Scholars together with the Officials Prof. Gorettie N. Nabanoga (3rd R), Dr. Justine Namaalwa (3rd L), Ms. Samali Ssali (2nd R), Ms. Husnah Natukunda (2nd L), Mr. John Osuna (R) after the certificate award ceremony at the end of the training on 30th June 2022.
The Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, has urged fresh graduates of Makerere University and other universities to embrace soft skills alongside the knowledge they acquired during their undergraduate training.
Prof. Nawangwe said this in a speech read for him by Prof. Gorettie Nabanoga Nsubuga, the Principal, College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES), during the closing ceremony of the 3rd Pearl of Africa Summer School, for the alumni of Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program, at Royal Suites Hotel, Bugolobi, Kampala.
Prof. Gorettie Nabanoga Nsubuga,representing the Vice Chancellor at the function.
“I urge all of you graduates to be deliberate and be intentional in continuously acquiring and practicing soft skills alongside the knowledge you acquired during you undergraduate training.”Prof. Nawangwe said. “I have no doubt that once you embrace practical soft skills with quality, responsibility and integrity, you will excel in your choice of pathway whether in employment, entrepreneurship or further education.” Prof. Nawangwe further remarked.
Prof. Nawangwe called upon all institutions both public and private to emulate Mastercard Foundation in equipping young people with the 21st century knowledge and skills, which were so demanded in today’s, workspaces.
Dr. Justine Namaalwa, far left together with Ms. Damali Ssali (center) pose in a photo with some of the outstanding trainees.
“I would like to thank Mastercard Foundation, for their generosity and support they offer to the young people in Africa, which has enabled Makerere University to educate and train and equip them with tangible knowledge and skills. I would like to call upon all our other partners to emulate Mastercard Foundation in equipping the young people in Uganda and Africa as a whole with work readiness skills, so much needed at the work places today.” Prof. Nawangwe appealed.
The Program Coordinator, Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Makerere University, Dr. Justine Namaalwa, thanked the Vice Chancellor for the strategic leadership, which has enabled the Scholars Program to stand out as the leader in training and equipping Scholars and alumni with tangible soft skills.
Dr. Justine Namaalwa, the Program Coordinator, MCF Scholars Program.
“I would like to thank the Vice Chancellor for his strategic leadership, which has allowed us space to innovate and come up with such training programs which have equipped our Scholars and alumni with practical soft skills, which gives them leverage in the workspaces.” Dr. Namaalwa remarked.
The Program Coordinator further thanked the Private Sector Foundation Uganda (PSFU) for accepting to partner with the Scholars Program to deliver for the third Summer School, a 10-day skills development-training program, in which the alumni of Mastercard Foundation were taken through a number of skills training and business development support.
Ms. Husnah Natukunda,the Director Human Resource and Results at PSFU, taking the trainees into a session of soft skills.
Dr. Namaalwa equally thanked the Steering Committee for the oversight role they have played in steering the operations of the Scholars, and the entire University community, especially the mentors of the Scholars Program for supporting and nurturing the scholars of Mastercard Foundation at Makerere University.
She appealed to trainees to take the skills and knowledge they had acquired seriously, because it was what would give them competitive advantage in the world of work.
Scholars on industry visits at Steel and Tube industries among many other firms they visited.
“I believe the last 10 days of professional development and business support training have been a period of learning, unlearning and relearning new knowledge and critical soft skills such as communication and branding, collaboration, creativity, critical thinking, decision-making and many others that are necessary for one to thrive in the 21st Century workspace. I urge you my dear graduates to take these skills seriously, because they will give a competitive advantage as you search for job opportunities.” Dr. Namaalwa appealed.
Ms. Damali Ssali, the Chief Programs and Projects Officer at PSFU who represented the Chief Executive Officer at the function, thanked Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Makerere University for partnering with PSFU to train and equip the alumni of Mastercard Foundation with requisite knowledge and skills that are in short supply with most of the university students today.
Ms. Damali Ssali addressing Scholars during the closing ceremony of the Third Pearl of Africa Summer School.
“I would like to thank Mastercard Foundation and Makerere University for entrusting PSFU as the partner of choice in skilling and training these young people with the soft skills and business development ideas. PSFU is committed to skilling young people in Uganda, especially the fresh university graduates.” Ms. Ssali remarked.
Ms. Ssali urged the young people to embrace leadership and self-development if they were to make their dreams and aspirations a reality. Ms. Ssali pledged on behalf of PSFU to enroll all the 61 fresh graduates of Mastercard Foundation into the 6 months graduate internship with the industry partners, where if the individual graduates excel will be retained by the different companies.
Scholars during team work building session.
The Pearl of Africa Summer School is an annual 10-day skills development training organised by Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Makerere University, to train and retool fresh graduates of Mastercard Foundation with the requisite soft skills as they transition to the world of work.
The third Pearl of Africa Summer School was organized by the Scholars Program at Makerere University in partnership with Private Sector Foundation Uganda (PSFU) as the delivery partner. The 10-days Professional and Business Development training Program took place from the 20th to 30th June 2022, at Royal Suites Hotel, Bugolobi, under the theme: Enhancing the Scholars’ potential to transition to meaningful and dignified engagements.
Bernard Buteera is the Communications Officer of the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Makerere University.
In a strategic move to enhance academic leadership and institutional efficiency, Makerere University conducted a comprehensive capacity-building and retooling workshop for all Heads of Department (HoDs) on August 5, 2025. The workshop, held at the Senate Conference Hall, brought together HoDs from various academic units to deepen their understanding of university academic policies, graduate training guidelines, and intellectual property management.
The training was organized under the office of the Deputy Vice Chancellor, Academic Affairs. The session aimed at aligning departmental leadership with the University’s strategic goals, policies, and operational frameworks, particularly in relation to graduate education and research governance.
Opening the workshop, Prof. Buyinza Bukadasi, Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic Affairs), underscored the importance of strong departmental leadership in driving the University’s vision:
Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi makes his remarks.
“The Head of Department is not merely an administrator; they are the academic engine of their unit. By equipping our HoDs with up-to-date policy knowledge, research management skills, and leadership tools, we are investing in the core structures that sustain academic excellence and innovation at Makerere.”
Emphasis on Graduate Policy and Structured PhD Training
Dr. Julius Kikooma, Director of the Directorate of Graduate Training (DGT), led an engaging presentation on the Makerere University Graduate Policies, Guidelines, and Procedures. His session unpacked critical updates in the revised 2024 Graduate Handbook, including:
Removal of provisional admission for PhD by Research.
A structured PhD framework requiring a minimum of three years and 40 credit units.
Strengthened supervision standards and doctoral mentorship structures.
Cohort-based admissions to improve program coherence and tracking.
Integration of cross-cutting courses such as Scholarly Writing, Advanced Research Methods, and Teaching Assistantship into PhD training.
The new framework, supported by the Research Information Management System (RIMS), enhances monitoring of student progress and ensures timely completion of graduate programs. Dr. Kikooma emphasized the importance of departmental roles in guiding and supporting students, noting that departments serve as the primary disciplinary homes for graduate students and are key in fostering research cultures.
A section of HoDs listens to the DVCAA make his address.
Understanding and Applying Intellectual Property Policies
The session also featured a detailed presentation on the Makerere University Intellectual Property Management Policy (2008, as amended), delivered by Counsel Esther Kabinga, Ag. Manager of the Intellectual Property Management Office (IPMO). Participants were guided through the obligations and rights related to IP created by staff, students, and visitors.
The presentation highlighted:
Ownership structures for IP generated at the University.
Procedures for disclosing, protecting, and commercializing IP.
Roles of departments in supporting creators and liaising with IPMO.
Revenue-sharing mechanisms and the inclusion of IP outputs in staff promotion criteria.
Counsel Kabinga encouraged HoDs to promote awareness of IP rights and responsibilities within their units, especially given the increasing volume of research outputs and innovations emerging from the University.
Strategic Alignment with the University’s Research Agenda
The workshop is part of broader efforts to implement the Makerere University Research Agenda 2025/26 – 2029/30, which prioritizes talent development, research visibility, and knowledge transfer. According to Dr. Robert Wamala, Director of the Directorate of Research, Innovation and Partnerships (DRIP), strengthening administrative and academic capacity at departmental level is critical for sustaining Makerere’s status as a leading research institution.
Dr. Robert Wamala makes his presentation.
The Research Agenda also supports the operationalization of structures like the IP Management Committee and GAMSU (Grants Administration and Support Unit), both of which are instrumental in streamlining research support services.
The training reaffirmed Makerere University‘s commitment to continuous professional development and the strategic empowerment of academic leaders. With a renewed understanding of policies and tools, Heads of Department are now better equipped to foster academic excellence, supervise graduate research, and steward innovation at the departmental level.
The Office of Academic Registrar, Makerere University has released the admission lists for candidates for those whose appeals have been successful for the 2025/26 Academic Year.
Kindly follow the links below to access the lists respectively:-
Makerere University, in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Uganda, has launched two transformative facilities, a Daycare and Breastfeeding Centre at the Institute of Gender and Development Studies (IGDS), and a state-of-the-art Multimedia Studio at the Frank Kalimuzo Central Teaching Facility. These facilities mark a major milestone in the University’s commitment to gender equality, student and staff welfare, and digital innovation in higher education.
A Milestone for Gender Equality: Daycare and Breastfeeding Centre
Mr. Ian King, the Ag. Resident Representative, UNDP Uganda, speaking at launch of the Daycare and Breastfeeding Centre emphasized the importance of the Gender Equality Seal (GES) initiative, funded by the European Union (EU). He applauded the Institute for being the first in Africa to participate in the GES.
Mr. King highlighted the role of the facility to mothers and some fathers in ensuring children’s safety and peace of mind for parents. He further commended the Institute for demonstrating what can be achieved through the programme. He stressed the importance of setting high standards for child care centres and making spaces safe for young parents. The Daycare centre is intended to provide a safe and nurturing environment for children and relief for mothers and fathers to focus on their work and studies.
A view of the general play and lounge area of the Daycare Centre.
Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, the Vice Chancellor, noted that the centre will be crucial in supporting breastfeeding mothers—particularly students and staff—to continue their academic and professional pursuits. Recalling a time when women were barely represented in the University Senate, he acknowledged the significant strides Makerere has made, while also noting ongoing gaps in graduate gender equity.
“The majority of graduates are women, but there are still issues of equity at the graduate level. I think there are still issues that we must solve, and one of them is helping mothers who are students and members of staff to continue with what they do, even when they have got babies to look after because that’s one of the reasons, I think, why many students drop out just because they become mothers,” he added.
Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe holds a baby as he makes his remarks at the Daycare facility.
He acknowledged that the facility will come in handy for addressing challenges, including balancing motherhood with academic or professional responsibilities. He extended appreciation to UNDP for their long-standing partnership in transforming Makerere into a more inclusive and modern academic institution.
The Head of the Institute of Gender and Development Studies (IGDS), Prof. Sarah Ssali, in her remarks, thanked the Vice Chancellor who catered for the Daycare Centre while designing the building. Prof. Ssali highlighted that the Daycare describes Makerere University‘s history and its commitment to gender equality and inclusion. She highlighted that the University has over 20 gender policies and interventions—with some directly impacting gender equality and others improving the work ecosystem—for example, digitization, quality assurance programmes and scholarship programmes. “But this is the first that directly addresses the needs of both students and staff—mothers and fathers alike—through a shared space for child care,” she said.
Prof. Sarah Ssali (Right) welcomes officials to the Institute of Gender and Development Studies.
Ms. Donna Keirungi, a mother and alumna of the University, shared her personal journey on how challenging it is to balance both studying and childcare. She highlighted that the Daycare Centre aims to make the various policies on gender equality and women’s empowerment practical, and to support the University’s commitment to Gender Equality. The Centre aims to fulfil the University’s Strategic Plan 2020–2030’s emphasis on creating an enabling environment and work-life balance.
“The journey to establish the centre began in 2022 with support from the UNDP, including benchmarking at a well-established Daycare Centre in Parliament. The centre is open to children aged zero to five years, including those of students and staff members,” she highlighted.
Ms. Donna Keirungi leads officials on a tour of the Daycare Centre.
The Daycare Centre is unique in that it benefits all members of the University community, including single fathers and students.
H.E. Ssentamu Churchill James, the 91st Guild President, thanked UNDP and the organising committee for their efforts in making the facility a reality, describing it as a testament to the University’s commitment to gender equity, student welfare, and removing barriers for parenting students. He highlighted the importance of peace of mind for students, especially mothers, and how the facility will help them balance their roles.
Advancing Digital Transformation: New Multimedia Studio Launched
In a separate but equally impactful launch at the Frank Kalimuzo Central Teaching Facility, Mr. Ian King described the studio as a strategic milestone in the University’s vision to modernise higher education and foster flexible learning. Mr. King noted that Uganda has made significant progress in digital inclusion with over 13 million internet users. He emphasized that the facility aims to address gaps in digital skills access—with only 3% of the population currently benefiting—and promote digital inclusion in line with the pillars of the Digital Economy Scorecard.
Mr. Ian King makes his remarks prior to launching the Multimedia Studio.
He also expressed confidence that the next Digital Economy Scorecard will show improved figures due to the efforts of Makerere and other universities. The digital studio will provide a dedicated space equipped with modern infrastructure to facilitate equitable access to digital skills development. He encouraged full utilization of the studio to maximise its impact on teaching, learning and skills development. He further thanked the Makerere University Management and development partners for their financial contributions that enabled the studio’s realization.
Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe expressed gratitude to the UNDP for their long-time support, especially with facilities like the Makerere University Innovation Pod (Mak UniPod). He thanked the UNDP for contributing to the modernisation of the University. The Vice Chancellor pledged to use the facility to build capacity across all disciplines and provide knowledge to a wider audience online.
Left to Right: Prof. Sarah Ssali, Prof. Paul Birevu Muyinda, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, Mr. Ian King, H.E. Ssentamu Churchill James and Ms. Annet Mpabalungi Wakabi in the Multimedia Studio.
He noted that Africa’s enrolment in higher education is the lowest in the world despite having the fastest-growing population, emphasizing the importance of providing high-quality education to as many people as possible, both on-campus and online. “I’m happy that this facility looks even more diverse than ones I have seen,” he said, expressing his gratitude to UNDP. The Vice Chancellor also highlighted the impact of the UNDP’s support towards unleashing talent and fostering innovation among students. “So by bringing the UniPod, you helped us unlock so much talent, and these students can now come up with the innovations which can be commercialised and create jobs for our fast-growing populations,” said Prof. Nawangwe.
Prof. Paul Birevu Muyinda, the Director, Makerere University Institute of Open Distance and e-Learning (IODel), said that the studio brings a significant leap in content production for e-learning. He expressed gratitude to UNDP for providing the necessary equipment to compete with world-class universities. He highlighted that e-learning courses are now incorporating multimedia elements like video and sound, moving on from the text-based model.
Officials pose for a group photo shortly after the launch of the Multimedia Studio.
He further mentioned the preference of the younger generation for visual and interactive content, making multimedia content essential for effective teaching and learning. Prof. Muyinda explained how the new multimedia studio will allow for more authentic and context-specific e-learning content, enhancing student engagement. He emphasized that the University is focusing on four key areas: training staff on studio usage, AI literacy, online facilitation, and teaching learners how to use e-learning technology. He underscored the importance of continuous innovation and adaptation in e-learning to keep up with global standards.
Dr. Godfrey Mayende revealed that all science units can also be taught in this Multimedia Studio. He said that the studio provides the naturalness of a class setting as it gives space for students to physically sit in the studio room as the lecturer is teaching or recording a lecture.
Dr. Godfrey Mayende observes as Mr. Ian King tests the Multimedia Studio’s provisions that support teaching of subjects that necessitate writing of formulae and other hand-drawn illustrations.
The two facilities; Daycare Centre and Multimedia Studio, are the latest in a series of initiatives borne out of the strong partnership between Makerere University and the United Nations Development Programme, including the previously launched Mak UniPod and Gender Equality Seal for Public Institutions. The abovementioned developments offer clear demonstration that Makerere University and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) have a strong partnership focused on fostering innovation and development in Uganda and beyond.