During its special meeting held on 19th February 2020, the University Council considered the Management report, the Senate report, the report of the Finance, Planning, Administration and Investment Committee and reports of University Companies.
Council noted:
That the University Senate had recommended candidates for the positions of Principal and Deputy Principal in the College of Humanities and Social Sciences, College of Health Sciences and the College of Business and Management Sciences.
That a petition had been received from 43 staff of the College of Health Sciences regarding the search for the Principal of the College. The petition was received late in relation to the date of the Council meeting. Accordingly, more time was needed to study the matters raised.
That the search for Principals and Deputy Principals continued to attract low numbers of applicants. Council needed to review the low interest in the positions and undertake mitigation measures.
That Consultations had been ongoing regarding the search for the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Finance and Administration) following the annulment of the initial appointment by Court. The University needed to advance the search process to another stage.
That for the first half of FY2019/2020, the University received a total cash release of UGX 157.966 Billion from the Consolidated Fund, representing 50% of the appropriated budget for FY2019/2020. The total Non-tax Revenue collection for the half year was UGX 56.2 Billion, representing 117% revenue performance of the estimated revenue collection for the half year period.
That total receipts under grants (off-budget) financing was UGX 112.26 Billion representing 42% of the approved off-budget financing for financial year 2019/2020 which is UGX 256 Billion.
That the University received supplementary funding of UGX 1.891 Billion from Government towards the establishment of a Forensic Sciences Institute in the College of Natural Sciences.
That the University experienced budget implementation challenges including a wage bill deficit of UGX 14.619 Billion and domestic arrears of UGX 46 Billion including the arrears owed to Makerere University Retirement Benefits Scheme (MURBS). The Ministry of Finance had been engaged to support the University to cover the deficit.
That the reports and matters concerning University Companies to wit Makerere University Holdings Company Limited, Makerere University Endowment Fund and Africa Institute for Strategic Animal Resource Services and Development (AFRISA) needed to be further studied by the responsible committees of Council including the Audit Committee, Finance, Planning, Administration and Investment Committee (FPAIC), and the Legal, Rules and Privileges Committee.
That Management needed to investigate the operations of Makerere University Private Sector Forum (MUPSF) and make a report to Council.
That there was need to appoint a Board of Directors and Board of Trustees for Makerere University Holdings Company Limited and Makerere University Endowment fund.
That Senate had recommended the establishment of a Biomedical Research Centre in the School of Biomedical Sciences. The proposed Centre is expected to enhance research in Biomedical Sciences.
That the University has commenced on the process of staff appraisal. In addition, it is necessary for all Heads of Administrative Units to submit quarterly performance reports to the Vice Chancellor.
That Management set up a committee to investigate the administration of the 70th graduation. The investigation was expected to address issues relating to the supply of gowns for the 70th graduation. The Committee was also expected to provide recommendations for improving the management of graduation ceremonies.
That there is need to provide alternatives for graduands to access graduation gowns, the options should include hiring or purchasing the gowns.
That at its 148th meeting held on 20th December 2019, Council resolved that all short-term or stopgap contracts that expire were not to be renewed. The Appointments Board permitted the Vice Chancellor to consider urgent matters where he could extend such contracts for a maximum of three months and not exceeding 31st March 2020.
That Management was undertaking commendable efforts to protect University land.
That based on request of the Students Guild, Management extended Guild Elections pending consideration of the proposals to amend the Guild Electoral Regulations as requested by the students during the Emergency Council Meeting of 29th October 2019. Council had received written submissions from the Students’ Guild on the proposed amendments which need to be considered urgently.
That Council needs to enact a Grants Management Policy to streamline the management of grants in the University.
Council Agreed:
To approve the Senate recommendation of candidates for the positions of Principal and Deputy Principal and accordingly recommend the following to the Chancellor for appointment:
Principal College of
Humanities and Social Sciences
Dr. Josephine Ahikire
Principal, College of
Business and Management Sciences
Dr. Eria Hisali
Deputy Principal, College of
Business and Management Sciences
Dr. Bruno Yawe
Deputy Principal, College of
Health Sciences
Dr. Moses Kajja
To defer consideration of the Senate recommendation of the candidate for Principal of the College of Health Sciences pending the decision on the petition raised by staff of the College. The said petition shall be handled within a period of two weeks.
To approve the establishment of a Biomedical Research Centre in the School of Biomedical Sciences, College of Health Sciences.
To approve the Budget Performance Report for Quarter Two of FY2019/2020.
To refer the proposed amendments to the Guild Electoral Regulations to the Legal, Rules and Privileges Committee, which shall report to Council within a period of one week.
To refer matters of AFRISA to the different Committees of Council to wit: Legal matters be considered by the Legal, Rules and Privileges Committee, Financial and Administration matters be handled by Finance, Planning, Administration and Investment Committee and Audit matters be handled by the Audit Committee
To require all heads of Administrative Units to submit quarterly performance reports to the Vice Chancellor who in turn shall submit the reports to Council.
That the University Senate be required to set up a Search Committee for the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Finance and Administration).
That Management investigates the operations of Makerere University Private Sector Forum and reports to Council at the next meeting.
To extend the tenure of the outgoing Board of Directors of Makerere University Holdings Company Limited and the Board of Trustees of Makerere University Endowment Fund for one-year effective 31st August 2019.
That Management considers alternative ways for graduands to access graduation gowns. This should include the option of purchasing or hiring the gowns.
That there shall be no extension of stopgap and or short-term contracts beyond 31st March 2020 without authorisation of the Appointments Board.
That management presents a proposed Grants Management Policy to the Legal, Rules and Privileges Committee within a period of two weeks.
The meeting was chaired by Ms. Getrude Basiima, who represented Mr. Hannington Ashaba, Director Budget at the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development (MoFPED). Ms. Basiima commended the Centre for its continued commitment to strengthening public investment management capacity across government institutions.
In her remarks, Ms. Basiima applauded the Centre for successfully hosting the Public Investment Management Conference held in August at Makerere University. The conference attracted key policymakers, development partners, and academics who deliberated on how to enhance the efficiency, sustainability, and impact of public investments in Uganda.
She further shared exciting news that the Government of Uganda has secured funding from the World Bank to support the public investment management function. The PIM Centre, she announced, will be among the key beneficiaries of these funds — receiving support for the construction and acquisition of a permanent home to enhance its institutional sustainability and training capacity.
Reviewing the Centre’s quarterly performance, Ms. Basiima congratulated the team for successfully conducting three specialized trainings in the first quarter, reaching officials from various Ministries, Departments, and Agencies. These trainings continue to strengthen the technical competencies required for effective project preparation, appraisal, and implementation in line with Uganda’s National Development Plan.
The PIM Steering Committee in a meeting held at Emin Pasha Hotel
She encouraged the Centre to integrate climate change considerations into its future training programmes, noting that sustainable public investment must now account for environmental resilience and climate adaptation.
The centre team presented the proposed structure/ organogram, the financial performance of 2024/2025, research areas for 2025/2026 and the strategic plan for 2025 – 2030.
The Steering Committee reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the PIM Centre’s vision of becoming a regional leader in building capacity for efficient, transparent, and sustainable public investment management.
A significant development unfolded at Makerere University during a strategic, hour-long meeting in the vice chancellor’s boardroom on 7th October 2025, marking a deepening bond with the University of Groningen in the Netherlands. The primary goal was to move beyond existing collaborations and formalize a new Double Doctorate (PhD) program. Prof. Sarah Saali, the Deputy Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, set the tone by emphasizing that institutional partnerships are crucial to Makerere University, which she proudly called the leading research and most collaborative university in the world.
The parties from Makerere University and the University of Groningen meeting in the Vice Chancellor’s Boardroom.
The discussion promptly formed the core structure of the program: a four-year PhD (or three if the master’s was research-based), with supervision duties split 50-50% between the two institutions. A key feature is the mobility requirement, stipulating that PhD candidates would spend a total of six months in the Netherlands, potentially divided into two three-month periods. Crucially, the University of Groningen confirmed there would be no teaching requirement during this stay, allowing students full access to focus on their research. A major financial hurdle was overcome with the adoption of a fee-waiver policy; Makerere would waive tuition for incoming Groningen candidates, and Groningen would reciprocate for Makerere‘s students, significantly boosting the program’s financial viability.
Prof. Sarah Ssali (R) presents a Mak Souvenir to Dr. Anita Veltmaat.
However, the critical issue of the stipend remained. Dr. Anita Veltmaat explained that to meet the required living standard of approximately €1,875 per month in Groningen, the incoming candidate must secure a partial external scholarship of around €250 per month. The positive news is that if the candidate secures this minimum scholarship, the University of Groningen is prepared to top up the amount to the full living standard for the six months the student spends in the Netherlands. It was noted that this initial financial hurdle might be simplified for Makerere students, as many are already staff members receiving a salary, which could help cover the required €250.
The meeting in session.
The path forward was clear: it was to complete the agreement template guided by the setup committee from both institutions. The plan culminated in scheduling an online follow-up meeting for Tuesday, November 11th, to review the first revision of the agreement, capping a highly constructive discussion that solidified the two universities’ shared future in graduate education.
The Team from Makerere University from Left to Right: Dr. Ruth Nsibirano, Dr. Racheal Nuwagaba, Dr. Patricia Ndugga, Dr. Stella Achen, Dr. Joseph Watuleke, and Ms. Agatha Ainemukama.
Makerere University was represented by Prof. Sarah Ssali, the Deputy Vice Chancellor in charge of Academics Affairs; Dr. Ruth Nsibirano, Head of the Department of Gender Studies; Dr. Patricia Ndugga, School of Statistics; Dr. Stella Achen and Dr. Joseph Watuleke, School of Distance and Lifelong Learning; Agatha Ainemukama, School of Engineering; Racheal Nuwagaba, School of Psychology; Awel Uwihanganye, Martine Rugamba, and Hawa Ndagire from the Advancement Office; and Muhammad Kiggundu from the Institute of Gender and Development Studies.
Prof. Sarah Ssali (R) presents a Makerere Souvenir to Mrs. Alette Arendshorst.
The University of Groningen was represented by Dr. Dinie Bouwman, Senior Policy Advisor, Internationalization and Quality Assurance; Dr. Anita Veltmaat, Faculty of Social Behavior and Social Sciences, Department of International Studies, involved in mentorship programs for women; and Dr. Alette Arendshorst, Faculty of Behavioral and Social Sciences, working on graduation/collaboration for students/staff.
Makerere University on Tuesday, 7th October 2025 hosted a delegation from Nelson Mandela University (NMU), South Africa in the Vice Chancellor’s Boardroom in a bid to strengthen academic partnerships and operationalize their existing Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).
The delegation, led by Prof. Azwinndini Muronga, Deputy Vice Chancellor: Research, Innovation and Internationalisation, NMU, aimed to turn earlier agreements into actionable collaborations and build sustainable partnerships with various colleges.
The Acting (Ag.) Deputy Vice Chancellor; Finance and Administration, Prof. Winston Tumps Ireeta, provided an overview of the institution’s structure—nine colleges, two schools, and two institutes—while acknowledging the challenges of maintaining excellence amid resource limitations and post-pandemic recovery. He emphasized that collaboration must serve the broader goal of research-driven development, calling for teamwork and resilience among African universities. “We have to work together to sustain high academic standards and contribute to the continent’s progress,” he noted.
Prof. Winston Tumps Ireeta (L) presents a Mak necktie to Prof. Azwinndini Muronga (R).
Prof. Muronga spoke passionately about the NMU’s “African footprint agenda.” He urged both institutions to start with small, practical projects that can build confidence and momentum for larger initiatives. “We must grow partnerships within Africa first,” he stated, “before we expand globally. True collaboration begins when both sides contribute equally, share capacity, and build self-reliance.”
Prof. Muronga also expressed interest in joint research projects, doctoral supervision, and shared grant applications, noting that NMU and Makerere are strategically positioned to lead regional academic innovation.
In her remarks, Prof. Judy Peter, Senior Director in the International Office at NMU emphasized the University’s commitment to African-centered collaboration and the importance of internationalizing the curriculum and expanding research capacity.
Prof. Peter underscored the importance of student mobility, joint supervision of postgraduate students, and the recruitment of talented African scholars, noting that such exchanges enrich both institutions’ academic communities. She also emphasized the need to internationalize the curriculum, particularly through virtual learning platforms and co-teaching models, to ensure broader accessibility and shared expertise.
Contributions also came from Prof. James Wokadala, Deputy Principal, College of Business and Management Sciences (CoBAMS), further amplified the need to “start small and build on existing collaborations.” He proposed developing a clear roadmap that defines short-term goals and identifies areas for mutual growth.
From the College of Health Sciences, Dr. Richard Idro, the Deputy Principal highlighted opportunities for fellowship, training and collaboration in clinical subjects, emphasizing the need for practical exchanges that benefit students and staff alike. He also addressed logistical challenges such as transportation and coordination, urging for targeted partnerships that can yield tangible results.
Some of the Makerere officials that attended the meeting from Left to Right: Prof. Yazidhi Bamutaze, Dr. Richard Idro, Prof. James Wokadala, Prof. Eric Awich Ochen, and Prof. Godfrey Akileng.
The meeting reaffirmed the universities’ commitment to collaboration in areas including faculty exchange for guest lectures, seminars, and sabbaticals; joint research and grant applications for regional and international funding; co-supervision of postgraduate students; virtual classroom exchanges; curriculum internationalization and exchange of academic materials; and capacity development for academic and administrative staff.
The teams also identified “quick-win” projects that could be implemented in the short term and agreed to establish a joint implementation team to monitor progress. Further discussions will explore funding mechanisms, including the possibility of leveraging programs like Erasmus+, to support student exchange and joint research initiatives.
In his closing remarks, Prof. Muronga reaffirmed Nelson Mandela University’s commitment to ensuring that the partnership yields visible outcomes. Both universities agreed that future engagements will be structured around mutual respect, accountability, and measurable results.
The meeting concluded on a note of optimism, with both institutions expressing confidence that their partnership will not only advance academic excellence but also contribute to Africa’s broader vision of educational and research self-reliance.
The meeting was attended by several officials from Makerere including; Prof. Eric Awich Ochen-Deputy Principal, College of Humanities and Social Sciences (CHUSS), Prof. Yazidhi Bamutaze-Deputy Principal, College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES), Prof. Godfrey Akileng-Dean School of Business, Dr. Geoffrey Nuwagaba-CoBAMS, Mr. Martine Rugamba-Ag. Chief Advancement Office, and Ms. Hawa Kajumba-Advancement Office.