Makerere University has successfully secured a grant worth USD12 million from World Bank to run two African Centres of Excellence. Estimated to cost USD 6million each, the Africa Centre of Excellence in Material Product Development and Nanotechnology (MAPRONANO) and Makerere University Regional Centre for Crop Improvement (MaRCCI) will be geared towards supporting capacity building and research development at this great institution.
During the monthly media briefing held on Monday 30th October 2017, the Vice Chancellor Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe said that the centres shall support high quality research and innovation at the University with the aim of finding pertinent solutions to challenges that affect the African continent.
“We are not only enhancing our competitiveness in Africa and the world, but addressing pertinent issues in Africa. Food security is becoming an issue to look at if we are to drive the continent out of poverty. We need to also think about how we can save the continent from the epidemics that break out due to poor hygiene and contaminated water,” said the Vice Chancellor.
Africa’s Centres for Excellence Grant is part of a larger World Bank initiative that supports the development of Centres of Excellences for higher education in the African Region. Its purpose is to promote regional specialisation among participating universities in the areas that address particular challenges in regional development, and strengthen the capacity of these universities to deliver high quality training and applied research.
The project focuses on meeting the demand of skills required for the Africa’s development in areas such agriculture, energy, extractive industries, while strengthening the innovative capacity of the best African institution for Higher education in science, technology, engineering, mathematics (STEM) and other relevant disciplines.
This period World Bank released USD148million towards the creation 46 Centres of Excellence across the African Continent. Twenty two of these Centres of Excellence will be established in West Africa while twenty four will be established in Central and East Africa focusing on 16 countries and ten priority sectors.
Speaking to journalists on Monday 30th October 2017, Dr. Michael Lubwama, a Lecturer at the College of Engineering, Design, Art and Technology (CEDAT) said that the establishment of the Africa Centre of Excellence in Material Product Development and Nanotechnology (MAPRONANO ACE) at Makerere University will strengthen research in thematic areas of materials science and engineering, nanotechnology and Nano medicine and also develop human resource capacity in applied science and engineering disciplines.
“The centre is supported by the World Bank to the tune of USD6million for the period of 5 years. This money will be used to furnish laboratories as well as offer Masters and PhD scholarships. The Centre will also offer highly specialised short courses in in welding technology, health safety engineering, oil & gas, monoclonal and nanobodies generation, bioinformatics and next generation sequencing techniques,” he said.
On the other hand, the Director, Makerere University Regional Centre of Excellence in Crop Improvement (MaRCCI) Dr. Richard Edema said that the centre is set to provide the nations of Eastern and Southern Africa with industry-ready plant breeders who are equipped to use cutting edge science to develop and deliver new varieties of food crops.
“These breeders are urgently needed in order to improve the food security, nutrition and rural incomes and to address poverty and economic development throughout the region,” Dr. Edema said.
MaRCCI is an expansion of current activities under Makerere University’s Regional Graduate Programme in Plant Breeding. The main goals will be to strengthen the programme’s PhD in Plant Breeding and Biotechnology, the MSc in Plant Breeding and Seed Systems, applied research in various crops, and outreach activities.
The Makerere University Regional Centre for Crop Improvement (MaCCRI) and the Africa Centre of Excellence in Material Product Development and Nanotechnology (MAPRONANO ACE) and will be launched on 13th and 16th November 2017 respectively.
The Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe on 20th April 2026 inaugurated the Second Makerere University Health User Committee (Mak-HUC). The Committee was established by the Vice Chancellor in 2022 as part of his strategic mandate to strengthen and oversee the University Hospital services delivery.
Chaired by Dr. Allen Kabagenyi from the College of Business and Management Sciences (CoBAMS), Mak-HUC has as its members; Prof. Josaphat K. Byamugisha-Director Makerere University Health Services (MakHS) and Dr. Daniel Ronald Ruhweza-Department of Law and Jurisprudence, School of Law.
Other members include; Dr. Arthur Kwizera-Department of Anaesthesia and Critical Care, College of Health Sciences (CHS) and Makerere University Academic Staff Association (MUASA) Representative, Dr. Lillian Tukahirwa-Makerere University Administrative Staff Association (MASA) Representative, Mr. Godfrey Othieno- National Union of Educational Institutions (NUEI) Representative, and as Secretariat, Ms. Kevin M. Nabiryo-Directorate of Human Resources.
Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe (C) interacts with members of the 2nd Mak-HUC.
The 2nd Mak-HUC has been appointed for a period of four years effective 1st January 2026 with a mandate to: Guide, monitor and oversee delivery of health services by MakHS; Represent the interests and concerns of staff and students that use MakHS; Advise on alignment with sustainable health financing and insurance models; Strengthen systems for fraud prevention, digital transformation and access to specialized treatment, among other responsibilities.
The 1st Mak-HUC was chaired by Dr. Allen Kabagenyi and had as members; Prof. Josaphat Byamugisha, Dr. Fred Mayambala, Dr. Zahara Nampewo, Mr. Othieno Godfrey, Mr. Apunyo Paul Okiria and Ms. Ikiriza Racheal. Milestones during the first era included; Outpatient Department visits growth from 4,802 (2022) to 7,388 (Nov 2025) for staff and 14,641 (2022) to 19,069 (Nov 2025) for students.
Others milestones included; Commissioning of a fully equipped Operating Theatre, Establishment of a modern Imaging Hub, Development of a fully functional Audiology Unit, Expansion of the Temporal Bone Laboratory, Launch of the Olink Proteomics Platform and Enhancement of the Dental Unit with 32 dental chairs and experienced personnel.
All applications must be submitted electronically via the Makerere University Electronic Human Resource Management System through the above link (ehrms). Applicants will be required to provide the necessary information on the ehrms and attach the following documents:
An application letter clearly stating the job applied for and duly signed by the applicant.
An up-to-date curriculum vitae. The curriculum must also state the names and addresses of at least three referees.
Copies of academic certificates and transcripts.
A minimum of three recommendation letters duly signed by the referees.
The application should be addressed to:
The Chief Human Resource Officer Makerere University P.O. Box 7062 Kampala
On Monday, 20th April 2026, the Academic Registrar, Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi and his Senior Management Team (SMT) convened to witness the official handover of office within the Senate Division. The ceremony, attended by representatives from the Directorate of Internal Audit, marked an important moment of transition and continuity in the University’s academic administration. The outgoing Deputy Academic Registrar in charge of the Senate Division, Mrs. Patience Mushengyezi, formally handed over office to Ms. Gladys Khamili, who assumes the role in an acting capacity.
In his remarks, Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi underscored the significance of the transition, situating it within a broader institutional context. He observed that the Department of the Academic Registrar has, over the years, experienced a steady wave of retirements, particularly among senior staff. He noted that this trend is expected to continue, with a considerable number of experienced personnel due to retire within the next two years.
While acknowledging the institutional gaps created by these departures, he reassured staff that the University is actively addressing the situation to ensure the continued efficiency of the Department.
“You will agree with me that the Department has, over the years, witnessed the retirement of many senior colleagues. Their departure leaves behind a significant institutional gap. However, the University is fully aware and will address it through targeted recruitment,” he stated.
In her detailed handover report, which she delivered verbatim, Mrs. Patience Mushengyezi reflected on her tenure with gratitude and a deep sense of fulfillment. She paid tribute to the Vice-Chancellor, in his capacity as Chairperson of the University Senate, for his steadfast guidance and support throughout her service. She also expressed sincere appreciation to the Academic Registrar, Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi, for his pragmatic and results-oriented leadership.
Ms. Gladys Khamili.Members of the Academic Registrar’s Senior Management Team witness the handover.
“I remain deeply grateful for the support from the Vice-Chancellor and all members of Senate for the trust they accorded me. I equally thank the Academic Registrar, Prof. Buyinza, for his results-oriented approach to administration. His support enabled us to achieve remarkable progress under the DARP (Digitalization of Academic Records and Processes) Project, including the successful digitalization of Senate minutes, some dating as far back as the 1990s, which are now easily retrievable,” she noted.
Her remarks painted a picture of dedication, progress, and institutional strengthening, leaving behind a legacy that will continue to benefit the University.
In her acceptance remarks, Ms. Gladys Khamili expressed heartfelt appreciation to the Academic Registrar for the confidence placed in her. She acknowledged the weight of responsibility that comes with the role and pledged her commitment to upholding the standards and gains established by her predecessor.
She paid glowing tribute to Mrs. Mushengyezi’s exceptional service, noting that her impact within the Senate Division is both profound and enduring.
Ms Khamili paid glowing tribute to Mrs. Mushengyezi’s exceptional service.
“I am truly honored by the trust bestowed upon me. I am committed to building on the strong foundation laid by Mrs. Mushengyezi, whose remarkable contribution and dedication will continue to inspire us all,” she said.
The ceremony not only marked the end of a distinguished era in the Department of the Academic Registrar, but also the beginning of a new phase, underscored by continuity, renewal, and a shared commitment to excellence in academic administration at Makerere University.
Gerald Ochwo is the Liaison and Communication Officer, Office of the Academic Registrar