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Mak-NC State Explore Building Communities for Resilience

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On Monday, 11th March 2019, Makerere University together with North Carolina State University (NC State) USA convened the East African Higher Education Summit under the theme: Teaching, Research and Engagement in the East Africa Sub-region: Agenda for Building Communities for Resilience in Kampala, Uganda. The purpose for the Summit was to develop strategies to strengthen higher education in the East Africa region, which expands the partnership between Mak and NC State established in 2015.

Pursuant to the objectives of the Sustainable Development Goals and the African Union’s Agenda 2063, the partnership has been expanded to form a collaboration to include Gulu University (Uganda), Mount Kenya University (Kenya) and Mbarara University of Science and Technology (Uganda).

Recognizing that Universities are expected to change their role from simply knowledge generation to a more proactive role of generating knowledge that contributes to development, on Tuesday, 12th March 2019 the Vice-Chancellors and senior representatives of Universities assembled at this Summit and signed a communiqué expressing their commitment to further deepen the strategic partnership between the collaborating institutions.

They also underscored the importance of multilateral collaboration as an instrument to address current and future global challenges namely; food security, climate change and public health through community engagement.

Ugandan and Regional Universities were represented by Prof. George Openjuru – Vice Chancellor Gulu University, Assoc. Prof. Gertrude Kiwanuka – Mbarara University of Science and Technology, and Prof. Peter Wanderi, Principal Corporate Services, Mount Kenya University (MKU).  

As the Directorate for Research and Graduate Training (DRGT), we commend the Vice Chancellors for their decision to explore how higher education in East Africa can be strengthened, with emphasis on regional collaboration mechanisms, to improve and build communities of resilience.

On the opening day, Prof. A.B. Kasozi delivered a keynote address on The State of Higher Education and its role and national Development. Dr. Robert Ayine – Senior Higher Education Officer Quality Assurance, National Council for Higher Education (NCHE) also made a presentation on The Role of National Council for Higher Education in Promoting Quality in Higher Education.

The NC State delegation was led by Dr. Bailian Li – Senior Vice Provost for Global Engagement. It was also made up of David Dixon – Director of Global Partnerships in the Office of Global Engagement, Assoc. Prof. James Kiwanuka Tondo – Department of Communication, Prof. Juliana Nfah-Abbenyi – Assistant Dean for Diversity, College of Humanities and Social Sciences, Dr. Steve Lommel – Professor of Plant Pathology, Dr. Craig Yencho – Program Leader Sweetpotato and Potato Breeding and Genetics Programs and José Cisneros – Assistant Professor of Practice Horticulture International & Entrepreneurship.

Prof. Josip Simunovic – Research Professor of Food Science, Dr. DeLeon Gray – Associate Professor of Educational Psychology, Dr. Matthew Booker – Associate Professor of History, Dr. Moses Khisa – Assistant Professor of Political Science, Dr. Lokendra Pal – Associate Professor of Forestry, Dr. Veronica Cateté – Research Scientist Computer Science, Dr. Siddhartha Thakur – Professor of Veterinary Medicine, Dr. Jessica Murphy – Director of Student Involvement and Dr. Daniel Findley, Senior Research Associate with the Institute for Transportation Research and Education (ITRE) also made up the delegation.

Please see Downloads for the Communiqué

Article by Professor Buyinza Mukadasi, Director, DRGT, Makerere University

Mark Wamai

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Mak Hosts NCHE Competence-Based Education Standards Validation Meeting

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Prof. Mary Okwakol (Centre) with Prof. Sarah Ssali and other leaders of Higher Education Institutions after the CBE minimum standards validation meeting on 23rd January 2026. National Council for Higher Education (NCHE) validation meeting of the draft minimum standards for implementing Competence-Based Education (CBE) in Higher Education Institutions, Yusuf Lule Central Teaching Facility Auditorium, 23rd January 2026, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

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. National Council for Higher Education (NCHE) validation meeting of the draft minimum standards for implementing Competence-Based Education (CBE) in Higher Education Institutions, Yusuf Lule Central Teaching Facility Auditorium, 23rd January 2026, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
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. National Council for Higher Education (NCHE) validation meeting of the draft minimum standards for implementing Competence-Based Education (CBE) in Higher Education Institutions, Yusuf Lule Central Teaching Facility Auditorium, 23rd January 2026, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
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. National Council for Higher Education (NCHE) validation meeting of the draft minimum standards for implementing Competence-Based Education (CBE) in Higher Education Institutions, Yusuf Lule Central Teaching Facility Auditorium, 23rd January 2026, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
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. National Council for Higher Education (NCHE) validation meeting of the draft minimum standards for implementing Competence-Based Education (CBE) in Higher Education Institutions, Yusuf Lule Central Teaching Facility Auditorium, 23rd January 2026, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
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).

Mark Wamai

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Press Release: Semester II Set to Start 10th Feb, 76th Graduation Dates Confirmed

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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. Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

Kampala, Uganda – 20th January 2026Makerere 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.

Mak Editor

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Call for applications: E-JUST TICAD8 African MSc. Scholarships

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E-JUST Fall 2026 International Admissions (M.Sc. TICAD8 Scholarships). Courtesy Photo.

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.

Important Links:

For information about admission requirements: https://www.ejust.edu.eg/international-pg

For information about the available scholarships: https://www.ejust.edu.eg/international-scholarships

For information about the required documents: https://www.ejust.edu.eg/international-documents

For any inquiries, please contact the Regional and International Affairs (RIA) Office: international.affairs@ejust.edu.eg

Mak Editor

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