The Makerere University-Johns Hopkins (MU-JHU) Research Collaboration | MU-JHU Care Limited, a Kampala–based equal opportunities Clinical Research and Service Delivery Organisation with more than 350 employees is seeking an interested, committed and reliable senior professional with the described qualifications to apply for the position of Director Strategic Planning and Partnerships in support of MU-JHU Care Ltd studies/programs to be implemented in Kampala, Uganda.
Job Title:Director Strategic Planning and Partnerships
Reports To: Executive Director
Job Location: MU-JHU Research House, Upper Mulago Hill Road, Kampala.
Description and purpose:
The successful person will be responsible for identifying and managing strategic partnerships within the health research, care and funder fields in Uganda and abroad, including managing the grants portfolio and serving as a lead liaison and advocate on behalf of MU-JHU with major funders and partners and ensuring regular and effective communications for a wide range of stakeholder communications.
Required qualifications and profile:
A Master’s degree in a relevant field such as Development, Public Health, Public Policy, Finance, Business or Public Administration. The candidate will demonstrate a minimum of seven years successful experience in strategic planning, grant solicitation, grant management and stakeholder relations in the clinical research and/or health care field in Uganda or a similar setting. General management and communications experience, including project and personnel management, is essential. The candidate should be a self-starter with exceptional communication skills, both written and oral, well-developed interpersonal skills and presence to interact at the most senior corporate, funder and academic levels, experience in strategic planning and in identifying and evaluating potential partner relationships with related organizations. Proven success in resource solicitation and management, funder cultivation and acknowledgement, skilled in general management, including personnel management, basic knowledge of clinical research with a focus on the improvement of the health and well-being of women and children. Knowledge of HIV, TB and vaccine preventable infectious diseases would be an advantage. High level ability to implement short- and long-term goals, ability to foster a cooperative work environment, sensitive to cultural issues and language differences, proficiency in computer systems are core skills. Advanced proficiency in use of Microsoft applications, desktop publishing and willing to travel and work irregular hours will be added advantages.
The holder of this position will work under the direct supervision of the Executive Director, and will be responsible for the following duties:
Strategic and Operational Planning and Development
Consult closely with the Executive Director and Core Management Team to identify areas for strategic program and related infrastructure (space, equipment, resources) expansion that are consistent with the goals and objectives of the organization.
Design, develop and implement short and long term resource development plans and strategies that make possible both the strengthening of the specific programs/components of MU-JHU core competencies (across Research, Program Services and related Capacity/System Strengthening) as well as expansion into approved strategic directions and niches.
Work closely with the MU-JHU Executive Director and Board in developing and reviewing high quality MU-JHU Strategic plans over 5 year cycles.
Working in support of the MU-JHU Executive Director, liaise with all stakeholders to ensure the interests of these major stakeholders are appropriately reflected in MU-JHU planning.
Regular communicate the elements of the Strategic Plan to the Division Directors/Senior Management and coordinate the annual operational planning and reporting cycle aligned to this Strategic Plan.
Analyse, prioritize and pursue funding opportunities among the potential funders that are consistent with the goals and objectives as defined in the Strategic Plan.
Identify and address critical knowledge and skill gaps in middle, senior and executive management staff related to strategic and operational planning processes.
Grants portfolio, partnership and communications leadership
Lead in the development and implementation of the Strategic Resource Generation component of the MU-JHU Strategic Plan.
Leads in the formation and implementation of policies regarding development and resource generation.
Serve as the Authorised Business Official and lead the MU-JHU grants administration office including supervision of the Grants Administration Manager and grants and contracts portfolio.
With MU-JHU Executive Director, prepares regular reports on development activities and status funder-defined projects underway.
Represents MU-JHU management at various community, funder, stakeholder and board meetings.
Ensure MU-JHU communications reflect MU-JHU’s strategic plan and promote visibility with MU-JHU’s diverse stakeholders including supervision of the Communications Specialist and communications portfolio.
Risk management
Work closely with the Board, Executive Director and Director of Administration and Finance to establish and resource effective risk management processes including internal controls and with appropriate separation of duties and accountability to the Board.
Applications with complete C.Vs, including 3 referees and their full addresses or contact Tel No.’s, copies of academic certificates and testimonials, should be sent by email to hr[at]mujhu.org or hand delivered to: MU-JHU Human Resource Manager, through the reception on first floor, MU-JHU 1 Building – not later than January 15, 2021 by 5.30pm. Only short-listed applicants will be contacted.
The Academic Registrar, Makerere University invites persons with disability who applied for admission to public universities under the disability entry scheme for 2026/2027 Academic Year to appear for medical/review exercise at Makerere University, Senate Building, Level Four Conference Hall.
NOTE: Only those who have the minimum entry requirements of at least two principal passes at A’ Level or its equivalent and at least five (5) passes at O’ Level or its equivalent will be interviewed.
Only candidates who sat ‘A’ level in 2025, 2024 and 2023 are eligible for admission.
THE EXERCISE WILL BE CONDUCTED ON 18th, 19th, 20th, 21st and 22nd May, 2026 respectively from 9.00 A.M – 1.00 P.M each day.
In this exclusive quick chat, we spoke to the 91st Guild President, Ssentamu Churchill James, a third-year student pursuing a Bachelor of Social Sciences. He shares insights into his leadership journey, key achievements, challenges, and his vision for the student community.
What inspired you to run for Guild President?
My background and personal leadership journey played a big role. Growing up, I saw my father and uncle actively involved in politics, which shaped my interest in leadership.
I also held leadership roles in high school—serving as Sports Minister at O-Level and later as Head Prefect at St. Juliana High School, Gayaza, during my A-Level. These experiences built my confidence and passion for representing others.
Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi with the H.E. Ssentamu, H.E. Kadondi, Dr. Winifred Kabumbuli and family members of the Guild Leadership.
Seeing former Guild President Vincent Lubega Nsamba win also motivated me. We come from the same high school, and I succeeded him as Head Prefect. That gave me the belief that I, too, could lead at that level.
What was your vision when you assumed office, and how much of it did you achieve?
My vision was to amplify students’ voices and ensure their needs were prioritized. While it wasn’t easy due to bureaucracy, we made progress.
We improved students’ social welfare by engaging management, which led to greater flexibility in organizing events like the Bazaar and Freshers’ Ball. We also addressed the issue of missing marks. Previously, it could take semesters to resolve, but now, through the Office of the Academic Registrar, such issues can be handled much faster.
What is your biggest achievement?
One of the biggest milestones was allowing students to sit for examinations after paying at least 60% of tuition. This has reduced the number of students dropping out due to financial constraints.
Left to Right: MD and CEO NEC-Lt. Gen. James Mugira conducts a symbolic handover of keys to the Vice Chancellor-Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe as 91st Guild President-H.E. Ssentamu Churchill James, Principal CEES and Ag. DVCFA-Prof. Anthony Muwagga Mugagga, Deputy University Secretary-Mr. Simon Kizito and Deputy Dean of Students-Dr. Rodney Rugyema witness on 25th July 2025.
We also saw the lifting of the ban on social events, which has gradually revived campus life. Additionally, leadership roles such as ministers and Guild Representative Councillors (GRCs) have become more functional, with clearer responsibilities and greater impact.
What key lessons have you learned?
One key lesson is the importance of daring to take action. Things may seem impossible, but once you step out and try, you realize they are achievable.
I also learned that leadership begins with influence. For example, when class representatives raised concerns about not being paid, I had to engage and influence them to understand the situation while working toward solutions.
Leadership also requires teamwork. You cannot lead alone—you need a support system. When you delegate, trust people and avoid micromanaging.
H.E. Ssentamu Churchill James and H.E. Kadondi Gracious welcome freshers in typical Makerere style.
Another lesson is the importance of effective communication with management. Building strong relationships increases your chances of influencing decisions.
On a personal level, I have learned discipline—keeping time, improving how I present myself, and becoming more mindful in how I engage with others.
What do you attribute your success to?
First and foremost, God, who gave me the wisdom and understanding to lead.
I also attribute it to the strong working relationships I built with University leadership, especially the Vice Chancellor and the Dean of Students. Without that collaboration, it would have been difficult to achieve much.
How did you balance academics and leadership?
It required intentional planning and prioritization. When meetings clashed with tests, I delegated to the Vice President or Prime Minister. This ensured continuity while giving them an opportunity to grow.
H.E. Churchill James Ssentamu alongside other Student Leaders hold the “Strides for Change” banner at Mary Stuart Hall. Courtesy Photo.
However, I made it a point to attend critical engagements, such as Council meetings, because I was entrusted with representing students’ voices. I was also selective about external engagements to remain focused on my academics.
What challenges did you encounter?
Managing high expectations from students was a major challenge. Even small delays could attract criticism. For example, when students’ upkeep delayed by a week, some assumed I was not advocating for them.
I learned to remain calm and not react emotionally, instead using feedback as motivation to improve.
Another challenge was handling sensitive cases, such as advocating for students who had been suspended. Even when I did not agree with their actions, it was my duty to seek fair consideration on their behalf.
Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, Mr. Ian King and H.E. Ssentamu Churchill James (Standing before Banners) are joined by officials in a group photo in the Daycare Centre, located on the Ground Floor of the Institute of Gender and Development Studies (IGDS) on 7th August 2025.
Was there a difficult decision you had to make?
Yes. Just a month into office, I made the decision to relieve a minister of their duties because they did not align with the cabinet’s vision and values. Leadership requires making tough decisions to maintain unity and integrity.
Is there anything you would have done differently?
I feel I could have engaged more with the administration. At times, I was occupied with activities outside the University, which limited my interaction with management. With more engagement, I believe I could have achieved even more.
What will you miss most?
I will not necessarily miss the office itself. Leadership is about service, and it is now time for others to take on that responsibility as I move on to the next chapter of my life.
H.E. Churchill James Ssentamu enjoys a light moment with officials as he endorses the dummy of the policy.
How would you like to be remembered?
As a selfless leader who went the extra mile to serve others and always put students’ interests first—even when it required personal sacrifice.
For instance, during the Freshers’ Ball, we wanted to host a musician whose fee was UGX 4 million, yet we only had UGX 2 million. I personally covered the balance to make it happen for the students.
At Makerere University, the future didn’t feel distant, it felt urgent, alive, and within reach.
For three days in March, the university’s grounds transformed into a vibrant meeting point of ambition and opportunity as students, graduates, and industry leaders converged for the 2026 Careers Fair. Lecture halls spilled into exhibition spaces, conversations replaced uncertainty, and for many students, career dreams began to take clearer shape.
A Question That Defined the Moment: Man or Machine?
The opening day set the tone with a bold theme;“Machine vs. Man”, placing artificial intelligence at the center of career conversations. Students listened, questioned, and reflected as leaders challenged them not to fear technology, but to harness it.
The message was clear: the future belongs to those who can adapt.
Chief Guest-Hon. Dr. Monica Musenero (5th L) with Prof. Moses Musinguzi (3rd L), Chair Organising Committee-Prof. Anthony Gidudu and other Speakers on Day 1 of the Makerere Careers Fair.
Speakers emphasized that while AI is reshaping industries, it is also creating new opportunities for innovation, entrepreneurship, and job creation. For many students in attendance, this was more than a discussion—it was a wake-up call to rethink their place in a rapidly evolving world.
Beyond Jobs: Unlocking Global Opportunities
If Day One provoked thought, Day Two opened doors.
The focus shifted to scholarships, fellowships, and international study opportunities, expanding students’ horizons beyond the immediate job market. Conversations moved from “What job can I get?” to “What possibilities exist for me globally?”
Mr. James Katumba (R) contributes to the panel discussion.
Students explored pathways into prestigious programmes, exchange opportunities, and further study options, discovering that their ambitions could stretch far beyond borders.
Where Potential Meets Purpose
By the final day, the Careers Fair had evolved into something deeper—a platform for connection.
Under the theme “Connecting Potential to Purpose,” industry leaders, employers, and development partners engaged directly with students, emphasizing collaboration as the key to career success.
Across Freedom Square and exhibition booths, students asked tough questions, shared ideas, and made meaningful connections. Employers, in turn, offered insights into the skills that matter most in today’s workplace—adaptability, creativity, and critical thinking.
Gorretti Byomire contributes to the panel discussion.
More than 50 organizations participated, turning the fair into a living ecosystem of mentorship, networking, and opportunity.
Stories That Defined the Experience
But beyond the panels and presentations, it was the human moments that stood out.
There was the student who, after a conversation with a recruiter, discovered a career path they had never considered. The group of finalists who used simple tools like mobile phones to create powerful messages about safety and inclusion, reminding everyone that innovation often begins with what is available.
And there were countless quiet exchanges, handshakes, questions, shared laughter—that carried the weight of possibility.
Students attending the career fair on day three at the Freedom Square.
A Bridge to the Future
What emerged from the three-day experience was not just a successful event, but a powerful reminder of the university’s role as a bridge, linking academic training to real-world demands.
The Careers Fair reaffirmed Makerere’s commitment to preparing students not just for employment, but for meaningful participation in shaping the future. It brought into focus a simple but profound truth: careers are not built in isolation—they are nurtured through connections, curiosity, and courage.
For many students who walked through the fair, the journey ahead no longer felt uncertain. It felt possible.