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RUFORUM Triennial Thought Pieces: ISSUE 14 – Dr. Mary Shawa

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When special and scientific minds meet together for a common purpose the outcome is a long lasting and permanent establishment

It was in 2003 when the like minds were mobilised to give birth to a child called “The Forum for Capacity Building in Agriculture” (FORUM) from the Rockefeller Foundation Programme which had come to an end. The meeting brought together people from the academia, government, private sector, non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and farmers to think outside the box and come up with an organisation which will develop higher education in Africa; link academic work with policy and private sector; harness the technologies and innovations developed in Africa universities; and create centres of excellence that will address Africa’s nutrition, hunger, poverty, health, youth dividends problems and create wealth; be a pivotal centre for leadership in the Africa We Want, Agenda 2063 while contributing to Agenda 2030 the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

How did it start?

Universities in five countries namely Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique, Uganda, and Zimbabwe conceived the FORUM baby and changed its name to RUFORUM to accommodate the wider African Region needs for social capacity and human development. To date it is the fastest growing, a thought leader, that has demonstrated to retain 98% of its trained man power within Africa most of whom are in leadership positions; and close to attaining the 50% gender parity currently at above 40%. The RUFORUM train has to be asked to slow down its growth in order not to frustrate the network members and beneficiaries while balancing regional representation. The RUFORUM setup is very conducive because it gets its funding from the Universities through subscriptions; grants from donors; contributions of member universities to the staff mobility project; partnerships and cloud resource mobilisation. It is through the RUFORUM lens that the thought piece paper is envisioning the future of Africa and the needed action. In order to put the thought piece into context the situation of African education need to be analysed.

Current Africa situation

Sub-Saharan Africa is home to more than 1 billion people, half of whom are under 25 years old by 2050, is a diverse continent offering human and natural resources that have the potential to yield inclusive growth and eradicate poverty in the region; enabling Africans across the continent to live healthier and more prosperous lives. With the world’s largest free trade area and a 1.2-billion-person market, the continent is creating an entirely new development path, harnessing the potential of its resources and people.

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Mark Wamai

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Press Statement on Ranking

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An older photo of the Main Building, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda as seen from across the Freedom Square. Date taken: 22nd October 2012.

Makerere University has noted with concern the article titled “Mak Drops Marks” published by the Daily Monitor Newspaper on 8th July 2025. The article raises issues that require clarification to ensure accurate information is shared with our stakeholders and the public. We wish to address the following key points: 

1. Misrepresentation of Ranking Data 

The article inaccurately combines the Sub-Saharan African University Rankings and the World University Rankings to portray a misleading performance trend for Makerere University. For clarity, Makerere University was ranked 8th in the 2024 Sub-Saharan African University Rankings. However, the 2025 Sub-Saharan African Rankings have not yet been released, making any comparison with the World University Rankings is misleading. This is a misrepresentation of facts aimed at tarnishing the University’s reputation and causing alarm among stakeholders.

2. Omission of Impact Rankings Achievements 

The article fails to acknowledge Makerere University’s outstanding performance in the 2025 Impact Rankings, which assess contributions to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Makerere University significantly improved its global standing, moving from the 601–800 band in 2024 to the 301–400 band in 2025. Notably, the University ranked 17th globally in Decent Work and Economic Growth and within the 401–600 band for Quality Education. These achievements reflect Makerere’s commitment to societal impact and sustainable development, which the article conspicuously ignores. 

3. Balanced Perspective on World University Rankings 

While Makerere University acknowledges a decline in certain parameters in the World University Rankings, we view these as areas for improvement. At the same time, we celebrate our strengths, including high-quality research output and a robust international outlook, which continue to position Makerere as a leading institution globally. 

Makerere University remains committed to excellence in teaching, research, and societal impact. We urge our stakeholders and the public to rely on verified information from credible sources and to engage directly with the University for clarity on such matters. We acknowledge the Daily Monitor’s interest in Makerere University and implore them to report more accurately in the future. 

PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICE
Email: pro@mak.ac.ug

Mak Editor

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Re-advert: Admission to Undergraduate Programmes 2025/2026

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The Academic Registrar, Makerere University invites applications from Ugandan, East African, and international applicants for the undergraduate programmes under Self Sponsorship Scheme for the 2025/2026 Academic Year.

Each applicant should:

a) Have the Uganda Certificate of Education (UCE) with at least five passes, or its equivalent and at least two principal passes at Uganda Advanced Certificate of Education (UACE) obtained at the same sitting. For day programmes, only candidates who sat A’ Level in 2024, 2023 and 2020 are eligible to apply. For evening, afternoon, and external programmes, a candidate is not restricted on the year of sitting A’ Level.

OR

d) Degree from a recognised /Chartered Institution

Further details on the re-advertised programmes , fees structure, and the procedure of submitting applications can be accessed from the document below: 

The closing date for submitting applications is Tuesday 22nd July 2025.

Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi
ACADEMIC REGISTRAR

Mak Editor

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Undergraduate Admissions List: Mop-up/Appeals 2025/2026

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The Office of Academic Registrar, Makerere University has released lists of Successful appeals and supplementary lists. Below is a list arising from appeals of Government Sponsored candidates who have been admitted:

Mak Editor

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