The Vice Chancellor-Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe (L), Executive Secretary IUCEA-Prof. Gaspard Banyakimbona (2nd L) and PAVC-Mr. Gordon Murangira (R) with the Chairperson-Hon. Namara Dennis (3rd L) and some Members of the EALA General Purpose Committee upon arrival at CTF1, Makerere University on 9th September 2021.
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 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 UniversityResearch 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.
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.
Makerere University has officially launched its Strategic Plan 2025-2030, marking a major milestone in its commitment to strengthening research, innovation, and human capital development in line with Uganda’s national development priorities.
The launch brought together senior government officials, university leadership, and development planners, including the Minister of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, Hon. Henry Musasizi, and a representative from the National Planning Authority (NPA), alongside the University Vice Chancellor.
Hon. Henry Musasizi unveils the Makerere University Strategic Plan (2025-2030).
A Vision Anchored in National Transformation
Speaking at the launch, the Vice Chancellor underscored the University’s ambition to significantly expand graduate training and strengthen its contribution to national development. He noted that the institution is targeting a return to pre-COVID enrolment levels and a substantial increase in postgraduate numbers by 2030, with a focus on producing highly skilled graduates, innovators, and researchers.
He emphasized that the Strategic Plan positions the University as a key driver of Uganda’s transformation through knowledge generation, innovation, and entrepreneurship, aligned with national priorities.
“The staffing distribution is shown here. Under the approved establishment, we intended to have 419 Professors, but we currently have only 75. We planned for 473 Associate Professors, but currently have only 144. This clearly demonstrates that we still have considerable room for growth in strengthening our academic staff profile,” the VC said.
Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe.
The VC appreciated researchers and research centres, that continue to attract substantial research funding. He highlighted the Infectious Diseases Institute (IDI) and the Makerere University Walter Reed Project which attracted approximately US$70 million in international research funding into Uganda.
“When you combine the grants won by all our researchers through competitive international funding, the total exceeds US$200 million,” he said.
In her remarks, the Chairperson of the University Council, Dr. Lorna Magara, described the Strategic Plan as more than an institutional roadmap, calling it “a public covenant with the people of Uganda.”
She noted that the Plan marks “the launch of Makerere University’s next chapter,” adding that decisions taken over the next five years will shape not only the future of the institution, but also Uganda’s development trajectory through graduates, research, innovations, and leadership.
Dr. Lorna Magara.
Dr. Magara emphasized Makerere’s unique national role as Uganda’s premier public university, entrusted with public resources and public confidence.
“Every investment made in Makerere must produce measurable value for the people of Uganda,” she said, underscoring the need for accountability, integrity, and impact.
Ambitious Targets for Transformation
The Council Chairperson and the Vice chancellor outlined bold performance targets under the Strategic Plan, including doubling postgraduate enrolment, increasing STEM enrolment from 30% to 55%, improving PhD completion rates from 10% to 35%, and more than doubling peer-reviewed research output, alongside a significant rise in patents and innovations.
Dr. Magara stressed that these targets are not aspirations alone but binding commitments against which institutional performance will be measured.
Hon. Henry Musasizi (3rd R) and Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe (2rd L) display an autographed dummy of the signed Strategic Plan as L-R: Hon. Kadondi Gracious, Prof. Henry Alinaitwe, Rt. Hon. Daniel Kidega, Dr. Lorna Magara, H.E. Mubiru John Bosco and Prof. Sarah Ssali witness.
“Ambition is precisely what this moment demands. A strategic plan is not measured by the elegance of its language, but by the lives it transforms,” she said.
Call for Stronger Governance and Legal Reform
Dr. Magara also highlighted the need for reform of the Universities and Other Tertiary Institutions Act, Cap. 262, noting that the current legal framework has not kept pace with the evolving realities of university governance and innovation.
She called on Government and Parliament to support a timely review of the Act to enable universities to better optimise knowledge systems, productive assets, and innovation capacity in support of national development.
Government Endorsement and Strategic Alignment
Hon. Henry Musasizi commended the University for developing a forward-looking Strategic Plan aligned with Uganda’s Vision 2040 and the Fourth National Development Plan (NDP IV), which serves as the foundation for the country’s Tenfold Growth Strategy.
He explained that Uganda’s ambition to grow its economy from about USD 50 billion to USD 500 billion requires accelerated growth driven by productivity gains, innovation, and strong human capital development.
Hon. Henry Musasizi.
“Universities are central actors in national transformation. They are engines of knowledge creation, innovation, and human capital development,” he said.
The Minister stressed that government priorities include strengthening research, promoting industrialization, and ensuring that knowledge generated in universities is translated into practical solutions that support economic growth. He further highlighted the importance of accountability, efficiency, and value for money in public investments in higher education.
Universities as Drivers of the Tenfold Growth Strategy
In his presentation, the Senior Planner at the National Planning Authority, Samuel Kasule, emphasized that the Strategic Plan is firmly anchored in Uganda’s comprehensive development framework under Vision 2040 and NDP IV.
He noted that the Tenfold Growth Strategy seeks to accelerate Uganda’s economic growth into double-digit territory, enabling the country to achieve structural transformation and reach upper middle-income status.
Mr. Samuel Kasule.
Kasule underscored that universities play a critical role in this transformation through labour productivity, research, and innovation. He pointed out that priority sectors such as agriculture, tourism, minerals, oil and gas, and ICT depend heavily on skilled graduates and strong research ecosystems.
He also highlighted the importance of competency-based education, alignment of academic programmes with national human resource needs, and strengthening postgraduate training and research outputs.
A Shared Commitment to Transformation
Across all speeches, a strong message emerged: universities are central to Uganda’s development agenda and must evolve into research-intensive institutions that directly contribute to economic transformation.
The Strategic Plan 2025-2030 was widely commended for its focus on innovation, industry collaboration, digital transformation, and the commercialization of research outputs.
Government leaders reaffirmed continued support for higher education institutions through research funding, innovation ecosystems, and strengthened university–industry partnerships.
Conclusion
The launch of the Strategic Plan 2030 signals a renewed commitment to positioning the University as a key partner in Uganda’s development journey. With strong alignment to national priorities, the Plan is expected to accelerate research, innovation, and skills development necessary for achieving Uganda’s long-term economic ambitions. The Strategic Plan may be accessed at: https://mak.ac.ug/about/strategic-plan
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