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 Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe on 20th April 2026 inaugurated the Second Makerere University Health User Committee (Mak-HUC). The Committee was established by the Vice Chancellor in 2022 as part of his strategic mandate to strengthen and oversee the University Hospital services delivery.
Chaired by Dr. Allen Kabagenyi from the College of Business and Management Sciences (CoBAMS), Mak-HUC has as its members; Prof. Josaphat K. Byamugisha-Director Makerere University Health Services (MakHS) and Dr. Daniel Ronald Ruhweza-Department of Law and Jurisprudence, School of Law.
Other members include; Dr. Arthur Kwizera-Department of Anaesthesia and Critical Care, College of Health Sciences (CHS) and Makerere University Academic Staff Association (MUASA) Representative, Dr. Lillian Tukahirwa-Makerere University Administrative Staff Association (MASA) Representative, Mr. Godfrey Othieno- National Union of Educational Institutions (NUEI) Representative, and as Secretariat, Ms. Kevin M. Nabiryo-Directorate of Human Resources.
Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe (C) interacts with members of the 2nd Mak-HUC.
The 2nd Mak-HUC has been appointed for a period of four years effective 1st January 2026 with a mandate to: Guide, monitor and oversee delivery of health services by MakHS; Represent the interests and concerns of staff and students that use MakHS; Advise on alignment with sustainable health financing and insurance models; Strengthen systems for fraud prevention, digital transformation and access to specialized treatment, among other responsibilities.
The 1st Mak-HUC was chaired by Dr. Allen Kabagenyi and had as members; Prof. Josaphat Byamugisha, Dr. Fred Mayambala, Dr. Zahara Nampewo, Mr. Othieno Godfrey, Mr. Apunyo Paul Okiria and Ms. Ikiriza Racheal. Milestones during the first era included; Outpatient Department visits growth from 4,802 (2022) to 7,388 (Nov 2025) for staff and 14,641 (2022) to 19,069 (Nov 2025) for students.
Others milestones included; Commissioning of a fully equipped Operating Theatre, Establishment of a modern Imaging Hub, Development of a fully functional Audiology Unit, Expansion of the Temporal Bone Laboratory, Launch of the Olink Proteomics Platform and Enhancement of the Dental Unit with 32 dental chairs and experienced personnel.
All applications must be submitted electronically via the Makerere University Electronic Human Resource Management System through the above link (ehrms). Applicants will be required to provide the necessary information on the ehrms and attach the following documents:
An application letter clearly stating the job applied for and duly signed by the applicant.
An up-to-date curriculum vitae. The curriculum must also state the names and addresses of at least three referees.
Copies of academic certificates and transcripts.
A minimum of three recommendation letters duly signed by the referees.
The application should be addressed to:
The Chief Human Resource Officer Makerere University P.O. Box 7062 Kampala
On Monday, 20th April 2026, the Academic Registrar, Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi and his Senior Management Team (SMT) convened to witness the official handover of office within the Senate Division. The ceremony, attended by representatives from the Directorate of Internal Audit, marked an important moment of transition and continuity in the University’s academic administration. The outgoing Deputy Academic Registrar in charge of the Senate Division, Mrs. Patience Mushengyezi, formally handed over office to Ms. Gladys Khamili, who assumes the role in an acting capacity.
In his remarks, Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi underscored the significance of the transition, situating it within a broader institutional context. He observed that the Department of the Academic Registrar has, over the years, experienced a steady wave of retirements, particularly among senior staff. He noted that this trend is expected to continue, with a considerable number of experienced personnel due to retire within the next two years.
While acknowledging the institutional gaps created by these departures, he reassured staff that the University is actively addressing the situation to ensure the continued efficiency of the Department.
“You will agree with me that the Department has, over the years, witnessed the retirement of many senior colleagues. Their departure leaves behind a significant institutional gap. However, the University is fully aware and will address it through targeted recruitment,” he stated.
In her detailed handover report, which she delivered verbatim, Mrs. Patience Mushengyezi reflected on her tenure with gratitude and a deep sense of fulfillment. She paid tribute to the Vice-Chancellor, in his capacity as Chairperson of the University Senate, for his steadfast guidance and support throughout her service. She also expressed sincere appreciation to the Academic Registrar, Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi, for his pragmatic and results-oriented leadership.
Ms. Gladys Khamili.Members of the Academic Registrar’s Senior Management Team witness the handover.
“I remain deeply grateful for the support from the Vice-Chancellor and all members of Senate for the trust they accorded me. I equally thank the Academic Registrar, Prof. Buyinza, for his results-oriented approach to administration. His support enabled us to achieve remarkable progress under the DARP (Digitalization of Academic Records and Processes) Project, including the successful digitalization of Senate minutes, some dating as far back as the 1990s, which are now easily retrievable,” she noted.
Her remarks painted a picture of dedication, progress, and institutional strengthening, leaving behind a legacy that will continue to benefit the University.
In her acceptance remarks, Ms. Gladys Khamili expressed heartfelt appreciation to the Academic Registrar for the confidence placed in her. She acknowledged the weight of responsibility that comes with the role and pledged her commitment to upholding the standards and gains established by her predecessor.
She paid glowing tribute to Mrs. Mushengyezi’s exceptional service, noting that her impact within the Senate Division is both profound and enduring.
Ms Khamili paid glowing tribute to Mrs. Mushengyezi’s exceptional service.
“I am truly honored by the trust bestowed upon me. I am committed to building on the strong foundation laid by Mrs. Mushengyezi, whose remarkable contribution and dedication will continue to inspire us all,” she said.
The ceremony not only marked the end of a distinguished era in the Department of the Academic Registrar, but also the beginning of a new phase, underscored by continuity, renewal, and a shared commitment to excellence in academic administration at Makerere University.
Gerald Ochwo is the Liaison and Communication Officer, Office of the Academic Registrar