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Mak Launches ACE in Bioinformatics and Data Intensive Sciences

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On Thursday, 21st March 2019, the Infectious Diseases Institute (IDI) and the Colleges of Health Sciences (CHS) and Computing and Information Sciences (CoCIS) in partnership with the US Government’s National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases and the Office of Cyber Infrastructure and Computational Biology (NIH/NIAID/OCICB) launched the African Centre of Excellence (ACE) in Bioinformatics and Data Intensive Sciences at the IDI-McKinnell Knowledge Centre, Makerere University.

Ms. Colette Marcellin (Left) is joined by IDI Board Chairperson-Rev. Prof. Samuel Luboga to unveil the plaque marking the launch of the ACE in Bioinformatics and Intensive Data Sciences at Makerere University

The launch was presided over by the United States Deputy Chief of Mission in Kampala, Ms. Colette Marcellin. Also present at the launch were the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic Affairs)-Dr. Umar Kakumba who represented the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, Members of the IDI Board led by Chairperson-Rev. Prof. Samuel Luboga, Executive Director IDI-Dr. Andrew Kambugu and representatives from NIH/NIAID/OCICB, key among them Mr. Michael Tartakovsky-Chief Information Officer NIH/NIAID.

The first of its kind outside the US and on the Makerere Campus, the ACE will be a centre for computation biology and big data analysis. Guests at the launch were treated to a tour of the state-of-the-art facilities consisting of a Virtual Reality (VR) room complete with the most advanced equipment and software, a Tele Learning Centre featuring world-class projection and acoustic equipment and the high performance computing cluster. The ACE also features a collaborative room with collaborative spaces and amenities.

The DVCAA-Dr. Umar Kakumba (Right) chats with IDI Executive Director-Dr. Andrew Kambugu shortly after the ACE Launch

The ACE will support the delivery Masters, PhD and postdoctoral level training in bioinformatics as well as research and development for private researchers and research institutions in the region. Other services to be provided by the ACE include; human and pathogen DNA sequencing for private individuals and researchers, short-term trainings in bioinformatics, biostatistics and image processing as well as VR infrastructure and services.

With the ACE now launched, Makerere University is truly on the path to becoming a thought leader of knowledge generation for societal transformation and development in Africa.

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

Mak Editor

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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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