General
Council Interfaces with Committee on QA and GM Over Curriculum Restructuring
The Makerere University Council has received updates from its Committee on Quality Assurance (QA) and Gender Mainstreaming (GM) on the progress of restructuring academic programmes at Makerere University. This was during a retreat held from 5th to 7th March 2020 in Entebbe. The aforementioned Committee, headed by Rt. Hon. Daniel Fred Kidega, is charged with analyzing various processes at Makerere University and recommending changes to Council. Rt. Hon. Kidega doubles as the Vice Chairperson of Council.
“The Committee will look into what needs to be done to raise the university to a higher level in terms of its goals. This committee brings together two important Directorates: Quality Assurance and Gender Mainstreaming. My experience is that we have been so engaged on academic issues, but the committee intends to go beyond that. Other issues that have been left hanging over the years need to be brought to the fore,” explained Rt. Hon. Kidega.
In a presentation titled, ‘Making Mak Number One,’ Dr. Vincent Ssembatya, the Director Quality Assurance and Secretary to the Committee, argued that Universities are citadels not silos, and should therefore be able to avail solutions to pressing needs in society. For Makerere to be able to do so more effectively, he argues that there is need to revise the enrolment strategy. “The proposed plan is to increase graduate enrolment to 40%, which translates into about 10,000 students. We further hope to have a 40% STEM composition and 20% as international students.”
“I am optimistic that this will be achieved by the time Makerere University turns one hundred in 2022. This commitment requires Makerere to push key strategies such as becoming truly research-led. We need to reduce the staff to student ratios to 1:15 from the current 1:21. Makerere University has 31,000 students out of the 180,000 spread across both public and private universities in Uganda. The University, which was established in 1922 with 14 students, grew from an average of 3,700 students in the 1970s, 4,700 students in the 1980s, 10,000 students in the 1990s to more than 37,000 students in the 2010s. This number has now retracted to about 31,000 in 2020,” he elaborated.
In relation to restructuring of academic programmes, Prof. Rhoda Wanyenze, the Chair, Curriculum Restructuring Sub-Committee explained that the process aims at supporting a curriculum that leverages research in the University. In addition is the need to reduce on duplication and support efficient utilization of human and financial resources.
She updated the retreat that the Committee has already interfaced with Principals, Deputy Principals and Heads of Department from across all Colleges in the university. This interaction was, according to Prof. Wanyenze, a receptive one, given the fact that the Colleges appreciated the need for a curriculum review.
The Chairperson of Council, Mrs. Lorna Magara, challenged the Quality Assurance Directorate to take on the mantle of reshaping the university head-on. “We see Quality Assurance as the heartbeat that will determine the health of the university. And so the purpose of this retreat is critical because it is a time of assessment, reflections on where we are, where we want to go and what we need to do. Institutions run on moulds. If there is a fault in the mould, the products that come out shall be faulty. I see Quality Assurance as that arm of the university that shapes the mould. It is a critical unit within the University that will determine the quality that comes out of this university,” she emphasized.
She advised that as Makerere University prepares to celebrate 100 years in 2022, the timing for a frank self-assessment could not be more appropriate. “This is a great opportunity to step aside and reflect. There is incredible research coming out of Makerere University. Makerere has the highest number of PhDs in Uganda. What is the impact of these PhD holders on responding to the challenges of Uganda? Knowledge is best appreciated when it meets the needs of community. Knowledge should impact culture and lifestyle. What is Makerere doing in providing solutions to the many needs around us?” she asked. Mrs. Magara emphasized that Makerere University must continuously place herself as a point of reference for all solutions that the government seeks.
The Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, responded that indeed Makerere University is ranked highly and will continue to find solutions for society’s needs, as has been the case. “In a discussion with a team from the Times Higher Education, I was told that Makerere ranks quite high in certain aspects especially in clinical research. We have concentrated a lot on teaching, learning and research. We have perhaps not paid much attention to the quality of the other inputs that contribute to our product. We have a new strategic plan that will be launched in due course. It streamlines where we want to go across all key areas,” he explained.
Makerere University has close to 6,000 publications in citation indices as per the 2007-2016 data. This count makes the institution top most in the country. Second placed is Mbarara University of Science and Technology (MUST) with 627, Uganda Virus Research Institute (UVRI) with 564, Ministry of Health (MoH) with 550 among others.
The Director, Gender Mainstreaming Directorate (GMD), Dr. Euzobia Baine Mugisha noted that the Makerere University Human Resource (HR) policies; namely the Human Resources Manual 2009 and Staff Development Policy, do not include gender specific provisions at entry, staff development, and retention. She pointed out the lack of affirmative action provisions in the recruitment, appointment and staff development opportunities as aspects that need revision. In addition is the fact that elections as a mode of appointing staff into certain leadership positions disadvantage women.
Dr. Sarah Ssali, the Dean, School of Women and Gender Studies in a presentation on, ‘The Centrality of Human Resource in transitioning into a research-led university’ observed the need for better HR processes and keen interest on research. “Good HR management should be cognizant of the type of people needed and if the right people are in the right jobs. Research intensive universities have been able to identify what their countries wanted at a particular time and driven it through research and dissemination. Both pure and applied research must be available, there has to be delivery of research-led teaching. Research-intensive universities should directly speak to the needs of society. Third generation universities are multi-disciplinary. They offer a breadth of courses and students are encouraged to pick from a wide range. In addition is a high proportion of post-graduate research programmes,” she explained.
Another key presentation was from Ms. Penninah Kabenge on the need to improve the sports facilities at Makerere University through reclaiming some and constructing others. In addition is the dire need for a policy on sports. The revamping of sports will ensure that the physical fitness and recreational needs of staff and students are well taken care of.
The retreat closed off with a commitment to reconvene at a later date with feedback on proposed changes both at policy and implementation levels. The Committee of Quality Assurance and Gender Mainstreaming was reconstituted by Council in Jan 2019, to oversee the implementation of polices under the respective Directorates. Besides overseeing all academic affairs of the University, the Deputy Vice Chancellor in charge of Academic Affairs (DVCAA), Dr. Umar Kakumba, is a member of Council and a member of this Committee. He chairs the sub-Committee of Senate that handles all academic programmes. His Office is set to play a major role in the transformation of the curriculum.
Below is a list of those who attended the retreat and their respective roles:
- Mrs. Lorna Magara: Chairperson, Makerere University Council.
- Rt. Hon. Dan Fred Kidega: Vice Chairperson, Makerere University Council and Chair of the Committee on QA and GM.
- Professor Barnabas Nawangwe: Vice Chancellor, Chairperson Makerere University Senate, Ex-officio member of Council and Member of the Committee on QA and GM.
- Assoc. Prof. Umar Kakumba: DVC (AA), Member of the Committee on QA and GM.
- Dr. Vincent. A. Ssembatya: Director Quality Assurance, Secretary to the Committee on QA and GM.
- Assoc. Professor Sarah Ssali: Dean, School of Gender and Women Studies, Senate Representative to Council, Member of the Committee on QA and GM and of the sub-Committee on Curriculum Restructuring.
- Prof. Rhoda Wanyenze: Dean, School of Public Health, Senate Representative to the Committee on QA and GM, Chair of the sub-Committee on Curriculum Restructuring.
- Dr. Euzobia Mugisha Baine: Director, Gender Mainstreaming and Member of the Secretariat.
- Dr. Helen Nambalirwa Nkabala: MUASA Representative to Council, Member of the Committee on QA and GM and sub-Committee on Curriculum Restructuring.
- Prof. Helen M. Byamugisha: University Librarian
- Mr. Yusuf Kiranda: Acting University Secretary, Secretary to Council and Eex-officio to the Committee.
- Dr. Monica Musenero Masanza: Member of the Committee on QA and GM.
- Mr. Bruce Balaba Kabasa: Chair of the Finance and Planning Committee and Member of the QA and GM Committee
- Assoc. Prof. John Mango: Member of the QA and GM Committee and the sub-Committee on Curriulum Restructuring
- Mr. Gilbert Arikosi: Principle Program Officer (Academics) QA Directorate and Member of Secretariat.
Article Compiled by QAD
General
Makerere University and World Bank Sign Partnership to Strengthen Environmental and Social Sustainability Capacity
On 5th March 2026, Makerere University signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the International Development Association (IDA), the financing arm of the World Bank Group, establishing a strategic partnership aimed at strengthening environmental and social sustainability systems in Uganda and the wider East African region.
The collaboration brings together Makerere University through the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES) and the College of Humanities and Social Sciences (CHUSS) and the World Bank to jointly advance training, research, and policy advisory in environmental and social sustainability.
The three-year agreement provides a framework for cooperation focused on building national capacity to manage environmental and social risks associated with large-scale development investments.
Advancing Sustainable Development through Knowledge Partnerships
The partnership will be anchored in the Environment and Social Sustainability Centre (ESSC) at Makerere University, a national hub established to promote applied research, policy engagement, and professional training in environmental and social governance.
Through the Centre, the two institutions will collaborate to strengthen Uganda’s ability to plan and implement development projects in ways that safeguard communities and the environment.
Speaking during the signing ceremony, Ms. Francisca Ayodeji (Ayo) Akala, the World Bank Country Manager emphasised that the collaboration reflects a shared commitment to strengthening systems that support sustainable growth.
“This partnership with Makerere University is an important step in strengthening Uganda’s systems for environmental and social sustainability. By working through the Environment and Social Sustainability Centre, we aim to build the capacity of professionals across government, the private sector, and development institutions to better manage environmental and social risks and deliver investments that promote sustainable growth while protecting people and the environment.” Ms. Francisca Ayodeji (Ayo) Akala, World Bank Country Manager, Uganda, noted.
The partnership will support training, research, and policy advisory activities through the ESSC, helping Uganda pursue a development trajectory that promotes economic growth while protecting people and the environment.
Building National Capacity for Environmental and Social Risk Management
Uganda’s development agenda under the Fourth National Development Plan prioritises large-scale investments in infrastructure, agro-industrialisation, energy, and science and technology. However, such investments require strong environmental and social risk management systems to ensure sustainable outcomes.
The new partnership, therefore, focuses on building a skilled workforce capable of applying international best practices in environmental and social governance.
Under the MoU, Makerere University will design and deliver demand-driven short-course training programs targeting public sector officials, development practitioners, financial institutions, civil society organisations, and private sector actors implementing major projects.
Seven certificate-level short courses have already been developed and approved across multiple colleges at the University. These courses cover areas such as environmental and social risk management, climate risk assessment, construction health and safety, and integrating environmental and social considerations into investment cycles.
“Makerere Universityis proud to partner with the World Bank in strengthening Uganda’s capacity to manage environmental and social risks in development investments. Through the Environment and Social Sustainability Centre, we have already developed and approved seven certificate-level short courses across multiple colleges, designed to equip professionals in government, the private sector, and development institutions with practical skills to plan and implement sustainable projects. This collaboration reflects Makerere’s commitment to providing knowledge-driven solutions that support Uganda’s development while safeguarding communities and the environment.” Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe noted.
Strengthening Collaboration between Academia and Development Partners
As part of the agreement, the World Bank will support the development and delivery of the training programs, including conducting Training of Trainers (ToT) on the Bank’s Environment and Social Standards and international best practices.
The Bank will also leverage its convening power to encourage participation from development partners, government institutions, and project implementers, while supporting impact monitoring of trained professionals to document improvements in project performance and job creation.
The collaboration will further promote professional networking, policy dialogue, knowledge exchange, and the development of knowledge hubs containing environmental and social tools, databases, and resources for practitioners.
Positioning Makerere as a Regional Knowledge Hub
Through this partnership, Makerere University seeks to position the Environment and Social Sustainability Centre as a leading knowledge hub for environmental and social governance in Africa.
By combining academic expertise with the World Bank’s global experience in development financing and technical assistance, the initiative is expected to strengthen the institutional capacity required to deliver sustainable and climate-resilient investments in Uganda.
The partnership also aligns with the World Bank’s broader commitment to supporting Uganda’s development agenda and strengthening country systems for environmental and social sustainability.
Together, the two institutions aim to equip professionals across government, the private sector, and development organizations with the skills required to ensure that Uganda’s development pathway remains inclusive, responsible, and environmentally sustainable.
Caroline Kainomugisha is the Communications Officer, Advancement Office, Makerere University
General
Makerere University Explores Expanded Partnership with Stanbic Bank to Advance Innovation and Investment
On 5th March 2025, the Vice Chancellor, Makerere University, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, paid a courtesy visit to Stanbic Bank Uganda’s Chief Executive Officer, Mr Mumba Kalifungwa. The purpose of the visit was to explore areas for further collaboration with Stanbic Bank Uganda to strengthen innovation, entrepreneurship, and strategic investment.
The engagement reaffirmed the long-standing relationship between the two institutions and provided an opportunity to explore how academia and the financial sector can work together to unlock opportunities for students, staff, alumni, and the broader Ugandan community.
Discussions during the meeting focused on innovation and entrepreneurship support, student development programs, infrastructure partnerships, and investment opportunities linked to the University’s strategic development agenda.
Driving Innovation and Youth Entrepreneurship
During the engagement, the Vice Chancellor highlighted Makerere’s continued efforts to position itself as a research-led and innovation-driven university, emphasising the importance of partnerships with industry in translating academic research and ideas into practical solutions.
He underscored the need to empower young people with the skills and support required to create enterprises and generate employment opportunities, given Uganda’s fast-growing population, particularly the mushrooming young population. According to UBOS, by 2024, the young population was approximately 22.8 million persons out of a total population of 45.9 million people.
“If we do not support young people to innovate and create enterprises, we risk facing serious economic and social challenges. The employment of the future will increasingly be created by young people themselves,” he noted.
Among the proposals discussed was the possibility of establishing a Stanbic-supported innovation competition, aimed at stimulating entrepreneurship and providing a platform for students and young innovators to transform ideas into viable businesses.
Such an initiative could build on existing innovation and incubation programs run at Makerere and Stanbic Bank while strengthening collaboration between academia and the private sector in supporting enterprise development.
Expanding Strategic Collaboration
Speaking during the meeting, Mr Mumba Kalifungwa, the Chief Executive Officer of Stanbic Bank Uganda reaffirmed the bank’s commitment to strengthening its partnership with Makerere University.
He noted that while the bank has long provided financial services to the university and its staff, there is a significant opportunity to deepen collaboration in areas that generate broader societal impact.
“As an institution, we are interested in partnerships that go beyond financial services to create meaningful impact in society through the Stanbic Bank positive impact agenda. Education is one of the most important sectors through which we can drive that impact,” he noted.
The CEO also highlighted Stanbic Bank’s National Schools Championship program, which promotes innovation among secondary school students across Uganda, noting that a similar approach could potentially inspire initiatives at the university level.
Exploring Investment and Infrastructure Opportunities
The meeting also explored opportunities for collaboration in investment and commercialisation initiatives linked to university infrastructure and land assets.
University representatives shared insights into ongoing efforts to explore public–private partnership (PPP) models for strategic investments aimed at improving infrastructure and unlocking value from underutilised university assets.
Potential development opportunities discussed include projects related to hospitality facilities, commercial spaces, and other revenue-generating infrastructure within and around the university. Such initiatives could provide sustainable revenue streams for the university while creating opportunities for private sector participation in campus development.
Supporting Students, Staff, and Alumni
Additional discussions focused on expanding programs that benefit the wider Makerere community. These include financial literacy initiatives for students, expanded internship and graduate training opportunities, and collaborative programs to support student entrepreneurship and enterprise development.
The meeting also explored opportunities for collaboration in alumni engagement, leveraging Makerere’s extensive global alumni network to strengthen partnerships between the university and industry.
Programs aimed at improving financial preparedness and retirement planning for staff were also discussed, alongside potential housing and asset financing solutions tailored to the needs of university employees.
“Through this partnership, we are exploring opportunities that support the entire Makerere community, from financial literacy and entrepreneurship programs for students to internship pathways, alumni engagement, and financial preparedness initiatives for staff. These efforts will be anchored within the renewed collaboration framework between Makerere University and Stanbic Bank Uganda,” said Mr Awel Uwihanganye, Chief Advancement Officer.
The Chief Advancement Officer further noted that these initiatives are expected to be anchored within a renewed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Makerere University and Stanbic Bank.
A Shared Vision for Impact
Both institutions expressed optimism about the potential of the partnership to contribute to national development by supporting innovation, enterprise creation, and the development of future leaders.
As Makerere University continues to strengthen its role as a leading research and innovation institution in Africa, partnerships with forward-looking institutions such as Stanbic Bank Uganda remain critical in advancing the university’s mission of generating knowledge, nurturing talent, and driving solutions that address national and global challenges.
Caroline Kainomugisha is the Communications Officer, Advancement Office, Makerere University
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