General
Vice Chancellor and Top Management Visit the School of Law
Academic staff at the School of Law can now get their Practicing Certificates through the Directorate of Legal Affairs Makerere University that has been accredited by the Law Council to offer legal services. Prior to this the staff were applying for the Practicing certificates under Law firms.
This was revealed during a consultative meeting between the University Top Management led by the Vice Chancellor and the staff of the School of Law held at the Lower lecture theatre, Wednesday 14th February 2018.
Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe led a delegation of members of Management that included the Director, Directorate of Research and Graduate Training, Prof. Mukadasi Buyinza, University Librarian, Dr. Hellen Byamugisha, Director DICTS, Mr. Frank Kitumba, University Bursar, Mr. Augustine Tamale, Director Internal Audit Mr. Walter Bruno Yorac Nono, Acting Director Legal Affairs, Mr. Goddy Muhumuza and The Director Quality Assurance Dr. Vincent Ssembatya.
The Vice Chancellor while addressing School of Law staff said management had taken a decision to include more people in the running of the University affairs in an effort to reduce tension among staff. In order to do this, he said management would comprise 3 bodies namely; The Central University Management Committee of 16 members, The Top University Management Committee inclusive of the 10 College Principals, The University Management Consultative Forum which in addition to the Top Management Committee includes the Chief Security Officer, 3 MUASA Representatives, 2 MASA Representatives, 2 NUEI Representatives and 3 Guild Council Representatives. He said the University Management was making all efforts to practice an open and participatory management system to avoid taking decisions without consultations.
The Vice Chancellor explained that the objective of the meeting between University management and staff at the School of Law was to map out strategies on how to rebrand and improve quality of service, academic reform, administrative and financial restructuring and sustainability as well as institutional Human resource development.In order to improve the image of the University, management was committed to addressing the infrastructural challenges and that to date, a lot has been done as evidenced in the improvements on the roads, lighting, sanitation facilities and that more was to be done as resources flow in, he said.
Prof. Nawangwe however noted that what was of paramount importance in the effort towards rebranding the University was improvement in the relations between the University staff and clientele that include the students, parents and other stakeholders. “The way we treat people will determine whether we are rebranding or not. The way we engage with clientelefor instance the way support staff treat students isparamount and we need to realize that students are the main reason we are here” said the Vice chancellor while emphasizing the need for staff to improve customer relations more especially in offices that have regular student interactions citing the Academic Registrar’s office as an example.
While expressing his pride about the existence of high quality academic staff, Prof. Nawangwe stressed the need for management to ensure that in addition to having the right people the University policies are implemented. He cited the need for staff to publish papers and have them disseminated on the web in order to keep the international standing of Makerere University. He said this was also good for national development, adding that “the more we publish, the more information is given out to the public.” He however concurred with the observation by the Visitor that the University was not doing enough research on the conditions in Africa, despite the vision of becoming a research led University on the Continent.
While addressing himself on the issue of academic reforms and the college review processes, Prof. Nawangwe said work was in progress and that a preliminary report had been presented to the University Council. “Reforming Colleges was intended to have decisions taken at that level”, he said. On the impasse concerning the evening programs, he noted that the programs although designed to cater for the working class, the reality was different and that a review was in process to inform the University council on the way forward.
On the issuance of Transcripts, the Vice chancellor said management decentralized the issuance to the colleges to reduce on the congestion at Academic Registrar’s office. It’s planned that with improved capacity at the Colleges, the printing would also be decentralized.The Vice chancellor noted that despite the refusal by the School of Law to adopt centralized marking, the staff in the unit had marked and submitted results timely for which he commended them. He however said centralized marking was not only meant to ensure results are submitted in time but also to increase efficiency and to minimize loss of student scripts as well as avoid allegations of sex for marks on the side of the staff.
The Deputy Principal on behalf of the Management and staff of the School of Law congratulated the University management for the consultative approach in the running of the University. He said by training, Lawyers critique decisions more especially those imposed on them without due consultations.
Dr. Naluwairo highlighted a number of challenges affecting the smooth running of the School of Law citing the old dilapidated office structure that was technically condemned over forty years ago. He asked the Universitymanagement to make the School of Law a priority in the allocation of infrastructure that includes both offices and classrooms. He said because of lack of space the teachers were not readily available for consultations by the students. Relatedly, he mentioned the lack of storage facilities even for academic documents like examination scripts.
The Deputy Principal mentioned the challenge of inadequacy in teaching staff citing the example of the Environmental Law Centre which was established five years ago but to date no staff have been appointed despite the constant reminders. Relatedly was the embarrassment with the delayed payment of external examiners and other service providers that School of Law staff have had to bear in the past. He urged the University management to expeditiously handle the issue of the Results system which he said unless resolved, there were bound to be continuous clashes between the students and the staff.
In the discussions that ensued, staff mentioned a number of issues that included Human Resource challenges like delayed promotions, poor communication in regard to contract renewal for post-retirement staff , lack of staff appraisals, operating a non-streamed structure for the secretarial staff, the Human Resource Manual that has unfavorable clauses for persons who may want to go on sabbatical viz-a-viz inadequate staffing, the lack of a research fund specifically for the humanities that do not easily attract funders, inadequacy in library resources, the quality assurance concern arising from the high teacher student ratio, lack of plagiarism test equipment at Units, inadequacy in ICT facilities, the delayed accreditation of the School of Law to College status by the National council for Higher Education among others.
The respective directorate heads reacted to the issues raised. The Director Research and Graduate training, Prof. Mukadasi Buyinza while reacting to the request for publications from staff amidst resource constraints said management was considering instituting a research fund especially for the humanities. He said there were proposals for each unit to establish a Grants office and asked the School of Law to identify three people that would be trained. He further informed the meeting that the University press was revitalized and that the editorial board was in place and working.
The Director Quality Assurance, Dr. Vincent Ssembatya said staff appraisals were centralized and that the information collected had been analyzed by his unit and would be shared with the respective units. He also mentioned that the National Council for Higher Education was expected to come and inspect the school of Law in the near future for accreditation.
The University Librarian Dr. Hellen Byamugisha, while reacting to limitations in the number of books and other teaching resources said the University had not procured bookfor a while. She urged the academic staff to embrace use of online materials adding that such electronic resources were enormous.
Staff appreciated this interaction between management and staff and commended the VC for this initiative. “This mode of communication will go a long way in improving service delivery. The management at the School of Law was asked to emulate the strategy of closely interacting with the staff.
Article by Harriet Musinguzi, Communication Officer, LAW
General
A Legacy That Still Speaks: Announcing the 2025 Emmanuel Tumusime Mutebile Annual Public Lecture
Makerere University in partnership with the Embassy of Sweden in Uganda and UNFPA in Uganda hosted the “Strides for Change” Activism walk and official unveiling of the 2025 edition of the 16 Days of Activism campaign on Monday 24th November, 2025.
The event was graced by Heads of Diplomatic Missions from Sweden, Australia, Ireland and Germany alongside representatives from UNFPA and UN Women. The dignitaries were received on behalf of Makerere University by the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe represented by the Dean of Students, Dr. Winifred Kabumbuli together with the Chief Gender Mainstreaming Officer, Dr. Euzobia Mugisha Baine.
“Makerere University remains dedicated to creating a safe, inclusive environment and promoting gender equality. Each of us has a role in building a society free from violence,” read the Vice Chancellor’s message.
Present to ensure that the students’ voice was heard loud and clear were members of the 91st Students Guild led by their President H.E. Churchill James Ssentamu. The “Strides for Change” walk that commenced at the CCE roundabout was led by the Heads of Diplomatic Missions and members of Management was at Mary Stuart Hall handed over to the Student leaders who carried the banner all the way to the Impis Rugby Grounds for the rest of the activities.
Of significant importance was the announcement of Makerere University‘s Dr. Jimmy Spire Ssentongo and Dr. Amon Ashaba Mwiine among sixteen (16) male changes chosen to champion the fight against gender-based violence.
General
Strengthening South-South Academic Partnerships: Makerere University and Binary University Chart a Strategic Path for Innovation, Entrepreneurship and Women’s Leadership
A New Chapter in Uganda–Malaysia Higher Education Collaboration
Makerere University has started preliminary discussions with Binary University of Management and Entrepreneurship (Malaysia) to deepen its global partnerships through high-level engagements, aimed at fostering innovation-driven education, entrepreneurship, and women’s leadership. Chaired by the Deputy Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, Prof. Sarah Ssali, the meeting explored a structured framework for collaboration that responds to Uganda’s urgent need for skills development, job creation, and industry-aligned learning.
This emerging partnership reflects a shared vision: to move beyond traditional academic models towards a practical, industry-integrated, and entrepreneurship-focused education system that equips graduates with real-world skills and global competitiveness.
Responding to Uganda’s Employment Challenge Through Entrepreneurship
“While chairing the meeting, Prof. Sarah Ssali noted that Makerere University and other Universities, together, currently graduate over 35,000 students annually, yet the private sector creates only about 700 new jobs per year. With an expanding population and intense job competition, where a single vacancy can attract over 4,000 applicants, the urgency for alternative employment pathways is clear.
Makerere’s Innovation Hub and Centre for Entrepreneurship have become critical pillars in addressing this challenge. Through platforms such as the Innovation Expo, now in its third edition and featuring over 600 student exhibitions, the university continues to nurture problem-solvers, innovators, and job creators. This ecosystem aligns strongly with Binary University’s entrepreneurial philosophy, making the Centre for Entrepreneurship a natural anchor point for collaboration.
Binary University’s Industry Specialist Professional (ISP) Model
Binary University brings a unique global model that directly integrates industry practitioners into the classroom. Its Industry Specialist Professional (ISP) programme, operational since 1999, ensures students graduate with skills tailored to specific industry needs. Industry experts with decades of practical experience teach across disciplines such as: Artificial Intelligence and Data Analytics, Oil and Gas, Renewable Energy, Engineering, Film and Media Production to mention but a few.
“ With over 10,500 practising entrepreneurs in its ecosystem in Malaysia, Binary offers students direct mentorship and exposure to active business environments, ensuring graduates are not only employable but also entrepreneurial.” Tan Sri Dato Professor Joseph Adaikalam, the Executive Chairman and Founder, Binary University of Management and Entrepreneurship, noted.
Key Areas of Proposed Collaboration
The discussions outlined a structured and scalable partnership model anchored on the following areas:
1. Dual and Joint Degree Programmes
- 2+2 Joint Bachelor’s Degrees in specialised fields through an International Department structure.
- 1+1 Joint Master’s Programmes including: MBA for Engineers, Renewable Energy MBA and Semiconductor MBA
- Dual award systems to ensure international recognition and student mobility.
2. PhD and Staff Development Programmes
- Winter/Summer PhD models in Renewable Energy and Waste Management
- Nominated students to benefit from 50% tuition waivers
- PhD pathways tailored for academic staff development
3. Executive Development Programmes (EDPs)
High-impact, short-term programmes targeting senior leaders, featuring joint certification with a focus on AI for CEOs, Global Issues & Entrepreneurship. These EDPs are designed to empower leaders with strategic insight into global trends, innovation, and entrepreneurship.
Placing Women’s Leadership at the Centre
A key pillar of the proposed collaboration is engagement with Malaysia’s Centre for Women’s Leadership (CWL), which focuses on empowering women through entrepreneurship and gender compliance mechanisms.
Puan Sri Datin, Prof. Dr. Rohini Devi, the co-founder and Vice Chairman, Binary University, highlighted the unique opportunities this partnership presents for a Joint women’s leadership training initiative, feminist academic exchanges, gender-responsive entrepreneurship models and an initiative to strengthen Makerere’s Institute of Gender Studies as a regional hub.
This aligns with Malaysia’s progressive gender compliance policies for public funding and women’s leadership development, a model that holds strong relevance for African institutions.
Learning from Regional and Global Best Practices
The meeting underscored valuable lessons from global contexts, including Nigeria’s model, where every graduate leaves with a practical vocational skill, Zambia’s Winter-Summer academic model with tuition waivers, Malaysia’s government investment in higher education and entrepreneurship
These case studies reinforce the need for practical skills as survival tools while graduates transition into formal employment or entrepreneurship.
A Win-Win Partnership for the Future
This collaboration is envisioned as a mutually beneficial model that complements Makerere’s academic strengths while leveraging Binary’s industry-driven approach. It will enhance student mobility, staff exchange, joint research, innovation transfer, and entrepreneurship development, all while maintaining strong quality assurance mechanisms.
As Makerere University continues to reimagine higher education in a rapidly changing world, this partnership signals a transformative shift towards globally competitive, innovation-led, and socially responsive learning systems.
With optimism and strategic intent, both institutions commit to open dialogue, structured implementation, and long-term impact. The Makerere-Binary partnership stands as a powerful example of how South-South collaboration can redefine education, accelerate entrepreneurship, and empower future leaders, especially women, for Africa’s development trajectory.
Caroline Kainomugisha is the Communications Officer, Advancement Office, Makerere University.
-
Research2 weeks agoMakerere University and Ministry of Public Service Study Reveals Impact of Salary Enhancement on Teacher Performance in Uganda
-
General1 week agoMakerere University officially commences implementation of its Mentorship Policy
-
Education2 weeks agoReal life project: Makerere University Vice Chancellor hands over constructed Wall Fence to Makerere College School
-
Agriculture & Environment2 weeks agoSFTNB-MIIC Partnership Nurtures Entrepreneurial Learners & Change Agents
-
Health2 weeks agoMakSPH, MOH and JMS Lead National Efforts to Build a Resilient Health Supply Chain