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.
Visionary Blueprint to Drive Excellence, Innovation, and National Development.
Kampala, Uganda – July 2, 2026. — Makerere University today officially launched its Strategic Plan 2026–2030, outlining a bold roadmap for academic excellence, research innovation, and transformative impact on Uganda and the region. The high-profile launch event, held at Makerere University Main Campus, brought together government leaders, university stakeholders, development partners, and academia.
The Chief Guest, Hon. Henry Musasizi, Minister of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, presided over the official launch. In his presentation, Vice Chancellor Prof. Nawangwe Barnabas highlighted the University’s past achievements and the new Plan’s strategic vision. “This Strategic Plan builds on our rich legacy while positioning Makerere University as a leader in addressing contemporary challenges through cutting-edge research, quality education, and innovation,” he stated.
The Plan was developed through an inclusive process led by the Deputy Vice Chancellor for Finance and Administration, Prof. Henry Alinaitwe, with input from across the University community. It aligns closely with national development priorities, as affirmed by Dr. Joseph Muvawala, Executive Director of the National Planning Authority.
University Council Chairperson Dr Lorna Magara emphasised the Council’s oversight role and commitment: “The University Council is fully committed to providing the strategic leadership and oversight necessary for the successful implementation of this Plan. It will strengthen Makerere’s role as a driver of Uganda’s socio-economic transformation and ensure we remain a beacon of excellence in higher education across Africa.”
Development partners, Vice Chancellors from other public universities, college principals, deans, professors, and student representatives attended the event, underscoring broad stakeholder support.
Key Pillars of the Strategic Plan 2026–2030 include enhancing excellence in teaching and learning, advancing research and innovation, strengthening infrastructure and sustainability, promoting inclusivity, and deepening engagement with industry and government. Following the formal proceedings, guests participated in a networking breakfast and media engagement session.
Additional Quotes:
“Makerere University remains Uganda’s flagship institution. This Strategic Plan will further harness our intellectual capital to contribute meaningfully to the National Development Plan and Vision 2040.” — Hon. Henry Musasizi, Minister of Finance, Planning and Economic Development.
“We are excited to embark on this new strategic journey. With the support of our dedicated staff, students, alumni, and partners, we will achieve even greater heights in the next five years.” — Prof. Nawangwe Barnabas, Vice Chancellor, Makerere University
Makerere University is Uganda’s oldest and largest public university, established in 1922. It is a world-class institution recognised for academic excellence, groundbreaking research, and cross-disciplinary innovation. With over 35,000 students and a strong alumni network, Makerere continues to shape leaders and solutions for Africa and beyond.
For more information, contact:
Ms. Eunice Rukundo, Deputy Chief, Public Relations
The Makerere University Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe has today, Friday, 26th June 2026 handed over the CCE (Complex) Hall of Residence Site to National Enterprise Corporation (NEC) Managing Director and CEO, Lieutenant General James Mugira for renovation and overhaul works. The UGX 12billion Government of Uganda-funded works, expected to be completed within a year, are the fourth project to be undertaken by NEC. They were preceded by; construction of the University Perimeter Wall, Renovation of Lumumba Hall, and Renovation of Mary Stuart Hall.
NEC’s Record Lauded
Prof. Nawangwe in his remarks at the handover ceremony lauded these projects. “The quality of work done by NEC makes us proud because we can finally say that we have Ugandans who can do the things, which we previously depended on foreigners to do.” He therefore thanked the Government of Uganda for fully funding the projects and the First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Hon. Janet Museveni, whose visit set the renovation projects in motion.
The Vice Chancellor added that as the Alma mater for most members of both the Contractor and Project Management Teams, this was a moment of great pride as their expertise and skills have saved the country billions of taxpayers’ money. “Thank you for being patriotic”, he commended.
Arch. Dr. Kenneth Ssemwogerere (R) leads the team on a guided tour of the site.
Prof. Nawangwe concluded by noting that CCE Hall, by virtue of its location, provides a first impression of Makerere University as a whole. He therefore urged the contractor to ensure that upon renovation, CCE Hall would create a memorable and lasting first impression, exceeding even that of the renovated Mary Stuart Hall.
A Project Fueled by Nostalgia
Speaking of impressions, Lt. Gen. Mugira, with nostalgia recalled that close to 42 years ago, he not only attended his first lectures in Hall 1 of the CCE Complex but also, on a more personal note added, “my wife was a resident, and so I have every motivation to put in a lot of effort and make sure that I deliver more than was done with Mary Stuart and Lumumba.”
He therefore extended heartfelt appreciation to his Alma mater Makerere University for the trust and confidence bestowed in NEC, which underscored their ability to deliver. “Trust is earned through performance, through integrity and consistency, and your decision to engage us motivates us to work even harder to exceed your expectations.”
L-R: Dr. Winifred Kabumbuli, Lt. Gen. James Mugira, Prof. Henry Alinaitwe and Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe inspect the top floor of CCE Hall.
In his remarks, the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Finance and Administration) Prof. Henry Alinaitwe reechoed the need to ensure that the project is executed with adherence to the cost, quality, specifications and safety related issues as earlier shared by the Acting (Ag.) Chief Engineer of Estates and Works, Eng. Ezra Sekadde.
“NEC has already demonstrated this (with previous projects), and that is why we have all the confidence that you can deliver this project within 12 months” remarked Prof. Alinaitwe. He equally lauded the Project Management Team (PMT) led by Arch. Dr. Kenneth Ssemwogerere whose supervision ensures timely project completion.
Relatedly, Arch. Dr. Semwogerere was on 25th June 2026, the eve of the handover, promoted to the rank of Associate Professor, a milestone Prof. Alinaitwe attributed to his track record as Head of PMT. He therefore, on a light note, urged him to keep up the good work as this could equally contribute to his promotion to the rank of full Professor.
R-L: Eng. Ezra Sekadde, Eng. Brian Buhanda, Prof. Anthony Mugagga, Arch. Dr. Kenneth Ssemwogerere and other stakeholders at the site handover.
Also present at the handover ceremony was the Principal, College of Education and External Studies (CEES) Prof. Anthony Mugagga, whose unit will be greatly affected by the renovations. He nevertheless welcomed and reiterated his full support for the project, noting that just as renovation of Lumumba and Mary Stuart Halls had resulted in many alumni revisiting, the CCE Complex would upon renovation attract former residents and teaching professionals to give back or forge new partnerships.
Student Welfare at the Forefront
On her part, the Dean of Students Dr. Winifred Kabumbuli lauded the renovations of Halls of Residence as a clear demonstration of Government’s dedication to the improvement of student welfare, and creating an environment conducive for nurturing responsible citizens who can contribute to national development. She pledged her Office’s and the Student Leadership’s readiness to ensure that the renovated facilities used responsibly for the benefit of future generations.
Stakeholders pose for a group photo after the event.
As a resident of the recently renovated Mary Stuart Hall, 92nd Guild President H.E. Kadondi Gracious could not help but appreciate how impactful the renovation of CCE Hall would be to student welfare. “The female students will be very excited (to occupy CCE Hall) but the male students will be left complaining – so we shall be expecting more renovations, not just for the female but also the male students,” she amiably concluded.
The Office of Academic Registrar, Makerere University has released admission lists of candidates admitted under the Talented Sports Men & Women, Disability and District Quota Schemes with Government sponsorship 2026/27 Academic Year including appeals and remarked cases.
Other admission lists released include A-Level Applicants with Ugandan and those with Foreign Qualifications, Diploma in Performing Arts, Mature-Age Entry and Bachelor of Education (EXTERNAL Batch 2) for the Academic Year 2026/2027 under self sponsorship.