General
Vice Chancellor Updates Media on Strategic Plan Progress
Published
3 years agoon
By
Mak Editor
The Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe on Thursday 23rd March, 2023 held a press conference to update members of the Media on the progress made in as far as implementing the University’s ten-year strategic plan 2020-2030. The event held in the Council Room, Frank Kalimuzo Central Teaching Facility, was attended by the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic Affairs)-Prof. Umar Kakumba, University Secretary-Mr. Yusuf Kiranda, Academic Registrar-Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi and Dean of Students-Mrs. Winifred Kabumbuli.
Also in attendance were; the Director, Gender Mainstreaming Directorate-Dr. Euzobia Mugisha Baine, Manager Counselling and Guidance Services-Mr. Henry Nsubuga, Director Makerere University Innovations Hub-Dr. Cathy Mbidde, Head, Department of Marketing and Management-Assoc. Prof. Peter K. Turyakira, Head, Department of Environment Management-Assoc. Prof. Justine Namaalwa Jjumba and Principal Public Relations Officer-Ms. Ritah Namisango.
The proceedings of the Press Conference follow below;
1. End of Term of the 88th Students’ Guild
I congratulate the Guild President, H.E. Lawrence Alionzi on a very successful albeit short tenure. The 88th Guild Cabinet introduced the Guild Dialogue Series and student community outreach programmes.
2. Strengthening the Safety and Well-being of Students
Makerere University is cognizant of the increasing concerns and emerging needs of addressing risks and safety for Students, Staff and different stakeholders operating within and outside its campus. It acknowledges that students and staff vary in terms of risks of exposure. The University is also aware that providing a Safe and Conducive environment is critical to ensuring that the Staff, University Programmes and Operations run smoothly and effectively to achieve the strategic mission of the University and contribute to the development of our nation.
As a 21st Century Responsive University, Makerere has purposed and is intentional on enhancing its Safety and Well-being measures as one of the pathways to realize our Strategic Vision 2020-2030.
There are some known Risk areas and likely spaces of occurrence including but not limited to:
- Academic/ Learning Spaces
- Accommodation Spaces (within and outside the University Campus)
- Administrative and Support Services Spaces
- Walk ways and other Public Spaces in the University
- Research, Fieldwork and Internship placement spaces
- Campaigns and election of students’ leadership
- Sports and games competitions, among others.
Mechanisms
The University has increasingly instituted mechanisms to improve safety including among others, Policies, Guidelines and their Implementation Frameworks:
- Policy and Regulations against Sexual Harassment (as amended 2018);
- The Gender Equality Policy, 2009 (as amended);
- The Student Regulations, 2018;
- The Human Resource Manual (as amended 2022);
- Policy on Students with Disabilities, 2014 (under review by Council), among others.
Measures
While several measures have been implemented overtime, Makerere University is committed to Strengthening the Safety and well-being in all these spaces. WHY?
- The University has a clearly stipulated Strategic Direction for 2020-2030 whose achievement heavily relies on a safe and conducive ecosystem.
- To continue providing the Human Right of a Safe Environment to Students and Staff
- A Safe Environment is a pre-requisite for a positive mental health to foster a meaningful Academic Journey (SDG No. 3 and SDG No.4)
- Makerere University as a Thought Leader continues to evolve and improve policies and practices to respond to new and emerging challenges affecting students and staff
- To promote dignity and respect among students and staff
The Journey to Enhance Safety and Well-being Targets the Following:
- Development of Makerere University Safeguarding Policy, through a Co-creation Process Championed by the Deputy Vice Chancellor, Academic Affairs.
- It shall be a Student-Centered Policy: Student Leaders and Representative shall be actively engaged in Risk Mapping and identification of desirable actions
- A Confidential and Responsive Reporting and Management Systems shall be established to enable reporting and managing of incidences.
- All Students (Undergraduate and Graduate) as well as Staff (Academic and Administrative) will be called upon to actively participate in this process of formulating the Policy, and later its implementation, Monitoring and Evaluation.
- The University Partners especially Accommodation Facilities will be key stakeholders in this process.
- Mainstreaming Career Guidance and Mentorship Services at Makerere University (starting with the development of a policy framework and capacity building for certified mentorship allies);
- Strengthening the Communications and Public Affairs Arm of the University
- To monitor media publicity about the Institution and act accordingly
- To protect the Institution’s Brand
- Accreditation of Hostels -Alternative Accommodation spaces for Students
- Established a Hostel Accreditation Committee to engage with the Hostel Owners Association
- Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to be signed between Makerere University and Hostel Owners Association prior to accreditation of Hostels
- Enhancing the Support Services under the Office of Dean of Students
- Established a Grievance Management Desk and appointed a Student Liaison Officer
- A designated point of contact for reporting concerns or incidents.
- Establishment and Operationalization of the Disability Support Center – set up in a phased manner with basic support facilities for students with disabilities.
3. Makerere University Innovations Hub
Introduction
Makerere University has a huge potential for research and innovation which has remained in the University due to lack of support mechanisms. Therefore, Makerere University Innovation Hub was established in August 2022, under Vice Chancellor’s Office as a platform to provide support mechanisms for commercialization of innovations towards sustainable industrialization. The primary beneficiaries are students and staff, while the secondary beneficiaries are government, private sector, community, development partners and civil society.
Current interventions
Since its establishment, the following are the interventions
- Operationalization of the Innovation Hub with space and staff for take-off through development of the strategic plan, guides and mapping key players in the ecosystem.
- UGX 2.7 billion has been allocated to commercialization of innovative projects. 40 projects are going through the process of Intellectual Property Management to commercialize.
- Setting up a state-of-art Innovation Pod with 10 design Labs with support from UNDP.
- Mentoring Future Women Graduates in STEM in Africa with support from Royal Academy of Engineering.
- Creating a platform for Innovative Young Persons with Disabilities in Uganda with support from Royal Academy of Engineering
- Providing advisory services, incubation linkages internal and external stakeholders and space to students and staff.
- Training opportunities to students and community through a) Dream Achiever programme in partnership with Impact Media Consortium, b) Ignite Programme with StartHub Africa, and c) Social Equity Programme with Junior Achievement Uganda.
- International collaborations with a) University of York to support commercialization, capacity building and programme rollout and b) University of Cambridge focusing on Enterprise development programmes for Africa.
The Innovations Hub is located at Makerere University Yusuf Lule Central Teaching Facility.
4. Makerere University introduces Mindset Education Course
Just like any other society that has the desire to grow and develop, Ugandans are seeking change in all aspects of life be it social, political, or economic development. Most underdeveloped countries are facing challenges such as political instability, corruption, poor economic performance, soaring debts, climate vulnerability, etc. all of which are consequences of the inappropriate mindset of the citizens.
Mindset is a set of attitudes or self-perceptions or beliefs people hold about themselves and their abilities. Mindset determines how individuals or groups behave and how they respond to challenging situations. For example, when people believe that the government is responsible for providing them with jobs in order to get a source of income, they are less likely to make an effort to initiate ideas that help them get out of poverty.
In order to establish a change in people’s attitudes, perceptions, or beliefs, Mindset Education has been identified as the remedy to this problem. Mindset Education aims at teaching young people skills on how to respond to the challenges in their everyday lives and to turn challenges into opportunities, building strong minds. It is hoped that the concept of Mind Education will ultimately develop the value of positive thinking that will generate positive attitudes towards work, personal lives and all the other aspects of people’s lives.
It is upon this background that the School of Psychology has developed a course that will be taught to all students admitted to the University, across all academic units on a modular basis. This course will be examined and the results will be included on the academic transcript as an audited course.
Ultimately, we expect this course to promote positive thinking that will generate positive attitudes towards work, build strong minds that will allow our students to overcome life challenges, enhance self-discipline, and inculcate social relationships that nurture respect, compassion, love, and commitment that result in a more fulfilling life.
Mindset Education will be a crosscutting course. The University Management and Senate are involved in the processes to ensure that the University Council and National Council for Higher Education approve the course.
Upon approval, Makerere University will conduct the Mindset Education course in the first semester of the next academic year 2023/2024.
5. Summary Matters Arising from the Question and Answer Session
5.1 Safety of Students with regard to Sexual Harassment
Makerere continues to observe a zero-tolerance policy towards sexual harassment and has transparently outlined disciplinary measures in line with supporting policies. Six staff have been dismissed since 2018 after complaints were filed against them and the cases investigated to conclusion. 30 cases are currently under investigation.
5.2 Accreditation of Hostels and State of Students Halls of Residence
There are more than 70 hostels in the vicinity of the University that accommodate the majority of our students. Whereas the University may not dictate to students where they ought to reside, plans are underway to accredit the facilities. The Dean of Students and Hostel Accreditation Committee are scheduled to meet the Chairperson and Members of the Hostel Owners Association within the coming weeks to discuss the accreditation process.
Maintenance and improvement of infrastructure as well as renovation of Student Halls of Residence is an expensive venture. We therefore thank the Government of Uganda for releasing funds to commence the renovations in a phased approach. We are making every effort to ensure that the renovation of Lumumba Hall commences as soon as possible.
5.3 Patents and Innovations
Several innovations attributed to Makerere University such as the Kiira EV, Vaccines and particularly improved crop varieties continue to improve the livelihoods of the people of Uganda. A lot of research produced by our researchers ought to be commercialized in order to create jobs for our graduates and the youth. Based on the national, continental and global audiences they intend to impact, the 40 projects set to be commercialized under the Makerere University Innovations Hub will undergo Intellectual Property Management procedures with Uganda Registration Services Bureau (URSB), the African Regional Intellectual Property Organization (ARIPO) and the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO).
5.4 Research-led status and Undergraduate student population
The drive to become research-led is a comprehensive process that involves playing a greater role in the knowledge economy, boosting knowledge translation and securing more funds to conduct research. Graduate students play an important role in contributing to the body of knowledge. Therefore, gradually increasing the number of graduate students (at Masters level and PhD) will go in tandem with gradual reduction of undergraduate student numbers in the pathway to becoming research-led. These efforts already got underway with the review of the research and innovations policy as well as related policies.
Makerere will also continue to prioritize knowledge translation through the Schools and research centers. The Infectious Diseases Institute (IDI) under the College of Health Sciences is one such center that has distinguished itself in translating research findings into practice in the field. The University will continue to strengthen and increase its international and local agency partnerships so as to tap into more funding, particularly from the research and development budgets of these agencies.
Furthermore, the University’s greatest resource is our academic staff who continue to conduct research and write grant winning proposals. We thank the Government for committing UGX 30 billion annually towards the Makerere University Research and Innovations Fund (Mak-RIF). The University through other avenues such as Mak Holdings intends to convert the University’s land as well as the Intellectual and other properties to generate additional revenue to finance research.
Initiatives such as fully funded PhD scholarships in Engineering as the result of a partnership between Makerere University and King’s College London under the Association of Research Universities in Africa (ARUA) and the Alliance for African Partnerships (AAP) will be encouraged. These hold the potential to facilitate close working relations with industry in order to build research and innovation ecosystems within universities–including training in commercialization and knowledge transfer.
5.5 Enhancing Students’ Welfare
The University Council has approved the Student Work Scheme policy to enable economically disadvantaged students to access job opportunities that can help them pay for their tuition and other needs. For purposes of inclusivity, the scheme will also cater for students with disability and an office has been established to support the implementation of the policy.
To promote mental health and psychological services for the student community, the Counselling and Guidance Centre has established weekly Graduate Support Sessions for postgraduate students. This has been complemented by the training of 120 Counselling Buddies in partnership with the 88th Students’ Guild, to establish a culture of students looking out for other students’ welfare.
5.6 Requirement for Assistant Lecturers to hold a PhD
The University Council has pronounced itself on the need for Assistant Lecturers to hold a PhD within five (5) years. This continues to be the trend that started in the year 2000 following recommendation by the Mujaju report that each Lecturer should hold a PhD. Although only 15% of academic staff had PhDs then, to date, the figure stands at approximately 75%. All Assistant Lecturers on permanent terms of service who had not yet embarked on their PhD studies were reminded to do so and ensure that they have completed their studies by 31st January 2027. The period given by the University Council is fair, given that the normal duration for a PhD is three to five years. To facilitate this process, the University as the employer accords fully paid study leave as well as tuition waivers to staff who enroll on PhD programs at Makerere.
Contributors: Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe-Vice Chancellor, Assoc. Prof. Umar Kakumba-Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic Affairs), Mr. Yusuf Kiranda-University Secretary, Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi-Academic Registrar, Assoc. Prof. Justine Namaalwa-Program Coordinator of Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program, Dr. Euzobia Mugisha Baine-Director of Gender Mainstreaming, Mrs Winifred Kabumbuli-Dean of Students, Mr. Henry Nsubuga-Manager Counselling and Guidance Centre, Dr. Cathy Mbidde-Director Makerere University Innovations Hub, Dr. Peter Turyakira-Head of Department of Marketing, Ms Ritah Namisango-Principal Public Relations Officer and Dr. Grace Milly Kibanja-Dean, School of Psychology.
Compiled by: Makerere University Public Relations Office
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General
Mak Endowment Fund 3rd Board of Trustees Inaugurated
Published
3 days agoon
October 23, 2025By
Eve Nakyanzi
The 3rd Board of Trustees of the Makerere University Endowment Fund (MakEF) has been officially inaugurated in a ceremony presided over by Mrs. Lorna Magara, Chairperson of the University Council on 23rd October 2025, and moderated by the Secretary to the Board, Mr. Emmanuel Kitamirike
In her address, Mrs. Magara commended the outgoing board, led by Dr. Margaret J. Kigozi, for their remarkable stewardship that saw the Fund grow from UGX 8.66 billion in 2021 to UGX 14.54 billion in 2025. She underscored the Endowment Fund’s vital role in ensuring the University’s financial sustainability amidst fluctuating public funding, reaffirming the Council’s commitment to providing policy and institutional support. Mrs. Magara further urged the incoming Board to uphold transparency, strengthen alumni engagement, and pursue innovative investment strategies to expand the Fund’s impact as Makerere continues to build for the future.

Board composition
The newly inaugurated 3rd Board of Trustees (2025–2029) brings together a team of distinguished professionals whose expertise spans business, academia, finance, governance, and social advocacy. Notably, some members have been reappointed in recognition of their exceptional service and contribution to the Fund’s growth during the previous term. The Board is chaired by Dr. Margaret J. Kigozi, a seasoned business leader and former Executive Director of the Uganda Investment Authority (UIA). She is joined by accomplished members including Ms. Jennifer Mwijukye, CEO and founder of Unifreight Cargo Handling Limited; Mr. Ninsiima John Chris, Director of Programmes at NUDIPU and member of the Makerere University Council; Mr. Kenneth Mugambe, former Director of Budget at the Ministry of Finance; Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi, Makerere University’s Academic Registrar and Professor of Forestry Resource Economics; and Mr. Sam Ayesiga, a governance and investment expert with vast experience across Africa. Their diverse backgrounds and renewed commitment are expected to steer the Fund toward even greater stability, innovation, and impact in the years ahead.
Representing the Vice Chancellor, Deputy Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, Prof. Sarah Ssali, commended the outgoing Board of Trustees of the Makerere University Endowment Fund for their exceptional service marked by growth, innovation, and accountability. She noted that the growth of the fund to UGX 14 billion is a clear testament to strategic vision, prudent management, and confidence in Makerere University’s long-term sustainability. Prof. Ssali praised the Board for initiatives that have united thousands of alumni, staff, and partners, notably through the Makerere Run, which has supported disability inclusion and empowerment.

She also recognized the introduction of the MakAdvance digital platform as a milestone in promoting efficiency and transparency. She welcomed the incoming Board, and challenged the new team to grow the Fund beyond UGX 25 billion through deeper engagement, innovative fundraising, and stronger partnerships. She reaffirmed Management’s commitment to supporting the Fund within robust governance frameworks that inspire stakeholder confidence, emphasizing the shared vision of building a financially resilient Makerere University.
During the handover ceremony, Dr. Margaret J. Kigozi, the Chairperson, reflected on the remarkable progress achieved under the 2021–2025 term, noting the Fund’s growth from UGX 8.66 billion to UGX 14.54 billion — a 68% increase despite global economic challenges. She highlighted key milestones including the institutionalization of the Makerere Run, establishment of the Makerere Gift and Souvenir Shop, launch of The Legacy e-newsletter, and the creation of the Jawaher Fund for the Advancement of Women’s Education, supported by NAMA Establishment in the UAE. Dr. Kigozi expressed gratitude to the outgoing Trustees and reaffirmed her commitment, alongside the new Board, to advance transformative projects such as the construction of the Makerere University Students’ Centre and development of the Makindye land. She emphasized that the Fund’s goal remains to build a financially sustainable Makerere University capable of supporting innovation, research, and academic excellence for generations to come.

At the inauguration, the Deputy Vice Chancellor in charge of Finance and Administration, Prof. Winston Tumps Ireeta underscored the Fund’s central role in ensuring Makerere’s financial sustainability and institutional legacy. He described the Endowment Fund as a cornerstone of the University’s vision—an instrument through which Makerere secures its future, strengthens its independence, and sustains strategic investments in teaching, research, and innovation. He extended heartfelt appreciation to the outgoing Board, chaired by Dr. Margaret J. Kigozi, for their dedicated service and strong leadership that fortified the Fund’s governance, fundraising, and asset management.
Welcoming the new Board, he congratulated the members on their appointment and urged them to continue expanding and mobilizing resources with integrity and innovation. He reaffirmed his office’s commitment to providing administrative and financial support to ensure that the Fund thrives beyond annual budgetary constraints, contributing meaningfully to Makerere’s vision of becoming a research-led, financially resilient, and globally respected institution.
The Makerere University Endowment Fund (MakEF) was established to secure the University’s financial sustainability by mobilizing, investing, and managing resources to support its core functions of teaching, research, and innovation. Originating from donations made as early as the 1930s, the Fund has evolved into a strategic vehicle that aims to reduce dependence on public funding. It is governed by a Board of Trustees appointed by the University Council, responsible for overseeing investments and resource mobilization. Through initiatives like alumni engagement, digital giving, and events such as the Makerere Run, the Fund continues to grow and strengthen Makerere’s vision of being a research-led and financially resilient institution.
The Makerere University Retirement Benefits Scheme (MURBS) Board of Trustees on 23rd October 2025 during the 15th Annual General Meeting declared an interest on 13.56% on Members balances for the Financial Year 2024/2025. Held in the Main Hall for the first time since the Main Building’s reconstruction, the AGM was a chance for the Board of Trustees led by Dr. Michael Kizito to showcase the dedication, strategic initiatives and resilience that had enabled the fund to grow by 16.2% from UGX 409.2 billion as at 30th June 2024 to UGX 475.5 billion as at 30th June 2025.
MURBS asset classes and contributions
Some of these strategic initiatives included investing 86.4% of MURBS’ portfolio in long-term Ugandan Government Bonds. This decision was in line with the Uganda Retirement Benefits Regulatory Authority (URBRA)’s approved waiver, allowing investment of up to 90% in this asset class. Investments in other asset classes included Unit Trusts (10.3%), Real Estate (3.19%), as well as Equities and Fixed Deposits at 0.08% each.
Additional contributors to the fund growth included the remittances from the Sponsor, Makerere University, which grew by 6.4% from UGX 34.4 billion to UGX 36.6 billion. Of particular significance were remittances from staff on projects amounting to UGX 4.59 billion, attracting the Chairperson’s commendation.
“MURBS Trustees appreciate the Sponsor’s compliance and are grateful for the engagements so far to settle historical debts” enthused Dr. Kizito, before adding “We equally recognize Principal Investigators, Accountants and College Principals who remitted to MURBS retirement contributions for their staff on contract and under different projects.” Thirteen new projects were registered by MURBS during the last quarter of FY 2024/2025, bringing the total number of projects remitting staff benefits to the Scheme to 174.

Membership and savings
As such, the number of MURBS Members actively contributing to the scheme grew from 3,137 last year to 3,368 as at 30th June 2025. Of these, the majority i.e. 1,648 (48.93%) had savings below UGX 50 million, followed by 524 (15.56%) with savings between UGX 500 and 550 million. The minority i.e. 1 (0.03%) member has the highest savings between UGX 650 and 700 million, followed by 2 (0.06%) with savings between UGX 600 and 650 million.
Retirement of staff is a normal practice and as such, MURBS paid benefits worth UGX 21.7 billion last financial year. As alarming as this figure was, the Chairperson reassured members that the rise in benefits paid is a normal trend “because it corresponds to rise in the value of individual holdings for members.
“Our retirement benefits packages now include partial withdrawals after retirement, annuity arrangement with reputable industry partners, and Mid-Term Access,” explained Dr. Kizito.
Milestones registered
MURBS registered a number of achievements during the last financial year in its bid to ensure transformative growth. These included completion of a benchmarking process that will see the procurement and introduction of a modern Management Information System (MIS) to strengthen operational efficiency. The Chairperson equally announced that the MURBS Mobile App had been developed and is ready for deployment. The App, he added, will “dramatically enhance the member experience by offering instant access to benefit calculators, account information, and real-time statements.”

Other milestones highlighted by Dr. Kizito included the implementation of Document Management System (DMS) for efficient records management, and the acquisition of new office premises to accommodate the scheme’s growth and offer more member-focused services. On this note, the Chairperson appreciated the Makerere University Council and Management for their support in ensuring that MURBS continues to deliver “an enabling environment that promotes productivity, accessibility, and efficiency for both members and staff.”
Sector Regulator applauds MURBS Trustees
Speaking on behalf of URBRA, Mr. Mark Lotukei commended MURBS Trustees on leveraging sector rules to ensure that members receive the best return on investment for their benefits. “From this year’s presentation, your funds were invested more than 80% in government securities, which shows that your trustees were proactive enough to take advantage of shifts in the marketplace” he commended.
Mr. Lotukei urged MURBS members to use the platform provided by the AGM to not only question the Trustees decisions but also improve their own awareness of how scheme business is conducted. He equally encouraged members to make the most of the regular free online trainings provided by URBRA. “Those two hours could change a lot in terms of enabling you to plan better for your retirement”.
A pledge to continue delivering value
True to Mr. Lotukei’s encouragement, the AGM was concluded with a lively question and answer session, where members thoroughly probed the Trustees on various issues presented in the annual report. In addition to the Chairperson, other Trustees namely; the Board Secretary – CPA Francesca Angida Mugyema and Members – Mr. Joseph Ikarokok, Dr. Elizabeth Nansubuga, Mr. George Bamugemereire, and CPA Edna Rugumayo were on hand to provide responses, while Trustee Dr. Deus Kamunyu Muhwezi moderated the session.

In addition to Trustees, the Board’s co-opted experts include; CPA David Ssenoga, Dr. Saul Nsubuga, Mr. Alan Lwetabe, and Mr. Paul Kuteesa. The Board of Trustees is supported in the daily running of Scheme business by the Secretariat that is made up of; Ms. Susan Khaitsa, Ms. Juliet Nabukeera, Ms. Julian Marembo, Mr. Marvin Kakumba, Ms. Rhonah Asingwiire, Ms. Rebecca Nairuba, and Ms. Doreen Namono.
In closing, the Chairperson reassured Members of the MURBS’ Trustees unwavering commitment to continue focusing on optimizing operations, enhancing revenue streams through alternative investments, and delivering value to stakeholders.
General
First Deputy Vice Chancellor Prof. Sarah Ssali courtesy visit to MakPress
Published
5 days agoon
October 21, 2025By
Eve Nakyanzi
As part of her efforts to familiarize herself with the offices under her docket, the newly appointed First Deputy Vice Chancellor in charge of Academic Affairs, Prof. Sarah Ssali, has embarked on a series of visits to different units that report to her office. One of these is the Makerere University Press (MakPress), which she visited today on 21st of October 2025, on a courtesy call. She was received by the Managing Editor for MakPress, Dr. William Tayeebwa, a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Journalism and Communication at the College of Humanities and Social Sciences. Previously, MakPress operated jointly with the Directorate of Graduate Training (DGT) and the Directorate of Research, Innovations and Partnerships (DRIP) before becoming a standalone entity. Accompanying Prof. Ssali on this visit were Prof. Julius Kikooma, the Director of DGT, and Mr. Mathias Ssemanda, the Acting Manager of the International Relations Office.

During her visit to MakPress, Prof. Sarah Ssali commended the Unit for its progress and partnerships while emphasizing the need to strengthen collaboration with key institutions such as the National Curriculum Development Centre (NCDC), the Ministry of Education and Sports, and other universities. She encouraged the Press to explore practical working models, including leveraging external expertise and streamlining its printing processes to enhance efficiency. Prof. Ssali also highlighted the importance of safeguarding intellectual property, ensuring fair contractual terms with partners, and maintaining transparency in publishing agreements. She advised that Makerere University Press should position itself strategically by producing high-quality academic materials that serve both national and international audiences. Additionally, she urged the team to adopt a more consistent publication schedule—launching books quarterly or biannually—and to organize events where authors can engage directly with readers, scholars, and policymakers. Prof. Ssali reaffirmed the administration’s support toward building a stronger, more vibrant university press that effectively contributes to research dissemination, academic dialogue, and national development.

During the courtesy visit, Dr. William Tayeebwa highlighted the milestones and ongoing projects at the Press. He spoke about the growing partnerships with institutions such as the University of Chicago Press, the University of California Press, and the African Books Collective, which have enhanced both local and international visibility of Makerere’s publications. “Why make a university press when you have Makerere University Press”, Dr. Tayeebwa said urging public universities to utilize MakPress. Dr. Tayeebwa also shared that the Press has republished several titles, launched new book projects, and developed a digital platform that enables readers to access and purchase books online. However, he pointed out a number of challenges affecting the Press’s operations, including inadequate funding, limited printing capacity at the university printery, and delays that often affect the timely release of publications. He further noted the difficulty of accessing generated funds due to bureaucratic procedures, space and infrastructure limitations, and the continued confusion between the roles of the Press and the printery. Despite these challenges, Dr. Tayeebwa reaffirmed the commitment of his team to strengthen Makerere University Press as a central pillar in advancing research dissemination and academic publishing.

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