The Department of Zoology, Entomology and Fisheries Sciences (ZEFs), College of Natural Sciences (CoNAS), Makerere University is partnering with the National Fisheries Resources Research Institute (NaFIRRI) of the National Agricultural Research Organization (NARO), McGill University, Canada and NUTREAL Limited to implement a 3-year multidisciplinary project focusing on “Harnessing dietary nutrients of under-utilised fish and fish processing by-products to reducing micronutrient deficiencies among vulnerable groups in Uganda” – NutriFish. The overall aim of NutriFish is to increase availability, accessibility and consumption of under-utilized small fishes and fish processing by-products for sustainable food and nutrition security and improved livelihoods through a Public Private Partnership (PPP). Through this project, researchers will devise ways to reduce losses and increase product quality and acceptability, as well as improve distribution of fish and fish-based products among populations living far from water bodies.
The scholarships
As part of the NutriFish capacity building component, we are inviting applications for the following scholarships tenable at Makerere University: PhD Zoology (Research areas: Fish Stock Assessment and Nutrition)
MSc. Zoology (Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences), Research areas: Fish Stock Assessment; Fisheries Socio-economics; Gender in Fisheries; Fish Post-harvest Handling; and Fish value Chain.
Scholarship Benefits
The scholarship will support successful applicants with tuition, research costs, and modest monthly stipend. The applicants must therefore demonstrate willingness to be full-time students based at Makerere University. For MSc., support is available to applicants who have completed coursework and also those admitted to start coursework in the 2019/2020 Academic Year.
Eligibility Criteria
The scholarships are open to all eligible Ugandans. Applications from suitably qualified females are particularly encouraged.
Please see Downloads for details
Application process
The application package should include:
1. A one-page motivation letter
2. A curriculum vitae (maximum 2 pages) indicating contacts of 2 referees
3. Copies of certified academic documents
4. Evidence of admission to Makerere University (MSc. only)
5. A recommendation letter from two academic referees (1 page)
6. A brief concept (PhD applicants only)
Applications should be compiled into one single pdf document and sent electronically to Dr. Jackson Efitre (jefitre[at]cns.mak.ac.ug), copied to Dr. Robinson Odong (robinson.odong[at]cns.mak.ac.ug), Dr. Eric Sande (ericsande[at]cns.mak.ac.ug) and Dr. Anthony Taabu-Munyaho (director[at]firi.go.ug ) by 27th July 2019 at 5.00 PM East African Time.
Note: All students will be expected to work with the interdisciplinary NutriFish research team. Incomplete applications will NOT be assessed. Only short-listed candidates will be contacted.
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.