General
VC Launches Mak-NC STATE “HIV/AIDS in Uganda” Book
The Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe on Friday 13th May, 2022 launched an eleven-chapter book titled “HIV/AIDS in Uganda: Achievements and Challenges” edited by alumnus Prof. James Kiwanuka-Tondo and published by the Makerere University Press (MUP). The book that chronicles the history of the HIV/AIDS pandemic in Uganda also traces the public policies and infrastructure put in place by the Government and other actors to respond to the disease as well as the campaigns designed to raise awareness and reduce its spread.
Prof. Kiwanuka-Tondo who obtained is Bachelor of Arts degree from Makerere University is a Professor of Communication at North Carolina State University (NC STATE) and a College of Humanities and Social Sciences (CHUSS) Alumni Distinguished Graduate Professor 2019/2020. Speaking at the launch, he noted that the book makes a significant contribution to the literature and understanding of one of the major challenges of our time, which still has neither cure nor vaccine.
“In 1986 with the help of the World Health Organisation, the country established the AIDS Control Programme as a model for the rest of Africa. And now it is not just a model for the rest of Africa but the whole world… Consequently, the Government established the Uganda AIDS Commission to oversee policies, organisations, mobilisation of resources to respond to the pandemic. Moreover, Uganda was the first country in Africa to acknowledge the problem and come up with vigorous campaigns to respond to HIV/AIDS” said Prof. Kiwanuka Tondo.
He added that he was inspired to embark on the book because Uganda’s success story in reducing the prevalence of HIV/AIDS was against the backdrop of limited Government resources and an impoverished population. “Nevertheless, Uganda was able to do something about it without much money despite having the highest HIV prevalence rates in the 1980s.”
Dr. Stephen Watiti, the Chairperson of the National Forum of People Living with HIV/AIDS Networks in Uganda (NAFOPHANU) is one of the most resounding voices for positive living in Uganda. Delivering the keynote address at the event, he congratulated Prof. Kiwanuka-Tondo for documenting this journey, noting that it was important to learn from the past.
He added that the recent fight against COVID-19 stood to gain a lot from the well-documented approach, expertise gained and interestingly, mistakes made by health practitioners and other actors in the fight against HIV/AIDS. Dr. Watiti therefore commended Makerere University for publishing the book, which he opined will offer valuable insight into Uganda’s fight against HIV/AIDS in the face of looming pandemics associated with the rising incidence of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) and other diseases.
“The reason why I publish in the New Vision every Monday is because I found that there was either a lot of trivialisation or fearmongering of things about HIV. And so I convinced the Editor that I was going to start by sharing my personal experience and I must confess that it hasn’t been an easy job” admittted Dr. Watiti.
He concluded his keynote by tasking his audience, especially the younger ones to read more and, upon developing the culture, document their personal stories for the benefit of future generations.
“Professor Kiwanuka-Tondo is a very good example of a patriotic Ugandan and a proud alumnus of Makerere University. Thank you for loving your country. With this book you have given us a gift as we celebrate 100 years of existence and set a good example for the very many Ugandans living in the diaspora” said the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe as he delivered his remarks.
He thanked Prof. Kiwanuka-Tondo for initiating and collaborating the visit of Professors from NC STATE to Makerere, which birthed an MoU between the two institutions, signed on 16th September 2015. As a result of the agreement, students from Makerere are currently pursing PhDs at NC STATE, and 11 journal articles have been jointly published in various disciplines. The book by Prof. Kiwanuka-Tondo is the latest product of the Makerere-NC STATE collaboration.
The Vice Chancellor equally thanked Dr. Watiti for delivering the day’s Keynote Address and for his column in the New Vision, which has over the last sixteen (16) years reassured the public that contracting HIV/AIDS is not a death sentence. He equally congratulated the MUP Managing Editor, Dr. Samuel Siminyu upon his resilience in reviving the activities of the Press.
The Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic Affairs), Prof. Umar Kakumba in his capacity as Chairperson Editorial Board affirmed MUP’s readiness to rejuvenate the publishing culture at Makerere.
“We in the Press are trying hard to prioritise documentation of research, which if followed up with engagement, will help to close the gap between the University and wider stakeholder community” said Prof. Kakumba. He thanked Prof. Kiwanuka-Tondo for entrusting the publication of his book with the Makerere University Press.
Representing Dr. Bernard Etukoit, Executive Director, The AIDS Support Organisation (TASO), Mr. Samuel Isiko informed the audience that although his organisation has gathered a lot of data, models and best practices over the last 30 years of its existence, it lacks the expertise to convert it into material beneficial to academia. He therefore called upon Makerere and other institutions to continue from where Prof. Kiwanuka-Tondo had left off, by partnering with TASO to publish even more materials that will benefit future generations of decision makers.
The book launch was also graced by the Acting Deputy Vice Chancellor (Finance and Administration) Prof. Henry Alinaitwe and the Director, Directorate of Research and Graduate Training, Prof. Mukadasi Buyinza, represented by his Deputy, Assoc. Prof. Robert Wamala. Dr. Samuel Siminyu in commending Prof. Kiwanuka-Tondo’s academic effort quoted his former Professor of Literature Timothy Wangusa’s famous line, “the faintest ink is stronger than the strongest memory”.
The event was organised by the Head, International Office, Ms. Martha Muwanguzi and moderated by the Department of Journalism and Communication’s Dr. Fred Kakooza, who also authored a chapter in the book.
The book may be purchased form the Makerere University Press at a fee of UGX 25,000. Inquires: Contact Enos 0771 563469
General
Mak and University of the West of England Sign MoU to Advance Research, Innovation and Skills Development
Makerere University and the University of the West of England (UWE) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at strengthening collaboration in research, innovation, and enterprise development. The signing ceremony took place on Friday, 17th October 2025, in the Vice Chancellor’s Boardroom, Main Administration Building, Makerere University.
The partnership will focus on joint research initiatives in climate science, early childhood development and elderly care, wildlife ecology and conservation management, technology, and sustainable agriculture.
The Uganda High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, H.E. Nimisha Madhvani, who witnessed the signing, congratulated both institutions and reaffirmed the Government of Uganda’s commitment to strengthening international collaborations that enhance education, innovation, and investment.
“We are not only promoting education, but also tourism, business, and investment. This partnership is a great bridge between Uganda and the United Kingdom,” said H.E. Madhvani. “With the full support of His Excellency the President and the First Lady, we look forward to building on this momentum to establish impactful initiatives, including a proposed teaching hospital.”
Speaking during the event, the Vice Chancellor of Makerere University, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, reaffirmed the University’s commitment to producing graduates who are not only employable but also capable of creating jobs and transforming their communities.
“Our goal is to train students who go out to create their own jobs and employ others who have not had the opportunity to attend university,” said Prof. Nawangwe. “We are working seriously on issues of food security, health, and conflict management — particularly in the Great Lakes region, which has one of the highest numbers of conflicts per capita. Through research and collaboration, we aim to address these challenges while ensuring Africa is not left behind in the digital economy.”
Prof. Nawangwe also highlighted Makerere’s initiatives in the digital and peace sectors, including the work of the Rotary Peace Center, which plays a vital role in promoting peace across the world by equipping fellows with academic training, practice, and global networking opportunities through a year-long, blended-learning professional certificate program.
Representing the University of the West of England, the Vice Chancellor Ms. Jo Midgley commended Makerere University for its strong research focus and expressed enthusiasm for the partnership.
“Like Makerere, we are a comprehensive university. We want this partnership to go beyond conversations and translate into action,” she said. “Our areas of strength include sustainability, climate change, future technology, health, and community placemaking. We believe this collaboration offers a unique opportunity to co-create programmes that prepare students for the evolving global workforce.”
She further emphasized the need for universities to work closely with industry partners to co-design programs that meet current skill demands while promoting innovation and enterprise among students.
The Deputy High Commissioner, Ambassador Miriam Otengo, commended Makerere for its leadership in higher education and shared ongoing efforts to mobilize the Makerere alumni in the United Kingdom. She also revealed plans to host a Makerere Alumni Symposium in London, aimed at showcasing the University’s excellence and strengthening ties with its diaspora community.
Also in attendance was Mr. Hefin Rees KC, Chairman of Spotlight on Africa, a UK-based charitable organization, who expressed interest in partnering with Makerere University to establish a teaching hospital in Mbale focused on women and children’s health. He praised Makerere for producing world-class professionals and reaffirmed his organization’s commitment to supporting health-related initiatives.
In his closing remarks, Prof. Nawangwe thanked the High Commission for facilitating the partnership and welcomed the opportunity to discuss the proposed teaching hospital, describing it as “a timely and vital project for Uganda’s health sector.”
“This collaboration represents a new chapter for Makerere University and the University of the West of England. Together, we will advance research, promote innovation, and equip our students to respond to global challenges,” he said. The ceremony concluded with the formal signing of the MoU, marking the beginning of a long-term partnership built on shared values of excellence, innovation, and community impact.
The Acting (Ag.) Vice Chancellor, Prof. Sarah Ssali on Thursday 16th October, 2025 held a press conference to update members of the Media on the 2026 World University Rankings by Times Higher Education (THE).
The event held in the Vice Chancellor’s Boardroom, Main Building, was attended by the Director Graduate Training-Prof. Julius Kikooma, Director Quality Assurance-Dr. Cyprian Misinde, Dean of Students-Dr. Winifred Kabumbuli, Director Research, Innovations, and Partnerships-Prof. Robert Wamala, Deputy Chief – Public Relations-Ms. Eunice Rukundo, Ag. Manager International Relations-Mr. Matthias Ssemanda, and staff from the Offices of the Vice and Deputy Vice Chancellors.
The proceedings of the Press Conference follow below;
Vice Chancellor’s Press Statement
UNIVERSITY RANKINGS: MAKERERE STILL NUMBER ONE IN THE REGION
It gives me great pleasure to share with our stakeholders and the general public that Makerere University has been ranked Number 1. in the East African region, in the Times Higher Education rankings released this month of October 2025.
In its 2026 World University Rankings, Times Higher Education (THE) places Makerere University in top position in East Africa, and in the 801-1000 band globally. The ranking considers five performance indicators, namely: Teaching; Research environment; Research quality; International Outlook; and Industry. Makerere’s overall score was 37.2, significantly outperforming peer institutions in the Region that average scores of 18.8.
In particular, Makerere University continues to thrive in Research Quality where we scored 54.2% but even better in International Outlook where we scored highest with 69.7%. See Table 1 for details. On the continent, Makerere University ranked 8th in the 2024 Sub-Saharan African University Rankings.
We would like to reassure all stakeholders and well-wishers that Makerere University continues to hold steadfast as the regional leader in higher education. Our commitment to deliver excellence in our teaching, research, and socioeconomic impact has not wavered.
WE BUILD FOR THE FUTURE.
Thank you.
Fact Sheet
UNIVERSITY RANKINGS
Table 1: East African Universities – 2025 Ranking Comparison
| Rank | Name | Overall | Teaching | Research Env. | Research Quality | Industry | Int. Outlook |
| 801–1000 | Makerere University | 35.5–38.9 | 21.5 | 26.6 | 54.2 | 32.8 | 69.7 |
| 1501+ | Kenyatta University | 10.3–27.2 | 14.3 | 9.1 | 34.2 | 17.4 | 54.6 |
| 1501+ | Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences | 10.3–27.2 | 21.6 | 14.9 | 30.3 | 27.5 | 54.6 |
| 1501+ | University of Dar es Salaam | 10.3–27.2 | 14.5 | 11.1 | 26.5 | 21.9 | 47.2 |
| 1501+ | University of Nairobi | 10.3–27.2 | 15.9 | 16.1 | 39.7 | 22.5 | 49.4 |
| 1501+ | University of Rwanda | 10.3–27.2 | 14.1 | 14.9 | 25.6 | 21.1 | 57.5 |
End
The Board of the Zambia Research and Education Network (ZAMREN) led by the Chairperson, Prof. Mundia Muya on 14th October 2025 paid a courtesy call on the Vice Chancellor, Makerere University. The Board which is on a two-day exposure visit to the Research and Education Network of Uganda (RENU) was received by the Acting (Ag.) Vice Chancellor and Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic Affairs), Prof. Sarah Ssali in the Vice Chancellor’s Boardroom.
The Chairperson was accompanied by Mr. Ronald Hatoongo and Mr. Stein Mkandawire, the Board Secretary and CEO of ZAMREN respectively, as well as RENU’s CEO-Mr. Nicholas Mbonimpa and RENUMESH Technologies CEO-Mr. Brian Masiga. In attendance were Mr. Samuel Mugabi-Director DICTS, Prof. Robert Wamala-Director Research, Innovations and Partnerships (DRIP), and Prof. Tonny Oyana-Principal College of Computing and Information Sciences (CoCIS).
Also present were; Prof. Paul Birevu Muyinda-Director Institute of Open, Distance and eLearning (IODeL), Dr. Godfrey Mayende-Deputy Director IODeL, Dr. Michael Walimbwa- College of Education and External Studies (CEES), Dr. Cathy Mbidde- Ag. Manager. Makerere University Innovation Pod, Ms. Eunice Rukundo-Deputy Chief-Public Relations and staff from the Office of the Vice Chancellor.
In her welcome remarks, Prof. Ssali thanked the ZAMREN Board for including the courtesy call on their Kampala itinerary and extended warm greetings from the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe. She noted that Makerere as a founding member of RENU has enjoyed a mutually beneficial collaboration, that has benefited both staff and students in the form of supporting growing connectivity needs, as well as training, mentorship, and development of technical skills for both continuing students and graduates.
Turning to the gist of the courtesy call, the Acting Vice Chancellor noted that the Makerere University through the Centre for Artificial Intelligence (MAK-AI) seeks to harness the transformative power of AI to address society’s most pressing challenges. “Projects undertaken by our Centre tackle real-world challenges in health, agriculture, languages, and beyond.”
Prof. Ssali nevertheless underscored the importance of upholding ethics in all AI undertakings “Mindful of global trends elsewhere, the work of the Makerere AI Centre is guided by the principles of Responsible AI, ensuring that systems are transparent, accountable, fair, and designed to benefit society.”
She therefore called upon the delegation to thoughtfully engage with the ideas presented during their visit with the aim of collectively exploring both institution can better equip staff and students to meaningfully make the most of this fast-evolving trend.
On behalf of the Board, Prof. Muya who is substantively the Vice Chancellor of the University of Zambia thanked Prof. Ssali and Members of Management present for according his delegation a warm reception to Makerere University, “one of Africa’s most distinguished centres of higher learning.
“Makerere University is not only a symbol of academic excellence but also a beacon of leadership in higher education on the African continent”, remarked Prof. Muya.
The Chairperson equally expressed the delegation’s keenness to understand how AI is being adopted, and how the academia is embracing the technology as an enabler of teaching and research. “At ZAMREN, we view digital transformation and AI integration as critical enablers of academic excellence, efficiency, and competitiveness across higher education institutions,” he remarked, adding that “We therefore look to Makerere University’s experience to draw practical lessons that can inform and inspire our efforts back home.”
Turning to the lessons from Makerere in line with digital transformation and ICT, the Director DICTS shared that owing to the partnership with RENU, internet bandwidth, a vital enabler of AI transformation currently stands at 5 Gbps of monthly consumption, with plans to scale-up to 8 Gbps. He added that RENU has also facilitated Makerere’s access to Open Libraries, and Eduroam – a secure, encrypted Wi-Fi network across to staff and students freely access the internet across partner institutions in Uganda using their University emails.
Furthermore on the enablers of AI integration, Mr. Mugabi noted that in line with digitalization of institutional business process, the University Council took a bold step to develop all information systems in-house, a move that has reduced costs spent on offshore solutions, and hemorrhage of skills. He pointed to the introduction of open source solutions, and AI policy and global collaborations with corporations such as Google as additional enablers.
Addressing AI readiness, Prof. Tonny Oyana pointed out the need for the University of Zambia to start early, citing Makerere efforts which began as far back as 2007, when Dr. John Quinn joined the institution after his PhD. He added that Dr. Quinn together with other former staff from Makerere formed Sunbird AI, a thriving initiative creating practical systems for the benefit of community.
Prof. Oyana also pointed to AI initiatives that have attracted up to USD 5million from Google Awards, staff with specialized skills in the creation and development of sensor technologies, top notch students that win continental and global awards from companies such as Huawei, and active engagements with partners to produce solutions to enhance diagnosis of malaria, tuberculosis and cancer as some of areas that demonstrate Makerere’s AI readiness.
Addressing academic and research innovation, Prof. Robert Wamala pointed out that Makerere, in recognition that the institution cannot achieve its vision alone is intentional about seeking and nurturing mutually beneficial partnerships. Furthermore, he shared that Vice Chancellor’s Annual Research Excellence Awards reward and recognize the efforts of staff who have excelled in publication, teaching and winning grants.
The Director DRIP equally underscored the need for dissemination of research produced by staff and students, pointing out the annual research and innovation week as a flagship event for not only showcasing research but also forging meaningful partnerships with stakeholders. In line with technology transfer, Prof. Wamala said that the University through the Intellectual Property Management Office ensures that innovations developed by staff and students packaged for adoption by other individuals or organisations.
Addressing the use of technologies in academic work, Prof. Birevu noted that IODeL conducts capacity building in instructional design, online facilitation, use of AI in teaching and digital assessments. “We have also advised the University on ODeL and Distance Education strategies, for instance, we have developed a ten-year masterplan for distance education with support from the Korean Government to outline how Makerere University is going to integrate distance education within its offering” he added.
At the close of the deliberations the ZAMREN expressed sincere appreciation to the Ag. Vice Chancellor and Members of Management for the free sharing that pointed out a number of priorities.
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