General
Mak signs Agreement with CIVIS-An Alliance of 10 European Universities
Published
4 years agoon
By
Mak Editor
Introduction
The Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic Affairs), Associate Prof. Umar Kakumba, together with the Deputy Director Directorate of Research and Graduate Training (DRGT), Associate Prof. Robert Wamala and the International Relations Officer, Ms Martha Muwanguzi attended an event , New Horizons for a European –African Partnership at Aix-Marseille University, France. The event was on the invitation of the Vice –President of International Relations of Aix-Marseille University. Held from 8th to 12th March, 2022, the event was organized by CIVIS ; a European University Alliance – and punctuated by conferences and workshops with a focus on importance of the Alliance in strengthening Europe-Africa partnerships.
The Opening ceremony was held in the Amphi Gastaut. the Main Hall of Aix Marseille University. In his welcoming remarks, the Rector Aix Marseille University, Prof Eric Berton was delighted to receive participants especially those from Africa. CIVIS wants to create socially justifiable partnerships and Africa is an essential part of the Alliance with the European universities.

The Director of Strategic Projects and Networks at Aix Marseille, Ms. Camille de Garidel-Thoron introduced the participants to CIVIS. This was followed by another presentation by the Coordinator, CIVIS African and Mediterranean partnerships, University of Tübingen, Germany, Dr Christian Möllman.
Background to CIVIS-A European Civic University
In his remarks, the Coordinator explained that CIVIS is a European Civic University formed by the alliance of ten leading research higher education institutions across Europe namely: Aix-Marseille Université (France); Universite of Bucharest (Romania); Sapienza Universitá di Roma (Italy); Stockholm University (Sweden); Université libre de Bruxelles (Belgium); Universidad Autónoma de Madrid (Spain), Eberhard Karls Universitӓt Tubingen (Germany), University of Glasgow (United Kingdom); The Paris Lodron University of Salzburg (Austria) and the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens (Greece).

The Alliance brings together a community of more than 470,000 students and 58,000 staff members including 35,000 academics and researchers. The CIVIS member universities actively contribute to the social, cultural and economic activities of the urban environments they are situated in and also promote inclusiveness, gender equality, non-discrimination and social equity. CIVIS strengthens interactions, knowledge production and skills amongst its members and with citizens, the communities, businesses, social and cultural associations. These interactions help reduce inequalities, increase access to quality training and opportunities for students and staff.
CIVIS is governed by a Board of Rectors, headed by a President and two Vice Presidents who make decisions. It has a Steering Committee headed by the President and a CIVIS Administration with a Project Team. There are three councils namely, Global Participant Council, Global Student Council and a Global Consultative Council.
Alliance between CIVIS and African Universities
Humanity now faces global problems such as climatic change, diseases and epidemics, unplanned cities and settlements, to mention but a few. It is important to note that these challenges cut across borders and continents. Therefore, collaboration and partnerships with African Higher Education Institutions (HEI) would be crucial and important to establish. It is on this basis that particular African universities were invited by CIVIS to participate in the events with the aim of extending the partnership to the African continent. Six universities were invited: (i) Makerere University (Uganda); (ii) University of Sfax (Tunisia); (iii) University of the Witwatersrand (South Africa); (iv) Université Hassan II de Casablanca (Morocco); (v) Universidade Eduardo Mondlane (Mozambique), and (vi) Université Cheikh Anta Diop de Dakar (Senegal).
The collaboration and partnership broadens the network for student and staff mobilities as well as study visits. Further, it also supports equitable research partnerships in higher education agreed upon in the European Union and African Union Innovation Agenda which opens up new channels for South-South cooperation. University partnerships have also become powerful vehicles for promoting civic and democratic engagement as well as international economic development.
Presentation by Makerere University
The Vice Chancellors in the African countries presented information about their universities, including identification of areas where they could work together with the European counterparts in the Alliance.

In his remarks, the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic Affairs), Associate Prof. Umar Kakumba thanked the organizers of the event and the invitation extended to Makerere University in particular. He supported the idea of a European-African Universities partnership and believes that it will contribute to the Africa Agenda 2063 and its attendant action plan. The aim should be to support research collaboration in selected fields among Africa and the member universities and to strengthen the research infrastructure at the member universities such as Science laboratory and training equipment; research in agricultural value addition and food security; infrastructure planning and management; research in public health and infectious diseases management as well as research in refugee and migration issues.
Prof. Kakumba emphasized that signing an MoU is a great step in the right direction. This should follow a statement of clear roles and responsibilities, and mutual benefits. Furthermore;
- There is need to plan big but start small.
- There should be options of choosing a low cost, simple activity with high impact such as seminars, workshops, regular partnership meetings, student/staff exchange to give partner institutions a chance to learn about each other’s systems, processes and stakeholders.
- There is need to plan and understand the individual institution’s responsibilities and obligations in the partnership and set up timelines, deliverables and milestones.
- It is crucial to establish exactly who will be involved, how communication should happen and what decisions need to be taken in the short term.

Following presentations by all the six African Universities, a discussion was made to explore common grounds on how the European Alliance can serve African partners. In his remarks, Associate Prof. Robert Wamala emphasized the need to document the roles and expectations of the African in the Alliance. In his remarks, Robert Wamala noted that Universities in the CIVIS Alliance were at a higher advantage in regards to research capacity when compared to the African counterparts. Therefore, the need to build an equal partnership in an unequal world needed to be prioritized.


Expectation(s) of the Collaboration
Collaboration in CIVIS is organized around hubs in five multidisciplinary research areas linked to CIVIS values where multiculturalism and multilingualism are encouraged and emphasized , working together to address UN Sustainable Development Goals. The four Hub Chairs made presentations of respective hubs: (i) Hub One focuses on Climate, Environment and Energy; (ii) Hub Two focuses on Society, Culture and Heritage; (iii) Hub Three focuses on Health; and (iv) Hub Four focuses on Cities, Territories and Mobilities. Hub Five is yet to be established. Activities in the Hubs include webinars, workshops, summer schools, field camps and course offerings. Each Hub must have at least three or more CIVIS universities.
All participating universities agreed that there was need to move from unilateral projects to multilateral partnerships and provide input into AU-EU Innovation Agenda and establish advanced study centres. It was noted that in order to have successful international partnerships, equity, trust, transparency and mutual respect for the needs and interests of partners were key to their success and sustainability.
Research collaboration is very important with European universities. The funding received is normally from Erasmus+ but there is need to move further to funding agencies that provide support for education such as CIVIS. It was further noted that mobility and exchanges of students and staff is there to stay and cannot replace human interaction, and other forms of education need to be developed and blended with virtual mobility. Furthermore, what is good for our students is good for our partnerships“Together we are stronger”. In this partnership, there is need to have a joint practical collaboration by “Building an equal partnership in an unequal world”
Signing of Agreements
At the end of the three- day conference, the Vice Chancellors of the African universities signed a Strategic Partnership Agreement with CIVIS (A European Civic University Alliance) to lay a foundation for collaboration in research and education focusing on societal challenges, mobilities and institutional development.


Expectations of Makerere University
Similar to the rest of the African Universities, Associate Prof. Umar Kakumba presented the expectations of Makerere University from the Alliance. These included, but were not limited to the following:
- Potential for staff and student mobility within member universities in the Alliance
- Development of joint degree programs around the hub themes
- Mobilization of international funding for research
- Cross disciplinary activities including workshops, seminars and Conferences
- Improving research infrastructure in partner universities in the Alliance
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Compiled by Ms. Martha Muwanguzi, International Officer, Makerere University
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Freshers’ Joining Instructions 2026/2027
Published
9 hours agoon
August 5, 2026By
Mak Editor
Dear Students; Class of 2026/2027
It is both an honour and a privilege to welcome you to Makerere University, Uganda’s oldest and premier institution of higher learning, and one of Africa’s most respected centres of scholarship, research and innovation. On behalf of the University Senate and the Office of the Academic Registrar, I extend my heartfelt congratulations to each one of you upon your admission to Makerere University for the 2026/2027 Academic Year.
Today marks the beginning of one of the most important chapters of your lives. It is a day that signifies not only your admission to a great university, but also your acceptance into a community of scholars committed to the pursuit of knowledge, the advancement of society, and the service of humanity. You have earned your place here through determination, sacrifice and hard work. Behind every student seated here is a story of perseverance, encouragement from parents and guardians, dedication from teachers, and personal commitment to excellence. To all who have contributed to this achievement, we express our sincere appreciation.
As you join Makerere University, you become part of a remarkable legacy that spans more than a century. For generations, Makerere has stood as a beacon of academic excellence on the African continent. It has nurtured leaders in government, business, academia, science, education, the arts and many other professions. Its graduates have shaped public policy, advanced scientific discovery, built thriving enterprises and transformed communities across Uganda, Africa and the world. Today, you inherit that proud tradition. More importantly, you are called upon to enrich it through your own achievements and contributions.
The world you are entering is changing rapidly. Advances in artificial intelligence, biotechnology, digital innovation and data science are transforming every profession. Nations are grappling with climate change, public health challenges, food insecurity, unemployment, governance concerns and widening inequalities. These realities demand graduates who are not only knowledgeable, but also innovative, adaptable, ethical and committed to finding practical solutions to society’s most pressing challenges. Makerere University is committed to preparing you for that responsibility. Our vision is not simply to produce graduates, but to develop critical thinkers, responsible citizens, innovators and leaders who will make meaningful contributions to national development and global progress.
Dear Fresh Students,
University education is fundamentally different from the education you have previously experienced. At Makerere, learning is not confined to the lecture room. It requires curiosity, discipline and personal responsibility. Your lecturers will guide you, challenge your thinking and provide opportunities for intellectual growth, but the responsibility for learning rests with you. Attend your lectures consistently, participate actively in discussions, read widely beyond the prescribed materials, complete your assignments diligently and prepare adequately for your examinations. Success at university is rarely the result of extraordinary intelligence alone; more often, it is the product of consistent effort, effective time management and unwavering commitment.
As Academic Registrar, allow me to emphasise the importance of understanding and complying with the University’s academic regulations. These regulations exist to ensure fairness, transparency and the integrity of our academic processes. Complete your registration within the stipulated timelines, familiarise yourselves with the Academic Calendar and the Students’ Regulations, and regularly access your academic information through the Academic Management Information System (ACMIS). Always seek guidance whenever you encounter academic or administrative challenges. Our offices are here to support your success.
One value that must remain central throughout your academic journey is integrity. Your degree will derive its true worth not only from the knowledge you acquire, but also from the honesty with which you earn it. Academic dishonesty, including plagiarism, examination malpractice, falsification of documents and any other form of misconduct, undermines the very purpose of higher education. Protect your reputation and uphold the good name of Makerere University by conducting yourselves with honesty, responsibility and professionalism in all that you do.
While academic excellence remains our primary focus, I encourage you to embrace the broader university experience. Makerere University offers countless opportunities to develop your talents beyond the classroom. Participate in research, innovation, entrepreneurship, leadership, sports, cultural activities, volunteer programmes and community engagement initiatives. These experiences will enrich your education, strengthen your confidence and prepare you for leadership in an increasingly interconnected world. Some of the most valuable lessons you will learn at Makerere will come through collaboration, service and engagement with people from different backgrounds and cultures.
You have joined one of the most diverse academic communities in the region. Within this University you will meet colleagues from every region of Uganda and from many countries across Africa and beyond. Embrace this diversity with respect, openness and humility. Learn from one another. Build lasting friendships. Listen to different perspectives and appreciate that diversity is one of our greatest strengths. The networks you establish during your years at Makerere may become lifelong friendships, professional partnerships and opportunities that shape your future.
As you pursue your studies, remember that the University community is built on mutual respect and shared responsibility. Conduct yourselves with dignity both on and off campus. Respect your lecturers, fellow students and members of staff. Use social media responsibly and appreciate that your actions, whether online or offline, contribute to your personal reputation and that of the University. Leadership begins with character, and character is demonstrated through the choices we make every day.
There will undoubtedly be moments when university life becomes challenging. You may encounter difficult coursework, financial constraints, personal struggles or moments of uncertainty. Such experiences are not unusual, nor do they define your future. What matters is how you respond to them. Do not hesitate to seek assistance from your lecturers, academic advisers, counsellors or fellow students. Makerere University is committed to supporting your academic, personal and professional development, but you must also be willing to seek help whenever you need it. Resilience, perseverance and a positive attitude often distinguish those who succeed from those who give up too soon.
Dear Students,
Leadership is not reserved for those who hold positions of authority. Leadership begins with taking responsibility for your own actions, influencing others positively and serving your community with integrity. Throughout your time at Makerere, I encourage you to cultivate the qualities of ethical leadership, critical thinking, innovation and service. Challenge yourselves to become solution providers rather than problem identifiers. Ask yourselves not only how you will build successful careers, but also how your knowledge and skills will improve the lives of others and contribute to the development of Uganda, Africa and the wider world.
Among you are future scientists who will develop life-changing innovations, future entrepreneurs who will create employment opportunities, future judges who will uphold justice, future medical professionals who will save lives, future teachers who will inspire generations and future public servants who will shape national policy. The opportunities before you are immense, but they must be matched by discipline, humility and a commitment to lifelong learning.
As you begin this journey, remember that every lecture attended, every book read, every assignment completed and every meaningful friendship formed contributes to the person you will become. Make each day count. Pursue excellence not for recognition alone, but because excellence is a habit that shapes character and transforms lives.
As I conclude, I leave you with a simple but profound challenge. During your years at Makerere University, do not merely strive to obtain a degree. Strive to become a person of knowledge, integrity, compassion and purpose. Let your education inspire you to think boldly, act ethically and serve selflessly. Let your years at Makerere prepare you not simply for employment, but for leadership; not merely for personal success, but for meaningful impact.
On behalf of the University Senate and the Office of the Academic Registrar, I warmly welcome you to Makerere University. We are proud to receive you at this great institution, and we look forward to witnessing your growth into graduates who will uphold the values, traditions and reputation of Makerere University wherever life may lead you.
I wish you every success in your academic journey.
Welcome to Makerere University, and may God bless you all.
I thank you for your kind attention.
We Build For the Future.
Professor Buyinza Mukadasi (PhD)
Academic Registrar
General
Prof. Ssali makes strong case for Minutes Writing as MakWC Holds Staff Training
Published
1 day agoon
August 4, 2026
The Deputy Vice Chancellor in charge of Academic Affairs (DVCAA), Prof. Sarah Ssali has made a strong case for good Minutes Writing, describing the process as “very important in respecting the integrity of the institution.” She made the remarks while officially opening a training workshop organised by the Makerere University Writing Centre (MakWC) for Executive and Administrative Staff on 4th August 2026.
And whereas it is important to consult long serving staff on institutional best practices, Prof. Ssali noted that good minute writing is the best way to preserve institutional memory, especially as staff come and go. She equally pointed out the importance of minutes in addressing issues of legality, as these accounts have since time immemorial been relied on to “help shape records and document the history of states”.

Away from setting the record straight, the DVCAA also stressed the importance of minutes in helping teams better prepare for their next meeting. Minutes, she noted, should help members develop an action matrix with quick turnaround times that empower the next meeting to address what was resolved.
The DVCAA equally underscored the importance of minutes in; helping institutions or their units comply with regulatory requirements, provide accountability in the event of tracking implementation of policies or programmes, and team alignment. “Minutes affect decisions and so they are good reference points for positions agreed upon by teams, especially where there was a lot of debate,” she said about the latter.

Prof. Ssali concluded by thanking executive and administrative staff present for sparing time to attend the training and urged them to uphold the highest degree of ethics and efficiency as they go about this noble task.
The Chairperson, MakWC, Prof. Fredrick Jones Muyodi in his remarks sincerely thanked the DVCAA for reiterating the importance of workshop in equipping staff to become better professionals. He, in the same breath, urged participants to do their best by putting into practice all the knowledge and skills that they acquire during the training.

Participants received specific training on Fundamentals and Roles of the Minute Taker by Mrs. Patience Mushengyezi and Minute Writing Techniques by Ms. Proscovia Nakayiki. The executive and administrative staff were equally tipped on; the Policy and Legal Environment for Minute Writing by Ms. Esther Kabinga, e-Meeting platforms by Dr. Godfrey Mayende, and Ethical and Responsible Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) by Prof. Paul Birevu Muyinda.
About MakWC
Housed under the Directorate of Research, Innovation and Partnerships (DRIP), MakWC is a pivotal centre aimed at enhancing Makerere University’s strategic goal of becoming a research-led institution by 2030. The centre provides faculty, staff and students with assistance on their papers, projects, reports, multi-modal documents and other writerly needs across disciplines.
General
Admission Lists for Postgraduate Programmes 2026/27
Published
1 day agoon
August 4, 2026By
Mak Editor
The Directorate of Graduate Training (DGT), Makerere University has released the admission lists for applicants successfully admitted for postgraduate programs for the 2026/27 Academic Year. The lists include postgraduate diplomas, PhD and Masters programmes.
Please see admission lists for the respective Colleges listed below:
- College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES)
- College of Business and Management Sciences (CoBAMS)
- College of Computing and Information Sciences (CoCIS)
- College of Education and External Studies (CEES)
- College of Engineering, Design, Art and Technology (CEDAT)
- College of Health Sciences (CHS) – List 1, List 2
- College of Humanities and Social Sciences (CHUSS)
- College of Natural Sciences (CoNAS)
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources & Bio-security (CoVAB)
- School of Law (SoL)
- Institute of Gender and Development Studies (IGDS)
- School of Public Health (SPH)
- Makerere University Business School (MUBS)
Update 3rd August 2026
- College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES) – PhD Agricultural Sciences (PAGR)
- College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES) – MSc Natural Resource and Environmental Economics (MNRE)
- College of Engineering, Design, Art and Technology (CEDAT) – MSc Mechanical Engineering (MSME)
- School of Public Health (SPH) – MPH Disaster Management (MPHD)
- School of Public Health (SPH) – MPH (MPHM)
Prof. Julius Kikooma
DIRECTOR DGT
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