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Re-advertisement: Graduate Programmes 2018/2019

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The Academic Registrar, Makerere University invites applications for admission to Graduate Programmes (Postgraduate Diplomas, Masters and Doctoral Degree Programmes) for the 2018/2019 Academic Year. Applicants should have obtained at least a first or second class degree (or its equivalent) from a recognized and chartered university/institution at the time of completion. Applicants should also possess a Ugandan Certificate of Education with at least five passes (or its equivalent) and a Uganda Advanced Certificate of Education (UACE) with at least two principal passes and one subsidiary pass obtained at the same sitting (or its equivalent).

Sponsorship:

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.

College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences

  • PGD Environmental Impact Assessment
  • MSc. in Agricultural Extension Education
  • MSc. in Crop Science
  • MSc. in Animal Science
  • MSc. in Agricultural Engineering
  • MSc. in Soil Science
  • Master of Agribusiness Management
  • MSc. in Integrated Watershed Management
  • MSc. in Food Science & Technology
  • MSc. in Plant Breeding and Seed Systems
  • MSc. in Applied Human Nutrition
  • Master of Science in Forestry and Biodiversity Management
  • Master of Science in Disaster Risk Management
  • Master of Land Use and Regional Development Planning
  • Master of Science in Agroforestry and Community Development    
  • Master of Geographical Sciences
  • Master of Science in Environment and Natural Resources Management

College of Humanities and Social Sciences

  • PGD in Gender and Local Economic Development
  • PGD in Social Justice (Nsamizi)
  • PGD (Guidance and Counselling)
  • M.A. in Human Rights
  • M.A.in Philosophy
  • M. of Philosophy in Applied Ethics
  • M.A. in Journalism and Communication
  • M.A. in History
  • M.A. in Music
  • M.A.in Literature
  • M.A. in Religious Studies
  • M.A. in Peace and Conflict Studies
  • M.A. in Religious and Theological Studies (Ggaba & Kinyamasika)
  • M.A. in African Languages
  • M.A. in Linguistics
  • M.A. in Gender Studies
  • M.A. in Public Administration & Management
  • M.A in Social Sector Planning & Management
  • M.A. in Sociology
  • M.A. in International Relations & Diplomatic Studies
  • M.A. in Rural Development
  • M.Ed. in Educational Psychology
  • Master of Organizational Psychology
  • M.A. in Counselling
  • MSc. in Clinical Psychology
  • MSc.in Health Professions Education (Distance)

College Of Computing And Information Sciences

  • PGD in Information Technology
  • PGD in Computer Science
  • PGD in Data Communication and Software Engineering
  • PGD in Information Systems
  • MSc. in Computer Science
  • Master of Information Technology
  • MSc. in Data Communication and Software Engineering
  • MSc. in Information Systems
  • MSc. in Information Science
  • MSc. in Records and Archives Management

College of Business and Management Sciences

  • PGD in Demography
  • PGD in Statistics
  • M.A. in Economic Policy and Planning
  • M.A. in Economic Policy Management
  • M.A in Economics
  • Master of Business Administration
  • Master of Statistics
  • MSc.in Population and Reproductive Health
  • MSc. in Quantitative Economics
  • Master in Financial Services (Uganda Institute of Banking and Financial Services)
  • Master in Public Infrastructure Management (Block week Modular)

College of Education and External Studies

  • PGD in Education
  • PGD in Medical Education (Mulago Health Tutors College)
  • M.Ed. in Curriculum Studies
  • Master of Adult and Community Education
  • Master of Instructional Design and Technology 
  • Master of Education, Options: 

       a) Educational Management, 
       b) Foundations of Education, 
       c) Educational Policy and Planning
       d) Early Childhood Education and Development, 
       e) Language and Literature Education, 
       f) Social Science and Humanities Education, 
       g) Science Education

School of Law

  • Master of Laws

College Of Health Sciences

  • M. Med: Internal Medicine
  • M.Med: Family Medicine
  • M.Med: Microbiology
  • M.Med: Ophthalmology
  • M.Med: Paediatrics and Child Health
  • M.Med: Pathology
  • M.Med: Psychiatry
  • M.Med: Radiology
  • M.Med: Ear, Nose &Throat
  • M.Med: Surgery
  • M.Med: Obstetrics & Gynaecology
  • M.Med: Anaesthesia
  • M.Med: Orthopaedics
  • MSc. in Medical Illustration
  • MSc. in Human Anatomy
  • MSc. in Pharmacology
  • MSc. in Physiology
  • MSc. in Clinical Epidemiology & Biostatistics
  • MSc. in Immunology and Clinical Microbiology
  • MSc. in Pharmaceuticals and Health Supplies Mgt
  • MSc. in Pharmacognosy
  • Master of Nursing (Midwifery & Women’s Health)
  • Master of Public Health (Full Time)
  • Master of Public Health (Distance)
  • Master of Health Services Research
  • Master of Public Health Nutrition
  • Master of Public Health Disaster Management
  • Master of Health Sciences in Bioethics
  • Master of Health Informatics
  • Master of Dentistry (Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery)

College of Natural Sciences

  • MSc. in Physics
  • MSc. in Chemistry
  • MSc. in Botany, Options:
    • Molecular Biology & Genetics,
    • Natural Resources Ecology & Conservation,
    • Plant Taxonomy & Biosystematics,
    • Microbiology & Plant Pathology and
    • Plant Physiology
  • MSc. in Zoology Options:
    • Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences,
    • Entomology,
    • Parasitology
    • Wildlife Ecology and Management
  • MSc. in Geology
  • M.Sc. in Biochemistry
  • MSc.in Petroleum Geosciences

College Of Engineering, Design, Art And Technology

  • PGD in Construction Project Management
  • PGD in Urban Planning and Design
  • MSc. in Mechanical Engineering
  • Master of Architecture
  • MSc. in Renewable Energy
  • MSc. in Technology Innovation and Industrial Development
  • MSc. in Civil Engineering
  • MSc. in Urban Planning & Design
  • MSc. in Geo-Information Science and Technology
  • MSc. in Power Systems Engineering
  • MSc. in Telecommunication Engineering
  • MSc. in Construction Management
  • M.A. in Fine Art

College Of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Biosecurity

  • PGD in Livestock Development Planning & Management
  • Master of Vet. Medicine (Food Animal Health & Production)
  • MSc. in Molecular Biology
  • MSc. in Veterinary Pathology
  • Master of Veterinary Preventive Medicine (Field Epidemiology Track)
  • Master of Biomedical Laboratory Sciences and Management
  • MSc.in International Infectious Diseases Management
  • MSc.in Wildlife Health and Management. Tracks:
    • Wildlife Clinical Medicine
    • Wildlife Resource Management
    • Aquatic Health Management
  • MSc.in Livestock Development and Management. Tracks:
    • Livestock Sector Planning and Management
    • Animal Product Processing, Entrepreneurship and Safety.

Makerere University Business School  

  • Master of Business Administration
  • MSc. in Accounting and Finance
  • MSc. in Marketing
  • Master of Human Resource Management
  • MSc. in Procurement & Supply Chain Management
  • MSc. in Leadership and Governance
  • MSc. in Entrepreneurship
  • M.A. in Economic Policy Management
  • Master of International Business
  • Master of Hospitality and Tourism Management
  • Master of Business Administration (Modular)
  • MSc. in Banking & Investment Management
  • Master of Business Psychology

Doctoral Degrees by Course works and Dissertations

  1. PhD in Health Science
  2. PhD in Agricultural and Rural Innovation
  3. PhD in Data Communication & Software Engineering 
  4. PhD in Computer Science
  5. PhD in Information Technology
  6. PhD in Information Systems
  7. PhD in Information Science
  8. PhD in Educational Management
  9. PhD in Plant Breeding and Biotechnology
  10. PhD in Economics

PhD by Research Only
All Colleges offer PhD degrees by Research. Applicants for PhD by research should have a Master’s degree in a field relevant to their area of further studies. Applicants will be required to submit their applications any time in Room 410, Level 4 with a synopsis. For further information, please visit our website http://rgt.mak.ac.ug check on applying.
Duration of Programmes
Postgraduate Diplomas            –    One Academic Year
Masters degrees (full time)      –    Two Academic Years
Masters degrees (part time)     –    Three – Four Academic Years
Masters of Medicine                –    Three Academic Years
Master of Public Health (Day)  –    Two Academic Years
Master of Public Health (Distance)   –    Three to Five Academic Years
PhD (Provisional Admission)            –    One Academic Year (Maximum)
PhD (Full Admission)                –    Three Academic Years 
PhD/MD/LLD (full time)            –    Three Academic Years
PhD/MD/LLD (part time)            –    Five Academic Years.

1.    Hard copies of application forms are obtainable from the Directorate of Research and Graduate Training, 3rd Floor, Senate Building, Room 307 after payment of an application fee of Ug. shs 50,000/= (Ugandan applicants) and Ug. Shs. 151,500 (International Applicants) to any Stanbic Bank Branch and DFCU Bank, Centenary Bank or Post Bank using Makerere University paying-in-bank slips.  International applicants can also pay by bank draft as cheques will not be honoured. 

2.    Application forms can also be down loaded from our Website: http://rgt.mak.ac.ug For  online Applicants, Payments can be made to Makerere University Revenue Collection Accounts and Bank Swift Codes are as follows:
BANK                           ACCOUNT TITLE                            ACCOUNT NO    SWIFT ADDRESSES
STANBIC BANK            MUC-FEES COLLECTION CASH     9030005866749    SBICUGKXXXX
DFCU BANK                 MUC- FEES COLLECTION              01083500181477    DFCUUGKAXXX
CENTENARY BANK       MUC FEES COLLECTION             3740300001    CERBUGKAXXX
POSTBANK UGANDA LTD    MUC  FEES COLLECTION      1630037000063    UGPBUGKA

3. ​​​​​​Completed application forms should be emailed to drgt@rgt.mak.ac.ug or returned to the Directorate of Research and Graduate Training, Room 307. All forms must be accompanied by  the following

4.    All Applicants for Master of Laws (LLM) will do a Graduate Admission Test (GAT) consisting of an oral Interview and written test. The fee is Ug. Shs. 100,000/= (One hundred thousand shillings) payable to the School Accountant.  The GAT will be held on Saturday 16th June, 2018

5.    All Applicants for Master of Business Administration (College of Business and Management Sciences and Makerere University Business School) will do a GMAT test on dates to be communicated by College of Business and Management Sciences and Makerere University Business School respectively. The fee for the MUBS GMAT Admission test is 50,000/=.

6.    All Applicants for PGD (Guidance and Counselling), Master of Organizational Psychology, MA.in Counselling and MSc. in Clinical Psychology (College of Humanities and Social Sciences) will do a GMAT test on dates to be communicated by College of Humanities and Social Sciences. The fee is Ug. Shs. 60,000/= (Sixty thousand shillings) payable to the School Accountant.

7.    In addition to the general admission requirements, applicants for Master of Public Infrastructure Management (MPIM) must have “Proven professional experience of at least 2 years at managerial/supervisory level or policy-decision making position in a government, parastatal organ, international organisation or non-governmental organisation” Applicants should attach a 2- page short CV and referee recommendations.

8.    Detailed information about the Programmes’ content and regulations can be obtained from Offices of Principals/College Registrars of the respective Colleges and Schools and Makerere University Website

9. This announcement CANCELS all earlier announcements/ Adverts in print and online including that in the New Vision  Newspaper of Monday 29th January 2018. However, applicants who responded to the earlier announcements need not to re-apply.

Please strictly observe the closing date of Friday, 13th April, 2018.

Alfred Masikye Namoah
ACADEMIC REGISTRAR

Elias Tuhereze

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Mak and University of the West of England Sign MoU to Advance Research, Innovation and Skills Development

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Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe (3rd R) and Ms. Jo Midgley (3rd L) shake hands after signing the MoU as H.E. Nimisha Madhvani (2nd L), H.E. Miriam Otengo (L), Prof. Helen Nambalariwa Nkabala (R) and Mr. Emmanuel Kitamirike (2nd R) witness on 17th October 2025. Makerere University and the University of the West of England (UWE) sign MoU aimed at strengthening collaboration in research, innovation, and enterprise development, 17th October 2025, Main Building, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

Makerere University and the University of the West of England (UWE) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at strengthening collaboration in research, innovation, and enterprise development. The signing ceremony took place on Friday, 17th October 2025, in the Vice Chancellor’s Boardroom, Main Administration Building, Makerere University.

The partnership will focus on joint research initiatives in climate science, early childhood development and elderly care, wildlife ecology and conservation management, technology, and sustainable agriculture.

The Uganda High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, H.E. Nimisha Madhvani, who witnessed the signing, congratulated both institutions and reaffirmed the Government of Uganda’s commitment to strengthening international collaborations that enhance education, innovation, and investment.

“We are not only promoting education, but also tourism, business, and investment. This partnership is a great bridge between Uganda and the United Kingdom,” said H.E. Madhvani. “With the full support of His Excellency the President and the First Lady, we look forward to building on this momentum to establish impactful initiatives, including a proposed teaching hospital.”

Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe (R) and Ms. Jo Midgley (L) display the signed MoU. Makerere University and the University of the West of England (UWE) sign MoU aimed at strengthening collaboration in research, innovation, and enterprise development, 17th October 2025, Main Building, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe (R) and Ms. Jo Midgley (L) display the signed MoU.

Speaking during the event, the Vice Chancellor of Makerere University, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, reaffirmed the University’s commitment to producing graduates who are not only employable but also capable of creating jobs and transforming their communities.

“Our goal is to train students who go out to create their own jobs and employ others who have not had the opportunity to attend university,” said Prof. Nawangwe. “We are working seriously on issues of food security, health, and conflict management — particularly in the Great Lakes region, which has one of the highest numbers of conflicts per capita. Through research and collaboration, we aim to address these challenges while ensuring Africa is not left behind in the digital economy.”

Prof. Nawangwe also highlighted Makerere’s initiatives in the digital and peace sectors, including the work of the Rotary Peace Center, which plays a vital role in promoting peace across the world by equipping fellows with academic training, practice, and global networking opportunities through a year-long, blended-learning professional certificate program.

Representing the University of the West of England, the Vice Chancellor Ms. Jo Midgley commended Makerere University for its strong research focus and expressed enthusiasm for the partnership.

“Like Makerere, we are a comprehensive university. We want this partnership to go beyond conversations and translate into action,” she said. “Our areas of strength include sustainability, climate change, future technology, health, and community placemaking. We believe this collaboration offers a unique opportunity to co-create programmes that prepare students for the evolving global workforce.”

Officials from Makerere and UWE pose for a group photo at the Main Building Entrance after the MoU signing. Makerere University and the University of the West of England (UWE) sign MoU aimed at strengthening collaboration in research, innovation, and enterprise development, 17th October 2025, Main Building, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Officials from Makerere and UWE pose for a group photo at the Main Building Entrance after the MoU signing.

She further emphasized the need for universities to work closely with industry partners to co-design programs that meet current skill demands while promoting innovation and enterprise among students.

The Deputy High Commissioner, Ambassador Miriam Otengo, commended Makerere for its leadership in higher education and shared ongoing efforts to mobilize the Makerere alumni in the United Kingdom. She also revealed plans to host a Makerere Alumni Symposium in London, aimed at showcasing the University’s excellence and strengthening ties with its diaspora community.

Also in attendance was Mr. Hefin Rees KC, Chairman of Spotlight on Africa, a UK-based charitable organization, who expressed interest in partnering with Makerere University to establish a teaching hospital in Mbale focused on women and children’s health. He praised Makerere for producing world-class professionals and reaffirmed his organization’s commitment to supporting health-related initiatives.

In his closing remarks, Prof. Nawangwe thanked the High Commission for facilitating the partnership and welcomed the opportunity to discuss the proposed teaching hospital, describing it as “a timely and vital project for Uganda’s health sector.”

“This collaboration represents a new chapter for Makerere University and the University of the West of England. Together, we will advance research, promote innovation, and equip our students to respond to global challenges,” he said. The ceremony concluded with the formal signing of the MoU, marking the beginning of a long-term partnership built on shared values of excellence, innovation, and community impact.

Eve Nakyanzi

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Makerere is No.1 in the Region – THE University Rankings

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Prof. Sarah Ssali (3rd Left) with Left to Right: Mr. Matthias Ssemanda, Dr. Cyprian Misinde, Prof. Julius Kikooma, Dr. Winifred Kabumbuli, and Prof. Robert Wamala during the press briefing held on 16th October 2025. Vice Chancellor's Boardroom, Main Building, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

The Acting (Ag.) Vice Chancellor, Prof. Sarah Ssali on Thursday 16th October, 2025 held a press conference to update members of the Media on the 2026 World University Rankings by Times Higher Education (THE).

The event held in the Vice Chancellor’s Boardroom, Main Building, was attended by the Director Graduate Training-Prof. Julius Kikooma, Director Quality Assurance-Dr. Cyprian Misinde, Dean of Students-Dr. Winifred Kabumbuli, Director Research, Innovations, and Partnerships-Prof. Robert Wamala, Deputy Chief – Public Relations-Ms. Eunice Rukundo, Ag. Manager International Relations-Mr. Matthias Ssemanda, and staff from the Offices of the Vice and Deputy Vice Chancellors.

The proceedings of the Press Conference follow below;

Vice Chancellor’s Press Statement

UNIVERSITY RANKINGS: MAKERERE STILL NUMBER ONE IN THE REGION

It gives me great pleasure to share with our stakeholders and the general public that Makerere University has been ranked Number 1. in the East African region, in the Times Higher Education rankings released this month of October 2025.

In its 2026 World University Rankings, Times Higher Education (THE) places Makerere University in top position in East Africa, and in the 801-1000 band globally. The ranking considers five performance indicators, namely: Teaching; Research environment; Research quality; International Outlook; and Industry. Makerere’s overall score was 37.2, significantly outperforming peer institutions in the Region that average scores of 18.8.

In particular, Makerere University continues to thrive in Research Quality where we scored 54.2% but even better in International Outlook where we scored highest with 69.7%. See Table 1 for details. On the continent, Makerere University ranked 8th in the 2024 Sub-Saharan African University Rankings.

We would like to reassure all stakeholders and well-wishers that Makerere University continues to hold steadfast as the regional leader in higher education. Our commitment to deliver excellence in our teaching, research, and socioeconomic impact has not wavered.

WE BUILD FOR THE FUTURE.

Thank you.

Fact Sheet

UNIVERSITY RANKINGS

Table 1: East African Universities – 2025 Ranking Comparison

RankNameOverall Teaching Research Env. Research Quality Industry Int. Outlook
801–1000Makerere University35.5–38.921.526.654.232.869.7
1501+Kenyatta University10.3–27.214.39.134.217.454.6
1501+Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences10.3–27.221.614.930.327.554.6
1501+University of Dar es Salaam10.3–27.214.511.126.521.947.2
1501+University of Nairobi10.3–27.215.916.139.722.549.4
1501+University of Rwanda10.3–27.214.114.925.621.157.5

Figure 1: Makerere University Performance over ten (10) years
Figure 1: Makerere University Performance over ten (10) years

End

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ZAMREN Board Visits Mak, Discusses AI

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Prof. Sarah Ssali and Prof. Mundia Muya (C) with Members of Management, the ZAMREN delegation and other officials after the courtesy call on 14th October 2025. Zambia Research and Education Network (ZAMREN) Board led by the Chairperson, Prof. Mundia Muya courtesy call on the Vice Chancellor, 14th October 2025, Main Building, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

The Board of the Zambia Research and Education Network (ZAMREN) led by the Chairperson, Prof. Mundia Muya on 14th October 2025 paid a courtesy call on the Vice Chancellor, Makerere University. The Board which is on a two-day exposure visit to the Research and Education Network of Uganda (RENU) was received by the Acting (Ag.) Vice Chancellor and Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic Affairs), Prof. Sarah Ssali in the Vice Chancellor’s Boardroom.

The Chairperson was accompanied by Mr. Ronald Hatoongo and Mr. Stein Mkandawire, the Board Secretary and CEO of ZAMREN respectively, as well as RENU’s CEO-Mr. Nicholas Mbonimpa and RENUMESH Technologies CEO-Mr. Brian Masiga. In attendance were Mr. Samuel Mugabi-Director DICTS, Prof. Robert Wamala-Director Research, Innovations and Partnerships (DRIP), and Prof. Tonny Oyana-Principal College of Computing and Information Sciences (CoCIS).

Also present were; Prof. Paul Birevu Muyinda-Director Institute of Open, Distance and eLearning (IODeL), Dr. Godfrey Mayende-Deputy Director IODeL, Dr. Michael Walimbwa- College of Education and External Studies (CEES), Dr. Cathy Mbidde- Ag. Manager. Makerere University Innovation Pod, Ms. Eunice Rukundo-Deputy Chief-Public Relations and staff from the Office of the Vice Chancellor.

In her welcome remarks, Prof. Ssali thanked the ZAMREN Board for including the courtesy call on their Kampala itinerary and extended warm greetings from the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe. She noted that Makerere as a founding member of RENU has enjoyed a mutually beneficial collaboration, that has benefited both staff and students in the form of supporting growing connectivity needs, as well as training, mentorship, and development of technical skills for both continuing students and graduates.

Prof. Sarah Ssali (R) presents an assortment of Mak Souvenirs to Prof. Mundia Muya (L). Zambia Research and Education Network (ZAMREN) Board led by the Chairperson, Prof. Mundia Muya courtesy call on the Vice Chancellor, 14th October 2025, Main Building, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Prof. Sarah Ssali (R) presents an assortment of Mak Souvenirs to Prof. Mundia Muya (L).

Turning to the gist of the courtesy call, the Acting Vice Chancellor noted that the Makerere University through the Centre for Artificial Intelligence (MAK-AI) seeks to harness the transformative power of AI to address society’s most pressing challenges. “Projects undertaken by our Centre tackle real-world challenges in health, agriculture, languages, and beyond.”

Prof. Ssali nevertheless underscored the importance of upholding ethics in all AI undertakings “Mindful of global trends elsewhere, the work of the Makerere AI Centre is guided by the principles of Responsible AI, ensuring that systems are transparent, accountable, fair, and designed to benefit society.”

She therefore called upon the delegation to thoughtfully engage with the ideas presented during their visit with the aim of collectively exploring both institution can better equip staff and students to meaningfully make the most of this fast-evolving trend.

On behalf of the Board, Prof. Muya who is substantively the Vice Chancellor of the University of Zambia thanked Prof. Ssali and Members of Management present for according his delegation a warm reception to Makerere University, “one of Africa’s most distinguished centres of higher learning.

Makerere University is not only a symbol of academic excellence but also a beacon of leadership in higher education on the African continent”, remarked Prof. Muya.

The Chairperson equally expressed the delegation’s keenness to understand how AI is being adopted, and how the academia is embracing the technology as an enabler of teaching and research. “At ZAMREN, we view digital transformation and AI integration as critical enablers of academic excellence, efficiency, and competitiveness across higher education institutions,” he remarked, adding that “We therefore look to Makerere University’s experience to draw practical lessons that can inform and inspire our efforts back home.”

Prof. Mundia Muya headed the ZAMREN delegation. Zambia Research and Education Network (ZAMREN) Board led by the Chairperson, Prof. Mundia Muya courtesy call on the Vice Chancellor, 14th October 2025, Main Building, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Prof. Mundia Muya headed the ZAMREN delegation.

Turning to the lessons from Makerere in line with digital transformation and ICT, the Director DICTS shared that owing to the partnership with RENU, internet bandwidth, a vital enabler of AI transformation currently stands at 5 Gbps of monthly consumption, with plans to scale-up to 8 Gbps. He added that RENU has also facilitated Makerere’s access to Open Libraries, and Eduroam – a secure, encrypted Wi-Fi network across to staff and students freely access the internet across partner institutions in Uganda using their University emails.

Furthermore on the enablers of AI integration, Mr. Mugabi noted that in line with digitalization of institutional business process, the University Council took a bold step to develop all information systems in-house, a move that has reduced costs spent on offshore solutions, and hemorrhage of skills. He pointed to the introduction of open source solutions, and AI policy and global collaborations with corporations such as Google as additional enablers.

Addressing AI readiness, Prof. Tonny Oyana pointed out the need for the University of Zambia to start early, citing Makerere efforts which began as far back as 2007, when Dr. John Quinn joined the institution after his PhD. He added that Dr. Quinn together with other former staff from Makerere formed Sunbird AI, a thriving initiative creating practical systems for the benefit of community.

Prof. Oyana also pointed to AI initiatives that have attracted up to USD 5million from Google Awards, staff with specialized skills in the creation and development of sensor technologies, top notch students that win continental and global awards from companies such as Huawei, and active engagements with partners to produce solutions to enhance diagnosis of malaria, tuberculosis and cancer as some of areas that demonstrate Makerere’s AI readiness.

The meeting in session. Zambia Research and Education Network (ZAMREN) Board led by the Chairperson, Prof. Mundia Muya courtesy call on the Vice Chancellor, 14th October 2025, Main Building, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
The meeting in session.

Addressing academic and research innovation, Prof. Robert Wamala pointed out that Makerere, in recognition that the institution cannot achieve its vision alone is intentional about seeking and nurturing mutually beneficial partnerships. Furthermore, he shared that Vice Chancellor’s Annual Research Excellence Awards reward and recognize the efforts of staff who have excelled in publication, teaching and winning grants.

The Director DRIP equally underscored the need for dissemination of research produced by staff and students, pointing out the annual research and innovation week as a flagship event for not only showcasing research but also forging meaningful partnerships with stakeholders. In line with technology transfer, Prof. Wamala said that the University through the Intellectual Property Management Office ensures that innovations developed by staff and students packaged for adoption by other individuals or organisations.

Addressing the use of technologies in academic work, Prof. Birevu noted that IODeL conducts capacity building in instructional design, online facilitation, use of AI in teaching and digital assessments. “We have also advised the University on ODeL and Distance Education strategies, for instance, we have developed a ten-year masterplan for distance education with support from the Korean Government to outline how Makerere University is going to integrate distance education within its offering” he added.

At the close of the deliberations the ZAMREN expressed sincere appreciation to the Ag. Vice Chancellor and Members of Management for the free sharing that pointed out a number of priorities.

Mark Wamai

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