General

Mak 70th Grad PhD Citations Session 4

Published

7 years ago

January 17, 2020

Mark Wamai

The Head, Department of Performing Arts and Film (PAF)-Dr. Sylvia Nannyonga-Tamusuza and her students lead the Academic Procession out of the Freedom Square on Day 3 of the 70th Graduation, 16th January 2020, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda.

College of Engineering, Design, Art and Technology (CEDAT)

BAKYAYITA Grace Kizito

Batch Sorption Studies of Aqueous Cadmium and Lead from contaminated Water onto Selected Biosorbents

Mr. Bakyayita Grace Kizito’s study focussed on assessment of groundwater and surface water from Lake Victoria basin, Uganda and batch remediation of cadmium and lead from contaminated water using biosorbents. He used the Biomet tool and potential risks to toxicity effects of Cu²⁺, Ni²⁺, Zn²⁺ and Pb²⁺ in the surface water and groundwater studied. He characterized selected biosorbents and he used models to deduce optimal operating conditions, interionic competition effects, uptake kinetics and mechanisms. He concluded that both untreated and treated biosorbents from Albizia coriaria, Coffea canephora, Cyperus papyrus, Erythrina abyssinica and Musa spp were potential alternative materials for uptake of trace metals from contaminated water. This knowledge will benefit the design of fixed bed reactors for biosorption of trace metals from contaminated water. He recommends detailed risk assessment of water sources and pilot applications for biosorbents. This study was funded by Sida-Makerere Bilateral Research Corporation (Phase 3) and was supervised by Associate Professor Ann-Catrine Norrström and Dr. Robinah Kulabako N.

MENYA Emmanuel

Preparation and Evaluation of Activated Carbons from Rice Husks in Uganda for Removal of Humic Acid from Water

Mr. Menya Emmanuel developed an optimum route for valorization of rice husks into activated carbon to address the disposal problem of rice husks, as well as to provide a sustainable solution for removal of humic acid from water. His study revealed that upland rice husk varieties are more suitable precursors for activated carbon than lowland varieties. By alkaline pretreatment of the rice husks, followed by phosphoric acid (30wt%) impregnation, and activation at 400 ^oC for 30 min, activated carbons with a carbon yield and total specific surface area as high as 46.9% and 2258.4 m²g^-1, respectively, were obtained. The study further revealed that, humic acid removal efficiency and maximum adsorption capacity of 69.23% and 27.2 mgg^-1, respectively, can be obtained by employing the rice husk-derived activated carbons in water treatment. The adsorptive properties, and consequently the performance of the resultant activated carbons were comparable to those of the activated carbons found on the market. The findings of this study pave way for utilizing rice husks in Uganda as activated carbon precursors, avoiding the environmental problems associated with the open dumping and/or burning of rice husks, while at the same time providing a sustainable solution for water treatment. This study was funded by the Volkswagen Foundation, and was supervised by Dr. Peter W. Olupot, Dr. Henning Storz, and Dr. Michael Lubwama.

KEKIMURI Joan (Ms)

Embedded meanings of traditional art forms in cultural practices of Baganda

Ms. KEKIMURI Joan’s study focused on the meanings embedded in traditional art forms used in Baganda cultural practices. Art forms play a pivotal role in strengthening community connections yet modern technological advances threaten their existence. Using ethnography and benchmarking the theory of culture and behavior, Kekimuri through visual narratives established how traditional art forms used in Baganda cultural practices developed, examined their embedded meanings, and the influence of modernization on these practices. The findings revealed that the embedded meanings in cultural practices enabled communities to function, that modernization hampers the use of cultural practices, and communities are forsaking the practices for modern ideologies. This study recommended support of indigenous practices for cultural identity and posterity. The study was funded by Kyambogo University, and was supervised by Assoc. Prof. Kizito Maria Kasule and Prof. Baguma Peter.

College of Humanities and Social Sciences (CHUSS)

JOCK BANY MADING Samuel

The role of religion in conflict and peace in Sudan: a historical perspective (1989-2011)

Mr. JOCK BANY MADING Samuel’s research examined the religious conflict, which had divided the Sudan citizens between Muslims and non-Muslims, Arab and non-Arabs and subsequently resulted in division of the largest country in Africa into Sudan and South Sudan. The islamization program which became a rigid ideology in the Sudanese leadership caused sanction against the country, regionally and internationally, and made a great economic setback. The study found fear that if the Sudanese leadership continues with such an ideology, it may lead other parts that feel marginalized politically, economically and ethnically to continue demanding for similar criteria as the South. The research findings implore the Sudanese leadership to change the one-sided ideological program in order to reform the social integration and development. This study was self-funded, and was supervised by Dr. Catherine Jendia and Dr. Paddy Musana.

MUGAMBE Mpiima David

Gender relations in the access to and use of mobile phones and radios in agricultural production in Apac District, northern Uganda

Mr. MUGAMBE Mpiima David investigated the gender relations in the access to and use of mobile phones and radios in agricultural production in Apac District. Gender relations were found to mediate mobile phones and radios uptake. Farmers using agricultural information from these technologies experienced positive changes in gender power relations, gender roles, social status and incomes. The study recommended that technological interventions should be sensitive to interactions between men and women, and that agricultural extension officers should be sensitized on gender relations so that men and women can fully benefit from agricultural interventions. This study was funded by Makerere-Sida Bilateral Research Corporation, and was supervised by Dr. Henry Manyire, Assoc. Prof. Consolata Kabonesa and Dr. Margareta Espling.

NAJJEMBA Harriet (Ms)

Indigenous agricultural knowledge and food production in Uganda: Buganda region from 1860s to 1997

Ms. NAJJEMBA Harriet’s research analysed why some indigenous agricultural practices have become resilient and still inform crop production despite western scientific agricultural knowledge. She found that mulching reduces moisture loss, curbs weed growth and provides organic manure thus reducing effects of climate change. Intercropping, crop rotation, paspalum bunding, catch-pits, and fallowing maintain soil fertility. Select agricultural machinery aligned to tropics, topography and soil type enhances crop yields. The research established that these indigenous practices are still relevant and affordable, and NARO needs to deliberately encourage their use. This study was funded by Carnegie Corporation of New York through the NGAA Project and the African Humanities Programme (AHP), and was supervised by Dr. Simon Peter Rutabajuuka and Dr. Deo Katono Nzarwa.

NAKANGU Bugembe Barbara (Ms)

State Craft in the Natural Resources Management Structure of Uganda

Ms. NAKANGU Bugembe Barbara examined the historical and political circumstances in which the natural resources management structures were established. Nakangu situated the natural resource management within the political context of successive post-colonial regimes. Reforms in natural resource management link to the political orientation of various governments especially their ideas on the management of society. Nakangu showed why attempts at strengthening the resource management structures by the NRM government were unable to address the ecological challenges. Ecological disasters arose at moments when there was imbalance of power between the state or society. Conservation actors needed to re-establish the balance of power between the state and the society to address the declining ecological conditions. This study was funded by Norhed and Carnegie through Makerere Institute of Social Research, and was supervised by Dr. Lyn Ossome.

ODONGOH Stevens Aguto

Polluted boundaries, contested sociality: tracing the Acholi homestead after LRA war and displacement in northern Uganda

Mr. ODONGOH Stevens Aguto demonstrated an understanding of borders/boundaries beyond the usual territorial or geographical perspective. By exploring the return of displaced Acholi people to post-conflict Acholi sub-region in northern Uganda, he argued that: When the Acholi who were held captives by the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA), or were living in exile returned and society accepted them, in a sense, they were socially received but had to ritually or religiously cross different boundaries to regain belonging and sociality. Crossing such boundaries led to contestations of gender roles, identity and values. His analysis offers perspectives on resettling returnees, the human need for boundaries/borders during uncertainty and the capacity to cross them, and signifies how people draw boundaries or separate themselves in periods of uncertainty. This study was funded by NORHED under the Borderlands Dynamics Project of East Africa, and was supervised by Dr. Wotsuna Khamalwa and Dr. Andrew Ellias State.

OPESEN Chris Columbus

Trans-border cultural and reproductive health traditions: an ethnographic study of the Pokot female genital modifications at the Kenya-Uganda-Border

Mr. OPESEN Chris Columbus examined the lived experiences of women with trans-border cultural and reproductive health (CRH) traditions using female genital modifications (FGM) at the Pokot Kenya-Uganda border as his ethnographic case. Based on the inductive analysis he conducted, he observed that one’s experience with cultural and reproductive health traditions like FGM is an outcome of many factors including the nature of tradition undergone, the technology used, the skillfulness and experience of the surgeon. Notwithstanding, some exceptions, he argued that the life-long experiences of women that undergo extreme CRH traditions like FGM especially, infibulation, are synonymous with pain, violence and risk. To successfully eliminate FGM, he recommends supporting the current FGM-law enforcement with a soft approach targeting the software of this tradition using meaningful stakeholder engagements. This study was funded by the NORAD East African Borderlands Project, and was supervised by Assoc. Prof. Stella Neema and Dr. Fred Henry Bateganya

WELDESENBET Netsanet Gebremichael (Ms)

Topographies of reminiscences: Asmara as historical representations and deliberations

Ms. WELDESENBET Netsanet Gebremichael examined “neither war nor peace” (1998-2016) moment of historico-political raptures between Eritrea and Ethiopia from reminisces of Asmara – the capital city of Eritrea from Ethiopia in what appears to be a moment of rift. Foregrounding a context of non-movement, the dissertation asked: what happens to conventional historical methods in a moment of raptures? The dissertation opened methodological possibilities on how history could be done in moments of rift by mobilizing popular memory productions in form of oral–accounts with popular cultural productions such as autobiographies, memoirs, songs, novels and poetry. These reminiscing practices were conceptualized deliberations on popular political desires of the present. These accounts can further inform going peace-building efforts between the two countries. This study was funded by Carnegie through Makerere Institute of Social Research, and was supervised by Prof. Mahmood Mamdani.

School of Law

TUSASIRWE Benson

The judicial enforcement of the rights to freedom of political assembly and association in Uganda

Mr. TUSASIRWE Benson investigated the state of rights to freedom of political assembly and association in Uganda and the role that courts have played in their enforcement. The study found that although the concept of human rights has achieved reasonable normativity, on the ground the state of those rights remains precarious due the ideological character or content of the rights, and the political and socio-economic environment. While the courts of judicature have made bold decisions in defence of the rights, these have not gone far enough. It is contended that in the absence of a fundamental change in the political and socio-economic order, courts will not conceivably act as consistent guardians of the rights. The study was funded by Makerere University and SHUREA project, and was supervised by Frederick Jjuuko and Prof. Joe Oloka-Onyango.

Please click the links below to navigate to the PhD Citations for the respective Sessions.

< Director’s Message | Session 1: Part1: Part2 : Part3 | Session 2 | Session 3 | Session 4 >

#Mak70thGrad

General

DVCAA Commends RENU Industrial Training Programme, Calls for its Expansion

Published

16 hours ago

July 17, 2026

Mark Wamai

Prof. Sarah Ssali (2nd Row Centre) with RENU Leadership and Trainees after the visit on 15th July 2026. The Deputy Vice Chancellor in charge of Academic Affairs (DVCAA) Prof. Sarah Ssali's guided tour of Research and Education Network for Uganda (RENU)’s Industrial Trainee Program on 15th July 2026, RENU Labs, Edge Road, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

The Deputy Vice Chancellor in charge of Academic Affairs (DVCAA) Prof. Sarah Ssali on 15^th July 2026 commended the Research and Education Network for Uganda (RENU)’s Industrial Trainee Program, describing it as the perfect hands-on intervention for the future workforce. She made the comments while on a guided tour of RENU’s on-campus Lab facility where ten undergraduate students from Makerere and other Universities are undergoing a two-month practical training.

Origin of tour

The tour was prompted by a 24^th June 2026 meeting with a RENU delegation led by CEO, Mr. Nicholas Mbonimpa, aimed at broadening the existing partnership with Makerere University beyond internet service provision to supporting teaching, learning and research activities. During the said meeting, Prof. Ssali expressed Makerere‘s desire to produce graduates that are not only academically grounded but also cognizant of the needs of the job market.

Seated L-R: Prof. Dorothy Okello, Prof. Sarah Ssali, Mr. Nicholas Mbonimpa and Mr. Samuel Mugabi during the 24th June 2026 meeting. The Deputy Vice Chancellor in charge of Academic Affairs (DVCAA) Prof. Sarah Ssali's meeting with Research and Education Network for Uganda (RENU)’s Leadership on 24th June 2026, Main Building, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa. — ***Seated L-R: Prof. Dorothy Okello, Prof. Sarah Ssali, Mr. Nicholas Mbonimpa and Mr. Samuel Mugabi during the 24th June 2026 meeting.***

In his response then, Mr. Mbonimpa expressed RENU’s readiness to continue advancing digital transformation through advancing resilient connectivity, research infrastructure, and innovative initiatives that enhance teaching, learning, and research. He shared that the Senate Building’s computer network had been revamped in line with advancing resilient connectivity, and the initiative would be expanded to the College of Engineering, Design, Art and Technology (CEDAT) buildings and other premises subsequently.

The RENU CEO further highlighted that resilient connectivity forms a good basis for the proposed Open Radio Access Network (RAN) Architecture deployment set to be done within six months, so as to boost training of students in 5G and other technologies. Other initiatives discussed included training staff and students on acquisition of Open Researcher and Contributor ID (ORCID) to improve visibility of their publications and research output.

Training Program Lauded

Addressing student interns during the 15^th July guided tour, the DVCAA who was accompanied by the 92^nd Guild Speaker Rt. Hon. Trevis Mutatiina Muhwezi urged beneficiaries to harness all the technical and social opportunities accorded by the Program. “Not all students in your respective academic programmes had the benefit of being exposed to this kind of training so please make the most of it and utilize skills gained here beyond the classroom setting”.

Mr. Nicholas Mbonimpa (C) with Prof. Sarah Ssali (L) and Rt. Hon. Trevis Mutatiina Muhwezi (R). The Deputy Vice Chancellor in charge of Academic Affairs (DVCAA) Prof. Sarah Ssali's guided tour of Research and Education Network for Uganda (RENU)’s Industrial Trainee Program on 15th July 2026, RENU Labs, Edge Road, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa. — ***Mr. Nicholas Mbonimpa (C) with Prof. Sarah Ssali (L) and Rt. Hon. Trevis Mutatiina Muhwezi (R).***

The 2026 Industrial Trainee Program is equipping students with skills on how to diagnose and repair ICT equipment based on old and disused stock.

Prof Ssali was also toured the makerspace where solar-powered routers are manufactured and deployed to extend internet connectivity to both rural and urban locations. In 2023, RENU partnered with Mesh++, a Chicago-based connectivity solutions manufacturer, to manufacture solar-powered internet routers in Uganda. Since inception, over 200 units have been manufactured and deployed across various sites in Uganda, while over 80 units have been shipped to various African countries such as Malawi, Rwanda and South Sudan under the RENUMESH Technologies joint venture.

Prof. Sara Ssali inspects the RENUMESH Technologies router. The Deputy Vice Chancellor in charge of Academic Affairs (DVCAA) Prof. Sarah Ssali's guided tour of Research and Education Network for Uganda (RENU)’s Industrial Trainee Program on 15th July 2026, RENU Labs, Edge Road, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa. — ***Prof. Sara Ssali inspects the RENUMESH Technologies router.***

Partnerships Inspiring New Prototypes

The RENU CEO nevertheless pointed to a long turnaround time for shipping parts from the U.S. as one of the drawbacks hindering the product’s rapid deployment. As a result, RENU, in response to the Ugandan Government’s call for import substitution and local capacity development is developing a solar-powered internet router with some of the components sourced from Ugandan companies Innovex and Chloride Excide.

“Innovex will supply the Internet of Things (IoT) component to help RENU remotely monitor and control the router while Chloride Excide will provide the batteries” Mr. Mbonimpa explained. He added that some of the current lot of trainees were already running simulations on the prototype and proposing how the device can be further refined so as to increase its portability and reduce its price.

Prof. Sarah Ssali with RENU Leadership and Trainees in the makerspace. The Deputy Vice Chancellor in charge of Academic Affairs (DVCAA) Prof. Sarah Ssali's guided tour of Research and Education Network for Uganda (RENU)’s Industrial Trainee Program on 15th July 2026, RENU Labs, Edge Road, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa. — ***Prof. Sarah Ssali with RENU Leadership and Trainees in the makerspace.***

A call for Expansion

At the conclusion of the tour, Prof. Ssali who commended the use of modular Ugandan components for the prototype thanked the RENU team to exposing students to real-world technological deployments. She nevertheless urged the CEO and his team to expand the program’s intake beyond ten trainees and duration beyond the current two months so as to give students a richer experience.

The CEO RENUMESH Technologies Mr. Brian Masiga thanked the DVCAA for following up their 24^th June meeting with the visit, which demonstrates that the University Management values students’ development of practical skills. He equally thanked Prof. Ssali for Management’s support to RENU activities and pledged to further refine the prototype to produce a cheaper and more portable proudly Ugandan product.

Mr. Brian Masiga (R) walks Prof. Ssali (L) through the layout of the prototype. The Deputy Vice Chancellor in charge of Academic Affairs (DVCAA) Prof. Sarah Ssali's guided tour of Research and Education Network for Uganda (RENU)’s Industrial Trainee Program on 15th July 2026, RENU Labs, Edge Road, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa. — ***Mr. Brian Masiga (R) walks Prof. Ssali (L) through the layout of the prototype.***

General

Makerere University Launches First Writing Summer School to Strengthen Professional Writing Skills.

Published

2 days ago

July 16, 2026

Allan Ainematsiko

First Deputy Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, Prof Sarah Ssali on her Right, Prof. Fredrick Muyodi, and Assoc Prof. William Tayeebwa at the launch of the Summer School

KAMPALA, UGANDA, EAST AFRICA| July 6, 2026.

Makerere University has officially launched its inaugural writing summer school, a week long professional development program aimed at equipping students, graduates, researchers and staff with practical writing skills required for academic excellence and success in today’s competitive job market. The program jointly organized by the Makerere University Writing Centre and Makerere University Press (MakPress), reflects the University’s commitment to nurturing graduates with not only academic knowledge but also the communication skills needed to thrive professionally.

Held virtually, the launch attracted more than 280 participants from Makerere University and other higher education institutions, demonstrating the growing demand for structured writing support beyond the classroom.

Building the Next Generation of Writers.

Speaking at the launch, the Director of Makerere Writing Press, Prof. William Tayeebwa, said the summer school represents an important investment in developing writers before their work reaches publication.

“The press has traditionally focused on publishing books, journals and scholarly work. Today, we are expanding that mission by helping and develop the writers who will produce tomorrow’s publication.

He noted that MakPress continues to support the publication of books and scholarly works produced by members of the Makerere Community. Using recently published books authored by a member of staff and a student as examples, he encouraged participants to submit manuscripts for publishing support rather than relying solely on self publication.

Writing as a Foundation for Academic and Professional Success.

Chairperson of the Makerere University Writing Centre, Prof. Frederick Muyodi, said the center was established to strengthen the writing competences among students, researchers and university staff.

” The Writers Center is here to support every stage of the writing process from CVs and application letters to research manuscripts, grant proposals, reports and responsible use of Artificial Intelligence in writing.”

He explained that the Centre supports writing across multiple disciplines and professional contexts, adding that its long term vision is to extend writing support beyond Makerere University to institutions across Uganda and the East African region.

Equipping Graduates for the Labour Market.

Officially launching the summer school, the First Deputy Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, Prof. Sarah Ssali, described the initiative as a strategic investment in preparing graduates for an increasingly competitive labour market.

She observed that while universities successfully impart disciplinary knowledge, many graduates leave campus without the practical writing skills required to secure employment and other professional opportunities.

“We teach content very, but many students are never taught how to write an effective CV, application letter, motivation statement or scholarly essay. Yet these are the documents that often determine whether someone secures an opportunity.”

Prof. Ssali said the writing summer school would bridge the gap between classroom learning and professional practice by equipping participants with market ready communication skills.

Reaffirming her office’s commitment to the initiative, she added:

“My office is pleased to support this initiative as we institutionalize the Writing Summer School to ensure that Makerere graduates leave not only with degrees but also with practical competencies needed to thrive professionally,”

She officially declared the inaugural Writing Summer School open and expressed optimism that future editions would attract even more participants and resources.

Participants Gain Practical CV Writing Skills.

The first technical session was facilitated by Mr. Abdul Noor Luttamaguzi, a PhD student in the Department of Zoology, Entomology and Fisheries Sciences within the School of Bio sciences at Makerere University, a Senior Fisheries Officer with Luweero District Local Government, and the founder and director of the ANL Foundation, an organization that supports youth employment and capacity building.

During the session, he guided participants on developing competitive CVs tailored to specific professionals and employer expectations. He emphasized that applicants should customize their CVs to suit each opportunity instead of submitting the same document for every application. Participants also learned how effectively present their education, work experience, leadership roles technical competencies and professional achievements, while avoiding unnecessary personal information. Practical demonstrations using professional specific CVs provided participants with hands on examples of preparing competitive job application documents.

Looking Ahead.

The Writing Summer School continues throughout the week sessions on application letter writing, responsible use of artificial intelligence, professional communication and other essential writing skills aimed at improving academic productivity and employablity.

Through initiatives such as the Writing Summer School, Makerere University continues to strengthen its commitment to producing graduates who are not academically accomplished but also equipped with practical communication skills that enable them to compete and lead in today’s global workplace.

General

Makerere Launches Strategic Plan 2025-2030 to Drive Research, Innovation and National Development.

Published

3 days ago

July 15, 2026

Allan Ainematsiko

Hon. Henry Musasizi (3rd R) unveils the Makerere University Strategic Plan (2025-2030).

Kampala, Uganda East Africa.

Makerere University has officially launched its Strategic Plan 2025-2030, reaffirming its commitment to advancing research, innovation, academic excellence and human capital development in support of Uganda’s national transformation agenda.

The Strategic Plan, unveiled by the Minister of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, Hon. Henry Musasizi, provides a road map for strengthening the University’s contribution to Uganda’s Tenfold Growth Strategy through research, innovation, entrepreneurship and the production of highly skilled graduates.

The launch, held at the University’s Main Hall, brought together government officials, members of the University Council, management, development partners, staff and students to witness what leaders described as the beginning of Makerere University’s next phase of institutional transformation.

Positioning Makerere for National Transformation.

Delivering his remarks, Vice Chancellor Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe said the Strategic Plan reflects Makerere University’s ambition to become an even stronger research led institution that responds directly to Uganda’s development priorities.

He noted that the University intends to restore student enrollment to pre COVID levels while significantly increasing postgraduate training to produce more researchers, innovators and professionals capable of addressing national challenges.

Prof. Nawangwe also highlighted the University’s growing research portfolio, commending researchers and research centers that continue to attract substantial international funding.

“when you combine the grants won by all our researchers through competitive international funding, the total exceeds US$200 million,” He said.

The Vice Chancellor also pointed to the need to strengthen the University’s academic workforce, noting that although progress has been made, more investment is required to fill approved academic positions, particularly at professor and associate professor levels.

Strategic Plan Sets Ambitious Institutional Targets.

Chairperson of the University Council, Dr. Lorna Magara, described the Strategic Plan as more than an institutional document, calling it “a public covenant with the people of Uganda.”

She said the Plan outlines measurable commitments that will guide the University’s performance over the next five years, including expanding postgraduate enrolment, increasing STEM participation, improving doctoral completion rates and strengthening research productivity.

Dr. Lorna Magala — ***Dr. Lorna Magara.***

“Ambition is precisely what this moment demands. A strategic plan is not measured by the elegance of its language, but by the lives it transforms,” she said.

Dr. Magara emphasized that every investment in Makerere University should translate into tangible benefits for society through research, innovation, leadership and skilled graduates.

She also called for reforms to Uganda’s Universities and Other Tertiary Institutions Act to strengthen university governance and create an enabling environment for innovation and knowledge production.

Government Reaffirms Support.

Launching the Strategic Plan, Hon. Henry Musasizi commended Makerere University for aligning its institutional priorities with Uganda’s Vision 2040, the Fourth National Development Plan (NDP IV) and the country’s Tenfold Growth Strategy.

He observed that universities remain central actors in national development because they produce the knowledge, innovation and skilled workforce required to transform Uganda’s economy.

“Universities are central actors in national transformation. they are engines of knowledge creation, innovation and human capital development,” he said.

The Minister emphasized government’s commitment to supporting research, innovation and stronger collaboration between universities and industry to ensure that knowledge generated within higher education institutions contributes directly to economic growth.

Universities Critical to Uganda’s Tenfold Growth Strategy.

Presenting the national development perspective, Samuel Kasule, Senior Planner at the National Planning Authority, explained that the Strategic Plan aligns closely with the Uganda’s long term development framework.

He noted that achieving the country’s ambitious economic growth targets will depend heavily on universities producing competent graduates, expanding research and strengthening innovation ecosystems that support priority sectors including agriculture, tourism, ICT, minerals, manufacturing, and oil and gas.

Kasule further underscored the importance of competency based education and post graduate training in building the human capital required for sustainable national development.

A Shared Vision for the Future.

Throughout the launch, speakers emphasized that Makerere University’s future lies in becoming an increasingly research intensive, innovation driven institution that responds to national and global development challenges.

The Strategic Plan 2025-2030 outlines priorities that include strengthening research excellence, promoting innovation and commercialization, expanding digital transformation, enhancing partnerships with industry, and producing graduates equipped to drive socioeconomic transformation.

Its launch marks a renewed commitment by Makerere University to remain at the forefront of knowledge generation and to contribute meaningfully to Uganda’s long term development aspirations.