General

Guidelines to First Year students 2016-2017 Academic Year

Published

10 years ago

July 11, 2016

A student poses a question during Freshers Orientation in Freedom Square on 27th Aug 2015.

First Year students (Freshers) are by tradition given an “acclimatization” period of normally one week which is referred to as the “Orientation Week”. The Freshers report on Campus one week earlier than the Continuing students and during this week they are introduced to the key facilities in the University as well as other important aspects of life at the University.

Schedule of Semesters for Academic Year 2016/2017

Orientation Week:
Getting used to a new place can be pretty daunting, but that is what orientation week is all about; getting to know your surroundings, meeting students and staff members. This makes you feel comfortable enough to hit the ground running when the semester starts. It is a great chance for you to familiarize yourself with the University.
Saturday 6th August, 2016 to Friday 12th August, 2016 (7 Days) – Orientation Week
Semester One
Saturday 13th August, 2016 to Saturday 10th December, 2016 (17 Weeks)
Ceremony of Admission
Friday 19th September, 2016. Time: 2.30 p.m. in the Freedom Square (All Freshers are required to wear the undergraduate gown).
Semester One Vacation
Saturday 10th December, 2016 to Friday 20th January, 2017 (7 Weeks)
Semester Two
Saturday 21stJanuary, 2017 to Saturday 20th May, 2017 (17 Weeks)
Semester Two Vacation
Saturday 20th May, 2017 to Saturday 29th July, 2017 (10 Weeks)
During this week, arrangements are made to enable the Freshers meet and be addressed by Key Officers, Wardens and Student Leaders who welcome the students.
Arrangements are also made to enable the Freshers acquaint themselves with such key facilities at the University like the Library, University Hospital, Games and Recreation Facilities etc. Freshers are expected to take advantage of the week to survey and acquaint themselves with the general Campus lay out. Another major activity during the Orientation Week is Registration.
All Freshers must ensure that they are registered first centrally and then with each of their respective Colleges/Schools.

Orientation Events

Saturday 6th August, 2016
Resident Freshers report to their respective Halls of residence or private Hostels by 5.00 p.m. It is the responsibility of each student to make his/her own travel arrangements to the University or private hostel.
Monday 8th August, 2016
All Freshers shall report to the Freedom Square for a meeting with the University officials at 9.00 a.m.
Programme for the Day
9.00 a.m – 12.30 p.m address from the following University officials:

▪ Guild President
▪ Deputy Registrars
▪ The Academic Registrar
▪ Dean of Students
▪ Director University Health Services
▪ Director Counseling & Guidance Centre
▪ The Principal Games Tutor
▪ The University Bursar
▪ The University Chief Security Officer

The Freedom square is the open ground in front of the main Administration Building where official functions of the University are normally performed.
Freshers are expected to be seated by 9.00 a.m.

Registration

For a candidate to qualify to be a bonafide student of the University, he/she must be registered. Registration is a mandatory requirement of the University which must be done within the first two (2) weeks from the beginning of the semester by every student.
Registration will commence on Monday 8th August, 2016 starting at 9.00 a.m. each day.
Ensure that you complete all the required registration formalities within the prescribed time in order to avoid disappointments later.

Registration Requirements

For registration purposes, the originals of the following must be produced by each Fresher:

▪ Admission Letter, O’Level Certificate/Pass Slip (UCE or Equivalent)
▪ A’Level Certificate/Pass Slip (UACE or equivalent)
▪ Birth Certificate
▪ An Identity Card from the previous A’level School. The Diploma Holders must produce Identity Cards from their previous College.
▪ Three photocopies of each of the “O” and “A”Level Results Slips/Certificates, and Transcripts/Certificates from the awarding Institutions in case of Diploma Holders.
▪ Seven most recent passport-size photographs. (Current Likeness)
▪ Copies of the Pay-in/Deposit Slip acknowledging payment of the following fees for each government sponsored student to Makerere University Fees Collection Accounts:

a) University Rules Booklet   – Shs.2,000/=
b) Undergraduate Gown    – Shs.16,000/=
c) Identity Card     – Shs.45,000/=
d) Guild Subscription fee    – Shs.10,000/=
e) Endowment fee    – Shs.10,000/=
f) Senior Common Room fee   – Shs.5,000/=
g) Sports Contribution fee   – Shs.15,000/=
h) National Council for Higher Education fees – Shs.20,000/=(Payable to
the National Council for Higher Education Account)
Change of Programme/Subjects

(a) Change of Programme
Since selection for specific programmes was made according to each candidate’s performance and order of programme choices, taking into account the available subject combinations and time-table limitations, there is normally little need to change the programme or subjects. However, some places become vacant when some of the students admitted do not take up the offers. Such places are filled through the change of programme/subjects.
Students who wish to change programmes first of all register according to the registration time-table for the programmes and subjects (where applicable) to which originally have been admitted. Each student who may wish to change his/her programme/subject is required to pay an application fee of Shs.6,000/= plus the bank charges to Stanbic Bank, dfcu Bank, Post Bank, Centenary Bank and crane Bank.

(b) Change of Subjects
Students in the College of Humanities and Social Sciences, Natural Sciences or the College of Education and External Studies may wish to change their subjects. Change of Subject will be done online on payment of Shs.6,000/=, to either Stanbic Bank, dfcu Bank, Post Bank, Centenary Bank or crane Bank.
Students should be aware that changing one subject may result in a change of College. Before students apply to change their programmes, Colleges and Subjects, they are encouraged to seek advice on the cut-off point(s) for programmes, requirements for specific subjects and possible subject combinations.
Students are notified and warned about this Senate ruling that any one transferring to another subject or College without proper authority will be liable to discontinuation from the University.
A student who has been permitted to change his/her programme or subject(s) is issued with a letter stating so, and on receipt of such a letter that student should complete the ACCEPTANCE Part and return a copy of each to the Undergraduate Admissions and Records Office, the former and the new College/School.
The change of programme/subjects will be done online from Monday 8th August, 2016 to Friday 12th August, 2016 at Level 3, Senate Building.
N.B: It is advisable that only those students who meet the cut-off points for the desired programmes may apply.

COMMUNICATION FROM UNIVERSITY SECRETARY

Effect 2016/2017 Academic year, all students admitted by Makerere University at the Makerere University Business School-MUBS campus are required to pay Ugx. 190,000 directly to Makerere University Fees Collection Account Number: 9030005866749 at Stanbic Makerere Branch.

Please take note that the Identity Card fee of Ugx. 45,000 is paid once and hence the above figure will adjust to Ugx. 145,000 after the 1st year of study. The details of the total figures is as follows;

Ugandans (Ugx) Other Nationals (Ugx)

Registration 50,000 101,000
Examination 50,000 151,500
Technology 25,000 50,000
Identity Card 45,000 45,000
Affiliation 20,000 20,000

Total Ugx.190,000 Ugx. 367,500

You will be required to present the receipts for the above fees at the end of your program in order to access your academic documents.

COMMUNICATION FROM DEAN OF STUDENTS

Accomodation

Accommodation for year one students 2016/2017 in the University Halls of Residence.
1. Government Sponsored
a) A’Level direct merit entrants offered the following study programmes maybe accommodated in the Halls of Residence to which they are attached as indicated on the admission letter. Eligible students not able to take up the accommodation offer for very strong reasons should inform the Dean of Studentsin writing before Monday 1st August, 2016 and submit your application to Room 214, Senate Building:

i) Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Engineering (AGE)
ii) Bachelor of Science in Agriculture (AGR)
(iii) Bachelor of Architecture (ARC)
iv) Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS)
v) Bachelor of Science in Medical Radiography (BMR)
vi) Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering (CIV)
vii) Bachelor of Science in Conservation Forestry & Products Technology (CFP)
viii) Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering (ELE)
ix) Bachelor of Industrial and Fine Art (FIN)
x) Bachelor of Science in Food Sciences and Technology (FST)
xi) Bachelor of Laws (LAW)
xii) Bachelor of Science in Land Surveying and Geometric (LSG)
xiii) Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MAM)
xiv) Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering (MEC)
xv) Bachelor of Science in Nursing (NUR)
xvi) Bachelor Social and Entrepreneurial Forestry (SEF)
xvii) Bachelor Science in Quantity Surveying (SQS)
xviii) Bachelor Statistics (STA)
xix) Bachelor Pharmacy (PHA)
xx) Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine (VET)

b) Non Residents
The rest of the government sponsored students, including all those admitted through Diploma and Mature age entry schemes (irrespective of study programmes offered) shall be Non Residents and eligible for Food and Living out allowance. Register with the Warden’s Office at your Hall of attachment upon arrival.
c) Change to Private Programmes
Students admitted on government sponsorship but who choose to take up alternative study programmes under private sponsorship shall lose all government related benefits and should not claim for any.

d) Students Admitted Under Disability Scheme
Students in the above Scheme may be resident in the Halls of attachments indicated on their admission letters, irrespective of the study programmes offered.
e) Students Admitted Under Sports & District Quota Schemes
Students admitted under these categories will be treated as in 1(a) and (b) above, subject to availability of bed space by the time their admission is finalized.

2. Change of Halls of Attachment
This is PROHIBITED except where Gender was mixed up i.e female attached to Male Halls or vice versa.

3. Privately Sponsored Students

a) A few bed spaces have been reserved for privately sponsored students. Once admitted privately sponsored students who wish to be accommodated should apply to Dean of Students in Room 214, Senate Building for Bed space.

b) Privately sponsored students granted permission to reside in Halls of Residence may pay for meals at the nearest Food Court. There are six Food Courts located in Africa, Nkrumah/Nsibirwa, University Hall, Mary Stuart, Galloway House and Kabanyolo Hostel.

Alfred Masikye-Namoah
ACADEMIC REGISTRAR

General

AR Department Bids Farewell to Mr. Ssentongo and Ms. Akoli

Published

8 hours ago

September 19, 2026

Mak Editor

Mr. Charles Ssentongo (C) and Ms. Betty Akoli (3rd R) are joined by Staff and Family to cut cake at the farewell luncheon on 18th September 2026. Farewell Luncheon held by Department of Academic Registrar in honour of Mr. Charles Ssentongo, Deputy Academic Registrar – Undergraduate Admissions and Records and Ms. Betty Akoli, Assistant Academic Registrar presided over by Ag. Academic Registrar Ms. Prossie Nakayiki, 18th September 2026, Senate Conference Hal, Level 4, Senate Building, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

_{By Gerald Ochwo}

On Friday 18^th September 2026, the Department of the Academic Registrar, Makerere University, held a befitting farewell ceremony in honour of Mr. Charles Ssentongo and Ms. Betty Akoli, who have retired from University service upon attaining the mandatory retirement age of 60 years.

Mr. Ssentongo retires as Deputy Academic Registrar in charge of Undergraduate Admissions and Records, after 26 years of dedicated service to the University, a journey he began in 2000. Ms. Akoli retires as Assistant Academic Registrar.

Ms. Prossie Nakayiki (L) poses with Mr. Ssentongo (C) and Ms. Akoli (R) shortly after presenting them with their plaques. Farewell Luncheon held by Department of Academic Registrar in honour of Mr. Charles Ssentongo, Deputy Academic Registrar – Undergraduate Admissions and Records and Ms. Betty Akoli, Assistant Academic Registrar presided over by Ag. Academic Registrar Ms. Prossie Nakayiki, 18th September 2026, Senate Conference Hal, Level 4, Senate Building, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa. — ***Ms. Prossie Nakayiki (L) poses with Mr. Ssentongo (C) and Ms. Akoli (R) shortly after presenting them with their plaques.***

The farewell, held in the Senate Building Conference Hall, was presided over by Ms. Prossie Nakayiki, the Acting Academic Registrar, and was attended by members of the Senior Management Team and staff of the Academic Registrar’s Department.

In recognition of their distinguished and spotless service, the two retirees were awarded institutional plaques and assorted gifts from the Department and individual members of staff.

Mr. Ssentongo and Ms. Akoli receive gifts from staff of their former Units including Mr. Justus Karegyeya (2nd L) the Ag. Deputy Academic Registrar, Undergraduate Admissions and Records. Farewell Luncheon held by Department of Academic Registrar in honour of Mr. Charles Ssentongo, Deputy Academic Registrar – Undergraduate Admissions and Records and Ms. Betty Akoli, Assistant Academic Registrar presided over by Ag. Academic Registrar Ms. Prossie Nakayiki, 18th September 2026, Senate Conference Hal, Level 4, Senate Building, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa. — ***Mr. Ssentongo and Ms. Akoli receive gifts from staff of their former Units including Mr. Justus Karegyeya (2nd L) the Ag. Deputy Academic Registrar, Undergraduate Admissions and Records.***

Mr. Ssentongo and Ms. Akoli’s retirement follows that of other senior members of the Department, including Mrs. Patience Mushengyezi, who retired earlier this year.

The Department of the Academic Registrar remains deeply indebted to Mr. Ssentongo and Ms. Akoli for their highly committed, exemplary, and dedicated service to Makerere University. We wish them a happy, healthy, and fulfilling retirement.

Ms. Betty Akoli receives a gift from a former colleague. Farewell Luncheon held by Department of Academic Registrar in honour of Mr. Charles Ssentongo, Deputy Academic Registrar – Undergraduate Admissions and Records and Ms. Betty Akoli, Assistant Academic Registrar presided over by Ag. Academic Registrar Ms. Prossie Nakayiki, 18th September 2026, Senate Conference Hal, Level 4, Senate Building, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa. — ***Ms. Betty Akoli receives a gift from a former colleague.***

We celebrate you.

More photos from the event: https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjD5btz

General

Prof. Sarah Ssali shares institutional best practices ahead of The Trust Summit

Published

3 days ago

September 16, 2026

Elvis Lubanga

Prof. Sarah Ssali, Panelist, Virtual Round Table on Restoring Trust in Academia and the Knowledge Economy, September 15, 2026. Graphic: X/@GTSummit2026

Prof. Sarah Ssali the First Deputy Vice Chancellor in charge of Academic Affairs (DVCAA) at Makerere University was one of the panelists that addressed the complex challenges facing African higher education during a Virtual Round Table on Restoring Trust in Academia and the Knowledge Economy held September 15, 2026. The event was organised by Strathmore University as part of the pre-summit events for The Trust Summit (TTS), due to be held in Nairobi, Kenya from October 21-23, 2026.

She was also welcomed in her capacity as the Director of the African Research Universities Alliance (ARUA) Centre of Excellence in Notions of Identity, a platform she used to deliver warm regards from the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe. Other panelists included; Dr. Vincent Ogutu-Vice Chancellor, Strathmore University and Prof. Gilbert Kokwaro-Director, Institute of Healthcare Management, Strathmore University Business School, while the Moderator was Dr. Maureen Syallow-Senior Lecturer, Strathmore University.

In her submission, Prof. Ssali emphasised the need to understand that universities are working in a turbulent times, and do not deserve to be at the receiving end of some of the challenges being ascribed to them. She added that challenges affecting society ought to be handled in partnership with other stakeholders and key players.

An example of this kind of criticism is on the question on the quality and integrity of degrees that has come up severally and is being fueled by the fact that not many graduates can find gainful employment after completing university.

“We have many more people living longer, getting educated, and chasing fewer jobs. For example, in the case of Uganda, we graduate around 40,000 students per year, but only 700 jobs are being created in the public sector per year” she noted.

Turning to the need to maintain standards and trust, Prof. Ssali outlined the rigorous systems already in place. These include holistic curriculum development involving stakeholders such as the National Council of Higher Education, Government Ministries, and the National Planning Authority.

Prof. Ssali also highlighted the importance of quality assurance, international benchmarking, and constant evaluations. She nevertheless conceded that despite having all these efforts in place, universities still face immense pressure from ranking systems and the need to prove their worth.

Reflecting on the historical debate regarding the role of an African university, she contrasted the school of thought advocating for global competitiveness with that emphasising practical relevance to local development challenges, concluding that taking the middle path; globally competitive and locally relevant, remains the viable option.

Addressing the issue of trust directly, Prof. Ssali noted that universities, just like the aviation and healthcare industries, are more concerned with what systems are in place to correct any errors should they arise.

She explained that just as one plane crash does not shut down the aviation industry, a single failure in a university does not warrant shutting it down. Instead, the focus should be on checking the black box, correcting errors, and improving standards to ensure the institution continues to serve its purpose.

General

“We are moving in the right direction” Prof Nawangwe to Press

Published

4 days ago

September 15, 2026

Elvis Lubanga

Seated: Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe (C) flanked by Prof. Sarah Ssali (2nd L) and Prof. Moses Musinguzi (2nd R), Members of Management and other officials (Seated and Standing) at the Press Conference on 15th September 2026. Vice Chancellor's Press Conference, VC's Boardroom, Main Building, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

Addressing members of the Media at the Vice Chancellor (VC)’s September 15, 2026 Press Conference, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe shared that Makerere University rose 295 places moving from 1,071^st in 2025 to 776^th in the July 2026 Webometrics Ranking of World Universities. This is a noteworthy improvement on a global scale and on continental level, where the university moved from 13^th place earlier this year to 11^th.

Still in the right direction, the number of graduate students completing their studies at Makerere has nearly doubled over the past five years as the University steps up efforts to improve training and research output. The completion rates have increased from 1,588 in 2023 to 1,874 in 2024, 2199 in 2025 and 2,922 in 2026.

The Vice Chancellor attributed this growth partly to government funding and digital systems that have been set up to track student progress.

Improving the Academic Environment

In alignment with VC, the First Deputy Vice Chancellor in charge of Academic Affairs (DVCAA), Prof. Sarah Ssali assured the media that a number of quality assurance measures have been put in place to improve the university’s core functions. These range from assessment forms that enable students to evaluate their courses and provide feedback that can be used to improve teaching and learning as well as research environments.

In line with digitalisation of University processes, Prof. Ssali noted that the Academic Management Information System (ACMIS) enables supervisors, colleges and University Management to identify delays in student progress and take corrective action.

The system currently empowers students to track their academic progress and print their own testimonials, and in future, transcripts, without having to queue up. These services are accessible by students who have fulfilled their tuition obligations.

Infrastructure Development

The Acting Second Deputy Vice Chancellor in charge of Finance and Administration (DVC F&A) and Principal, College of Engineering, Design, Art and Technology (CEDAT), Prof. Moses Musinguzi, shared that the university has undertaken extensive infrastructure expansion and renovation projects, with funding from government, philanthropists and donors.

“One of the infrastructures being the building that is going to house the graduate school, among others” he elaborated.

Research News – FLOWERS Project

Makerere University prides itself as a thought leader in knowledge generation for societal transformation and development. Makerere researchers and partners have launched the FLOWERS Project — Facilitating Local Organic Waste Exchange for Regenerative Systems. Led locally by Assoc. Prof. Charles B. Niwagaba, the two-year project (2026–2028) aims to turn restaurant food waste in Kampala into animal feed and organic fertiliser. Project Kick-off Meeting: https://news.mak.ac.ug/2026/09/makerere-partners-kick-off-flowers-project-to-turn-restaurant-waste-into-a-regenerative-resource/

Upcoming Events highlighted

Makerere Marathon
The sixth edition of the Makerere University Marathon will take place on Sunday, 27 September 2026, starting and finishing at Freedom Square. Marathon kits are available at UGX 50,000 and can be purchased online via https://shorturl.at/Vjovo

The Annual Makerere Guild Medical Camp
The camp will be held from 17^th to 18^th September 2026, starting at 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., in the Freedom Square. The Camp is organised by Guild leadership under the Office of the Dean of Students. Link: https://events.mak.ac.ug/events/2026/09/17/816

The Press Conference was graced by Members of Management, Staff and the media fraternity who were all appreciated for their contribution informing the public about developments at Makerere. This press briefing is part of the media engagements organised by the university Public Relations Office aimed at fostering open communication lines with the public through the media. It happens every two months with the previous one having taken place on 15^th July 2026.

Please see Downloads for the Press Statement and its supporting documents.

Photography by Benite Uwase, Public Relations Office, Makerere University

Makerere-VC-Press-Conference-Sept-15-2026-Statement Download

Makerere-VC-Press-Conference-Sept-15-2026-Table-1-Webometrics Download

Makerere-VC-Press-Conference-Sept-15-2026-Admitted-Statistics-2026-2027 Download

Makerere-VC-Press-Conference-Sept-15-2026-About-FLOWERS-Project Download

Makerere-VC-Press-Conference-Sept-15-2026-About-2026-Makerere-Marathon Download