Makerere University into a research-led, inclusive, and globally relevant institution.
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Directorate of Graduate Equips Schools and Colleges with Training in Philosophy of Methods
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May 22, 2025By
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By Moses Lutaaya
The Directorate of Graduate Training at Makerere University has equipped several Senior ranking lecturers with expert knowledge in a Training of Trainers’ workshop on “Philosophy of Methods”.
In his remarks at the opening of a 3-day training workshop at Level4 Conference Hall – Senate Building, the Director of Graduate Training Prof. Julius Kikooma said, “The teaching of Philosophy of Methods gives all participants the fundamentals to extend knowledge to other learners, hence its importance in upholding the Makerere University values.”
Kikooma urged and challenged the participants to also attend and actively participate in the follow up of learners’ training of students, stating that the PhD students need support as the directorate continues to coordinate the curriculum of PhD by-research that was approved by the senate recently.
“To holistically implement the senate approved PhD curriculum, we are coordinating capacity building trainings of all stake holders in a structured approach with the different units of the University. Many more trainings including Training of Trainers in advanced research methods course are on the way.”
He further urged the participants to be intentional in their teaching profession and in whatever they were doing, adding “Apart from focusing on practices as teachers and researchers, we can engage in wider philosophical debates in our research areas so that we are relevant in the society and in the empowerment of PhD research students.”
The participants for the Philosophy of Methods training were from College of Humanities and Social Sciences, College of Education and External Studies, Makerere University Business School among others.
During the same training, Dr. Dickson Kanakulya stressed the need to train senior lecturers in the Philosophy of Methods, saying, “The biggest connection is that societal problems require concrete research to find solutions. Our challenge in Africa is that we employ a short barrow approach to find solutions to problems. This cannot work. We need consistent researchers to solve problems. Lasting solutions to societal issues can only be got through training such as Philosophy of Methods, where researchers come up with new models for societal solutions.”

Dr. Kanakulya said that Makerere University remains the biggest research University in Africa and philosophy of Methods helps to come up with good research tools that produce good research outputs. “Research has shown that the higher the number of PhD researchers in any given country, the higher the levels of development of that country e.g. the USA, China etc., adding that research is not limited to only medicinal or agricultural related issues.”
He said philosophy of methods, encourages philosophical creativity in research, “It is meant to bring out philosophical generation of concepts, theories and ideas. It is meant to encourage students to question the existing philosophical assumptions and status quo in a given field of knowledge such that new philosophical concepts are created.”
For successful rollout of government programs like the National Development Plan 4, Dr. Kanakulya said that Philosophy of Methods training needs to be integrated into such systems. “Philosophy of Methods focuses on ethical thinking aspects. For example, for a better rollout of the Parish Development Model, we need implementers to be ethical.” He added.
Prof. Sulait Tumwiine, the associate Dean of Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research at MUBS said, “This is a discussion where new ideas are shared to guide and gauge applicability in the current knowledge diversity coupled with lots of technological development including Artificial Intelligence and Chat GPT.”
He added, “As professors of Universities, we need to understand how we leverage on what comes up so that it does not take our space, but also appreciate how we can support growth of knowledge. The Philosophy of Methods training is the answer.”
Dr. Jim Spire Ssentongo highlighted that Philosophy uses more of the critical mind than Science. He added that philosophy is more of speculation of the mind.
“Sustainability of philosophy Education encourages us to continue training. Philosophy being the oldest discipline retained special status in the academia as a pinnacle of pursuit of knowledge. All disciplines have major elements of philosophy citing examples in the philosophy of Mathematics and Physics.
Dr. Spire added, “If you do not understand philosophy, you cannot deeply investigate anything because philosophy is the reality of understanding everything. Philosophy is the basis of understanding what knowledge is and how it is arrived at.”
Also participating in the workshop was Prof. Joseph Ntaayi from MUBS, in his remarks he said PhD students need the philosophy of methods training to understand how to best to create knowledge. He added that ontological and epistemological questions that lead to good research design methods can only be answered by this training.
Dr. Robert Kakuru, a Lecturer in the College of Humanities and Social Sciences said that the Philosophy of Methods training is needed by every graduate student as well as supervisors to critically determine the choice of methods to use in academic research. For example, “If one wants to use a questionnaire as an interview approach, one should understand, why that approach and yet without this training, the why cannot be answered.” He added.
The Philosophy of Methods training was organized by Directorate of Graduate Training with funding support from the Consortium for Advanced Research Training in Africa (CARTA).
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