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Hon. Musenero urges Universities to Forge Stronger Linkages for National Development & Community Transformation

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Science, Technology and Innovation Minister, Hon. Dr. Musenero Monica Masanza has urged Universities to build stronger linkages and focus on specialization to harness science, technology and innovations in transforming Uganda. 

Speaking to representatives of over 50 Universities during the Uganda Vice Chancellor’s Forum held at Makerere University on Friday 11th March 2022, Hon. Musenero emphasized that the Head of State, H.E President Yoweri K.T. Museveni envisions Universities playing a fundamental role in delivering a science driven economy, social development and industrialization.

In the same spirit, Hon. Musenero has a strong conviction that universities that create, generate and disseminate knowledge have a crucial role to determine the destiny of a country. “I am here to dialogue and mobilise all of us to rise and harness the vast resources, knowledge and talent in universities. If you impact on universities, you will have quicker interventions,” she remarked.

She however noted the need to change the mindset of leaders and staff in Universities including the way of conducting business if universities are to measure up to the task as well as expectations. For instance, universities should play a central role in addressing poverty and underdevelopment. She highlighted that this strategic direction can only be realized if universities come up with deliberate efforts to link research and innovations to national development.This should be coupled with formation of think tanks at universities with linkages to the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovations under the Office of the President.

Additionally, Universities should reposition themselves and align several programmes to national development. “I would request that all universities craft a course, maybe one course credit unit or two but in the first year of study to teach the national development plan.” Hon. Musenero said she would be happy to be among the people who would be willing to take part in lecturing students on the national development plan. 

If students are taught and understand the national development plan, she said they can be part of the force that is working tirelessly to transform Uganda from a peasant to a modern country in the next three decades.

Hon. Musenero told representatives of universities that her ministry has aligned science, technology and innovation systems and come up with an ecosystem that is focusing on improving industrial value chains. “We want to create a science, technology and innovation ecosystem that facilitates rapid movement of things along the value chain,” she said. If Uganda is to transform, Musenero said universities should focus on research that will help farmers to increase farm productivity.

Instead of focusing on competition, the Minister advised universities to focus on specialised teaching and research and then create strong linkages in which they can benefit from each other. 

“How can we make relays? I have been to different universities and found that we are not connected to each other. We may have some MoUs but they are not being implemented. Makerere has certain technologies that could fit into Ndejje and then Ndejje has certain things that could fit into Busitema. If we can create that free flow, then all of us are going to be succeeding together,” Hon. Musenero remarked.

On teaching technology and innovation, the Minister said universities should teach the business of innovation and business opportunities that the science industry presents to Uganda. For instance, Hon. Musenero said she has been to several universities where she found that some of the innovations lack business plans. 

On teaching, Hon. Musenero gave an example of the pharmaceutical industry which is one of the three big global industries.  Whereas universities teach pharmacy, the Minister said they are not teaching the business opportunities that the sector presents for Uganda. 

Hon. Monica Musenero (Seated Centre), Chairperson of Vice Chancellors Forum -Prof. George Openjuru Ladaah (on her right) with host Vice Chancellor Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe (on her left)join others in a group photo after the meeting.

“You can hardly find in our pharmacy curriculum anyone teaching students how to industrialise around pharmaceuticals. We teach them how to use, how to dispense, to regulate, etc. We don’t teach them how to develop, how to manufacture, or how to develop business around them. We are turning that around,” she said.

In the execution of her Ministry’s mandate, Hon. Musenero will concentrate on working with universities to harness the vast resources, proiritise strategic communication and science communication, evolution of think tanks and community engagements.

Hon. Musenero is optimistic that in the financial year 2022/2023, she will focus on taking science, technology and innovations to the market.

Mak Editor

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Press Release: Semester II Set to Start 10th Feb, 76th Graduation Dates Confirmed

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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. Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

Kampala, Uganda – 20th January 2026Makerere University has postponed its opening date for Semester Two of Academic Year 2025/2026 from the earlier communicated 24th January 2026 to 10th February 2026.

This adjustment is in response to the Ministry of Education and Sports directive to all Schools and Education Institutions to postpone re-opening until 10th February 2026. Consequently, Semester Two at Makerere University will now run from 10th February 2026 until 6th June 2026. Attached is the detailed Calendar for Semester Two 2025/2026.

Confirmed dates for the 76th Graduation Ceremony

Makerere University also wishes to inform the general public that Makerere’s 76th Graduation Ceremony will be held from Tuesday 24th February 2026 to Friday 27th February 2026.

Specifics including the graduation schedules and standard operating procedures for participants will be communicated officially in due course.

Please see downloads for the statement, Ministry directive and revised calendar.

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Call for applications: E-JUST TICAD8 African MSc. Scholarships

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E-JUST Fall 2026 International Admissions (M.Sc. TICAD8 Scholarships). Courtesy Photo.

The Egypt-Japan University of Science and Technology (E-JUST) TICAD8 African Scholarship for STI is available for all African (Non-Egyptian) students who wish to obtain their M.Sc. degree in the programs of Faculty of Engineering (FoE), Basic and Applied Science (BAS), Computer Science and Information Technology (CSIT), Faculty of International Business and Humanities (FIBH) and Heritage Science (HS).

Please note that interested applicants have to apply through E-JUST’ website (online application system). Applications will only be accepted via E-JUST’s website (online application system).

Interested applicants must complete and submit their application forms before February 15, 2026. The applicant will receive an automatic confirmation e-mail as proof of successful submission of the application.

Important Links:

For information about admission requirements: https://www.ejust.edu.eg/international-pg

For information about the available scholarships: https://www.ejust.edu.eg/international-scholarships

For information about the required documents: https://www.ejust.edu.eg/international-documents

For any inquiries, please contact the Regional and International Affairs (RIA) Office: international.affairs@ejust.edu.eg

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Advert: Admissions for Diploma/Degree Holders under Private Sponsorship 2026/27

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The Academic Registrar, Makerere University invites applications from Ugandan, East African and international applicants for the undergraduate under the private sponsorship scheme for the 2026/2027 Academic Year.

Each applicant should:

EITHER

Hold at least a Second Class/Credit (or equivalent classification) Diploma or otherwise as specified in the Diploma Holders’ requirements from a recognised chartered institution, relevant to the programme applied for. Certified copies of academic transcripts and certificates (not photocopies of certified copies) from the awarding institutions and one passport size photograph must be submitted to Office 315 level three (3) Senate Building after applying online. 

OR

Be a Graduate from a RECOGNISED CHARTERED UNIVERSITY. Certified copies of academic transcripts and certificates (not photocopies of certified copies) from the awarding Institutions and one Passport size photography MUST be submitted to Office 315, Level three (3) Senate Building after applying online.

N.B. Applicants will be responsible for verification of their academic documents from the awarding Institutions after admission.

 Other relevant information can be obtained from UNDERGRADUATE ADMISSIONS OFFICE, LEVEL 3, SENATE BUILDING OR CAN BE found on the University Website

Diploma Holder applicants who hold class three (3) diploma certificates or Pass Diplomas are not eligible for admission and therefore should not apply, except where stated in the Diploma Holders requirements. 

HOW TO APPLY                                                    

Applications shall be submitted online using the ACMIS system for all applicants. Diploma/degree holders and internationals will have to submit certified copies of their transcripts and certificates and a passport size photograph to Office 315, Level 3, Senate Building after submitting the application online and payment of application fees.                                                    

OTHER RELEVANT INFORMATION CAN BE OBTAINED FROM UNDERGRADUATE ADMISSIONS OFFICE, LEVEL 3, SENATE BUILDING, MAKERERE UNIVERSITY WITH EFFECT FROM 5th JANUARY, 2026.  

A NON-REFUNDABLE APPLICATION FEE OF SHS.55,000/= FOR UGANDAN AND EAST AFRICAN APPLICANTS OR $76.5 OR EQUIVALENT FOR INTERNATIONALS, (UGX.286,250=) PLUS BANK CHARGEs SHOULD BE PAID IN ANY OF THE BANKS USED BY UGANDA REVENUE AUTHORITY (URA)                                           

CANDIDATES WHO HOLD GRADES X, Y, Z, 7 AND 9 OF ‘O’LEVEL RESULTS SHOULD NOT APPLY BECAUSE THEY ARE NOT ELIGIBLE FOR ADMISSION.     

ONLINE APPLICATION PORTAL USER GUIDE                                                

Applicants should access the Institution’s Admissions URL https://apply.mak.ac.ug

  • Signup using full name, e-mail and Mobile Number.  Please note that your name must be similar to the one on your supporting academic documents for your application to be considered valid.  If you changed your names please go to Senate Building Office 611 with a deed poll and gazette supporting the name change.                                       
  • A password will be sent to both your e-mail and mobile number.                                         
  • The system will prompt you to change the password to the one you can easily remember.             
  • To fill a form (all form sections must be filled)the applicant clicks on the APPLY NOW button displayed on the running scheme.
  • Obtain a pay reference nunber(PRN)  after submitting the application.
  • Make a payment at any of the banks used by Uganda Revenue Authority.                                        

MOBILE MONEY PAYMENT STEPS:                                                 

1.   Dial *272*6# on Mtn or Airtel                             

2.   Select option 3-Admission                                     

3.   Select option 3 Pay Fees                          

4.  Enter reference number obtained from Application portal                                      

5.  Details of Application form will be confirmed                                

6. Enter PIN to confirm payment                              

The closing date for receiving applications was extended to Friday 27th February, 2026.

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