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RUFORUM Triennial Thought Pieces: ISSUE 04 – Prof. Kay Leresche

Published

4 years ago

February 25, 2022

Mark Wamai

RUFORUM Triennial Thought Pieces: ISSUE 04 by Prof. Kay Leresche, Chair of the RUFORUM Technical Committee.

Trends and Innovation Impacting Capacity to Deliver on the African Agenda 2063

Africa is a continent of great promise – with a combined GDP of around $3.5 trillion, the youngest and fastest-growing population in the world, and a diverse and extensive natural resource base. To realise this potential there needs to be significant investment in education, research and information sharing. Africa must be able to use new technology to create the knowledge, products and institutions to improve livelihoods. Although the technologies will allow Africa to leapfrog many old systems, they also require proactive and ongoing adaptation. Institutions and systems that cannot adapt will wither. The more structured for change the more likely it is that universities will be able to use the technological revolution to address the key drivers of change that impact progress.

Climate change with its increased droughts, floods and locust invasions, the Covid-19 pandemic, HIV, malaria and other devastating diseases, and the dislocation of poor governance and war, compound these challenges. But the natural exuberance of Africa and their determination to keep striving in the face of all obstacles will see them succeed. To do this they need the tools. Low levels of research and human resource capacity create a bottleneck to Africa reasserting its role in the global economy. Universities in Africa need to change rapidly. They need to recognise the new opportunities and prepare students that are innovative, ethical and adaptable to drive our colleges and schools, build businesses, create new knowledge and serve Africa. They house most of the highly qualified people in Africa and are often neutral spaces where transparent engagement is possible. Universities need to join with society (private sector, farmers, entrepreneurs, civil society and government agencies) to generate new, locally relevant, knowledge that is embedded in ways that facilitate rapid uptake. Universities need to take up their role as a fulcrum upon which Africa makes the rapid strides it needs to take advantage of the African Continental Free Trade Agreement and meet the aspirations of Agenda 2063.

While the impending change holds great promise, the patterns of consumption, production and employment created by it also pose major challenges requiring proactive adaptation by corporations, governments, institutions and individuals. Concurrent to the technological revolution are a set of broader socio-economic, geopolitical, demographic and environmental drivers of change, each interacting in multiple directions and intensifying one another (Brookings, 2020).

The Challenges for Africa

“Despite the continent’s promise obstacles to success linger as job creation still has not caught up with the growing youth labor force, gaps in good and inclusive governance remain, and climate change as well as state fragility, threaten to reverse the hard-fought-for gains of recent decades” Brahima S. Coulibaly (Brookings 2020). This was before the Covid pandemic which has since caused global devastation to lives, health and economies, especially in Africa. The disruptions continue to be felt with pressure on health facilities, loss of learning time and the economic stress of lockdowns with disrupted markets, international transport problems, decreased demand and the severe disruptions to tourism and remittances.

A challenge throughout Africa is the misalignment of job creation and demographic trends. Export-led manufacturing has not been a key feature of transformation in Africa’s economies and that which exists tends not to be labour intensive. The future is focused on services to absorb the youth and workers moving out of agriculture. This reflects the natural resources, history and geography of the continent and the global marketplace. Governments can play a major role in changing this misalignment; not necessarily directly, but by educating and training, improving the infrastructure, facilitating engagement and providing an enabling environment to enhance a strong knowledge economy. Technological progress is critical to providing mechanisms to improve productivity and livelihoods. Poor infrastructure both physical and digital is a significant constraint on development in Africa. It reduces the flow of information, people, services and goods. Improving information access facilitates improved production, allows for bulking and lower market transaction costs, and enables small farmers to generate economies of scale. New technology can help to overcome some of the aggregation challenges of the past. It can assist to overcome many of the barriers to entry and improve efficiency.

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Makerere University Chancellor Dr. Crispus Kiyonga Appointed 2nd Deputy Prime Minister

Published

6 hours ago

May 29, 2026

Philemon Akoragye

The Chancellor, Hon. Dr. Crispus Kiyonga gestures during an interview on 17th January 2025. 75th Graduation Ceremony, Day 5, CAES, CEDAT and CHUSS. 17th January 2025, Freedom Square, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has appointed Makerere University Chancellor Dr. Crispus Walter Kiyonga as Uganda’s Second Deputy Prime Minister and Deputy Leader of Government Business in Parliament.

The appointment was announced on May 26, 2026, as part of the cabinet reshuffle for the 2026–2031 government term. Dr. Kiyonga now assumes one of the senior leadership positions in government while continuing to serve as Chancellor of Makerere University.

Dr. Kiyonga is both Chancellor and alumnus of Makerere University. He studied at Makerere University School of Medicine from 1973 to 1978, graduating with a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBChB). He later obtained a Master of Health Science in Population Dynamics from the Johns Hopkins School of Public Health in 2004.

Born on September 19, 1952, in Kasese District, Dr. Kiyonga attended Bwera Primary School, Nyakasura School, and Kings College Budo before joining Makerere University.

He was appointed Chancellor of Makerere University in August 2024 and formally installed in October 2024, succeeding Professor Ezra Suruma.

Incoming Chancellor Dr. Crispus Kiyonga lifting the Chancellor’s Mace.

Political and Public Service Career

Dr. Kiyonga entered national politics during Uganda’s 1980 elections, where he won a parliamentary seat on the Uganda Patriotic Movement (UPM) ticket. He later joined the National Resistance Movement during the liberation struggle and subsequently served in several senior government positions after 1986.

He represented Bukonjo County West in Parliament from 1980 to 2016 and was also a member of the Constituent Assembly that drafted the 1995 Constitution.

Over the years, Dr. Kiyonga has held several ministerial portfolios, including:

Minister for Cooperatives and Marketing
Minister of Finance
Minister of Internal Affairs
Minister of Health
Minister without Portfolio
Minister of Defence

During his tenure as Minister of Health, he played a key role in Uganda’s response to the Ebola outbreak in Gulu in 2000.

From 2016, he served as Uganda’s Ambassador to China, where he represented Uganda during a significant period of Uganda-China relations.

Dr. Kiyonga’s appointment marks a return to frontline government leadership after several years in diplomatic service and university leadership.

Significance for Makerere

As Chancellor, Dr. Kiyonga serves as the titular head of Makerere University and presides over major ceremonial functions, including graduation ceremonies.

University Chancellor Dr. Crispus Kiyonga confers a Doctorate Degree upon one of the graduands during the 76th Graduation Ceremony. 76th Graduation Ceremony, Day 2, School of Public Health (MakSPH). Commencement Speaker-Dr. Margaret J. Kigozi, Makerere University Endowment Fund Chairperson. 25th February 2026, Freedom Square, Kampala Uganda, East Africa. — ***University Chancellor Dr. Crispus Kiyonga confers a Doctorate Degree upon one of the graduands during the 76th Graduation Ceremony.***

His appointment reflects the longstanding contribution of Makerere University alumni to public service and national leadership in Uganda and across the region.

Speaking during his installation as Chancellor in 2024, the First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Hon. Janet K. Museveni, noted that Dr. Kiyonga’s experience and networks would support the advancement of the university.

Makerere University congratulates Chancellor Dr. Crispus Walter Kiyonga upon his appointment and wishes him success in his new role.

The Writer is a Volunteer in the Public Relations Office, Makerere University and the Mak Sharks PRO | Est. 2014

General

Applications for Admission to Undergraduate Programmes 2026/27

Published

4 days ago

May 25, 2026

Mak Editor

Students in discussion groups in Freedom Square on 1st April 2026.

UPDATE 25^th May 2026

Application deadline extended to 28^th May 2026.

The Academic Registrar, Makerere University invites applications from Ugandan, East African, and international applicants for the undergraduate programmes under the private sponsorship scheme for the 2026/2027 Academic Year for ‘A’ Level Leavers Only.

Each applicant should:

Have the Uganda Certificate of Education (UCE) with at least five (5) passes, or its equivalent and at least two (2) principal passes at Uganda Advanced Certificate of Education (UACE) obtained at the same sitting. For day programmes only candidates who sat A’ Level in 2025, 2024 and 2023 are eligible to apply. For evening, afternoon, and external programmes, a candidate is not restricted on the year of sitting A’ Level. Detailed information on the weighting system can be accessed by following this link.

Other relevant information can be obtained from UNDERGRADUATE ADMISSIONS OFFICE, LEVEL 3, SENATE BUILDING OR CAN BE found on the University Website https://www.mak.ac.ug. Effective Monday 20^th April 2026.

A non-refundable application fee of shs.50,000/= for Ugandans, East African and S. Sudan applicants or $75 or equivalent for internationals plus bank charges should be paid in any of the banks used by Uganda Revenue Authority.

Candidates who hold grades X, Y, Z, 7 and 9 of ‘O’Level results should not apply because they are not eligible for admission. Below are the availble courses including respective fees structure.

Advert-Mak-PRIVATE-Undergraduate-ADMISSION-2026-2027 Download

Additional-A-Level-Private Advert Download

How to submit your application

Applicants should access the Institution’s Admissions URL https://apply.mak.ac.ug/
Sign up by clicking on the REGISTER NOW. Use your full name, e-mail and Mobile No. Please note that your name must be similar to the one on your supporting academic documents for your application to be considered valid.
A password will be sent to you on your mobile phone and email.
The system will prompt you to change the password to the one you can easily remember.
To fill an application form, click on the APPLY NOW button displayed on the appropriate running scheme.
Obtain a payment reference number by clicking on “Pay for Form” Button
Make a payment at any of the banks used by Uganda Revenue Authority

MOBILE MONEY PAYMENT STEPS:

Dial *272*6# on either MTN or Airtel
Select option 3-Admission
Select option 3-Pay Fees
Enter reference number obtained from Application portal
Details of Application form will be confirmed
Enter PIN to confirm payment

The closing date for receiving applications shall be 28^th May 2026.

WARNING:

Applicants are strongly warned against presenting forged or other people’s academic documents to support their applications for admission. The consequences, if discovered, are very grave indeed.
Do not buy any other documents not originating from the Academic Registrar’s Office. Those who buy them do so at their own risk.
The Academic Registrar has not appointed any agent to act on his behalf to solicit for additional funds other than the application fee stated above.
Applicants are advised to use the right programme names and codes. the university will not be responsible for any wrong information entered in the system by applicants.

Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi
ACADEMIC REGISTRAR

General

Admission List for Bachelor of Laws under Government Sponsorship 2026/27

Published

1 week ago

May 22, 2026

Mak Editor

The Office of the Academic Registrar, Makerere University has released admission lists for students admitted to the Bachelor of Laws under Government Sponsorship for the Academic Year 2026/2027.

Please note that the list below contains those who were admitted under the Direct (A’ Level Leavers), Diploma, and Mature Age Entry Schemes.

The admission list is shown below:

Mak-Undergraduate-Bachelor-of-Laws-Government-Sponsorship-2026-2027 Download