General
Mak Regional Centre for Crop Improvement (MaRCCI) acquires vehicles worth over one billion shillings
The vehicles, Model 2018, include a 29 seater minibus Registration No. UBD 487Q procured at a cost of $106,000 USD and two double cabins Registration Nos. UBD 485Q & UBD 488Q procured at $50,000 USD each.
The three vehicles were supplied by Toyota Uganda Ltd and received by Makerere University Vice Chancellor Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe at the University Freedom square in the afternoon of Wednesday 1st August, 2018.
Receiving the vehicles, Prof. Nawangwe hailed the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES) and MaRCCI Programme Coordinators for the immense research and infrastructural achievements.
A month ago, MaRCCI procured and delivered the first class agricultural equipment worth one billion shillings that will help in students’ field experiments and cultivation on the university farm at MUARIK.
“ This is a demonstration that there is value for the money that Government of Uganda has borrowed. It also shows that money has been put to correct use”, Prof. Nawangwe stated.
The Vice Chancellor disclosed that given the tremendous work being undertaken by the CAES at MUARIK, he had interested the Minister of Education and Sports Hon. Janet Museveni to visit the University farm to see what was taking place.
Prof. Nawangwe implored CAES Management, the MaRCC project coordinators and all staff to continue doing their work professionally to lead Makerere to its vision of being a research led university.
“Agriculture is not only the backbone of this country but the only sector that can deliver this country from her economic challenges to improve livelihoods and feed the ever rising population,” Prof. Nawangwe noted.
The Principal CAES Prof. Bernard Bashaasha congratulated the MaRCCI Centre Director, Dr. Edema upon this achievement saying, the college prides in this centre.
“The centre is one of the biggest and trains the biggest number of post graduate students especially plant breeders from across the continent and we are proud to be associate with it”. The Principals said.
MaRCCI centre Director who is also the Principal Investigator of the project Dr. Richard Edema said, as part of the centre, they have been trying to strengthen on the teaching and training infrastructure.
“We have a lot of research and scientists need vehicles for movement, field trails and monitoring. The minibus will help in transportation of our students and staff during teaching and field trials,” Dr. Edema said.
He said the center’s efforts in improving the training and research infrastructures is in response to the university call to position itself as a research led university.
“This is the second procurement. We are now left with equipping the laboratory, establishing an office and classroom block at MUARIK to help CAES in teaching her programmes”, Dr. Edema said.
Makerere University won a $ 6 million USD World Bank Grant to support the establishment of the Makerere University Regional Centre for Crop Improvement (MaRCCI) within the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences.
Through MaRCCI, the university will strengthen the PhD program in Plant Breeding in Biotechnology, the MSc. in Plant Breeding and Seed Systems, applied research in various crops, and outreach activities to improve Ugandan agriculture through enhancing the skills of public and private personnel supporting crop breeding and production activities.
The grant also provides for additional scientific and support staff and enhancement of facilities and equipment with the goal of modernizing and expanding the teaching, research, and service activities of MaRCCI in a sustainable manner.
Report compiled by:
The Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe on 20th April 2026 inaugurated the Second Makerere University Health User Committee (Mak-HUC). The Committee was established by the Vice Chancellor in 2022 as part of his strategic mandate to strengthen and oversee the University Hospital services delivery.
Chaired by Dr. Allen Kabagenyi from the College of Business and Management Sciences (CoBAMS), Mak-HUC has as its members; Prof. Josaphat K. Byamugisha-Director Makerere University Health Services (MakHS) and Dr. Daniel Ronald Ruhweza-Department of Law and Jurisprudence, School of Law.
Other members include; Dr. Arthur Kwizera-Department of Anaesthesia and Critical Care, College of Health Sciences (CHS) and Makerere University Academic Staff Association (MUASA) Representative, Dr. Lillian Tukahirwa-Makerere University Administrative Staff Association (MASA) Representative, Mr. Godfrey Othieno- National Union of Educational Institutions (NUEI) Representative, and as Secretariat, Ms. Kevin M. Nabiryo-Directorate of Human Resources.
The 2nd Mak-HUC has been appointed for a period of four years effective 1st January 2026 with a mandate to: Guide, monitor and oversee delivery of health services by MakHS; Represent the interests and concerns of staff and students that use MakHS; Advise on alignment with sustainable health financing and insurance models; Strengthen systems for fraud prevention, digital transformation and access to specialized treatment, among other responsibilities.
The 1st Mak-HUC was chaired by Dr. Allen Kabagenyi and had as members; Prof. Josaphat Byamugisha, Dr. Fred Mayambala, Dr. Zahara Nampewo, Mr. Othieno Godfrey, Mr. Apunyo Paul Okiria and Ms. Ikiriza Racheal. Milestones during the first era included; Outpatient Department visits growth from 4,802 (2022) to 7,388 (Nov 2025) for staff and 14,641 (2022) to 19,069 (Nov 2025) for students.
Others milestones included; Commissioning of a fully equipped Operating Theatre, Establishment of a modern Imaging Hub, Development of a fully functional Audiology Unit, Expansion of the Temporal Bone Laboratory, Launch of the Olink Proteomics Platform and Enhancement of the Dental Unit with 32 dental chairs and experienced personnel.
Related article: https://news.mak.ac.ug/2025/12/three-years-of-impact-makerere-university-health-user-committee-presents-status-report/
By Gerald Ochwo
On Monday, 20th April 2026, the Academic Registrar, Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi and his Senior Management Team (SMT) convened to witness the official handover of office within the Senate Division. The ceremony, attended by representatives from the Directorate of Internal Audit, marked an important moment of transition and continuity in the University’s academic administration. The outgoing Deputy Academic Registrar in charge of the Senate Division, Mrs. Patience Mushengyezi, formally handed over office to Ms. Gladys Khamili, who assumes the role in an acting capacity.
In his remarks, Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi underscored the significance of the transition, situating it within a broader institutional context. He observed that the Department of the Academic Registrar has, over the years, experienced a steady wave of retirements, particularly among senior staff. He noted that this trend is expected to continue, with a considerable number of experienced personnel due to retire within the next two years.
While acknowledging the institutional gaps created by these departures, he reassured staff that the University is actively addressing the situation to ensure the continued efficiency of the Department.
“You will agree with me that the Department has, over the years, witnessed the retirement of many senior colleagues. Their departure leaves behind a significant institutional gap. However, the University is fully aware and will address it through targeted recruitment,” he stated.
In her detailed handover report, which she delivered verbatim, Mrs. Patience Mushengyezi reflected on her tenure with gratitude and a deep sense of fulfillment. She paid tribute to the Vice-Chancellor, in his capacity as Chairperson of the University Senate, for his steadfast guidance and support throughout her service. She also expressed sincere appreciation to the Academic Registrar, Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi, for his pragmatic and results-oriented leadership.
“I remain deeply grateful for the support from the Vice-Chancellor and all members of Senate for the trust they accorded me. I equally thank the Academic Registrar, Prof. Buyinza, for his results-oriented approach to administration. His support enabled us to achieve remarkable progress under the DARP (Digitalization of Academic Records and Processes) Project, including the successful digitalization of Senate minutes, some dating as far back as the 1990s, which are now easily retrievable,” she noted.
Her remarks painted a picture of dedication, progress, and institutional strengthening, leaving behind a legacy that will continue to benefit the University.
In her acceptance remarks, Ms. Gladys Khamili expressed heartfelt appreciation to the Academic Registrar for the confidence placed in her. She acknowledged the weight of responsibility that comes with the role and pledged her commitment to upholding the standards and gains established by her predecessor.
She paid glowing tribute to Mrs. Mushengyezi’s exceptional service, noting that her impact within the Senate Division is both profound and enduring.
“I am truly honored by the trust bestowed upon me. I am committed to building on the strong foundation laid by Mrs. Mushengyezi, whose remarkable contribution and dedication will continue to inspire us all,” she said.
The ceremony not only marked the end of a distinguished era in the Department of the Academic Registrar, but also the beginning of a new phase, underscored by continuity, renewal, and a shared commitment to excellence in academic administration at Makerere University.
Gerald Ochwo is the Liaison and Communication Officer, Office of the Academic Registrar
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