General
Cambridge Trust Explore Collaboration with Mak
Founded in 1209, the University of Cambridge is one of the oldest in the world, with a student population of 21,000; 58% being undergraduate and 42% postgraduate. 11% of the undergraduate student population and approximately 53% of postgraduate applicants originate from outside the European Union (EU). The Cambridge Trust is the principal provider of scholarships at the University of Cambridge supporting around 1,200 students at any one time.
Despite the focus on international graduate students, Cambridge Trust receives few applications from Uganda and Makerere in particular. This nagging question therefore prompted Dame Barbara Stocking, and Mrs. Helen Pennant to visit Makerere University and interact with the Management, Leadership, Staff and Students on 12th September 2017. Dame Barbara Stocking is the President of Murray Edwards College and Trustee of both the Gates Cambridge Trust and the Cambridge Trust, while Mrs. Helen Pennant is the Director of the Cambridge Trust.
Welcoming the delegation, the Vice Chancellor Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe thanked the ladies for seeking to strengthen and extend the existing connections between Makerere and the University of Cambridge. He noted that just like Cambridge, Makerere is a collegiate university with 10 constituent colleges and is home to the best and most vibrant faculty on the African continent, with over 60% PhD holders.
“Makerere is also a vibrant research institution and is ranked second in Africa in terms of research output and publications. Our research agenda targets both national and regional challenges such as climate change, high population growth rates, food security and emerging diseases,” said Prof. Nawangwe.
The Vice Chancellor added that as a result, Makerere is world renowned for research in tropical diseases and the breeding of fast maturing, drought tolerant and disease resistant crop varieties. “Makerere University went collegiate to streamline her academic and research functions. Our research output has increased as a result and a college review is underway to see how we can perfect the system.”
Dame Barbara Stocking in her remarks expressed her happiness at visiting Makerere and congratulated the Vice Chancellor and staff upon the fruitful collaborations with Cambridge and all other universities. She noted that the Cambridge-Africa programme had serious ongoing partnerships in the names of THRiVE (Training Health Researchers into Vocational Excellence) and CAPREx (Cambridge-Africa Partnership for Research Excellence) and these were going to be further strengthened.
She added that despite the availability for PhD and Masters scholarships tenable at Cambridge, there were few applicants from sub-Saharan Africa. “Our visits to Kenya and Uganda this month are to help us clearly understand why scholars from this region aren’t successfully taking up these opportunities.”
Reiterating her colleagues point, Mrs. Helen Pennant shared that the Cambridge Trust and Gates Cambridge Trust are an opportunity to address the imbalance of few Graduate students from sub-Saharan Africa in general and Makerere in particular.
“The Gates Cambridge Trust offers 100 fully funded scholarships for PhD study which cover tuition fees and other allowances and for the Ugandan scholars, the offer also covers the airfare” enthused Mrs. Pennant. She however recognised the importance of the Alumni chapter engaging directly with prospective students and shared that sessions for applicants to be held later on the same day would feature four former students, including Dr. John Kitayimbwa an Assistant Lecturer in the Department of Mathematics.
“The Gates Cambridge scholarship further looks at how much leadership potential the applicants have and how much they have already done for their communities” said Dame Stocking, further adding “There is no reason why we should have more Ugandans securing these opportunities.”
Prof. Nelson Sewankambo is the Director of the THRiVE Consortium at Makerere University. Weighing in on the day’s discussion, he observed that his last nine years at the helm of the consortium had been the most exciting and rewarding of his years spent at Makerere. THRiVE has been able to sponsor a number of PhD students from Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania and Rwanda and currently has four PhD and two Postdoctoral students on scholarship.
“The reason why students from Uganda and Makerere in particular are not featuring highly in Cambridge’s scholarship awards is because they imagine that the standards are too high. It is therefore important that members of the alumni share their personal experiences with these applicants” said Prof. Sewankambo.
CAPREx is a tripartite collaboration involving the University of Cambridge, University of Ghana, Legon and Makerere University. The programme started in 2012 and has so far supported 65 Academic Fellowships, 34 from Makerere University and 31 from the University of Ghana. The Director of Research and Graduate Training-Prof. Mukadasi Buyinza who coordinated the visit acknowledged that Dame Stocking’s and Mrs. Pennant’s coming to Makerere brought the foundations of the application process closer to Uganda. He observed that although the CAPREx programme started at a slow pace, it has since picked up as applicants are better informed of the opportunities.
In her concluding remarks, Dame Stocking acknowledged that although Cambridge’s ancient buildings, application fees and English tests were a put-off for many applicants, it was important that the alumni help to walk the prospective applicants through the process. She also urged all academic referees to write helpful supporting letters as these greatly boosted the applicant’s chances of being selected.
The Vice Chancellor once again thanked Dame Stocking and Mrs. Pennant for their visit, noting that the tips they had shared during the interaction were very helpful. “Uganda is the centre of Africa. It has ethnic groupings from almost all parts of the continent and once you have studied Uganda, you have studied Africa. Makerere should be the coordinating centre for Cambridge in Africa as we look forward to exploring more collaborations” concluded Prof. Nawangwe.
At the end of the meeting attended by Members of Management, Directors and Principals of Colleges, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe handed over Makerere souvenirs to ladies and received a Cambridge souvenir from Mrs. Pennant.
Article by Public Relations Office
The Deputy Vice Chancellor in charge of Academic Affairs (DVCAA) Prof. Sarah Ssali on 15th July 2026 commended the Research and Education Network for Uganda (RENU)’s Industrial Trainee Program, describing it as the perfect hands-on intervention for the future workforce. She made the comments while on a guided tour of RENU’s on-campus Lab facility where ten undergraduate students from Makerere and other Universities are undergoing a two-month practical training.
Origin of tour
The tour was prompted by a 24th June 2026 meeting with a RENU delegation led by CEO, Mr. Nicholas Mbonimpa, aimed at broadening the existing partnership with Makerere University beyond internet service provision to supporting teaching, learning and research activities. During the said meeting, Prof. Ssali expressed Makerere‘s desire to produce graduates that are not only academically grounded but also cognizant of the needs of the job market.
In his response then, Mr. Mbonimpa expressed RENU’s readiness to continue advancing digital transformation through advancing resilient connectivity, research infrastructure, and innovative initiatives that enhance teaching, learning, and research. He shared that the Senate Building’s computer network had been revamped in line with advancing resilient connectivity, and the initiative would be expanded to the College of Engineering, Design, Art and Technology (CEDAT) buildings and other premises subsequently.
The RENU CEO further highlighted that resilient connectivity forms a good basis for the proposed Open Radio Access Network (RAN) Architecture deployment set to be done within six months, so as to boost training of students in 5G and other technologies. Other initiatives discussed included training staff and students on acquisition of Open Researcher and Contributor ID (ORCID) to improve visibility of their publications and research output.
Training Program Lauded
Addressing student interns during the 15th July guided tour, the DVCAA who was accompanied by the 92nd Guild Speaker Rt. Hon. Trevis Mutatiina Muhwezi urged beneficiaries to harness all the technical and social opportunities accorded by the Program. “Not all students in your respective academic programmes had the benefit of being exposed to this kind of training so please make the most of it and utilize skills gained here beyond the classroom setting”.
The 2026 Industrial Trainee Program is equipping students with skills on how to diagnose and repair ICT equipment based on old and disused stock.
Prof Ssali was also toured the makerspace where solar-powered routers are manufactured and deployed to extend internet connectivity to both rural and urban locations. In 2023, RENU partnered with Mesh++, a Chicago-based connectivity solutions manufacturer, to manufacture solar-powered internet routers in Uganda. Since inception, over 200 units have been manufactured and deployed across various sites in Uganda, while over 80 units have been shipped to various African countries such as Malawi, Rwanda and South Sudan under the RENUMESH Technologies joint venture.
Partnerships Inspiring New Prototypes
The RENU CEO nevertheless pointed to a long turnaround time for shipping parts from the U.S. as one of the drawbacks hindering the product’s rapid deployment. As a result, RENU, in response to the Ugandan Government’s call for import substitution and local capacity development is developing a solar-powered internet router with some of the components sourced from Ugandan companies Innovex and Chloride Excide.
“Innovex will supply the Internet of Things (IoT) component to help RENU remotely monitor and control the router while Chloride Excide will provide the batteries” Mr. Mbonimpa explained. He added that some of the current lot of trainees were already running simulations on the prototype and proposing how the device can be further refined so as to increase its portability and reduce its price.
A call for Expansion
At the conclusion of the tour, Prof. Ssali who commended the use of modular Ugandan components for the prototype thanked the RENU team to exposing students to real-world technological deployments. She nevertheless urged the CEO and his team to expand the program’s intake beyond ten trainees and duration beyond the current two months so as to give students a richer experience.
The CEO RENUMESH Technologies Mr. Brian Masiga thanked the DVCAA for following up their 24th June meeting with the visit, which demonstrates that the University Management values students’ development of practical skills. He equally thanked Prof. Ssali for Management’s support to RENU activities and pledged to further refine the prototype to produce a cheaper and more portable proudly Ugandan product.
General
Makerere University Launches First Writing Summer School to Strengthen Professional Writing Skills.
KAMPALA, UGANDA, EAST AFRICA| July 6, 2026.
Makerere University has officially launched its inaugural writing summer school, a week long professional development program aimed at equipping students, graduates, researchers and staff with practical writing skills required for academic excellence and success in today’s competitive job market. The program jointly organized by the Makerere University Writing Centre and Makerere University Press (MakPress), reflects the University’s commitment to nurturing graduates with not only academic knowledge but also the communication skills needed to thrive professionally.
Held virtually, the launch attracted more than 280 participants from Makerere University and other higher education institutions, demonstrating the growing demand for structured writing support beyond the classroom.
Building the Next Generation of Writers.
Speaking at the launch, the Director of Makerere Writing Press, Prof. William Tayeebwa, said the summer school represents an important investment in developing writers before their work reaches publication.
“The press has traditionally focused on publishing books, journals and scholarly work. Today, we are expanding that mission by helping and develop the writers who will produce tomorrow’s publication.
He noted that MakPress continues to support the publication of books and scholarly works produced by members of the Makerere Community. Using recently published books authored by a member of staff and a student as examples, he encouraged participants to submit manuscripts for publishing support rather than relying solely on self publication.
Writing as a Foundation for Academic and Professional Success.
Chairperson of the Makerere University Writing Centre, Prof. Frederick Muyodi, said the center was established to strengthen the writing competences among students, researchers and university staff.
” The Writers Center is here to support every stage of the writing process from CVs and application letters to research manuscripts, grant proposals, reports and responsible use of Artificial Intelligence in writing.”
He explained that the Centre supports writing across multiple disciplines and professional contexts, adding that its long term vision is to extend writing support beyond Makerere University to institutions across Uganda and the East African region.
Equipping Graduates for the Labour Market.
Officially launching the summer school, the First Deputy Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, Prof. Sarah Ssali, described the initiative as a strategic investment in preparing graduates for an increasingly competitive labour market.
She observed that while universities successfully impart disciplinary knowledge, many graduates leave campus without the practical writing skills required to secure employment and other professional opportunities.
“We teach content very, but many students are never taught how to write an effective CV, application letter, motivation statement or scholarly essay. Yet these are the documents that often determine whether someone secures an opportunity.”
Prof. Ssali said the writing summer school would bridge the gap between classroom learning and professional practice by equipping participants with market ready communication skills.
Reaffirming her office’s commitment to the initiative, she added:
“My office is pleased to support this initiative as we institutionalize the Writing Summer School to ensure that Makerere graduates leave not only with degrees but also with practical competencies needed to thrive professionally,”
She officially declared the inaugural Writing Summer School open and expressed optimism that future editions would attract even more participants and resources.
Participants Gain Practical CV Writing Skills.
The first technical session was facilitated by Mr. Abdul Noor Luttamaguzi, a PhD student in the Department of Zoology, Entomology and Fisheries Sciences within the School of Bio sciences at Makerere University, a Senior Fisheries Officer with Luweero District Local Government, and the founder and director of the ANL Foundation, an organization that supports youth employment and capacity building.
During the session, he guided participants on developing competitive CVs tailored to specific professionals and employer expectations. He emphasized that applicants should customize their CVs to suit each opportunity instead of submitting the same document for every application. Participants also learned how effectively present their education, work experience, leadership roles technical competencies and professional achievements, while avoiding unnecessary personal information. Practical demonstrations using professional specific CVs provided participants with hands on examples of preparing competitive job application documents.
Looking Ahead.
The Writing Summer School continues throughout the week sessions on application letter writing, responsible use of artificial intelligence, professional communication and other essential writing skills aimed at improving academic productivity and employablity.
Through initiatives such as the Writing Summer School, Makerere University continues to strengthen its commitment to producing graduates who are not academically accomplished but also equipped with practical communication skills that enable them to compete and lead in today’s global workplace.
General
Makerere Launches Strategic Plan 2025-2030 to Drive Research, Innovation and National Development.
Kampala, Uganda East Africa.
Makerere University has officially launched its Strategic Plan 2025-2030, reaffirming its commitment to advancing research, innovation, academic excellence and human capital development in support of Uganda’s national transformation agenda.
The Strategic Plan, unveiled by the Minister of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, Hon. Henry Musasizi, provides a road map for strengthening the University’s contribution to Uganda’s Tenfold Growth Strategy through research, innovation, entrepreneurship and the production of highly skilled graduates.
The launch, held at the University’s Main Hall, brought together government officials, members of the University Council, management, development partners, staff and students to witness what leaders described as the beginning of Makerere University’s next phase of institutional transformation.
Positioning Makerere for National Transformation.
Delivering his remarks, Vice Chancellor Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe said the Strategic Plan reflects Makerere University’s ambition to become an even stronger research led institution that responds directly to Uganda’s development priorities.
He noted that the University intends to restore student enrollment to pre COVID levels while significantly increasing postgraduate training to produce more researchers, innovators and professionals capable of addressing national challenges.
Prof. Nawangwe also highlighted the University’s growing research portfolio, commending researchers and research centers that continue to attract substantial international funding.
“when you combine the grants won by all our researchers through competitive international funding, the total exceeds US$200 million,” He said.
The Vice Chancellor also pointed to the need to strengthen the University’s academic workforce, noting that although progress has been made, more investment is required to fill approved academic positions, particularly at professor and associate professor levels.
Strategic Plan Sets Ambitious Institutional Targets.
Chairperson of the University Council, Dr. Lorna Magara, described the Strategic Plan as more than an institutional document, calling it “a public covenant with the people of Uganda.”
She said the Plan outlines measurable commitments that will guide the University’s performance over the next five years, including expanding postgraduate enrolment, increasing STEM participation, improving doctoral completion rates and strengthening research productivity.
“Ambition is precisely what this moment demands. A strategic plan is not measured by the elegance of its language, but by the lives it transforms,” she said.
Dr. Magara emphasized that every investment in Makerere University should translate into tangible benefits for society through research, innovation, leadership and skilled graduates.
She also called for reforms to Uganda’s Universities and Other Tertiary Institutions Act to strengthen university governance and create an enabling environment for innovation and knowledge production.
Government Reaffirms Support.
Launching the Strategic Plan, Hon. Henry Musasizi commended Makerere University for aligning its institutional priorities with Uganda’s Vision 2040, the Fourth National Development Plan (NDP IV) and the country’s Tenfold Growth Strategy.
He observed that universities remain central actors in national development because they produce the knowledge, innovation and skilled workforce required to transform Uganda’s economy.
“Universities are central actors in national transformation. they are engines of knowledge creation, innovation and human capital development,” he said.
The Minister emphasized government’s commitment to supporting research, innovation and stronger collaboration between universities and industry to ensure that knowledge generated within higher education institutions contributes directly to economic growth.
Universities Critical to Uganda’s Tenfold Growth Strategy.
Presenting the national development perspective, Samuel Kasule, Senior Planner at the National Planning Authority, explained that the Strategic Plan aligns closely with the Uganda’s long term development framework.
He noted that achieving the country’s ambitious economic growth targets will depend heavily on universities producing competent graduates, expanding research and strengthening innovation ecosystems that support priority sectors including agriculture, tourism, ICT, minerals, manufacturing, and oil and gas.
Kasule further underscored the importance of competency based education and post graduate training in building the human capital required for sustainable national development.
A Shared Vision for the Future.
Throughout the launch, speakers emphasized that Makerere University’s future lies in becoming an increasingly research intensive, innovation driven institution that responds to national and global development challenges.
The Strategic Plan 2025-2030 outlines priorities that include strengthening research excellence, promoting innovation and commercialization, expanding digital transformation, enhancing partnerships with industry, and producing graduates equipped to drive socioeconomic transformation.
Its launch marks a renewed commitment by Makerere University to remain at the forefront of knowledge generation and to contribute meaningfully to Uganda’s long term development aspirations.
-
General2 weeks agoMakerere University Launches First Writing Summer School
-
General1 week agoRE-ADVERT: Admission to Undergraduate Programmes 2026/27
-
General1 week agoStakeholders of Mastercard Foundation Initiatives at Makerere University Convene to Review Progress and Strengthen Collaboration
-
General2 weeks agoMakerere University Trains 250 Student Peer Trainers to Champion Gender Equality Leadership
-
Agriculture & Environment2 weeks agoCAES Annual Report 2025