This afternoon the Vice Chancellors of public universities held a meeting with the First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Hon. Janet Kataha Museveni, the Minister of Public Service, Hon. Mukasa Muruli, the Minister of State for Finance (General Duties), Hon. Gabriel Ajedra the Minister of State for Primary Education, Hon. Rosemary Seninde and technocrats from the three ministries. We discussed with the ministers issues affecting public universities, including staff welfare, staff recruitment and promotion, budgets for public universities, and others.
On salary enhancement, we were informed that Government was facing constraints in enhancing salaries of public servants generally due to the many on-going infrastructure developments. It was noted, however, that despite these constraints Government has so far enhanced salaries of staff of public universities by 64% basing on the pledge by H.E. The President, while salaries of other public servants had been increased by 20% only. Despite the financial constraints, Government has allocated the sum of UGX 15 billion for enhancement of salaries of staff of public universities in the FY 2019/20. Payments under this enhancement will commence in Quarter II of the financial year, i.e. in October 2019. The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Public Service has issued a letter confirming the allocation by Government of UGX 15 billion towards enhancement of salaries of staff at public universities in the Financial Year 2019/20.
The Vice Chancellors acknowledged the efforts by Government to address the issue of enhancement of salaries of staff at public universities amidst the economic challenges, but requested Government to come up with a new schedule for fulfilling the Presidential pledge.
I take this opportunity to inform all stakeholders that Makerere University will remain open for normal business and will open for freshers on 3rd August 2019 and for the continuing students on 10th August 2019 as scheduled. I therefore call on all members of staff to report for duty accordingly and prepare to receive our students and provide the quality service they expect from us, as usual. Management, together with the other Vice Chancellors of public universities will continue with engagements with Government in order to find a solution to the issue of the Presidential Pledge and other staff welfare issues.
I thank you.
Yours Sincerely,
Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe Vice Chancellor
Please see Downloads for the Permanent Secretary's Letter.
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