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
Makerere University Retirement Benefits Scheme (MURBS) has hit a historic UGX 547 billion valuation following an impressive 15.4% growth in the 2025/2026 financial year.
During a review meeting of the MURBS performance held at Makerere University Main Administrative Building on October 27 2026, ahead of its 16th Annual General Meeting (AGM), the scheme revealed the booming portfolio will directly benefit its close to 8,000 members.
This presentation primes the upcoming October 29 AGM, where MURBS will officially declare this year’s highly anticipated interest rate to the general members.
Chairperson’s Statement on the Scheme’s Performance FY 2025/2026
Dr. Michael Kizito, Chairperson MURBS Board of Trustees, presented the scheme’s success, noting it is rooted in a deep sense of responsibility. He said “prudent stewardship guides our (MURBS) actions, and every contribution invested to MURBS carries an expectation of future security.”
MURBS’ commitment to members is further checked in the scheme’s transition in sync with statutory regulations, and ensuring fairness and transparency for all. In line with this, Dr. Kizito discussed pro rata interest calculation methodology as the new trend for MURBS. Pro rata key features include; contributions earning interest from time of receipt, interest compounding and stopping at exit.
Demonstrating a clear focus on maximising member yields, Dr. Kizito also discussed operational expenditure saying even with an increase in the administrative costs, they have kept below the budgeted percentage.
Going past the balance sheets, Dr. Kizito echoed MURBS’ dedication to the over 3,000 active members building their dreams and the close to 5,000 retired members enjoying the fruits of their long service.
At the back of MURBS dedication, he recognised the ambassadorial framework that was designed to support incoming trustees and the proactive efforts to reach members.
As Dr. Kizito concluded, he expressed gratitude for support and reception from University Council, Management, URBRA Uganda, Trustees, Ambassadors and MURBS members.
He reiterated the scheme’s focus remains on innovation, governance, and growth which will continue to be achieved through digital transformation to improve service delivery and ensuring every member’s records are up to date.
All this is done in effort of ensuring that when the time comes for a member to retire, they do so with confidence and financial peace of mind.
MURBS Evolution From High Risk to a Benchmark Scheme
Ms. Daisy Lynda Nabakooza, Chief Manager Supervision and Market Conduct at Uganda Retirement Benefits Regulatory Authority (URBRA) recognised MURBS success saying it “comes from the good working relationship” between its trustees and experts, and that “the MURBS trustees usually have the information on hand,” which “is a plus.”
On the status/impression of the fund, Ms. Nabakooza revealed that ten or so years ago, when she had just joined URBRA, MURBS was one of those schemes that was “high risk” due to “unremitted contributions.” Thankfully, “the sponsor Makerere University has since embarked on having these unremitted contributions, remitted over a period of time.”
Now, “MURBS has become a benchmark for many schemes.” Ms. Nabakooza said as a regulator, they “really commend MURBS on the work done in terms of compliance.”
Ensuring a Dignified Retirement for Staff through MURBS
Professor Henry Alinaitwe, representing the Vice Chancellor emphasised the ultimate goal is the well-being of the university community during and after service. He referenced a local proverb, saying, “Buto n’ekorera bukuru,” explaining that “when we are here, and still young and working, what we are able to do and put aside will help us in the future.”
He expressed the University’s strong commitment to staff welfare, saying, “we do not want to see ourselves or fraternity really suffering when they are leaving university or when they have since left the university. We want to see people living well and prospering even in their retirement.”
Professor Alinaitwe acknowledged the work done by MURBS team in growing the scheme noting that since 2021, the fund has more than doubled raising from UGX 225 Billion to over UGX 500 Billion. The Vice Chancellor concluded his message by pledging Makerere University‘s good will to ensure sustenance of the fund for a dignified future of its staff.
The Chairperson of Council Dr. Lorna Magara in her message delivered by Hon. Daniel Fred Kidega expressed genuine satisfaction with the current trajectory of the retirement scheme, noting, “I want to congratulate the trustees, the management of MURBS, for maintaining a healthy organisation. When I was looking through the figures, I felt very happy.”
This financial health is not just a statistic but a foundation for the staff’s future. The Chairperson urged the leadership to “maintain the good health of the scheme and let members enjoy their savings.”
Beyond the numbers, the Chairperson Makerere University Council made a heartfelt plea to the board on human impact of the scheme, stating, “I plead with the board of trustees, to avoid delays when it involves the living families of members who are no longer there in service; dead or retired.”
Ultimately, as shared by Hon. Kidega and Professor Alinaitwe, the University vision is ambitious, it involves making MURBS one of the best retirement schemes on the continent and in the world where even those still in service can access resources and make their life better.
About MURBS
Makerere University Retirement Benefits Scheme (MURBS) is a mandatory employer scheme for Makerere University staff, established by the university under an irrevocable trust. On 23 April 2010, MURBS was registered as a corporate body under the Trustees Incorporation Act, CAP. 165, and it commenced operations on July 1 2010.
Following the enactment of the Uganda Retirement Benefits Regulatory Authority Act, 2011, MURBS was established as a voluntary occupational scheme under the new law. The scheme is licensed by URBRA (License Number RBS.0005).
On 21 June 2021, the Minister responsible for Finance, Planning and Economic Development exercised his powers under the law to approve MURBS as a superannuation scheme in the “Exempted Employment” category under the NSSF Act.
The two-week training programme aims to equip government officers with practical skills to assess project viability, manage investment risks and ensure public resources deliver value for money.
The Public Investment Management Centre of Excellence (PIM CoE) is strengthening the capacity of government officers to undertake financial appraisal and risk analysis of public investment projects through a two-week training programme designed to improve the quality of project preparation, appraisal and decision-making in Uganda.
The training, which started in Fort Portal on October 19, 2026, brought together participants from various government ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs), alongside facilitators from Makerere University, the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, Cambridge Resources International (CRI), the National Planning Authority and the Uganda Development Bank.
Officially opening the training on behalf of the Permanent Secretary/Secretary to the Treasury, Ms Esther Ayebare, Acting Assistant Commissioner in the Project Analysis and Public Investment Department of the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, emphasised the importance of rigorous project appraisal in strengthening Uganda’s public investment management system.
She noted that projects admitted into the public investment plan must be aligned with national priorities, technically sound, financially viable and capable of delivering value for money.
“Government must be able to compare investment alternatives and ensure that only viable projects proceed through the public investment process,” she emphasised.
Ms Ayebare explained that sound appraisal enables government to make informed investment decisions, maximise returns on public expenditure and ensure that limited public resources are directed towards projects with the greatest potential to deliver development outcomes.
Building practical skills for better investment decisions
The training builds on the Public Investment Management course conducted in June, which introduced participants to Uganda’s public investment management framework, including project conceptualisation, stakeholder analysis, project costing, implementation action plans, the Integrated Bank of Projects, and monitoring and evaluation of public investment reforms.
The current programme advances this foundation by equipping participants with technical competencies in financial appraisal, financial modelling and risk analysis.
Participants will explore integrated investment appraisal, alternative investment criteria, cash-flow statements, inflation and exchange-rate movements, asset valuation, project financing, project scale and timing, risk-sharing arrangements and cost-effectiveness analysis.
Through practical exercises and case studies, participants will apply these concepts to investment scenarios in sectors such as roads, health, education and water. The programme will also examine how climate change, social considerations and other risks can be integrated into project preparation and appraisal.
Ms Ayebare encouraged participants to engage actively with the facilitators, question the practical application of the tools and consider how the skills acquired could improve investment decisions within their respective institutions.
She also reminded participants that the programme includes an examination and that certification requires more than attendance. Participants are expected to demonstrate an understanding of the concepts and acquire practical skills that they can apply in their work.
Reducing dependence on externally prepared studies
A key objective of the training is to strengthen the ability of government institutions to undertake high-quality project appraisal studies using their own technical teams.
Ms Ayebare observed that many studies submitted to the Development Committee have traditionally been prepared by external consultants, often at considerable cost. Building the capacity of public officers to conduct these studies independently can help institutions strengthen their technical expertise and improve the quality of project proposals presented for consideration.
She urged participants to take full advantage of the facilitators’ expertise and return to their institutions equipped to undertake sound financial appraisals and provide evidence-based advice to decision-makers.
She further emphasised that project approval requires thorough preparation, analysis and justification, rather than simply identifying available funding and proposing a project to utilise it.
Strengthening public investment management through capacity development
In his remarks, Prof. Edward Bbaale, Director of the PIM CoE, thanked the Ministry of Finance for its financial support and for identifying participants from government institutions. He also recognised the contributions of the facilitators and partner institutions in delivering the programme.
Prof. Bbaale noted that the Centre’s work extends beyond training to include research and advisory services aimed at improving public investment management practices. He encouraged continued collaboration with government institutions and other partners to advance research, knowledge sharing and capacity development.
Speaking during the training, Dr John Sseruyange, Manager of the PIM CoE, highlighted the importance of commitment, active participation and punctuality throughout the programme. He encouraged participants to engage with the facilitators, ask questions and apply the knowledge gained to the projects they support.
Dr Sseruyange also acknowledged the Government of Uganda, through the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, for financing the training, and appreciated Cambridge Resources International for its continued support towards improving public investment preparation and analysis in Uganda.
The training reflects ongoing efforts to strengthen Uganda’s public investment management system by equipping public officers with the knowledge and practical competencies needed to assess projects rigorously, identify potential risks and make informed investment decisions.
By developing in-house expertise across government institutions, the programme seeks to contribute to better-prepared projects, more efficient use of public resources and improved delivery of Uganda’s development priorities.
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