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Makerere University Researchers at the Forefront of Tackling Climate Change

Published

3 years ago

November 4, 2022

Mak Editor

A montage of case studies produced by the Low Carbon Energy and Environment Research Network Wales (LCEERNW) based at Bangor University. Photo: LCEERNW

A new case study series highlights Makerere University projects tackling climate related issues through collaborative research in Africa

On November the 6^th, world leaders will meet in Egypt for the 27^th United Nations Climate Change Conference – COP27. In celebration of COP being held in Africa, the Low Carbon Energy an Environment Research Network Wales have compiled a set of case studies highlighting Africa – Wales climate focused research collaborations which include two case studies involving Makerere University.

Africa is a key player in the battle against climate change. The continent is home to 18% of the world’s tropical forests giving it a vital role in mitigating climate change. With rapidly growing populations seeking economic growth, African countries are also forced to think outside the box for ways to achieve development in climate friendly way leading to new innovations.

As well as mitigation, Africa is also an important place for climate adaption research. Despite having played only a small role in the causes of climate change, the United Nations Environment Programme points out that Africa is currently the most vulnerable to the impacts of climate change as many on the continent lack the resources to buffer themselves from the effects of climate change.

Researchers from Makerere University were involved in two of the projects highlighted. The first was a collaboration between Makerere University and Bangor University, Wales, that has taken the leftover materials from Maize production, known as stover, and converted it into products that replace single use plastics, such as fruit packaging.

Plastic, particularly single use plastic, can damage the environment in several ways, from the harmful plastic pollution to its contribution to climate change through the petrochemicals used in its production. The products that the project has developed offer huge environmental benefits whilst also creating additional employment in rural areas. The team are currently trialling tree seedling wraps in collaboration with the Mount Elgon Tree Growing Enterprise and the National Agricultural Research Organisation.

“The biodegradable seedling wraps will revolutionise the way we plant our trees by providing environmentally sound seedling potting material that is sustainable, reducing plastic load and reducing damage to the ecosystem,” says Ephraim Nuwamanya of the National Agricultural Research Organisation, Uganda.

The second project highlights the work of former Makerere University student Jalia Packwood who now works at Bangor University. In her role as the International Sustainability Collaborations Project Officer, Packwood developed collaborative projects to share knowledge between Bangor University, Makerere University, and private and public sector organisations in Uganda. The project established links between the two universities and was so wide-reaching that is drew the attention of the Ugandan High Commissioner.

“It’s about making links,” says Packwood. “The research is out there but I was able to act as an intermediary between the university and people on the ground 4,000 miles away.”

For both these projects, as with all of the case studies highlighted by the network, a collaborative approach to solving the global problems brought about by climate change was key.

“The partnership with the University of Bangor brought research into action,” said Florence Nakayiwa, former Director of the Planning and Development Department at Makerere University. “It has infused appreciation of collaboration as a way of life for staff and students at Makerere University – the ethos and values imparted at the time have continued to influence the sustainability program at Makerere University.”

Welsh universities are well known for their collaborative research with more than 50% of Wales’s research output having been produced by international collaborations. The case studies chosen highlight the importance of links between Africa and Wales in tackling climate related issues. For the full details and more great examples of climate focussed research from across Africa and Wales please head over to www.lceernw.ac.uk/wales-in-africa

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Extension of Application Deadline for Diploma/Degree Holders 2026/2027

Published

18 hours ago

March 5, 2026

Mak Editor

A mid-morning shot of the Senate Building as seen from the Frank Kalimuzo Central Teaching Facility. Date taken: 18th May 2023. Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

The Academic Registrar, Makerere University informs all intending applicants for Private and Government Sponsorship for the 2026/2027 Academic Year that the deadline has been extended from 27^th February, 2026 to Friday 13^th March, 2026.

Applicants who have already applied need not apply.

For any additional information, refer to Announcements and requirements for Diploma/Degree holders Entry Scheme for Undergraduate programmes for 2026/2027 Academic Year, click the links below.

Privately Sponsored: https://news.mak.ac.ug/2026/03/advert-admissions-for-diploma-degree-holders-under-private-sponsorship-2026-27/

Government Sponsored: https://news.mak.ac.ug/2026/03/call-for-applications-diploma-holders-under-government-sponsorship-2026-2027/

Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi
ACADEMIC REGISTRAR

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Advert: Admissions for Diploma/Degree Holders under Private Sponsorship 2026/27

Published

24 hours ago

March 5, 2026

Mak Editor

The Academic Registrar, Makerere University invites applications from Ugandan, East African and international applicants for the undergraduate programmes under the private sponsorship scheme for the 2026/2027 Academic Year.

Each applicant should:

EITHER

Hold at least a Second Class/Credit (or equivalent classification) Diploma or otherwise as specified in the Diploma Holders’ requirements from a recognised chartered institution, relevant to the programme applied for. Certified copies of academic transcripts and certificates (not photocopies of certified copies) from the awarding institutions and one passport size photograph must be submitted to Office 315 level three (3) Senate Building after applying online.

Be a Graduate from a RECOGNISED CHARTERED UNIVERSITY. Certified copies of academic transcripts and certificates (not photocopies of certified copies) from the awarding Institutions and one Passport size photography MUST be submitted to Office 315, Level three (3) Senate Building after applying online.

N.B. Applicants will be responsible for verification of their academic documents from the awarding Institutions after admission.

Other relevant information can be obtained from UNDERGRADUATE ADMISSIONS OFFICE, LEVEL 3, SENATE BUILDING OR CAN BE found on the University Website.

Diploma Holder applicants who hold class three (3) diploma certificates or Pass Diplomas are not eligible for admission and therefore should not apply, except where stated in the Diploma Holders requirements.

HOW TO APPLY

Applications shall be submitted online using the ACMIS system for all applicants. Diploma/degree holders and internationals will have to submit certified copies of their transcripts and certificates and a passport size photograph to Office 315, Level 3, Senate Building after submitting the application online and payment of application fees.

Details of the Diplomas required for each programme are in the document attached below, the same list can be found here: https://mak.ac.ug/how-apply/diploma-holders-application-guide

OTHER RELEVANT INFORMATION CAN BE OBTAINED FROM UNDERGRADUATE ADMISSIONS OFFICE, LEVEL 3, SENATE BUILDING, MAKERERE UNIVERSITY WITH EFFECT FROM 5th JANUARY, 2026.

A NON-REFUNDABLE APPLICATION FEE OF SHS.55,000/= FOR UGANDAN AND EAST AFRICAN APPLICANTS OR $76.5 OR EQUIVALENT FOR INTERNATIONALS, (UGX.286,250=) PLUS BANK CHARGEs SHOULD BE PAID IN ANY OF THE BANKS USED BY UGANDA REVENUE AUTHORITY (URA)

CANDIDATES WHO HOLD GRADES X, Y, Z, 7 AND 9 OF ‘O’LEVEL RESULTS SHOULD NOT APPLY BECAUSE THEY ARE NOT ELIGIBLE FOR ADMISSION.

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ONLINE APPLICATION PORTAL USER GUIDE

Applicants should access the Institution’s Admissions URL https://apply.mak.ac.ug

Signup using full name, e-mail and Mobile Number. Please note that your name must be similar to the one on your supporting academic documents for your application to be considered valid. If you changed your names please go to Senate Building Office 611 with a deed poll and gazette supporting the name change.
A password will be sent to both your e-mail and mobile number.
The system will prompt you to change the password to the one you can easily remember.
To fill a form (all form sections must be filled)the applicant clicks on the APPLY NOW button displayed on the running scheme.
Obtain a pay reference nunber(PRN) after submitting the application.
Make a payment at any of the banks used by Uganda Revenue Authority.

MOBILE MONEY PAYMENT STEPS:

1. Dial *272*6# on MTN or Airtel

2. Select option 3-Admission

3. Select option 3 Pay Fees

4. Enter reference number obtained from Application portal

5. Details of Application form will be confirmed

6. Enter PIN to confirm payment

The closing date for receiving applications was extended to Friday 13^th March, 2026.

General

Call for Applications: Diploma Holders under Government Sponsorship 2026/2027

Published

1 day ago

March 5, 2026

Mak Editor

The Academic Registrar, Makerere University invites applications from Diploma Holders only for admission under the Government Sponsorship Scheme (not exceeding 5% of the intake capacity) to the University Degree Programmes for the 2026/2027 Academic year listed in the document attached below.

Each applicant should possess at least a Credit or Second Class or equivalent Diploma in a relevant field from a recognised Institution plus a Uganda Certificate of Education (UCE) with at least 5 Passes (or its equivalent) and a Uganda Advanced Certificate of Education (UACE) with at least One Principal Pass and Two Subsidiary Passes obtained at the same sitting (or its equivalent).
A non refundable application fee of Shs.55,000/ = (Fifty five thousand shillings only) excluding bank charges using an ACMIS Pay Reference Number should be paid to any bank used by URA before submitting a system generated application form to the Admissions Office, Room 315 Level 3, in the Senate Building, Makerere University.
Certified copies of Diploma Transcripts (not photocopies of certified copies) from the awarding Institutions must be attached to the application forms. Incomplete application forms shall not be processed.
Details of the Diplomas required for each programme are in the document attached below, the same list can be found here: https://mak.ac.ug/how-apply/diploma-holders-application-guide
N.B. Applicants will be responsible for verification of their academic documents from the awarding Institutions.
Each applicant should also attach a copy of the Birth Certificate to the application form.

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The closing date for returning the system generated application forms and certified copies of the academic documents to the University was extended to Friday 13^th March, 2026.