The Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe (4th L) with L-R: DVCAA-Dr. Umar Kakumba, Ag. DVCFA-Prof. Henry Alinaitwe, Dr. Vincent Ssembatya, Prof. J.Y.T. Mugisha, Dr. Gorettie Nabanoga, Dr. Paul Birevu Muyinda, Dr. Fredrick Muyodi, Prof. Fred Masagazi Masaazi and Dr. Samuel Majalija at the End of Year Meeting on 22nd December 2021, VC’s Lodge, Makerere University.
The University Management on 22nd December 2021 held its last meeting to take stock of the year and paint a picture of what 2022 holds. The special session held at the Vice Chancellor’s Lodge was also an opportunity to unwind in the lush green garden setting and recognise Members who had served their terms of office.
Welcoming his guests, the host, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe thanked Members of Management and Staff present for honouring the invitation to attend the last meeting. Singling out the aspect of community engagement, the Vice Chancellor thanked all heads of Academic and Administrative units for taking the University to the community through impactful programmes.
“The Infectious Diseases Institute alone supports approximately 30% of People Living With HIV/AIDS in Uganda through various programmes” added the Vice Chancellor.
Turning to partnerships, the Vice Chancellor applauded the staff, noting that this was one of the main avenues through which the University’s research output was being fostered.
The Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe with the newest members of Management L-R: Mr. Javason Kamugisha-Director Legal Affairs, Mr. Yusuf Kiranda-University Secretary, Prof. Henry Alinaitwe-Ag. DVCFA, Mrs. Winifred Kabumbuli-Dean of Students and Dr. Davis Malowa Ndanyi-Director Human Resources.
“I have signed more than 100 partnership agreements since July this year and we have more than 2,000 MoUs with Universities from all over the world, with ranking agencies placing our staff at the top globally in terms of co-publishing with staff in other universities” added the Vice Chancellor to applause from the audience.
He thanked all staff for ensuring a harmonious work environment at all levels, which had enabled them to be more productive. At the end of his remarks, the Vice Chancellor requested all present to observe a moment of silence in recognition of all colleagues who had passed on during the year.
In his remarks, the Deputy Vice Chancellor Academic Affairs (DVCAA), Dr. Umar Kakumba acknowledged that although 2021 had been a tough year, especially due to COVID-19, it was right and fitting to give thanks to the Almighty God who had seen us through various challenges.
He nevertheless acknowledged that a lot had been achieved in terms of productivity. “COVID-19 pushed us to explore our full potential and our staff have have been at the forefront of various scientific committees in the Government’s fight against COVID-19” he said.
Furthermore, the DVCAA informed the meeting that the University Council had successfully passed 79 academic programmes, with approximately 20% being new Masters while the rest had undergone review. “I wish to assure members that these are quality programmes with a lot of value addition from our partners.”
He added that the ability of the University to sustain operations despite disruptions caused by COVID-19 had resulted in continued confidence in our academic system. In this regard, he thanked Members of the University Senate for acting fast to make adjustments that enabled students to do internship using innovative ways, as well as coming up with alternative modes of assessment.
Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe (3rd R) and Mrs. Susan Nawangwe (2nd R) are joined by members of Management to cut cake.
In his remarks, the Acting Deputy Vice Chancellor (Finance and Administration), Prof. Henry Alinaitwe reminded the audience that COVID-19 is still with us and urged members to remain cautious and lead by example by always wearing their masks.
He encouraged Members of Management to stay abreast of all procedures as outlined in the Organisational Manual so as to ensure efficiency in the operating environment. Furthermore, he urged staff to be more frugal with resources in light of budget cuts by the Government to all Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs).
On the infrastructure front, Prof. Alinaitwe noted that although a lot of the establishments were very old, projects such as the construction of the School of Law Building and the reconstruction of Main Building were underway and in the final preparatory stages respectively.
“I thank the Vice Chancellor for spearheading the mobilisation of funds for reconstruction of the Main Building and urge members of the Makerere University community to be patient with the disruptions that the works may cause” added Prof. Alinaitwe.
Prof. J.B. Nyakaana, the Director, Makerere University Jinja Campus.
Other remarks of the day came from the University Secretary, Mr. Yusuf Kiranda who paid tribute to all the unsung heroes whose hard work guarantees that payment of salaries and other obligations are executed timely. He expressed hope that coming online of more systems such as electronic Human Resource Management System (e-HRMS) would help reduce the paper trail and improve efficiency.
The Director Makerere University Jinja Campus (MUJC), Prof. J.B. Nyakaana thanked the University Management and Staff for all the support accorded to the Centre but called for more inputs to make MUJC even more vibrant. The Director, Directorate of Research and Graduate Training (DRGT), Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi thanked the University Council and Management for continuing to build an enabling environment for research to thrive.
Prof. Buyinza noted that as the University continues to march towards its ten-year strategic direction of being more research led, there was need to renew commitment to hit the 5,000 Graduate Students by 2025 target. “Partners in the Global North and Global South are looking to Makerere University for mentorship.”
The Director, DRGT, Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi.
The following leaders were recognised for their service to Makerere University;
Prof. William Bazeyo, Chairperson, Mak-RIF Grants Management Committee
Dr. Josephine Nabukenya, Ag. Deputy Vice Chancellor (Finance and Administration)
Dr. Vincent Ssembatya, Director, Quality Assurance
Prof. Joseph Y.T. Mugisha, Principal, College of Natural Sciences (CoNAS)
Prof. Fred Masagazi Masaazi, Principal, College of Education and External Studies (CEES)
Prof. John David Kabasa, Principal, College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Biosecurity (CoVAB)
Prof. Tonny Oyana, Principal, College of Computing and Information Sciences (CoCIS)
Prof. Bernard Bashaasha, Principal, College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES)
Dr. Fredrick Jones Muyodi, Deputy Principal, College of Natural Sciences (CoNAS)
Dr. Samuel Majalija, Deputy Principal, College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Biosecurity (CoVAB)
Dr. Paul Birevu Muyinda, Deputy Principal, College of Education and External Studies (CEES)
Dr. Gorettie Nsubuga Nabanoga, Deputy Principal, College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES)
Dr. Agnes Semwanga Rwashana, Deputy Principal, College of Computing and Information Sciences
Prof. William Bazeyo reiterated his commitment to continue working with Makerere despite his retirement from the institution.
In his acceptance remarks, Prof. Bazeyo who retires from Makerere University service at the end of December 2021 thanked the University Council for appointing him and the Vice Chancellor for the invitation to bid farewell to a team he worked with.
“I started work on 22nd August 1993 and I wish to assure you that the best employer is Makerere University and I can see Makerere becoming a much better employer in the years to come” he reassured.
Prof. Bazeyo who was in November 2021 appointed Chairperson of the Business Processing Outsourcing (BPO) and Innovation Council reiterated his commitment to continue working with Makerere to improve employability of Ugandan graduates.
“We have been appointed to skill graduates from all over the country and the President has given us a target of creating 20,000 jobs within the first 18 months” he explained.
In a strategic move to enhance academic leadership and institutional efficiency, Makerere University conducted a comprehensive capacity-building and retooling workshop for all Heads of Department (HoDs) on August 5, 2025. The workshop, held at the Senate Conference Hall, brought together HoDs from various academic units to deepen their understanding of university academic policies, graduate training guidelines, and intellectual property management.
The training was organized under the office of the Deputy Vice Chancellor, Academic Affairs. The session aimed at aligning departmental leadership with the University’s strategic goals, policies, and operational frameworks, particularly in relation to graduate education and research governance.
Opening the workshop, Prof. Buyinza Bukadasi, Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic Affairs), underscored the importance of strong departmental leadership in driving the University’s vision:
Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi makes his remarks.
“The Head of Department is not merely an administrator; they are the academic engine of their unit. By equipping our HoDs with up-to-date policy knowledge, research management skills, and leadership tools, we are investing in the core structures that sustain academic excellence and innovation at Makerere.”
Emphasis on Graduate Policy and Structured PhD Training
Dr. Julius Kikooma, Director of the Directorate of Graduate Training (DGT), led an engaging presentation on the Makerere University Graduate Policies, Guidelines, and Procedures. His session unpacked critical updates in the revised 2024 Graduate Handbook, including:
Removal of provisional admission for PhD by Research.
A structured PhD framework requiring a minimum of three years and 40 credit units.
Strengthened supervision standards and doctoral mentorship structures.
Cohort-based admissions to improve program coherence and tracking.
Integration of cross-cutting courses such as Scholarly Writing, Advanced Research Methods, and Teaching Assistantship into PhD training.
The new framework, supported by the Research Information Management System (RIMS), enhances monitoring of student progress and ensures timely completion of graduate programs. Dr. Kikooma emphasized the importance of departmental roles in guiding and supporting students, noting that departments serve as the primary disciplinary homes for graduate students and are key in fostering research cultures.
A section of HoDs listens to the DVCAA make his address.
Understanding and Applying Intellectual Property Policies
The session also featured a detailed presentation on the Makerere University Intellectual Property Management Policy (2008, as amended), delivered by Counsel Esther Kabinga, Ag. Manager of the Intellectual Property Management Office (IPMO). Participants were guided through the obligations and rights related to IP created by staff, students, and visitors.
The presentation highlighted:
Ownership structures for IP generated at the University.
Procedures for disclosing, protecting, and commercializing IP.
Roles of departments in supporting creators and liaising with IPMO.
Revenue-sharing mechanisms and the inclusion of IP outputs in staff promotion criteria.
Counsel Kabinga encouraged HoDs to promote awareness of IP rights and responsibilities within their units, especially given the increasing volume of research outputs and innovations emerging from the University.
Strategic Alignment with the University’s Research Agenda
The workshop is part of broader efforts to implement the Makerere University Research Agenda 2025/26 – 2029/30, which prioritizes talent development, research visibility, and knowledge transfer. According to Dr. Robert Wamala, Director of the Directorate of Research, Innovation and Partnerships (DRIP), strengthening administrative and academic capacity at departmental level is critical for sustaining Makerere’s status as a leading research institution.
Dr. Robert Wamala makes his presentation.
The Research Agenda also supports the operationalization of structures like the IP Management Committee and GAMSU (Grants Administration and Support Unit), both of which are instrumental in streamlining research support services.
The training reaffirmed Makerere University‘s commitment to continuous professional development and the strategic empowerment of academic leaders. With a renewed understanding of policies and tools, Heads of Department are now better equipped to foster academic excellence, supervise graduate research, and steward innovation at the departmental level.
The Office of Academic Registrar, Makerere University has released the admission lists for candidates for those whose appeals have been successful for the 2025/26 Academic Year.
Kindly follow the links below to access the lists respectively:-
Makerere University, in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Uganda, has launched two transformative facilities, a Daycare and Breastfeeding Centre at the Institute of Gender and Development Studies (IGDS), and a state-of-the-art Multimedia Studio at the Frank Kalimuzo Central Teaching Facility. These facilities mark a major milestone in the University’s commitment to gender equality, student and staff welfare, and digital innovation in higher education.
A Milestone for Gender Equality: Daycare and Breastfeeding Centre
Mr. Ian King, the Ag. Resident Representative, UNDP Uganda, speaking at launch of the Daycare and Breastfeeding Centre emphasized the importance of the Gender Equality Seal (GES) initiative, funded by the European Union (EU). He applauded the Institute for being the first in Africa to participate in the GES.
Mr. King highlighted the role of the facility to mothers and some fathers in ensuring children’s safety and peace of mind for parents. He further commended the Institute for demonstrating what can be achieved through the programme. He stressed the importance of setting high standards for child care centres and making spaces safe for young parents. The Daycare centre is intended to provide a safe and nurturing environment for children and relief for mothers and fathers to focus on their work and studies.
A view of the general play and lounge area of the Daycare Centre.
Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, the Vice Chancellor, noted that the centre will be crucial in supporting breastfeeding mothers—particularly students and staff—to continue their academic and professional pursuits. Recalling a time when women were barely represented in the University Senate, he acknowledged the significant strides Makerere has made, while also noting ongoing gaps in graduate gender equity.
“The majority of graduates are women, but there are still issues of equity at the graduate level. I think there are still issues that we must solve, and one of them is helping mothers who are students and members of staff to continue with what they do, even when they have got babies to look after because that’s one of the reasons, I think, why many students drop out just because they become mothers,” he added.
Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe holds a baby as he makes his remarks at the Daycare facility.
He acknowledged that the facility will come in handy for addressing challenges, including balancing motherhood with academic or professional responsibilities. He extended appreciation to UNDP for their long-standing partnership in transforming Makerere into a more inclusive and modern academic institution.
The Head of the Institute of Gender and Development Studies (IGDS), Prof. Sarah Ssali, in her remarks, thanked the Vice Chancellor who catered for the Daycare Centre while designing the building. Prof. Ssali highlighted that the Daycare describes Makerere University‘s history and its commitment to gender equality and inclusion. She highlighted that the University has over 20 gender policies and interventions—with some directly impacting gender equality and others improving the work ecosystem—for example, digitization, quality assurance programmes and scholarship programmes. “But this is the first that directly addresses the needs of both students and staff—mothers and fathers alike—through a shared space for child care,” she said.
Prof. Sarah Ssali (Right) welcomes officials to the Institute of Gender and Development Studies.
Ms. Donna Keirungi, a mother and alumna of the University, shared her personal journey on how challenging it is to balance both studying and childcare. She highlighted that the Daycare Centre aims to make the various policies on gender equality and women’s empowerment practical, and to support the University’s commitment to Gender Equality. The Centre aims to fulfil the University’s Strategic Plan 2020–2030’s emphasis on creating an enabling environment and work-life balance.
“The journey to establish the centre began in 2022 with support from the UNDP, including benchmarking at a well-established Daycare Centre in Parliament. The centre is open to children aged zero to five years, including those of students and staff members,” she highlighted.
Ms. Donna Keirungi leads officials on a tour of the Daycare Centre.
The Daycare Centre is unique in that it benefits all members of the University community, including single fathers and students.
H.E. Ssentamu Churchill James, the 91st Guild President, thanked UNDP and the organising committee for their efforts in making the facility a reality, describing it as a testament to the University’s commitment to gender equity, student welfare, and removing barriers for parenting students. He highlighted the importance of peace of mind for students, especially mothers, and how the facility will help them balance their roles.
Advancing Digital Transformation: New Multimedia Studio Launched
In a separate but equally impactful launch at the Frank Kalimuzo Central Teaching Facility, Mr. Ian King described the studio as a strategic milestone in the University’s vision to modernise higher education and foster flexible learning. Mr. King noted that Uganda has made significant progress in digital inclusion with over 13 million internet users. He emphasized that the facility aims to address gaps in digital skills access—with only 3% of the population currently benefiting—and promote digital inclusion in line with the pillars of the Digital Economy Scorecard.
Mr. Ian King makes his remarks prior to launching the Multimedia Studio.
He also expressed confidence that the next Digital Economy Scorecard will show improved figures due to the efforts of Makerere and other universities. The digital studio will provide a dedicated space equipped with modern infrastructure to facilitate equitable access to digital skills development. He encouraged full utilization of the studio to maximise its impact on teaching, learning and skills development. He further thanked the Makerere University Management and development partners for their financial contributions that enabled the studio’s realization.
Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe expressed gratitude to the UNDP for their long-time support, especially with facilities like the Makerere University Innovation Pod (Mak UniPod). He thanked the UNDP for contributing to the modernisation of the University. The Vice Chancellor pledged to use the facility to build capacity across all disciplines and provide knowledge to a wider audience online.
Left to Right: Prof. Sarah Ssali, Prof. Paul Birevu Muyinda, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, Mr. Ian King, H.E. Ssentamu Churchill James and Ms. Annet Mpabalungi Wakabi in the Multimedia Studio.
He noted that Africa’s enrolment in higher education is the lowest in the world despite having the fastest-growing population, emphasizing the importance of providing high-quality education to as many people as possible, both on-campus and online. “I’m happy that this facility looks even more diverse than ones I have seen,” he said, expressing his gratitude to UNDP. The Vice Chancellor also highlighted the impact of the UNDP’s support towards unleashing talent and fostering innovation among students. “So by bringing the UniPod, you helped us unlock so much talent, and these students can now come up with the innovations which can be commercialised and create jobs for our fast-growing populations,” said Prof. Nawangwe.
Prof. Paul Birevu Muyinda, the Director, Makerere University Institute of Open Distance and e-Learning (IODel), said that the studio brings a significant leap in content production for e-learning. He expressed gratitude to UNDP for providing the necessary equipment to compete with world-class universities. He highlighted that e-learning courses are now incorporating multimedia elements like video and sound, moving on from the text-based model.
Officials pose for a group photo shortly after the launch of the Multimedia Studio.
He further mentioned the preference of the younger generation for visual and interactive content, making multimedia content essential for effective teaching and learning. Prof. Muyinda explained how the new multimedia studio will allow for more authentic and context-specific e-learning content, enhancing student engagement. He emphasized that the University is focusing on four key areas: training staff on studio usage, AI literacy, online facilitation, and teaching learners how to use e-learning technology. He underscored the importance of continuous innovation and adaptation in e-learning to keep up with global standards.
Dr. Godfrey Mayende revealed that all science units can also be taught in this Multimedia Studio. He said that the studio provides the naturalness of a class setting as it gives space for students to physically sit in the studio room as the lecturer is teaching or recording a lecture.
Dr. Godfrey Mayende observes as Mr. Ian King tests the Multimedia Studio’s provisions that support teaching of subjects that necessitate writing of formulae and other hand-drawn illustrations.
The two facilities; Daycare Centre and Multimedia Studio, are the latest in a series of initiatives borne out of the strong partnership between Makerere University and the United Nations Development Programme, including the previously launched Mak UniPod and Gender Equality Seal for Public Institutions. The abovementioned developments offer clear demonstration that Makerere University and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) have a strong partnership focused on fostering innovation and development in Uganda and beyond.