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Mak Grants Administration & Management Unit Steering Committee Inducted

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The morning of February 8th, 2022 saw the Vice Chancellor Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, joined by other dignitaries to induct the Makerere University Grants Administration and Management Unit (GAMSU) Steering Committee.

In his opening remarks, the Vice Chancellor thanked Prof. William Bazeyo, former Deputy Vice Chancellor in charge of Finance and Administration (DVCFA) for his contribution to the University. In particular, the Vice Chancellor appreciated Prof. Bazeyo’s efforts in sourcing for funds and setting up the Makerere University Research and Innovations Fund (Mak-RIF), noting that the Fund was a result of Prof. Bazeyo’s negotiation skills. He also thanked the different University staff who had been called upon to prepare and make presentations on various aspects in an effort to guide the GAMSU Steering Committee.

The Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe.
The Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe.

“I am glad that institutionalization of Makerere University’s Grants Administration and Management Unit is coming to fruition,” Prof. Nawangwe noted. He added that the GAMSU was established because there was need for a unit to coordinate all the funding received by Makerere University.

“As management, we envisage that this unit will be a one stop centre of the University and its members, and will support checking of all receipts from our donors” he said.

According to the Vice Chancellor, the University Management is optimistic that with the introduction of GAMSU, the number of grants received by Makerere University will increase. “I call upon all of us to learn from units which have been successful in grants management, which include but are not limited to the College of Health Sciences specifically the School of Public Health”.

R-L: Prof. Henry Alinaitwe, Prof. Grace Bantebya, Prof. Fred Masagazi Masaazi and Prof. Rhoda Wanyenze listen to proceedings at the induction session.
R-L: Prof. Henry Alinaitwe, Prof. Grace Bantebya, Prof. Fred Masagazi Masaazi and Prof. Rhoda Wanyenze listen to proceedings at the induction session.

Among other functions, GAMSU is charged with;

  • Tracing allocation of funds
  • Checking on what the resources are being used for
  • Conformity to the required laws guiding accountability
  • Adherence to reporting and accountability requirements
  • Offering training sessions to researchers on various aspects including accountability, dissemination of research outputs
  • Facilitating performance or research implementation while ensuring that funds are properly being utilized

The University Secretary Mr. Yusuf Kiranda shared the GAMSU Policy, Purpose and Operationalization plan at the induction session. He highlighted five key aspects of the policy which included;

  • The need for GAMSU to facilitate the research process more than control it
  • Coverage of the entire ecosystem of grants management at Makerere university
  • Grants Administration is the responsibility of various officers in the University of which GAMSU is part
  • Ultimately Finance management is governed by Treasury instructions and other government laws

The University Secretary also emphased that it was important to have all grants declared to the University Council and consequently approved in the budget. “Any project operating in the University yet not declared to Council shall be closed,” he added.

The University Secretary, Mr. Yusuf Kiranda.
The University Secretary, Mr. Yusuf Kiranda.

Mr. Kiranda also sought to distinguish between GAMSU and Mak-RIF, so as to alleviate the tendency to think of the two units as one and the same. He noted that whereas the GAMSU policy is set to work on projects funded by grants as per section 44 of the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA), Mak-RIF is not categorized under projects funded by grants. He further explained that Mak-RIF is budget appropriation by the Government of the Republic of Uganda to support research and innovations at Makerere University. As such, GAMSU and Mak-RIF are two clearly separate entities by Government law and University policy.

The outgoing Head of Mak-RIF and GAMSU Prof. William Bazeyo in his remarks shared lessons learned, the opportunities, as well as challenges in implementing the research and innovations fund initiative. He hailed the Makerere University Vice Chancellor for his good stewardship and for convening the engagement in which all could share experiences for the betterment of service delivery and operations at higher institutions of learning.  He pledged to continue supporting Makerere to take advantage of the various opportunities out there, from which the University can benefit and thrive even more.

The Outgoing Head of GAMSU and Mak-RIF, Prof. William Bazeyo.
The Outgoing Head of GAMSU and Mak-RIF, Prof. William Bazeyo.

According to Prof. Bazeyo, the enabling factors for Mak-RIF’s success included; the multi-disciplinary team at the Mak-RIF Secretariat, able Grants Management Committee (GMC), IT and communications office, finance management team, monitoring and evaluation team, as well as adherence to standard Government of Uganda payment rates and procedure among others.

Some of the lessons learned included; the great potential for research and innovations at Makerere University and the immense capacity of some colleges to absorb more research funds.

A map of Uganda showing Mak-RIF coverage by 2021. The number of projects to be implemented are; Western-72, Eastern-86, Central-130, Northern-62, West Nile-10, Karamoja-3 and Nationwide-35.
A map of Uganda showing Mak-RIF coverage by 2021. The number of projects to be implemented are; Western-72, Eastern-86, Central-130, Northern-62, West Nile-10, Karamoja-3 and Nationwide-35.

Prof. Bazeyo also underscored the need to continue sensitizing and guiding staff on accountability, visibility, impact sharing, frequent engagement with policy makers, deliberate demonstration of inclusiveness, patent acquisition, lobbying for commercialization, among others.

Some of the challenges encountered by Mak-RIF and highlighted by Prof. Bazeyo included; lack of human capacity to solicit, mobilize, write proposals to bring extra resources into the University research kitty, and lack of university budget for research.

An image showing Mak-RIF in numbers as at December 2021.
An image showing Mak-RIF in numbers as at December 2021.

He equally stressed the need to address gender barriers in research leadership, develop mechanisms to support commercialization of research, build a culture of no tolerance to unethical behavior, good remuneration, digitalizing processes, among others.

Prof. Rhoda Wanyenze, the Dean Makerere University School of Public Health (MakSPH) while sharing experiences from her unit noted that the School’s Grants Management Unit was established in 2012 and operates with 13 staff. Operations of the MakSPH Grants Management Unit are guided by Makerere University’s policies and additional donor specific Standard Operating Procedures.

The Dean MakSPH, Prof. Rhoda Wanyenze.
The Dean MakSPH, Prof. Rhoda Wanyenze.

“The Grants Management Unit at School of Public Health was set up to popularize, implement and continuously improve procedures,” Prof. Wanyenze noted, adding that; “Compliance without overly constraining is critical.”

She also stressed the importance of analyzing the status of grants and scientific productivity not only at MakSPH but the entire University. “In so doing, we are able to know and appreciate the status in order to inform any improvements and sustainability efforts,” she explained.

According to Professor Wanyenze, MakSPH despite the great strides in grants management still encounters challenges such as consistency, stability and sustainability, perception of grants money rather than other work that pays, suspicion of corruption, among others.

Mr. Lubowa Gyaviira, Department of Finance, Makerere University.
Mr. Lubowa Gyaviira, Manager of Accounts and Reporting, Department of Finance, Makerere University.

Mr. Lubowa Gyaviira, Makerere University’s Manager of Accounts and Reporting shared about accountability and financial reporting, noting that accountability entails fulfilling our stewardship role. This, he noted, involves reviewing and reporting on an activity entrusted to someone based on a regulatory framework.

“Realistic accountability follows realistic requisitions” Mr. Lubowa emphasized. He also shared that some of the specific reports expected include; quarterly reports, physical performance reports, financial reports and a summary of all funder reporting requirements.

The incoming Head GAMSU, Prof. Grace Bantebya thanked the Makerere University Council for entrusting her with the new responsibility. She re-echoed that GAMSU is set to play a crucial role and pledged to ensure that the team works to support all researchers in order to build the resource base of the university.

The Head GAMSU, Prof. Grace Bantebya.
The Head GAMSU, Prof. Grace Bantebya.

“We continue to request for all the support as we embark on our duties and once again allow me to take this opportunity to thank all of you for the sharing during this Induction session. I pledge my best as we serve humanity.” Prof. Bantebya said.

Other GAMSU Steering Committee members present included; Acting DVCFA and Chairperson of the Steering Committee-Prof. Henry Alinaitwe, Representatives of Sciences-Dr. Sabrina Kitaka, Dr. Charles Masembe and Dr. Agnes Rwanshana Semwanga, Representatives of Humanities-Dr. Hellen Nambalirwa Nkabala, Prof. Fred Masagazi Masaazi and Dr. Godfrey Akileng, Representative of the Directorate of Research and Graduate Training (DRGT)-Dr. Robert Wamala and Representative of the Finance Department-Mr. Gyaviira Lubowa. A Legal Advisor will be co-opted to the Steering Committee as and when the need arises. 

The Chairperson Mak-RIF, Prof. Fred Masagazi Masaazi.
The Chairperson Mak-RIF, Prof. Fred Masagazi Masaazi.

Prof. Fred Masagazi Masaazi, the incoming Mak-RIF Chairperson thanked the Makerere University Council and Prof. William Bazeyo for the continued guidance and committed service to his alma mater. He noted that he was happy to join the Mak-RIF team because it is a strong team.

Prof. Nawangwe later handed over the tools of office to Prof. Bantebya and Prof. Masagazi Masaazi and all joined in a congratulatory cake cutting and sharing.

More pictures are shared on https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1Ksb6aCRNMMT36FYhxasCf2hv5ZUtc300

The New Vision published a piece on https://www.newvision.co.ug/articledetails/126556

Well done and Congratulations to All!

Compiled By: Harriet Adong, Director Communications, Learning and Knowledge Management at Makerere University-ResilientAfrica Network (RAN) www.ranlab.org

Contributor: Christine Ninsiima, Accountant at Makerere University Research and Innovations Fund (Mak-RIF)

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Call for Applications: Government Sponsorship 2026/27

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Makerere University -Main Building

The Academic Registrar, Makerere University informs all Head Teachers of Advanced Level (UACE) Schools with UNEB Centre Numbers that applications for admission to Public Universities and other Tertiary Institutions for 2026/2027 Academic Year for government sponsorship will be done electronically/online using the Academic Management Information
System (ACMIS) from 15th October, 2025 to 31st December, 2025. The Public Universities include:
(a) Makerere University
(b) Makerere University Business School
(c) Mbarara University of Science and Technology
(d)Kyambogo University
(e) Gulu University
(f) Busitema University
(g) Muni University
(h) Kabale University
(i) Lira University
(j) Soroti University
(k) Mountains ofthe Moon University

NB: The list of Other Tertiary Institutions is provided on the online application portal.

Other Important documents:

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PIM Centre Holds 9th Steering Committee Meeting, Set to Benefit from World Bank Support

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Mak PIM COE Steering Committee

The Public Investment Management (PIM) Centre of Excellence at Makerere University today, October 10th, 2025, held its 9th Steering Committee Meeting to review progress made in the first quarter of the financial year and plan for the months ahead.

The meeting was chaired by Ms. Getrude Basiima, who represented Mr. Hannington Ashaba, Director Budget at the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development (MoFPED). Ms. Basiima commended the Centre for its continued commitment to strengthening public investment management capacity across government institutions.

In her remarks, Ms. Basiima applauded the Centre for successfully hosting the Public Investment Management Conference held in August at Makerere University. The conference attracted key policymakers, development partners, and academics who deliberated on how to enhance the efficiency, sustainability, and impact of public investments in Uganda.

She further shared exciting news that the Government of Uganda has secured funding from the World Bank to support the public investment management function. The PIM Centre, she announced, will be among the key beneficiaries of these funds — receiving support for the construction and acquisition of a permanent home to enhance its institutional sustainability and training capacity.

Reviewing the Centre’s quarterly performance, Ms. Basiima congratulated the team for successfully conducting three specialized trainings in the first quarter, reaching officials from various Ministries, Departments, and Agencies. These trainings continue to strengthen the technical competencies required for effective project preparation, appraisal, and implementation in line with Uganda’s National Development Plan.

The PIM Steering Committee in a meeting held at Emin Pasha Hotel

She encouraged the Centre to integrate climate change considerations into its future training programmes, noting that sustainable public investment must now account for environmental resilience and climate adaptation.

The centre team presented the proposed  structure/ organogram, the financial performance of 2024/2025, research areas for 2025/2026 and the strategic plan for 2025 – 2030.

The Steering Committee reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the PIM Centre’s vision of becoming a regional leader in building capacity for efficient, transparent, and sustainable public investment management.

Betty Kyakuwa
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Strengthening Collaboration between Makerere University and the University of Groningen

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Seated: Prof. Sarah Ssali (C), Dr. Dinie Bouwman (L) and Dr. Anita Veltmaat (R) with teams from Makerere University and the University of Groningen during the meeting on 7th October 2025. Strategic meeting between Makerere University and the University of Groningen, Netherlands to move beyond existing collaborations and formalize a new Double Doctorate (PhD) program, 7th October 2025, Main Building, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

A significant development unfolded at Makerere University during a strategic, hour-long meeting in the vice chancellor’s boardroom on 7th October 2025, marking a deepening bond with the University of Groningen in the Netherlands. The primary goal was to move beyond existing collaborations and formalize a new Double Doctorate (PhD) program. Prof. Sarah Saali, the Deputy Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, set the tone by emphasizing that institutional partnerships are crucial to Makerere University, which she proudly called the leading research and most collaborative university in the world.

The parties from Makerere University and the University of Groningen meeting in the Vice Chancellor's Boardroom. Strategic meeting between Makerere University and the University of Groningen, Netherlands to move beyond existing collaborations and formalize a new Double Doctorate (PhD) program, 7th October 2025, Main Building, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
The parties from Makerere University and the University of Groningen meeting in the Vice Chancellor’s Boardroom.

The discussion promptly formed the core structure of the program: a four-year PhD (or three if the master’s was research-based), with supervision duties split 50-50% between the two institutions. A key feature is the mobility requirement, stipulating that PhD candidates would spend a total of six months in the Netherlands, potentially divided into two three-month periods. Crucially, the University of Groningen confirmed there would be no teaching requirement during this stay, allowing students full access to focus on their research. A major financial hurdle was overcome with the adoption of a fee-waiver policy; Makerere would waive tuition for incoming Groningen candidates, and Groningen would reciprocate for Makerere‘s students, significantly boosting the program’s financial viability.

Prof. Sarah Ssali (R) presents a Mak Souvenir to Dr. Anita Veltmaat. Strategic meeting between Makerere University and the University of Groningen, Netherlands to move beyond existing collaborations and formalize a new Double Doctorate (PhD) program, 7th October 2025, Main Building, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Prof. Sarah Ssali (R) presents a Mak Souvenir to Dr. Anita Veltmaat.

However, the critical issue of the stipend remained. Dr. Anita Veltmaat explained that to meet the required living standard of approximately €1,875 per month in Groningen, the incoming candidate must secure a partial external scholarship of around €250 per month. The positive news is that if the candidate secures this minimum scholarship, the University of Groningen is prepared to top up the amount to the full living standard for the six months the student spends in the Netherlands. It was noted that this initial financial hurdle might be simplified for Makerere students, as many are already staff members receiving a salary, which could help cover the required €250.

The meeting in session. Strategic meeting between Makerere University and the University of Groningen, Netherlands to move beyond existing collaborations and formalize a new Double Doctorate (PhD) program, 7th October 2025, Main Building, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
The meeting in session.

The path forward was clear: it was to complete the agreement template guided by the setup committee from both institutions. The plan culminated in scheduling an online follow-up meeting for Tuesday, November 11th, to review the first revision of the agreement, capping a highly constructive discussion that solidified the two universities’ shared future in graduate education.

The Team from Makerere University from Left to Right: Dr. Ruth Nsibirano, Dr. Racheal Nuwagaba, Dr. Patricia Ndugga, Dr. Stella Achen, Dr. Joseph Watuleke, and Ms. Agatha Ainemukama. Strategic meeting between Makerere University and the University of Groningen, Netherlands to move beyond existing collaborations and formalize a new Double Doctorate (PhD) program, 7th October 2025, Main Building, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
The Team from Makerere University from Left to Right: Dr. Ruth Nsibirano, Dr. Racheal Nuwagaba, Dr. Patricia Ndugga, Dr. Stella Achen, Dr. Joseph Watuleke, and Ms. Agatha Ainemukama.

Makerere University was represented by Prof. Sarah Ssali, the Deputy Vice Chancellor in charge of Academics Affairs; Dr. Ruth Nsibirano, Head of the Department of Gender Studies; Dr. Patricia Ndugga, School of Statistics; Dr. Stella Achen and Dr. Joseph Watuleke, School of Distance and Lifelong Learning; Agatha Ainemukama, School of Engineering; Racheal Nuwagaba, School of Psychology; Awel Uwihanganye, Martine Rugamba, and Hawa Ndagire from the Advancement Office; and Muhammad Kiggundu from the Institute of Gender and Development Studies.

Prof. Sarah Ssali (R) presents a Mak Souvenir to Mrs. Alette Arendshorst. Strategic meeting between Makerere University and the University of Groningen, Netherlands to move beyond existing collaborations and formalize a new Double Doctorate (PhD) program, 7th October 2025, Main Building, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Prof. Sarah Ssali (R) presents a Makerere Souvenir to Mrs. Alette Arendshorst.

The University of Groningen was represented by Dr. Dinie Bouwman, Senior Policy Advisor, Internationalization and Quality Assurance; Dr. Anita Veltmaat, Faculty of Social Behavior and Social Sciences, Department of International Studies, involved in mentorship programs for women; and Dr. Alette Arendshorst, Faculty of Behavioral and Social Sciences, working on graduation/collaboration for students/staff.

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