General
Mak, St. Augustine Sign MoU to Strengthen Capacity Building in Human Resources
Makerere and St. Augustine International University (SAIU) on Tuesday, 30th October 2018 signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at strengthening capacity building, especially in human resources. While Makerere has for decades been the region’s premier trainer of human resources in a wide range of disciplines, SAIU; established in 2011, has distinguished itself as a private not-for-profit institution that offers scholarships to bright, but economically disadvantaged students.
“Makerere is not only training students but also producing quality human resources for the entire education sector” remarked the Chairman Board of Trustees, SAIU, H.E King Caesar Augustus Mulenga. A philanthropist and 1996 Bachelor of Commerce graduate of Makerere University, H.E. Caesar Augustus Mulenga is also the Honorary Consul of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam to Uganda.
“As an employer, I often encounter challenges in finding PhD holders who are also well oriented with teaching. We therefore desire as part of this collaboration, to have staff of Makerere come over and help us develop quality programmes and good administration,” remarked the Chairman SAIU.
H.E. Mulenga further added that Makerere University’s contribution to training quality human resources is vital for the building good institutions in Uganda. “Good human resource is key and that is why one of the areas under this MoU is to strengthen capacity building in Human Resources,” he said.
As part of its institutional philanthropy SAIU offers fifty scholarships every year to bright but economically disadvantaged students to attain higher education. “Our strategy, by picking these students from the rural setting, is that once they graduate, they will go back to their own communities and help them. Due to the overwhelming need, we have also started scholarships at the diploma level and Medical Assistants who already hold Diplomas are being helped to upgrade so as to better serve the community” remarked H.E. Mulenga.
In his remarks, the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe welcomed H.E. King Caeser Augustus Mulenga and thanked him for officially visiting his alma mater, Makerere University.
“It is our strategy as Makerere University to help all other Universities grow because when they are strong, we are all stronger. We must also appreciate Your Excellency and St. Augustine International University for enabling bright but disadvantaged students to access higher education. It is very clear that you didn’t start the university to make money but to invest in our youth and we thank you for this very philanthropic gesture” remarked Prof. Nawangwe.
The Ruhinda North Member of Parliament and Chairperson, Finance, Planning and Administration Committee of Council-Hon. Thomas Tayeebwa who attended the signing ceremony thanked Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe and the University Management for collaborating with SAIU, noting that the only way for Makerere to remain the best and continue scaling to greater heights is by reaching out to help newer institutions.
“I commend H.E. King Mulenga for starting St. Augustine International University and reaching out to disadvantaged students but as an alumnus, I also call upon him to come and support his alma mater Makerere University. As alumni, we need to come back and give scholarships to bright but disadvantaged students and support the Makerere University Endowment Fund” remarked Hon. Tayeebwa.
Hon. Tayeebwa also stressed the need to overhaul the universities admission system, which presently, appears to favour students from well-to-do backgrounds, whose parents can afford to pay tuition at Higher Education Institutions. He proposed the district quota system and student loan schemes targeting the disadvantaged as possible solutions.
Prof. Nzarubara Gabriel is the Vice Chancellor of SAIU and long serving member of the medical fraternity. The specialist Surgeon with teaching and research interests in anatomy earned his Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBChB) from Makerere and served the University from 1974 until his retirement in 2009. Speaking at the ceremony, Prof. Nzarubara thanked Prof. Nawangwe for facilitating Makerere’s collaboration with SAIU.
“As a teacher, I always do my best to train my students to be good doctors because one day, they might be my doctor and it will be sad if I didn’t do my best with them. Makerere should therefore take great interest in the aspect of staff exchanges because one day, these students are going to treat us” added Prof. Nzarubara.
Contributing to the day’s discussion, the University Secretary, Mr. Charles Barugahare noted that research in health and training of health professionals attract a good percentage of donor funding to Makerere University. He therefore urged SAIU to write joint proposals with the College of Health Sciences (CHS) so as to attract more funding to the collaboration.
The University Secretary also informed the meeting that the University Council had passed a policy enabling Colleges to start the own endowment funds. He cited the School of Law and the College of Business and Management Sciences (CoBAMS) as units that had already kicked off efforts to establish their own endowment funds.
The Principal CoBAMS, Assoc. Prof. Eria Hisali who was present at the ceremony welcomed his college alumnus H.E. Mulenga and supplemented that CoBAMS’ Endowment Fund will, just like SAIU’s philanthropy provide scholarships to bright but disadvantaged students. He shared that the Fund would tentatively be launched in November 2018 and invited the Chairman SAIU to join efforts to give back to his College. In the same vein, he thanked Hon. Thomas Tayeebwa for having already contributed to efforts to kick-start the CoBAMS Endowment Fund.
The MoU signing ceremony was also attended by the University Bursar-Mr. Evarist Bainomugisha, the Principal College of Education and External Studies-Prof. Fred Masagazi Masaazi, Personal Assistant to the Vice Chancellor-Mr. Gordon Murangira, SAIU Director of Operations-Mr. Henry Mbonye and other officials from SAIU.
Leading the parties through the signing procedure, the Senior Legal Officer-Mr. Goddy Muhumuza noted that this was the second MoU to be signed between Makerere and SAIU. He said that the terms of the MoU included exchange of staff and students, sharing of laboratory services and harmonisation of admission procedures for joint admissions among others. The MoU also stipulates that any intellectual property developed as a result of the collaboration will be shared according to contributions made by either party.
The MoU was signed on behalf of Makerere University by the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe and on behalf SAIU by the Chairman, Board of Trustees, H.E King Caesar Augustus Mulenga. Prof. Nzarubara Gabriel and Mr. Goddy Muhumuza signed as witnesses.
Article by Public Relations Office
General
Still Standing, Still Serving: St. Augustine Chapel Celebrates 85-Year Milestone at Makerere University
As Makerere University marked 85 years of St. Augustine Chapel on April 12, 2026, the historic sanctuary came alive with voices of praise drawing not only students and clergy, but the community and generations of alumni who returned to honor a space that shaped their faith and memories. From nostalgic reunions to heartfelt thanksgiving, the milestone became more than a commemoration; it was a powerful homecoming of a community bound by eight and a half decades of spiritual nourishment.
Under the resonant theme, “Our hearts are restless until they rest in you, O Lord,” the thanksgiving Mass was led by His Grace, Paul Ssemogerere, Archbishop of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Kampala, who served as chief celebrant. His presence lent solemn weight to the occasion, as worshippers filled Makerere’s Freedom Square in a deeply moving celebration that blended reverence, reflection, and renewed devotion, echoing the enduring spiritual heartbeat of Makerere University.
Hailing the legacy of St. Augustine Chapel, Maj. (Rtd) Jessica Alupo praised the students’ centre as a cradle of leadership that has helped steer the nation’s development. Speaking as the Vice President, the chief guest and proud alumna of Makerere University, she reflected on the chapel’s enduring influence since 1941, describing it as a rare space where intellect meets faith, questions meet prayer, and the pursuit of knowledge is illuminated by the gospel. Her remarks, underscored the chapel’s profound role in shaping generations of thinkers and servant leaders grounded in faith and service to their nation.
On his part, the Archbishop, His Grace, Paul Ssemogerere delivered a heartfelt reflection during his homily, reminding the congregation that true education shapes not only the intellect but also the heart. He praised St. Augustine Chapel for faithfully advancing that mission over 85 years, serving as a sacred space where students prayed before exams, sought guidance in uncertainty, and encountered Christ through the sacraments. Quietly yet profoundly, he noted, the chapel has not only formed scholars, but men and women of character and purpose. Highlighting the Church’s presence within Makerere University as a profound gift, he reaffirmed the harmony between faith and reason, and called for the chapel to remain a lasting refuge and guiding light for generations to come.
The event also served as a high-impact fundraising drive for the expansion of the Students’ Centre, aimed at creating much-needed space for growing student activities and services.
Appealing to the congregation, Rev. Fr. Josephat Ddungu, the chaplain, underscored the urgency and importance of investing in both the spiritual and social life of the student community. He emphasized that the expansion is not merely infrastructural, but foundational to nurturing holistic student development.
He recalled the vision of Msgr. Lawrence Kanyike, who during his tenure laid significant groundwork for St. Augustine’s Chaplaincy and long advocated for its expansion in response to growing student needs. With rising enrolment and increasing demand for services, the call for a larger, more functional student centre has become increasingly compelling.
Once completed, the extension is expected to stand as a landmark contribution in the Chaplaincy’s 85-year legacy. It will accommodate a wide range of student-focused programmes, including fellowship meetings, Bible study groups, prayer gatherings, mentorship and counselling services, leadership development, Sunday school, choir rehearsals, care groups, gym facilities, improved sanitation, administrative offices, quiet study areas, student clubs and movements, as well as outreach initiatives connecting students with surrounding communities.
Fr. Ddungu announced that the project target stands at Uganda Shillings Two billion only. He added that so far, UGX 164,673,650 has been raised in cash and banked funds, while pending pledges amount to UGX 85 million, bringing the combined total to Uganda Shillings 250,426,650.
“In Makerere, we build for the future. Those who came before us built for the future, and their future is our present. Now it is our responsibility to build for those who will come after us,” he said.
The Vice President, on behalf of the President delivered a contribution of Uganda Shillings 30 million who she said, also requested the Bill of Quantities of the project to facilitate continued government support toward its completion.
The Vice Chancellor of Makerere University, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, who contributed to the fundraiser, commended the Catholic community for its steadfast commitment to students’ spiritual welfare and its role in shaping servant leaders. He pledged continued support from the University Management to ensure this expansion of the Student center becomes a reality. From Senior Management, Prof. Sarah Ssali, Deputy Vice Chancellor, Academic Affairs and Dr. Winifred Kabumbuli, the Dean of Students, in their respective capacities, contributed to the fundraising effort too, reinforcing the collective commitment to the project’s success.
As the fundraising gathers momentum, the appeal remains clear and urgent, that every contribution brings the vision closer to completion. Built on the legacy of those who came before and sustained by the commitment of the present generation, the new Students’ Centre is poised to become a lasting beacon of spiritual grounding, intellectual growth, and communal transformation for decades to come.
If you wish to contribute via mobile money, below are the details of the recipient.
MTN: +256 (0)787888490, Airtel: +256 (0) 756851181 (Josephat Ddungu)
General
Hands-On RIMS Training Equips Makerere University College Registrars to Power Graduate Success and Research Excellence
By Moses Lutaaya
Kampala, April 10, 2026 — College Registrars and Senior IT Technicians at Makerere University have undergone intensive, hands-on training in the Research Information Management System (RIMS), in a move aimed at strengthening graduate training, improving completion rates, and advancing the university’s research agenda.
The training, held on Friday at the CFT 2 Building, Lecture Room 4.1 Computer Lab, brought together key custodians of academic records to gain practical skills in using the system that university leadership says will transform graduate education management.
In his opening remarks, the Director of Graduate Training, Julius Kikooma, underscored the strategic importance of RIMS, linking it directly to the university’s long-standing challenges in tracking graduate students and supporting research progression.
“Graduate training is central to the research mission of this university,” Prof. Kikooma told participants. “Yet for years, we have struggled to answer simple but critical questions, where exactly are our graduate students in their academic journey, and why are many not completing on time?”
He pointed out that the issue has consistently drawn concern from top university leadership, including Council, particularly as Makerere rolls out its new five-year strategic plan. “One of the key priorities identified is improving graduate completion rates,” he said. “But we cannot improve what we cannot measure.”
Prof. Kikooma explained that unlike undergraduate programmes, graduate studies are largely research-driven and therefore more complex to monitor. “The research component of graduate programmes has not been adequately captured in any system,” he noted. “That is why it has been difficult to track progress, supervise effectively, and provide accurate reports.”
Positioning RIMS as a transformative solution, he emphasized its role in bridging this gap. “RIMS is not just a system, it is the backbone of how we are going to support graduate students and research going forward,” he said. “With it, we can track every stage, from concept development to proposal, to thesis completion in real time.”
He stressed that the system will enhance both efficiency and accountability across the university. “This is the tool that will enable us to confidently assure Council and management that we know the status of every graduate student at any given time,” he said.
However, Prof. Kikooma made it clear that the success of RIMS depends heavily on the commitment of college registrars. “You are the custodians of graduate records. You are central to this process,” he said. “If RIMS succeeds, it will be because of your efforts. If it fails, it will be because you did not play your part.”
He revealed that registrars will now form part of the steering committees overseeing the full implementation of RIMS across university units. “You are not just users of this system, you are its drivers at the college level,” he emphasized.
Calling for seriousness and full participation, Prof. Kikooma set clear expectations for the training. “No one should leave this room without knowing how to use RIMS in their daily work,” he said. “You must understand the kind of data required, the information on students, supervisors, and every stage of the research process.”
He added that incomplete data has already limited the system’s effectiveness in some units. “Graduate students are already on the system, but some of the critical information is missing,” he noted. “That gap must be closed by you.”
In his technical presentation, Juma Katongole, the Manager Information Systems, highlighted the limitations of existing systems and how RIMS is designed to address them.
“We can only produce accurate statistics for students on coursework,” he said. “But we cannot tell how many graduate students are at proposal level, concept level, or thesis level. That is a major gap.”
He explained that RIMS will provide comprehensive, real-time tracking of graduate students throughout their academic journey. “This system will enable us to produce accurate reports of which student is where,” Katongole said. “It will help us identify delays and take action.”
On the issue of prolonged completion times, he added, “With reliable data, we can see where students are getting stuck and introduce administrative or strategic measures to address those bottlenecks.”
Describing the system as a turning point, Katongole noted, “We are moving towards having valid statistical information at our fingertips, which is critical for a research-led institution.”
From the administrative perspective, Eleanor Nandutu, Senior Assistant Registrar from MISR, welcomed the initiative, describing it as a practical solution to long-standing inefficiencies.
“RIMS will ease the tracking process and help us know exactly where each student is and how long they take at each stage,” she said. “It will also help us understand where the challenges are and how to better support students.”
She emphasized that the system will improve completion rates by identifying bottlenecks early. “We shall be able to see where we are stuck and take corrective action in time,” she noted.
Addressing concerns about possible conflict of interest between supervisors and students, Nandutu clarified that the system is designed to enhance transparency, not create tension. “This is about ensuring that processes are followed and that students succeed,” she said. “It brings everyone, administrators, supervisors, and coordinators onto one platform.”
She added that the system will even improve interaction between students and supervisors. “It will make follow-ups easier and ensure timely feedback, which is critical for research progress,” she said.
As the university intensifies efforts to strengthen its research output and graduate training, the hands-on RIMS training marks a significant step toward a more efficient, transparent, and data-driven academic environment, one that leaders believe will finally address the long-standing challenge of delayed graduate completion.
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