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Youth participation is fundamental for the realization of East African Integration

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On 24th March 2017, students under the umbrella of Makerere University East African Community Students Association (MUEACSA) organized a Public Assembly under a theme Youth participation is fundamental for the realization of East African Integration.

Held in the Makerere University Senate Conference Hall, the Public Assembly aimed at creating awareness of the East African Community (EAC) integration process among university students and other stakeholders as well as discussing ways of engaging the youth in the East African integration process. Students also discussed ways on how youth can be empowered to be vibrant and significant in their communities.

A number of University students from East African States, representatives from Makerere University and the Government of Uganda and well wishers attended the Public Assembly.

 It triggered participating students’ zeal to go forth sensitizing their fellows on the East African Community Integration process, its benefits and challenges. As well, the Public Assembly sparked off the students’ courage to carry the banner and become ambassadors of the East African Community (EAC) integration process in their home countries.

Representing the Second Deputy Prime Minister of Uganda and Minister of East African Affairs,Hon. Kirunda Kivejinja, Mr. John Ngabirano-the Personal Assistant to the Minister for East African Affairs said structures should be put in place to attract youth engagement in peace building processes and security maintenance. According to Mr. Ngabirano, enhancing structures that promote the participation of youths in peace building and security protection will actively contribute to their engagement with decisions and activities that affect their wellbeing.

Mr. Ngabirano also mentioned that youth should be given a vibrant platform upon which they can fully mobilize and sensitize their fellow youth on matters concerning the integration process of the East African Community.   

“Theres is a need to fully involve the young people and utilize their potentials to ensure their effectiveness and relevancy in the regional and global economic development. The youth, constituting the biggest percentage of East African population, the East African Community (EAC) can become more feasible if it involves and empowers them into active participation in its deeds for social, economic and political development,” he said.

He applauded the work of Makerere University East African Community Students' Association (MUEACSA) as a fundamental tool in empowering youth in creating awareness on the role and importance of youth towards the East African Integration process.

Highlighting its significance, Mr. Ngabirano said that Makerere University East African Community Students Association (MUEACSA) is a place to be especially for intellectuals at the level of students. He reminded the students of their great obligation to the society and urged them to actively participate in the East African Community (EAC) activities and drive what their predecessors started with priority.

“The East African Community (EAC) is a very important initiative our current leaders have given to us. It is about our prosperity. East Africa has a future, it’s your future so you must therefore drive it and participate. We need relevant youths whom the Elders will empower, therefore, use this platform to identify you, get mentors and link up with the right people.” Mr. Ngabirano mentioned.

“However to succeed in this, you must be knowledgeable, informed, organized, useful and disciplined. Always remain relevant to your society and have a proper style of presenting yourselves if you are to influence others,” he added.

The President Makerere University East African Community Students Association (MUEACSA) Mr. Tsonga Joseph said that the Association has embarked on training responsible leaders of tomorrow and creating platforms for holding dialogues that are presented to the Cabinet. It has also established a foundation for future East Africa and leadership youth that will render important lessons and mentor roles to the young generation.

“Being a member in this Association presents you with direct linkage to East African authorities since the Patron of the Association is the Speaker of East African Legislative Assembly (EALA). We also have a linkage to the Minister of East African Affairs who can present our views to the Cabinet. We can socialize with others and have great exposure,” he said.

The International Students Coordinator, Mrs. Martha Muwanguzi Ngobi encouraged more students to register and join Makerere University East African Community Students Association (MUEACSA).

According to Mrs. Muwanguzi Ngobi, many students have received scholarships opportunities, invitations for summer schools, internship placements and job opportunities because of their membership to the Association.

“We make the Association visible through the actions we undertake. Our Association is recognized and honored by the Minister for East African Affairs. If we have a strong and functional East African Community Students Association at Makerere University, other universities will learn from us,” she said.

Currently, Makerere University East African Community Students Association (MUEACSA) has over 300 registered members from member states of East African Community (EAC). Members are expected to submit in their views, ideas and be willing to serve without discrimination. A number of platforms on social media have been put in place to be used by members to mobilize students and disseminate information about the East African Community (EAC) and its activities.

Story by: Charles Iga, Communication Volunteer

 

 

Elias Tuhereze

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Call for Applications: Government Sponsorship 2026/27

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Makerere University -Main Building

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

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

Other Important documents:

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

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Mak PIM COE Steering Committee

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Betty Kyakuwa
Betty Kyakuwa

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Strengthening Collaboration between Makerere University and the University of Groningen

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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