General
Mak Explores Kyankwanzi land to take Innovations & Demonstrations to Communities
A team of university staff led by the Deputy Vice Chancellor, Finance and administration Prof. Henry Alinaitwe were in Kyankwanzi, Wednesday 8th February, 2023 where they held a meeting with the District Leadership on the subject of the 7 square miles of land on Ranch 16, that was allocated by H.E. The President of the Republic of Uganda to Makerere University in 1989. The land was for the establishment of demonstration and experimental modern facilities for Agricultural related training.
The meeting held at the Kyankwanzi District Headquarters was an initiative of the University and was moderated by the Ag. Chief Administrative Officer (CAO), Mr. David Muhoozi. It was attended by some District officials and teams from the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES) led by the Principal Assoc. Prof. Goretie Nabanoga and the College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Biosecurity (CoVAB) led by the Principal Prof. Frank Nobert Mwiine.
Following the deliberations, a committee was instituted for follow up actions whose terms of reference included identifying the land and its boundaries, establishing the current land usage and to come up with a report that will guide the next course of action. Committee Members include Prof. Yazidhi Bamutaze from CAES, Ms. Catherine Awor, from Estates and Works Directorate and Mr. Hudson Musoke from the Legal Directorate.
The Deputy Vice Chancellor, Finance and Administration (DVCFA) Prof. Henry Alinaitwe informed the meeting that Ranch 16 has always been registered as a property of Makerere University and that the University earmarked it to further its objectives of reaching out to the communities.He said the mandate of the University was to teach and that the strategic reorganization of the institution was to take the University to the people he said, while explaining the intended usage of the said land by the University.
“Makerere University belongs to Government, so the compensation of the squatters on the said land would be a responsibility of the Government” he said while responding to the issue of squatters that were reported to be on the land. He said the university would make effort to approach Government to address the concern raised. Prof. Alinaitwe however noted that the said squatters were recent and that all along the said land was un occupied. He urged the parties to make on spot visits to the said land, establish the facts and come up with a report of the status quo in order to inform the next course of action.
Assoc. Prof. Gorettie Nabanoga, Principal CAES said Makerere University rebranded and hence the need to give back to the people. She said the delegation that was in Kyankwanzi comprised of Professors, Deans, Heads of Departments, and people with all sorts of specialties and expertise was testament of the urgent need of putting into effect the vision of the University.
While responding to the challenges of diseases and other problems faced by the people of Kyankwanzi, Assoc. Prof. Gorettie Nabanoga said the University was in place to support the core business of human life. ‘What we bring as a university is key. We are not coming to evict anybody but to partner’, she said, adding that Agriculture was one of the key drivers in the National Development Plan and that the University, through undertaking its mandate wanted to demonstrate how it can contribute to society once given the opportunity.She said this would be done through technology transfer and training students who would in turn support the realization of a decent generation in future.
Prof. Frank Nobert Mwiine, Principal CoVAB said the staff at the college had lined up a number of enterprises to be done on the said land in Kyankwanzi. He urged the Chief Administrative Officer and other District Officials to welcome the University into the District and to explain to the communities as to what the University was bringing to them.
He informed the meeting that he was part of a team that went to Kyankwanzi two years back on the same issue and was therefore confident that the land in question was available for the University.
While welcoming the Makerere University Delegation, Mr. David Muhoozi the CAO said Kyankwanzi was predominantly an agricultural based District with a number of enterprises in both crop and animal production. He said the District was faced with a number of agricultural related challenges like serious drought as well as tick borne and other diseases that needed urgent attention.
He said Makerere University was welcome to the District, one of the areas where a lot of activities were taking place and noted that the population was bound to benefit from the expertise from the respective Colleges. He said this would reverse the trend where the planning is done in Kampala without getting on the ground to ascertain the realities in order to come up with the best remedies to the issues at hand.
On the issue of the land allocated to the University, Mr. Muhoozi noted that the land was allocated to Makerere University in 1989 and regretted the fact that the University took so long to come on the ground to utilize it. He noted that although the said land in question on Ranch 16 was nor formerly allocated to any party legally and was still in the hands of Uganda Land Board, there were squatters settled on the land and these were identified as the biggest challenge the university was bound to face in the effort to make use of the said land.
The senior Lands Officer Kyankwanzi, Mr. John Matovu said it was the mandate of the District to move alongside the University. He said the land in question on Ranch 16 was not leased but was in the custody of Uganda Land Board. There was need therefore, to establish how the said squatters came onto the land, he noted.
General
Makerere University Leaders Call for Excellence in Research and Supervision as Academic Staff and PhD Students Receive Certificates
By Moses Lutaaya
Kampala, 15 December 2025 — Makerere University on Monday held a reflective and inspiring Certificate Award Ceremony at the CTF 2 Auditorium , Yusuf Lule to award academic staff who completed the Graduate Supervision and Mentorship Course and PhD Students who successfully undertook the University’s compulsory cross-cutting doctoral courses. The event was presided over by the Deputy Vice Chancellor – Academic Affairs, Prof. Sarah Ssali.
The ceremony honored the efforts and achievements of 58 academic staff members, 39 men and 19 women from various colleges including CEDAT, CAES, CEES, COVAB and COBAMS, who completed a rigorous three-week Graduate Supervision and Mentorship programme.
Additionally, PhD students were recognized for completing cross-cutting courses in Philosophy of Methods, Scholarly Writing and Communication, and Advanced Research Methods.
In her keynote remarks, Prof. Sarah Ssali, the Deputy Vice Chancellor–Academic Affairs, delivered a message of encouragement and renewed commitment to research excellence at Makerere University.
“It is both an honor and a privilege to be here today to celebrate a significant academic milestone, the completion of the PhD Cross-Cutting Courses by our students and the award of Supervision Certificates to our academic staff.”
“Your completion of this course is not just a personal achievement, but a critical contribution to strengthening the research and mentoring capacity of Makerere University.”
To the PhD students, Prof. Ssali offered warm congratulations and encouragement. “These courses have equipped you with essential tools to conduct high-quality, ethical research and to engage with complex academic questions. This achievement reflects your hard work, intellectual growth, and commitment to excellence.”
She reaffirmed Makerere University’s commitment to research advancement. “As a University, we remain deeply committed to fostering a culture of research excellence. We will continue to invest in both our students and our staff, ensuring that we uphold the highest standards in research and academic supervision.”
The Director of Graduate Training, Prof. Julius Kikooma, challenged the PhD students to approach research with urgency, intentionality, and a clear sense of purpose.
“Completing the crosscutting courses in Philosophy of Methods, Advanced Research Methods, and Scholarly Writing and Communication has not been an easy task. However, the certificate alone is not the end goal. Don’t simply compile these certificates. Make them meaningful.”
Prof. Kikooma emphasized that the value of the courses lies in applying the knowledge gained. “These certificates give you the foundation knowledge. The question now is: Can we see the application of that knowledge in your different fields?”
He further urged doctoral students to begin producing serious academic work now, not at the end of their studies. “If you are becoming someone to be listened to, start now. It means the course is becoming useful. Write about issues that speak to societal challenges. Produce thinking pieces. Produce better outputs. “Look for low-lying fruits that can make your PhD journey more exciting and impactful.”
Prof. Kikooma also reminded students that while the PhD journey is shared by the academic community, its weight is uniquely felt by the candidates. “Your PhD journey is ours as a group. But you feel the heat. Speak to us so we understand your challenges. “You cannot be here for more than three years. Why are some of you still here? Is the journey heavy? How can we support you to complete it?” He asked.
He encouraged students to build thought leadership through the PhD Forum, adding that the forum is a strong voice for the students. A PhD is automatic leadership in the knowledge domain. Why doesn’t the PhD Forum come up with periodic writings that reflect what communities are experiencing? Start now so that by the time you finish the course, you hit the ground running.”
The Ag. Director of the Centre for Teaching and Learning Support (CTLS), Dr. Dorothy Ssebowa Kyagaba, gave a message to the academic staff who completed the Graduate Supervision and Mentorship Course, speaking with admiration for their dedication and high level of engagement.
“I congratulate all the academic staff who have completed the three-week Graduate Supervision and Mentorship Course. Your commitment, hard work, and enthusiasm have been evident throughout the training.”
She described the course as a cornerstone of Makerere’s commitment to strengthening graduate supervision. “This course is a key component in Makerere University’s drive to strengthen the quality of graduate training, research supervision, innovation, and strategic partnerships.”
She highlighted the thematic richness of the training; covering Knowledge Production Perspectives, Supervisory styles, Supervisory meetings and conversation skills, Research Ethics, Intercultural supervision and diversity, Scholarly writing and feedback as well as Examination processes and Doctoral Viva. She expressed gratitude to the Directorate of Graduate Training led by Prof. Kikooma, and to Prof. Ssali for providing leadership that advances graduate training across Makerere University.
General
Makerere University Hosts EU Delegation to Review Institutional Engagement in EU Cooperation Programmes
Makerere University today hosted a delegation of members from the European Union (EU) for a high-level engagement aimed at reviewing the University’s involvement in EU cooperation programmes. The meeting focused on the linkages between the Erasmus+ Programme, Makerere University’s internationalization strategy, and the related institutional management and coordination structures.
The delegation was received by Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic Affairs) Professor Sarah Ssali, provided an overview of how EU cooperation programmes are coordinated across different offices within the University. She highlighted Makerere’s integrated institutional approach to managing EU-funded initiatives, emphasizing collaboration among academic units, administrative offices, and support departments to ensure effective implementation and sustainability of projects.
Prof. Sylivia Antonia Nakimera Nanyonga-Tamusuza presented an overview of how grants are handled at Makerere University, with particular emphasis on the role of the Grants Management and Support (GAMSU) Office. She explained that the office provides end-to-end support for externally funded projects, including proposal development, grant negotiation, compliance, financial accountability, reporting, and capacity building for project teams. The GAMSU Office plays a critical role in ensuring transparency, efficiency, and compliance with donor requirements, including those of the European Union.
The University Secretary, Mr. Yusuf Kiranda, addressed the meeting and outlined how the University’s resources are managed to support academic programmes and international cooperation initiatives. He further explained the role of the Office of the University Secretary in supporting students, including policy oversight, governance, student welfare, administrative coordination, and ensuring that institutional systems effectively support teaching, research, and international partnerships.
Ms. Betty Nabisubi from the International Relations Office (IRO) provided a comprehensive overview of how Erasmus+ programmes are coordinated within her office. She explained that the IRO supports Erasmus students and staff from the time they arrive at Makerere University until their departure. This includes orientation, immigration support, accommodation guidance, academic coordination, cultural integration, and continuous student support. She also highlighted additional services offered by the office, such as partnership development, mobility coordination, and facilitation of international collaborations.
Following the institutional presentations, project representatives were allocated 30 minutes for structured discussions with EU project contact persons. The session began with short presentations focusing on project results, impact, and sustainability, followed by an interactive discussion and question-and-answer session. The representatives presented their projects clearly and confidently, demonstrating strong outcomes and long-term impact aligned with both Makerere University and EU cooperation objectives.
Overall, the engagement was highly productive and fruitful, providing a valuable platform for knowledge sharing, reflection on best practices, and strengthening collaboration between Makerere University and the European Union. The discussions reaffirmed Makerere University’s commitment to effective internationalization, accountable project management, and sustained partnerships under EU cooperation programmes.
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