General
Deans’ Forum lays strategies for better performance
The Makerere University Deans’ Forum (MUDF) on Thursday 29th September, 2022 held a half-day workshop, the third since the inaugural one held on 26th February 2020. MUDF was formed following the Inaugural meeting of Deans and Directors in academic affairs held on 14th June 2019 under the theme “Building Institutional Capacity for Researcher Development, Funding and Management of Sponsored Research”.
Organised by the Office of the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic Affairs)-DVCAA the third workshop was aimed at highlighting the purpose of the Deans’ Forum and Constitution as well as the role of Academic Leaders in the implementation of the Makerere University Strategic Plan 2020-2030 presented by the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe. The workshop further tackled Monitoring and tracking performance of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) at Makerere University and provided a platform for sharing of experiences by the DVCAA and MUDF Patron, Prof. Umar Kakumba and two former Deans.
Role of Academic Leaders in Mak’s Strategic Plan
“A research-led university is described generally as having at least 30% of its student body as graduate students. However, our recent graduation statistics showed that only 10% of our graduands were graduate students, of which 108 were PhDs, and so we have a lot of work to do,” remarked the Vice Chancellor as he began his presentation.
Prof. Nawangwe shared that in line with improving this trend, a component of PhD training had been incorporated in the fourth round of the Makerere University Research and Innovations Fund (Mak-RIF). He added that if each of the approximately 900 staff with PhDs supervised another three PhDs, the university could graduate at least 500 PhDs every year.
On the innovation front, the Vice Chancellor shared that Makerere signed a Memorandum of Understanding with United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) on 20th September 2022, aimed at establishing a state-of-the-art innovation hub to skill students in various sectors, with a view of empowering startups and creating jobs. “The ground floor of the Yusuf Lule Central Teaching Facility is going to be our hub area and we hope that when this phase succeeds, UNDP will work with us to establish an industrial park at the Campus.”
Prof. Nawangwe therefore urged Deans as Academic Leaders to be at the forefront of setting the research agenda and priorities in their units. “Under Mak-RIF, we discussed with Government what areas of research we ought to prioritise but things keep evolving and Deans should be at the centre of discussing these changes as well as knowledge transfer partnerships.”
The Vice Chancellor singled out the Refugee Law Project (RLP) and Public Interest Law Clinic (PILAC) under the School of Law as well as the Infectious Diseases Institute (IDI) at the College of Health Sciences (CHS) as some of the units that were contributing enormously to communities through knowledge transfer. He nevertheless emphasized that knowledge transfer partnerships ought to ramped up across all units and publicised more rigorously.
Making a presentation on Delivering on the Role of Dean in Makerere, Prof. Umar Kakumba outlined; the curriculum, teaching and learning, research and innovations, taking the university to the community and academic support assistance as the five major niches the School heads oversee.
He added that Deans are entrusted with power and resources by their colleagues and the institution for which they must give account. “Leadership relates to the manner in which the power and resources that are entrusted to us are used to influence group behaviour towards the realization of our goals as a research-led, inclusive 21st century university that can spark impact and transformation of our society.”
The DVCAA added that Deans by virtue of being members of Senate are a critical force in formulating academic policy that can guide, inform, support and foster the achievement of the institutional strategic plan.
Addressing himself to the changing context of Universities today, Prof. Kakumba emphasized that universities, beyond simply producing academic knowledge, must be seen to support the State in its development agenda and address emerging challenges of the global impact such as climate change, public health and food security. “We must increasingly show our organic linkage with the communities around us in terms of shared research.”
Former Deans Share Their Experiences
Prof. Ronald Bisaso served as Dean of the East African School of Higher Education Studies and Development (EASHESD) from 2015 to 2022 before assuming his current role as Deputy Principal, College of Education and External Studies (CEES). He said that his Deanship revolved around dealing with issues in the three niche areas of; higher education research, higher education policy and advocacy, and higher education practice.
The former Dean shared that the School by virtue of its small size had to deal with issues of limited capacity to facilitate a flagship taught PhD programme and limited resources. It overcame the former through multidisciplinary collaborations both within CEES and the College of Humanities and Social Sciences (CHUSS), and the latter through aggressive resource mobilization.
“We won three Mak-RIF projects, small as we were, and combined, we got UGX 500million. We also participate in a research network where we coordinate with CODESRIA (the Council for the Development of Social Science Research in Africa) and we have previously had a multi-institutional network where we sent six PhD students to Finland for six months, others were sent to South Africa and three staff for exchange, and we hope we can continue to build on these networks” reported Prof. Bisaso.
Presenting his experience, Prof. John Mango who served as Dean, School of Physical Sciences, College of Natural Sciences (CoNAS) urged his audience to always incorporate the theory of change in all their plans. A theory of change is a purposeful model of how an initiative—such as a policy, a strategy, a program, or a project—contributes through a chain of early and intermediate outcomes to the intended result[1].
“In whatever you want to do, you should think of objectives in line with guidance from above, you must identify activities to achieve what you want and what you want may be results at different levels such as immediate outputs and long-term impacts” explained Prof. Mango.
His presentation therefore covered; promoting excellence in research, resource mobilization, preparing human resource, improving on research environment and infrastructure, ensuring quality assurance mechanisms at all stages, facilitating training of high quality graduates, deepening collaborations with industry and community, promoting multidisciplinary research projects and creating, promoting alumni networks and the role of Deans in improving graduation rates.
Prof. Mango noted that research collaborations are an integral part of a research-led university for they lessen the burden on the Government’s resource envelope. He added that graduate training was an important component of fostering Makerere’s research-led aspiration and urged Deans to always be on the lookout for what regional bodies such as the Inter-University Council of East Africa doing to support this. He also proffered think tanks that conduct research relevant to national development as another way of attracting funding that can cater for graduate training.
To illustrate his point, Prof. Mango testified that he had “mobilised resources and trained 35 PhDs in Mathematics out of the approximately 60 PhDs that the country has,” adding that “raising funds is not an event, it is a process and when you are just starting, your percentage of winning is very low.”
All the aforementioned activities aimed at ensuring that the university achieves her research-led aspirations are guided by policy. The new Director of the Quality Assurance Directorate (QAD), Dr. Cyprian Misinde in his address informed Deans that his unit was developing matrices for policies.
“We shall be evaluating quality assurance based on your performance in these policies. And so it is very important that these policies are being discussed here” said the Director. He added that Deans are valuable partners in the quality assurance process, especially as the Directorate sets about establishing an efficient, effective and robust data system to aid accountability and decision making.
Monitoring and Tracking SDGs at Mak
Turning to the SDGs, Makerere University participated in its first Impact Rankings in the year 2022 and was ranked in the 401-600 band. Currently in their fourth edition, the Times Higher Education Impact Rankings are the only global performance tables that assess 1,406 universities from 106 countries/regions against the United Nations’ SDGs across four broad areas of research, stewardship, outreach and teaching.
According to the presentation by QAD’s Mr. Stephen Mpirirwe, Makerere performed best in SDG 17 (Partnerships for the goals) with a score of 83, followed by SDG 16 (Peace, justice and strong institutions) with a score of 64. Next was SDG 3 (Good health and well-being) with a score of 63.7, followed by SDG 5 (Gender equality) with a score of 39.6. The best performing institution globally, Western Sydney University, Australia scored 99.0, 93.3, 90.0 and 80.3 in SDGs 17, 12 (Responsible consumption and production), 6 (Clean water and sanitation) and 5 respectively. Please click here to view the detailed Impact Rankings for Makerere University.
MUDF’s Purpose and Constitution
Prof. Ronald Naluwairo who presented the MUDF Constitution noted that for purposes of inclusivity, the Forum is composed of Deans of Schools, Directors of Teaching Institutes including off-campus Centres such as the Makerere University Jinja Campus and the Principals and Deputy Principals of three-tier colleges such as the School of Law.
MUDF’s overall objective is to promote academic excellence through collective action, capacity building and harnessing each others’ capabilities, experiences and best practices. The Forum has six specific objectives namely to; Promote the highest standards of teaching and learning at Makerere University, Promote and provide leadership in cutting edge research and innovation at Makerere University and Build and strengthen the capacity of members of the Forum as academic leaders. Furthermore, the Forum proposes to; Promote debate and dialogue about issues concerning academic excellence, Advise Senate, University Management and other organs of the University about matters concerning teaching and learning, research and innovations, and Promote good governance at Makerere University.
Addressing the workshop the Chairperson, MUDF Executive Committee and Dean, School of Public Health, CHS, Prof. Rhoda Wanyenze said that the Forum was aimed at giving the 30 Deans a platform to meet and network beyond the business of Senate. “We are supposed to spearhead change in this large institution and we are supposed to work with one another to break silos and conduct multidisciplinary activities across colleges, but we cannot achieve this unless we know and understand each other.”
The Chairperson therefore paid tribute to the Patron and brainchild of MUDF, Prof. Umar Kakumba for his brilliant idea of bringing Deans together and thanked staff in the DVCAA’s Office for supporting the Executive Committee.
“This Forum is so important in terms of appreciating where we are headed as a University and what we all need to do to ensure that we get there, because we are best placed to shift Makerere to what we want to see” encouraged Prof. Wanyenze. She welcomed the new Deans to MUDF and urged them contribute ideas on how the Forum can be made more vibrant so as to make meaningful contribution to Makerere.
[1] Serrat, O. (2017). Theories of Change In Knowledge solutions: tools, methods and approaches to organizational performance. Singapore: Springer. DOI:10.1007/978-981-10-0983-9_24
General
Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Makerere University Celebrates the Last Cohort of Phase One Graduates
At the just-concluded 76th Graduation Ceremony at Makerere University, which took place between 24th and 27th February 2026, the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Makerere University celebrated the graduation of the final Cohort of 10 Mastercard Foundation Scholars from the first phase of the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program (2013-2023). This brings the total number of graduates from Phase One to 974 out of the 1,032 Mastercard Foundation Scholars recruited.
Who are these 10 graduates, and what are their dreams and aspirations?
ACOLA Jackline graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Conservation Biology from the College of Natural Sciences. Her passion for nature and commitment to addressing environmental issues, including degradation, pollution, and the unsustainable exploitation of natural resources, have motivated her to pursue a career in conservation. As a conservation biologist, Jackline’s primary objective is to ensure that natural resources and the environment are preserved in their pristine state. She is dedicated to promoting sustainable resource utilisation and advocating for eco-friendly business practices. To achieve this, she plans to implement comprehensive conservation education initiatives for the general public.
AJIAMBO Eunice graduated with a Bachelor of Commerce. She is motivated and detail-oriented, with a strong academic foundation in accounting, taxation, finance, and business management. Her programme provided her with practical knowledge and analytical skills relevant to today’s dynamic commercial environment. During her academic journey, she developed a strong interest in taxation and financial compliance. She undertook coursework and case studies that enhanced her understanding of corporate taxation, value-added tax, financial reporting, and business decision-making. These experiences strengthened her ability to analyse financial information, interpret regulations, and apply commercial principles effectively. Eunice aspires to build a professional career in finance and taxation, with a focus on tax advisory, revenue administration, and corporate finance. She is passionate about ethical business practices and believes that effective financial management and tax compliance are essential for sustainable economic growth.
Dr. AKITE Flowrence graduated with a Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine, a testament to resilience and support. Losing her father at a young age could have derailed her aspirations, but instead, it fueled her determination to succeed. Throughout her academic career, she received encouragement and assistance from generous individuals who recognised her outstanding academic achievements. As a Mastercard Foundation Scholar, she not only excelled academically but also actively engaged in her community, treating animals as she gained experience as a vet student. In her hometown of Dokolo, Northern Uganda, she has played a vital role in treating animals and enhancing the health and welfare of local livestock.
AUMA Barbra attained a Bachelor of Arts with Education, representing a significant milestone in her educational journey. Hailing from a modest family of eight children, she faced numerous challenges on her path to higher education, particularly after her father, a security guard, was unable to fund her university tuition following her Senior Six. Consequently, her graduation not only signifies a personal accomplishment but also embodies a remarkable triumph over adversity. Her academic excellence earned her a place in the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Makerere University, a pivotal opportunity that enabled her to pursue her dreams. Barbra is particularly dedicated to advocating for girls’ education.
Dr. BABALANDA Immaculate is a dedicated veterinary professional who recently completed her Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine. Throughout her studies, she maintained a strong focus on animal health, food safety, and sustainable livestock systems. Passionate about agricultural innovation, she founded the Green Grub Revolution Project, which promotes black soldier fly larvae as a sustainable, cost-effective alternative to traditional poultry feed. Her work focuses on bridging the gap between scientific research and grassroots community needs. Currently, through her Fellowship at the International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI-Nairobi), Immaculate is strengthening her research and leadership in one health and climate-smart livestock production. She envisions a career at the intersection of veterinary medicine and agricultural innovation, where she can scale sustainable feed alternatives and contribute to resilient food systems across Africa.
MAZAPKWE Vicky proudly earned her Bachelor of Business Administration, showcasing the remarkable outcomes of determination and resilience in overcoming adversity. Having lost both parents at a young age, pursuing higher education seemed an unattainable dream. However, with her auntie’s unwavering support, she successfully completed her primary and secondary education. Her dedication and academic excellence earned her a place in the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program, paving the way for her academic journey at Makerere University. Now equipped with her degree, Vicky has set her sights on becoming a successful businesswoman while nurturing her passion for storytelling as a film writer and director. She is grateful for the opportunities provided by the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program, which not only empowered her but also inspired her to launch a project that supports orphans in her community.
NAMATOVU Noeline graduated with a Bachelor of Business Administration. A daughter of a single mother, her graduation is both a joy and big relief to her mother.
After the loss of her father, she received invaluable support from a priest, a friend of her late dad.
“The priest took me to school and covered my fees until I completed Senior Six. Although he couldn’t help with university expenses, it motivated me to seek a scholarship, and the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Makerere University enabled me to pursue my university education.” Namatovu shares. Initially aspiring to be a doctor, she found the sciences challenging and shifted her focus to accounting, where she plans to major and pursue professional qualifications. Her achievements have inspired young people in her community.
NAMIYINGO Christine graduated with a Bachelor of Arts with Education, majoring in Economics. Her academic journey has been challenging, particularly given her experience with bipolar disorder; however, she is grateful for the support she has received from the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program team at Makerere University. She is keen to pursue a Master of Business Administration (MBA) to strengthen her expertise in Business Management and realise her aspiration of becoming an entrepreneur. Beyond her academic pursuits, Christine is deeply committed to her faith, which she considers a significant factor in her success. She is also dedicated to assisting those in need, guided by a belief that acts of generosity are rewarded. Inspired by accomplished individuals, she actively seeks mentorship to foster her personal development.
NAMONGIN Alice is a dedicated development practitioner, climate justice advocate, and youth leader from Uganda’s Karamoja region. As a Mastercard Foundation Scholar at Makerere University, she earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Statistics, with a focus on research and social entrepreneurship. She founded the Nurture HER Initiative, a youth-led venture that promotes climate resilience and girls’ education in Indigenous communities. She has trained over 70 Indigenous youth volunteers, supported climate education in schools, and promoted sustainable solutions. With interests in climate policy, entrepreneurship, and community solutions, Alice aspires to influence policies that prioritise Indigenous knowledge and youth participation. She enjoys mentoring young girls, public speaking, and using storytelling to drive social change.
NVIRI Robert graduated with a Bachelor of Arts with Education. Throughout his academic career, he has demonstrated a strong commitment to education, leadership, and community development. His enthusiasm for teaching and empowering his peers has motivated him to pursue a career dedicated to improving Uganda’s education system, focusing on integrating modern teaching methodologies and digital tools to enrich the learning experience. Robert aspires to become a transformative educator who inspires students to engage in critical and creative thinking. He is particularly passionate about improving access to education for under-served communities and firmly believes in education’s capacity to foster social change. In addition to his academic endeavours, Robert has actively tutored children facing social and economic barriers and organised mentorship programmes for young people, thereby reinforcing his dedication to community service.
How did the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program journey start at Makerere University? The Program Director, Prof. Justine Namaalwa, shares the highlights.
Phase One of the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program (2013-2023)
In 2013, Makerere University entered into a transformative partnership with the Mastercard Foundation to nurture the next generation of leaders in Africa. This initiative is designed to empower young people to drive positive change in their lives, their communities, and across the continent. The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program places strong emphasis on enabling young people to shape new narratives and pursue meaningful aspirations.
Through this collaboration, Makerere University has successfully implemented two phases of the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program. The first phase of the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program was implemented from 2013 to 2023. Under this phase, 1,032 Mastercard Foundation Scholars were recruited and educated at Makerere University, of which 974 graduated and are contributing in various capacities within their communities.
Phase Two of the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program (2023-2034)
In December 2023, the partnership was renewed, and the second phase of the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program is currently being implemented at Makerere University and will run through 2034. Building on the first phase, the University is committed to fostering inclusion and ensuring equitable access in this phase. To support this goal, specific scholarship quotas have been established for the following groups:
- Refugees and Internally Displaced Persons (25% of the Scholarships)
- Young People living in Refugee-Hosting Communities (5% of the Scholarships)
- Young People from Underrepresented Ethnic Groups in Uganda (5% of the Scholarships)Young People Living with Disabilities (25% of the Scholarships)
- International Students (10% of the Scholarships)
- Other Ugandan Nationals facing financial barriers to pursuing University Education (30% of the Scholarships)
What has been the individual impact of Phase One graduates of the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program?
To date, 974 Mastercard Foundation Scholars have graduated, proudly joining the Makerere University Alumni community.
Notably, 48% of these Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program Alumni have secured formal employment, demonstrating successful integration into the workforce. Furthermore, 18% have launched their own businesses, not only creating jobs for themselves but also generating opportunities for other young people and driving local economic transformation. The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Entrepreneurship Fund (SEF) supported 46 ventures by the end of 2025, proving that start-ups are indeed a crucial solution to combating youth unemployment.
In addition, 8% of the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program Alumni are gaining essential work experience through internships facilitated by Transition Partners. Meanwhile, 5% are pursuing further study in Master’s, Postgraduate Diploma, and PhD programmes, reflecting their commitment to personal and professional growth.
In total, 72% of the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program Alumni are actively engaged in productive employment or entrepreneurship. This data clearly shows that investing in young people generates tangible economic and social returns.
The remaining 12% are part of other young people in Uganda with university degrees who are facing challenges entering the world of work. These young people need support and systems to translate their career navigation journeys into meaningful engagements.
What has been the impact on the Communities?
Communities have greatly benefited from the Mastercard Foundation Scholars’ Give Back initiatives, including the establishment of safe water sources, the construction of classrooms, and the planting of trees for environmental protection. These efforts reflect a commitment to empowering young people, positively impacting communities, and showcasing the potential of African universities for a sustainable future. Mastercard Foundation Scholars and Alumni implement one impact project each year on the Annual Day of Service, which allows them to showcase skills in organisation, mobilisation, and teamwork. Since 2014, Mastercard Foundation Scholars have implemented various community projects, as highlighted below.
- In 2023, Achukudu Primary School in Napak District made significant strides by constructing a two-room classroom block, complete with desks and benches, enhancing the learning environment for its students.
- In 2022, St. Katherine Primary School in Agago District contributed to its community by building a two-room classroom block alongside a new pit latrine, improving facilities for both students and staff.
- In 2021, the Bulamwaki community in Iganga District saw valuable initiatives: a borehole was completed, and 56 jerrycans were donated to local women, promoting access to clean water.
- In 2020, Mastercard Foundation Scholars made a positive impact in the Kyangwali Refugee Settlement in Kikuube by providing essential COVID-19 protective materials, distributing sanitary pads, promoting tree planting, and offering career guidance to the community.
- In 2019, efforts at Salama School for the Blind in Mukono included planting trees and erecting a protective fence around the school, creating a safer and more welcoming environment for students. At Kibaale Primary School in Mityana, activities included general cleaning, tree planting, and the completion of a two-room teacher’s residence.
- In 2018, Mastercard Foundation Scholars donated learning materials, nappies, and food items, supported feeding activities and carried out general cleaning at Kampala School for children living with disabilities.in Kampala.
- In 2017, Mastercard Foundation Scholars constructed and renovated classroom blocks, dug a rubbish pit, and cleared a community well at Muzinda Primary School, and raised awareness on hygiene at Mbuya Gizaza Community in Nakawa. Additionally, they built a wooden classroom, renovated a latrine, cleaned the area, and planted trees at St. Charles Lwanga Primary School in Mukono.
- In 2015, Mastercard Foundation Scholars planted trees, undertook general cleaning, painted the buildings, and carried out electrical installations and repairs at Kireka School of Children with Special Needs in Kampala.
- In 2014, the first cohort of Mastercard Foundation Scholars dug a rubbish pit and a borehole trench, washed children’s clothes, supported feeding activities, carried out general cleaning and compound slashing, and donated foodstuffs, nappies and laundry detergents to Mercy Child Care Centre in Wakiso.
Giving back to the community has been, and continues to be, a core aspect of the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program, which fosters a culture of giving through individual and group initiatives. As Nelson Mandela rightly puts it:
“What counts in life is not the mere fact that we have lived. It is what difference we have made to the lives of others that will determine the significance of the life we lead”. He also championed community service, noting that “we can all do more to reach out, take care, and serve the well-being of others”.
Bernard Buteera is the Principal Communications and Public Relations Officer of the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Programme at Makerere University.
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