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MUII celebrates 10 years of partnership in research and capacity building

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On Wednesday 7th February 2018, the Makerere UniversityUganda Virus Research Institute centre of Excellence of Infectious and Immunity Research and Training organised a symposium to celebrate the successful 10 years of hard work in capacity development and implementation of basic science, cutting edge technology and modern analytic methods to address health research needs in Uganda and the region.

Officially opened by the Makerere University Vice Chancellor Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, the symposium provided a platform to scientists to discuss the various solutions to the health issues that affect human capacity on the African continent.

The Makerere UniversityUganda Virus Research Institute centre of Excellence of Infectious and Immunity Research and Training symposium was held as part of the general annual meeting. The Symposium brought together African institutions, African Scientists and global leaders in scientific research, and equal partners with international colleagues in conducting research to solve the health problems of Africa and the World.

The Centre of Excellence was launched in 2008 as a partnership between Uganda’s leading research institutions. To date the programme has supported Masters, PhDs, Post-Doctoral and research group leaders fellowships for 50 fellows as well as providing small grants for many centres members to foster training and collaboration regionally and internationally.

Addressing the participants, Prof Barnabas Nawangwe acknowledged the tremendous achievements realised by the Centre since its inception. According to him, the measures of success that have been reported in terms of further funding achieved and research papers published are striking, and demonstrate the contribution of the programme to scientific excellence, leadership and progress.

MUII is aligned to Makerere University’s motto “We build for the future” and to the University’s strategic focus to be a research led University. This partnership is contributing to educating the leaders of tomorrow, and to the transformation of the University. We value this initiative and congratulate MUII members on their achievements. We thank the Welcome Trust, the UK Department for International Development and NEPAD for this investment at our University, and AESA (the Alliance for Accelerating Excellence in Science in Africa) at the African Academy of Sciences for management of the programme,” he said.

He applauded the former Vice Chancellor of Makerere University Prof. Livingstone Luboobi who signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Health that recognised the historically close training and research partnership between Makerere University and UVRI, the two premier Ugandan institutions in academia and health research respectively.

The MoU signed by the two institutions formalised the partnership, and strengthened the emerging MUII initiative to work closely. This enabled MUII to support important developments first at the College of Health Sciences, and also in the Colleges of Natural Sciences, Veterinary Medicine and others. Prof. Luboobi also played an instrumental role in the nurturing of Bioinformatics at Makerere University.

“We have undergraduates given internship placements at UVRI. Immunology graduate training and research has been strengthened at the University through the establishment of a state-of-the art immunology laboratory facility, an MSc graduate course in Immunology and Microbiology was established at the College of Health Sciences, and a new Department of Immunology and Molecular Biology has been launched with a MUII fellow as its leader,” he remarked.

Prof. Nawangwe was happy to note that several Makerere University workshops have been held in the key disciplines of immunology and bioinformatics at the Uganda Virus Research Institute and UVRI research infrastructure for bioinformatics and immunology has been made accessible to Makerere University scientists. He thanked the international and regional partners, particularly the University of Cambridge, and the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine for the support they have rendered to MUII to ensure that it fulfils its objectives.

The Director, MUII-PLUS Prof. Alison Elliot remarked that the symposium provides an opportunity to scientific researchers around the world to get together and share scientific research ideas that have benefitted and developed the country’s health sector as well as the continent. She recognised the tremendous achievements realised by the centre in health research and developments and urged the institutions involved to continue supporting the centre in the journey of achieving a better health service.

“That Great strides in research and training capacity are being made at both institutions with MUII alumni and fellows taking up positions of leadership as Deans and Heads of Departments at the University. Makerere University graduate students are given access to specialised laboratory equipment at UVRI, and dissertation co-supervision at UVRI, and we have academic scholarly benefits from honorary appointments of UVRI staff to college departments,” he said.

Reiterating the importance of the Centre, The Director of Uganda Virus Research Institute Prof. Pontiano Kaleebu, said that with both financial and infrastructural support at the centre, scientific researchers have embarked on a journey of strengthening infection control in the country. He emphasised the importance of research as the solution to the health problems that have long affected people in the world.

“Research should be community responsive, it should be used to inform policies and research findings should be integrated in our strategies that are developed to deliver health services in our communities. As we discuss the common diseases that affect our health, we should take it as an opportunity to improve our health and research,” he said.

Prof. Abdoulaye Djimde, the Director, DELGEME at University of Science, Techniques and Technologies of Bamako, Mali delivered a key note address on Malaria genetics. The day’s presentations focused on Trypanosomiasis, Helminths and metabolism, emerging and re-emerging of infectious diseases, HIV and Tuberculosis, Maternal neonatal and reproductive health.

Article by Mak Public Relations Office

Elias Tuhereze

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Call for Applications: Admission to Postgraduate Programmes 2026/2027

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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.

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Simon Mungudit: Mak’s Best Performing Male Science Student & Rising Star in Petroleum Geoscience

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Simon Mungudit emerged the best performing male science student this year. He is set to graduate from Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa on 24th February 2026 in the Freedom Square.

At just 24 years old, Simon Mungudit from the College of Natural Sciences (CoNAS) has etched his name in the academic history of Makerere University, having emerged as the overall best male student in the Sciences, an achievement earned through perseverance, discipline, and an unrelenting pursuit of excellence.

Mungudit is set to graduate during 76th graduation ceremony scheduled for 24th to 27th February 2026, having attained a CGPA of 4.76 in the Bachelor of Science in Petroleum Geoscience and Production. His academic interests-Reservoir Engineering, Petrophysics, and Drilling-reflect a deep understanding of the subsurface sciences that power modern energy systems.

Early Life and Journey to Academic Excellence

Born to Mr. Owor Thomas, a Game Ranger with the Uganda Wildlife Authority at Murchison Falls National Park, and Ms. Lilly Obewun Grace of Akuru Bridge Village, Nyaravur Sub-County in Nebbi District, Mungudit’s journey to academic excellence began far from the lecture halls of Makerere. At Karuma Primary School, Mungudit scored 12 aggregates in the Primary Leaving Examinations (PLE), setting the pace for his future success. He proceeded to St. Daniel Comboni College, Nebbi, where he attained 14 aggregates in 8 subjects at O’ Level. He then joined Namilyango College, one of the best secondary schools in Uganda, where he studied Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics (PCM) and scored 19 points, results that secured him government sponsorship to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Petroleum Geoscience and Production at Makerere University.

Gratitude to his mentors and sponsors

Behind these milestones lies a story of humility, gratitude and opportunity. Mungudit credits his parents for supporting his primary and O’ Level education and expresses gratitude to TotalEnergies, which provided a full bursary for his A’ Level studies, covering tuition, upkeep, and medical care. He also acknowledges the Government of Uganda for sponsoring his university education, a factor he says motivated him to excel.

At Makerere, Mungudit thrived in an environment that blended rigorous academics with mentorship. He pays tribute to his lecturers, particularly Dr. Arthur Batte, Head, Department of Geology and Petroleum Studies, for their unwavering commitment to nurturing students and pushing them to excel.

“I always aimed to excel,” Mungudit says. “Together with a few colleagues, we formed a group and held discussions on a daily. This, coupled with a conducive study environment, prayer, and discipline, enabled us to attain excellent grades.”

Dr Arthur Batte describes Mungidit as a humble yet very intelligent student.

Achievements and Professional Experience

Beyond academics, Mungudit consistently demonstrated expertise in petroleum engineering. In 2024, he led a team that won the Reservoir Modelling Challenge, organized by the American Association of Petroleum Geologists (AAPG) Makerere University Chapter, earning prize money and a sponsored field trip to the Tilenga Project courtesy of COSL. He was First Runner-Up in the Petro Bowl competitions of 2023 and 2025, a highly competitive petroleum knowledge quiz organized by the Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE) Uganda Section. He served as a Student Officer for the SPE Makerere University Chapter in 2023, and in 2024, he chaired the Organizing Committee of the SPE Annual Students’ Technical Conference and Exhibition, helping bridge the gap between academia and industry.

His learning extended beyond the classroom. During his internship, he worked with TotalEnergies, where he applied petrophysics skills to analyze gas-while-drilling data for formation evaluation, hands-on exposure that sharpened his professional competence. At Makerere University, he mastered PetroMod 2018, a critical software tool in oil and gas exploration. After completing his studies in June 2025, Mungudit trained with the Uganda National Oil Company (UNOC), participating in the 2D seismic acquisition in the Kasurubani Block in Buliisa and Hoima districts.

Mungudit currently works as the Special Projects Coordinator for the Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE) Uganda Section Student Liaison Committee.

Future Plans

Mungudit hopes to work in the oil and gas industry in the upstream sector as a geoscientist. He also plans to pursue further studies in petroleum engineering.

From a village in Nebbi to the forefront of petroleum geoscience, Mungudit’s story is one of an opportunity seized and potential realized. It is a testament to what is possible when talent meets support, and when determination is guided by faith, mentorship, and service. As Uganda’s oil and gas sector continues to evolve, Mungudit stands as a symbol of the skilled, principled professionals poised to shape its future.

The CoNAS fraternity congratulates Mungudit on this noble achievement.

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Hasifa Kabejja

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Press Statement: Makerere 76th Graduation Ceremony

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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.


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