The search process for the next substantive Makerere University Vice Chancellor has kicked off. The Vice Chancellor shall be responsible for the academic, administrative and financial affairs of the University, and in the absence of the Chancellor, preside at ceremonial assemblies of the University and confer degrees and other academic titles and distinctions of the University.
Section 31(4) of the Universities and Other Tertiary Institutions Act stipulates that the Vice Chancellor shall be appointed on terms and conditions determined by the University Council for five years and shall be eligible for re-appointment for one more term.
The five year contract for the current Vice Chancellor, Prof. John Ddumba-Ssentamu will be coming to an end on 31st August 2017.
On Tuesday 11th April 2017, Makerere University Council approved the guidelines of the search process for the next substantive Vice Chancellor of Makerere University (2017-2022).
According to Section 31 of the Universities and Other Tertiary Institutions Act 2001, a Search Committee that is composed of two members from the University Council and three from the University Senate shall identify suitable candidates for the post of Vice Chancellor and forward them to the Senate to nominate three candidates for recommendation to the University Council. The University Council will then make its recommendation to the Chancellor who will appoint the Vice Chancellor.
The five member Search committee is chaired by Hon. Irene Ovonji Odida. The members include: Mr. Bruce B. Kabaasa, Dr. Betty Ezati, Dr. Frank Mwine and Prof. Joseph Y.T. Mugisha.
Addressing the media during the Press Conference held on Wednesday 12th April 2017, assured the public of a fair, transparent and competitive process when she said, “Each candidate shall be given equal rights and opportunity to express his or her capability to lead the institution as the Vice Chancellor. In order to produce the best possible outcome, the committee is going to use various methods such as interviews, public presentations and analysis of documents to assess and evaluate the individual capabilities.”
Hon. Ovonji Odida together with the Members of the Search Committee reiterated their readiness to complete the search process within a period of three (3) months.
“Makerere University Council approved guidelines on Tuesday 11th April 2017. We have started our work. We are officially opening the search process that will take three months; we envision concluding the process before the term of the current Vice Chancellor ends,” she said.
For a candidate to be eligible for nomination, he/she must;
Have PhD/ academic doctorate from a recognized academic institution
Be more than 40 years and below 65 years of age at the time of application
Must have a proven track record of academic management including supervision of graduate students and research.
At least five years of teaching experience at the rank of Associate Professor or equivalent in a reputable institution with excellent track record of research of at least 10 peer reviewed publications.
At least 10 years of working experience at Senior Management position, four of which must have been served at the minimum level of Dean of School/Faculty or its equivalent in a reputable public or private institution with excellent track record in management, leadership, and building winning teams.
Have a high level of integrity, be team player with excellent public relations and communication skills.
Proven /demonstrated high level of experience in networking, resource mobilization and preparation of grant wining proposals. He/she should have knowledge and proven experience in engaging with international partners
Proven experience in national, regional and/or international policy development in higher education.
Thorough knowledge of structural, legislative and regulatory framework for management of higher education in Uganda.
Good knowledge of public financial management and strategic planning.
The advertisement can be accessed by following the link below:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.