A team from the African Union (AU) led by Dr. Monica Ebele Idinoba accompanied by Ms. Khadidiatou Meissa Gaye visited the ASF-RESIST action from the 23rd April to 26th April 2019 at the College of Natural Sciences (CoNAS) to review progress of the action since its inception in 2018. The African Union supported by the European Union awarded a research grant of USD 1,249,988 to a consortium of scientists led by the College of Natural Sciences (CoNAS), Makerere University to implement a research action aimed at 'Developing innovative and sustainable approaches to prevent the spread of African Swine Fever (ASF) in Africa (ASF-RESIST)'. The Principal Investigator (PI) of ASF-RESIST is Dr. Charles Masembe, an
Associate Professor in the Department of Zoology, Entomology and Fisheries Sciences (ZEFS).
During the visit, the AU team held a meeting on the 24th April 2019 with the team at CoNAS led by the Principal (Prof. Joseph Y.T. Mugisha) and Head of ZEFS (Dr. Eric Sande). The Director of Research and Graduate Training at Makerere University (Prof. Mukadasi Buyinza) and a RUFORUM representative also attended the meeting.
In his remarks at the meeting, Dr. Masembe reiterated the strengths of ASF-RESIST noting that 'ASF-RESIST has put together a partnership of members from across Africa and the northern hemisphere. The action will allow us to train more and thereby build a critical mass of scientists/experts working on African Swine Fever (ASF) in Africa and globally'. He also underlined the support of the AU in leveraging the capacity available in Africa to solve
the continent's problem.
Dr. Ebele as head of the AU team encouraged Makerere to comply to agreements reached with the funders otherwise penalties might accrue affecting future project grants for the institution as a whole.
Dr. Sande as Head of ZEFS welcomed the AU team and partners present to the department. He highlighted his belief that the ASF-RESIST action will bring more skills and knowledge to the department.
Prof. Mugisha noted that ZEFS is one of the most qualified departments across Makerere University with all the academic staff PhD holders. He also reiterated thanks of CoNAS and Makerere for the support of AU and EU with confirmation that the action will be well implemented.
It gives me great pleasure to give remarks at a review of multi-institutional project, Prof. Buyinza said. He recalled his presence the inception meeting where the pace for implementation was set. He reminded everyone that 'winning a project is only a short celebration but the issue for Makerere and partners as institutions is compliance and brand protection. This can only be possible by implementing the project as stipulated in the proposal and agreement with funders'.
Prof. Buyinza thanked Dr. Masembe for the zeal exhibited by winning the project grants that he leads and implementing them satisfactorily. 'I request that you continue to do thus but also train and mentor others',
Prof. Buyinza continued. The Director reminded all present that 'we are transforming communities with research that we do. He assured all that Makerere has lessons to share as a leader in home grown solutions as exhibited by the work implemented at the various units of the University'.
Prof. Buyinza reminded the meeting that it is important to always think ahead to sustainability and human resource capacity building for any grant worn. He also commended CoNAS under the leadership of Prof. Mugisha for the work accomplished.
The AU team also visited project sites including the Molecular Genetics Laboratory and farmers in Mukono District.
Partners working with Makerere University on the ASF-RESIST action include MRC – University of Glasgow, Centre for Virus Research – Scotland, UK; National Veterinary Research Institute, Nigeria. Associate Partners: BecA-ILRI Hub – Kenya; National Veterinary Institute – Sweden. Networking Support: Regional Universities Forum for Capacity Building in Agriculture
(RUFORUM).
The Office of Academic Registrar, Makerere University has released admission lists of candidates admitted under the Talented Sports Men & Women, Disability and District Quota Schemes with Government sponsorship 2026/27 Academic Year including appeals and remarked cases.
Other admission lists released include A-Level Applicants with Ugandan and those with Foreign Qualifications, Diploma in Performing Arts, Mature-Age Entry and Bachelor of Education (EXTERNAL Batch 2) for the Academic Year 2026/2027 under self sponsorship.
Makerere University has once again cemented its place as a regional leader in academic excellence after successfully hosting the East African Universities Debate Championships (EAUDC) 2026, welcoming the continent’s brightest young minds for a week of intellectual competition, cultural exchange, and leadership development.
Held from 26th July to 1st August 2026, the championship brought together more than 200 student debaters, adjudicators and delegates from 25 universities across Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, South Sudan and other invited institutions, transforming the Ivory Tower into East Africa’s premier arena for ideas, innovation and public discourse.
Impeccable! A participant from South Sudan takes to the podium.
The week-long tournament featured rigorous British Parliamentary debate rounds, public speaking competitions, adjudication workshops and networking sessions designed to sharpen critical thinking, leadership and persuasive communication. Participants debated contemporary issues ranging from governance and economic transformation to technology, public health, climate change and Africa’s future.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, the Deputy Vice Chancellor welcomed delegates to Makerere University, emphasizing the institution’s enduring commitment to nurturing graduates who are not only academically accomplished but also capable of leading meaningful conversations that shape society. The championship reflected Makerere’s vision of producing graduates who are innovative, analytical and prepared to address regional and global challenges.
Prof. Sarah Ssali.
Beyond competition, EAUDC 2026 became a celebration of East African unity. Delegates experienced Uganda’s rich cultural heritage through social events, campus tours and cultural showcases that fostered friendships beyond national borders. The interactions reinforced the championship’s belief that dialogue remains one of the strongest foundations for regional integration and peaceful cooperation.
The tournament concluded with an electrifying Grand Finale witnessed by students, alumni, university leaders, invited guests and debate enthusiasts. The Chairperson of the Parliamentary Committee on Education and Sports Hon. Eng. Cuthbert Abigaba represented the Speaker of Parliament as the Guest of Honour. In his remarks he congratulated Makerere University on the successful event and encouraged debate among students.
The Guest of Honour, Hon. Eng. Cuthbert Abigaba.
Prof Sarah Ssali the Deputy Vice Chancellor in charge of Academic Affairs at Makerere University pledged continuous support from the administration towards Makerere Debate Union. Teams demonstrated exceptional research, analytical reasoning and eloquence before a distinguished panel of international adjudicators, bringing to a close one of the most competitive editions of the championship.
The successful hosting of EAUDC 2026 marks another milestone in Makerere University‘s growing reputation as a centre of excellence for debating and public speaking. The event builds on the university’s long-standing tradition of producing outstanding debaters while providing students with opportunities to engage with peers from across the region in meaningful intellectual exchange.
Hon. Eng. Cuthbert Abigaba (Left) receives Makerere Souvenirs from Prof. Sarah Ssali (Right).
As the championship drew to a close, participants departed Kampala with new friendships, stronger networks and renewed inspiration to continue using debate as a tool for leadership, democratic participation and social transformation.
Hon. Eng. Cuthbert Abigaba and Prof. Sarah Ssali (Centre) enjoy a photo moment with a section of participants.
With the East African chapter successfully concluded, attention now turns to the Pan-African Universities Debating Championship (PAUDC) 2026, where Makerere University will once again represent East Africa on the continental stage.
This April–June 2026 edition of the Makerere University Newsletter captures a decisive push toward becoming a research-led institution. Vice Chancellor Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe’s college engagements emphasized prioritizing graduate training to ensure research addresses Uganda’s and Africa’s development needs.
New Memoranda of Understanding are deepening collaborative research, staff and student exchanges, and the conversion of knowledge into practical solutions. The upgraded Makerere Financial Management System (Mak-FMS), launched this quarter, exemplifies institutional innovation by enabling fully paperless financial processes that boost efficiency, transparency and accountability.
Individual achievement also highlights our global reach. Mr. Kiggundu Muhammed’s win in the University of Groningen’s Erasmus+ African Perspectives Video Contest showcases how Makerere minds contribute distinctive African insights to international discourse. Complementary efforts, such as the sign-language training for undertaking Pharmacy students, demonstrate research-informed practice that advances inclusive service delivery.
The upgraded Makerere Financial Management System (Mak-FMS), launched this quarter, exemplifies institutional innovation by enabling fully paperless financial processes that boost efficiency, transparency and accountability.
Together, these developments confirm that Makerere’s research output is growing in both scale and relevance. As Makerere natures cultivate the next generation of scholars and innovators, we remain committed to producing knowledge that transforms lives, strengthens communities, and positions Uganda as a continental leader in higher education and innovation. As We Build for the Future