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5th Mak Self-Assessment Advocates for Diversification
The Quality Assurance Directorate (QAD) on Thursday, 9th May 2019 held a breakfast meeting to update Members of the University Council and Management on the latest findings of the 5th Makerere University Self-Assessment exercise. Held at the Golden Tulip Hotel, the meeting was presided over by the Chairperson of Council Mrs. Lorna Magara, represented by the Vice Chairperson Rt. Hon. Daniel Fred Kidega. It was attended by the Vice Chancellor Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic Affairs)-DVCAA Dr. Umar Kakumba, Deputy Vice Chancellor (Finance and Administration)-DVCFA Prof. William Bazeyo as well as Members of Management, Principals, Directors and Members of the University Administration. The breakfast was also graced by the Guild President, H.E. Kateregga Julius, Vice Guild President H.E. Judith Nalukwago and Hon. Ahmed Abdirahman the Academic Affairs Minister.
Addressing the meeting, the Director QAD Dr. Vincent Ssembatya shared that Self-Assessment is an important measure of institutional progress and a good precursor for future planning. “Self-Assessment is one of the exercises that the National Council for Higher Education (NCHE) expects Universities in Uganda to undertake and I am happy to report that Makerere has taken the lead.”
Some of the firsts in this year’s assessment include results from; Employer Expectation Surveys covering 100 institutions and corporate companies, Student Evaluation of Courses and Teaching (SECAT) obtained from over 300 class representatives and the proposal to adopt institutional performance targets in the run-up to the 100year celebrations in 2022.
In line with Internationalisation, Dr. Ssembatya pointed out the need to diversify conversion systems for International Applicants’ Qualifications to the Ugandan A-Level, Diploma and Mature Entry equivalents. This, he noted, would help attract more scholars; especially from countries that no longer offer the Advanced Level Education (S.5 and S.6), to Makerere. He also put forward the need to consider the resident tuition option as an incentive to attract short term students from leading universities worldwide.
Additionally, the presentation called for the need to strengthen the policy and support environments in line with institutional Internationalisation aspirations. Furthermore, the proposal to offer honorary professorships to academics from long-term partnering institutions was tabled as a way of further diversifying the composition of teaching staff.
On the teaching front, Dr. Ssembatya was happy to report that the University had with the construction of Central Teaching Facilities 1 and 2 met all its teaching space needs. He also called for the need to diversify the current offering of professional courses.
“It is on record that we are producing a large number of Bachelor of Commerce graduates. Makerere should now consider introducing the Master of Commerce in addition to the Master of Business Administration as an alternative for our professionals,” explained Dr. Ssembatya.
Responding to the presentation, the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe observed that Self-Assessment is an important activity undertaken by QAD to help keep University operations on course. He therefore thanked the Directorate of the great job done and Vice Chairperson of Council-Rt. Hon. Daniel Fred Kidega for making the breakfast a priority on his schedule.
“We however need to extract the data for each college and share it with the respective leadership,” observed the Vice Chancellor in his reaction. “The assessment should also incorporate a comparison of Makerere’s colleges with peers in the region and Africa, so that we can rank our various disciplines” he added.
“Global trends reveal that research and publication is directly proportional to economic development of any nation. Therefore as we work towards increasing our population of graduate students, we shall improve our research and publications output, and thereby ably contribute to economic development of our nation. In this regard, we thank the Government for allocating UGX30billion in the next financial year to fund research at Makerere.”
In his remarks, the DVCAA Dr. Umar Kakumba thanked QAD for providing snapshot of institution’s health. “Institutions are living organisms; they need to be well nourished and taken care of otherwise they will get bedridden and eventually die. This is therefore a very important exercise.”
In line with improving enrolment especially at graduate level, the DVCAA urged colleges to submit proposals to the University Senate that allow them to run programmes on weekends and other periods that are more favourable for the working class.
“The College of Business and Management Sciences (CoBAMS) was the first unit to offer the block week modular release arrangement for the Master of Arts in Public Administration and Management (MAPAM). This can be emulated and adopted by other units” advised the DVCAA.
Dr. Kakumba further urged colleges to take advantage of their respective Centres of Excellence. “Our Centres of Excellence are of diverse origin and give the University strong latitude on Internationalisation, especially with regard to recruitment of staff and students.”
The DVCFA Prof. William Bazeyo on his part lauded Dr. Ssembatya for emphasising the need for diversification, adding that this should also be extended to finances, “because colleges have a huge potential to partner with corporate companies and other agencies to fund their initiatives.”
He urged Principals to work with their staff to quantify all their research, outreach as well as knowledge translation and transfer activities. Quantification, he said, would enable Makerere to meaningfully engage with all prospective partners.
“As leaders, we should also increase our physical engagement with the industry and other partners. Regular engagement opens more doors for our students to undertake internships in these organisations and keeps our graduates relevant to market demands” summed up Prof. Bazeyo.
“As Vice Chairperson of Council and Chair of the Quality Assurance, Gender and ICT Committee, I am immensely proud that this intense Self-Assessment exercise has been undertaken by the small team at the Quality Assurance Directorate. Thank you very much and congratulations!” remarked Rt. Hon. Kidega as he commenced the concluding address.
He noted that quality assurance is a very important aspect of any institution and thanked the Management, Staff and Student Leadership present for their contributions to the self-assessment discussion. “It was so refreshing to hear Makerere University’s contribution to National Development and I believe that the story of our research conversations and concern for country needs to be told more often!”
Rt. Hon. Kidega reiterated that research need not just be scholarly but ought to positively touch the population. He therefore urged the university leadership and researchers to always correlate their activities with the National Planning Agenda and Uganda Vision 2040.
He paid tribute to the outgoing 84th Guild led by H.E. Papa Were Salim for promoting a peaceful environment as the Council transitioned from the old to the current leadership. He thanked the 85th Guild President, H.E. Kateregga Julius and Members of his Cabinet for attending the Self-Assessment exercise despite the busy exam period, adding that he looked forward to a special engagement with the new Guild leadership.
“We come with a lot of humility to work with you. All the solutions to challenges faced by this University reside within us. On behalf of the University Council, I pledge to work with the University Management so that together, we make Makerere a better University” concluded Rt. Hon. Kidega.
Article by Public Relations Office
Prof. Edward Bbaale, Acting Deputy Vice Chancellor for Finance and Administration at Makerere University, on November 10 2026 welcomed a delegation from the International Water Association (IWA), led by Mr. Keith Robertson, the Learning and Events Director at International Water Association (IWA). Mr. Robertson, in his remarks, highlighted their visit to Makerere University as a fact-finding mission regarding the potential establishment of a new regional IWA office in Africa to support the continent in solving challenges relating to water.
The International Water Association is a leading global nonprofit organisation and knowledge hub for the water and sanitation sector. Connecting more than 10,000 individual members and 500 corporate entities across 140 plus countries, the association bridges the gap between scientific research and practical engineering to solve global water crises, improve sanitation, and secure clean water systems. Currently, IWA is evaluating potential host cities in Africa; Makerere University in Kampala is the first they have visited out of their three countries and venues earmarked.
This meeting held at Makerere Main Administrative Building, was attended by university leadership, faculty from College of Engineering, Design, Art and Technology (CEDAT), and representatives from the National Water and Sewerage Corporation (NWSC). Discussions explored possibilities of the yet to be established office bridging the gap between academic research and practical application in the water sector not only in Uganda but also on the continent.
On behalf of University Management, Prof. Edward Bbaale underscored this engagement that focused on possible Water and Sanitation advancement partnership as one that aligns well with the strategic direction of the University.
Projected Impact of a Kampala-Based IWA Office
Dr Philip Nyenje, Head of Department, Civil and Environmental Engineering (DCEE), expressed optimism about the collaboration, saying, “this is a very good opportunity for us to grow our interest in the sector of water and sanitation.”
In addition, Dr Seith Mugume, a Senior Lecturer at DCEE, noted that the regional office would unlock research and innovation opportunities in the real world for our students and also provide incentives for them to pursue projects within local research and innovation angles.
Eng. Zainab Mpakiraba, Acting Senior Manager at NWSC framed Kampala as a very unique venue for the centre and highlighted Makerere as one of the core academic partners for the regional Eastern and Southern Africa hub of the Global Sanitation Graduate School. Eng. Mpakiraba further endorsed Makerere, saying that, as a top-notch university in Uganda and in the region, when it leads on any aspect, it is able to pull most of the other universities.
Makerere’s Strategic Initiatives and Activities so far in the Area of Water
Dr Nyenje noted that his Department has a very strong base in water and sanitation, covering disciplines like water resources, environmental, structural, and highway engineering. Dr. Mugume added that they are conducting research on “modeling of water resource systems, hydrological and hydraulic modeling,” “water quality management,” and “fecal sludge management, sanitation in low-income and peri-urban areas.”
The two also mentioned that the department has introduced a “master’s in sanitation, and also a postgraduate program… a diploma in sanitation” to address growing interest in the sector.
All these strategies have been made possible through good will and funding from the Government of Uganda, strategic partnerships and International Collaborations. Ms. Mpakiraba revealed that Makerere is a core academic partner for the regional Eastern Southern Africa hub of the Global Sanitation Graduate School making it a key player in the region.
Concluding the session, Prof. Edward Bbaale reaffirmed Makerere’s ability to run this Office when established as the University has human resources in multidisciplinary research, global credibility and working relationships with many organisations and institutions on the continent and far.
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Makerere Marks 2026 International Day of Persons with Disability – Lord Mayor Balimwezo Delivers Keynote
Makerere University celebrated the 2026 International Day of Persons with Disability, with a message mobilising stakeholders to transition from policy formulation to implementation under the theme, “From Legislation to Action: Strengthening Disability Inclusion through Effective Policy Implementation in Higher Education.”
Held on November 05 2026 at Makerere University – Main Hall, the event evaluated current legal frameworks on inclusivity, identified persistent enforcement gaps, and accelerated concrete measures that can safeguard the rights and accessibility of persons with disability across Uganda.
Dr. Winifred Kabumbuli the Dean of Students at Makerere University explained the reason for the event is to create increased awareness about the rights and needs of both students and staff with disabilities on campus.
She expressed that Makerere is intentional and decisive to the implementation of inclusive policies and practices.
“We have established a disability support center. This is a one-stop center for resources and services for both students and staff with disabilities, equipped with state-of-the-art assistive devices, to assist our students and staff with disability to integrate ably into the academic and social environment.”
She also noted that the University has provided caretakers, helpers, and sign language interpreters to students with disability. These are paid a salary, accommodated, and fed, and as well access university health services.
This shows effort that Makerere University is building for all abilities.
Lord Mayor Balimwezo’s Keynote Address
Delivering the keynote, His Worship Eng. Hon. Ronald Nsubuga Balimwezo, the Lord Mayor for Kampala Capital City Authority started with a personal encounter of an accident that left him disabled. He appealed to fellow persons with disability, particularly the young people gathered at the event, to never consider themselves a burden to society. He added, “you are not a charity case. You are not less valuable because of your physical appearance. You are leaders, engineers, teachers, doctors, lawyers, entrepreneurs, artists, and public servants in the making.”
He encouraged them never to allow circumstances of birth or challenges encountered during life to determine the boundaries of their dreams. Confessing from his own situation he has had the privilege of standing on different platforms in Uganda and beyond, and his message has consistently been that persons with disability are equal, and capable of contributing to society.
To the University, Lord Mayor advised that every new building should be designed with universal accessibility in mind from the initial architectural drawings. He insisted that accessibility should never be an afterthought, requiring expensive modification.
Eng. Hon. Balimwezo encouraged management to continue strengthening partnership with development organisations and institutions committed to inclusive education. He commended partners like UNESCO, MasterCard Foundation and other partners and sincerely appreciated their contribution towards advancing inclusive education and expanding opportunities for young people with disabilities.
The Lord Mayor concluded by applauding all those that have benefited a person with a disability for he believes legacy is not how much money you have but rather how many lives you have changed. He made a call to action to each and everyone to make sure that we leave a legacy.
Chairperson of Makerere University Council represented by Rt. Hon. Daniel Fred Kidega, observed that the commemoration of this day by all persons present resonates well with Makerere’s enduring motto, ‘We build for the future.’
Building for the future means creating an inclusive university where everyone, regardless of disability, has equal opportunity to access education, participate and realise their full potential. He said we cannot genuinely claim to build for the future if members of our university community continue to encounter barriers to their full participation and learning ability.
He shared that as a globally recognised institution, Makerere will remain aligned with international commitments, particularly the UN Sustainable Development Goals, especially SDG 4 which emphasises quality of education, SDG 10 which emphasises reduction in inequalities and SDG 16 inclusive and accountability institutions.
Hon. Kidega, appreciated university management for its continued support and the commitment to advancing disability inclusion at this great University.
Checking National Progress with Inclusion
Prof. Zahara Nampewo, Deputy Dean School of Law moderated discussions on the theme. She highlighted Uganda’s efforts in legislating for persons with Disability, she said in 2008, we took a step by ratifying the UN Convention on Persons with Disabilities. That was 18 years ago. And Uganda had also earlier, two years before in 2006, enacted a law, a statute on persons with disabilities. That says a lot about us as a country, that we are committed to inclusion.
Hon. Laura Kanushu, a legislator, representing persons with disabilities in the parliament of Uganda commented that as a country, if we were to rate where we are in terms of inclusion of persons with disability, we might be at 15%, and that’s because we have not fully implemented those laws and policies.
She held tight on this opinion saying Uganda is one of those countries that is very quick to ratify international treaties and later domesticate them. Hon. Kanushu clarified that domestication requires, domesticating in the laws, domestication in terms of policies and also representation at all levels. “However, as a country, we do ratify very fast, but we never plan for implementation.”
Choose and Spread Inclusion not Sympathy
Mr. Daniel Elaju, a master’s student, shared his perspective on what true inclusion requires, emphasising that the foundation of progress lies in shared experience. He stated that, “lessons come from living with a disability, but not just living with people with disability. Because once you live with a disability, even when you are not disabled, you can be able to understand what state of life we people with disability are in.”
Daniel challenged the audience to look beyond the basics of entry because access alone is not enough they are also looking at participation. He said, “you have given me access, am I able to participate?” He questioned the adequacy of current support, asking, “Even when you have given me access to participate, is there reasonable accommodation for me to do whatever I have been given as a role.
In agreement, Ryan Hopper, Head of Physiotherapy at Hope Speaks, said when it comes to disability inclusion, especially in higher education, it is more than just putting a ramp here and making a change there. It’s more than that. It’s a change in mindset that starts with everyone.”
“So instead of being reactive to these students that are coming in and they have a disability that is calling for extra support, let us become proactive.” For someone with a disability is still deserving of love and still a human being that needs to be cared for.
Hon. Shakirah Akello, the Minister of Students with Disabilities in the Student Guild alluded to a story of the late Mr. Kapere to challenge the audience’s perception of disability and inclusion. She said, “recently, we lost a prominent comedian, Mr. Kapere.”
Kapere (real name Yokana Mbuuse) was a prominent Ugandan Comedian and Actor, born with distinctive facial features and a hearing impairment.
Hon. Akello highlighted his ability to live a full, integrated life, stating, “this gentleman got married,” and adding that he was “able to be so friendly, social, and interacted with lots of people.”
She concluded the story by emphasising his legacy: “Late Kapere was a man that was known, married with three children, and yet he had disability.” This served as a prompt for the audience to consider the broader question, “do you think without us including and supporting persons with disabilities, there can be development?” The question remains.
Makerere’s Commitment to Creating a Safer Environment for Persons with Disability
The Acting Vice Chancellor, Prof. Sarah Ssali revealed this day provides an opportunity not only to celebrate the achievements and contributions of persons with disability, but also to reflect on institutional responsibilities.
She shared a commitment on behalf of University management to support the shift from sympathy to structured transformation, and from charity to active agents in the life of persons with Disability. Dissecting the theme, Prof. Ssali encouraged us all to move beyond the mere existence of policies and legislation and demonstrate action that transforms the experiences of persons with disabilities at Makerere University, and beyond, as we have heard from the panel discussions.
Prof. Ssali concretised the Vice Chancellor’s message by highlighting that the call to make institutions and systems to work is not a call for persons with disabilities. It is a call for all of us. “As a University we reflect inclusion in the way, we teach, in the way we learn, conduct research, provide services, allocate resources, and govern the university.”
“Makerere University , remains dedicated to building an institution where excellence and inclusion reinforce each other on campus and also ensuring whatever – positive has happened in Makerere University happens in the world outside for inclusive settings,” Vice Chancellor pledged.
The commemoration ended with awards to stakeholders who have sacrificed to make a contribution to the welcome stay for persons with Disability at Makerere University and beyond.
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