Call for Applications for 5 PhD Scholarships Tenable at Makerere University in collaboration with University of Bergen (UiB)-Norway under Norhed II Project ‘Mathematics for Sustainable Development-2021-2026’
The Norhed II supported project 2021-2026, is announcing a total of five scholarships for PhD students to conduct their studies at Makerere University. Three of the five scholarships will be offered in the area of Applied Mathematics and two in Mathematics Education. The training of the five PhD students will take place at Makerere University with possible short supervision visits to the University of Bergen or University of Dar es salaam depending on the supervision needs for a particular PhD student. We invite interested candidates to apply for the said PhD scholarships. The PhD training is expected to commence in October 2021 and will be supported for a period of four years on full-time basis. Applicants who are already admitted at Makerere University and still in their first year of PhD studies in the project’s areas of focus will also be considered. The training is preferably by coursework and dissertation on the existing PhD curricula in Mathematics and Mathematics Education at Makerere University. Some Makerere, Regional, Norwegian and University of Dar es Salaam staff will be involved in the teaching and supervision of the PhD students.
Eligibility for the THREE students for Applied Mathematics Area
The applicant must
Be holding at least a Master’s degree in Mathematics or Applied Mathematics (or equivalent);
Be a Ugandan citizen, preferably not above 45 years at the time of the closing date of receiving the applications.
Be able to stay in Norway or University of Dar es salaam for a period of at most three months a year for supervision when need arises;
Demonstrate the ability to think creatively and work independently and also be able to work in a team of researchers from Uganda, Tanzania and Norway.
Take on a PhD research project in any of the three areas; Data Science, Computational Mathematics or Mathematical applications in medicine. For details of some of the possible PhD research areas of focus for this project, contact the project Coordinator/PI- Assoc. Prof John Mango Magero (jmango1966[at]gmail.com) at the Department of Mathematics, Makerere University.
Eligibility for the TWO students for Mathematics Education Area
The applicant must
Be holding at least a Master’s degree in Mathematics Education (or equivalent);
Be a Ugandan citizen, preferably not above 45 years at the time of the closing date of receiving the applications
Be able to stay in Norway or University of Dar es salaam for a period of at most three months a year for supervision when need arises;
Demonstrate the ability to think creatively and work independently and also be able to work in a team of researchers from Uganda, Tanzania and Norway.
Take on a PhD research project in Mathematics Education for secondary level. The topic could be within e-learning, problem-based learning, gifted education, classroom dialogue, assessment, and other related areas. For details, contact the project Coordinator/PI-Assoc. Prof John Mango Magero (jmango1966@gmail.com) at the Department of Mathematics, Makerere University or Dr. Mayende Godfrey and Dr Batiibwe Marjorie of the college of Education and External Studies.
Interested applicants should submit the following sets of documents:
An application letter for scholarship for PhD studentship;
A current CV (maximum five pages), which includes a detailed description of previous education at university level (all courses and grades) and a description of current research interests in line with the stated project areas of focus;
A copy of the Current Identity Card, National Identity Card or passport;
Three recent passport photos;
A certified copy of the applicant’s Master’s degree/diploma;
A softcopy of the applicant’s Master’s thesis;
A research concept note of maximum 5 pages (guidelines given below);
At least two recommendation letters from your academic referees. The referee letters to be sent together with the application
The Concept Note must include:
A description of the applicant’s research interests in Applied Mathematics or Mathematics Education;
A description of the applicant’s background in this area/these areas;
A discussion on the applicant’s motivation for conducting PhD studies;
A discussion on what outputs the applicant expects to realize through the PhD studies.
Selection
The applications shall be vetted by a panel comprising of some academic staff (including head) from the Department of Mathematics, Makerere University, Collaborators from College of Education and External Studies (CEES),Collaborators from Norway, PIs of the project at Makerere, Dar es Salaam and University of Bergen. A representative from Uganda Mathematical Society might be part of the panel.Evidence of already having a teaching position at University will be an added advantage.
Application procedure:
Electronic submission of application for scholarship with supporting documents should be sent to the PI of the project at Makerere, Prof J M Mango on email jmango1966[at]gmail.com
-Copy, Overall Coordinator of Norhed II projects at Mak 2021-2026; Email: mbuyinza[at]mak.ac.ug;
-Copy, PI University of Bergen-Norway, Guttorm.Alendal[at]uib.no
-Copy, Head, Department of Mathematics, Makerere University, hod.math[at]mak.ac.ug
No hardcopies of the application documents will be required given the prevailing covid-19 situation.
Application submission deadline is Monday 20th September 2021and interviews (where applicable) will be conducted at an appropriate date. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for interviews.
The admission for PhD in Mathematics or Mathematics Education is independent of the scholarship award and hence follows the existing admission processes/regulations to the mandated units/programmes at Makerere University. Successful candidates for the scholarship, if they do not have admission to Makerere already, they are encouraged to follow Makerere University PhD application procedure and secure admission to Makerere University before commencement of the PhD training in October 2021.
For further information, contact:
Prof. John Mango Magero PI/Coordinator-Norhed II Project, Mathematics for Sustainable Development Department of Mathematics, Email:jmango1966[at]gmail.com; mango.john[at]mak.ac.ug; Mobile: +256772649455
The College of Natural Sciences (CoNAS) is one of the 9 constituent colleges of Makerere University, dedicated to advancing scientific knowledge and education in Uganda.
Comprising two schools and seven departments, CoNAS offers cutting-edge research and academic programs across diverse fields, including chemistry, physics, mathematics, and biological sciences.
The College is committed to nurturing innovative thinkers and leaders who can tackle the complex challenges of today’s world through scientific exploration and discovery. With a long-standing tradition of academic excellence, CoNAS plays a central role in shaping Uganda’s scientific and technological future. It fosters a culture of critical thinking, problem-solving, and sustainable development. The College’s distinguished faculty, state-of-the-art laboratories, and collaborative research initiatives continue to inspire and develop world-class professionals who make significant contributions to both national and global progress.
This edition of the report highlights the activities and achievements of 2024, aligned with the University’s strategic focus on Innovative Teaching and Learning, Research, Innovations and Technology Transfer, and Strategic Engagement and Partnerships.
Transitioning from university life to the professional world can be a daunting experience for many graduates. This challenge is particularly pronounced in Uganda, the broader East African region, and across Africa, where many university leavers find themselves ill-equipped to face the realities of life after school. Issues such as limited career guidance, lack of personal development resources, and insufficient awareness of societal expectations leave many graduates unprepared for what lies ahead.
According to data from the Uganda Bureau of Statistics (UBOS), the youth unemployment rate in the country stands at approximately 13.3%. Each year, over 400,000 graduates join the job market, all vying for a mere 9,000 available formal employment opportunities. This staggering imbalance creates a climate of intense competition, often resulting in widespread disillusionment, anxiety, and in severe cases, depression – largely due to the absence of structured transition programmes to support young people during this critical phase of life.
While some graduates manage to find employment, launch entrepreneurial ventures, or pursue further academic study, many others struggle with prolonged unemployment or underemployment. This vulnerable group is at risk of turning to detrimental coping mechanisms such as substance abuse, criminal activity, or social withdrawal. One of the root causes of this unpreparedness is the lack of mentorship and real-world guidance in key areas such as workplace conduct, professional ethics, entrepreneurship, leadership, and personal financial management.
In response to this pressing need, the College of Natural Sciences (CoNAS) at Makerere University, through its School of Biosciences, has launched an innovative initiative – the Terminal Seminar/Symposium for Final-Year Students. Spearheaded by Heads of Departments within the School, the seminar is designed to bridge the gap between academic knowledge and the realities of post-university life by equipping students with essential life and career skills.
Dr Kubiriza addressing participants.
Objectives of the Terminal Seminar
The seminar aims to:
Impart practical knowledge on workplace ethics, professional behaviour, and employability.
Cultivate entrepreneurial thinking and leadership skills, enabling students to create their own opportunities.
Provide strategies for coping with unemployment, social pressure, and the transition period.
Raise awareness about mental health and equip students with tools to manage transition-related stress.
Offer insights into navigating employment in public and private sectors, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and the global job market.
Prof. Juma Kasozi, Deputy Principal of CoNAS, praised the initiative as a timely and strategic intervention that would equip students with practical skills and emotional resilience for today’s dynamic job market.
Expected Outcomes
By the end of the programme, students are expected to:
Gain a broader awareness of career and self-employment opportunities.
Develop realistic expectations about the challenges and opportunities post-university.
Experience reduced levels of frustration and vulnerability to harmful behaviours.
Build connections and networks with industry professionals and mentors.
Mr. John Walugembe, Executive Director of the Federation of Small and Medium Sized Enterprises Uganda, highlighted the value of time management and integrity in building a successful career.
2025 Terminal Seminar Event Highlights
On 23rd April 2025, CoNAS held its flagship Terminal Seminar for Final Year students set to complete their studies in June 2025. The seminar was coordinated by Dr. Godfrey Kawooya Kubiriza, Head, Department of Zoology, Entomology, and Fisheries Sciences, with support from Dr. Barbra Nerima and Dr. Joel Isanga, both faculty members from the Department of Biochemistry and Systems Biology.
Mr. John Walugembe addresses participants.
The event featured a series of empowering sessions, designed to help students navigate the transition from academic life to the professional world. Key topics included career planning, workplace ethics, entrepreneurship, and mental well-being.
A line-up of seasoned professionals and motivational speakers – including Mr. John Walugembe, Executive Director of the Federation of Small and Medium Sized Enterprises Uganda, and Dr. Catherine Mbidde, Ag Director, Makerere University Innovations Pod (UniPod), also Lecturer at the School of Business at CoBAMS, shared their personal journeys, professional insights, and practical advice for thriving beyond the university walls. Other Speakers included Dr. Alex Behakanira from the Department of Mathematics, Makerere University; Mr. Henry Nsubuga, Manager, Counselling and Guidance Centre, Makerere University; Mr. Maurice Ssebisubi, Senior Programme Officer (Fisheries and Environment) at the Embassy of Iceland; and Ms. Sylvia Kajubi, Deputy Principal at the Insurance Training College of Uganda.
Dr. Catherine Mbidde, Acting Director of the Makerere University Innovation Pod, addressed students on leveraging the digital landscape to boost their careers.
Sharing his personal journey, Mr. John Walugembe offered valuable insights to students, emphasizing the critical importance of time management in shaping a successful career. He encouraged them to cultivate patience, resilience, and integrity as they transition from academic life into the professional world.
Mr. Walugembe also urged the students to maintain an open mind when approaching the job market. “You should not confine yourselves to roles within your academic fields. Remain open to exploring a wide range of opportunities that may arise. You need to approach the job market with flexibility,” he advised.
In his remarks, Dr. Alex Behakanira from the Department of Mathematics, Makerere University emphasized the need to remain open-minded and adaptable.
In addition, he highlighted the dual significance of academic excellence and strong professional networks, noting that good grades can open doors, but relationships and connections often determine how far one can go in their career journey. “The best way to build networks is to improve your value,” he advised.
Addressing the students on how to leverage the digital landscape to advance their careers, Dr. Catherine Mbidde emphasized the transformative potential of digital tools in shaping future opportunities. She, however, expressed concern over the growing trend of digital tool misuse – platforms that could otherwise be harnessed to explore career paths and unlock job prospects.
Mr. Maurice Ssebisubi, Senior Programme Officer (Fisheries and Environment) at the Embassy of Iceland, also an alumnus of CoNAS sharing his experiences.
Dr. Mbidde urged the students to invest in nurturing their entrepreneurial skills, encouraging them to proactively develop plans, engage in regular self-assessment, and seek out mentors who can offer guidance and support along their professional journeys. She underscored the importance of spiritual grounding, advising students to cultivate a strong relationship with God as a source of direction and resilience in navigating the complexities of their career paths.
Mr. Basiima Collins from UniPod emphasized the importance of a mind-set shift as graduates navigate their career paths. He urged students to actively participate in networking events and foster an entrepreneurial mind-set, stressing that these actions are essential for personal and professional growth. “By embracing opportunities for networking, you can build valuable connections and open doors to new possibilities. Additionally, cultivating an entrepreneurial mind-set allows you to approach challenges with creativity, resilience, and a proactive attitude, which are crucial qualities for success in today’s dynamic job market.”
Dr Joel Isanga from the Department of Biochemistry and Systems Biology at CoNAS moderated the session.
Addressing students on the significance of mental health in the journey of career development, Dr. Alex Behakanira emphasized the need to remain open-minded and adaptable. He noted that although job opportunities may appear scarce, the broader landscape of opportunities remains vast and ever-evolving. Dr. Behakanira encouraged students to strive for relevance not only in their professional environments but also within their homes and communities, underlining the importance of being well-rounded individuals. Echoing this sentiment, Mr. Henry Nsubuga stressed the importance of safeguarding one’s mental well-being throughout their career path. He advised students to cultivate a resilient mind-set and to be intentional about steering clear of situations that may lead to emotional distress or depression.
Dr. Joel Isanga moderates the session.
In his remarks, Prof. Juma Kasozi, the Deputy Principal of the College of Natural Sciences (CoNAS) and Head of Academics, expressed his appreciation for the initiative. He commended the effort as a timely and strategic intervention aimed at equipping students with the practical knowledge and emotional resilience necessary to navigate the dynamic and often challenging world of work. Prof. Kasozi emphasized that such initiatives play a crucial role in bridging the gap between academic theory and real-world application. He extended sincere gratitude to the seminar coordinators, praising their foresight and dedication in conceptualizing and organizing the programme.
The Terminal Seminar will be held on an annual basis.
The Dean, School of Biosciences at CoNAS, Prof. Arthur Tugume graced the event.Some of the Final Year students at the seminar.Some of the students who participated in the session alongside the organizers and guest speakers.
Due to the frequent use of antibiotics for prophylaxis and treatment of poultry by Ugandan farmers, antibiotic resistance is on the rise. This has resulted in an outbreak of poultry and human diseases in addition to drug residues in chicken meat being consumed by the majority of Ugandans. Thus, “If you are eating chicken daily then you could be at a high risk.” These residues have spilled into the environment and also contaminated the food for the indigenous free-range chicken which people thought were safer to eat. Interestingly, some consumers think cooking chicken can reduce antibiotic residue levels, but it does not completely remove them. Boiling or frying chicken can cause antibiotic residues to migrate into the cooking liquid, but they don’t guarantee full degradation or elimination.
Drugged chicken.What is being consumed.
Looking at the situation at hand, I went back to our indigenous knowledge systems in a quest to formulate an organic poultry feed since natural solutions have proven safer, effective, and sustainable. But remember, to break the cycle or solve any problem, we have to start from the roots and this is by improving the diet for our poultry and ruling out the use of conventional antibiotics. Thus, I went ahead to investigate natural bacteriocins and phytobiotics which I integrated into a special feed for chicken. In addition to the feed is a probiotic solution for gut health.
Phyto-Nutra pellets and their packaging.
Special thanks to the Government of Uganda through the Makerere University Research and Innovations Fund (Mak-RIF) for funding this research to prototypes.
Phyto-Nutra pellets and booster in their packaging.
Soon we will commence bulk processing and take the feed to the market but before that, we will scientifically validate the feed through efficiency testing in comparison with imported feeds and Uganda-produced feeds. Furthermore, we will produce different feeds to meet the needs of the different types of chicken (broilers, layers, dual-purpose). This will put our product in a better place on the market and also be able to convince our customers with concrete scientific evidence. In addition, we want to change the mindsets of the majority of Ugandans, especially poultry farmers, and let them understand that Organic poultry farming is the best as it results in quality meat, quality eggs, quality fertilizer, and more returns/ profits.
Dr. Alice Nabatanzi.
In conclusion, we need to embrace our indigenous systems and remember that once we were healthier without cancer, strange disease conditions, and rampant fertility issues. This is majorly because we consumed clean food as opposed to now where our food is highly contaminated with drug residues.
Dr. Alice Nabatanzi is a Senior Lecturer in the College of Natural Sciences (CoNAS), Makerere University