The Makerere University Research and Innovations Fund (RIF) on Friday 31st January 2020 held the second consultative workshop for representatives from Private Sector Institutions, Non-Governmental Organisations and Development Partners aimed at understanding priority research and innovation needs in the different sectors so as to develop a robust research agenda. Participating agencies were grouped according to sectors such as; Agriculture, Business Development Support, Culture, Conservation, Finance, Health, Gender, ICT, Manufacturing, SMEs, Social Welfare, Trade and Transport.
Representing the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic Affairs)-DVCAA, Dr. Umar Kakumba thanked participating agencies for supporting Makerere University to continue providing innovative teaching and learning, research and services responsive to national and global needs.
“Makerere University is proud of its longstanding history of leveraging and nurturing national and international collaborations and partnerships. It is such initiatives which have kept our University blossoming in research, teaching and community service. I hope that we can coin additional collaborations and partnerships by the end of our engagement today” remarked the DVCAA.
Dr. Kakumba shared that Makerere University’s Research agenda aims to; provide a robust supportive environment for a research-driven university, increase capacity for knowledge transformation and innovation as well as strengthen research and innovation management and coordination.
“Our agenda also aims to mainstream gender in all research and innovation activities, mobilise more funds for research, promote commercialization of innovations, exploit intellectual property and enhance networks with teaching, research and cultural institutions” added the DVCAA.
He therefore urged participants to work closely with the University in its quest to strengthen Uganda’s research capacity and output by generously contributing to the discussion in the stakeholders’ workshop.
The Chairperson RIF Grants Management Committee (GMC), Prof. William Bazeyo in his remarks noted that workshop was Makerere’s first engagement with the private sector to develop a research agenda. “We are transitioning Makerere into a research-led University in as far as both the Humanities and Sciences are concerned, which will result into increased research output.”
He noted that although 71% of research continues to be funded by donors, the UGX 30billion intervention by the Government of Uganda through RIF is a gesture that has been greatly welcomed by the Makerere University community. He shared the University’s keenness to also mobilise resources to fund research from the private sector.
“The grants under RIF are awarded to projects that impact communities and national development priorities. We would therefore like you our stakeholders to provide additional input into what we should research about so that together, we can develop a comprehensive research agenda” added Prof. Bazeyo.
The Chairperson GMC also underlined the University’s intention to produce data-driven innovations and increase dissemination of research by working together with the private sector and other actors.
The feedback received from parallel group discussions will be used by the GMC to define priority research and innovation areas for the different sectors. Participants in the Health sector in particular outlined; the need for innovative ICT systems that reduce patient waiting times, study opportunities for demographic dividends and ways to increase data exchange among health sector players as some of the research priorities.
The Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe on 20th April 2026 inaugurated the Second Makerere University Health User Committee (Mak-HUC). The Committee was established by the Vice Chancellor in 2022 as part of his strategic mandate to strengthen and oversee the University Hospital services delivery.
Chaired by Dr. Allen Kabagenyi from the College of Business and Management Sciences (CoBAMS), Mak-HUC has as its members; Prof. Josaphat K. Byamugisha-Director Makerere University Health Services (MakHS) and Dr. Daniel Ronald Ruhweza-Department of Law and Jurisprudence, School of Law.
Other members include; Dr. Arthur Kwizera-Department of Anaesthesia and Critical Care, College of Health Sciences (CHS) and Makerere University Academic Staff Association (MUASA) Representative, Dr. Lillian Tukahirwa-Makerere University Administrative Staff Association (MASA) Representative, Mr. Godfrey Othieno- National Union of Educational Institutions (NUEI) Representative, and as Secretariat, Ms. Kevin M. Nabiryo-Directorate of Human Resources.
Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe (C) interacts with members of the 2nd Mak-HUC.
The 2nd Mak-HUC has been appointed for a period of four years effective 1st January 2026 with a mandate to: Guide, monitor and oversee delivery of health services by MakHS; Represent the interests and concerns of staff and students that use MakHS; Advise on alignment with sustainable health financing and insurance models; Strengthen systems for fraud prevention, digital transformation and access to specialized treatment, among other responsibilities.
The 1st Mak-HUC was chaired by Dr. Allen Kabagenyi and had as members; Prof. Josaphat Byamugisha, Dr. Fred Mayambala, Dr. Zahara Nampewo, Mr. Othieno Godfrey, Mr. Apunyo Paul Okiria and Ms. Ikiriza Racheal. Milestones during the first era included; Outpatient Department visits growth from 4,802 (2022) to 7,388 (Nov 2025) for staff and 14,641 (2022) to 19,069 (Nov 2025) for students.
Others milestones included; Commissioning of a fully equipped Operating Theatre, Establishment of a modern Imaging Hub, Development of a fully functional Audiology Unit, Expansion of the Temporal Bone Laboratory, Launch of the Olink Proteomics Platform and Enhancement of the Dental Unit with 32 dental chairs and experienced personnel.
All applications must be submitted electronically via the Makerere University Electronic Human Resource Management System through the above link (ehrms). Applicants will be required to provide the necessary information on the ehrms and attach the following documents:
An application letter clearly stating the job applied for and duly signed by the applicant.
An up-to-date curriculum vitae. The curriculum must also state the names and addresses of at least three referees.
Copies of academic certificates and transcripts.
A minimum of three recommendation letters duly signed by the referees.
The application should be addressed to:
The Chief Human Resource Officer Makerere University P.O. Box 7062 Kampala
On Monday, 20th April 2026, the Academic Registrar, Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi and his Senior Management Team (SMT) convened to witness the official handover of office within the Senate Division. The ceremony, attended by representatives from the Directorate of Internal Audit, marked an important moment of transition and continuity in the University’s academic administration. The outgoing Deputy Academic Registrar in charge of the Senate Division, Mrs. Patience Mushengyezi, formally handed over office to Ms. Gladys Khamili, who assumes the role in an acting capacity.
In his remarks, Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi underscored the significance of the transition, situating it within a broader institutional context. He observed that the Department of the Academic Registrar has, over the years, experienced a steady wave of retirements, particularly among senior staff. He noted that this trend is expected to continue, with a considerable number of experienced personnel due to retire within the next two years.
While acknowledging the institutional gaps created by these departures, he reassured staff that the University is actively addressing the situation to ensure the continued efficiency of the Department.
“You will agree with me that the Department has, over the years, witnessed the retirement of many senior colleagues. Their departure leaves behind a significant institutional gap. However, the University is fully aware and will address it through targeted recruitment,” he stated.
In her detailed handover report, which she delivered verbatim, Mrs. Patience Mushengyezi reflected on her tenure with gratitude and a deep sense of fulfillment. She paid tribute to the Vice-Chancellor, in his capacity as Chairperson of the University Senate, for his steadfast guidance and support throughout her service. She also expressed sincere appreciation to the Academic Registrar, Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi, for his pragmatic and results-oriented leadership.
Ms. Gladys Khamili.Members of the Academic Registrar’s Senior Management Team witness the handover.
“I remain deeply grateful for the support from the Vice-Chancellor and all members of Senate for the trust they accorded me. I equally thank the Academic Registrar, Prof. Buyinza, for his results-oriented approach to administration. His support enabled us to achieve remarkable progress under the DARP (Digitalization of Academic Records and Processes) Project, including the successful digitalization of Senate minutes, some dating as far back as the 1990s, which are now easily retrievable,” she noted.
Her remarks painted a picture of dedication, progress, and institutional strengthening, leaving behind a legacy that will continue to benefit the University.
In her acceptance remarks, Ms. Gladys Khamili expressed heartfelt appreciation to the Academic Registrar for the confidence placed in her. She acknowledged the weight of responsibility that comes with the role and pledged her commitment to upholding the standards and gains established by her predecessor.
She paid glowing tribute to Mrs. Mushengyezi’s exceptional service, noting that her impact within the Senate Division is both profound and enduring.
Ms Khamili paid glowing tribute to Mrs. Mushengyezi’s exceptional service.
“I am truly honored by the trust bestowed upon me. I am committed to building on the strong foundation laid by Mrs. Mushengyezi, whose remarkable contribution and dedication will continue to inspire us all,” she said.
The ceremony not only marked the end of a distinguished era in the Department of the Academic Registrar, but also the beginning of a new phase, underscored by continuity, renewal, and a shared commitment to excellence in academic administration at Makerere University.
Gerald Ochwo is the Liaison and Communication Officer, Office of the Academic Registrar