General
Mak DRGT Reviews Graduate Training Policies and Guidelines
For three days (23rd to 25th May 2018), members of Makerere University Management, Principals, Deputy Principals, Deans, researchers, staff from the Department of the Academic Registrar, Directorate of Research and Graduate Training (DRGT) and Public Relations Office convened at Royal Suites Bugolobi in a retreat aimed at reviewing policies and guidelines on graduate training. The retreat also sought to further align graduate training processes with the IUCEA and NCHE guidelines and recommend reviewed proposals to the Board of Research and Graduate Training.
Expected to end in June 2018, the review process will culminate in the production of the Makerere University Graduate Prospectus and an improved Graduate Handbook. It will also generate ideas and strategies aimed at strengthening graduate training and research at Makerere University.
“Graduate Training should form the pillar as we continue to advance the case for a research-led University. I am glad that we have convened here for three days to receive valuable input from stakeholders who drive the agenda at the University. The University has embarked on developing a Strategic Plan for the next 10 years (2019/20-2029/30) and Graduate Training and Research should be top on the agenda,” remarked Prof. Mukadasi Buyinza, Director DRGT.
Officially opening the retreat, the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic Affairs), Dr. Ernest Okello Ogwang emphasized the need to improve the research culture at the University. He implored the participants to propose ideas where both the supervisors and students are committed to completion of PhDs within the stipulated years. “The review process should put in place mechanisms where each party namely the University authorities, supervisors and students is fully committed to playing his/her role.”
Providing a broad overview of Graduate Training at Makerere University, DRGT Deputy Director (Administration), Dr. David Owiny indicated that the review process accords all stakeholders the opportunity to come up with strategies of increasing the number of graduate students at Makerere University to at least 20%.
“In 2014/2015, the Makerere University Fact book indicated that 635 members of staff had attained PhDs and I am sure that the numbers of staff with PhDs has continued to rise. If each member of staff with PhD supervised One (1) student, Makerere University will be in position to graduate over 300 PhDs in a year,” revealed Dr. Owiny.
To set the pace, the Facilitator, Dr. Paul Kibwika invited Mrs. Patience Mushengyezi to present an overview of Policies and Guidelines of Graduate Training at Makerere University. She highlighted the policies that needed revision or rethinking, those that were difficult to implement, and some that had never been implemented. Mrs. Mushengyezi ended the informative presentation on an optimistic note.
“With the review of graduate training policies and enforcement of existing ones, we shall see graduate students completing on time and increased numbers of graduate applicants. Makerere University will then realize her dream of being a research-led University.”
During the retreat, participants pitched for the regularisation of crosscutting courses in the University. “Crosscutting courses should be mandatory. All students enrolled on the PhD programme should study these courses and Colleges should review their PhD Curricula to include crosscutting courses.”
Prof. Mukadasi Buyinza applauded the participants for realising that crosscutting courses such as Research Methods, Information Competence and Scholarly Writing equipped PhD students with the required knowledge and skills that significantly contribute to their competence. The Director disclosed that he had received a number of testimonies affirming this from those who had participated in the crosscutting courses.
Dr. Paul Birevu Muyinda, the Deputy Principal, College of Education and External Studies (CEES) informed the participants that he was one of the beneficiaries of crosscutting courses. “I tell you, you are empowered to do things differently,” he rallied.
Providing a solution to the scenario where only 40 out of 200 PhD student applicants are considered for the crosscutting courses, Dr. Muyinda appealed to DRGT to work with the Department of Open Distance and Distance Learning, CEES, to embrace e-learning so that the courses are put online. “With this approach, more applicants will be considered.”
Participants also advocated for strengthening of Doctoral Committees so that these eventually evolve into research teams at the respective units. Owing to the important role they play, consensus was reached that Doctoral Committees should be strongly encouraged and acknowledged in Theses/Dissertations.
Some of the pertinent recommendations arising out of discussions included: timely remuneration of external and internal examiners; upholding the supremacy of the external examiner; training staff in customer care; and expediting approved appointments in the Academic Registrar’s Department so as to dedicate special registrars to the management of graduate students.
During the retreat, participants listened to experiences on graduate training and supervision presented by Dr. Andrew E. State from the College of Humanities and Social Sciences (CHUSS) while Dr. Stephen Wandera presented the CARTA model focusing on building vibrant, viable and sustainable multidisciplinary research hubs at African universities. Dr. Wandera’s presentation also covered creating networks of locally-trained internationally recognised scholars as well as enhancing the capacity of African universities to lead globally competitive research and training programs. Dr. Daudi Jjingo who represented Prof. Tonny Oyana-Principal, College of Computing and Information Sciences (CoCIS), provided tips on how to enhance the quality of Graduate Training.
Mr. Richard Byarugaba, the Head of Examinations and Transcripts Division who represented the Academic Registrar, Mr. Alfred Masikye Namoah commended DRGT for organising the retreat and appealed to the members to discuss the modalities of funding graduate programmes. He noted that graduate programmes are privately sponsored, which affects concentration as well as the completion rate of students. He also advised the University authorities to conduct a fresh per unit cost analysis of training a graduate student.
The participants were grouped into critical thinking sessions focused on increasing the number of applicants at graduate level, financing Graduate Training, enhancing teaching and learning, thesis examinations and publications as well as institutionalization and internationalization of graduate training and research.
Cognizant of the required outputs, the participants constituted a Committee consisting of nine (9) members to synthesize the ideas raised during the retreat within a period of three (3) weeks. The Members include: Dr. Kakungulu Mayambala, Dr. Paul Kibwika, Dr. Yazidhi Bamutaze, Dr. Susan Kiwanuka, Mrs. Patience Mushengyezi, Dr. Vincent Bagire, Dr. Stephen Wandera, Mr. Patrick Feni and Dr. Ivan Muzira.
On receipt of the Report from the Committee, DRGT will organize a half-day engagement with stakeholders to review the proceedings.
Closing the retreat, the Convener, Prof. Mukadasi Buyinza said: “Personally, I feel empowered because I am carrying a voice from you stakeholders who have participated in this three day retreat, organized by DRGT with funding from Makerere University supplemented by CARTA. I thank my colleague, Dr. Owiny for ensuring that we access funds from CARTA. I also applaud the Facilitator-Dr. Paul Kibwika for the excellent moderation.”
Article by Public Relations Office
The Makerere University Council and Top Management have today convened at Speke Resort Munyonyo to deliberate on the University’s Strategic Plan 2025/2026 – 2029/2030. The retreat seeks to align Makerere’s priorities with the Fourth National Development Plan (NDP IV) and ensure that all key stakeholders contribute to shaping the institution’s next five years.
Opening the discussions, the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, underscored the centrality of planning in the University’s growth trajectory. He called on members of management to actively participate in the drafting of the new strategic plan. Prof. Nawangwe highlighted Makerere’s progress in recent years, noting that the University has drawn a roadmap to becoming a research-led institution, with publications rising from 700 five years ago to 2,000 currently.
He further pointed out the revision of research policies to align with the University’s research agenda, as well as the establishment of innovation hubs that support product development, commercialisation, and intellectual property management. Commending staff for their resilience and success, Prof. Nawangwe congratulated them on winning significant individual grants, some of which now surpass institutional grants. “NDP IV is intended to grow the country tenfold, and I am confident Makerere will make a huge contribution,” he remarked.
In her keynote remarks, the Chairperson of the University Council, Mrs. Lorna Magara, described the retreat as a defining moment for Makerere’s role in Uganda’s transformation. She urged the University to move beyond traditional teaching and research, positioning itself as a central driver of national development.
“Our mandate extends beyond academia. The knowledge we generate, the leaders we shape, and the innovations we deliver must directly fuel Uganda’s growth,” Mrs. Magara stated.
She outlined priority national development areas— agro-industrialisation, tourism, mineral-based development, and advances in science and technology—where Makerere’s expertise can make a decisive impact. Emphasising the urgency of challenges such as youth unemployment, climate change, food insecurity, and fragile health systems, she noted that within these lie opportunities for Makerere to lead in testing and scaling solutions.
“This retreat is about discipline and focus. Our strategy cannot be a wish list; it must be a blueprint for measurable national impact,” she said, challenging participants to critically reflect on how Makerere can anchor Uganda’s food security, nurture digital innovators, strengthen health resilience, and raise transformative leaders.
She concluded with a call for boldness and clarity in execution: “The next five years are decisive. Makerere must shift from being a participant in national development to being its strongest driver. What we agree here must position Makerere not only as Uganda’s premier university but also as a trusted national partner and a beacon of Africa’s transformation.”
The retreat involved detailed discussions and contributions from University leaders, aimed at developing a practical and impact-driven strategic plan that cements Makerere’s role in advancing Uganda’s development agenda.
Education
Makerere University signs Memorandum of Understanding with International Rescue Committee to Advance Research, Innovation and Partnerships
Makerere University has signed a five-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the International Rescue Committee to formalize undertakings in research, innovation & partnerships.
Signed in September 2025 by the Vice Chancellor of Makerere University, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe and the Country Director, International Rescue Committee, Mr. Elijah Okeyo, the MoU provides a framework to implement research intensive programmes, promote innovative teaching and learning, internationalization, and contribute to societal transformation.
According to Mr. Okeyo, the MoU re-affirms Makerere University as the academic partner of the International Rescue Committee (IRC). “This MoU formalizes IRC’s working relationship with Makerere University. This framework empowers both institutions to tap into opportunities together. We believe in equal partnership. Makerere University commits to being our partner in research to contribute to evidence based humanitarian undertakings,” he said.
Under this collaboration, Makerere University and IRC will work on developing child-centered learning resources, innovative curricula, and policy-relevant research to enhance the quality of education in crisis-affected regions.
At Makerere University, the MoU brings on board, the College of Education and External Studies (CEES), Makerere University Institute of Teacher Education and Research (MITER), and the Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) Research Centre.
To concretize the MoU, the Principal of the College of Education and External Studies, Prof. Anthony Muwagga Mugagga convened a partnership meeting on Friday 12th September 2025 involving a delegation from the International Rescue Committee (IRC), Dr. David Kabugo, the Deputy Director of Makerere University Institute of Teacher Education and Research (MITER), and Ms. Ritah Namisango, the Principal Communication Officer.
The delegation from the International Rescue Committee (IRC) consisted of the following: Mr. Elijah Okeyo-Country Director, Mr. Vincent Wanyama-Senior Program Development and Quality Coordinator, Mr. Richard Omasete-Policy and Advocacy PlayMatters, and Ms. Janet Nambuya-Grants and Partnerships Coordinator.
The MoU focuses on the following areas of interest: Early Childhood Development, joint research and capacity building in education, the plight of refugees and the host communities, humanitarian aid, as well as, evidence based research to inform the education policy.
In line with its mandate, IRC brings onboard, its unmatched expertise in helping children in crisis-affected areas. The MoU therefore positions both institutions to undertake a leading role in the protection of children and families through evidence based research, access to education, and humanitarian undertakings.
Dr. Kabugo, the Deputy Director MITER, noted that the MoU opens new opportunities for joint efforts in research, training, and policy. He said: “We are committed to co-designing practitioner research, engaging in professional development, and generating evidence to guide the education policy in Uganda and beyond.” Dr. Kabugo explained that this partnership builds on years of cooperation between CEES and IRC, especially in child-centered methods such as play-based learning.
Prof. Mugagga described the MOU as a practical framework that connects Makerere University’s research with IRC’s field experiences. He stated that the College of Education and External Studies (CEES) conducts programmes focused on the future of the young people through training and empowering students/teachers. He articulated that the College significantly impacts on the education sector through delivery of quality academic programmes and research under the School of Education, School of Distance and Lifelong Learning, and the East African School of Higher Education Studies and Development.
“Our strongest synergy is education and early child-focused care,” Prof. Mugagga emphasized. He revealed that the collaboration presents CEES with a strong and reliable partner (IRC), which stands for protection and the well-being of children and families. “Through this MoU, both CEES and IRC, will significantly contribute to improving education for children, families, and communities impacted by conflict and crisis.”
Prof. Mugagga commended IRC for the earlier support and expertise extended to the College in the development of the early childhood centre, and working together to provide valuable input during the Ministry of Education and Sports’ consultative process that led to the Early Childhood development policy.
Reflecting on the increasing number of refugees enrolling for studies at Makerere University, Prof. Mugagga said: “ IRC has come at the right time. The College will tap into the IRC expertise to teach our staff and learners components in refugee education. They will equip our students and teachers with knowledge and skills in refugee education. Some of our students will cooperate with IRC to undertake research in refugee settlement and host communities.”
Prof. Mugagga implored both MITER and IRC to undertake research and develop modules on refugee education, parenting, re-tooling street children, integration of a health component into the curriculum, and management of truamatised students/learners who come from areas affected by war, conflict and crisis.
On the issue of play materials, Prof. Mugagga stressed that already made play materials derial creativing. “Both CEES and IRC should work towards a context that empowers children and learners to ignite their creative potential by developing home-made play materials,” he submitted.
About IRC
Stating a brief profile history about IRC, Mr. Okeyo explained that IRC is a global non-profit organisation that provides humanitarian aid and assistance to people affected by conflict and disaster. IRC has been active in Uganda since 1998, originally assisting displaced populations in Northern Uganda and later expanding its efforts to refugee settlements and urban areas.. Currently, IRC operates more than 35 health facilities in refugee settlements and runs a variety of programs in health, education, protection, and economic recovery. IRC also undertakes projects focusing on early childhood development, prevention of gender-based violence, and protection of refugees and families.
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