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EALA General Purpose Committee Commends Mak ACEII Projects

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The Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe has today September 8, 2021 hosted members of the East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) on a fact finding mission about the two World Bank-funded African Centers of Excellence hosted by Makerere University. The EALA General Purpose Committee, led by Hon. Dennis Namara, was interested in understanding what the research centers do, their achievements thus far and the opportunities therein.

The legislators commended the two centres, Makerere University Regional Center for Crop Improvement (MaRCCI) and the African Centre of Excellence for Material Science and Nano Technology (MAPRONANO) for the enormous research, innovation and contribution to food production and development of the country.

The Vice Chancellor welcomed the delegation and shared with them a brief about Makerere University, the research undertaken, the facilities available such as the Main Library, Sports facilities, and the Research Facilities such as Makerere University Agricultural Research Institute Kabanyolo (MUARIK), Buyana Stock Farm as well as the laboratories in the different colleges.

The center leaders Prof. John Baptist Kirabira (MAPRONANO) and Prof. Richard Edema (MaRCCI) also shared with the legislators what their respective centers do and the achievements over the last 4 years of the project. The delegates praised Makerere for the crop improvement saying that the improved seeds (cow peas and sorghum) need to be shared with the entire region so that all countries benefit.

They called for commercialization and patenting of products such as the diesel engine that was made by researchers under MAPRONANO in collaboration with KEVOTON Motions Engineering Limited. They also commended the research and innovations in the area of COVID-19 such as the antimicrobial mask, research in a COVID-19 vaccine, classical mechanics treatment for HIV, solar powered sanitization booths and making of batteries among others.

The Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, appealed to the East African legislators to increase funding to graduate research in universities as a means of contributing to growth in human resource as well as innovations.

The legislators proposed harmonization of the higher education system to ease teaching and learning. It was pointed out that because of the lack of harmonization, students are unable to transfer credits from one university to another in case they have to move from one country to another.

The Members of Parliament were amazed by the amount of research undertaken at the two Centres of Excellence and proposed the creation of a platform that promotes sharing of knowledge by the different universities in the region. 

The legislators emphasized the need to skill the youth so that they create jobs after graduation. The Vice Chancellor in his response assured the Members of Parliament that Makerere had embraced skilling through incubation centres at different colleges and inclusion of sociology as a course unit with the aim of graduating students who are able to create jobs.

Hon. Sergon Jematia Flowrence from Kenya called on the Makerere University Regional Center for Crop Improvement (MaRCCI) to work with other crop science agencies and universities in the region to ensure the farming communities access these seeds. She called for creation of a seed bank in each of the East African countries to ensure preservation of the improved crops and eradication of hunger in the region.

Hon. Odongo George Stephen from Uganda called for a change in the mindset, saying we need collaborations rather than working in silos. “Instead of collaborating with one another, we are looking at hiding our innovations, which leaves us disadvantaged,” he said. 

On harmonization of tuition fees, Prof. Nawangwe informed the delegates that Makerere was the first university to harmonize fees and charge East African students the same as nationals.

Citing the example of the Makerere University Research and Innovations Fund (Mak-RIF), the Vice Chancellor called on the legislators to encourage their respective governments to fund research. He thanked the Government of Uganda for its continued role in supporting research. He informed the delegation that the Government allocates Shs30 billion shillings to Mak-RIF annually, which has led to a significant increase in innovations.

Hon. Kim Gai Ruot Duop from South Sudan challenged the university to pay particular interest to matters relating to water resources in East Africa, saying this is a matter that may cause us problems if not well managed. The Vice Chancellor in response emphasized that water is a priority in the great lakes region and the university’s Centre for Climate Change Research and Innovations (MUCCRI) is engaged in research, training, informing policy and conducting outreach activities in line with climate change.

The EALA delegates were accompanied by the Executive Secretary of the Inter-University Council of East Africa (IUCEA), Prof. Gaspard Banyankimbora, who said there is need for a policy to help break barriers in the accreditation of institutions of learning.

In his closing remarks, the head of delegation, Hon. Namara emphasized that the EALA would recommend the harmonization of the education system at institutions of higher learning to ease teaching and learning.

Following the engagement with the Vice Chancellor, the EALA Legislators visited the MAPRONANO facility at the College of Engineering, Design, Art and Technology (CEDAT) for a guided tour of the Materials Lab and CNC Lab. The Legislators also had an opportunity to see and ask questions about the state of the art Vapour Pressure (VP) Sigma 300 High resolution Scanning Electron Microscope for nanomaterial’s characterization, acquired by MAPRONANO with funding from the Government of Uganda in July 2021.

The EALA General Purposes Committee delegation comprised; Hon. Namara Dennis (Chairperson)–Uganda, Hon. Uwumukiza Francoise–Rwanda, Hon. Sergon Jematiah Flowrence–Kenya, Hon. Deng Nhial Gai–South Sudan, Hon. Ali Ibrahim Fatuma–Kenya, Hon. Rutazana Francine–Rwanda, Hon. Ahingejeje Alfred–Burundi, Hon. Dr. Abdullah Hasnuu Makame–Tanzania, Hon. Yahya Maryam Ussi–Tanzania, Hon. Odongo George Stephen–Uganda, Hon. Maasay Pamela Simon–Tanzania, Hon. Musamali Paul Mwasa–Uganda, Hon. Kim Gai Ruot Duop–South Sudan, Hon. Ayason Mukulia Kennedy–South Sudan, Hon. Muhirwa Jean-Marie–Burundi, Hon. Bahati Alex–Rwanda and Hon. Nsavyimana Sophie–Burundi.

Betty Kyakuwa is the Principal Communication Officer, College of Engineering, Design, Art and Technology (CEDAT)

Betty Kyakuwa
Betty Kyakuwa

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Press Statement: Makerere University Launches Ambitious Strategic Plan 2026–2030

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Launch of the Makerere University Strategic Plan (2025-2030), 2nd July 2026. Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

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

About 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

Makerere University

Email: inquiries@mak.ac.ug | Tel: +256-414-531202

Website: www.mak.ac.ug

The full Strategic Plan document may be accessed at the link below.
https://mak.ac.ug/about/strategic-plan

END

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Makerere Hands Over CCE Hall to NEC for Renovation

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Lt. Gen. James Mugira (3rd R) and Guild President H.E. Kadondi Gracious (3rd L) display a copy of the CCE Complex Working Drawings at the site handover on 26th June 2026 as L-R: Eng. Brian Buhanda, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, Dr. Winifred Kabumbuli and Prof. Henry Alinaitwe witness. Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe hands over CCE (Complex) Hall of Residence Site to National Enterprise Corporation (NEC) Managing Director and CEO, Lt. Gen. James Mugira for renovation and overhaul works, Friday, 26th June 2026, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

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. Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe hands over CCE (Complex) Hall of Residence Site to National Enterprise Corporation (NEC) Managing Director and CEO, Lt. Gen. James Mugira for renovation and overhaul works, Friday, 26th June 2026, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
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. Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe hands over CCE (Complex) Hall of Residence Site to National Enterprise Corporation (NEC) Managing Director and CEO, Lt. Gen. James Mugira for renovation and overhaul works, Friday, 26th June 2026, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
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. Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe hands over CCE (Complex) Hall of Residence Site to National Enterprise Corporation (NEC) Managing Director and CEO, Lt. Gen. James Mugira for renovation and overhaul works, Friday, 26th June 2026, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
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. Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe hands over CCE (Complex) Hall of Residence Site to National Enterprise Corporation (NEC) Managing Director and CEO, Lt. Gen. James Mugira for renovation and overhaul works, Friday, 26th June 2026, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
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.

Mark Wamai

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Undergraduate Admission Lists 2026/2027

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Students in discussion groups at Freedom Square.

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.

The cut-off points points can be accessed by following the link: https://mak.ac.ug/study-mak/cut-points

Kindly follow the links below to access the lists:-

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