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Mak-Sweden Annual Review Meeting Addresses Practicing Science

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The Makerere University-Sweden Bilateral Research Programme Annual Review Meeting 2018 kicked off on Monday, 1st October with a call for researchers to work in tandem with health workers to ensure sustainability of all health interventions. The five-day annual meeting which ends on Friday, 5th October 2018 will be held under the theme “Blending Academic and Applied Research Perspectives: Practicing Science and the Science of Practice”. This year’s Research Day was led by the College of Health Science (CHS) and in particular featured presentations on maternal, newborn and child mortality.

Welcoming participants to the Annual Review Meeting, the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe paid special tribute to the Royal Government of Sweden for the investment of  US$101million into Uganda’s graduate training and scientific environments over seventeen years of cooperation.

The Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe addresses the 2018 Annual Review Meeting

“I am happy to report that since 2000 when our cooperation began, over 250 academic staff have completed their PhD studies, over 100 have completed their Masters degrees and 20 have completed postdoctoral fellowships. This support has greatly improved the research culture of the University” remarked Prof. Nawangwe.

In line with Makerere’s Internationalisation agenda, the Vice Chancellor further appreciated the strong collaborations that have been established with leading Universities, including those from Sweden, as a result of the research programme. “We have learned best practices from these universities and we have also benefitted from joint supervision, which has ensured high quality of our graduates.”

The Swedish Ambassador to Uganda, H.E. Per Lindgärde addresses participants a the Meeting

Prof. Nawangwe further informed participants about the ongoing process to evaluate the impact of the outgoing Makerere University strategic plan 2007/8 – 2018/19 as well as efforts to draft the next ten-year strategic plan “The new plan seeks to consolidate the gains made in research and to transform Makerere into a truly research-lead university. We intend to hold a stakeholders conference early next year and we will certainly invite you to participate in that important event.”

In his remarks, the Swedish Ambassador to Uganda H.E. Per Lindgärde began by sharing on the importance of linking poverty alleviation to strategies that build economic growth and address a range of social needs while tackling climate change and environmental protection. He lauded Uganda for being one of the first countries to integrate the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development in its Second National Development Plan (NDPII).

H.E. Per Lindgärde (2nd R), Mr. Ola Hällgren (L) and Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi (2nd L) listen to a poster presentation in the Makerere University Centre for Health & Population Research (MUCHAP) tent

“The strengthening of science, technology, engineering and innovation is of key importance for Uganda in order to achieve its transformational goals” remarked H.E. Lindgärde.

The Ambassador chose the occasion to announce the Swedish Government’s new strategy for development cooperation with Uganda for the period 2018 – 2023, which will “contribute to greater respect for human rights and the rule of law, a stronger democracy and greater gender equality, environmentally and climate-resilient sustainable development, and equitable and good health.”

H.E. Lindgärde concluded his remarks by addressing the need for Uganda to increase annual budgetary allocations as well as overhaul its higher education sector if it is to fulfil its National Transformation Agenda – Uganda Vision 2040.

R-L: Prof. Eli Katunguka Rwakishaya, Paul Vanderlind and Therese Rantakokko-ISP were acknowledged by Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi for their respective contributions to the research programme

“Sweden is making a significant contribution in building the human capital in higher education in Uganda but we do not want to substitute the Government’s leadership and resources in this critical area for national development” said the Ambassador.

The Director, Directorate of Research and Graduate Training Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi in his remarks welcomed Sweden’s new strategy for development cooperation with Uganda and took note that the “Enhancement of Gender Focused Research Capacity Building of Women in Leadership and Gender Mainstreaming in Higher Education in Uganda” project led by Dr. Consolata Kabonesa would in particular contribute to activities under the new cooperation framework.

Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi makes his remarks at the 2018 Annual Review Meeting

Prof. Buyinza went on to recognise the presence of various leaders such as: Mr. Ola Hällgren, the Swedish Embassy’s new Head of Cooperation and Deputy Head of Mission in charge of the Development Cooperation section; Dr. Gity Behravan, the Swedish Embassy’s First Secretary and Senior Research Advisor; Prof. Leif Abrahamsson, the Director of Mathematical Sciences at ISP, Uppsala University; Prof. Eli Katunguka Rwakishaya-Chair Mak-Sida Bilateral Research Programme Steering Committee and various leaders in the Swedish delegation.
 
In his brief address, Mr. Hällgren shared that it was a privilege for him to be in Uganda and attend his first Annual Review Meeting. He noted that Makerere has been a household name at the Swedish International Development cooperation Agency (Sida) headquarters for a long time, thanks largely to its remarkable research output. He thanked Swedish colleagues such as Dr. Gity Behravan for overseeing the wonderful collaboration between Makerere and Sweden and looked forward to benefitting from and building upon their past achievements.

L-R: University Bursar-Mr. Evarist Bainomugisha, University Librarian-Dr. Helen Byamugisha and Director HRD-Mr. Andrew Abunyang were recognised by Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi

Prof. Buyinza then recognised various members of Management such as: the Acting Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic Affairs)-Prof. Fred Masagazi Masaazi, University Bursar-Mr. Evarist Bainomugisha, Director Human Resources-Mr. Andrew Abunyang, University Librarian-Dr. Helen Byamugisha, Director Internal Audit-Mr. Walter Yorac Nono, Director Quality Assurance-Dr. Vincent Ssembatya, Acting Director ICT Support-Mr. Samuel Mugabi and Deputy University Secretary-Mr. Yusuf Kiranda.

Also recognised were the: Principal and Deputy Principal CHUSS- Prof. Edward Kirumira and Dr. Josephine Ahikire respectively, Principal CoCIS-Prof. Tonny Oyana, Dr. Muhamud Nabalegwa-Kyambogo University, Dr. Vincent Batwala-Mbarara University of Science and Technology (MUST), Dr. Benedict Oyo-Gulu University as well as the Principal Investigators of various research projects.

L-R: Dr. Vincent Ssembatya, Prof. Fred Masagazi Masaazi, Prof. Tonny Oyana, Dr. Gilbert Maiga and Dr. Evelyn Kigozi Kahiigi at the 2018 Annual Review Meeting

Prof. James Tumwine is the Principal Investigator of the “Innovations for accelerating reduction in maternal, newborn and child mortality in post conflict Uganda” project under the Uganda-Sweden bilateral research cooperation (2015 – 2020). Addressing participants prior to the presentations, he noted that the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as addressed by the Ambassador in his speech would offer a good tracking mechanism for Uganda to show that maternal and child health indices were not improving in the absence of universal health coverage.

He further shared that Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) mainly high blood pressure and diabetes would continue claiming the lives of Ugandans due to of ignorance of basic health indicators such as Body Mass Index (BMI). He therefore invited participants to make use of the free heath checks and reproductive health information provided as part of the Science Day.

Some of the participants join in a group photo with Swedish Ambassador-H.E. Per Lindgärde and Vice Chancellor Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe (Centre) at the 2018 Annual Review Meeting, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda

Presentations of the day included:

  • Malnutrition and associated factors among children with celebral palsy in Uganda by Dr. Angelina Kakooza-Mwesige
  • Neurodevelopmental disability in Eastern Uganda: Prevalence and risk factors by Dr. Gertrude Namazzi
  • Determinants of intimate partner violence among pregnant teenagers in Lira District by Ms. Anna Grace Auma
  • Vaginal colonisation of women in labour with methicillin resistant staphylococcus aureus by Ms. Josephine Tuhamye
  • Iron Deficience Anaemia (IDA) among pregnant women attending antenatal care clinic in Lira Regional Referral Hospital, Uganda by Mr. Samson Udho
  • ‘What kind of life is this?’ Diabetes related notions of wellbeing among adults in Eastern Uganda and implications for mitigating future chronic disease risk by Dr. Roy Mayega
  • Harnessing a population-based surveillance platform for monitoring interventions and facilitating health systems by Dr. Dan Kajungu
  • Determinants of birth asphyxia in referral hospital in Northern Uganda Ms. Elizabeth Ayebare
  • Health system improvement approaches by Dr. Rebecca Nantanda
  • Prevalence and factors associated with hookwork infestations among pregnant women attending first antenatal visit at Ogur Health Centre Ms. Felister Apili

Students of Performing Arts and Film perform a Zulu Gospel Song Noyana Phezulu? (Are you going to Heaven?) at the Annual Review Meeting

Participants were also treated to soothing musical interludes by Makerere’s Department of Performing Arts and Film (PAF), who also received special recognition from Amb. Lindgärde for singing the Swedish Anthem “so beautifully”

 

Article by Public Relations Office

Mark Wamai

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Press Statement on Ranking

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An older photo of the Main Building, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda as seen from across the Freedom Square. Date taken: 22nd October 2012.

Makerere University has noted with concern the article titled “Mak Drops Marks” published by the Daily Monitor Newspaper on 8th July 2025. The article raises issues that require clarification to ensure accurate information is shared with our stakeholders and the public. We wish to address the following key points: 

1. Misrepresentation of Ranking Data 

The article inaccurately combines the Sub-Saharan African University Rankings and the World University Rankings to portray a misleading performance trend for Makerere University. For clarity, Makerere University was ranked 8th in the 2024 Sub-Saharan African University Rankings. However, the 2025 Sub-Saharan African Rankings have not yet been released, making any comparison with the World University Rankings is misleading. This is a misrepresentation of facts aimed at tarnishing the University’s reputation and causing alarm among stakeholders.

2. Omission of Impact Rankings Achievements 

The article fails to acknowledge Makerere University’s outstanding performance in the 2025 Impact Rankings, which assess contributions to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Makerere University significantly improved its global standing, moving from the 601–800 band in 2024 to the 301–400 band in 2025. Notably, the University ranked 17th globally in Decent Work and Economic Growth and within the 401–600 band for Quality Education. These achievements reflect Makerere’s commitment to societal impact and sustainable development, which the article conspicuously ignores. 

3. Balanced Perspective on World University Rankings 

While Makerere University acknowledges a decline in certain parameters in the World University Rankings, we view these as areas for improvement. At the same time, we celebrate our strengths, including high-quality research output and a robust international outlook, which continue to position Makerere as a leading institution globally. 

Makerere University remains committed to excellence in teaching, research, and societal impact. We urge our stakeholders and the public to rely on verified information from credible sources and to engage directly with the University for clarity on such matters. We acknowledge the Daily Monitor’s interest in Makerere University and implore them to report more accurately in the future. 

PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICE
Email: pro@mak.ac.ug

Mak Editor

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Re-advert: Admission to Undergraduate Programmes 2025/2026

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The Academic Registrar, Makerere University invites applications from Ugandan, East African, and international applicants for the undergraduate programmes under Self Sponsorship Scheme for the 2025/2026 Academic Year.

Each applicant should:

a) Have the Uganda Certificate of Education (UCE) with at least five passes, or its equivalent and at least two principal passes at Uganda Advanced Certificate of Education (UACE) obtained at the same sitting. For day programmes, only candidates who sat A’ Level in 2024, 2023 and 2020 are eligible to apply. For evening, afternoon, and external programmes, a candidate is not restricted on the year of sitting A’ Level.

OR

d) Degree from a recognised /Chartered Institution

Further details on the re-advertised programmes , fees structure, and the procedure of submitting applications can be accessed from the document below: 

The closing date for submitting applications is Tuesday 22nd July 2025.

Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi
ACADEMIC REGISTRAR

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Undergraduate Admissions List: Mop-up/Appeals 2025/2026

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The Office of Academic Registrar, Makerere University has released lists of Successful appeals and supplementary lists. Below is a list arising from appeals of Government Sponsored candidates who have been admitted:

Mak Editor

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