On Tuesday, 12th March 2019, Makerere University College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES) hosted the thematic workshop session on Food Security and Climate Science as part of the three day Mak-North Carolina State (NC State) University summit. Key presentations were made by Dr. Steven A. Lommel, Associate Dean, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS), NC State and José Cisneros, Director, CALS International Programs; Assistant Professor of Practice, Horticulture International & Entrepreneurship.
Dr. Lommel addressed the global challenges facing food and agriculture systems and noted that the main aim for this collaboration is to set possible solutions to end food challenges in the world. He stated that the collaboration will include exchange of staff and students. NC State CALS has 12 Departments, 291 Faculty members (Tenure-Track), 72 Faculty members (Non-Tenure-Track), over 3,500 students and over 31,000 alumni.
The workshop session hosted in the School of Forestry, Environmental and Geographical Sciences (SFEGS) Conference room was attended by the Principal CAES – Prof. Bernard Bashaasha, who revealed to the guests that CAES was one of the most diverse colleges with three schools. Present during the session were the Dean SFEGS – Prof. Fred Babweteera, Dean School of Agricultural Sciences – Prof. Johnny Mugisha and Acting Dean School of Food Technology, Nutrition and Bioengineering – Dr. Abel Atukwase among other staff.
Prof. Bashaasha added that the college has some supporting centres and these include;
i) Makerere University Centre for Climate Change Research and Innovation (MUCCRI)
ii) Centre of Excellence in Waste management
iii) Makerere University National Biodiversity Data Bank
iv) Makerere University Agricultural Research Institute Kabanyolo (MUARIK) the leading research Centre in East Africa located on 600 acres of land in Kabanyolo, among others.
Documentaries showcasing the different actives that take place in both Universities were watched and the two sides agreed to come up with specific areas of collaboration.
Article by Rachael Kanyi, Volunteer, Mak Public Relations Office
Makerere University on 23rd January 2026 hosted the National Council for Higher Education (NCHE) validation meeting of the draft minimum standards for implementing Competence-Based Education (CBE) in Higher Education Institutions. The meeting held in the Yusuf Lule Central Teaching Facility Auditorium brought together Vice Chancellors, Rectors, Principals and Academic Registrars from Higher Education Institutions in Uganda.
Prof. Sarah Ssali.
Hosted by the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe represented by the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic Affairs), Prof. Sarah Ssali, the meeting followed institutional input into the draft minimum standards and was aimed at validating them prior to their formal adoption by the NCHE Council at their next meeting in February 2026. The minimum standards cover nine areas namely; 1) Curriculum Design, 2) Teaching and Learning Approaches, 3) Assessment, 4) Faculty Training and Support, 5) Student Support Services, 6) Quality Assurance Systems, 7) Industry and Community Linkages, 8) Monitoring and Evaluation, and 9) Gender and Equity Mainstreaming.
Prof. Mary Okwakol (Left) and Dr. Vincent Ssembatya listen to feedback from leaders.
Following feedback into presentations by the various leaders present, a motion to adopt the draft minimum standards, with institutional input incorporated, was moved by Bugema University, seconded by UMCAT School of Journalism and Mass Communication, and unanimously supported by institutions present.
Prof. Mary Okwakol.
At the conclusion of the meeting, Prof. Sarah Ssali appreciated NCHE for choosing Makerere to host the landmark event, reiterating that the University greatly respects each and every Higher Education Institution and regards them as partners and collaborators in the quest to improve Uganda’s Higher Education sector.
Part of the audience that attended the validation meeting.
The Executive Director NCHE, Prof. Mary Okwakol reassured leaders present that all the pertinent issues raised for input into the draft minimum standards would be incorporated, and urged those with pressing issues to submit them before month’s end. She reiterated NCHE’s readiness to continue lobbying Government for the resources required by Higher Education Institutions, particularly Public Universities, to implement Competence-Based Education (CBE).
Kampala, Uganda – 20th January 2026 – Makerere University has postponed its opening date for Semester Two of Academic Year 2025/2026 from the earlier communicated 24th January 2026 to 10th February 2026.
This adjustment is in response to the Ministry of Education and Sports directive to all Schools and Education Institutions to postpone re-opening until 10th February 2026. Consequently, Semester Two at Makerere University will now run from 10th February 2026 until 6th June 2026. Attached is the detailed Calendar for Semester Two 2025/2026.
Confirmed dates for the 76th Graduation Ceremony
Makerere University also wishes to inform the general public that Makerere’s 76th Graduation Ceremony will be held from Tuesday 24th February 2026 to Friday 27th February 2026.
Specifics including the graduation schedules and standard operating procedures for participants will be communicated officially in due course.
Please see downloads for the statement, Ministry directive and revised calendar.
The Egypt-Japan University of Science and Technology (E-JUST) TICAD8 African Scholarship for STI is available for all African (Non-Egyptian) students who wish to obtain their M.Sc. degree in the programs of Faculty of Engineering (FoE), Basic and Applied Science (BAS), Computer Science and Information Technology (CSIT), Faculty of International Business and Humanities (FIBH) and Heritage Science (HS).
Please note that interested applicants have to apply through E-JUST’ website (online application system). Applications will only be accepted via E-JUST’s website (online application system).
Interested applicants must complete and submit their application forms before February 15, 2026. The applicant will receive an automatic confirmation e-mail as proof of successful submission of the application.