The AU has, in its strategic 2063 Agenda, expressed its commitment to developing an African knowledge society based on research and innovation, and to tackle priorities such as biodiversity, climate resilience, and democracy and governance. The European Union is firmly committed to environmental sustainability and digital transitions, whilst both the AU and EU have agreed to focus jointly on strengthening public health.
To realise the ambitious objectives of the AU and EU a new strategic collaboration programme in the area of research, innovation (R&I), and higher education (HE) is needed.
Africa must be supported to be able to become a more equal partner in tackling the AU’s and EU’s most pressing common challenges, through major sustainable investments in Africa's research capacity, and making sure this enhanced capacity has maximum societal impact. Such investments in research are essential to support social and economic innovation, contribute to a substantial increase in the delivery of high-skilled graduates, and produce knowledge to support evidence-based policy-making. The African Research Universities Alliance (ARUA) and The Guild of European Research Intensive Universities call for investing in Centres of Excellence (CoE), built on sustainable partnerships between African research universities, in research and innovation in key areas of common African – European interest. Our proposals are based on our joint position paper published in February 2020, on strengthening African research universities in new, sustainable ways.1 The CoE should be built on strong collaborative networks of universities across Africa, closely linked with European partners. In envisaging these we have a unique opportunity to build on European experience in strengthening institutional capacities through collaborative networks (for instance, Teaming in Horizon 2020 and the European Universities initiative in Erasmus+). Moving away from an over reliance of short term project based funding, to enhance institutional capacities for excellent research and innovation through longterm collaboration, the CoE will be the central knowledge institutions to strengthen key components of the African R&I and HE capacity to deliver on key strategic priorities identified by the AU and the EU.
The recently approved ARUA-Guild Concept Note can be downloaded by following the link below:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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).
Kampala, Uganda – 20th January 2026 – Makerere 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.
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.