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HERS-EA Inaugural Academy Closes on Euphoric Note

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The curtains came down on the Higher Education Resource Services-East Africa (HERS-EA)’s Inaugural Academy on Friday 7th July 2017 at a colourful ceremony held at the Grand Global Hotel, Makerere. The few minutes prior to the start of closing ceremony painted a brief picture of what HERS-EA is all about; an army of volunteers, participants and facilitators joining in to redecorate the room, all under the careful watch of HERS-EA’s Chair-Dr. Ruth Muwazi and UK Coordinator-Ms. Naomi Lumutenga, as well as Acting Director Gender Mainstreaming Directorate (GMD)-Ms. Frances Nyachwo.

Right there was a live example of leadership and mentorship as the mostly younger ladies and few gentlemen got the room ready, at their seniors’ bidding. A few rooms away, HERS-EA Co-founders Prof. Margaret Khaitsa and Dr. Florence Wakoko-Studstill could be seen quietly engaging Amb. Oliver Wonekha, perhaps sharing strategies on future collaborations. H.E. Oliver Wonekha; Uganda’s Ambassador to the USA in transit to Rwanda, would later be joined at the event high table by the Vice Chair, Education Services Commission-Mrs. Elizabeth Gabona, Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic Affairs)-Dr. Ernest Okello Ogwang and Vice Chancellor, Busitema University-Prof. Mary Okwakol. The Deputy Vice Chancellor (Finance and Administration) & Vice Chancellor-Elect – Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe and Principal, College of Humanities and Social Sciences (CHUSS)-Prof. Edward Kirumira completed the list of leaders in attendance at the closing ceremony.

Addressing the gathering, HERS-EA Chair-Dr. Ruth Muwazi

Addressing the gathering, HERS-EA Chair-Dr. Ruth Muwazi thanked all invited guests for gracing the occasion as well as the conference sponsors for ensuring that the event was a success. “We thank the Inter-University Council for East Africa (IUCEA) who sponsored a number of non-Ugandan participants to attend the workshop, and Makerere University School of Women and Gender Studies under the Sida Project sub-programme and Principal Investigator, Dr. Consolanta Kabonesa who sponsored 10 participants.

Makerere University Gender Mainstreaming Directorate headed by Ms Frances Nyachwo also sponsored 10 participants, and provided office space for the HERS-EA Secretariat, Makerere University Central Administration sponsored 10 participants and Sida (Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency) sponsored 10 participants” acknowledged Dr. Muwazi. HERS-EA UK Coordinator-Ms. Naomi Lumutenga continued with the acknowledgements by singling out Champions such as Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, who ensured that the HERS-EA Secretariat secured office space, and was always on hand to advise the leadership. She also thanked the Principal, College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Bio-Security-Prof. John David Kabasa for believing in HERS-EA’s vision right from the start, and Prof. Edward Kirumira who when approached appointed a liaison person for HERS-EA at CHUSS.

To the participants, Ms. Lumutenga commended the parable of talents (Matthew 25:14-30) saying, “I hope that we have helped you to dig into yourselves, discover your talents and hopefully use them, or else lose them. If you don’t develop it and you lose it and society will miss out on your unique contribution” she counseled.

Ms. Naomi Lumutenga (R) makes her remarks flanked by Ag. Director Gender Mainstreaming Directorate-Ms. Frances Nyachwo

She challenged participants to embrace the power of networking and mentoring, announcing that she had received offers by four ladies; all experts in their field, who are willing to edit participants’ publications and get them going on the path to excellent publication with leading journals. “Keep in touch with each other, share your stories to encourage other women and I hope that you have taken something out of this workshop to impact your life” concluded Ms. Lumutenga.

The Inaugural Academy drew participants from six countries namely; Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, Burundi, Ethiopia and the host country Uganda. Expressing his delight to the leadership for their kind acknowledgement of his contribution, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe heartily congratulated HERS-EA upon not only pulling off their Inaugural Academy but also drawing participants from each of the six countries.

“I am glad that I facilitated you to achieve this success and I thank the pioneers, particularly the Ugandans based in the US for not forgetting their homeland. I also thank colleagues in Makerere such as Dr. Ruth Muwazi, Dr. Consolata Kabonesa, Ms. Frances Nyachwo and many others for collaborating with them to make HERS-EA a success” remarked Prof. Nawangwe.

R-L: VC-Elect Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, Principal CHUSS-Prof. Edward Kirumira and HERS-EA Uk Coordinator-Ms. Naomi Lumutenga listen to proceedings at the closing ceremony

Prof. Mary Okwakol is a lady of many firsts dotted across her long and successful career. Addressing the audience at the closing ceremony, she shared being the first female Vice Chancellor of a public University and first Vice Chancellor of Busitema University as some of the examples. In her brief remarks, the 2007 Graduate of HERS-South Africa showed that it was indeed possible to balance family and career.

“I got married soon after my first degree and this year, we mark 43 years in marriage” said Prof. Okwakol amidst prolonged applause and cheers from the audience. “I thank God for a stable family and a steady career. I have successfully raised three professional children; an Accountant, a Medical Doctor and a Lawyer and we have five grand children so far” she added.

Prof. Okwakol shared that her journey from a Graduate Assistant at Makerere University to the first female Vice Chancellor in Uganda should encourage young ladies that it is possible raise a family and build a successful career. She noted that HERS was at the bottom of her heart and expressed happiness that the link she had initiated between HERS-EA and IUCEA had produced results in form of sponsorship.

Speaking on behalf of the Vice Chancellor, Prof. John Ddumba-Ssentamu, the first deputy Vice Chancellor, Prof. Ernest Okello Ogwang thanked the HERS-EA Visionaries for reminding Makerere University Management of their responsibility to promote women leaders in Higher Education. “We thank the Facilitators who have so willingly given of their time to support this cause and we hope that you will not tire of giving back. We hope that those who have benefitted will always remember you for the difference you have made in their professional and personal lives” remarked Dr. Okello Ogwang.

DVCAA-Dr. Ernest Okello Ogwang (R) addresses the audience as L-R: Mrs. Elizabeth Gabona, Prof. Mary Okwakol and Amb. Oliver Wonekha listen

He further noted that the beneficiaries’ gratitude to the organisers, supporters, facilitators and funders of the Inaugural academy would be best demonstrated through their proactive efforts to develop their respective institutions. He urged them to be supportive of other women and to always lead by example.

The HERS-EA Inaugural Academy beneficiaries were never short of examples of women who had successfully balanced family and career. Imagine starting out as a secondary school teacher and growing through the ranks to become the second-in-command at the Nation’s Education Sector Recruitment Agency… That is Mrs. Elizabeth Gabona’s testimony, currently serving as Vice Chair, Education Services Commission, after a career spent serving the education sector, including 37 years of stable marriage.

“I was present on that day, 5th August 2014 when we launched HERS-EA at Imperial Royale Hotel and it makes me very happy to come back today and witness the fruits of that launch. I congratulate the HERS-EA founders for their vision, voice and commitment to uplifting women and remembering to give back to their home, country and region” remarked Mrs. Gabona.

She noted that HERS-EA had demonstrated that its model was an excellent tool to move the East African Community (EAC) integration agenda forward, adding that women are the best change agents. She noted that self esteem was still a major obstacle for so many women and the best way to build it was right from the grassroots level. “Let us light our own sky for if we don’t, no one will do it” added Mrs. Gabona.

Facilitators and Participants at the HERS-EA Inaugural Academy Closing Ceremony

Allies are vital assets to the advancement of any cause or development agenda. HERS-EA has so far done a commendable job by securing female leaders from her consortium of partners to motivate female early career professionals. Nevertheless, Prof. Edward Kirumira in his remarks urged HERS-EA to step beyond the mentorship in female dominion and bring some males on board.

“My approach is based on the three prongs of Networking, Mentorship and Collaboration. In terms of networking, I urge all participants to look at the content of your academy material, pay attention to the people around you, and follow them up after this workshop and network with them” urged Prof. Kirumira.

With regard to Mentorship, Prof. Kirumira opined that the only way that HERS-EA would know that they had achieved their objective through registering an increased number of male mentors to the aspiring female professionals. On the Collaboration front, Prof. Kirumira shared that CHUSS by virtue of its over 10,000 student population and 293 Faculty Members presented a good starting point. “Let us sit down together and write these grant proposals. The funds are out there, let us go out and get them” he concluded.

Amb. Oliver Wonekha (C) is joined by Prof. Margaret Khaitsa and Prof. Mary Okwakol to cut the cake as Mrs. Elizabeth Gabona (2nd L) and R-L: Dr. Florence Wakoko-Studstill, Ms. Frances Nyachwo, Dr. Ruth Muwazi and Ms. Naomi Lumutenga cheer on

Amb. Oliver Wonekha is a proud alumna, having secured both her BSc (Botany & Zoology) and Postgraduate Diploma in Education from Makerere University. Crowning the day’s speeches, Amb. Wonekha congratulated the founders upon not joining the crop of complaining Ugandans in the Diaspora but working hard to link the US to Uganda, “and to all of you here at home, the supporters, donors, universities, thank you for welcoming and being part of making this innovative idea a reality” she added.

Re-echoing Prof. Kirumira’s input on the need to include men in their networking, Amb. Wonekha urged the ladies to use the male leaders that already understood their cause to reach out to others. “Look out for these men because otherwise we are talking to ourselves. So let’s talk nicely to them, especially the Professors who are seated right here and the men in this room,” rallied the Ambassador, before adding “we start here and we build on that.”

The ambassador concluded her remarks on a note that resonated with the day’s theme; Advancing Women in Leadership: Empowered Women Empower Women. “I also did some balancing. I am a single parent with three daughters; One is working with the UN in Vienna, the second one is with Apple in the US and the third is a lawyer right here in Uganda, so you too can make it!”

DVCAA-Dr. Ernest Okello Ogwang (R) shakes hands with a participant as L-R: Ms. Frances Nyachwo, Dr. Ruth Muwazi and Amb. Oliver Wonekha witness during the certificate award ceremony

Article by Public Relations Office

Mark Wamai

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Press Release: Semester II Set to Start 10th Feb, 76th Graduation Dates Confirmed

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An older photo of the Main Building, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda as seen from across the Freedom Square. Date taken: 22nd October 2012. Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

Kampala, Uganda – 20th January 2026Makerere University has postponed its opening date for Semester Two of Academic Year 2025/2026 from the earlier communicated 24th January 2026 to 10th February 2026.

This adjustment is in response to the Ministry of Education and Sports directive to all Schools and Education Institutions to postpone re-opening until 10th February 2026. Consequently, Semester Two at Makerere University will now run from 10th February 2026 until 6th June 2026. Attached is the detailed Calendar for Semester Two 2025/2026.

Confirmed dates for the 76th Graduation Ceremony

Makerere University also wishes to inform the general public that Makerere’s 76th Graduation Ceremony will be held from Tuesday 24th February 2026 to Friday 27th February 2026.

Specifics including the graduation schedules and standard operating procedures for participants will be communicated officially in due course.

Please see downloads for the statement, Ministry directive and revised calendar.

Mak Editor

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Advert: Admissions for Diploma/Degree Holders under Private Sponsorship 2026/27

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The Academic Registrar, Makerere University invites applications from Ugandan, East African and international applicants for the undergraduate under the private sponsorship scheme for the 2026/2027 Academic Year.

Each applicant should:

EITHER

Hold at least a Second Class/Credit (or equivalent classification) Diploma or otherwise as specified in the Diploma Holders’ requirements from a recognised chartered institution, relevant to the programme applied for. Certified copies of academic transcripts and certificates (not photocopies of certified copies) from the awarding institutions and one passport size photograph must be submitted to Office 315 level three (3) Senate Building after applying online. 

OR

Be a Graduate from a RECOGNISED CHARTERED UNIVERSITY. Certified copies of academic transcripts and certificates (not photocopies of certified copies) from the awarding Institutions and one Passport size photography MUST be submitted to Office 315, Level three (3) Senate Building after applying online.

N.B. Applicants will be responsible for verification of their academic documents from the awarding Institutions after admission.

 Other relevant information can be obtained from UNDERGRADUATE ADMISSIONS OFFICE, LEVEL 3, SENATE BUILDING OR CAN BE found on the University Website

Diploma Holder applicants who hold class three (3) diploma certificates or Pass Diplomas are not eligible for admission and therefore should not apply, except where stated in the Diploma Holders requirements. 

HOW TO APPLY                                                    

Applications shall be submitted online using the ACMIS system for all applicants. Diploma/degree holders and internationals will have to submit certified copies of their transcripts and certificates and a passport size photograph to Office 315, Level 3, Senate Building after submitting the application online and payment of application fees.                                                    

OTHER RELEVANT INFORMATION CAN BE OBTAINED FROM UNDERGRADUATE ADMISSIONS OFFICE, LEVEL 3, SENATE BUILDING, MAKERERE UNIVERSITY WITH EFFECT FROM 5th JANUARY, 2026.  

A NON-REFUNDABLE APPLICATION FEE OF SHS.55,000/= FOR UGANDAN AND EAST AFRICAN APPLICANTS OR $76.5 OR EQUIVALENT FOR INTERNATIONALS, (UGX.286,250=) PLUS BANK CHARGEs SHOULD BE PAID IN ANY OF THE BANKS USED BY UGANDA REVENUE AUTHORITY (URA)                                           

CANDIDATES WHO HOLD GRADES X, Y, Z, 7 AND 9 OF ‘O’LEVEL RESULTS SHOULD NOT APPLY BECAUSE THEY ARE NOT ELIGIBLE FOR ADMISSION.     

ONLINE APPLICATION PORTAL USER GUIDE                                                

Applicants should access the Institution’s Admissions URL https://apply.mak.ac.ug

  • Signup using full name, e-mail and Mobile Number.  Please note that your name must be similar to the one on your supporting academic documents for your application to be considered valid.  If you changed your names please go to Senate Building Office 611 with a deed poll and gazette supporting the name change.                                       
  • A password will be sent to both your e-mail and mobile number.                                         
  • The system will prompt you to change the password to the one you can easily remember.             
  • To fill a form (all form sections must be filled)the applicant clicks on the APPLY NOW button displayed on the running scheme.
  • Obtain a pay reference nunber(PRN)  after submitting the application.
  • Make a payment at any of the banks used by Uganda Revenue Authority.                                        

MOBILE MONEY PAYMENT STEPS:                                                 

1.   Dial *272*6# on Mtn or Airtel                             

2.   Select option 3-Admission                                     

3.   Select option 3 Pay Fees                          

4.  Enter reference number obtained from Application portal                                      

5.  Details of Application form will be confirmed                                

6. Enter PIN to confirm payment                              

The closing date for receiving applications was extended to Friday 27th February, 2026.

Mak Editor

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Advert for the Position of the Second Deputy Vice Chancellor

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Front View of the reconstructed Main Building, Makerere University. Date Taken 8th November 2024. Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

Makerere University is governed by the Universities and Other Tertiary Institutions Act, Cap 262. The University is seeking applications from suitably qualified applicants for the position of Second Deputy Vice-Chancellor. The Second Deputy Vice Chancellor holds a pivotal role in financial governance, institutional planning, and administrative leadership.

1.        POSITION:  SECOND DEPUTY VICE-CHANCELLOR

2.        SALARY SCALE: PU2

3:        DUTY STATION: MAKERERE UNIVERSITY

  4.       ROLE

The Second Deputy Vice-Chancellor will report to the Vice–Chancellor and shall:

  1. Assist the Vice Chancellor in performance of his or her functions and in that regard shall oversee the finances and administration of the University;
  2. Be responsible for the Planning and Development of the University and,
  3. Perform such other functions that may be delegated to him or her by the Vice Chancellor or assigned by the University Council.

5.         PURPOSE OF THE JOB

To provide strategic leadership and ensure efficient and sound financial, human and fiscal resources management in the University.

6.         DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

  1. Provide leadership in Strategic planning and governance, leadership and administrative experience, Human resource and performance Management, Stakeholder engagement and collaboration.
  2. Provide leadership in preparation and implementation of the University’s recurrent and capital budgets.
  3. Monitor the development and implementation of the University’s accounting procedures, manuals and other documents relating to financial control and Management as per approved financial regulations.
  4. Oversee income and expenditure of all income generating units of the University.
  5. Coordinate the production of the University-wide Financial Reports by Colleges and Units.
  6. Management of human resources in the University.
  7. Oversee the management of University Estates and Assets.

7.  CANDIDATE SPECIFICATION

  1. Hold a PhD or any other academic doctorate.
  2. Be at the rank of associate or full professor level in an institution whose academic ranking is comparable with that of Makerere University as accepted by Senate.
  3. Be a Ugandan citizen within the age bracket of 40 to 65 years at the time of application.

7.1 Academic Qualifications

  1. Earned a Ph.D. or equivalent doctorate should be acceptable by Senate.
  2. At least five years of financial or administrative leadership experience at the level of school dean/director or higher in a higher education institution, public service, or corporate institutions.
  3. Supervised at least ten (10) postgraduate students (Master’s and Ph.D.) to completion. At least three of the students must be at the PhD level.

7.2 Strategic Planning and Governance

  1. Experience in leading large administrative teams at the level of dean or higher, demonstrating efficiency and productivity.
  2. Proven record in developing and executing strategic plans, aligning financial and administrative objectives with institutional goals.
  3. Evidence of developing and implementing financial policies that have improved financial efficiency, transparency, and risk management.
  4. Evidence of implementing organisational restructuring or process improvements to ensure operational efficiency.
  5. Ability to develop and implement institutional policies, ensuring compliance with national higher education and financial regulations.

7.3 Leadership & Administrative Experience

  1. Minimum 5 years of senior academic leadership in a recognized institution comparable with that of Makerere University, as accepted by Senate.
  2. Demonstrated experience in managing budgets exceeding UGX 500,000,000=, ensuring financial sustainability and accountability.
  3. Proven ability to mobilize resources, secure grants, and attract external funding to support institutional growth.
  4. Experience in conducting financial forecasting, cost control measures, and investment strategies to optimize institutional resources.
  5. Track record of leading financial audits and compliance assessments in alignment with national and international financial regulations.
  6. Experience in handling procurement, asset management, and infrastructure development, ensuring transparency and value for money.

7.4       Human Resource and Performance Management

a)          Track record of leading workforce planning, recruitment, and talent development strategies, ensuring a high-performance institutional culture.

  • Experience in implementing performance-based appraisal systems, leading to improved staff efficiency and accountability.
  • Proven ability to foster industrial harmony, resolving labour disputes and improving employer-employee relations.

7.5        Infrastructure Development and Resource Optimization

  1. Experience in overseeing capital development projects, ensuring timely delivery and cost efficiency.
  2. Track record of overseeing the maintenance and expansion of university facilities, enhancing institutional infrastructure.
  3. Proven ability to negotiate and manage contracts for outsourced services, ensuring cost-effectiveness and quality standards.

7.6          Digital Transformation and ICT Integration

  1. Experience in integrating ICT solutions in financial and administrative operations, improving service delivery and efficiency.
  2. Evidence steering the automation of financial, procurement, and HR systems, reducing paperwork and improving real-time decision making.
  3. Proven ability to implement cybersecurity measures that safeguard institutional financial and administrative data.

7.7          Stakeholder Engagement & Collaboration

  1. Demonstrated experience in building partnerships with government agencies, donors, private sector investors, and international organizations to enhance institutional funding.
  2. Proven ability to engage faculty, students, and staff in financial decision-making, ensuring transparency and inclusivity.
  3. Experience in negotiating contracts, partnerships, and collaborations that have led to financial and administrative growth.

7.8        Personal Attributes

  1. High level of integrity, transparency, and ethical leadership, with a record of financial prudence.
  2. Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills, backed by evidence of successfully managing complex financial and administrative challenges.
  3. Excellent communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills, ensuring effective stakeholder engagement.
  4. A visionary leader with the ability to drive financial sustainability. administrative efficiency, and institutional growth.

8.         REMUNERATION

An attractive remuneration package that is in accordance with Makerere University terms and conditions of service.

9.         TENURE

The Second Deputy Vice Chancellor shall hold office for a period of five years   and shall be eligible for re-appointment for one more term.  

10.       METHOD OF APPLICATION

Interested applicants are invited to submit their application letters. The following documents shall comprise a complete application:

  1. A signed letter of application;
  2. A vision statement;
  3. Curriculum Vitae with contact details signed and dated by the applicant;
  4. Copies of required minimum number of publications;
  5. Certified copies of academic transcripts and certificates;
  6. Three (3) letters of recommendation;
  7. Copies of letters of appointment to leadership positions at the level of Dean of a School in a national accredited university or other academic institution;
  8.  A copy of the applicant’s National Identity Card or passport;
  9. A copy of the last clearance from the Inspector General of Government or other equivalent national body;
  10. Referees should be advised to send confidential reference letters, addressed to the Chairperson Search Committee for the Position of Second Deputy Vice Chancellor and delivered directly to the address below by 5:00 pm on Tuesday 13th January, 2026;
  11. The references should cover the following areas: the applicant’s academic credential, experience, leadership, managerial and administrative skills and personal integrity.

Both Hardcopy and Electronic (Email) applications shall be accepted.

  • Hardcopy applications: Both confidential letters and sealed applications marked “CONFIDENTIAL: POSITION OF SECOND DEPUTY VICE CHANCELLOR” should be addressed to:

SECRETARY SEARCH COMMITTEE

THE ACADEMIC REGISTRAR

MAKERERE UNIVERSITY

6TH Floor, ROOM 602, SENATE BUILDING

P.O.BOX 7062, KAMPALA, UGANDA

  • Electronic media (e-mail) applications should have all the above documents scanned and emailed to search.dvcfa@mak.ac.ug by 5.00 pm East African Standard Time on Tuesday 13th January, 2026.

Please note that:

  • Incomplete applications or applications received after the closing date and time will not be considered.
  • Only shortlisted applicants shall be contacted.

For more Information and inquiries:  Visit our website https://mak.ac.ug/search-for-dvcs OR email us on search.dvcfa@mak.ac.ug OR Call Telephone number: +256-414-532634 during working hours (between 8:00 am to 5:00 pm Monday to Friday).

MAKERERE UNIVERSITY IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Prof. Mukadasi Buyinza

ACADEMIC REGISTRAR

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