General
President of Hargeisa University Visits Makerere University
On 15th March 2018, the President of Hargeisa University, Prof. Dr Muhamud Yousuf Muse and the Vice President for Academics and Research, Assoc. Prof. Sied Muhumed Jibril visited the Vice Chancellor and had bilateral talks.
Hargeisa University is found in Somaliland, a former British Colony which received its independence in 1991. Hargeisa University has ten colleges, two institutes and two centres which are focused on teaching, research and community outreach. Prof Jibril, explained to the Vice Chancellor that quite often, people in Africa do not distinguish between Somalia and Somaliland. Somaliland is a peaceful democratic country with its own governance structure, own currency, and has had five peaceful Presidential elections since 1991.
The State President is the Supreme Head of the University and therefore the university has support from the government. Somalia was an Italian colony while Somaliland was under the British Protectorate. Somalia is not yet peaceful and not about to be because the kind of conflict resolution and model they are applying is imported from elsewhere and does not meet the needs of its country while Somaliland developed its own local model in one of their centres and this has helped to bring peace and democracy in their nation.
Hargeisa University has a student population of 7,500 students and has collaborations with many international universities and organizations such as University of Oslo, Harvard University, Kings College London, Turkish Universities, MEKELLE University in Ethiopia where they do joint programmes. Prof Jibril informed the Vice Chancellor that there were opportunities of collaborating in research with Hargeisa University. Recently, Oil was discovered In Somaliland and that would be a ripe area for a strong collaboration. The College of Health Sciences has already had students from Hargeisa University at postgraduate level and were among the best performers in the College.
The Vice Chancellor, Professor Barnabas Nawangwe welcomed the visitors and was delighted that they found it worthwhile to come and collaborate with the University. Makerere University is a comprehensive university with ten colleges trying to become a research-led university by reducing on undergraduate programmes and increasing graduate programmes and emphasizing research. Makerere University being the largest and oldest university has an obligation of assisting her neighbours as we value collaborations with other universities and would be willing to work with Hargeisa University. He informed them that the College of Veterinary, Animal Resources and Biosecurity was already working with the Sheik Veterinary Institute by offering certificate and diploma programmes in veterinary fields and later absorbing the students for degree programmes.
A Memorandum of Understanding for cooperation was signed between The Vice Chancellor of Makerere University and the President of Hargeisa University and was witnessed by the Acting Director Legal Affairs, Mr Goddy Muhumuza, the International Relations Officer, Ms Martha Muwanguzi, and staff from the Public Relations Office and the Vice President for Academics and Research at Hargeisa University, Prof Jibril Muhamud.
At the College of Health Sciences, the visitors were welcomed by the Acting Principal and Dean, School of Public Health, Prof Rhoda Wanyeze, Dr Lukanga from Pathology representing Dean School of Biomedical Sciences and Dr Namatovu who represented the Dean School of Medicine. Hargeisa University had students in this College who performed very well. So far, eight students have done graduate programme and another was about to complete her studies.
Hargeisa University is a member of the Arab Universities Association and many Medical Associations and done a lot publishing international journals mostly in the medical fields. Hargeisa runs a joint masters programme with Turkish university in Family Medicine. Unfortunately, Somaliland with a population 3.5 million people has only 2 Gynaecologists and 2 obstetricians which clearly indicates the urgency in collaborating with Makerere University in capacity building through training their personnel to work in health facilities. Makerere University has the resources while Somaliland has the platform. The Country is under reconstruction and a helping hand from an African brother was very much needed. The ground for collaboration was quite rich for tapping into.
The following were suggested areas for collaboration
1. Development of joint masters programmes and Somali students get training
2. Joint Consultancies
3. Development of research programme models can be borrowed
4. Exchange of academic staff (sending staff to Somaliland and vice versa)
5. Student internships where 4th Year undergraduate students doing electives can be sent to Somaliland for some months and they earn credits to their programmes
6. Opportunities for training such as pathologists, gynaecologists, obstetricians in the region, etc
7. Distance Learning programmes to support training
Particular areas such as Tropical Medicine, Masters of Public Health Nutrition, e-modulation where students are organized and taught online instead of moving to Somaliland. Developing tailor-made programmes at Somaliland where Makerere staff go and teach specialized courses in the mornings and give service to the community in the afternoons.
It was agreed that the Call for Applications of Postgraduate Programmes for academic year 2018/2019 be sent to the Vice President Prof Jibril to enable to the Somali students apply.
In the College of Veterinary, Animal Resources and Biosecurity, the visitors were received by the Deputy Principal, Prof Majalija and the meeting was attended by Dr Edward Wampande, Prof Ejobi, Dr Ahmed Sengooba, Dr Frank Mwine, the International Relations Officer, Ms Martha Muwanguzi and the Personal Secretary to the Principal, Ms Lillian Tukahirwa.
The President Dr Muhumud Yousuf Mose gave a brief history of Somaliland and that of Hargeisa University and informed the meeting that Hargeisa University had collaborations with several international universities, international donors and the World Medical Association. For quite a long time, Hargeisa University was collaborating with Western universities but realized it was not proper to depend on them so much but emphasize working together with their African brothers. Somaliland having the largest livestock population and being the largest livestock exporting country on the African continent, Hargeisa University had special interest in the College of Veterinary Medicine. Following areas were suggested; collaboration in joint research programmes, developing joint masters programmes, exchange of students and staff, developing joint consultancies for the Ministry of Livestock in Somaliliand.
COVAB has Centres for wildlife, for Bio security, Animal Clinics and for partnerships and has supported capacity building for Sheikh Veterinary Institute in Somaliland, development of Umtala Veterinary School in Kigali, Bunda Veterinary School in Malawi and have trained professionals who work across sectors. Dr Frank Mwine said, each one of us are the engines for development in our various disciplines and so we need to be proactive to engage in politics so that we can bring changes and development to our nations. We cannot do away with the external donors completely since they are the ones who have resources which train our staff. Specific areas ought to be identified for this collaboration.
It was suggested that Hargeisa can start off by sending two or three students to Makerere for masters programmes. They can also send students for the CARTA training. Makerere University can partner with Hargeisa and joint write a proposal for training in trypanosomiasis in cattle and in humans as well as tuberculosis in humans and they get funding for this.
The Veterinary System is very key in the Somaliland ecosystem and establishing a communication platform between the Veterinary and Agricultural College in Somaliland was quite crucial. In addition, establishing a collaboration with the College of Health Sciences was also important. Hargeisa University was also advised to apply and join the ‘One Health” Network for Africa for managing animal health and population.
In the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, the visitors were welcomed by the Deputy Principal, Assoc. Prof Goretti Nanabaoga and the meeting was attended by the College Registrar, Mr Edward Obura. The Deputy Principal said they were interested in widening the network with those who share same concerns with their College. Makerere University does a lot of collaborative research and suggested that cross boarder research would be an ideal area that can be explored and we attach students from both countries be attached to this research. Writing joint proposals for funding was another area also identified.
Written by Martha Muwanguzi- Makerere University International Relations Office
General
Makerere University Set to Develop Curriculum to Transform Graduate Supervision and Mentorship
By Moses Lutaaya
KAMPALA – Makerere University is set to develop a curriculum for a specialized Certificate Course in Supervision and Mentoring for Graduate Training and Higher Education Management, in a move aimed at professionalizing graduate supervision and strengthening the capacity of academic staff to deliver quality postgraduate education.
The proposed programme will equip academic staff with advanced competencies in graduate-level teaching, research supervision, mentorship, and higher education management, while supporting the University’s agenda of improving the quality and relevance of graduate training.
The curriculum development process was discussed during a Stakeholders’ Curriculum Development Consultation Workshop held on Thursday, 18th June 2026 at the Senate Building Telepresence Hall, Makerere University.
The workshop, organized by the Directorate of Graduate Training in collaboration with the Centre for Teaching and Learning Support (CTLS), brought together curriculum specialists, academic staff, and higher education stakeholders to review and enrich the proposed curriculum before it proceeds through the University approval processes.
Participants included 11 lecturers from the College of Engineering, Design, Art and Technology (CEDAT), 3 from the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES), 2 from the College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Bio-security (CoVAB), 1 from the College of Humanities and Social Sciences (CHUSS), 4 from the College of Education and External Studies (CEES), among others.
The National Curriculum Development Centre (NCDC) was represented by Dr. Patrice Ssembirige, Deputy Executive Director in charge of Curriculum Review and Instructional Materials Development. The Centre for Teaching and Learning team was led by Dr. Dorothy Ssebowa, while Dr. Stephen Wandera coordinated the workshop.
Addressing participants, Prof. Julius Kikooma, Director Graduate Training at Makerere University, said the curriculum development initiative is central to strengthening graduate education and ensuring that academic staff are adequately prepared to support postgraduate learners.
Prof. Kikooma noted that Makerere University is targeting an increase in graduate student enrolment to 50 percent of the total student population, but emphasized that this ambition must be matched with investment in the capacity of academic staff who supervise and mentor students.
“We can get many graduate students, but if the people supporting them do not have the right tools and preparation, we will still have challenges,” Prof. Kikooma said.
He explained that the initiative responds to University policies requiring academic staff teaching graduate students to undergo pedagogical training, while those supervising graduate research must undergo specialized preparation in supervision and mentoring.
Prof. Kikooma said graduate supervision requires deliberate preparation because supervisors play a central role in shaping research quality, student success, and the overall effectiveness of postgraduate programmes.
He further emphasized Makerere University’s responsibility as a leading institution in the region.
“We have a double expectation. We must support the country to achieve its aspirations in national development, but we also have an expectation from other institutions to support them in building graduate training capacity. In that sense, we are a trainer of trainers,” he said.
Speaking on behalf of the National Curriculum Development Centre (NCDC), Dr. Patrice Ssembirige commended Makerere University for adopting a consultative and inclusive approach to curriculum development.
He noted that education systems globally are undergoing significant transformation, requiring continuous curriculum review and alignment with emerging needs.
“Education systems globally are undergoing significant transformation, and in Uganda, NCDC has been leading and spearheading the implementation of the competency-based curriculum,” Dr. Ssembirige said.
He explained that NCDC has developed competency-based curriculum frameworks at primary and lower secondary levels and is currently advancing reforms at upper secondary level, which feeds into higher education institutions.
Dr. Ssembirige said the new curriculum presents an opportunity to align graduate training with global trends, Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), international best practices, and national development priorities.
“As we develop this curriculum, we need to align with global trends, SDGs and international best practices. We also need to undertake comparative analysis because curriculum reforms are taking place across East African Community states,” he noted.
He encouraged developers to ensure that the programme follows competency-based principles and equips participants with relevant 21st-century skills.
“Since we are talking about competency-based curriculum, we must be cognizant of the principles of competency-based education and ensure that we develop skills that fit the demands of the 21st century,” he added.
Dr. Dorothy Ssebowa, Director of the Centre for Teaching and Learning Support at Makerere University, said the initiative marks an important step in strengthening professional development for academic staff involved in graduate education.
She noted that effective supervision requires more than disciplinary expertise, but also skills in mentorship, communication, research guidance, ethics, assessment, and student support.
“The quality of graduate education depends on the quality of mentorship and supervision we provide. This curriculum will strengthen the capacity of academic staff to guide graduate students effectively, improve research outcomes, and uphold the standards expected of a leading university,” Dr. Ssebowa said.
She added that the Centre for Teaching and Learning will continue working with the Directorate of Graduate Training, academic colleges, curriculum specialists, and regulators to ensure the programme remains relevant and impactful.
During the workshop, stakeholders reviewed the proposed curriculum structure, course content, competency areas, assessment strategies, quality assurance mechanisms, and alignment with national and international standards.
Once finalized, the programme is expected to strengthen graduate supervision at Makerere University and serve as a model for professional development across higher education institutions in Uganda and beyond.
General
Revised Advertisement for Positions of Principal and Deputy Principal at Makerere University
The Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, has called for strengthened graduate training and research systems, urging a significant scale-up in the production of Masters and PhD graduates to meet Uganda’s and Africa’s growing knowledge and development needs.
The call was made during an engagement with the College of Health Sciences leadership, where the Vice Chancellor underscored the strategic importance of research-intensive colleges in advancing the university’s mission and contributing to national transformation.
The Vice Chancellor noted that while the College of Health Sciences continues to make a substantial contribution to the university’s research output and remains one of the most productive units, there is need to further strengthen systems that support graduate training, supervision, and timely completion of studies.
He emphasized the need to increase postgraduate enrolment, with a target of raising graduate participation to 40 percent. According to him, expanding graduate training is essential for building a critical mass of highly skilled researchers capable of addressing Uganda’s and Africa’s development challenges.
Improving Completion Rates and Supervision
The Vice Chancellor highlighted concerns over graduate completion rates, noting that delays in supervision and academic support continue to affect timely graduation across many institutions.
He called for stronger supervision systems, improved mentorship, and more structured academic support to ensure that students complete their programmes within the stipulated timeframes.
“Completion of graduate programmes must be prioritized through effective supervision and structured academic support systems,” the Vice Chancellor emphasized.
Strengthening Research Output
The Vice Chancellor also stressed the need to enhance research productivity and visibility through increased publications, improved citation impact, and expanded access to competitive research funding.
He encouraged deeper collaboration among researchers, including co-supervision arrangements with international scholars and strengthened partnerships with other universities to enhance research quality and global competitiveness.
Investment in Infrastructure
The College Deputy Principal, Prof. Richard Iwa Idro, shared with the VC some of the college’s challenges which included low staffing levels at both academic and administrative levels, inadequate infrastructure and high staff turnover among others.
The Vice Chancellor reaffirmed the University’s commitment to improving infrastructure for teaching and research within the College of Health Sciences. He noted that ongoing and planned developments are aimed at strengthening PhD training environments and supporting advanced research activities.
He further emphasized the importance of expanding academic staffing and leveraging expertise from both active and retired scholars, including the appointment of honorary professors to support mentorship and research development.
Academic Accountability and Innovation
The Vice Chancellor reminded professors and associate professors of their responsibility to deliver inaugural lectures within stipulated timelines as part of academic accountability and recognition of scholarly contribution.
He also encouraged researchers to translate their work into innovation and practical solutions that contribute to Uganda’s socio-economic transformation, noting that research must go beyond publication to deliver real-world impact.
The Vice Chancellor reiterated that strengthening graduate training and research is central to achieving national development goals and enhancing Uganda’s competitiveness in the global knowledge economy.
He emphasized that sustained investment in Masters and PhD training, combined with stronger research systems, will be critical in producing the next generation of scholars, innovators, and leaders required to drive sustainable development.
The Vice Chancellor was accompanied by the Academic Registrar, Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi, the Director DRIP, Prof. Robert Wamala, Prof. Edward Bbaale, who represented the Deputy VC in charge of Academic Affairs, Prof. Fredrick Muyodi, the Director of the Writing Centre, Dr. Margaret Nagwovuma, the Deputy Director of Makerere University Technology and Innovation Centre, Prof. William Tayeebwa, the Manager of Makerere Press and Prof. Kikooma Julius, the Director of Graduate Training. The officials shared with staff how staff can benefit from their offices.
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