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Makerere University Draft Fees Policy (Share your Comments)

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10 years ago

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Prime Minister, Rt Hon. Ruhakana Rugunda

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:

  1. Ensure the setting fees is compliant with government regulations while supporting strategic and financial imperatives
  2. Ensure that additional charges levied are compliant with the legal requirements while ensuring coverage of legitimate costs
  3. 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

  1. The University will set tuition fees according to economic and strategic considerations.
  2. The University will levy fees and charges on students in accordance with legal requirements and University regulations.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. The University will refund tuition fees or remit HELB debt in accordance with legal requirements and University regulations.
  6. 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

  1. 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.
  2. Fees are due on the first day of each semester.
  3. 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.
  4. The specific fee applicable is confirmed at the point of admission.
  5. When there is a review between admission and registration, the applicable fee will be that given to the students at the time of registration.
  6. 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.
  7. Students repeating course units or programmes where the fee structure has been revised upwards will be charged the revised rates.
  8. 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

  1. 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.

  2. 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

  1. On completion of their programmes of study, students shall pay stipulated fees, e.g. certificate, convocation, graduation and academic transcript fees.

  2. 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

  1. Students who withdraw from a programme of study are still liable for the fees which they owe to the University.

  2. 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:

  1. 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.

  2. 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.

  3. 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.

  4. Non-payment of fees within the prescribed period shall lead to cancellation of registration.

  5. 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.

  6. 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.

  7. 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.

  8. 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:

  1. Students are invoiced for the fees before the start of the semester.
  2. Payments are made to an approved Makerere University Bank collection account.
  3. 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.
  4. 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:

  1. Cash deposit in a University bank account
  2. Bank drafts
  3. Direct Transfer
  4. 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

  1. 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:

  1. The circumstances were beyond the student’s control (and those circumstances were unusual, uncommon or abnormal) and
  2. 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
  3. 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

  1. The student or sponsor upon completion of programme of study
  2. By special permission of the Vice Chancellor upon proof of excess payment
  3. 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.

Elias Tuhereze

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JICA, Makerere University Explore New Frontiers in AI and Research Collaboration

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1 day ago

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September 4, 2026

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Prof. Sarah Ssali presents the Makerere coffee table book to Dr. Okano Takasei as Makerere and JICA Officials witness on 4th September 2026. Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) delegation led by Dr. Okano Takasei meets DVCAA Prof. Sarah Ssali, explores new opportunities for strengthening academic, research and innovation collaboration between Uganda, Japan and other African countries, with a particular focus on artificial intelligence (AI), aerospace engineering, materials and remote sensing, food value chains, energy, water and climate change, 4th September 2026, Main Building, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

By Moses Lutaaya

Kampala, September 4, 2026 — Makerere University and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) have explored new opportunities for strengthening academic, research and innovation collaboration between Uganda, Japan and other African countries, with a particular focus on artificial intelligence (AI), aerospace engineering, materials and remote sensing, food value chains, energy, water and climate change.

The discussions took place on Friday, September 4, 2026, at the Makerere University Main Building in the Vice Chancellor’s Board Room, during a visit by a JICA delegation led by Dr. Okano Takasei, Senior Advisor, Human Development Department of JICA.

Makerere keen to deepen collaboration with JICA

Welcoming the delegation, the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic Affairs), Prof. Sarah Ssali, highlighted Makerere University’s long-standing tradition of research, international collaboration and contribution to knowledge generation in Uganda and beyond.

Prof. Ssali noted that Makerere has built a strong global research footprint through partnerships with institutions around the world, observing that the University is well positioned to deepen international collaboration as emerging technologies, particularly artificial intelligence, continue to transform research and higher education.

“Uganda has a very long history of doing research, and particularly it has informed research findings in the areas global health research,” Prof. Ssali said, pointing to Uganda’s historical contribution to global scientific knowledge.

She cited the country’s contribution to medical and biological research, including early research on sleeping sickness, noting that Uganda’s unique research environment continues to offer opportunities for scientific discovery.

Prof. Ssali said Makerere’s history of collaboration with Japan is particularly significant, noting that Japanese cooperation has contributed not only to academic and research activities but also to infrastructure development and other sectors in Uganda.

She cited the establishment of the JICA building at Makerere, describing it as one of the visible symbols of Japan’s long-standing partnership with Makerere University.

Prof. Sarah Ssali (R) presents a Makerere necktie to Dr. Okano Takasei (L). Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) delegation led by Dr. Okano Takasei meets DVCAA Prof. Sarah Ssali, explores new opportunities for strengthening academic, research and innovation collaboration between Uganda, Japan and other African countries, with a particular focus on artificial intelligence (AI), aerospace engineering, materials and remote sensing, food value chains, energy, water and climate change, 4th September 2026, Main Building, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Prof. Sarah Ssali (R) presents a Makerere necktie to Dr. Okano Takasei (L).

According to Prof. Ssali, the building, which houses College of Natural Sciences (CoNAS) disciplines of geology, petroleum studies and administrative offices, was constructed during her undergraduate years and completed within a remarkably short period.

Prof. Ssali said the long-standing relationship between Uganda, Makerere University and Japan provides a strong foundation upon which new areas of collaboration can be built. She encouraged the visiting JICA delegation to explore the University and identify areas where existing partnerships could be strengthened or new areas of cooperation developed.

“Please take time and explore and see where either you already have a footprint, where you’ve ever had a footprint, or where you could explore new areas,” she said.

Prof. Ssali added that Makerere was privileged to host the JICA delegation and expressed optimism that the visit would lead to meaningful and sustainable partnerships.

Strengthening Joint Collaboration through AJ-ASPIRE

Dr. Okano, in his remarks as leader of the delegation said the visit formed part of a broader JICA initiative aimed at promoting academic and research collaboration between Japanese and African universities.

He explained that the initiative was launched on the occasion of the ninth Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD 9), held in Yokohama in September 2025, with the objective of strengthening academic and research partnerships between Japan and Africa.

According to Dr. Okano, the initiative is intended to benefit both African and Japanese universities by providing platforms for internationalisation, collaborative research and the exchange of knowledge, researchers and students. “We would like to play a role of facilitator between universities in Japan and Africa and Uganda as well,” he said.

He explained that JICA is currently promoting the initiative through three African hub universities where JICA already has ongoing projects and experts on the ground.

The three institutions are Egypt-Japan University of Science and Technology (E-JUST) in Egypt, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT) in Kenya, and Stellenbosch University in South Africa.

Dr. Okano said the selection of the three institutions was informed by the presence of ongoing JICA-supported projects and experts who can facilitate collaboration between the hub universities and institutions across Africa and Japan.

Dr. Okano Takasei makes his remarks. Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) delegation led by Dr. Okano Takasei meets DVCAA Prof. Sarah Ssali, explores new opportunities for strengthening academic, research and innovation collaboration between Uganda, Japan and other African countries, with a particular focus on artificial intelligence (AI), aerospace engineering, materials and remote sensing, food value chains, energy, water and climate change, 4th September 2026, Main Building, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Dr. Okano Takasei makes his remarks.

The hub universities are currently coordinating research with Japanese universities in strategic areas, with E-JUST focusing on energy, JKUAT leading work on food value chains, and Stellenbosch University focusing on water and climate change.

Dr. Okano said JICA was particularly pleased to explore collaboration with Makerere University under the African-Japan Initiative for Research and Education Partnerships, known as AJ-ASPIRE.

He outlined three major avenues through which Makerere could participate in the initiative.

The first is participation in existing research programmes hosted by the three hub universities. He added that Makerere researchers could join ongoing research on energy, food value chains, water and climate change, thereby creating opportunities to work with Japanese and other African researchers.

“We would like to explore opportunity for researchers from Makerere University to participate in these ongoing research activities and expand collaboration with Japanese and African partner institutions,” Dr. Okano said.

The second area is the development of new research networks in artificial intelligence and aerospace engineering. Dr. Okano said JICA was planning to establish new research groups focusing on the two areas and would be interested in having Makerere researchers participate in the emerging networks. “We would like to also invite researchers from Makerere University to join these networks and implementation of future collaboration in these two research topics, aerospace engineering and AI,” he said.

The third proposed avenue is increased collaboration between Makerere University and E-JUST, which Dr. Okano said offers fully funded scholarship opportunities for African students through a programme jointly supported by the governments of Egypt and Japan.

He noted that a number of Makerere graduates have already benefited from the programme, including researchers who have pursued doctoral studies and research opportunities in Egypt and Japan.

Dr. Okano cited the example of Mr. Abdonoor Kalibala, a Makerere alumnus whom he recently met in Hiroshima, Japan, following completion of PhD in Mechatronics and Robotics engineering at E-JUST. Mr. Kalibala conducted research in Japan for up to six months under the supervision of a Japanese professor as part of his doctoral programme.

Dr. Okano said such programmes could help strengthen the movement of researchers between Uganda, Egypt and Japan and create lasting institutional partnerships.

He added that JICA is also providing small research grants to alumni of the programmes to help them maintain and expand research collaboration involving Japan, E-JUST and African institutions.

He said Makerere could leverage such opportunities to increase the participation of its students and researchers in international research networks.

AI, Materials and Remote Sensing and International Relations Set the Pace

Prof. Robert Wamala, Director of Research, Innovations and Partnerships at Makerere University, said the visit followed an online engagement held a few weeks earlier between Makerere University and JICA, during which several areas and units within the University were identified as potential points of collaboration.

Prof. Wamala said these included the Makerere University AI Lab, the University’s International Office and researchers working in space engineering, particularly in materials and remote sensing.

He welcomed the transition from online discussions to physical engagement, saying the visit would allow JICA representatives to interact directly with researchers, academic units and University authorities. “This interest is being followed up through an in-person visit, which provides us an opportunity for JICA to engage directly with the relevant units and researchers at Makerere University,” Prof. Wamala said.

For Makerere, he added, the initiative provides an opportunity to connect the University’s research strengths with Japanese universities, research institutions and development partners to address shared development challenges.

L-R: Prof. Robert Wamala, Prof. Sarah Ssali, Ms. Eri Maeda and Dr. Okano Takasei flip through the Makerere Coffee Table book. Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) delegation led by Dr. Okano Takasei meets DVCAA Prof. Sarah Ssali, explores new opportunities for strengthening academic, research and innovation collaboration between Uganda, Japan and other African countries, with a particular focus on artificial intelligence (AI), aerospace engineering, materials and remote sensing, food value chains, energy, water and climate change, 4th September 2026, Main Building, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
L-R: Prof. Robert Wamala, Prof. Sarah Ssali, Ms. Eri Maeda and Dr. Okano Takasei flip through the Makerere Coffee Table book.

Prof. Wamala said the University was particularly interested in identifying practical areas of collaboration that could move beyond general discussions to concrete research partnerships, joint projects and opportunities for students and researchers.

He noted that the JICA delegation’s on-campus interactions scheduled to take place throughout the day would enable the two sides to identify specific areas of mutual interest. “We hope these engagements will help us identify specific areas of future interest and provide a basis for developing concrete areas of collaboration under the AJ-ASPIRE,” Prof. Wamala said.

He reiterated Makerere’s commitment to strengthening international research partnerships and thanked JICA for its continued interest in the University.

Dr. Okano, was accompanied by Mr. Ito Idomu, Research and Advisor at the Embassy of Japan, Mr. Osaki Mistuhiro from JICA headquarters, Ms. Eric Maeda from JICA Headquarters, and Ms. Ruth Mbabazi from JICA Uganda.

JICA follow-up meetings with Makerere research units

Following the high-level meeting in the Vice Chancellor’s Board Room, the JICA team, together with the Directorate of Research, Innovations and Partnerships, proceeded to engage with key research and administrative units at Makerere University identified as strategic to the proposed areas of collaboration.

The delegation held meetings with the Makerere University AI Lab, led by Dr. Joyce Nabende of the College of Computing and Information Sciences (COCIS), to explore opportunities for cooperation in artificial intelligence and related emerging technologies.

The team also met officials from the Makerere University International Office, led by Mr. Mathias Ssemanda, where discussions focused on opportunities for strengthening international academic linkages, mobility and institutional partnerships.

A further engagement was held with the Department of Geomatics and Land Management, focusing on materials and remote sensing, led by Prof. Lydia Kayondo from the College of Engineering, Design, Art and Technology (CEDAT).

The engagements provided an opportunity for the JICA team and Makerere researchers to move from broad discussions on collaboration to more specific conversations around research interests, expertise, existing projects and potential areas for joint work.

The visit marks an important step towards strengthening Makerere University’s engagement with Japanese and African research institutions under AJ-ASPIRE, while opening opportunities for researchers and students to participate in emerging international networks in artificial intelligence, aerospace engineering, remote sensing and other strategic areas of science, technology and innovation.

Mak Editor

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Undergraduate Admissions: Students allowed to Change Programs/Subjects 2026/27

Published

3 days ago

on

September 2, 2026

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The Office of the Academic Registrar has released lists of students whose applications for change of Programme/Subjects have been approved for the Academic Year 2026/2027.

The lists can be accessed by following the inks below:

Mak Editor

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Uganda to Launch ACT-PREP, Africa’s New Epidemic Preparedness Research Network

Published

1 week ago

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August 28, 2026

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A KCCA Medical Office debriefs the MakSPH Field Epidemiologists and Surveillance Team during the CoVID-19 pandemic. Makerere University School of Public Health, Kampala, Uganda, East Africa.

By Henry Mugenyi

When the next infectious disease outbreak strikes, the question for African researchers should not be whether they have the capacity to conduct the research, but how quickly they can begin.

That is the gap a new five-year research initiative, Advancing Clinical Trials and Epidemic Preparedness Research Capacity in Africa (ACT-PREP), is seeking to address.

The project will be officially launched in Uganda on September 28th, 2026, bringing together researchers and partners from universities and research institutions across Africa and Europe. The launch will be held at the Makerere University School of Public Health (MakSPH) Auditorium in Kampala.

Led by Makerere University School of Public Health, ACT-PREP is designed to strengthen Africa’s ability to conduct clinical trials and other research before and during infectious disease outbreaks.

Africa has repeatedly faced epidemics of diseases such as Marburg, Ebola, COVID-19 and other emerging infections. Yet when outbreaks occur, the capacity to quickly generate the evidence needed to guide treatment, prevention and public health decisions remains underdeveloped.

ACT-PREP aims to make research part of outbreak preparedness not something that begins only after an epidemic has already spread.

According to Prof Rhoda Wanyenze, the Principal Investigator on the project, “the initiative will establish a framework for more equitable collaboration among 10 African and two European institutions, working alongside Universities and the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC)”.

The consortium includes institutions from Uganda, Rwanda, Tanzania, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Somalia, South Sudan and Senegal, as well as European partners in Sweden and Germany. Africa CDC is also among the participating institutions.

For Uganda, the launch at Makerere University is significant. The university is taking the scientific lead on a programme that places African research institutions at the centre of efforts to prepare for future epidemics.

One of ACT-PREP’s central ambitions is to address the shortage of researchers and systems capable of rapidly conducting high-quality clinical research during emergencies.

The project will strengthen clinical research, ethics and regulatory capacity, while also supporting laboratory and disease surveillance systems. It will integrate training into PhD and postdoctoral programmes, with the consortium aiming to train at least 700 fellows at the end of the project.

“The idea is straightforward: Africa needs not only laboratories and equipment, but also people with the skills to use them when an outbreak begins” – Says Dr Steven Kabwama, ACT-PREP Project Manager.

Researchers will also be supported to share expertise, data, resources and technology across institutions and national borders.

ACT-PREP will further explore One Health approaches and artificial intelligence-supported systems to improve disease prediction, detection and rapid response. The project also seeks to support more streamlined regulatory processes so that clinical trials can be deployed and monitored more quickly when they are needed.

The experience of recent epidemics has shown that time is one of the most valuable resources in an outbreak.

Delays in detecting a pathogen, setting up research sites, securing ethical and regulatory approvals or generating reliable evidence can affect how quickly health authorities are able to respond.

ACT-PREP is built around the idea that many of these systems should already be in place before the next emergency.

That means having trained researchers, functioning laboratories, established regulatory pathways, surveillance systems and relationships between institutions that can be activated when an outbreak occurs.

It also means changing how research partnerships are built.

Rather than relying on external institutions to arrive when a crisis begins, the project seeks to strengthen African institutions themselves and create longer-term collaborations in which expertise, technology, data and resources can be shared across borders.

Mak Editor

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