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
The grounds of Makerere University came alive with energy and ambition as students, graduates, and industry leaders gathered for the 2026 Makerere Careers Fair, an engagement that continues to cement the University’s role as a bridge between academic training and the realities of the modern workplace.
Held in partnership with the National Social Security Fund (NSSF) as part of the wider NSSF Career Expo, and the US-Mission Uganda, the three-day event created a vibrant space where conversations about careers moved beyond theory into lived, practical experience. The Yusuf Lule, Central Teaching Facility, Auditorium, the Freedom Square and exhibition spaces transformed into arenas of exchange, where students interacted directly with employers, asked difficult questions about their futures, and began to map out their professional journeys with greater clarity.
At the heart of this year’s engagement on day one, 11th March, 2026, was a theme that resonated deeply with a generation stepping into uncertainty: “Man or Machine: Exploring AI’s Impact on Careers.” Across panel discussions and keynote sessions, speakers challenged students to confront the realities of a rapidly shifting job market. The message was consistent: technology is not simply displacing jobs; it is reshaping them, demanding a workforce that is adaptable, digitally fluent, and grounded in distinctly human skills such as creativity, critical thinking, and emotional intelligence.
Day Two, 12th March, 2026, led by the United States Mission to Uganda, shifted the focus to global opportunities, equipping students with practical guidance on U.S. university applications, scholarships, and visa processes, as well as fully funded fellowships they can apply for. Through direct engagement with credible experts, students gained clarity on navigating international academic pathways and positioning themselves competitively beyond national borders, expanding the Careers Fair’s scope from local employability to global mobility.
The final day, 13th March 2026, under the theme “Connecting potential to purpose: Partnerships for sustainable impact,” brought together Makerere University and key partners, including Stanbic Bank, Absa Bank Uganda, TotalEnergies Uganda, the Uganda Police, Pslams Food Industries, among others, to emphasise collaboration as the cornerstone of career readiness. The conversations underscored a shared commitment to aligning education with industry needs, demonstrating that sustainable career pathways are built through strong partnerships that connect talent to opportunity in a rapidly evolving world.
What stood out most was not just the content of these conversations, but the way students engaged with them. There was a palpable sense of curiosity and urgency, as young people sought to understand where they fit in a future increasingly defined by automation and innovation. For many, the Careers Fair became more than an event; it was a bridge to internship and graduate trainee opportunities, and to careers whose balls were set rolling. It was a moment of reckoning and possibility.
This transformation was made possible through a strong network of partners whose presence underscored the importance of collaboration in shaping career pathways. NSSF Uganda anchored the engagement with insights into financial planning and long-term security, reframing how young professionals think about work beyond immediate income. Stanbic Bank Uganda brought industry perspective, offering students a clearer understanding of the competencies required to thrive in the financial sector. The United States Mission to Uganda contributed to broadening horizons through knowledge exchange and exposure to global opportunities, while TotalEnergies Uganda highlighted the evolving energy sector landscape and the role of innovation in driving sustainability, among other players.
Together, these partners did more than exhibit; they participated in shaping a narrative about the future of work that is inclusive, dynamic, and grounded in real-world demands.
For Makerere University, the Careers Fair represents more than an annual engagement; it is a reflection of its enduring commitment to preparing students for life beyond the lecture room. By convening diverse actors from academia, industry, and development spaces, the University continues to position itself as a national hub for talent development and thought leadership. It is within these spaces that education becomes truly transformative, where knowledge meets opportunity, and where ambition is matched with access.
Advancing Partnerships for Sustainable Impact
The Careers Fair also speaks directly to Makerere University’s Advancement agenda, which is increasingly focused on building purposeful, long-term partnerships that extend the University’s impact beyond its campus.
Through such engagements, Makerere is intentionally cultivating relationships that create shared value. The presence of industry leaders and development partners is not incidental; it is part of a deliberate strategy to align academic training with market realities while opening up pathways for mentorship, internships, and employment. These collaborations are gradually shaping an ecosystem in which students are not only educated but also actively supported in their transition into the workforce.
What emerges is a model of engagement that moves beyond transactional interactions to something far more meaningful. Partners are not just sponsors or participants; they are co-creators in preparing the next generation of professionals. In turn, Makerere strengthens its position as a trusted partner, one capable of convening, connecting, and contributing to national and global development priorities.
As conversations from the Careers Fair continue to echo across campus, one thing remains clear: the future of work will belong to those prepared to evolve with it. Makerere University, through platforms such as this, is ensuring that its students are not merely observers of change but active participants in shaping it.
Caroline Kainomugisha is the Communications Officer, Advancement Office, Makerere University.
General
Makerere University and Tumusiime Mutebile Foundation Sign MOU to Advance Centre of Excellence for Private Sector Development
Makerere University and the Tumusiime Mutebile Foundation have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to advance the Emmanuel Tumusiime Mutebile Centre of Excellence for Private Sector Development, marking a significant step toward strengthening collaboration between academia, policy actors, and the private sector.
The agreement formalises a strategic partnership aimed at promoting research, policy dialogue, entrepreneurship development, innovation, and knowledge exchange to support Uganda’s economic transformation and the growth of its private sector.
The MoU, which will run for an initial five-year term, brings together Makerere University’s academic and research expertise with the Tumusiime Mutebile Foundation’s commitment to advancing the legacy of the late Governor Emmanuel Tumusiime Mutebile, one of Uganda’s most influential economic reformers and a proud alumnus of the University.
Advancing a Shared Vision for Private Sector Development
Speaking at the signing ceremony, Rt. Hon. Amama Mbabazi, SC, Chairman of the Tumusiime Mutebile Foundation, described the occasion as an important milestone that establishes a purposeful partnership between two institutions committed to knowledge, national development, and the advancement of Uganda’s private sector.
“This is an important occasion because it formalises a partnership between two institutions with a shared commitment to knowledge, to national development, and to the advancement of Uganda’s private sector,” he noted.
Rt. Hon. Mbabazi emphasised that Uganda’s future prosperity will depend on the strength and competitiveness of its private sector and the country’s ability to nurture innovation, entrepreneurship, and sound policy.
According to him, the Centre will provide a practical platform through which research can inform policy, young people can be trained and inspired, partnerships can be built, and innovation can be supported to help enterprise flourish.
“These are not separate concerns,” he said. “They are all part of the same national task: building an economy that creates jobs, expands opportunity, and improves the lives of our people.”
Makerere’s Role in Hosting the Centre
Makerere University will host the Centre of Excellence and support its work through its research capacity, innovation ecosystem, and network of scholars and experts. The University leadership noted that the partnership aligns closely with Makerere’s mission as one of Africa’s leading research universities and its commitment to knowledge-driven development.
In her remarks, Prof. Sarah Ssali noted, “Makerere University is fully committed to hosting, resourcing, and championing the Emmanuel Tumusiime Mutebile Centre of Excellence, and we look forward to working closely with the Foundation to attract additional partnerships that will strengthen its impact.”
The collaboration will bring together academic excellence and practical engagement with the private sector, positioning the Centre as a national resource for policy research, entrepreneurship development, and dialogue on economic transformation.
She also reaffirmed Makerere’s commitment to working closely with the Tumusiime Mutebile Foundation to attract additional partnerships and funding to strengthen the Centre and expand its impact.
Honouring the Legacy of Emmanuel Tumusiime Mutebile
Beyond its institutional significance, the establishment of the Centre represents a tribute to the enduring legacy of Governor Emmanuel Tumusiime Mutebile, who served for many years as Governor of the Bank of Uganda and played a central role in shaping Uganda’s economic policy and institutional development.
Governor Mutebile was widely recognised for his intellectual rigour, commitment to sound economic policy, and dedication to building strong institutions that could support sustainable growth and stability.
Through the Centre of Excellence bearing his name, Makerere University and the Tumusiime Mutebile Foundation seek not only to commemorate his contributions but also to continue advancing the values he championed, including policy discipline, intellectual seriousness, and a commitment to national development.
As Rt. Hon. Mbabazi noted that legacy should be understood not merely as remembrance but as meaningful work that benefits future generations. “It is about creating a platform through which research can inform policy, through which young people can be trained and inspired, and through which innovation can be supported,” he said.
A Platform for Ideas, Innovation, and National Development
The Emmanuel Tumusiime Mutebile Centre of Excellence for Private Sector Development is expected to serve as a hub for research, capacity building, entrepreneurship support, and policy engagement aimed at strengthening Uganda’s private sector and expanding economic opportunity.
By bringing together academia, policymakers, business leaders, and innovators, the Centre will help foster practical solutions to the challenges facing enterprise development while nurturing the next generation of Ugandan entrepreneurs and economic leaders.
Through this partnership, Makerere University and the Tumusiime Mutebile Foundation have taken an important step toward ensuring that Governor Mutebile’s legacy continues to inspire ideas, institutions, and opportunities that contribute to Uganda’s long-term prosperity.
Caroline Kainomugisha is the Communications Officer, Advancement Office, Makerere University.
General
Career Expo 2026 Concludes as Students Gain Industry Insights, Career Guidance, and Networking Opportunities
The Makerere University Careers Expo 2026 has successfully concluded, offering a wealth of opportunities to students from diverse academic backgrounds. Held from March 11–13, 2026, the three-day event climaxed under the theme “Connecting Potential to Purpose: Partnerships for Sustainable Impact.” It provided a dynamic platform for career guidance, job opportunities, entrepreneurship training, networking, innovation, and insights into evolving workplace dynamics.
Associate Professor Anthony Gidudu, Chairperson of the Organizing Committee, expressed gratitude to sponsors and participants for their support.
“Thank you, Makerere University, for entrusting me with this immense responsibility,” he said, acknowledging the collective effort behind the event’s success.
He encouraged students to fully utilize the opportunities presented at the expo. “Make the most of it,” he urged.
The expo attracted prominent partners, including the Parliament of Uganda and the Uganda Police Force, who offered valuable career insights and opportunities. Gidudu also welcomed Professor Buyinza Mukadasi, the Academic Registrar of Makerere University, recognizing his pivotal role in shaping students’ academic journeys.
On behalf of the University, Professor Buyinza Mukadasi emphasized the significance of the Career Expo 2026.
“This event gives us a chance to support our students in transitioning from the academic world to the world of work,” he noted.
He commended the theme for underscoring the importance of aligning students’ abilities with purpose and societal contribution. Prof. Mukadasi also expressed appreciation to key partners, including the MasterCard Foundation, NSSF, and the Parliament of Uganda, as well as collaborators such as the Makerere University Advancement Office, Stanbic Bank, Old Mutual, DFCU Bank, Uganda Baati, and ABSA.
Reflecting on the role of technology, he noted that artificial intelligence enhances efficiency but does not replace human potential. He urged students to embrace lifelong learning, referencing the well-known assertion that “the illiterate of the 21st century will not be those who cannot read and write, but those who cannot learn, unlearn, and relearn.”
In his keynote address, Paul Rumanda Rugambwa, Head of Human Resources at the Infectious Diseases Institute, emphasized the importance of aligning potential with purpose.
“Potential is what you have, while purpose is what the world expects from you tomorrow,” he said.
Rugambwa encouraged students to develop transferable skills, seek mentorship, and uphold integrity. He highlighted agility and digital literacy as essential competencies in today’s job market.
“It doesn’t matter what course you are pursuing, you must be digitally literate,” he emphasized.
He also urged students to view their peers as future collaborators, drawing inspiration from global success stories built on partnerships.
The closing session featured a panel discussion with representatives from various organizations who deliberated on key issues across multiple sectors.
Israel Arinaitwe, Head of Personal Banking at Stanbic Bank Uganda, highlighted the bank’s commitment to supporting youth entrepreneurship through targeted initiatives. He noted the availability of internship opportunities, skills training, and the Stanbic Business Incubator, which equips young people with practical business skills. He encouraged students to build financial discipline and relationships early.
On inclusion, Gorretti Byomire, Director of the Disability Research and Learning Centre at Makerere University Business School, emphasized the need for inclusive employment practices for persons with disabilities. She called for stronger commitments from both government and the private sector, including the adoption of employment quotas and incentives. She also underscored the importance of building confidence and resilience among persons with disabilities.
Addressing technology adoption, Fred Percy Kisa, Senior Manager Transformation at NSSF Uganda, urged students to embrace artificial intelligence as a complementary tool.
“It is not machine versus human; it is human plus machine versus human,” he noted, encouraging a focus on critical thinking and problem-solving.
He highlighted the growing global AI economy and called on Africa to strengthen its contribution to research and innovation.
On employment dynamics, Evelyn Kisakye, Placement Officer at the Federation of Uganda Employers, emphasized the importance of flexibility and adaptability in today’s job market. She highlighted initiatives such as the Work Readiness Project, which connects graduates to opportunities in sectors like agriculture and tourism while equipping them with essential soft skills.
Commissioner of Police Anatoli Muleterwa, Head of Community Policing Department, outlined career opportunities within the Uganda Police Force. He noted that the institution accommodates a wide range of professional qualifications and highlighted four entry pathways, from constable to officer level. He encouraged students to prepare for and consider careers in national service.
The Career Expo 2026 concluded with a strong call to action, urging students to harness their potential, embrace innovation, and pursue purpose-driven careers. Participants, predominantly students, left with renewed clarity and direction, equipped with the knowledge, skills, and networks needed to make meaningful contributions to Uganda’s development.
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