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Promoting Inclusivity in RUFORUM Operations

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The Regional Universities Forum for Capacity Building in Agriculture (RUFORUM) established by 10 Vice Chancellors in 2004, is a network of 126 universities in 38 African nations spanning the Continent with a vision to create vibrant transformative universities to catalyze sustainable inclusive agricultural development to feed and create prosperity for Africa. Soon after establishment in 2004, the Network undertook a scoping study to determine the competencies, opportunities and needs of the then 10 member universities and established RUFORUM as a strong instrument for assisting the rural poor beyond food security intervention and the need to increase participation of more universities in networking. Through these support modalities, RUFORUM directly contributed in the short-term to enhanced gender equality and inclusion, and in the long-term to sustainable and inclusive agricultural and socio-economic development. As a network of Universities in Africa, RUFORUM has undertaken measures to promote inclusivity in all its operations including deliberate efforts to increase the pool of women scientists. This includes targeted support to female staff and students and raising the age limits in scholarship and grant awards. These efforts have increased female supported students from 20% Masters and 12% PhDs in 2004 to 45% at both levels in 2018.These efforts were buttressed by supporting the founding of the Forum for Women Vice Chancellors in Africa (FAWoVC) in 2016 to encourage more women to take leadership roles and provide a platform to significantly influence the development of higher education in the Continent. Since then, FAWoVC has held three convenings that have fostered networking, lesson learning and mentorship among the female Vice Chancellors. RUFORUM has also strengthened capacity of small and fragile States to steer science technology and innovation activities through postgraduate training and research. This has been undertaken through direct support to Masters and PhD students in fragile States including Burundi, Cameroon, Democratic Republic of Congo, Liberia, Mali, Sierra Leone, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan and Zimbabwe. Relatedly, through the TAGDev programme with support from the Mastercard Foundation, academically bright yet economically marginalized students from the mainstream of society have been supported to access higher education, and to-date 160 Students (110 undergraduates, 50 Masters) have been supported. The purpose of this paper is to highlight the contribution of RUFORUM to inclusiveness, an important aspect for catalyzing the achievement of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals, and the African Union Agenda 2063.

Key words: Equity, fragile States, gender, RUFORUM activities, SDGs, TAGDev

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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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