Connect with us

General

Mak embarks on process to formulate next 10 year Strategic Plan: Holds Strategic Planning Retreat

Published

on

Makerere University has embarked on the process that will culminate in the formulation of the next ten year Strategic Plan (2020/21-2029/30). The formulation of the new Mak Strategic Plan (2020/21-2029/30) will take a year-long participatory approach incorporating views of different stakeholders including staff, alumni, students, professional bodies, civil society, as well as the private and public sectors. The current 10 year Mak Strategic Plan is expected to come to an end in 2019.Chancellor, Prof Ezra Suruma officially opened the retreat.

To kick start the crucial process in the life of this great institution, the Makerere University Management Team held a three-day Strategic Planning Retreat (February 20-22, 2018) bringing on board the Chancellor, Chairperson and Members of Makerere University Council, the Vice Chancellor and Members of the Central Management, College Principals, Deputy Principals, Deans, Heads of Administrative Units, Representatives of the three Staff Associations and Student Support Services, National Council for Higher Education and National Planning Authority.

During the consultative Strategic Planning Retreat officially opened by the Chancellor of Makerere University, Prof. Ezra S. Suruma, consensus was reached regarding the Vision of Makerere University for the next 10 years.

For the next Mak Strategic Plan (2020/21-2029/30), all stakeholders should envisage Makerere University as the Thought-Leader for knowledge creation, society transformation and development. The Strategic choices for the next 10 years will focus on: The Institution (an efficient and effective University with a highly reputable recognized brand), The Graduate (versatile, professionally grounded, ethical and committed to lifelong learning), The Human Resource (An engaged, motivated and highly productive workforce). Makerere University should be a relevant University with development impact.

In a presentation titled, Towards Full Employment by 2025, Chancellor Ezra S. Suruma urged the participants to come up with strategies aimed at addressing the high unemployment levels in the country.

“We should solve this problem of unemployment if the country is to grow and remain stable,” remarked Prof. Suruma.

Highlighting the importance of the Strategic Planning process, the Chancellor said: “I am delighted to be part of the process that helps to be cognizant of the world around us. We need to know the internal and external environment. Universities should provide solutions to societal challenges.”University Council Chairperson Dr. Wana-Etyem giving his remarks

Welcoming the participants, the Acting Deputy Vice Chancellor (Finance and Administration) who doubles as the Chairperson of the Strategic Planning Committee, Prof. William Bazeyo reiterated that the participants were expected to provide a great contribution to the planning process.

“We are here because we believe in Makerere University. The Makerere University Strategic Plan is drawn by insiders with involvement of stakeholders. We should come together to ensure Makerere University remains a leader,” he said.

Dr. Florence Nakayiwa, the Director of Planning and Development Department provided a detailed account of the performance of the current Mak Strategic Plan. Articulating the performance review, Dr. Nakayiwa presented the achievements in teaching and learning, research and innovations, knowledge transfer partnerships and networking, internationalization, Gender Mainstreaming, Quality Assurance and Enablers such as ICT, Library services, human resource, and finance, among others. She also pointed out areas that needed improvement as we embark on the formulation of the next Mak Strategic Plan. “For instance, the University has not fully transitioned into a research led University. We transformed into a Collegiate University, but we are yet to operationalise some of the aspects of a collegiate institution,” she said.Vice Chancellor Prof Barnabas Nawangwe contributing to the Mak Strategic Plan Framework.

After her presentation, the Facilitators namely Dr. Patrick Okori and Dr. Paul Kibwika guided the participants into a plenary discussion that further enriched the Performance review of the current strategic plan and extensively focused on documenting the Strengths, Weaknesses, Threats and Opportunities (SWOT analysis).

In a session chaired by Eng. Dr. Charles Wana-Etyem, the Chairperson of Makerere University Council, the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe shared his vision of unlocking the potential of Makerere University in the next 10 years. The Vice Chancellor strongly believes that each and everyone has a role to play in the transformation of Makerere University. He underscored this statement of fact when tactfully shared the humble beginnings of Makerere University with 14 students and the evolution with a current student population of over 40,000 students. “The University has continued to grow because we have done things differently. We need to benchmark the best practices with the aim of doing things differently.”

The Vice Chancellor revealed his commitment to the process of turning Makerere into a research led University, producing quality graduates, building a University research hospital, revamping the Sports facilities, ensuring ISO certification of Mak, supporting resource mobilization initiatives for a financially stable and sustainable Makerere University, and among others.

Ending his presentation, the Vice Chancellor asked participants to ponder on, “What role can I play in building Makerere University’s brand name?”

The Deputy Chairperson of Makerere University Council, Hon. Irene Ovonji-Odida re-echoed the need for more engagement with stakeholders and a productive Human resources focusing on individual commitment and building the right systems for human resources.Hon. Irene Ovonji Odida, Deputy Chairperson University Council give her views during the discussions.

The participants were also requested to write points on: “What can I do to make Makerere University better.” The ideas will be documented by the Strategic Plan Drafting Committee chaired by Dr. Isaac Okullo, the Deputy Principal at the College of Health Sciences, Makerere University.

Envisioning the next 10 years of Makerere University, the participants actively deliberated on the Makerere University external environment, a University of the 2st Century: Benchmarks and Implications for Mak, The role of higher education in meeting the global, regional and national development needs, Improving the teaching and learning environment, Towards a research and innovation led University, Knowledge Transfer and strategic partnerships: University meeting community development needs, Governance and Human Resources: The Collegiate University, Financing and Financial Management.Prof William Bazeyo, Chairperson of the Mak Strategic Planning Framework engages the prticipants

Other captivating group and plenary presentations focused on: Infrastructure development, facilities and support services, Student Support Services, Internationalisation as a Pathway for Institutional Development, Mainstreaming gender strategic choices for Mak as well as Gender Mainstreaming in the University.

With the participatory approach, the Strategic Planning Retreat (February 20-22, 2018) significantly informed the Strategic planning process and the Strategic Planning Framework. The Strategic Plan Drafting Committee will harmonize the ideas and use the months of March and April 2018 to document the Mak Strategic Planning Framework that will be shared and discussed with the respective Colleges, Administrative and Support Units to guide the development of specific unit Strategic plans.Group photo of participants that took part in the formulation of Mak Strategic Plan Framework at Imperial Resort Beach Hotel, Entebbe.

In the afternoon hours of Thursday 22nd February 2018, the Director of Planning and Development Department-Dr. Florence Nakayiwa, presented the Road map for the formulation of the next Mak Strategic plan as follows:

  • Mak Strategic Planning Retreat (Feb 20-22, 2018)
  • Documentation of Mak Strategic Planning Framework (March-April 2018)
  • Consultation and Formulation of Unit Strategic Plan (May-August 2018)
  • Consultation and Drafting of Mak Strategic Plan (Sept-Nov 2018)
  • Publication and Launch of Mak Strategic Plan (March 2019)

The Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe who is the Champion thanked the participants for their valuable input.

Closing the Strategic Planning Retreat, Eng. Charles Wana-Etyem said: “We had a productive exchange of ideas. We have only one Makerere University. Let us enhance teamwork for the good of the University and Uganda at large.”

 

Article by: Ritah Namisango, Mak Public Relations Office

Pictures by: Mak Public Relations Office

Elias Tuhereze

Continue Reading

General

Call for Applications: Admission to Postgraduate Programmes 2026/2027

Published

on

SoL Graduands celebrate after being conferred upon their awards. 75th Graduation Ceremony, Day 1, CoCIS, CEES, CoVAB and School of Law. 13th January 2025, Freedom Square, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

The Academic Registrar, Makerere University invites applications for admission to Graduate Programmes (Postgraduate Diplomas, Masters and Doctoral Degree Programmes) for the 2026/2027 Academic Year. Applicants should have obtained at least a first or second class degree (or its equivalent) from a Chartered University at the time of completion. Applicants should also possess a Uganda Certificate of Education (or its equivalent) and a Uganda Advanced Certificate of Education (or its equivalent).

Sponsorship:

All Graduate Programmes are PRIVATELY-SPONSORED. Therefore, applicants seeking sponsorship should have their applications endorsed by their respective sponsors where applicable. Applicants should note that the various fees payable to the University indicated for the various programmes EXCLUDE functional fees, accommodation, books, research and other expenses.

View on DGT

Mak Editor

Continue Reading

General

Press Statement: Makerere 76th Graduation Ceremony

Published

on

Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe (Centre) presents one of the printed batches of transcripts the Registrar College of Computing and Information Sciences (CoCIS)-Ms. Ruth Iteu Eyoku (2nd Right) as Right to Left: DVCAA-Prof. Sarah Ssali, AR-Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi and Ms. Prossy Nakayiki witness on 28th January 2026. Vice Chancellor's Press Briefing on the 76th Graduation due to be held 24th-27th February 2026 at Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

Makerere University’s 76th graduation ceremony will be held from February 24th – 27th, 2026, at the Makerere University Freedom Square, starting at 8.30am. During the 76th graduation ceremony, we shall confer degrees and award certificates to 185 PhDs, 2034 Masters, 6,043 bachelors, 137 postgraduate diplomas and 33 diplomas.

I am proud to announce that in comparison to the 75th graduation, we have registered a 30% growth in graduate student output. This is a result of our strategic decision to prioritize graduate education per our research-led agenda.

I also wish to announce that the transcripts have been finalized and are ready for pick up. Today, I am handing over the ready transcripts to the College principals and can be picked up from respective Colleges even before the graduation ceremony.

Important to Note:

In preparation for the graduation ceremony, the University wishes to note the following:

  1. Pre-graduation clearances
    Graduands are reminded to clear all necessary payments such as tuition and all graduation
    fees. It is also important to check with your College to ensure your name is on the graduation
    list and all mandatory clearances with university officials have been finalized. Note and
    internalize the graduation schedule (attached) to know which day you are graduating.
  2. Securing the graduation gowns
    Graduation gowns will be issued starting from 2nd February 2026 from the University Hall (Dinning Hall), Monday to Friday, from 9am to 4pm. To collect your gown, check and ensure your name appears on the Senate Graduation list, present your student number or National ID, and proof of payment for the gown.
  3. Security requirements
    • Attendance: For each day of graduation, entrance to the graduation ground will be by invitation only. Graduands will be issued with invitation cards which permits two guests per graduand. Do not come with more than two people or they will not be allowed access to the graduation venue. Graduands are encouraged to arrive to settle at the Freedom Square by 7am on graduation day to for a seamless flow of planned activities including the necessary security checks.
    • Prohibited items: Prohibited items include firearms, sharp instruments like mirrors and knives, alcohol, cell or batteries and chemicals, canned food and drinks, laptops, flashes and hard disks, radios including pocket radios, bottled drinks, cameras, large bags or any other heavy items.
    • Media: All media and journalists who wish to cover the ceremony must be pre-accredited by the Makerere University Public Relations office or they will not be allowed to access the ceremony venue. The access point for accredited media personnel will be the Senate Building.
    • Parking: There will be two designated parking areas; Rugby Grounds for those coming through the Eastern and Main Gate; and the second one is the Makerere University Main Grounds at Makerere College School. For VVIPs, VIPs and procession parking will be at CTF1, Directorate of Legal parking, St Francis and St Augustine parking, JICA and Senate Building.
    • Access Control: To ease traffic flow and management, the University has planned three access points to the graduation venue: the School of Social Sciences, Senate Building and the University Swimming Pool.
  4. For help and inquiries
    • Starting February 2, 2026, the Academic Registrar ’s Office and Graduation Committee will set up an information tent outside the Senate Building to provide guidance and handle all inquiries pertaining to graduation.


Mak Editor

Continue Reading

General

Re-Advert for the Position of the Second Deputy Vice Chancellor

Published

on

An aerial shot of the Main Building, as taken by a drone over the Freedom Square with Left to Right: CHUSS, St. Francis, St. Augustine and CAES Buildings and the Kikoni area (Background) in view. Makerere University, 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

  1. Track record of leading workforce planning, recruitment, and talent development strategies, ensuring a high-performance institutional culture.
  2. Experience in implementing performance-based appraisal systems, leading to improved staff efficiency and accountability.
  3. 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 Friday 13th February, 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.

  1. 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

  1. 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 Friday 13th February, 2026.

Please note that:

  1. Incomplete applications or applications received after the closing date and time will not be considered.
  2. Only shortlisted applicants shall be contacted.
  3. Applicants who responded to the advertisements published on 31st December 2025 (The New Vision) and 2nd January 2026 (The Daily Monitor) do not need to re-apply.

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

Mak Editor

Continue Reading

Trending