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Council Calls for Consultative, Mak Strategic Plan & NDPIII-Inclusive Budgeting

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The Chairperson Makerere University Council, Mrs. Lorna Magara.
The Chairperson Makerere University Council, Mrs. Lorna Magara.

The Makerere University Council Chairperson represented by the Chairperson Finance, Planning, Administration and Investment Committee (FPAIC) of Council-Mr. Bruce Balaba Kabaasa has called upon Unit heads to ensure a consultative and inclusive budgeting process that is aligned to the objectives of the Third National Development Plan (NDPIII) and Makerere University Strategic Plan (2020-2030). The call was made during the Annual Budget Conference held virtually on 14th October 2021.

“It is my pleasure to preside over the opening of the Makerere University Budget Conference 2021, for the financial year 2022/2023. I wish to thank the Chairperson of Council Mrs. Lorna Magara who delegated me to perform this duty on her behalf” remarked Mr. Kabaasa.

He noted that the Higher Education sector, just like many other sectors, has been severely disrupted by measures aimed at controlling the spread of COVID-19 and has as a result suffered from shortfalls in revenue.

“It turns out that we must rethink the methodologies for pursuing our set goals because the new normal demands an urgent shift from business as usual and therefore, the budget being the principal tool for executing the new normal must shift” he pointed out.

The Chair FPAIC added that this year’s budgeting process was more critical than ever before, calling for a balance between realizing the goals and targets of the University Strategic Plan, and ensuring that the planned activities are consistent with operational dynamics occasioned by COVID-19.

He therefore urged the College Principals and Administrative Unit heads to align their budgets to the Budget Call Circular issued by the University Secretary as well as the University Strategic Plan and NDPIII.

“I wish to emphasise that the budgeting must be consultative and inclusive. Consultations must go beyond conferences such as the one we are having today. All stakeholders in given budgeting units must have a chance to contribute towards setting the budget priorities and allocation of funds to those priorities in the respective units” Mr. Kabaasa highlighted.

The Chair FPAIC further requested the budgeting units to involve the relevant Council Committees in the budgeting process right from the onset, as a means of ensuring adherence to set guidelines. He concluded by urging the cost centres to go beyond receiving technical guidance from the Gender Mainstreaming Directorate (GMD) and identify peculiarities within their respective units that respond to the gender and equity requirement and qualify them so as to fit within the regulations while meeting their unique needs.

In her remarks, the Acting Vice Chancellor and Deputy Vice Chancellor (Finance & Administration) Dr. Josephine Nabukenya thanked all participants for sparing time to congregate and deliberate on how best to deliver a good budget based on the proposed roadmap. The roadmap for the budget process for Financial Year 2022/2023 is highlighted below.

  1. 14th October 2021 – Stakeholders’ Budget Conference and Sensitisation on the new Budget structure aligned to NDPIII
  2. 14th October 2021 – Communication of the Budget Call Circular and issue of Ceilings to all the Units
  3. 19th October 2021 – Budget Units/Cost Centres Submit their Draft Budgets
  4. 20th October 2021 – Consolidation of University Budget
  5. 22nd and 23rd October 2021 – The University Budget Committee Retreat
  6. 25th October 2021 – The University Central Management Finance Committee Approval
  7. 26th October 2021 – The University Central Management Committee Approval
  8. 28th October 2021 – The Finance, Planning, Administration and Investment Committee (FPAIC) of Council Approval
  9. 5th November 2021 – University Council Approval
  10. 10th November 2021 – Submission of the Budget Framework Paper and the Consolidated Draft Budget 2022/2023 to the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development (MoFPED).

“We have had several meetings in preparation to fulfill this cycle and so far we seem to be progressing very well. We are extremely grateful to the cost centre heads, who have put in time to ensure that they follow the almanac for producing this budget in time” remarked Dr. Nabukenya.

She extended sincere thanks to the Offices of the University Secretary and University Bursar as well as the Planning and Development Unit for all preparations leading up to the Budget Conference. The Acting Vice Chancellor equally acknowledged and thanked the Colleges and Administrative Units that had already made input into the budgeting process, and urged others to make theirs too.

“May I request through this conference that everybody who is supposed to provide input to have this budget process executed successfully do their part and in a timely manner” said the Acting Vice Chancellor.

Earlier while introducing the budget process, the University Secretary (US) Mr. Yusuf Kiranda shared that the University had since receiving the Budget Call Circular from MoFPED on 15th September been making internal preparations, which included sourcing for the figures that form the basis for budgeting.

“These include projection of student numbers, staffing figures, infrastructure requirements, revenue from various sources including tuition and others, which together guide us on how we will budget” he explained.

The US noted that the conference was organized in compliance with the requirement of Section 9 (i) of the Public Finance Management Act 2015 (as amended), which requires every accounting officer in consultation with relevant stakeholders, to prepare a budget framework paper for the vote, taking into account consideration of balanced development as well as gender and equity responsiveness.

Referring to the Budget Call Circular received from MoFPED, Mr. Kiranda shared the theme for FY 2022/2023 as “Industrialisation for Inclusive Growth, Employment and Wealth Creation”. He also mentioned the budget strategy and priority interventions for the Government of Uganda in FY 2022/2023 as;

  1. To mitigate the COVID19 impact on business activity and livelihoods to support the recovery of the economy back to normality by increasing access to capital, revamping health infrastructure and health systems; reducing vulnerabilities and ensuring access to education.
  2. To speed up recovery of the economy; to sustain economic growth for socioeconomic transformation through re-prioritizing and delivering impactful investments and restructuring resources/budget to areas with more value for money.
  3. To sustain macro-economic stability, peace and security as key foundations for growth and development by keeping exchange rate stability, inflation control, maintaining an adequate reserve of forex; and mitigating emerging internal and external security threats.

Using the Research and Innovations Fund (Mak-RIF) as an example, the US noted that the University can tailor its research to answer to some of the priorities that have clearly defined in the National Budget Strategy 2022/2023.

Presenting the New Budget Structure FY 2022/2023 and implications for budgeting Units, Mr. Kabuye Matia, the Acting Manager Planning and Development informed the conference that the Education Sector has now been designated as a sub-programme under the Human Capital Development programme.

“In the new budget structure, all colleges are going to have three budget outputs namely: teaching and training; research, innovations and technology transfer; and community outreach. When it comes to the support services sub-sub-programme, the new budget structure includes: governance, which entails business of Council and Senate with their sub-committees; general administration and support; academic affairs; library services; contributions to research and international organizations; ICT/e-learning; research, consultancy and publications; students welfare,” explained Mr. Kabuye.

He also noted that under the new normal, emphasis should also be put on how cost centres are to support safe delivery of services. “Every vote should assign a specific department to coordinate the two Government-funded projects i.e. Retooling and Infrastructure Projects.”

The University Bursar, Mr. Evarist Bainomugisha who presented the Budget Performance FY 2019/2020 shared that the University received 98.9% of its approved budget of UGX 363.736 Billion. The proportionate distribution of the University budget expenditure was Wage 58%, Non-wage 38% and Development 4%.

“Collections for last financial year were UGX 69.6 Billion, which was 72% of the budget, and the shortfall is attributed to COVID-19 and the closure of the University resulting in some of the students not paying tuition” explained the Bursar.

In terms of Retooling and Infrastructure Projects, the University completed renovations on the Senate Building, Main Library, Mathematics Building and University Hospital. Ongoing development works include; partitioning of Central Teaching Facility 1, School of Women and Gender Studies Building, the Indoor Stadium, School of Public Health, Department of Dentistry, School of Law, among others.

Delivering the closing remarks, the Conference Programme Manager and Principal, College of Business and Management Sciences, Dr. Eria Hisali thanked participants for sparing time to attend the conference. He urged unit heads to stick to the strategic direction of the University and NDPIII as they finalise the budgeting process.

“It is encouraging to note that all the units derived their own strategic plans from the University Strategic Plan. I wish to assure the Chairperson of Council that we will comply with your guidance as well as the requirements stipulated in the Budget Strategy Paper issued by the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development” he concluded.

Mark Wamai

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Makerere University and World Bank Sign Partnership to Strengthen Environmental and Social Sustainability Capacity

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2 days ago

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March 6, 2026

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A group photo of representatives from various partners at the MOU signing. Signing MoU with International Development Association (IDA), World Bank Group, establishing a strategic partnership aimed at strengthening environmental and social sustainability systems in Uganda and the wider East African region, 5th March 2026, Main Building, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

On 5th March 2026, Makerere University signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the International Development Association (IDA), the financing arm of the World Bank Group, establishing a strategic partnership aimed at strengthening environmental and social sustainability systems in Uganda and the wider East African region.

The collaboration brings together Makerere University through the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES) and the College of Humanities and Social Sciences (CHUSS) and the World Bank to jointly advance training, research, and policy advisory in environmental and social sustainability.

The three-year agreement provides a framework for cooperation focused on building national capacity to manage environmental and social risks associated with large-scale development investments.

Advancing Sustainable Development through Knowledge Partnerships

The partnership will be anchored in the Environment and Social Sustainability Centre (ESSC) at Makerere University, a national hub established to promote applied research, policy engagement, and professional training in environmental and social governance.

Through the Centre, the two institutions will collaborate to strengthen Uganda’s ability to plan and implement development projects in ways that safeguard communities and the environment.

Speaking during the signing ceremony, Ms. Francisca Ayodeji (Ayo) Akala, the World Bank Country Manager emphasised that the collaboration reflects a shared commitment to strengthening systems that support sustainable growth.

Ms. Francisca Ayodeji (Ayo) Akala giving her remarks during the MOU signing. Signing MoU with International Development Association (IDA), World Bank Group, establishing a strategic partnership aimed at strengthening environmental and social sustainability systems in Uganda and the wider East African region, 5th March 2026, Main Building, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Ms. Francisca Ayodeji (Ayo) Akala giving her remarks during the MOU signing.

“This partnership with Makerere University is an important step in strengthening Uganda’s systems for environmental and social sustainability. By working through the Environment and Social Sustainability Centre, we aim to build the capacity of professionals across government, the private sector, and development institutions to better manage environmental and social risks and deliver investments that promote sustainable growth while protecting people and the environment.” Ms. Francisca Ayodeji (Ayo) Akala, World Bank Country Manager, Uganda, noted.

The partnership will support training, research, and policy advisory activities through the ESSC, helping Uganda pursue a development trajectory that promotes economic growth while protecting people and the environment.

Building National Capacity for Environmental and Social Risk Management

Uganda’s development agenda under the Fourth National Development Plan prioritises large-scale investments in infrastructure, agro-industrialisation, energy, and science and technology. However, such investments require strong environmental and social risk management systems to ensure sustainable outcomes.

The new partnership, therefore, focuses on building a skilled workforce capable of applying international best practices in environmental and social governance.

Under the MoU, Makerere University will design and deliver demand-driven short-course training programs targeting public sector officials, development practitioners, financial institutions, civil society organisations, and private sector actors implementing major projects.

Seven certificate-level short courses have already been developed and approved across multiple colleges at the University. These courses cover areas such as environmental and social risk management, climate risk assessment, construction health and safety, and integrating environmental and social considerations into investment cycles.

Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe and Ms. Francisca Ayodeji (Ayo) Akala after signing the MOU. Signing MoU with International Development Association (IDA), World Bank Group, establishing a strategic partnership aimed at strengthening environmental and social sustainability systems in Uganda and the wider East African region, 5th March 2026, Main Building, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe and Ms. Francisca Ayodeji (Ayo) Akala after signing the MOU.

“Makerere Universityis proud to partner with the World Bank in strengthening Uganda’s capacity to manage environmental and social risks in development investments. Through the Environment and Social Sustainability Centre, we have already developed and approved seven certificate-level short courses across multiple colleges, designed to equip professionals in government, the private sector, and development institutions with practical skills to plan and implement sustainable projects. This collaboration reflects Makerere’s commitment to providing knowledge-driven solutions that support Uganda’s development while safeguarding communities and the environment.” Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe noted.

Strengthening Collaboration between Academia and Development Partners

As part of the agreement, the World Bank will support the development and delivery of the training programs, including conducting Training of Trainers (ToT) on the Bank’s Environment and Social Standards and international best practices.

The Bank will also leverage its convening power to encourage participation from development partners, government institutions, and project implementers, while supporting impact monitoring of trained professionals to document improvements in project performance and job creation.

The collaboration will further promote professional networking, policy dialogue, knowledge exchange, and the development of knowledge hubs containing environmental and social tools, databases, and resources for practitioners.

Positioning Makerere as a Regional Knowledge Hub

Through this partnership, Makerere University seeks to position the Environment and Social Sustainability Centre as a leading knowledge hub for environmental and social governance in Africa.

By combining academic expertise with the World Bank’s global experience in development financing and technical assistance, the initiative is expected to strengthen the institutional capacity required to deliver sustainable and climate-resilient investments in Uganda.

The partnership also aligns with the World Bank’s broader commitment to supporting Uganda’s development agenda and strengthening country systems for environmental and social sustainability.

Together, the two institutions aim to equip professionals across government, the private sector, and development organizations with the skills required to ensure that Uganda’s development pathway remains inclusive, responsible, and environmentally sustainable.

Caroline Kainomugisha is the Communications Officer, Advancement Office, Makerere University

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Makerere University Explores Expanded Partnership with Stanbic Bank to Advance Innovation and Investment

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March 6, 2026

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A photo showing the meeting delegation from Stanbic Bank Uganda and Makerere University. Vice Chancellor, Makerere University, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe courtesy visit to Stanbic Bank Uganda’s Chief Executive Officer, Mr Mumba Kalifungwa, 5th March 2026, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

On 5th March 2025, the Vice Chancellor, Makerere University, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, paid a courtesy visit to Stanbic Bank Uganda’s Chief Executive Officer, Mr Mumba Kalifungwa. The purpose of the visit was to explore areas for further collaboration with Stanbic Bank Uganda to strengthen innovation, entrepreneurship, and strategic investment.

The engagement reaffirmed the long-standing relationship between the two institutions and provided an opportunity to explore how academia and the financial sector can work together to unlock opportunities for students, staff, alumni, and the broader Ugandan community.

Discussions during the meeting focused on innovation and entrepreneurship support, student development programs, infrastructure partnerships, and investment opportunities linked to the University’s strategic development agenda.

Driving Innovation and Youth Entrepreneurship

During the engagement, the Vice Chancellor highlighted Makerere’s continued efforts to position itself as a research-led and innovation-driven university, emphasising the importance of partnerships with industry in translating academic research and ideas into practical solutions.

He underscored the need to empower young people with the skills and support required to create enterprises and generate employment opportunities, given Uganda’s fast-growing population, particularly the mushrooming young population. According to UBOS, by 2024, the young population was approximately 22.8 million persons out of a total population of 45.9 million people. 

Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe giving his remark during the meeting. Vice Chancellor, Makerere University, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe courtesy visit to Stanbic Bank Uganda’s Chief Executive Officer, Mr Mumba Kalifungwa, 5th March 2026, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe giving his remark during the meeting.

“If we do not support young people to innovate and create enterprises, we risk facing serious economic and social challenges. The employment of the future will increasingly be created by young people themselves,” he noted.

Among the proposals discussed was the possibility of establishing a Stanbic-supported innovation competition, aimed at stimulating entrepreneurship and providing a platform for students and young innovators to transform ideas into viable businesses.

Such an initiative could build on existing innovation and incubation programs run at Makerere and Stanbic Bank while strengthening collaboration between academia and the private sector in supporting enterprise development.

Expanding Strategic Collaboration

Speaking during the meeting, Mr Mumba Kalifungwa, the Chief Executive Officer of Stanbic Bank Uganda reaffirmed the bank’s commitment to strengthening its partnership with Makerere University.

He noted that while the bank has long provided financial services to the university and its staff, there is a significant opportunity to deepen collaboration in areas that generate broader societal impact.

Mr. Mumba Kalifungwa addressing the meeting. Vice Chancellor, Makerere University, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe courtesy visit to Stanbic Bank Uganda’s Chief Executive Officer, Mr Mumba Kalifungwa, 5th March 2026, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Mr. Mumba Kalifungwa addressing the meeting.

“As an institution, we are interested in partnerships that go beyond financial services to create meaningful impact in society through the Stanbic Bank positive impact agenda. Education is one of the most important sectors through which we can drive that impact,” he noted.

The CEO also highlighted Stanbic Bank’s National Schools Championship program, which promotes innovation among secondary school students across Uganda, noting that a similar approach could potentially inspire initiatives at the university level.

Exploring Investment and Infrastructure Opportunities

The meeting also explored opportunities for collaboration in investment and commercialisation initiatives linked to university infrastructure and land assets.

University representatives shared insights into ongoing efforts to explore public–private partnership (PPP) models for strategic investments aimed at improving infrastructure and unlocking value from underutilised university assets.

Potential development opportunities discussed include projects related to hospitality facilities, commercial spaces, and other revenue-generating infrastructure within and around the university. Such initiatives could provide sustainable revenue streams for the university while creating opportunities for private sector participation in campus development.

Supporting Students, Staff, and Alumni

Additional discussions focused on expanding programs that benefit the wider Makerere community. These include financial literacy initiatives for students, expanded internship and graduate training opportunities, and collaborative programs to support student entrepreneurship and enterprise development.

The meeting also explored opportunities for collaboration in alumni engagement, leveraging Makerere’s extensive global alumni network to strengthen partnerships between the university and industry.

Programs aimed at improving financial preparedness and retirement planning for staff were also discussed, alongside potential housing and asset financing solutions tailored to the needs of university employees.

From the Left: Mr Awel Uwihanganye, Ms Hawa Kajumba and Ms Caroline Kainomugisha. Vice Chancellor, Makerere University, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe courtesy visit to Stanbic Bank Uganda’s Chief Executive Officer, Mr Mumba Kalifungwa, 5th March 2026, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
From the Left: Mr Awel Uwihanganye, Ms Hawa Kajumba and Ms Caroline Kainomugisha.

“Through this partnership, we are exploring opportunities that support the entire Makerere community, from financial literacy and entrepreneurship programs for students to internship pathways, alumni engagement, and financial preparedness initiatives for staff. These efforts will be anchored within the renewed collaboration framework between Makerere University and Stanbic Bank Uganda,” said Mr Awel Uwihanganye, Chief Advancement Officer.

The Chief Advancement Officer further noted that these initiatives are expected to be anchored within a renewed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Makerere University and Stanbic Bank.

A Shared Vision for Impact

Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe gifting, Mr. Mumba Kalifungwa the University Centennial Coffee table booklet. Vice Chancellor, Makerere University, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe courtesy visit to Stanbic Bank Uganda’s Chief Executive Officer, Mr Mumba Kalifungwa, 5th March 2026, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe gifting, Mr. Mumba Kalifungwa the University Centennial Coffee table booklet.

Both institutions expressed optimism about the potential of the partnership to contribute to national development by supporting innovation, enterprise creation, and the development of future leaders.

As Makerere University continues to strengthen its role as a leading research and innovation institution in Africa, partnerships with forward-looking institutions such as Stanbic Bank Uganda remain critical in advancing the university’s mission of generating knowledge, nurturing talent, and driving solutions that address national and global challenges.

Caroline Kainomugisha is the Communications Officer, Advancement Office, Makerere University

Caroline Kainomugisha
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Extension of Application Deadline for Diploma/Degree Holders 2026/2027

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March 5, 2026

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A mid-morning shot of the Senate Building as seen from the Frank Kalimuzo Central Teaching Facility. Date taken: 18th May 2023. Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

The Academic Registrar, Makerere University informs all intending applicants for Private and Government Sponsorship for the 2026/2027 Academic Year that the deadline has been extended from 27th February, 2026 to Friday 13th March, 2026.

Applicants who have already applied need not apply.

For any additional information, refer to Announcements and requirements for Diploma/Degree holders Entry Scheme for Undergraduate programmes for 2026/2027 Academic Year, click the links below.

Privately Sponsored: https://news.mak.ac.ug/2026/03/advert-admissions-for-diploma-degree-holders-under-private-sponsorship-2026-27/

Government Sponsored: https://news.mak.ac.ug/2026/03/call-for-applications-diploma-holders-under-government-sponsorship-2026-2027/

Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi
ACADEMIC REGISTRAR

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