General
Outgoing MURBS Trustees Handover Amidst Praises
The terms of the outgoing Makerere University Retirement Benefits Scheme (MURBS) Trustees came to an end on 31st March 2017, marking what was described by many as a very successful tenure. Speaker after speaker heaped praises on the Hajati Fatumah Nakatudde-chaired Board of Trustees (BoT) at a lively handover ceremony held on Monday 3rd April 2017 in the Senate Conference Hall, Makerere University.
Notable among the outstanding achievements during the BoT’s tenure was the near doubling of the fund’s original value to the tune of UGX 78.2billion as reported at the close of the 2015/2016 Financial Year, and winning the coveted Financial Reporting (FiRe) Awards in 2016. Initiated by the Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Uganda (ICPAU) in 2011, the FiRe Awards are aimed at improving the quality of financial and business reporting in the country.
In her communication, the outgoing Chairperson attributed all the gains made to the hard work and cooperation of the Trustees. “I wish to heartily thank all members I served with to put MURBS at the level it is today. Together we have made our contribution in which we shall always pride.” said Hajati Nakatudde.
Speaking at the handover ceremony, Dr. John Kitayimbwa who served as Secretary to BoT and was successfully reelected to the same position attributed the excellent reporting that the FiRe award to Mr. David Ssenoga, the MURBS Audit Committee Chairperson. “Openness to outside help as displayed by the appointment of an external person to chair the audit committee has guaranteed that we have full disclosure of what is happening in the scheme. Mr. David Ssenoga’s professional work led to the FiRe Award” he remarked.
Dr. Kitayimbwa also thanked the professional bodies like the Uganda Law Society (ULS), The Actuarial Society of Uganda (TASU) and Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Uganda (ICPAU) for nominating Trustees to MURBS, whose contributions led to the Scheme’s growth. These included Ms. Miriam Magala-ULS, Mr. Dyson Maswere-TASU and Mrs. Edna Isimbwa Rugumayo-ICPAU.
It was a moment of truth as the outgoing BoT silently signed their deed of discharge; officially signifying the end of their term as trustees, and the functions of Trustees as per the Uganda Retirement Benefits Regulatory Authority (URBRA) Act were read out for the incoming BoT. The brief ceremonies were presided over by the Scheme’s Lawyers Mr. Paul Kutesa and Mr. Sylvester Wambuga respectively.
Welcoming the incoming Board, Mr. Joseph Njuguna from the MURBS Administrator Octagon Uganda Limited commended the team for fulfilling the rigorous requirements for all new Trustees as per the charter. “The current charter requires that all new Trustees have to undergo certification training and pass the final exams. I am proud to say that all our Trustees worked so hard and passed with flying colours” he said, much to the appreciation of the audience. He then introduced the new board as; Mr. Wilber Naigambi-Chairperson, Dr. John Kitayimbwa-Secretary, Ms. Dorothy Kabanda, Mr. Peter Okello and Mr. William Ndoleriire.
In his brief inaugural remarks, the Chairman MURBS-Mr. Wilber Naigambi thanked the outgoing BoT for laying a firm foundation by establishing systems to aid the scheme’s operations. “The groundwork has been done for the new Board to accelerate the scheme’s growth. As the New Board we envisage that the scheme’s value will grow by 200% or 300%” said Mr. Naigambi, who also pledged to work harmoniously with all stakeholders to maintain MURBS’ status as the best scheme in Uganda.
Makerere University as the scheme’s sponsor is responsible for contributing 10% of employees’ monthly salaries to MURBS. Speaking on behalf of the University, The Deputy Vice Chancellor (Finance & Administration), Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe congratulated the new BoT upon their election and expressed the sponsor’s willingness to work with them to improve welfare through retirement benefits.
“I am always delighted to attend MURBS meetings. Save for the pending In-House Scheme obligation by the sponsor, MURBS is doing very well because fresh retirees from the University can access the benefits instantly! MURBS has made Makerere University proud and we thank the outgoing Chairperson Hajati Fatumah Nakatudde and her Board for steering the scheme from the state where they found it to the current one” Prof. Nawangwe praised.
Following a brief interlude during which the Outgoing Trustees were awarded plaques, The Director Finance and Administration, URBRA Mr. Daniel Badebye congratulated MURBS upon being a model scheme. “You have done very well with only a few issues that need to be ironed out, and thereafter, other schemes will be sent to benchmark you” he said.
He explained that the purpose of separating retirement benefits schemes from their sponsors was to ensure that they were fully funded at all times and that retirees could easily access their benefits. He therefore urged Makerere University to ensure that the 10% contribution is always remitted to MURBS as allocations for salaries are being made.
“The outgoing team needs to be commended for a job well done. As an accountant, I was proud to witness MURBS being awarded during the FiRe Awards. This team has been diligent and always consulted URBRA. It is therefore good to see that the new team is part of the old team infused with new blood. This is commendable for continuity as no gaps will be left unfilled” said Mr. Badebye
He expressed hope that MURBS will remain the top scheme in the country because it has surrounded itself with “the best team of outsiders.” Outsiders, he said, would provide critical checks and balances which promote transparency, further adding “Where there is transparency, you will gain trust.”
The ceremony was concluded by a personal tribute by Dr. John Kitayimbwa to Hajati Fatumah Nakatudde, thanking the outgoing Chairperson for her “impartiality, good listening skills and harmonious working relationship.”
Article by Public Relations Office
General
Mak and University of the West of England Sign MoU to Advance Research, Innovation and Skills Development
Makerere University and the University of the West of England (UWE) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at strengthening collaboration in research, innovation, and enterprise development. The signing ceremony took place on Friday, 17th October 2025, in the Vice Chancellor’s Boardroom, Main Administration Building, Makerere University.
The partnership will focus on joint research initiatives in climate science, early childhood development and elderly care, wildlife ecology and conservation management, technology, and sustainable agriculture.
The Uganda High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, H.E. Nimisha Madhvani, who witnessed the signing, congratulated both institutions and reaffirmed the Government of Uganda’s commitment to strengthening international collaborations that enhance education, innovation, and investment.
“We are not only promoting education, but also tourism, business, and investment. This partnership is a great bridge between Uganda and the United Kingdom,” said H.E. Madhvani. “With the full support of His Excellency the President and the First Lady, we look forward to building on this momentum to establish impactful initiatives, including a proposed teaching hospital.”
Speaking during the event, the Vice Chancellor of Makerere University, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, reaffirmed the University’s commitment to producing graduates who are not only employable but also capable of creating jobs and transforming their communities.
“Our goal is to train students who go out to create their own jobs and employ others who have not had the opportunity to attend university,” said Prof. Nawangwe. “We are working seriously on issues of food security, health, and conflict management — particularly in the Great Lakes region, which has one of the highest numbers of conflicts per capita. Through research and collaboration, we aim to address these challenges while ensuring Africa is not left behind in the digital economy.”
Prof. Nawangwe also highlighted Makerere’s initiatives in the digital and peace sectors, including the work of the Rotary Peace Center, which plays a vital role in promoting peace across the world by equipping fellows with academic training, practice, and global networking opportunities through a year-long, blended-learning professional certificate program.
Representing the University of the West of England, the Vice Chancellor Ms. Jo Midgley commended Makerere University for its strong research focus and expressed enthusiasm for the partnership.
“Like Makerere, we are a comprehensive university. We want this partnership to go beyond conversations and translate into action,” she said. “Our areas of strength include sustainability, climate change, future technology, health, and community placemaking. We believe this collaboration offers a unique opportunity to co-create programmes that prepare students for the evolving global workforce.”
She further emphasized the need for universities to work closely with industry partners to co-design programs that meet current skill demands while promoting innovation and enterprise among students.
The Deputy High Commissioner, Ambassador Miriam Otengo, commended Makerere for its leadership in higher education and shared ongoing efforts to mobilize the Makerere alumni in the United Kingdom. She also revealed plans to host a Makerere Alumni Symposium in London, aimed at showcasing the University’s excellence and strengthening ties with its diaspora community.
Also in attendance was Mr. Hefin Rees KC, Chairman of Spotlight on Africa, a UK-based charitable organization, who expressed interest in partnering with Makerere University to establish a teaching hospital in Mbale focused on women and children’s health. He praised Makerere for producing world-class professionals and reaffirmed his organization’s commitment to supporting health-related initiatives.
In his closing remarks, Prof. Nawangwe thanked the High Commission for facilitating the partnership and welcomed the opportunity to discuss the proposed teaching hospital, describing it as “a timely and vital project for Uganda’s health sector.”
“This collaboration represents a new chapter for Makerere University and the University of the West of England. Together, we will advance research, promote innovation, and equip our students to respond to global challenges,” he said. The ceremony concluded with the formal signing of the MoU, marking the beginning of a long-term partnership built on shared values of excellence, innovation, and community impact.
The Acting (Ag.) Vice Chancellor, Prof. Sarah Ssali on Thursday 16th October, 2025 held a press conference to update members of the Media on the 2026 World University Rankings by Times Higher Education (THE).
The event held in the Vice Chancellor’s Boardroom, Main Building, was attended by the Director Graduate Training-Prof. Julius Kikooma, Director Quality Assurance-Dr. Cyprian Misinde, Dean of Students-Dr. Winifred Kabumbuli, Director Research, Innovations, and Partnerships-Prof. Robert Wamala, Deputy Chief – Public Relations-Ms. Eunice Rukundo, Ag. Manager International Relations-Mr. Matthias Ssemanda, and staff from the Offices of the Vice and Deputy Vice Chancellors.
The proceedings of the Press Conference follow below;
Vice Chancellor’s Press Statement
UNIVERSITY RANKINGS: MAKERERE STILL NUMBER ONE IN THE REGION
It gives me great pleasure to share with our stakeholders and the general public that Makerere University has been ranked Number 1. in the East African region, in the Times Higher Education rankings released this month of October 2025.
In its 2026 World University Rankings, Times Higher Education (THE) places Makerere University in top position in East Africa, and in the 801-1000 band globally. The ranking considers five performance indicators, namely: Teaching; Research environment; Research quality; International Outlook; and Industry. Makerere’s overall score was 37.2, significantly outperforming peer institutions in the Region that average scores of 18.8.
In particular, Makerere University continues to thrive in Research Quality where we scored 54.2% but even better in International Outlook where we scored highest with 69.7%. See Table 1 for details. On the continent, Makerere University ranked 8th in the 2024 Sub-Saharan African University Rankings.
We would like to reassure all stakeholders and well-wishers that Makerere University continues to hold steadfast as the regional leader in higher education. Our commitment to deliver excellence in our teaching, research, and socioeconomic impact has not wavered.
WE BUILD FOR THE FUTURE.
Thank you.
Fact Sheet
UNIVERSITY RANKINGS
Table 1: East African Universities – 2025 Ranking Comparison
| Rank | Name | Overall | Teaching | Research Env. | Research Quality | Industry | Int. Outlook |
| 801–1000 | Makerere University | 35.5–38.9 | 21.5 | 26.6 | 54.2 | 32.8 | 69.7 |
| 1501+ | Kenyatta University | 10.3–27.2 | 14.3 | 9.1 | 34.2 | 17.4 | 54.6 |
| 1501+ | Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences | 10.3–27.2 | 21.6 | 14.9 | 30.3 | 27.5 | 54.6 |
| 1501+ | University of Dar es Salaam | 10.3–27.2 | 14.5 | 11.1 | 26.5 | 21.9 | 47.2 |
| 1501+ | University of Nairobi | 10.3–27.2 | 15.9 | 16.1 | 39.7 | 22.5 | 49.4 |
| 1501+ | University of Rwanda | 10.3–27.2 | 14.1 | 14.9 | 25.6 | 21.1 | 57.5 |
End
The Board of the Zambia Research and Education Network (ZAMREN) led by the Chairperson, Prof. Mundia Muya on 14th October 2025 paid a courtesy call on the Vice Chancellor, Makerere University. The Board which is on a two-day exposure visit to the Research and Education Network of Uganda (RENU) was received by the Acting (Ag.) Vice Chancellor and Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic Affairs), Prof. Sarah Ssali in the Vice Chancellor’s Boardroom.
The Chairperson was accompanied by Mr. Ronald Hatoongo and Mr. Stein Mkandawire, the Board Secretary and CEO of ZAMREN respectively, as well as RENU’s CEO-Mr. Nicholas Mbonimpa and RENUMESH Technologies CEO-Mr. Brian Masiga. In attendance were Mr. Samuel Mugabi-Director DICTS, Prof. Robert Wamala-Director Research, Innovations and Partnerships (DRIP), and Prof. Tonny Oyana-Principal College of Computing and Information Sciences (CoCIS).
Also present were; Prof. Paul Birevu Muyinda-Director Institute of Open, Distance and eLearning (IODeL), Dr. Godfrey Mayende-Deputy Director IODeL, Dr. Michael Walimbwa- College of Education and External Studies (CEES), Dr. Cathy Mbidde- Ag. Manager. Makerere University Innovation Pod, Ms. Eunice Rukundo-Deputy Chief-Public Relations and staff from the Office of the Vice Chancellor.
In her welcome remarks, Prof. Ssali thanked the ZAMREN Board for including the courtesy call on their Kampala itinerary and extended warm greetings from the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe. She noted that Makerere as a founding member of RENU has enjoyed a mutually beneficial collaboration, that has benefited both staff and students in the form of supporting growing connectivity needs, as well as training, mentorship, and development of technical skills for both continuing students and graduates.
Turning to the gist of the courtesy call, the Acting Vice Chancellor noted that the Makerere University through the Centre for Artificial Intelligence (MAK-AI) seeks to harness the transformative power of AI to address society’s most pressing challenges. “Projects undertaken by our Centre tackle real-world challenges in health, agriculture, languages, and beyond.”
Prof. Ssali nevertheless underscored the importance of upholding ethics in all AI undertakings “Mindful of global trends elsewhere, the work of the Makerere AI Centre is guided by the principles of Responsible AI, ensuring that systems are transparent, accountable, fair, and designed to benefit society.”
She therefore called upon the delegation to thoughtfully engage with the ideas presented during their visit with the aim of collectively exploring both institution can better equip staff and students to meaningfully make the most of this fast-evolving trend.
On behalf of the Board, Prof. Muya who is substantively the Vice Chancellor of the University of Zambia thanked Prof. Ssali and Members of Management present for according his delegation a warm reception to Makerere University, “one of Africa’s most distinguished centres of higher learning.
“Makerere University is not only a symbol of academic excellence but also a beacon of leadership in higher education on the African continent”, remarked Prof. Muya.
The Chairperson equally expressed the delegation’s keenness to understand how AI is being adopted, and how the academia is embracing the technology as an enabler of teaching and research. “At ZAMREN, we view digital transformation and AI integration as critical enablers of academic excellence, efficiency, and competitiveness across higher education institutions,” he remarked, adding that “We therefore look to Makerere University’s experience to draw practical lessons that can inform and inspire our efforts back home.”
Turning to the lessons from Makerere in line with digital transformation and ICT, the Director DICTS shared that owing to the partnership with RENU, internet bandwidth, a vital enabler of AI transformation currently stands at 5 Gbps of monthly consumption, with plans to scale-up to 8 Gbps. He added that RENU has also facilitated Makerere’s access to Open Libraries, and Eduroam – a secure, encrypted Wi-Fi network across to staff and students freely access the internet across partner institutions in Uganda using their University emails.
Furthermore on the enablers of AI integration, Mr. Mugabi noted that in line with digitalization of institutional business process, the University Council took a bold step to develop all information systems in-house, a move that has reduced costs spent on offshore solutions, and hemorrhage of skills. He pointed to the introduction of open source solutions, and AI policy and global collaborations with corporations such as Google as additional enablers.
Addressing AI readiness, Prof. Tonny Oyana pointed out the need for the University of Zambia to start early, citing Makerere efforts which began as far back as 2007, when Dr. John Quinn joined the institution after his PhD. He added that Dr. Quinn together with other former staff from Makerere formed Sunbird AI, a thriving initiative creating practical systems for the benefit of community.
Prof. Oyana also pointed to AI initiatives that have attracted up to USD 5million from Google Awards, staff with specialized skills in the creation and development of sensor technologies, top notch students that win continental and global awards from companies such as Huawei, and active engagements with partners to produce solutions to enhance diagnosis of malaria, tuberculosis and cancer as some of areas that demonstrate Makerere’s AI readiness.
Addressing academic and research innovation, Prof. Robert Wamala pointed out that Makerere, in recognition that the institution cannot achieve its vision alone is intentional about seeking and nurturing mutually beneficial partnerships. Furthermore, he shared that Vice Chancellor’s Annual Research Excellence Awards reward and recognize the efforts of staff who have excelled in publication, teaching and winning grants.
The Director DRIP equally underscored the need for dissemination of research produced by staff and students, pointing out the annual research and innovation week as a flagship event for not only showcasing research but also forging meaningful partnerships with stakeholders. In line with technology transfer, Prof. Wamala said that the University through the Intellectual Property Management Office ensures that innovations developed by staff and students packaged for adoption by other individuals or organisations.
Addressing the use of technologies in academic work, Prof. Birevu noted that IODeL conducts capacity building in instructional design, online facilitation, use of AI in teaching and digital assessments. “We have also advised the University on ODeL and Distance Education strategies, for instance, we have developed a ten-year masterplan for distance education with support from the Korean Government to outline how Makerere University is going to integrate distance education within its offering” he added.
At the close of the deliberations the ZAMREN expressed sincere appreciation to the Ag. Vice Chancellor and Members of Management for the free sharing that pointed out a number of priorities.
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