Connect with us

Education

CEPIDE Lays Ground for Innovative Doctoral Education in Ugandan HEIs

Published

on

CEPIDE is an acronym for the Capability Enhancement Project for Innovative Doctoral Education at Ugandan Universities (CEPIDE). Funded by the Government of Uganda under the Makerere University Research and Innovations Fund (Mak-RIF), this two-phase project aims to build institutional capacity and individual capabilities of doctoral supervisors at Ugandan universities by giving rise to a shift from traditional modalities to innovative approaches of doctoral education.

On 28th January 2021, stakeholders gathered in the Central Teaching Facility 2 (CTF2) Auditorium, Makerere University, to receive findings from Phase one of the project. This phase entailed conducting a baseline study of the state of doctoral education in Uganda. Phase one will also involve writing a course module for a specialized blended capacity building training for supervisors of doctoral candidates at Ugandan universities. Phase two on the other hand will involve implementing the course module developed in phase one as well as creating a database and an online platform for e-networking, knowledge sharing and professional support among doctoral supervisors in Ugandan universities.

The East African School of Higher Education Studies and Development (EASHESD) under which CEPIDE falls has aligned its activities along four thematic areas namely; Policy and advocacy, Research and Innovations, Leadership and Management, and Training and Learning. These thematic areas position EASHESD to contribute to research in the understanding of the field of higher education, with the CEPIDE study intricately feeding into this.

EASHESD is predominantly a graduate School offering Masters and PhD programmes and as such, the CEPIDE study on improving the quality of Doctoral Education and Training in Universities in Uganda is a fulfillment of its mandate. Addressing the dissemination workshop, the EASHESD Dean Dr. Ronald Bisaso elaborated that CEPIDE study is aligned to the School’s own practice and grounded in research undertaken therein.

“As Dean, I am happy to note that the members of staff from the East African School of Higher Education Studies and Development wrote proposals and received funding to support three projects under the Makerere University Research and Innovations Fund (MakRIF). These projects include: i.  Capability Enhancement project for Innovative Doctoral Education at Ugandan Universities (CEPIDE), ii. Enhancing Women to Leadership positions in Universities in Uganda (WOLEP) and iii. Pedagogical  Leadership of Academic Staff in Higher Education Institutions to Enhance Graduate Work Readiness and Transition to Work (PLASHE-WIL).

“Through the aforementioned research projects, the School has ensured that key stakeholders namely female Vice Chancellors, the National Council for Higher Education (NCHE), National Planning Authority (NPA) and the Ministry of Education and Sports (MoES) participate in the research projects as well as actively engage with researchers during the dissemination of findings on higher education” remarked Dr. Bisaso.

Seated L-R: Dr. Paul Birevu Muyinda, the Vice Chancellor Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, Dr. Nora Mulira-NCHE, Dr. Sabrina Kitaka – Mak-RIF GMC and Mr. Timothy Sejjoba-MoES with CEPIDE PI-Dr. Irene Etomaru (In Blue 2nd Row) and other participants at the Research Dissemination, 28th January 2021, CTF2, Makerere University.

He concluded by saying that the involvement of key stakeholders in research and dissemination has enabled EASHESD to build a network that connects research in higher education with Government agencies that focus on higher education and development as well as universities in Uganda.

Presenting an overview of the project, the Principal Investigator (PI) Dr. Irene Etomaru said the study was driven by the acute shortage of a critical mass of doctorates with requisite knowledge and skill sets to undertake translatable research and train innovative researchers in Uganda. “There are only about 26 researchers per million inhabitants in Uganda, which is well below the world average of 1,083, about 1,000 PhD holders in various disciplines are unevenly distributed across the academia, government ministries, agencies and research institutes and 80% of these are at Makerere University.”

The PI shared that through CEPIDE, it is envisaged that an Enhanced Postgraduate Environment (EPE) will be created in Ugandan universities. The EPE, she said, would lead to the nurturing of a new cadre of doctorates able to undertake translatable research, train innovative researchers as well as develop innovative models to address local societal needs and improve Uganda’s innovative capacity.

In terms of data collection, the CEPIDE team reviewed laws, plans, policies and reports, and held Focus Group Discussions (FDGs) with NCHE. Furthermore, they collected data from fourteen institutions offering doctoral education and training in Uganda and held in-depth interviews with a total of 49 participants.

Prof. Fred E. K. Bakkabulindi another member of the research team tasked with the role of mentorship then delved into the context and history of doctoral training in Uganda. Statistics for the period 1970-2020 revealed that Makerere University at 90% had the highest number of PhDs among the five doctorate awarding Public HEIs in Uganda. Mbarara University of Science and Technology (MUST) followed with 7.2%, Gulu University (GU) with 1.5%, Uganda Management Institute (UMI) with 1.1% and finally Kyambogo University (KyU) with 0.2%. The glaring difference in percentages could be attributed to the fact that whereas Makerere’s statistics stretch back to 1970, the other four HEIs only started awarding PhDs in the 2010s with GU coming closest in 2013.

The statistics shared by Prof. Bakkabulindi further proved the unfortunate fact that doctoral education and training in Uganda is biased in favour of males. Only 23.4% of the total numbers of PhD graduates in the aforementioned 50-year period were female. UMI led the percentages with 45.5%, followed by Makerere at 23.6%, MUST at 20.5%, GU at 14.2% while KyU is yet to graduate any female PhDs.

Prof. Bakkabulindi also examined the Science Technology Engineering Mathematics (STEM) versus non-STEM dichotomy with telling results. KyU proved that it is a predominantly STEM HEI by producing 100% STEM PhDs. KyU was followed by MUST at 79.5%, Makerere at 67.6%, GU at 40%, while UMI produced none.

The Dissemination Moderators Dr. Tom Balojja (R) and Ms. Ritah Namisango (L) confer during the event

With the contexts established, it was time for the participants to hear the team’s findings from their baseline study. Dr. Tom Balojja who also doubled as the day’s emcee in delivering a summary of the findings shared that doctoral education and training in Uganda had low throughput rates. Furthermore, doctoral education and training is biased in favour of males and STEM disciplines, and has its capacity concentrated in Makerere University.

He then went on to present the findings in detail, as espoused by the European Commission’s Seven Principles of Innovative Doctoral Training. These seven are; Research excellence, Attractive institutional environment, Interdisciplinary research options (cross-disciplinarity), Exposure to industry and other relevant employment sectors, International networking, Transferable skills training and Quality assurance.

The CEPIDE study recommended that;

  • Government of Uganda should integrate doctoral education and training in national development planning within the context of the policy objective of increasing the percentage of the GDP spending on Research and Development (R&D).
  • National targets should be set and resources should be committed to achieve the set targets in order to address concerns about the inadequacy of the critical mass of researchers in the country.
  • Government of Uganda should introduce a sufficient and well-structured legal framework necessary to regulate doctoral education and training. The legal framework should regulate the structure of doctoral programs and curriculum issues, support systems and staffing to improve the quality of the postgraduate training environment in HEIs in Uganda.
  • Government of Uganda and institutions offering doctoral education and training should work out mechanisms which will enable them to work with the industry and other research institutions in promoting research and innovations.
  • Institutions should transit from offering PhD by research to the taught PhD
  • The scope of doctoral education and training should be broadened to incorporate other models of the doctorate such as PhD by coursework (taught PhD), Professional doctorates, Work-based doctorates.
  • The role and funding of Doctoral Schools in Universities should be underscored to create enhanced postgraduate environment (EPE)
  • More research and interventions into doctoral education and training in Uganda.

Reacting to the presentation, the Director Directorate of Research and Graduate Training (DRGT), Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi requested the NPA to come up with a PhD training strategy for Uganda that clearly outlines the demand for PhDs particularly in the industry as well as resources to train them. He emphasized the need to preserve the quality of PhDs trained as the drive for more PhDs is impressed upon HEIs. In the same breath, the Deputy Director DRGT, Dr. Robert Wamala advocated for a mechanism to ensure productivity of PhDs as a third factor to consider in addition to quantity and quality.

ED National Planning Authority-Dr. Joseph Muvawala (R) addresses participants as Dr. Sabrina Kitaka (L) and Mr. Timothy Sejjoba (C) listen at the CEPIDE Research Dissemination.

Dr. Paul Birevu Muyinda, the Deputy Principal College of Education and External Studies (CEES) in his remarks commended Mak-RIF for changing the terrain of research and innovations at Makerere University. “CEES was one of the Colleges that wasn’t attracting much funding but with the coming of Mak-RIF, we have seen a very significant increase from only two research Projects to twenty.”

He thanked NPA for accepting to conduct both virtual and physical training for staff at Makerere University who are interested in writing impactful policy briefs.

Dr. Sabrina Kitaka who represented the Mak-RIF Grants Management Committee (GMC) Chairperson, Prof. William Bazeyo commended the CEPIDE research team for recognizing that Makerere as a leader ought to strive to bridge the gap in doctoral training and education between itself and younger institutions. She thanked the Government of Uganda for providing funding to more than 500 Research Projects all aimed at informing national development priorities.

“The Volatility, Uncertainty Complexity and Ambiguity (VUCA) phenomenon created by the COVID-19 is teaching us how to be innovative by disseminating our findings both physically and online. Any innovation that results in training of scholars is not only exciting but brings closer the possibility of an education that is boundless” said Dr. Kitaka.

The Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe (R) and Deputy Principal CEES, Dr. Paul Birevu Muyinda confer during the CEPIDE dissemination

Mr. Timothy Sejjoba who represented Dr. Jane Egau, Director for Higher Technical and Vocational Education and Training – HTVET, Ministry of Education and Sports (MoES) in his address congratulated Makerere University upon not only securing funding under Mak-RIF but also putting it to good use. “We believe that you are going to inspire other institutions to reach the heights that they should.”

He noted that the CEPIDE study had brought very interesting findings and conclusions to the fore and that his Ministry would be very glad to continue discussing these with HEIs. On the issue of quality assurance for PhDs Mr. Sejjoba advised that HEIs ought to be self-regulating so as to guarantee the brand of their programmes and graduates in the job market.

In his remarks, the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe congratulated the CEPIDE team upon delivering possibly the most important Mak-RIF seminar to-date, owing to its addressing of the University’s core strategic direction head-on. He equally thanked the Government of Uganda for providing; i. Funding for over 500 research and innovations through Mak-RIF, ii. Increasing the monthly salary of a Professor to UGX 15million, and iii. Funding infrastructure development for research. “We now have some of the best labs anywhere in the world and there is no reason why as a University we cannot drastically contribute to transformation of our society.”

He reiterated Makerere’s commitment to support other HEIs to build their capacity in doctoral training and teaching and commended the decision by the Higher Education Student Financing Board (HESFB) to start offering loans for postgraduate study at Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) in Uganda.

The Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe makes his remarks at the CEPIDE study dissemination event

The Executive Director National Planning Authority (NPA), Dr. Joseph Muvawala in his address commended the ongoing policy work between the School of Economics, College of Business and Management Sciences (CoBAMS) and his authority, noting that this ought to be duplicated between other Schools and Government Ministries, Departments and Agencies. He shared that increasing number of graduate students seems to be sufficient condition for Uganda to take off in terms of economic development and emphasized the importance of Makerere University implementing its new 10 year strategic plan, which he described as “good”.  

He advised the CEPIDE team and all researchers to improve their capacity to write policy briefs, noting that policy makers lack the time to read research papers in their entirety. “I am here to say that you have our full support as NPA and my colleague Dr. Mugendawala will draft a concept on how to connect graduates to industry.”

Concluding the day’s remarks, the Chief Guest Dr. Nora Mulira who represented the Executive Director NCHE, Prof. Mary Okwakol acknowledged that the Council as a participant in the CEPIDE study had gleaned a number of lessons to incorporate in the UNESCO instrument that feeds the state of Uganda’s Higher Education. She added that the study provided a number of options on how to advance the National PhD programme and thanked the Vice Chancellor for effectively using the funds received from Governement of Uganda.

“To the Principal Investigator, this is a pivotal study that is going to move Uganda ahead and is well aligned with strategic development framework as enshrined in NDPIII and Vision 2040, which look at research and innovation as a driver for development” commended Dr. Mulira.  

She urged the research team to formulate an output plan that stipulates the specific actions that need to be undertaken by particular stakeholders within set timelines.

Article by Public Relations Office.

Please see Downloads for presentations

Mark Wamai

Education

Special University Entry Examinations for the Diploma in Performing Arts 2026/27

Published

on

Students from the Department of Performing Arts on 4th April 2025.

The Academic Registrar Makerere University invites applications for the Special University Entry Examinations for admission to the Diploma in Performing Arts.

The examination will take place on Saturday 16th May, 2026.

Application process is online for those intending to sit the examination. Kindly note that there is payment of a non-refundable application fee of Shs. 110,000/- excluding bank charges in any (Stanbic Bank, Dfcu Post Bank, UBA and Centenary Bank). After filling the online application, you will be provided with 2 Past Papers.

To be eligible to sit the examinations, the candidate must possess an O’ Level Certificate (UCE) with at least 5 Passes.

The deadline for receiving the online applications is Tuesday 12th May 2026.

How to Apply

  • Application is online for ALL applicants.
  • Other relevant information can be obtained from Undergraduate Mature Age Office, Level 5, Room 505, Senate Building, Makerere University or can be accessed from https://see.mak.ac.ug
  • A non refundable application fee of Shs. 110,000= for Ugandans, East Africans Applicants (Including S. Sudan & DRC) OR US $ 75 or equivalent for international applicants plus bank charges should be paid in any of the banks used by Uganda Revenue Authority.
  • Apply through the application portal https://see.mak.ac.ug

Please see download below for the application portal user guide.

Further inquiries may be sent to email: see@mak.ac.ug

Prof. Mukadasi Buyinza
ACADEMIC REGISTRAR

Mak Editor

Continue Reading

Education

Prof. Senteza Kajubi Fulbright Lecture Re-ignites debate on learner-centred reforms

Published

on

On Thursday 23rd April 2026, people from different spheres of life, filled the Makerere University Main Hall to the brim, while other friends, partners and admirers, followed the proceedings virtually in a display of love and continuity, in honour of the legacy of Professor George William Senteza Kajubi, a distinguished scholar and educationist.

Prof. George William Senteza Kajubi, respected for being the first African Fulbright Scholar, served as a Vice Chancellor at Makerere University from 1977 to 1979, and 1990 to 1993.

He passed away on 1st May 2012, but his good works, knowledge, vocation, continue to inspire countless individuals across the globe.

Education Policy Reform as an Enabler of Student Success: The Kajubi Legacy

The 6th Annual Professor Senteza Kajubi Fulbright Memorial Lecture brought onboard the family of the late, the US Ambassador to Uganda, senior government officials, the Vice Chancellor and members of the University Management, the Uganda Vice Chancellors’ Forum, academics, staff, alumni, university and secondary school students, and international partners. All gathered for a detailed reflection on Uganda’s education system under the theme “Education Policy Reform as an Enabler of Student Success: The Kajubi Legacy.”

The lecture, organised by the College of Education and External Studies (CEES) at Makerere University in partnership with the U.S. Embassy in Uganda and the Fulbright Program, evolved into a wide-ranging policy dialogue on curriculum reform, student learning outcomes, teacher training, digital transformation, and the legacy of Prof. William Senteza Kajubi.

Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe

Speakers repeatedly cited Kajubi’s 1989 Education Policy Review Commission Report, which many described as the foundation of modern Uganda’s education architecture, including the 1992 Government White Paper on Education for National Development.

Senteza Kajubi was a pioneering intellectual and reformer

The Vice Chancellor of Makerere University, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe re-affirmed Senteza Kajubi’s intellectual depth and policy influence and shared personal reflections on his legacy.

“Prof. Senteza Kajubi was an exceptional intellectual. I had the opportunity to travel with him for two weeks—witnessing his depth of intelligence, clarity of thought, and remarkable generosity in sharing knowledge.”

Prof. Nawangwe emphasized Senteza Kajubi’s contribution to Uganda’s education policy framework. “Prof. Senteza Kajubi authored the 1989 Education Policy Review Commission Report—still one of the most comprehensive analyses of Uganda’s education system. Many reforms today echo his forward-looking recommendations.”

Prof. Nawangwe highlighted Senteza Kajubi’s leadership at Makerere, where he served as Vice Chancellor of Makerere University at critical moments, shaping the institution into what it is today.

Ambassador William Popp and Vice Chancellor Baranabs Nawangwe in a group photo with Prof. Senteza Kajubi’s Family

On international cooperation, Prof. Nawangwe stated that the United States remains central to Uganda’s development. The Vice Chancellor, acknowledged the U.S for being a strong supporter of education and research at Makerere University. He then welcomed the U.S. Ambassador to Uganda, H.E William Popp, to address the congregation, at Makerere University Main Hall.

Education is a bridge between nations

The U.S. Ambassador to Uganda, H.E. William Popp, framed the lecture within the broader philosophy of international education exchange. “Education is one of the most powerful instruments for promoting relations between people and building bridges across cultures,” he said.

The Ambassador highlighted  Senteza Kajubi’s historic role in the Fulbright Program: “Professor Senteza Kajubi was the first Fulbright scholar from Africa. He bridged two worlds and returned not only with knowledge, but with a vision for what Ugandan education could become.”

He emphasized education as a tool for transformation: “Education policy must serve students—the young people whose families and nations depend on them.”

He argued that education systems must prepare learners for an uncertain future: “Students must be prepared not only for today’s jobs, but for careers that do not yet exist.”

Students from College of Education and External Studies sing the anthems.

H.E. Popp stressed the dual nature of education: “The best education provides technical skills for employment and develops creativity, independent thinking, and problem-solving abilities” he said, adding “Let us honour the legacies of Senator Fulbright and Professor Kajubi not only in words, but in action.”

Senteza Kajubi remains the foundation of Uganda’s education reforms

Prof. Anthony M. Mugagga, Principal of CEES, described Prof. William Senteza Kajubi as central to Uganda’s education system design and reform trajectory.

“It is very hard to talk about education reforms in Uganda without mentioning the name William Senteza Kajubi,” Prof. Mugagga said. “For over thirty years, Uganda’s education system has had as its fulcrum the Kajubi Report (1989) and the resultant Uganda Government White Paper on Education for National Development (1992).”

He emphasized that Senteza Kajubi’s influence extended beyond policy documents into the broader transformation of Ugandan society. “His vision and dedication to education have had a lasting impact on Uganda, not only as an education system, but also on the entire Ugandan polity served by this system.”

Prof. Mugagga described Senteza Kajubi as a “beacon of academic excellence” and highlighted his leadership roles at Makerere University during periods of institutional and national crisis.

Prof. Anthony M. Mugagga

“His leadership, particularly during challenging times, serves as a testament to his unwavering commitment to fostering a higher education system that is not only academically rigorous but also deeply rooted in responsibility, ethics, and civic engagement.”

He connected Senteza Kajubi’s philosophy to the current reforms in the education sector, which provide a transition to the competence-based curriculum.

Reflecting on Senteza Kajubi’s legacy, Prof. Mugagga stressed that universities must remain relevant by engaging in continuous policy dialogue. “The only way the College of Education and External Studies can justify its existence is by engaging in meaningful dialogue about education policy reforms from pre-primary to university level.”

 “Implementation defines policy success”

Delivering the keynote address, Dr. Mary Goretti Nakabugo, Executive Director of Uwezo Uganda, described Kajubi’s policy legacy as the backbone of Uganda’s education system. “A policy is as good as its implementation,” she stated.

She outlined the foundational principles of the 1989 Commission: “Education is for everyone, and education should produce responsible citizens.”

She explained that Senteza Kajubi’s reforms prioritized inclusion and equity: “The commission emphasized universal access, teacher training, foundational learning, and inclusion of marginalized groups.”

She warned that Uganda faces persistent learning gaps: “Even at Primary Seven, some learners cannot read basic texts.”

She criticized the overemphasis on enrolment over learning outcomes: “For too long, the focus has been on access rather than whether children are actually learning.”

Dr. Mary Goretti Nakabugo delivering the keynote address

Dr. Nakabugo called for systemic reforms: “We must strengthen school management, expand pre-primary education, and invest in inclusive learning systems.” She stressed: “If we are to honour Professor Senteza Kajubi’s legacy, we must ensure that every child not only enters school, but succeeds in it.”

Senteza Kajubi’s vision was holistic education for life

Prof. Eriabu Lugujjo, Executive Director of the Uganda Vice Chancellors’ Forum (UVCF), offered a deeply reflective account of Senteza Kajubi’s philosophy of education, grounded in five core pillars.

He recalled first meeting Senteza Kajubi in 1960: “I first met Professor Senteza Kajubi when I was in Senior One at Makerere College School. He was among the top student teachers at the time.”

Panel Discussion: [L-R] Moderator Dr. Leah Namatome-Sikoyo, Dr. Mary Goretti Nakabugo, Dr. Richard Scott Nokes, and Prof. Eriabu Lugujjo

Prof. Lugujjo explained Senteza Kajubi’s core educational philosophy: “He emphasized that learning should involve and engage the learners. Students must be confident, know what they want, and express themselves clearly.”

To drive home the point, Prof. Lugujjo informed the audience in the Main Hall and those following the lecture virtually, that Prof. Senteza Kajubi always emphasized the need for student confidence: “He told us to look people in the eye when speaking. That built confidence in us.”

He outlined the five pillars of Kajubi’s education philosophy: “Learning to be, learning to know, learning to do, learning to learn, and learning to live together.”

He emphasized lifelong learning: “Learning should never stop, especially in developing countries where skills must continuously evolve”, and concluded by reiterating “Education should produce confident, skilled, adaptable, and socially responsible individuals.”

The Lecture was well attended, Main Hall filled to capacity.

Technology must remain human-centred.

Dr. Richard Scott Nokes, a Full Professor of English at Troy University and currently a Fulbright Scholar in Uganda, situated education within historical technological transformations. “Technology must serve the human. The human must never serve the technology.”

He examined the evolution of education through three major shifts: the printing press, global mobility through Fulbright exchanges, and digital technologies.

On online learning: “Students can now learn across continents without travelling, but the classroom community has weakened.”

On artificial intelligence, he emphasized the need for balance:“We need AI that knows Uganda and the world—not one or the other,” he pointed out. “None of these technologies teach by themselves. They are tools we use to teach one another” he added.

Senteza Kajubi as a man of culture, humility, and access

Representing the family, Beverley Nambozo, Prof. Senteza Kajubi’s eldest granddaughter and founder of the Babishai Niwe (BN) Poetry, delivered a personal tribute.

“Professor Senteza Kajubi was a gentleman who carried much of the legacy of Africa’s Fulbright experience on his shoulders in the 1950s.”

Ms Beverley Nambozo

She recounted his experience studying in the United States: “He spoke about long bus rides across Chicago and the challenges he faced as a young man abroad.”

She highlighted his support for education and literature: “Every time I published a book, he would buy at least five copies.”

She emphasised his inclusive philosophy: “He spoke to gardeners and household workers about their views on education” and concluded with a quote “Time stays and we go, but time cannot erase the legacy we create.”

During a panel discussion, moderator Dr. Leah Namatome-Sikoyo, a member of faculty at CEES, emphasized collective responsibility in education reform. “To realise transformative education, everyone has a role to play—government, policymakers, teachers, learners, parents, and citizens.”

The 2026 Senteza Kajubi Fulbright Memorial Lecture reaffirmed Kajubi’s central role in shaping Uganda’s education system and highlighted urgent challenges in implementation, learning quality, inclusivity, and digital transformation.

The family of the late Prof. Senteza Kajubi and the Principal of the College of Education and External Studies, commended the Organizing Committee chaired by the Deputy Principal, Prof. Ronald Bisaso for the excellent planning, coordination and execution.

Event Photos: https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjCS7up

Ritah Namisango
Ritah Namisango

Continue Reading

Education

Advancing Education Policy Dialogue through Partnership: Makerere Hosts the 2026 Senteza Kajubi Fulbright Memorial Lecture

Published

on

A group photo of key delegates, panelists, and partners at the Senteza Kajubi Public Lecture. Professor William Senteza Kajubi Fulbright Memorial Lecture organised by Advancement and International Office, College of Education and External Studies (CEES) with the U.S. Embassy, Theme "Education Policy Reform as an Enabler of Student Success: The Kajubi Legacy", 23rd April 2026, Main Hall, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

Makerere University continues to position itself as a hub for global academic exchange and strategic partnerships, as demonstrated by the successful hosting of the 2026 Professor William Senteza Kajubi Fulbright Memorial Lecture.

Now in its fourth edition since the revitalisation of the lecture series in 2022, the Kajubi Lecture has evolved beyond a commemorative academic event into a powerful platform for institutional collaboration, most notably between Makerere University and the United States Embassy in Uganda. This partnership, anchored in the shared legacy of Professor William Senteza Kajubi as the first African Fulbright Scholar, reflects a deeper commitment to knowledge exchange, diplomacy, and education reform.

The 2026 lecture, held on April 23 at the Makerere University Main Hall, convened a diverse audience of policymakers, scholars, Fulbright alumni, students, and development partners, underscoring the multi-stakeholder approach required to drive meaningful education reform.

At the heart of this collaboration is a shared belief in the transformative power of education and international exchange. In his remarks, the United States Ambassador to Uganda, William W. Popp, emphasised that the Fulbright Program represents more than academic mobility; it is a bridge between nations, fostering mutual understanding and long-term cooperation. He noted that such exchanges strengthen both countries by creating enduring networks of collaboration and shared knowledge.

This partnership is not incidental but rather intentional. Through the Advancement and International Office, Makerere University has strategically aligned the College of Education and External Studies (CEES) with the U.S. Embassy to ensure that the Kajubi Lecture serves as both an intellectual platform and a diplomatic touchpoint. The lecture reinforces ongoing cooperation while also expanding opportunities for academic exchange, research collaboration, and alumni engagement.

H.E Amb. William Popp addressing the audience at the lecture. Professor William Senteza Kajubi Fulbright Memorial Lecture organised by Advancement and International Office, College of Education and External Studies (CEES) with the U.S. Embassy, Theme "Education Policy Reform as an Enabler of Student Success: The Kajubi Legacy", 23rd April 2026, Main Hall, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
H.E Amb. William Popp addressing the audience at the lecture.

Delivering the keynote address, Dr. Mary Goretti Nakabugo, Executive Director of Uwezo Uganda, brought the discussion back to the core purpose of education policy: enabling student success. Her address traced the enduring influence of the Kajubi legacy on Uganda’s education system, highlighting both progress and persistent challenges in access, quality, and relevance.

At the heart of her message was a return to Kajubi’s foundational belief: that education is both a basic human right and a tool for shaping responsible citizens. Education, she emphasised, must go beyond the acquisition of certificates to cultivate values, critical thinking, and a sense of civic responsibility.

Dr. Mary Goretti Nakabugo addressing the Q&A from the audience during the lecture. Professor William Senteza Kajubi Fulbright Memorial Lecture organised by Advancement and International Office, College of Education and External Studies (CEES) with the U.S. Embassy, Theme "Education Policy Reform as an Enabler of Student Success: The Kajubi Legacy", 23rd April 2026, Main Hall, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
 Dr. Mary Goretti Nakabugo addressing the Q&A from the audience during the lecture.

A central critique in the keynote was the increasing dominance of technocratic approaches to education policy. While economic growth and workforce readiness are important, Dr. Nakabugo cautioned against reducing education to a tool for productivity alone. In doing so, systems risk neglecting the broader purpose of education, to nurture well-rounded individuals capable of contributing meaningfully to society.

This calls for a redefinition of student success. Success, she argued, should not be measured solely by enrollment or completion rates, but by meaningful outcomes: literacy, competence, retention, and the ability to apply knowledge in real-world contexts. It is about preparing learners not just for jobs, but for life.

To achieve this, Dr. Nakabugo called for a renewed commitment to the Kajubi vision. This includes making education truly universal and equitable, investing in teachers and infrastructure, strengthening inclusive support systems, and reducing the financial burden on families. Equally important is the need to re-centre values such as critical thinking, citizenship, and accountability within the education system.

The Vice Chancellor of Makerere University further underscored this point, noting that education remains one of the most powerful instruments for building bridges between people and cultures. He expressed appreciation to the United States for its continued support, recognising the partnership as a critical contributor to Uganda’s development and to Makerere’s global outlook.

Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, giving his remarks during the Senteza Kajuba Lecture. Professor William Senteza Kajubi Fulbright Memorial Lecture organised by Advancement and International Office, College of Education and External Studies (CEES) with the U.S. Embassy, Theme "Education Policy Reform as an Enabler of Student Success: The Kajubi Legacy", 23rd April 2026, Main Hall, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, giving his remarks during the Senteza Kajuba Lecture.

Before the Senteza Kajubi Memorial lecture, at a farewell cocktail session for H.E Ambassador. William Popp,  the Vice Chancellor, expressed sincere appreciation to H.E. Amb. William W. Popp for his distinguished service and steadfast support to Makerere University during his tenure. He noted that the United States has remained a key partner in advancing the University’s global engagement, with a significant number of Makerere’s academic and institutional partnerships anchored in collaborations with U.S. universities. The Vice Chancellor commended Ambassador Popp for strengthening these ties and for his commitment to fostering academic exchange, research collaboration, and mutual understanding between Uganda and the United States.

Importantly, the Kajubi Lecture continues to serve as a convening space for Fulbright alumni, policymakers, and scholars, reinforcing a growing network of individuals committed to shaping the future of education in Uganda and beyond. This aligns with the broader objective of the lecture to initiate and sustain conversations on education policy reform while strengthening institutional and international cooperation.

As Makerere University advances its strategic priorities in internationalisation and alumni engagement, the Kajubi Fulbright Memorial Lecture stands out as a model of how legacy, partnership, and purpose can converge to drive impact.

Kainomugisha Caroline is the Communications Officer, Advancement Office, Makerere University.

Caroline Kainomugisha
Caroline Kainomugisha

Continue Reading

Trending