On 26th August 2022, the Directorate of Research and Graduate Training (DRGT) conducts orientation for the Consolidating Early Career Academic Programme (CECAP). The Programme is implemented in partnership with four partner public universities that include Busitema University, Gulu University, Kyambogo University and Mbarara University of Science and Technology. The project is hosted at the Directorate of Research and Graduate Training (DRGT) and is scheduled to run for 30 months – from April 2022 to September 2024. Makerere University received a grant from Carnegie Corporation of New York to implement CECAP at Makerere and partner public Universities.
A total of 25 Scholars under the programme will undertake research and related activities for a period of 24 months. The Scholars comprises of Makerere University (15), Kyambogo University (3), Gulu University (3), Busitema University (2) and Mbarara University of Science and Technology (2).
The overall goal of this CECAP project is to consolidate the research capacity of early career academics to enhance their research productivity and ability to contribute effectively to knowledge generation.
The project will specifically;
enhance the capacity of the fellows to conduct quality, relevant research with appropriate mentorship at Makerere University and Public Partner Universities (PPUs);
strengthen the enabling environment to encourage the retention of fellows at Makerere University and PPU;
fortify the individual and institutional capacity for communication of research outputs to the academic and non-academic audiences;
contribute to bolstering the capacity and opportunities for female academics at Makerere University and the PPUs.
The project is designed along a research team approach. The research teams comprise the Fellow as the Principal Investigator (PI), a mentor, who is a senior academic, and a master’s degree student. The mentors will supervise and provide discipline-specific expertise to the Fellow – mentoring the fellow into a grounded researcher, and the Fellows are expected to supervise the master’s students. The Fellow to undertake research, publish at least two journal articles, organize research dissemination engagements, participate in capacity-building workshops, and attend international conferences.
The project will also award a capacity development grant to each department hosting a Fellow to enhance its research environment/infrastructure.
As the host of the project, the DRGT, will also organize short courses aimed at improving the research culture at Makerere University and partner public universities. It is anticipated that these project activities will expand the community of research leaders and doctoral supervisors at Makerere University and public partner universities.
Makerere University on 23rd January 2026 hosted the National Council for Higher Education (NCHE) validation meeting of the draft minimum standards for implementing Competence-Based Education (CBE) in Higher Education Institutions. The meeting held in the Yusuf Lule Central Teaching Facility Auditorium brought together Vice Chancellors, Rectors, Principals and Academic Registrars from Higher Education Institutions in Uganda.
Prof. Sarah Ssali.
Hosted by the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe represented by the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic Affairs), Prof. Sarah Ssali, the meeting followed institutional input into the draft minimum standards and was aimed at validating them prior to their formal adoption by the NCHE Council at their next meeting in February 2026. The minimum standards cover nine areas namely; 1) Curriculum Design, 2) Teaching and Learning Approaches, 3) Assessment, 4) Faculty Training and Support, 5) Student Support Services, 6) Quality Assurance Systems, 7) Industry and Community Linkages, 8) Monitoring and Evaluation, and 9) Gender and Equity Mainstreaming.
Prof. Mary Okwakol (Left) and Dr. Vincent Ssembatya listen to feedback from leaders.
Following feedback into presentations by the various leaders present, a motion to adopt the draft minimum standards, with institutional input incorporated, was moved by Bugema University, seconded by UMCAT School of Journalism and Mass Communication, and unanimously supported by institutions present.
Prof. Mary Okwakol.
At the conclusion of the meeting, Prof. Sarah Ssali appreciated NCHE for choosing Makerere to host the landmark event, reiterating that the University greatly respects each and every Higher Education Institution and regards them as partners and collaborators in the quest to improve Uganda’s Higher Education sector.
Part of the audience that attended the validation meeting.
The Executive Director NCHE, Prof. Mary Okwakol reassured leaders present that all the pertinent issues raised for input into the draft minimum standards would be incorporated, and urged those with pressing issues to submit them before month’s end. She reiterated NCHE’s readiness to continue lobbying Government for the resources required by Higher Education Institutions, particularly Public Universities, to implement Competence-Based Education (CBE).
Kampala, Uganda – 20th January 2026 – Makerere 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.
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.