General
‘Say No to sexual harassment’, Mak Administrators advise freshers
The Acting Director of Makerere University Gender and Mainstreaming, Dr. Euzobia Mugisha Baine has urged the incoming students to openly defy the sexual harassment vice and stand strong for their academic rights. This was during the Makerere University Freshers’ Orientation Meeting held on 6th August 2018 to welcome the new students for the Academic year 2018/2019.
Speaking to thousands of freshers in the Makerere University Freedom Square, Dr. Mugisha Baine encouraged students to acquaint themselves with the Makerere University Policy and Regulations against Sexual Harassment.
“The Policy clearly defines sexual harassment and provides its various forms. It provides details on whom you should contact and where to go in case you are harassed. Please let someone know right away in case a person is engaging you in actions that you don’t feel comfortable with. The University appointed the Sexual Harassment Committee, some of the members are placed at the respective colleges, don’t hesitate to contact them,” she said.
Dr. Baine, encouraged the freshers to join the Students Anti-Sexual Harassment Body dubbed Team No Sexual Harassment at Makerere University that was put in place to fight against sexual harassment among students and staff.
“This is a proactive platform where students actively engage in creating awareness, sensitizing fellow students on the Makerere University Policy and Regulations against Sexual Harassment as well as fighting against sexual harassment actions. we all have equal opportunities to be the best we can be, therefore we have the responsibility to implement the sexual harassment policy,” she explained.
At the beginning of each academic year, Makerere University organizes the Students Orientation Meeting which presents an opportunity to the University Administration to interact with new students. During the orientation meeting, students are given a comprehensive package that appeals to their academic and social wellbeing. The Management and staff interact with students in order to provide relevant information and knowledge crucial to students’ stay at the University.
During the Orientation Meeting, the Makerere University Academic Registrar Mr. Alfred Namoah Masikye, congratulated the freshers upon joining the Uganda’s oldest institution of Higher Learning. In a special way, he welcomed the international students to Makerere University, the epitome of knowledge and academic excellence in Africa.
“On behalf of Makerere University Community, it brings me great joy to welcome you to Makerere University. We are proud you chose to pursue your university education with us and we are excited to help you nurture your academic strength, encourage your personal growth and inspire your creativity. As students you are the cornerstone of our campus community and our partners in advancing Makerere University’s stature as a preeminent world class research driven university,” he said.
He urged students to immensely engage in the university academic activities and develop life-long passion for learning. According to the Academic Registrar, developing a culture of studying, consultation as well as engaging in the academic activities of the University will not only enable the students achieve their academic goals but also provide a platform to attain good grades.
“You have the best professors and lecturers please use them. At Makerere University, we commit ourselves to upholding the values we cherish as an academic institution, and to fostering an atmosphere that is respectful, supportive and welcoming to all. The diversity of our backgrounds, talents and perspectives will continue to enrich us all as we live and learn together,” he said.
The Deputy Registrar, Undergraduate Admissions and Records Mr. Charles Ssentongo, advised freshers to always make right decisions, manage their freedom, time and relations. He called upon students to always refer to the University rules and regulations for guidance. Mr. Ssentongo also cautioned students against examination malpractices. He also alerted them on the rampant conmen and con-women around the University.
“Beware of conmen and con-women who use tricks in order to take valuables from you. Do not entrust any one with your tuition. Personally pay your tuition in the bank,” he said.
The Dean of Students Mr. Cyriaco Kabagambe encouraged freshers to read, understand and strictly follow the rules and regulations governing the University. “We have rules and regulations you must observe. These regulations apply to all students of Makerere University,” he vividly said. In addition, the Dean also encouraged students to register so that they can fully be recognized as Makerere University students.
Reiterating the importance of registration, the Director, Makerere University Health Services, Dr. Josephat K. Byamugisha called upon the new students to register with the University Hospital in order to access medical services. He also advised students to take care of their health by proper exercising.
Sharing the simple rule of life, the Manager-Counselling and Guidance Centre, Mr. Henry Nsubuga said, “to succeed in academics, you need to be physically and mentally healthy. You cannot settle down and read if something is disturbing you. Counselling will enable you get support and empowerment from other people.”
Representing Ms. Deborah Nalule-Makerere University Acting Bursar, Mr. Walter Odoch encouraged students to pay the University dues on time. He appealed to students to keep all the bank slips and receipts for every payment they make at the university and warned them students against betting tuition.
The Principal Public Relations Officer Ms. Ritah Namisango called upon students to attend the 3rd FISU World University Netball Championship that is scheduled to take place on 17th to 21 September 2018. “We call upon you to turn up in big numbers in September 2018, to cheer Team Uganda (The Mighty Cranes),” she remarked.
The Makerere University Chief Security Officer, ACP Enock Abaine encouraged students to maintain self-discipline and avoid committing crimes. He also tipped students on matters of security when he said, “be cautious and alert. Make use of wardens and police in case you sense danger. Let us work together to create an environment that will support your stay at Makerere University.”
Representing the University Librarian, Dr. Ruth Nalumaga advised students to register with the Makerere University Library and the College Libraries.
On behalf of the 84th Makerere University Guild, H.E Papa Were Salim- the Guild President welcomed the new students to the great and legendary Makerere University. He urged students to take their academic studies seriously and encouraged them to fully participate in the Guild activities. The Guild President also advised the students to always contact the Guild Office for guidance on different aspects including life at campus.
Article by Esther Joyce Nakibombo and Rachael Kanyi, Volunteers Mak Public Relations Office.
General
Mak and University of the West of England Sign MoU to Advance Research, Innovation and Skills Development
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.”
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.”
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.
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
| Rank | Name | Overall | Teaching | Research Env. | Research Quality | Industry | Int. Outlook |
| 801–1000 | Makerere University | 35.5–38.9 | 21.5 | 26.6 | 54.2 | 32.8 | 69.7 |
| 1501+ | Kenyatta University | 10.3–27.2 | 14.3 | 9.1 | 34.2 | 17.4 | 54.6 |
| 1501+ | Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences | 10.3–27.2 | 21.6 | 14.9 | 30.3 | 27.5 | 54.6 |
| 1501+ | University of Dar es Salaam | 10.3–27.2 | 14.5 | 11.1 | 26.5 | 21.9 | 47.2 |
| 1501+ | University of Nairobi | 10.3–27.2 | 15.9 | 16.1 | 39.7 | 22.5 | 49.4 |
| 1501+ | University of Rwanda | 10.3–27.2 | 14.1 | 14.9 | 25.6 | 21.1 | 57.5 |
End
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.
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.”
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.
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.
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