The Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe (L) exchanges the signed MoU with Prof. Hassan Omar Mahadalle, the Rector of Somalia National University (R) after the ceremony on 21st November 2021, CTF1, Makerere University.
Makerere University – Mak and Somali National University (SNU) on Monday 21st November 2021) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that will commence a collaboration between the two African Universities.
The signing ceremony took place at Makerere University between Professor Hassan Omar Mahadalle, the Rector of Somalia National University and his Ugandan counterpart Professor Barnabas Nawangwe, the Vice Chancellor of Makerere University. The Somali Ambassador to Uganda, H.E. Ali Mohamud Mohamed witnessed the signing.
Professor Barnabas Nawangwe said the two institutions have agreed to collaborate in research and training.
The agreement will enable Makerere University through its School of Public Health (MakSPH) under the College of Health Sciences support Somali National University which is currently pioneering its public health training and research program at its Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences.
A team from Makerere University led by Professor Barnabas Nawangwe, the Vice Chancellor exchange MoU after its signing with a delegation of Somali National University. The signing ceremony was witnessed by The Somali Ambassador to Uganda, H.E. Ali
Makerere has since 1984 implemented training and research in public health and will through this partnership support efforts to enhance Somali National University’s capacity to provide high quality graduate and undergraduate training in public health and facilitate collaborative research by both students and faculty at both universities.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, Professor Buyinza Mukadasi the Director, Directorate of Research and Graduate Training, Makerere University said he was happy that Somali National University had chosen Makerere University as a potential collaborator.
“We are not the only University but we are an old University with very important lessons we can share with you. We are happy that now you have come to formally establish working relations with us,” said Prof. Buyinza.
Professor Buyinza Mukadasi, the Director, Directorate of Research and Graduate Training, speaking at the signing ceremony at the Vice Chancellor’s Office on Monday November 22. Looking on is Dr. Rhoda Wanyenze, Professor and Dean Makerere University School of Public Health
He further expressed Makerere’s readiness to support SNU through this partnership and hailed Professor Rhoda Wanyenze, the Dean of MakSPH for initiating discussion with the embassy and University.
He cited that the Embassy of Sweden in Uganda had already interested Makerere University to work with and support universities in Somalia especially in areas of research.
“Makerere University is a very old institution and we want to really work together with institutions in the region that have the same vision and mission. Ours is not only to build research capacity but actually how do we inform national policy. I am happy that Rector has requested us to set up a research office and systems. We are very much willing and available, once you formally make that request to the Vice Chancellor,” he said.
The Vice Chancellor walked his visitors through a brief history of Makerere University and how it started as a humble technical institution in 1922, citing that it has trained thousands of people and impacted a lot of lives through edge cutting research.
“We currently have 37,000 students. We had actually reached 50,000 students a few years back but there was an outcry that we did not have the facilities to manage the numbers so we started reducing the numbers. And we are still reducing gradually because we want to reduce the number of undergraduates and increase the number of graduates. We think that the optimum number will be about 25,000,” said Prof. Nawangwe said.
According to Prof. Nawangwe, Makerere University wishes to collaborate with Somali National University in every area in order to learn from each other. “You have chosen to start collaboration in the area of public health which is a very important area for our region because of our very fast population growth and the challenges we are going to face, climate change and new diseases and so on. But we are open to collaborate in all the other areas,” he said.
Dr. Mohamed Gedi Qayad, Dean Faculty of Health Science & Tropical Medicine SNU alongside MakSPH Dean Professor Rhoda Wanyenze signs MoU in witness of Amb. Ali Mohamud Mohamed and Mak VC Professor Nawangwe plus the entire delegation .
Sweden through SIDA has supported Makerere University to develop capacity and research, supporting over 400 staff to acquire PhDs.
Prof. Hassan Omar Mahadalle, the Rector of Somalia National University requested Makerere University to support the university in establishing research systems
“We appreciate the hospitality. We look forward to working with Makerere University. Somali National University was created in 1950, about 28 years after Makerere University was created. We were one of the largest universities in Sub-Saharan Africa before a civil war broke out in 1991. At that time, we had about 11 schools. When war broke out, everyone who was involved in education left for overseas. The University was reopened in 2014 after relative peace and stability and since 2014, we have established 12 Faculties and I am here now six months as a Rector,” said Prof. Omar Mahadalle.
Prof. Hassan Omar Mahadalle, the Rector of Somalia National University (right) and Dean Faculty of Health Science & Tropical Medicine SNU Dr.Mohamed Gedi Qayad reading Makerere information pack
He added that; “We were very shy when we were asking for this MoU and we limited ourselves in public health but in fact we need help in every College. We need support in Medicine, we need support in Education, we need support in Engineering, we need support in general Sciences, all our faculties need capacity building support. We will appreciate”
The Somali Ambassador to Uganda, H.E. Ali Mohamud Mohamed said Somalia has stabilized and the country is resuming to empower universities to continue training and research.
“Somalia is now a peaceful country courtesy of countries with troops under bodies like AMISOM, and one of them is Uganda. We thank President Museveni and all the Uganda government for the support. Now 80% of Somalia is peaceful. There is nothing to worry about if your teams wish to come to Mogadishu,” said H.E. Ambassador Mahamud Mohamed.
He also said it was a great privilege for Somali National University to partner with one of the best universities on the continent citing that it has produced several of the region’s leaders as well as those in currently under the Somali government.
“I am glad and privileged today to witness the signing of the MOU between two great institutions and I thank everyone who has been able to see this come through.”
Professor Rhoda Wanyenze said the School of Public Health at Makerere University is a founder member of the Association of School of Public Health in Africa, citing that it would be important for SNU to join as well.
She added that MakSPH is working towards integrating Sustainable Development Goals, being a member of SDG Cluster 3 of the International Association of Universities (IAU), created under the auspices of UNESCO.
“IAU has mapped out clusters for each Sustainable Development Goal and we are a set of universities that are doing this. We coordinate the Cluster and we represent Africa on that Cluster for SDG3. There are also other members from other continents like Western Sydney University, Karolinska Institutet several others. Each continent has a University,” said Professor Wanyenze.
L-R: Dr. Mohamed Gedi Qayad, Dean Faculty of Health Science & Tropical Medicine, Prof. Hassan Omar Mahadalle Rector Of Somalia National University (SNU), Dr. Rhoda Wanyenze, Professor and Dean MakSPH and Mr.Abdulwahab M. Salad, Director School of Public Health & Research (SNU) and Ismail Abdullahi Ibrahim Director of Social & Student Affairs Office at New Mulago Complex, home of MakSPH
The Somali delegation also had Dr. Mohamed Gedi Qayad, Dean Faculty of Health Science & Tropical Medicine, Mr. Abdulwahab M. Salad, Director School of Public Health & Research, Mr. Ismail Abdullahi Ibrahim, Director of Social & Student Affairs Office at Somali National University and Mr. Liban Hussein, the Educational Attache Somali Embassy.
MakSPH staff together Somali National University delegation in a group photo
Dr. Fredrick Makumbi, the Deputy Dean MakSPH said; “We are very excited about the MoU with you. The School of Public Health where you are is one of the 29 Schools in the 10 Colleges with nine academic programs with more than 800 students. We are proud of being part of public health research and innovations and we have extensive partnerships. We proud that you are going to be part of this amazing network of partners.”
In this three-day visit, the delegation of Somali National University paid a courtesy call to Principal, Deputy Principal, and other Deans in the College of Health Sciences, Mrs. Winifred Kabumbuli, the Dean of Students Makerere University (Mak) and held talks with MakSPH Heads of Department to discuss way forward as well as interfacing with Somali Embassy and Makerere University Somali Students.
Mak VC sees off the Somali Ambassador to Uganda and the delegation from Somali National University at Makerere University, Kampala -Uganda
The Academic Registrar, Makerere University invites applications for admission to Graduate Programmes (Postgraduate Diplomas, Masters and Doctoral Degree Programmes) for the 2026/2027 Academic Year. Applicants should have obtained at least a first or second class degree (or its equivalent) from a Chartered University at the time of completion. Applicants should also possess a Uganda Certificate of Education (or its equivalent) and a Uganda Advanced Certificate of Education (or its equivalent).
Sponsorship:
All Graduate Programmes are PRIVATELY-SPONSORED. Therefore, applicants seeking sponsorship should have their applications endorsed by their respective sponsors where applicable. Applicants should note that the various fees payable to the University indicated for the various programmes EXCLUDE functional fees, accommodation, books, research and other expenses.
Makerere University’s 76th graduation ceremony will be held from February 24th – 27th, 2026, at the Makerere University Freedom Square, starting at 8.30am. During the 76th graduation ceremony, we shall confer degrees and award certificates to 185 PhDs, 2034 Masters, 6,043 bachelors, 137 postgraduate diplomas and 33 diplomas.
I am proud to announce that in comparison to the 75th graduation, we have registered a 30% growth in graduate student output. This is a result of our strategic decision to prioritize graduate education per our research-led agenda.
I also wish to announce that the transcripts have been finalized and are ready for pick up. Today, I am handing over the ready transcripts to the College principals and can be picked up from respective Colleges even before the graduation ceremony.
Important to Note:
In preparation for the graduation ceremony, the University wishes to note the following:
Pre-graduation clearances Graduands are reminded to clear all necessary payments such as tuition and all graduation fees. It is also important to check with your College to ensure your name is on the graduation list and all mandatory clearances with university officials have been finalized. Note and internalize the graduation schedule (attached) to know which day you are graduating.
Securing the graduation gowns Graduation gowns will be issued starting from 2nd February 2026 from the University Hall (Dinning Hall), Monday to Friday, from 9am to 4pm. To collect your gown, check and ensure your name appears on the Senate Graduation list, present your student number or National ID, and proof of payment for the gown.
Security requirements
Attendance: For each day of graduation, entrance to the graduation ground will be by invitation only. Graduands will be issued with invitation cards which permits two guests per graduand. Do not come with more than two people or they will not be allowed access to the graduation venue. Graduands are encouraged to arrive to settle at the Freedom Square by 7am on graduation day to for a seamless flow of planned activities including the necessary security checks.
Prohibited items: Prohibited items include firearms, sharp instruments like mirrors and knives, alcohol, cell or batteries and chemicals, canned food and drinks, laptops, flashes and hard disks, radios including pocket radios, bottled drinks, cameras, large bags or any other heavy items.
Media: All media and journalists who wish to cover the ceremony must be pre-accredited by the Makerere University Public Relations office or they will not be allowed to access the ceremony venue. The access point for accredited media personnel will be the Senate Building.
Parking: There will be two designated parking areas; Rugby Grounds for those coming through the Eastern and Main Gate; and the second one is the Makerere University Main Grounds at Makerere College School. For VVIPs, VIPs and procession parking will be at CTF1, Directorate of Legal parking, St Francis and St Augustine parking, JICA and Senate Building.
Access Control: To ease traffic flow and management, the University has planned three access points to the graduation venue: the School of Social Sciences, Senate Building and the University Swimming Pool.
For help and inquiries
Starting February 2, 2026, the Academic Registrar ’s Office and Graduation Committee will set up an information tent outside the Senate Building to provide guidance and handle all inquiries pertaining to graduation.
Makerere University is governed by the Universities and Other Tertiary Institutions Act, Cap 262. The University is seeking applications from suitably qualified applicants for the position of Second Deputy Vice-Chancellor. The Second Deputy Vice Chancellor holds a pivotal role in financial governance, institutional planning, and administrative leadership.
The Second Deputy Vice-Chancellor will report to the Vice–Chancellor and shall:
Assist the Vice Chancellor in performance of his or her functions and in that regard shall oversee the finances and administration of the University;
Be responsible for the Planning and Development of the University and,
Perform such other functions that may be delegated to him or her by the Vice Chancellor or assigned by the University Council.
5. PURPOSE OF THE JOB
To provide strategic leadership and ensure efficient and sound financial, human and fiscal resources management in the University.
6. DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Provide leadership in Strategic planning and governance, leadership and administrative experience, Human resource and performance Management, Stakeholder engagement and collaboration.
Provide leadership in preparation and implementation of the University’s recurrent and capital budgets.
Monitor the development and implementation of the University’s accounting procedures, manuals and other documents relating to financial control and Management as per approved financial regulations.
Oversee income and expenditure of all income generating units of the University.
Coordinate the production of the University-wide Financial Reports by Colleges and Units.
Management of human resources in the University.
Oversee the management of University Estates and Assets.
7.CANDIDATE SPECIFICATION
Hold a PhD or any other academic doctorate.
Be at the rank of associate or full professor level in an institution whose academic ranking is comparable with that of Makerere University as accepted by Senate.
Be a Ugandan citizen within the age bracket of 40 to 65 years at the time of application.
7.1 Academic Qualifications
Earned a Ph.D. or equivalent doctorate should be acceptable by Senate.
At least five years of financial or administrative leadership experience at the level of school dean/director or higher in a higher education institution, public service, or corporate institutions.
Supervised at least ten (10) postgraduate students (Master’s and Ph.D.) to completion. At least three of the students must be at the PhD level.
7.2 Strategic Planning and Governance
Experience in leading large administrative teams at the level of dean or higher, demonstrating efficiency and productivity.
Proven record in developing and executing strategic plans, aligning financial and administrative objectives with institutional goals.
Evidence of developing and implementing financial policies that have improved financial efficiency, transparency, and risk management.
Evidence of implementing organisational restructuring or process improvements to ensure operational efficiency.
Ability to develop and implement institutional policies, ensuring compliance with national higher education and financial regulations.
7.3 Leadership & Administrative Experience
Minimum 5 years of senior academic leadership in a recognized institution comparable with that of Makerere University, as accepted by Senate.
Demonstrated experience in managing budgets exceeding UGX 500,000,000=, ensuring financial sustainability and accountability.
Proven ability to mobilize resources, secure grants, and attract external funding to support institutional growth.
Experience in conducting financial forecasting, cost control measures, and investment strategies to optimize institutional resources.
Track record of leading financial audits and compliance assessments in alignment with national and international financial regulations.
Experience in handling procurement, asset management, and infrastructure development, ensuring transparency and value for money.
7.4 Human Resource and Performance Management
Track record of leading workforce planning, recruitment, and talent development strategies, ensuring a high-performance institutional culture.
Experience in implementing performance-based appraisal systems, leading to improved staff efficiency and accountability.
Proven ability to foster industrial harmony, resolving labour disputes and improving employer-employee relations.
7.5 Infrastructure Development and Resource Optimization
Experience in overseeing capital development projects, ensuring timely delivery and cost efficiency.
Track record of overseeing the maintenance and expansion of university facilities, enhancing institutional infrastructure.
Proven ability to negotiate and manage contracts for outsourced services, ensuring cost-effectiveness and quality standards.
7.6 Digital Transformation and ICT Integration
Experience in integrating ICT solutions in financial and administrative operations, improving service delivery and efficiency.
Evidence steering the automation of financial, procurement, and HR systems, reducing paperwork and improving real-time decision making.
Proven ability to implement cybersecurity measures that safeguard institutional financial and administrative data.
7.7 Stakeholder Engagement & Collaboration
Demonstrated experience in building partnerships with government agencies, donors, private sector investors, and international organizations to enhance institutional funding.
Proven ability to engage faculty, students, and staff in financial decision-making, ensuring transparency and inclusivity.
Experience in negotiating contracts, partnerships, and collaborations that have led to financial and administrative growth.
7.8 Personal Attributes
High level of integrity, transparency, and ethical leadership, with a record of financial prudence.
Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills, backed by evidence of successfully managing complex financial and administrative challenges.
Excellent communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills, ensuring effective stakeholder engagement.
A visionary leader with the ability to drive financial sustainability. administrative efficiency, and institutional growth.
8. REMUNERATION
An attractive remuneration package that is in accordance with Makerere University terms and conditions of service.
9. TENURE
The Second Deputy Vice Chancellor shall hold office for a period of five years and shall be eligible for re-appointment for one more term.
10. METHOD OF APPLICATION
Interested applicants are invited to submit their application letters. The following documents shall comprise a complete application:
A signed letter of application;
A vision statement;
Curriculum Vitae with contact details signed and dated by the applicant;
Copies of required minimum number of publications;
Certified copies of academic transcripts and certificates;
Three (3) letters of recommendation;
Copies of letters of appointment to leadership positions at the level of Dean of a School in a national accredited university or other academic institution;
A copy of the applicant’s National Identity Card or passport;
A copy of the last clearance from the Inspector General of Government or other equivalent national body;
Referees should be advised to send confidential reference letters, addressed to the Chairperson Search Committee for the Position of Second Deputy Vice Chancellor and delivered directly to the address below by 5:00 pm on Friday 13th February, 2026;
The references should cover the following areas: the applicant’s academic credential, experience, leadership, managerial and administrative skills and personal integrity.
Both Hardcopy and Electronic (Email) applications shall be accepted.
Hardcopy applications: Both confidential letters and sealed applications marked “CONFIDENTIAL: POSITION OF SECOND DEPUTY VICE CHANCELLOR” should be addressed to:
SECRETARY SEARCH COMMITTEE
THE ACADEMIC REGISTRAR
MAKERERE UNIVERSITY
6TH Floor, ROOM 602, SENATE BUILDING
P.O.BOX 7062, KAMPALA, UGANDA
Electronic media (e-mail) applications should have all the above documents scanned and emailed to search.dvcfa@mak.ac.ug by 5.00 pm East African Standard Time on Friday 13th February, 2026.
Please note that:
Incomplete applications or applications received after the closing date and time will not be considered.
Only shortlisted applicants shall be contacted.
Applicants who responded to the advertisements published on 31st December 2025 (The New Vision) and 2nd January 2026 (The Daily Monitor) do not need to re-apply.
For more Information and inquiries:
Visit our website https://mak.ac.ug/search-for-dvcs OR email us on search.dvcfa@mak.ac.ug OR Call Telephone number: +256-414-532634 during working hours (between 8:00 am to 5:00 pm Monday to Friday).
MAKERERE UNIVERSITY IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER