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King Abdul Aziiz International Centre to establish Institute of Arabic Language at Mak

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A delegation from the King Abdul Aziiz International Centre for Arabic Language confirmed the Centre’s preparedness to establish a fully-fledged Institute of Arabic Language at Makerere University. This was revealed during a meeting with the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe and the Deputy Vice Chancellor Academic Affairs, Dr. Umar Kakumba on 13th January 2020.  H.E. Mr. Bandar Al Faifi, ChargĆ© d'Affaires of the Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia in Uganda accompanied the delegation.

In the 2015/2016 academic year, King Abdul Aziiz International Centre for Arabic Language donated USD $90,000 towards the teaching of Arabic at Undergraduate and Postgraduate levels to students in the College of Education and External Studies and College of Humanities and Social Sciences over a three-year period.

During the meeting, Dr. Sulaiman Alangari, the Head of the delegation announced the Centre’s approval to continue with the scholarship programme and establish an Institute of Arabic Language at Makerere University.

“The Institute once established will create space for students to learn and master the Arabic culture and norms, explore the historical background of Arab countries and lead to the promotion of Arabic both nationally and internationally. I call upon both Muslims and non-Muslims to take up the Arabic language course,” said Dr. Alangari.

Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe extended his gratitude to King Abdul Aziiz International Centre of Arabic Language for the generous support aimed at supporting the University’s core function of teaching and learning. He reflected on Uganda and Saudi Arabia’s historic background when he noted that the first traders to come to Uganda were Arabs.

“To trade, relate and communicate with the people from Arab countries, we have to study their language first. I therefore thank the Royal Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and King Abdul Aziiz International Centre for Arabic Language for funding the study of Arabic language at Makerere University. The Institute will not only promote the teaching of Arabic but also other aspects of cultural significance such as architecture, music and art,” said Prof. Nawangwe.

Dr. Umar Kakumba, said that the Institute for Arabic Language at Makerere University will lead to the visibility of Arabic language both locally and internationally, strengthen Saudi Arabia’s relationship with Makerere University and also promote cultural integration.

In his remarks H.E. Mr. Bandar Al Faifi, noted they are looking forward to seeing graduands utilize Arabic to develop and transform societies. He added that Makerere University is ranked highly globally thus the best University to collaborate with.

Dr. Ebraheem Ssali, Co-ordinator Arabic Language applauded the Royal Embassy of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in Uganda, King Abdul Aziiz International Centre for Arabic Language and Makerere University for their support towards the Programme.

“The project has benefitted 67 students, 52 Undergraduate and 15 Postgraduates. I thank King Abdul Aziiz International Centre of Arabic Language for renewing the three year grant to enable students in the Department of European and Oriental Languages to study Arabic. The study and teaching of Arabic has enhanced communication and friendship between the people of Uganda and the Royal Kingdom of Saudi Arabia,” said Dr. Ssali.

Article by: Esther Joy Nakibombo Volunteer Mak Public Relations Office

 

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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