General
Thank you Prof. William Bazeyo for Diligently serving MakSPH!
Like Prof. William Bazeyo, Dean MakSPH and RAN Chief of Party has always put it both in writing and speech, ‘Be a Contribution’, the afternoon of Wednesday August 30, 2017 saw him, share the State of Makerere University School of Public Health (MakSPH) presentation with students, faculty, non-teaching staff and the general public. Prof. Bazeyo’s diligent service during his term as the Dean was witnessed in the big number of people who filled the Davies Lecture Theatre in Makerere University College of Health Sciences and patiently listened to and engaged with Prof. Bazeyo for over 3 hours!
‘Look at how my people are standing at the back of this lecture Theatre, they do not have where to sit but also, we all can not fit in this theatre and thus the need for all of us to support the project-constructing a bigger home for MakSPH. Mobilization work is progressing on well and we thank all of you for the support thus far. Please continue supporting us and also share the message widely so that we solicit as much support as possible to put up a befitting home for MakSPH’ noted Prof. Bazeyo.
This was an opportunity for Prof. Bazeyo to share an account of his 8 years in service highlighting achievements, lessons learned and challenges. Prof. Bazeyo’s term as the MakSPH Dean ends on September 30, 2017, what a legacy he is leaving at MakSPH, all of us would take pride in identifying with all the achievements and excellent work. It was exciting to once again follow through MakSPH’s development from a Department, to an Institute, later into a School and now, leadership and staff are working hard to register the School as a College of Public Health. ‘Let us continue working together to coin the School of Public Health as the College of Public Health, together we can achieve this milestone too.’ Prof. Bazeyo therefore referred to the school as ‘a rolling School of Public Health’. More so, the School of Public Health under Prof. Bazeyo’s leadership is currently running 114 Projects which in addition to the work already being done by the students and faculty are richly contributing to further research in and development of the communities in Uganda and beyond.
These projects provide employment to a human resource of 231 individuals. The management and staff of the School of Public Health have also registered further development of the infrastructural systems at MakSPH sharing the developments in some of the Kampala suburbs including Kasangati, Rakai and Kololo School of Public Health Annexes. Some of the projects housed in these annexes include; ResilientAfrica Network (RAN) www.ranlab.org, Center for Tobacco Control in Africa http://ctc-africa.org/, Monitoring Evaluation and Technical Support (METS) which Prof. Bazeyo clearly highlighted and thanked for all the efforts towards further supporting MakSPH. ‘All these projects have continued to richly contribute to supporting the operations of the School of Public Health as a service institution’ he added. Prof. Bazeyo also noted that although some of the buildings in these annexes have not yet been fully renovated, the roofs are made of asbestos thus strong and long lasting. He noted that these should be some of the projects the MakSPH Dean Elect, Associate Professor Rhoda Wanyenze can start with or even plan to include in her to-do-list so that adequate and ambient working space is fully secured for all the MakSPH staff.
Prof. Bazeyo thanked everyone who has worked with him as part of the ‘Winning Team’ to register all the good work done by MakSPH. Among the people he openly and proudly talked about were; the Past Dean MakSPH and RAN Technical Advisor, Prof. David Serwadda who also chaired this session, Deputy Dean, Associate Prof. Christopher Garimoi Orach, the Registrar’s Office, Finance Management Unit, Grants writing team and the support staff who selflessly serve MakSPH. Prof. Bazeyo had a personalized plaque for all the staff who have since been working with him, majority of whom are support staff. This gesture to publicly recognize majority of the support staff he has worked with, left all participants additionally applauding the simplicity and heart of appreciation in Prof. Bazeyo.
‘It is not common that we serve with a team and as we are leaving the leadership role, we passionately thank them and recognize them in a public gathering, thank you William for being too open and generous too’ Prof. Serwadda shared.
Some of the Key Highlights from Prof. Bazeyo’s presentation included the following;
My 10 Point Program!
- The fact that MakSPH has thus far nurtured and supported 24 staff members to attain the qualification of a PHD.
- The infrastructure including furnished office space, two high power/voltage generators, educated and experienced human resource, strong systems among others put in place at MakSPH to further support learning, research and development.
- That given the growing community need and thus number of those in service, there is need to construct for MakSPH a bigger home and Makerere University Main Administration has offered the School of Public Health space within the Main Campus to construct this home. ‘I am more than happy that as I hand over the leadership of this institution, I have left in cash more than 75% of the needed funds to build up to completion a six-storey building to house the School of Public Health. It is now up to the new administration to keep the ball rolling’ noted a smiling Prof. Bazeyo. Having worked with Prof. Bazeyo for years now, I have personally started emulating his resource mobilization skills for community service.
- That the key success factors which have enabled Prof. Bazeyo to excel in serving MakSPH include; remaining resilient in all situations, creating a team and knowing that team which you work with but above all trusting them and their capabilities in effectively performing, working on personality related issues- ‘what do you want people to see you as? A leader, a manager, a boss?’. It is important that you as a leader have an answer to this question above so that you work towards achieving your set goals and ambitions too.
- The fact that MakSPH has managed to train and sustain several non-Makerere University officially employed staff members through encouraging and supporting resource mobilization.
- That MakSPH under the Geo Health Hub in Eastern Africa had recently installed equipment at the roof top of the current building to monitor air pollution in Kampala and the nearby suburbs. This is the second of its kind in Uganda, the first being used and operated at/by the US Embassy in Uganda. The data collected from this study will inform not only policy but also the further management of the city and later, the country at large.
- If you keep yesterday’s anger, you will most definitely loose tomorrow’s benefits. ‘Let go and move on working to achieve’, added a smiling Prof. Bazeyo.
- It is good to have friends, but make and have friends who make a difference in or add value to your life.
- Human beings are not easy to lead and work with and this can be a challenge to operations but never give up on anyone. Remain consistent and follow-up on every team member because Together Each Achieves More (TEAM) but also each individual has the potential to meaningfully contribute to the team. It is important that we explore that potential to the fullest. He emphasized the importance of not holding people to your first impression of them because ‘you will not reap the benefits of what they have to offer tomorrow’. Always endeavor to dig deeper to understand human beings as you deal with them and this will inform your ability to leverage from then, Prof. Bazeyo cautioned presentation attendees.
- Prof. Bazeyo also shared about the challenges in managing donor money, which comes with ‘high expectations’ and need to ‘maintain the credibility of the institution’. This he said calls for a lot of integrity and professionalism.
Assoc. Prof. Rhoda Wanyenze thanked Prof. Bazeyo for the hard and committed work noting that she was definitely not going to fit in Prof. Bazeyo’s shoes as the next MakSPH Dean. She said, ‘I will not attempt to fit in Prof. Bazeyo’s shoes, I will come in with my own pair of shoes, slightly smaller in size, a little bit brief/shorter, high off the floor and have the notorious habit of letting people know I am coming before I actually arrive to serve MakSPH. Prof. Bazeyo has left behind a rich legacy which we will all work towards further learning from and uplifting for the benefit of all of us at MakSPH and outside. As she concluded her remarks, she added that the success of all the past leaders will also be seen in their ability to support the Dean Elect to succeed.
Prof. Charles Ibingira, the Principal Makerere University College of Health Sciences also hailed Prof. Bazeyo for his hard work noting that what could have led to all the achievements at MakSPH was the great and intact team Prof. Bazeyo put together, nurtured and closely worked with. ‘This MakSPH team is a strong one, let us all emulate them so that we develop and grow together as the College of Health Sciences spreading out to the Main Campus and other units too within this our Mother institution’ Prof. Ibingira shared.
The Makerere University Council representative at this engagement, Mr. Bruce Kabaasa, Chairperson of the Appointments Board also joined all speakers to sincerely thank Prof. Bazeyo for the work well done, noting that he was also happy with the growth and development of the School under Dean Bazeyo’s selfless, open and committed leadership. ‘I pray that the new leadership takes advantage of the already developed firm foundation left behind not only by Dean Bazeyo but also by the past leaders of the School. As the University Administration, we will continue to support the School to further grow as a service provision institution in Uganda and the globe at large’ added Mr. Kabaasa.
He also congratulated the School for leading by example, achieving despite all odds and encouraged staff to keep up the team work he has found and experienced among them. Mr. Kabaasa challenged the School to come out to help and support other units of the University to grow at the same pace, leaving behind no one in Makerere. Additionally, he applauded the College of Health Sciences as a whole for the good work done. As he came to the close of his remarks, he introduced his colleagues Honorable Thomas Tayebwa, Member of Parliament for Ruhinda County North, Mitooma District and Associate Professor Sarah Ssali, School of Gender Studies, College of Humanities and Social Sciences. He thanked all participants for turning up in big numbers to listen to and engage with Prof. Bazeyo, specially thanking his colleagues for joining in the same engagement. This engagement was also attended by the University Director of Quality Assurance Dr. Vincent A Ssembatya. Thank you all for continuously supporting Makerere University College of Health Sciences School of Public Health http://musph.mak.ac.ug/.
After all this sharing, participants were officially invited to a mouthwatering cocktail, sharing bites, drinks and cake in honor of and thanking Dean Bazeyo for ably leading the MakSPH team for the last 8 years.
Dean Bazeyo a.k.a WBaz is also on Twitter @williambaz, please connect with him.
Long Live the School of Public Health and all its employees, alumni and well-wishers as ‘We Build for the Future’.
Compiled by Harriet Adong, Communications Manager at ResilientAfrica Network (RAN) www.ranlab.org
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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