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RUFORUM Triennial Thought Pieces: ISSUE 15 – Prof. Luke E. Mumba

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Transformational Institutional Leadership in Higher Agricultural Education

Higher Educational Institutions (HEI) play a key role in shaping the present and the future; transforming minds and processes, and nurturing talent. Hence the quality and direction of leadership in these higher educational institutions is of paramount importance. Transformational leadership is a value-based approach where a leader is expected to be visionary, an inspiration, a role model, and an intellectual stimulant. This kind of leadership, which goes back to 1978 when it was framed, places a lot of value on individualized consideration. Given the diversity of staff (academic and non-academic), transformational leadership in Higher Education Institutions requires good chemistry in order to achieve successful operational and strategic results.

Transformational leadership has to be supported by various institutional policies which should guide staff in their various offices and positions. For example, having in place and spear heading the teaching and learning policy, sexual harassment policy, Quality Assurance framework, communication policy and consultancy policy, among others, are some of the key attributes.

There is no leadership without willing followers. Willing followers are those who have embraced and bought into the vision of the institution and the leader. If we as Vice Chancellors take the path of leadership without followers, our term in office will have just been a walk alone.

Strategic partnerships

A leader needs to be a problem solver, with networks in Government, in Industry, with Alumni and internationally which when brought to bear, help to resolve the challenges the institution is faced with while building the synergies that the University requires. This is where partnerships are important. As a University (University of Zambia), we have a dedicated strategic direction on fostering community outreach and beneficial partnerships and have created over 300 strategic partners who in the case of the School of Agricultural Sciences include both the Ministry of Agriculture and the Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries and indeed many other agro companies.

Organizational politics

For the public universities, we face political influence in University Governance. But I believe from a leadership perspective that we will successfully deal with this challenge by starting from having an Institutional vision which must be shared with internal and external stakeholders. The vision must include how the people aspects will be addressed knowing fully well that the success of the vision depends on human capital implementing the different strategic initiatives in the university. This vision must also include how the University will build research capacity and foster partnerships, address knowledge generation challenges and foster skills development.

Another way to go navigate the political landscape is to institutionalize everything we do in the University. We need to have strong systems in place to the extent that even when you have a person with average leadership skills in the University, they can manage in the face of strong systems.

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Mark Wamai

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Undergraduate Admission Lists 2026/2027

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Students in discussion groups at Freedom Square.

The Office of Academic Registrar, Makerere University has released admission lists of candidates admitted under the Talented Sports Men & Women, Disability and District Quota Schemes with Government sponsorship 2026/27 Academic Year including appeals and remarked cases.

Other admission lists released include A-Level Applicants with Ugandan and those with Foreign Qualifications, Diploma in Performing Arts, Mature-Age Entry and Bachelor of Education (EXTERNAL Batch 2) for the Academic Year 2026/2027 under self sponsorship.

The cut-off points points can be accessed by following the link: https://mak.ac.ug/study-mak/cut-points

Kindly follow the links below to access the lists:-

Update 10th August 2026

Update 3rd August 2026

Update 27th July 2026

Update 3rd July 2026

International & East African Applicants

Mop-up Lists

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Makerere University Hosts Landmark East African Universities Debate Championships 2026

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Moment of Truth! Hon. Eng. Cuthbert Abigaba (Centre) presents a trophy to the winning team as DVCAA-Prof. Sarah Ssali, 92nd Vice Guild President-H.E. John Bosco Mubiru and other officials witness on 31st July 2026. East African Universities Debate Championships 2026 (EAUDC ZAABU) Closing Ceremony, 31st July 2026, Main Hall, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda.

Makerere University has once again cemented its place as a regional leader in academic excellence after successfully hosting the East African Universities Debate Championships (EAUDC) 2026, welcoming the continent’s brightest young minds for a week of intellectual competition, cultural exchange, and leadership development.

Held from 26th July to 1st August 2026, the championship brought together more than 200 student debaters, adjudicators and delegates from 25 universities across Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, South Sudan and other invited institutions, transforming the Ivory Tower into East Africa’s premier arena for ideas, innovation and public discourse.

Impeccable! A participant from South Sudan takes to the podium. East African Universities Debate Championships 2026 (EAUDC ZAABU) Closing Ceremony, 31st July 2026, Main Hall, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda.
Impeccable! A participant from South Sudan takes to the podium.

The week-long tournament featured rigorous British Parliamentary debate rounds, public speaking competitions, adjudication workshops and networking sessions designed to sharpen critical thinking, leadership and persuasive communication. Participants debated contemporary issues ranging from governance and economic transformation to technology, public health, climate change and Africa’s future.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, the Deputy Vice Chancellor welcomed delegates to Makerere University, emphasizing the institution’s enduring commitment to nurturing graduates who are not only academically accomplished but also capable of leading meaningful conversations that shape society. The championship reflected Makerere’s vision of producing graduates who are innovative, analytical and prepared to address regional and global challenges.

Prof. Sarah Ssali. East African Universities Debate Championships 2026 (EAUDC ZAABU) Closing Ceremony, 31st July 2026, Main Hall, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda.
Prof. Sarah Ssali.

Beyond competition, EAUDC 2026 became a celebration of East African unity. Delegates experienced Uganda’s rich cultural heritage through social events, campus tours and cultural showcases that fostered friendships beyond national borders. The interactions reinforced the championship’s belief that dialogue remains one of the strongest foundations for regional integration and peaceful cooperation.

The tournament concluded with an electrifying Grand Finale witnessed by students, alumni, university leaders, invited guests and debate enthusiasts. The Chairperson of the Parliamentary Committee on Education and Sports Hon. Eng. Cuthbert Abigaba represented the Speaker of Parliament as the Guest of Honour. In his remarks he congratulated Makerere University on the successful event and encouraged debate among students.

The Guest of Honour, Hon. Eng. Cuthbert Abigaba. East African Universities Debate Championships 2026 (EAUDC ZAABU) Closing Ceremony, 31st July 2026, Main Hall, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda.
The Guest of Honour, Hon. Eng. Cuthbert Abigaba.

Prof Sarah Ssali the Deputy Vice Chancellor in charge of Academic Affairs at Makerere University pledged continuous support from the administration towards Makerere Debate Union. Teams demonstrated exceptional research, analytical reasoning and eloquence before a distinguished panel of international adjudicators, bringing to a close one of the most competitive editions of the championship.

The successful hosting of EAUDC 2026 marks another milestone in Makerere University‘s growing reputation as a centre of excellence for debating and public speaking. The event builds on the university’s long-standing tradition of producing outstanding debaters while providing students with opportunities to engage with peers from across the region in meaningful intellectual exchange.

Hon. Eng. Cuthbert Abigaba (Left) receives Makerere Souvenirs from Prof. Sarah Ssali (Right). East African Universities Debate Championships 2026 (EAUDC ZAABU) Closing Ceremony, 31st July 2026, Main Hall, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda.
Hon. Eng. Cuthbert Abigaba (Left) receives Makerere Souvenirs from Prof. Sarah Ssali (Right).

As the championship drew to a close, participants departed Kampala with new friendships, stronger networks and renewed inspiration to continue using debate as a tool for leadership, democratic participation and social transformation.

Hon. Eng. Cuthbert Abigaba and Prof. Sarah Ssali (Centre) enjoy a photo moment with a section of participants. East African Universities Debate Championships 2026 (EAUDC ZAABU) Closing Ceremony, 31st July 2026, Main Hall, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda.
Hon. Eng. Cuthbert Abigaba and Prof. Sarah Ssali (Centre) enjoy a photo moment with a section of participants.

With the East African chapter successfully concluded, attention now turns to the Pan-African Universities Debating Championship (PAUDC) 2026, where Makerere University will once again represent East Africa on the continental stage.

Some of the smiles that lit up EAUDC Zaabu. East African Universities Debate Championships 2026 (EAUDC ZAABU) Closing Ceremony, 31st July 2026, Main Hall, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda.
Some of the smiles that lit up EAUDC Zaabu.

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Makerere University Newsletter Apr-Jun 2026

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Cover Page of the Makerere University Newsletter Apr-Jun 2026. Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

This April–June 2026 edition of the Makerere University Newsletter captures a decisive push toward becoming a research-led institution. Vice Chancellor Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe’s college engagements emphasized prioritizing graduate training to ensure research addresses Uganda’s and Africa’s development needs.

New Memoranda of Understanding are deepening collaborative research, staff and student exchanges, and the conversion of knowledge into practical solutions. The upgraded Makerere Financial Management System (Mak-FMS), launched this quarter, exemplifies institutional innovation by enabling fully paperless financial processes that boost efficiency, transparency and accountability.

Individual achievement also highlights our global reach. Mr. Kiggundu Muhammed’s win in the University of Groningen’s Erasmus+ African Perspectives Video Contest showcases how Makerere minds contribute distinctive African insights to international discourse. Complementary efforts, such as the sign-language training for undertaking Pharmacy students, demonstrate research-informed practice that advances inclusive service delivery.

The upgraded Makerere Financial Management System (Mak-FMS), launched this quarter, exemplifies institutional innovation by enabling fully paperless financial processes that boost efficiency, transparency and accountability.

Together, these developments confirm that Makerere’s research output is growing in both scale and relevance. As Makerere natures cultivate the next generation of scholars and innovators, we remain committed to producing knowledge that transforms lives, strengthens communities, and positions Uganda as a continental leader in higher education and innovation. As We Build for the Future

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