The Deputy Speaker of Parliament-Rt. Hon. Thomas Tayebwa (5th Right) flanked by the DVCFA-Prof. Henry Alinaitwe (4th Right) and Principal SoL-Prof. Ronald Naluwairo (5th Left) and other officials at the launch of the HURIPEC Report on 26th April 2023, Kampala Uganda. Photo Twitter: @Thomas_Tayebwa
The Human Rights and Peace Centre (HURIPEC), School of Law (SoL), Makerere University launched its report analysing transparency and accountability concerns over the management and oversight of Covid19 funds in Uganda; the report is a result of a one-year research initiative by the centre. Rt. Hon. Thomas Tayebwa, Deputy Speaker of Parliament of Uganda was the Chief Guest at the event held on the 26th April, 2023 at Imperial Royale Hotel, Kampala-Uganda.
In his welcome remarks, Dr. Busingye Kabumba, Director – HURIPEC welcomed participants to the launch. He said, ‘this is a special time for HURIPEC as we celebrate 30-years of existence’; he applauded the team headed by Dr. Zahara for the exciting report that is being launched which illustrates cause and effect of corruption as well as the importance of engaging citizens. Dr. Busingye noted that the report comes at a time where we are in the midst of another scandal i.e., the Iron Sheets for Karamoja which were diverted.
Dr. Zahara Nampewo, Deputy Principal-SoL who was the Principal Investigator (PI) of the research presented highlights of the report. She explained that the academic-led research initiative was intended to enhance citizen engagement in promoting transparency and accountability in public expenditure. The initiative was also aimed at stimulating Parliament to oversee the use of public resources in times of crisis. She thanked Open Society, East Africa who funded the research.
Dr. Nampewo said, ‘the report focuses on institutional oversight of both state and non-state actors in management of Covid19 funds focusing on the importance of transparency and accountability in managing public emergencies’. Some of the report findings include:
While Uganda has elaborate statutory instruments for oversight, the national response framework for Covid19 dealt with multiple challenges like lack of transparency, ambiguities in procurement to accountability deficits.
The rising need for transparency and accountability initiatives for Covid19 funds reflects limitations of institutional mechanisms to make government accountable for use and management of resources for health emergencies.
Uganda government’s response to Covid19 has been overshadowed by instances of waste, mismanagement, and blatant corruption.
Issues like delayed disbursements, unlawful procurement, political use of monetary and other reliefs, diversion of funds, and information deficits have led many districts to deal of pandemics in their own ways in spite of the many guidelines.
Dr. Nampewo added that lessons from the Covid19 pandemic should be viewed as an opportunity to learn and adopt concrete measures for dealing with health and other related emergencies. Some recommendations from the report include:
Establish a Comprehensive Crisis Response Framework by government that helps to identify, assess, control risks and review crisis response mechanisms.
Development of simplified set of procurement guidelines for use during crisis.
Operationalisation of a Contingencies Fund by government to support a faster and swift response in times of crisis.
In his remarks, Rt. Hon. Thomas Tayebwa commended HURIPEC and School of Law for the work that they do in protecting human rights of the people. Hon. Tayebwa who is an alumnus of SoL expressed his happiness to be back and excited to receive the recommendations of the report. The Deputy Speaker applauded the groundbreaking work and noted that this particular report is important because it is a useful contribution when Parliament reviews the Auditor General’s forensic audit of Covid19 expenditure.
Hon. Tayebwa further said, ‘Parliament is ready to work with CSOs, researchers and academicians in understanding national issues better. This is because as observers they are in position to offer critical and objective analysis than executive or legislature who are implementors’. He noted that absence of transparency and accountability by government institutions affects Uganda’s strategy to reach middle income status.
The Deputy Speaker highlighted Section 26 of the Public Finance Management Act, 2015 as amended which defines establishment of a Contingency Fund (0.5% of National Budget) advising that it should be implemented. This would guard against emergency expenditures which are abused. He also called for value-for-money audits beside the process audits which are undertaken.
Professor Henry Alinaitwe, Deputy Vice Chancellor – Finance & Administration, Makerere University represented the Vice Chancellor; he thanked the Deputy Speaker for making the time to attend the launch. He thanked HURIPEC and SoL for the work that they do which keeps the Makerere University flag high and offer solutions to national development challenges.
A panel discussion of the report moderated by Professor Joe Oloka-Onyango with panelists Hon. Wandera-Ogalo and Hon. Dicksons Kateshumbwa was held to review the findings and recommendations of the report.
Some of the issues arising from the panel discussion and contributions from the audience included:
Funds will never be enough; however, government commitment is handling priorities is a key consideration
Appreciation of the work by HURIPEC in producing the report
Question about the powers of the presidency
Conflict of interest in the Attorney General serving as advisor to executive and legislature
Role of social media and citizen journalism has created visibility for issues affecting the population
The meeting was closed by Professor Ronald Naluwairo, Principal-SoL. He thanked the participants for honoring the invitation by HURIPEC, SoL to attend the launch and for the lively discussion held. He also expressed the pride that SoL and Makerere have in observing the work by Hon. Tayebwa in Parliament as an alumnus of Makerere University and SoL. The Principal also applauded Dr. Zahara and team for the good work in producing the report.
Professor Naluwairo said, ‘beside teaching of the law, the mandate of SoL includes cutting edge research on national issues, this report is an example of our work’. The Principal highlighted the role that SoL plays in convening stakeholders to discuss issues affecting the population including controversial ones. He expressed the commitment of SoL in continuing to provide a civic space for the discourse.
The Academic Registrar Makerere University announces that the Pre-Entry Examination for admission to the Bachelor of Laws for 2026/2027 will be held on Saturday 18th April, 2026 from 9:00 a. m. – 12:00 noon.
To be eligible to sit the Pre-Entry Examination for admission to the Bachelor of Laws for 2026/2027, Applicants must possess the minimum admission requirements of the University, and any one of the following specific requirements:
i) `A’ Level leavers: Must hold an ‘O’ Level Certificate (UCE) or its equivalent with at least 5 Passes plus ‘A’ Level Certificate (UACE) or its equivalent having obtained a minimum of 13 points (Males) and 12 points (for Females) in any ‘A’ Level combination for both Humanities and Sciences. Candidates who did ‘A’ Level before 2013 should have 15 and 14 points for male and female applicants respectively.
ii) Diploma Holders: Must possess at least a 2nd Class or Credit Diploma from a recognised institution. Certified Copies of Diploma Transcripts (No Provisional Results) from the Awarding Institutions must be attached to the Application Forms.
iii) Mature Age Applicants: Must have passed the Makerere University Mature Age Entry Examination (for Bachelor of Laws) for December 14, 2024, and December 13, 2025.
iv) Degree Holders: Must be graduates in any Discipline from a Chartered University. Certified Copies of Degree Transcripts (No Provisional Results) from the Awarding Institutions must be attached to the Application Forms. (Degree holders are not eligible for government sponsorship)
NOTE
All Applicants wishing to be admitted to the Bachelor of Laws programme offered by Makerere University are required to sit and pass the Pre-entry Examination of Makerere University.
All Applicants interested in government sponsorship must have applied for Bachelor of Laws government (LAW) by filling in the government application form. “A” level / direct entry Applicants interested in private sponsorship for Bachelor of Laws day (LAW), and afternoon (LAA) for 2026/2027 academic year should apply afresh for admission when the Makerere University advert comes out in April 2026.
All Diploma Holders interested in government sponsorship must have applied for Bachelor of Laws by March 13, 2026.
All Degree and Diploma Holders interested in private sponsorship for Bachelor of Laws day (LAW), and afternoon (LAA) must / should have applied by March 13, 2026.
All Applicants who hold diplomas and degrees must present /attach a (pdf format) of a scanned certified copy of the academic transcript. Provisional results shall not be accepted to register for this pre-entry examination.
Applicants should note that admission is based on performance in the pre-entry examination and that there are specific intake capacities for private day, and private afternoon for all categories, namely, ‘A’ level, Diploma Holder, Mature Age, Degree Holder and International Applicants. Details of available slots for each category can be accessed at the university website.
All Applicants must attach a pdf format of scanned copies of their original academic documents, original identification documents (“A” level former school IDs, the rest should have valid IDs), and the most recent coloured passport size photograph with a white background as shall be specified on the online application portal.
Each Applicant must without fail avail his/her e-mail address and an active mobile phone number that will be used to reach out to her/him after the submission of his/her application. Applicants are encouraged to regularly check with the e-mail address/mobile phone number availed/application account (portal) for any future communication/information about their application(s).
Do not give the contact information of other persons who help you to apply.
All Applicants with visual impairment are advised to come with laptops installed with a computer brail programme which they will use to write/sit for their pre – entry examination. The Applicants will be directed to their allocated examination venue from the Examination Coordination Venue (LLT 1A) COCIS BLOCK B when they report.
Please note the following.
Cases of IMPERSONATION, FALSIFICATION OF INFORMATION / DOCUMENTS, FRAUDULENT ACCESS OR GIVING FALSE/INCOMPLETE INFORMATION, whenever discovered, either at sitting examination/s, at registration or afterwards, will lead to AUTOMATIC CANCELLATION OF RESULTS, ADMISSION, REVOCATION OF AWARD where applicable and prosecution in the Courts Of Law.
All Applicants SHALL NOT BE PERMITTED to present/use any kind of/type of SMART GADGETS (Mobile phones, scientific calculators, smart watches) in the examination venue(s) and during the duration of the examination. Any applicant found with any type/kind of SMART GADGET shall have his/her examination automatically cancelled and/or will lead to the automatic cancellation of his / her results.
All applicants sitting this examination shall be required to present a most recent coloured passport size photograph with a white background.
Other relevant information can be obtained from undergraduate mature age office, level 5, Room 505, Senate Building, Makerere University or can be accessed from https://see.mak.ac.ug/ and/or send an e-mail to see@mak.ac.ug
A non-refundable application fee of UGX 110,000/= for Ugandans, East Africans, and refugee applicants or USD $75 or equivalent for international applicants, plus bank charges should be paid in any of the banks used by Uganda Revenue Authority.
All applications shall be made online on https://see.mak.ac.ug. The online application portal user guide is provided below.
2- MAKERERE UNIVERSITY ONLINE APPLICATION PORTAL USER GUIDE
Applicants should access the Institution’s Bachelor of Laws Pre-Entry Examination Applications URL: https://see.mak.ac.ug/
Signup using your official full name, e-mail and Mobile No. Please note that your name must be similar to the one on your supporting birth certificate and academic documents for your application to be considered valid. If you changed your name (s) please go to Senate Building Office 505 with a Deed Poll supporting the name change.
An OTP (One Time 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.
After signing up, proceed to generate a Payment Reference Number (PRN) before filling out the application form.
Generating Payment Reference Number (PRN) and Payment
Generate PRN: After signing up follow instructions to obtain your Payment Reference Number (PRN).
Payment: Make the required payment through your mobile money or chosen bank using the PRN.
To pay via the bank.
Present your PRN
To pay via Mobile Money.
Pay with Airtel Money
Dial *185#, then select:
Option 4: Pay Bill
Option 7: URA
Option 1: Pay Registered
Enter the PRN/PTN number you wish to pay for and follow prompts.
Pay with MTN Mobile Money
Dial *165#, then select:
Option 4: Payments
Option 5: Fees and Taxes
Option 1: URA
Option 1: With PRN Payments
Please enter your payment registration number (PRN) then follow prompts.
The closing date for submitting the completed online Application Forms is Sunday 12th April, 2026.
The Pre-Entry Examination shall cover the following areas:
Reading and Comprehension Skills
Language Skills
Numerical Skills and Logic
General Knowledge
Analytical Writing Skills
Further details may be obtained by sending e-mail to see@mak.ac.ug
NB: THERE IS NO COACHING FOR THIS EXAMINATION. DO NOT WASTE MONEY ON THOSE WHO ADVERTISE THEMSELVES AS OFFERING PREPARATION MATERIALS AND BRIEFINGS
The School of Law (SoL) presented a total of 362 graduands for conferment of degrees on Day 1 of the 76th Graduation Ceremony of Makerere University. The graduands included 3 Doctor of Laws (LLD), 71 Master of Laws (LLM) and 288 Bachelor of Laws (LLB).
SoL Dean, Staff and Graduands.
Doctor of Laws were awarded to Lydia Namateefu Kisekka, Oscar Kambona and Aimé Fidèle Ndayishimiye. Master of Laws were awarded to 26 female and 45 male while the Bachelor of Laws awardees were 124 female and 164 male.
Nuwamanya Raymond Jerry.
Nuwamanya Raymond Jerry and Aijuka Allan attained first class degrees for the LLB with CGPA of 4.42 and 4.41 respectively.
For Day 1, School of Law, College of Education and External Studies, College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences and College of Computing and Information Sciences presented graduands for conferment of degrees and award of diplomas. The 76th Graduation Ceremony of Makerere University will continue till Friday 27th February 2026.
Aijuka Allan.
Speaking to the congregation, Professor Barnabas Nawangwe – Vice Chancellor, Makerere University welcomed everyone to Makerere University’s 76th Graduation. He congratulated the 9,295 graduands comprising 4,262 (46%) female graduates and 5,033 (54%) male graduands who will be awarded degrees and diplomas through the graduation week; 213 graduands are PhD recipients. He commended the efforts of staff, parents, and sponsors in supporting the students’ journeys.
The Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe delivering his remarks.
In his remarks, Professor Nawangwe praised the milestones of Makerere’s Colleges and Schools, highlighting the School of Law as a distinguished centre of academic excellence in legal education, training and scholarship. ‘In the 2025, pre-entry examinations for the Law Development Centre post-graduate bar course, 94% of our students who sat the exams, passed and were admitted. The performance reflects not only the intellectual caliber of our students, but also the School’s rigorous curriculum and commitment of the faculty’, he noted.
LLM Graduands.
The Vice Chancellor congratulated the School of Law and student teams that excelled at the Phillip C. Jessup Moot Competition and Boston International Innovation Moot; the teams will represent Uganda at international rounds of the competitions due to take place in Washington DC, USA and Vienna, Austria respectively later in the year. Professor Nawangwe said, ‘The accomplishments reinforces the School’s growing reputation as a leader in mooting, legal research and scholarship. The students’ performances exhibit excellent advocacy skills as well as deep analytical skills in public international law and team work’.
Dr. Oscar Kambona (L), Dr. Lydia Namateefu Kisekka (C), and Dr. Aimé Fidèle Ndayishimiye (R), LLD Graduands, Mak SoL.
Prof. Nawangwe reiterated the University’s transformation to a research-led institution expressing appreciation to the Government of Uganda for providing critical resources supporting more than 1,400 high-impact research and innovation projects. He highlighted some of the on-going projects at various colleges which have empowered researchers and innovators to deepen Makerere University’s contribution to national development priorities. Mentioned projects included: “Healthy Soy” initiative to combat child malnutrition amid climate change; Scaled innovative cocoa fermentation technology, with over 70% adoption among farmers in major cocoa-producing districts; fully digital Public Universities Joint Admissions (PUJAB) process via ACMIS, cutting admissions costs by over 50% among others.
The Principal SoL, Prof. Naluwairo congratulating Aijuka Allan upon successful completion.
Addressing graduands, Professor Nawangwe encouraged them to embrace entrepreneurship, uphold integrity, and serve society with distinction. Graduates were also invited to participate in the upcoming Makerere University Careers Fair scheduled for March 11–13, 2026, to facilitate transition into the workplace. ‘As you leave the gates of Makerere, always be proud of your Alma Mater and be good ambassadors wherever you’, he urged the graduates.
Professor Nicholas Ozor, the Executive Director of the African Technology Policy Studies Network (ATPS), Nairobi-Kenya.
Professor Nicholas Ozor, the Executive Director of the African Technology Policy Studies Network (ATPS), Nairobi-Kenya delivered the commencement speech on Day 1 of the graduation. He advised the graduands that ‘beyond your disciplines, character will outlive your certificate, your integrity will open doors your degree cannot, your humility will teach you lessons success never will, your resilience will matter more than your grades, and you will fail at times but let failure refine you—not define you’.
SoL Staff and Graduands.
He encouraged the graduands to remember five principles: Embrace lifelong learning, the world changes too fast for static knowledge; Choose purpose over comfort, impact matters more than income; Build character before career, skills get you hired, character sustains you; Serve something larger than yourself, give back to your communities and your country; and believe in Africa—and act, do not wait for solutions from elsewhere, be the solution.
To the Parents and Guardians, Professor Ozor said, ‘Today, you graduate too, your sacrifices—financial, emotional, and spiritual—are written into every certificate awarded. Thank you for believing when it was difficult, for supporting when it was inconvenient, and for hoping when the future seemed uncertain’.
Delivering a speech on behalf of the First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Janet Kataaha Museveni, the State Minister for Primary Education, Hon. Dr. Joyce Moriku Kaducu, said the Government had deliberately deepened investment in higher education to position universities as drivers of national development.
Mak Staff during the Procession.
Hon. Kaducu described the establishment of the Makerere University Research and Innovation Fund (RIF) as a major milestone, noting that it supports high-impact research aligned to national priorities and has enabled thousands of researchers to deliver practical solutions benefiting communities across Uganda. She also highlighted Parliament’s approval of a 162 million US dollar concessional loan from the Korea EXIM Bank to upgrade science, technology and innovation infrastructure at Makerere University, including modern laboratories, smart classrooms and advanced facilities for engineering and health sciences, to better prepare students for the Fourth Industrial Revolution.
The minister announced plans to construct a national stadium at Makerere and other higher education institutions to promote sports development and talent identification. She reiterated the directive for all universities to fully implement Competence-Based Education and Training by July 2027, urging Makerere to lead curriculum reform, staff training and infrastructure development while ensuring satellite campuses meet full accreditation and uphold academic standards, transparency and accountability.
SoL LLD Graduands.
Addressing graduates, Hon. Kaducu encouraged them to become job creators in sectors such as agriculture, infrastructure, healthcare and education, and to leverage opportunities like the Parish Development Model for entrepreneurship. She commended Makerere’s leadership and partners and congratulated the Class of 2026 on their achievement.
In his address to the congregation, Dr. Chrispus Kiyonga – Chancellor, Makerere University congratulated graduands upon making it to the 76th Graduation Ceremony of Makerere University. He described their achievement as a milestone in both personal growth and national development, urging them to apply their knowledge creatively to benefit society. He acknowledged the contribution of academic staff, administrators, the University Council, and expressed gratitude to the Government of Uganda and President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni for continued support.
SoL LLM Graduands.
Dr. Kiyonga called on the university community to strengthen research, expand private sector partnerships, and leverage technology to address Uganda’s development challenges. Emphasising research as central to national progress, Dr. Kiyonga noted the Government’s UGX 30 billion investment annually in the Makerere University Research and Innovations Fund (MakRIF) and praised the Science, Technology and Innovation Secretariat, Office of the President for supporting initiatives at the University advancing homegrown solutions to national challenges. He also highlighted a strengthened partnership with the Korean government, securing a USD 162 million loan from the Korea Exim Bank to boost infrastructure and staff capacity.
SoL LLB Graduands.
While acknowledging limited formal employment opportunities, he encouraged graduates to innovate and create jobs. He further commended the university’s digitalization efforts and outlined four priorities: increased research funding, private sector collaboration, community engagement, and effective use of technology. During the 76th graduation ceremony running from the 24th -27th February, 2026, a total of 9,295 graduands will be awarded degrees and diplomas in various disciplines. Of these, 213 will receive PhDs, 2,503 Masters Degrees, 206 postgraduate Diplomas, 6,343 Bachelor’s Degrees and 30 Diplomas. 46% of the graduands are female and 54% are male.
The Management of Makerere University School of Law (SoL) has noted with concern a communication circulating regarding a purported Bachelor of Laws (LLB) programme pre-entry examination coaching and training scheduled to commence on 5th January 2026 at SoL Main Building.
No such training has been approved, sanctioned, or authorized by the School of Law. The SoL does not and will never conduct such trainings. The individuals behind the advert are fraudsters. You contact them at your own risk.