By Allan Ainematsiko.

Kampala, Uganda East Africa| July 6, 2026.

Makerere University has officially launched its Strategic Plan 2025-2030, reaffirming its commitment to advancing research, innovation, academic excellence and human capital development in support of Uganda’s national transformation agenda.

The Strategic Plan, unveiled by the Minister of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, Hon. Henry Musasizi, provides a road map for strengthening the University’s contribution to Uganda’s Tenfold Growth Strategy through research, innovation, entrepreneurship and the production of highly skilled graduates.

The launch, held at the University’s Main Hall, brought together government officials, members of the University Council, management, development partners, staff and students to witness what leaders described as the beginning of Makerere University’s next phase of institutional transformation.

Positioning Makerere for National Transformation.

Delivering his remarks, Vice Chancellor Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe said the Strategic Plan reflects Makerere University’s ambition to become an even stronger research led institution that responds directly to Uganda’s development priorities.

He noted that the University intends to restore student enrollment to pre COVID levels while significantly increasing postgraduate training to produce more researchers, innovators and professionals capable of addressing national challenges.

Prof. Nawangwe also highlighted the University’s growing research portfolio, commending researchers and research centers that continue to attract substantial international funding.

“when you combine the grants won by all our researchers through competitive international funding, the total exceeds US$200 million,” He said.

The Vice Chancellor also pointed to the need to strengthen the University’s academic workforce, noting that although progress has been made, more investment is required to fill approved academic positions, particularly at professor and associate professor levels.

Strategic Plan Sets Ambitious Institutional Targets.

Chairperson of the University Council, Dr. Lorna Magara, described the Strategic Plan as more than an institutional document, calling it “a public covenant with the people of Uganda.”

She said the Plan outlines measurable commitments that will guide the University’s performance over the next five years, including expanding postgraduate enrolment, increasing STEM participation, improving doctoral completion rates and strengthening research productivity.

“Ambition is precisely what this moment demands. A strategic plan is not measured by the elegance of its language, but by the lives it transforms,” she said.

Dr. Magara emphasized that every investment in Makerere University should translate into tangible benefits for society through research, innovation, leadership and skilled graduates.

She also called for reforms to Uganda’s Universities and Other Tertiary Institutions Act to strengthen university governance and create an enabling environment for innovation and knowledge production.

Government Reaffirms Support.

Launching the Strategic Plan, Hon. Henry Musasizi commended Makerere University for aligning its institutional priorities with Uganda’s Vision 2040, the Fourth National Development Plan (NDP IV) and the country’s Tenfold Growth Strategy.

He observed that universities remain central actors in national development because they produce the knowledge, innovation and skilled workforce required to transform Uganda’s economy.

“Universities are central actors in national transformation. they are engines of knowledge creation, innovation and human capital development,” he said.

The Minister emphasized government’s commitment to supporting research, innovation and stronger collaboration between universities and industry to ensure that knowledge generated within higher education institutions contributes directly to economic growth.

Universities Critical to Uganda’s Tenfold Growth Strategy.

Presenting the national development perspective, Samuel Kasule, Senior Planner at the National Planning Authority, explained that the Strategic Plan aligns closely with the Uganda’s long term development framework.

He noted that achieving the country’s ambitious economic growth targets will depend heavily on universities producing competent graduates, expanding research and strengthening innovation ecosystems that support priority sectors including agriculture, tourism, ICT, minerals, manufacturing, and oil and gas.

Kasule further underscored the importance of competency based education and post graduate training in building the human capital required for sustainable national development.

A Shared Vision for the Future.

Throughout the launch, speakers emphasized that Makerere University’s future lies in becoming an increasingly research intensive, innovation driven institution that responds to national and global development challenges.

The Strategic Plan 2025-2030 outlines priorities that include strengthening research excellence, promoting innovation and commercialization, expanding digital transformation, enhancing partnerships with industry, and producing graduates equipped to drive socioeconomic transformation.

Its launch marks a renewed commitment by Makerere University to remain at the forefront of knowledge generation and to contribute meaningfully to Uganda’s long term development aspirations.

Introduction

As you may recall, we recently launched the second half of our 10-year Strategic Plan. This Plan prioritises academic excellence, research and innovation, infrastructure development, human resource strengthening, and societal transformation to position Makerere as a leading driver of Uganda’s and Africa’s development.

As our updates today will demonstrate, Makerere University is steadily progressing towards implementing our Strategic Plan 2025–2030.

1. Makerere promotes and hires 153 lecturers

People remain at the heart of our Strategic Plan, as beneficiaries but also as key implementers, who are largely the staff. The University continues to make significant strides in building a robust and motivated workforce through strategic recruitment, appointments, and promotions.

In the last year, the Appointments Board collectively approved multiple appointments across academic leadership, fresh academic hires, and numerous administrative and support staff positions. These include several high-level academic leadership roles like Deans and Heads of Department, as well as fresh appointments.

We are dedicated to a merit-based recruitment process to fill critical gaps and to investing in both academic excellence and efficient service delivery. We congratulate all newly appointed and promoted staff and reaffirm our dedication to creating an enabling environment that attracts, develops, and retains top talent.

As expected of any such institution, the University deals with staffing challenges arising from
retirements, resignations, and other specialised needs. We have always managed these through targeted recruitment, contract appointments, post-retirement contracts for professors, and staff development programmes.

SUMMARY: JULY 2025 – to date

2. 2026/2027 Academic Year Calendar

We are pleased to announce that the University is fully prepared for the new 2026/2027 Academic Year, which will commence and progress as follows:

• Fresher’s Orientation Week: Saturday 1^st August to Friday 7^th August 2026.
• Semester One: Saturday 8^th August to Saturday 5^th December 2026.
• Semester One Examinations: Monday 16^th November to Saturday 5^th December 2026.
• Semester One Holiday Break: Saturday 5^th December 2026 to Friday 15^th January 2027.
• 77th Graduation Week: Monday 11^th to Friday 15^th January 2027.
• Semester Two: Saturday 16^th January to Saturday 15^th May 2027.

All newly admitted students (undergraduate and graduate) can now access their provisional admission letters via their individual application portals. We urge students to settle any outstanding payments promptly to ensure a smooth registration.

3. CCE (Complex) Hall Renovation

World-class infrastructure is a cornerstone of our Strategic Plan and hence remains a top priority for us. Last month, Makerere University handed over the CCE (Complex) Hall of Residence to the National Enterprise Corporation (NEC) for comprehensive renovation and overhaul works at a cost of UGX 12 billion, fully funded by the Government of Uganda. This historic female hall, built in the 1950s, will undergo major structural improvements and a facelift. Works are expected to be completed within 12 months. This renovation will significantly improve living conditions for female students and further enhance the University’s residential infrastructure.

We are confident that NEC will deliver quality work that restores this important facility to modern standards for our students. This is the fourth major project undertaken by NEC at Makerere, following the renovations of the perimeter wall, Lumumba Hall, and Mary Stuart Hall.

4. Makerere to host the East African Universities Debate Championships

We are proud to announce that Makerere University will be hosting the East African Universities Debate Championships (EAUDC) 2026 from 26^th July to 1^st August 2026.
Hosting this flagship regional event reaffirms the University’s position as an intellectual powerhouse and leader in higher education in East Africa. It also enriches student life and nurtures leadership skills. The championships will bring together top debaters from universities across the region for high-level intellectual exchange, fostering cross-cultural dialogue and preparing the next generation of thought leaders and policymakers.

5. Research, Innovation and Societal Transformation – Makerere’s Leadership in the Ebola Response

One of the strongest expressions of our Strategic Plan is the University’s impactful engagement in solving real-world problems. Through the Infectious Diseases Institute (IDI), Makerere has become Africa’s new nerve centre in the fight against the current Ebola outbreak. On June 26, 2026, we proudly hosted the launch of the Joint Continental Incident Management Support Team (IMST) — a partnership between Africa CDC and WHO Africa — at IDI’s McKinnell Knowledge Centre.

The launched command hub enables real-time, cross-border coordination of surveillance, logistics, and response efforts, as Dr. Andrew Kambugu, Executive Director of IDI, will explain. IDI’s contributions include laboratory strengthening, clinical support in treatment units, infection prevention, community engagement, and active research on diagnostics and therapeutics. This work not only addresses the immediate Ebola crisis but builds long-term health system resilience across the continent.

Makerere’s role in the fight against infectious diseases such as Ebola – from on-the-ground support in treatment units and community engagement to hosting this continental nerve centre – exemplifies how the University is leveraging its research strengths to address pressing global challenges while nurturing the next generation of leaders.

This is fully consistent with our commitment to advance research and innovation that drives societal transformation by, for example, translating academic expertise into tangible public health impact and long-term resilience across Africa.

Conclusion

These developments affirm Makerere University’s commitment to the Strategic Plan 2025–2030. We are building a stronger institution that delivers excellence in teaching and learning, cutting-edge research, modern infrastructure, and meaningful contributions to national and continental development. We thank the Government of Uganda, our development partners, staff, students, and the media for your unwavering support.

AS WE BUILD FOR THE FUTURE.

Dr John Mary Kiberu has been appointed Acting Head of the Department of Geology and Petroleum Studies at Makerere University effective 1^st July 2026.

Dr Kiberu takes over from Dr Arthur Batte who has led the Department since 1^st April 2022.

Official Handover Ceremony

The official handover ceremony, held on 10^th July 2026, was presided over by the Dean of the School of Physical Sciences, Prof. David Ssevviiri, who paid tribute to the outgoing Head for his exemplary leadership, dedication, and unwavering commitment to the advancement of the Department. Prof. Ssevviiri acknowledged Dr Batte’s invaluable contribution, sacrifices, and efforts in guiding the Department and strengthening its academic and institutional mandate during his tenure. He welcomed the incoming Head and expressed confidence in his ability to provide strategic leadership and build on the foundation established, while advancing the Department’s vision and goals.

Dr Batte’s Achievements During His Tenure

In his handover report, Dr Batte reflected on the Department’s progress over the past four years, highlighting the achievements that strengthened academic programmes, research, industry collaboration, infrastructure, and administrative systems.

Among the key accomplishments was the acquisition of modern teaching and research equipment through strategic partnerships with leading industry stakeholders. SNF contributed state-of-the-art laboratory equipment designed to simulate surfactant production processes for Enhanced Oil Recovery (EOR), significantly strengthening the Department’s capacity for hands-on training and applied research. TotalEnergies provided advanced computer workstations equipped with industry-standard geological and reservoir simulation software, enabling students and researchers to access cutting-edge tools for learning, innovation, and professional development. In addition, the Department expects to receive a well-control model from Zhongyuan Petroleum Exploration Bureau (ZPEB), which will further strengthen practical training in petroleum production processes.

Strengthening Industry Partnerships

The Department also expanded its engagement with industry by formalizing partnerships with TotalEnergies, COSL, DISKOS, and the Uganda Chamber of Energy and Minerals. These collaborations have created valuable opportunities for student internships, collaborative research, curriculum enhancement, and equipment support. Negotiations are ongoing to conclude Memoranda of Understanding with ZPEB, Dietsmann, and the Bio-Ecosystems Conservation and Development Agency, partnerships expected to further strengthen the Department’s teaching and research agenda.

Curriculum Modernization and Administrative Improvements

A major milestone during Dr Batte’s tenure was securing a USD 200,000 grant to review and modernize the Department’s undergraduate and postgraduate geology curricula. The ongoing project aims to align academic programmes with emerging technologies, industry needs, and international best practices.

On the administrative front, Dr Batte reported significant improvements in governance and academic management. The Department successfully maintained up-to-date records of meetings with no backlog of unapproved minutes, ensured the timely submission of students’ examination results, and cleared pending postgraduate proposal presentations, enabling graduate students to progress without unnecessary delays.

Dr Batte’s Message to the Incoming Head

During the handover ceremony, Dr. Batte congratulated Dr. Kiberu on his appointment and wished him success in his new role. He expressed confidence that the Department was well positioned for continued growth, with strong institutional systems, strategic partnerships, and a dedicated team ready to support the new leadership. “I am confident that under your leadership, the Department of Geology and Petroleum Studies will continue to excel and make significant contributions to Makerere University and the broader scientific community.”

He appreciated the University and College leadership, members of staff, students, and all stakeholders for the support, cooperation, and commitment they extended to him throughout his tenure as Head of Department. Dr. Batte acknowledged that the achievements realized during his leadership were a collective effort, made possible through the dedication of staff, the guidance of university leadership, and the continued collaboration of industry and institutional partners.  

Dr Kiberu’s Vision for the Department

In his remarks, Dr Kiberu expressed gratitude to the University Management, the CoNAS leadership, and the School of Physical Sciences for entrusting him with the responsibility of leading the department.

“It is a great honour and privilege to serve as Head of the Department of Geology and Petroleum Studies. Leadership in academia is not simply about administration; it is about stewardship. It is about nurturing people, advancing knowledge, safeguarding institutional values, and creating opportunities that will benefit generations of students, researchers, and society. I pledge to serve with integrity and humility, and to lead with commitment to the continued growth and success of our Department.”

Dr Kiberu paid tribute to his predecessor for his dedicated service and acknowledged the strong foundation laid during the past four years.

“Every leader inherits both achievements and challenges,” Dr Kiberu noted. “I look forward to building upon that foundation while embracing new opportunities for growth.”

He outlined a vision centred on strengthening academic programmes, advancing research and innovation, expanding partnerships with industry and international institutions, improving the student experience, embracing digital transformation, and promoting transparency, accountability, teamwork, and collegiality.

He observed that geoscience is evolving rapidly, driven by the global energy transition, the growing demand for critical minerals, climate resilience, artificial intelligence, remote sensing, and advanced geophysical technologies.

“Our responsibility is to ensure that our teaching, research, and innovation remain relevant to national priorities while meeting international standards,” he said.

Dr Kiberu pledged to provide consultative, transparent, and inclusive leadership, emphasizing that the Department’s continued success would depend on collective effort.

“I pledge to lead through consultation, fairness, integrity, openness, and service,” he said. “Together, we can build an even stronger Department that attracts talented students, outstanding researchers, meaningful partnerships, and international recognition.”

Brief about Dr John Mary Kiberu

Dr. John Mary Kiberu is a distinguished geophysicist, petroleum geoscientist, and academic leader with over two decades of experience in teaching, research, mentorship, and institutional development at Makerere University. He holds a PhD (Dr. rer. nat.) in Geophysics from the Technical University of Berlin, Germany, an MSc in Geophysics from the University of Twente, Netherlands, and a BSc in Geology and Chemistry from Makerere University. He has served in the Department of Geology and Petroleum Studies in various capacities, contributing significantly to the advancement of geoscience education, research, curriculum development, and international collaborations.

His expertise spans applied geophysics, petroleum geoscience, seismic interpretation, reservoir characterization, hydrogeophysics, and tectonic studies. Dr. Kiberu has led and participated in several nationally and internationally funded research and capacity-building initiatives, strengthening geoscience training and research at Makerere University and beyond. Through his extensive supervision of postgraduate research, publication record, and engagement with global academic partners, he has played a key role in advancing petroleum geoscience and earth science research in Uganda. His appointment to lead the Department of Geology and Petroleum Studies reflects his longstanding commitment to academic excellence, innovation, and the continued growth of the department.

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