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Strengthening Research Administration at Makerere University College of Health Sciences, School of Public Health

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3 years ago

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MakSPH Senior Grant Administrator, Ms. Susan Mawemuko (Centre) with officials at George Washington University (GWU), Washington, D.C. during the one-week, in-person training program in November 2022. Photo: MakSPH
MakSPH Senior Grant Administrator, Ms. Susan Mawemuko (Centre) with officials at George Washington University (GWU), Washington, D.C. during the one-week, in-person training program in November 2022. Photo: MakSPH

By Stella Kakeeto

In 2021, the National Institutes of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIH/NIAID) awarded Makerere University College of Health Sciences, School of Public Health (MakCHS, SPH) a grant for 18 months, aimed to make our university better at managing NIH Grant Awards. We’re thrilled to tell you about what we’ve done and the great things we’ve achieved.

Four experienced administrators from MakCHS, SPH took part in two intensive training sessions focused on managing grants at our partner institution, George Washington University (GWU), located in Washington, D.C. This choice was deliberate, as GWU is well-versed in handling a large number of NIH grants, making them experts in this field. Even the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic couldn’t slow down our progress. The first training, held virtually from July to November 2021, formed the bedrock of our understanding of NIH grants administration principles and best practices. Through this online format, we were able to involve five junior administrators, making a total of nine individuals who benefited from the program. 

About the Strengthening Makerere University's Research Administration Capacity for efficient management of NIH Grant Awards (SMAC) Project.
About the Strengthening Makerere University’s Research Administration Capacity for efficient management of NIH Grant Awards (SMAC) Project.

Our commitment to excellence did not stop at GWU. Eight MakCHS, SPH administrators participated in specialized trainings organized by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) in May and December 2021. These tailored sessions further solidified their grasp on program funding and grants administration, strengthening their expertise to navigate the complexities of NIAID/NIH grants with finesse.

The journey towards mastery continued with four MakCHS, SPH administrators attending the NIH virtual seminar on program funding in November 2021, followed by the NIH virtual Grants conference in February 2023. These specialized engagements honed their skills in grant proposal development, financial management, monitoring, and ethical considerations, painting them as truly empowered Institutional Grants Management Leaders.

The robust staff training and mentorship plan developed became the bedrock for illuminating NIH funding policies and regulations, nurturing a deep understanding among grants administrators and research investigators. Seventy-two junior administrators from MakCHS, SPH along with 28 from the East African region, engaged in 20 virtual training sessions. The success of this endeavor materialized through the Research Administrator Buddy Mentorship Program and RA Community of Practice, fostering collaboration and peer support networks that transcended borders. 

These strides have translated into remarkable success stories. Our senior administrators led the charge in submitting 12 NIH prime grant applications, with more than half of them receiving favorable reviews from NIH. This achievement stands as a significant milestone for MakCHS, SPH reflecting our growing expertise and impact.

Additionally, we’re proud to highlight the substantial support we extended to three mentees, enabling them to secure Fellowships at George Washington University through the University research administration program of IREX, funded by the Carnegie Foundation. This initiative not only underscores our commitment to continuous professional development but also serves as a testament to our dedication to global collaboration. 

SMAC mentees at George Washington University.
SMAC mentees at George Washington University.

Furthering our impact, our grant award (1G11AI160669-01) has been recognized as a model application on the official NIAID website. This acknowledgment has considerably elevated the visibility of our project activities and investigators. It has sparked interest and paved the way for collaboration and partnership opportunities, positioning our proposal as a source of inspiration and guidance for researchers and grant applicants.

The culmination of our efforts will be pronounced at the upcoming 2023 SRAI Conference in Seattle, Washington. During this event, the Principal Investigator of the SMAC Project Ms. Stella Kakeeto will be honored with the esteemed “Future of the Field” recognition, which prestigious accolade serves as a testament to the significance of our work in propelling knowledge and practices within the grants administration community. It also signifies the influential role our senior administrators have played in shaping the future of grants administration practices on a global scale. 

Congratulatory Message - Stella Kakeeto
Congratulatory Message – Stella Kakeeto

With these remarkable achievements as our foundation, we eagerly anticipate harnessing their power as we forge ahead, building an even brighter future for MakCHS, SPH and its contributions to the world of research administration.

Many thanks to our Project Advisory Committee led by Professor David Serwadda and our collaborators from GWU led by Dr. Paul Ndebele, along with the support of Professors Rhoda Wanyenze and Damalie Nakanjako, and Dr. David Musoke. A special thanks to Dr. LeShawndra Price and her team from NIAID. Your crucial support has been instrumental in our achievements.

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

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18 hours ago

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March 5, 2026

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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 27th February, 2026 to Friday 13th 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

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23 hours ago

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March 5, 2026

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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. 

OR

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.     

Advert-DIPLOMA-DEGREE-HOLDERS-Private-Sponsorship-2026-2027Download

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 13th March, 2026.

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

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24 hours ago

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March 5, 2026

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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.
Advert-DIPLOMA-HOLDERS-Govt-Sponsorship-2026-2027Download

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

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