General
KCCA Gives Makerere University a Fresh Look and Feel
On 31st October 2018, the Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) Executive Director Mrs. Jennifer Semakula Musisi handed over to Makerere University, the infrastructure projects KCCA has been working on. Officially received by the Makerere University Vice Chancellor Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, the infrastructure projects include:
- A newly reconstructed and beautified main gate; serviced by several lanes and regulated by traffic lights
- A three storied modern administrative and class room block at Makerere College School
- Nine (9) resurfaced roads (3.5kilometres long) with inbuilt drainages
- Resurfaced car parking lots around University Hall, Mary Stuart Hall, Lumumba Hall, Mitchel Hall, Livingstone Hall and the College of Engineering, Design, Art and Technology (CEDAT)
- Paved walkways and street lighting
- Pedestrian crossings regulated by traffic lights to keep students safe from the speeding cars and motorbikes
- A perimeter wall that runs from Jjunju road to Sir Apollo Kaggwa road junction to enhance safety at the University
- Newly erected retaining walls at the School of Law and Makerere College School
- A Renovated Makerere University Hospital building and resurfaced parking lot
- A resurfaced tennis court at Africa Hall
In November 2016, Kampala Capital City Authority signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Makerere University to construct and renovate the specified infrastructure within the University. The project worth UGX6.9billion came as a compensation for a section of Makerere University land that was annexed by KCCA while expanding the Makerere University Hill Road.
The colorful handover ceremony held on Wednesday, 31st October 2018 at the Makerere University Mosque Grounds started with an opening prayer led by Imam Ahmed Ssentongo. The Vice Chancellor applauded KCCA for transforming Makerere University. He thanked the KCCA Executive Director for accepting the proposal to compensate Makerere University through infrastructural development.
Prof. Nawangwe commended KCCA for giving a massive facelift to the Makerere University Main Gate. The well-constructed, wider and redesigned main entrance has been beautified to bring out the value and magnificence of the face of Makerere University. The road to the main gate has also been widened to six lanes and fitted with traffic lights to regulate traffic flow. Exquisitely done, the Makerere University Hill Road has also added value to Makerere University image and brand.
“This is our landmark as we celebrate 100years. This is the best gate I have seen among the universities around the world. The roads and the drainage have impeccably been done, as also have the walkways and street lighting, for enhanced safety of motorists, cyclists and pedestrians,” he said.
On behalf of Makerere University Council, Dr. Sarah Ssali thanked KCCA for changing Makerere University. She appreciated the tremendous contribution from the Ministry of Education and Sports and Government of Uganda towards Makerere University developments.
The Executive Director of Kampala City Authority Dr. Jennifer Semakula Musisi, urged the Makerere University Management and community to instigate the spirit of self-initiative among students and staff. According to her, the University community is capable of developing and transforming the institution as long as they are assured of accountability and transparency.
“I am sure that if staff, students and alumni of this great institution are mobilized and motivated, they can positively contribute to the history of this great University. In KCCA we have the best engineers and architects coming from this institution and they are doing tremendous work. You are the hub of knowledge with experts in different areas of life. Together with the students, they can change Makerere University for the better,” she said.
She encouraged Ugandans to support transformative work when she said, “one of the lessons I have learnt as the Executive Director of KCCA, is that Ugandans have the capacity to transform this country. When implementing this project, we did not get the technical team from outside the country. If we all move in the same direction, we shall progress and develop.”
She thanked Stirling Civil Engineering Limited and Kiru Company Limited, the two companies that have been undertaking the project for the job well done. Dr. Semakula Musisi also thanked the KCCA team, Makerere University Council and Management, Makerere College School and the technical team for ensuring that the project ends successfully.
His Lordship Dr. Emanuel Sserunjogi, the Mayor of Kawempe Division said that Makerere University is responsible for proper maintenance of the city through utilizing the biggest students’ army. “the University is well known for its achievements, therefore the responsibility to keep its prestige and legacy lies with us the leaders,” he stated.
The team toured some of the projects such as the University Hospital, the Makerere College School administrative and classroom block, the Vice Chancellor Lodge and some of the roads that were renovated and constructed under the KCCA –Mak Partnership.
“In modern medicine, there is what we call a healing environment where patients heal faster due to the environment in which they are receiving treatment. We appreciate the new look of the hospital that has attracted more collaborations and partnerships,” said Dr. Josaphat Byamugisha, the Director Makerere University Hospital.
The Director of Estates and Works Eng. Christina Kakeeto thanked KCCA and the construction companies for the quality work done. She also thanked the Makerere University community for the patience exhibited throughout the project.
On behalf of students, Mr. Kato Martin, the Guild Information Minister thanked KCCA and Makerere University Management for lighting up the university to enhance security.
The handover ceremony was witnessed by Members of Council, University Management, Imam Ahmed Ssentongo, Kampala Capital Authority (KCCA) representatives; supervisors of the project, key partners, students, media and well-wishers.
Article by Nabatte Proscovia; Mak-Public Relations Office
General
Makerere University Set to Develop Curriculum to Transform Graduate Supervision and Mentorship
By Moses Lutaaya
KAMPALA – Makerere University is set to develop a curriculum for a specialized Certificate Course in Supervision and Mentoring for Graduate Training and Higher Education Management, in a move aimed at professionalizing graduate supervision and strengthening the capacity of academic staff to deliver quality postgraduate education.
The proposed programme will equip academic staff with advanced competencies in graduate-level teaching, research supervision, mentorship, and higher education management, while supporting the University’s agenda of improving the quality and relevance of graduate training.
The curriculum development process was discussed during a Stakeholders’ Curriculum Development Consultation Workshop held on Thursday, 18th June 2026 at the Senate Building Telepresence Hall, Makerere University.
The workshop, organized by the Directorate of Graduate Training in collaboration with the Centre for Teaching and Learning Support (CTLS), brought together curriculum specialists, academic staff, and higher education stakeholders to review and enrich the proposed curriculum before it proceeds through the University approval processes.
Participants included 11 lecturers from the College of Engineering, Design, Art and Technology (CEDAT), 3 from the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES), 2 from the College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Bio-security (CoVAB), 1 from the College of Humanities and Social Sciences (CHUSS), 4 from the College of Education and External Studies (CEES), among others.
The National Curriculum Development Centre (NCDC) was represented by Dr. Patrice Ssembirige, Deputy Executive Director in charge of Curriculum Review and Instructional Materials Development. The Centre for Teaching and Learning team was led by Dr. Dorothy Ssebowa, while Dr. Stephen Wandera coordinated the workshop.
Addressing participants, Prof. Julius Kikooma, Director Graduate Training at Makerere University, said the curriculum development initiative is central to strengthening graduate education and ensuring that academic staff are adequately prepared to support postgraduate learners.
Prof. Kikooma noted that Makerere University is targeting an increase in graduate student enrolment to 50 percent of the total student population, but emphasized that this ambition must be matched with investment in the capacity of academic staff who supervise and mentor students.
“We can get many graduate students, but if the people supporting them do not have the right tools and preparation, we will still have challenges,” Prof. Kikooma said.
He explained that the initiative responds to University policies requiring academic staff teaching graduate students to undergo pedagogical training, while those supervising graduate research must undergo specialized preparation in supervision and mentoring.
Prof. Kikooma said graduate supervision requires deliberate preparation because supervisors play a central role in shaping research quality, student success, and the overall effectiveness of postgraduate programmes.
He further emphasized Makerere University’s responsibility as a leading institution in the region.
“We have a double expectation. We must support the country to achieve its aspirations in national development, but we also have an expectation from other institutions to support them in building graduate training capacity. In that sense, we are a trainer of trainers,” he said.
Speaking on behalf of the National Curriculum Development Centre (NCDC), Dr. Patrice Ssembirige commended Makerere University for adopting a consultative and inclusive approach to curriculum development.
He noted that education systems globally are undergoing significant transformation, requiring continuous curriculum review and alignment with emerging needs.
“Education systems globally are undergoing significant transformation, and in Uganda, NCDC has been leading and spearheading the implementation of the competency-based curriculum,” Dr. Ssembirige said.
He explained that NCDC has developed competency-based curriculum frameworks at primary and lower secondary levels and is currently advancing reforms at upper secondary level, which feeds into higher education institutions.
Dr. Ssembirige said the new curriculum presents an opportunity to align graduate training with global trends, Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), international best practices, and national development priorities.
“As we develop this curriculum, we need to align with global trends, SDGs and international best practices. We also need to undertake comparative analysis because curriculum reforms are taking place across East African Community states,” he noted.
He encouraged developers to ensure that the programme follows competency-based principles and equips participants with relevant 21st-century skills.
“Since we are talking about competency-based curriculum, we must be cognizant of the principles of competency-based education and ensure that we develop skills that fit the demands of the 21st century,” he added.
Dr. Dorothy Ssebowa, Director of the Centre for Teaching and Learning Support at Makerere University, said the initiative marks an important step in strengthening professional development for academic staff involved in graduate education.
She noted that effective supervision requires more than disciplinary expertise, but also skills in mentorship, communication, research guidance, ethics, assessment, and student support.
“The quality of graduate education depends on the quality of mentorship and supervision we provide. This curriculum will strengthen the capacity of academic staff to guide graduate students effectively, improve research outcomes, and uphold the standards expected of a leading university,” Dr. Ssebowa said.
She added that the Centre for Teaching and Learning will continue working with the Directorate of Graduate Training, academic colleges, curriculum specialists, and regulators to ensure the programme remains relevant and impactful.
During the workshop, stakeholders reviewed the proposed curriculum structure, course content, competency areas, assessment strategies, quality assurance mechanisms, and alignment with national and international standards.
Once finalized, the programme is expected to strengthen graduate supervision at Makerere University and serve as a model for professional development across higher education institutions in Uganda and beyond.
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