General
MURBS Trustees Declare 12.34% Interest for FY 2022/2023
The Makerere University Retirements Benefits Scheme (MURBS) on 26th October 2023 declared an interest of 12.34% on members’ balances for the financial ended 30th June 2023. The declaration was made at the MURBS 13th Annual General Meeting (AGM) held on Thursday 26th October 2023 in the Yusuf Lule Central Teaching Facility Auditorium. The MURBS Fund value grew from UGX 299billion at the start of Financial Year 2022/2023 to UGX 352billion as at 30th June 2023. This growth resulted in a net return of UGX 42billion, which was distributed to members as interest.
The declaration was preceded by a presentation of the MURBS Performance for Financial Year 2022/2023 to members of the University Council and Management at a meeting held on Tuesday 24th October 2023 at the Telepresence Centre, Senate Building, Makerere University. The presentation was attended by the Chairperson of Council, Mrs. Lorna Magara represented by the Chairperson Finance, Planning, Administration and Investment Committee (FPAIC) of Council, Mr. Bruce Balaba Kabaasa, the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe represented by the University Secretary, Mr. Yusuf Kiranda, Acting Deputy Vice Chancellor (Finance and Administration), Prof. Winston Tumps Ireeeta, Director Quality Assurance, Dr. Cyprian Misinde, Acting Director Human Resources, Mr. Deus Tayari Mujuni and Acting Dean of Students, Mr. Peter Rivan Muhereza. The CEO Uganda Retirements Benefits Authority (URBRA), Mr. Martin A. Nsubuga was represented by his Head of Supervision, Mr. Lubega Rodgers.
During the Year, the Trustees operationalised the Trust Deed and Scheme Rules (TDSR) as amended on 30th May 2023. Overall, the amendments facilitated governance, policy, and operational changes and enhancements, further streamlining and strengthening the Scheme. Effective with the new TDSR, the Board composition changed from five (5) to seven (7) Trustees. As at 30 June 2023, the Board was composed of six (6) Trustees, pending appointment of the independent Trustee.
Changes in the Board of Trustees
During the year, the Board discharged one member and appointed three members. The changes involved the retirement of Mr. Wilber Grace Naigambi who completed his term on 31 March 2023 and he was replaced by Dr. Elizabeth Patricia Nansubuga as MUASA’s representative. In a special way, the Trustees recognise and appreciate the contribution of Mr. Wilber Grace Naigambi, who served on the Board of Trustees from 2016 to 2023. In addition, Dr. Deus Kamunyu Muhwezi and Mr. George Bamugemereire, who are Council representatives, joined the Board in May and June 2023 respectively.
Presentation of FY 2022/2023 Performance
Presenting the 2022/2023 performance on behalf of the Chairperson, Dr. Elizabeth Patricia Nansubuga, the Secretary Board of Trustees, Dr. Godwin Kakuba announced that on June 2021, MURBS became the first mandatory Employer-based Scheme in Uganda. Furthermore, he shared that the aforementioned TDSR amendment of 30th May 2023 that changed the Board of Trustees’ size from five to seven also introduced the “Midterm” access by members to 12% of their accrued benefits, provided they are at least 45 years old and have saved with the Scheme for at least ten years .
The Chairperson’s presentation nevertheless cautioned that whereas members were entitled to Midterm access of their funds, it had long-term effects on fund value and return on investment of their cummulative retirement benefits. For example, due to Midterm access in 2022/2023, sixteen Members’ savings shifted from the UGX 200-250million to the UGX 150-200million range, while five members shifted from the UGX 50-100million to the below UGX 50million range.
The shifts due to Midterm access notwithstanding, one members’ savings moved from the UGX 400-450million to the UGX 450-500million range, while three members joined the UGX 400-450million range. The largest number of members; 1,640 out of a total of 3,041 active accounts (53.9%) fall in the category of savings below UGX 50million, a slight improvement from 54.8% last year.
“In a period of five years the Scheme has moved from no one holding benefits above UGX 250million to having 270 members holding benefits above UGX 250million with five of them being above UGX 400million as of 30th June 2023… The Scheme strives to move more members from the lower bands to the upper bands by ensuring timely collection and prudent investment of their contributions” remarked Dr. Kakuba on behalf of the Chairperson.
Dr. Kakuba concluded the Chairperson’s presentation by thanking the University Council and Management for their cooperation and timely remittance of all members’ contributions to the fund. “We thank all the stakeholders who have worked with MURBS to ensure a successful Financial Year, in a special way, we thank you the sponsor for making time for this occasion.”
Responses to Chairperson’s presentation
Responding to the presentation, Mr. Bruce Balaba Kabaasa appreciated the Board for successfully sustaining the Scheme’s operations for the last thirteen years. He nevertheless urged the Trustees to consider a long and detailed strategic plan to serve as the blueprint for the Scheme Funds’ management and investment, so as to safeguard member benefits from challenges that may arise as the value appreciates.
“I am particularly happy that those of you who have been at the forefront of agitating for staff welfare are now very close to the management of MURBS”, he added in reference to Dr. Deus Kamunyu, former Makerere University Academic Staff Association (MUASA) Chairperson.
Mr. Kabaasa nevertheless took difference with the MURBS opinion that Midterm access to funds before retirement should be discouraged. He noted that from the sustainable development perspective, “you don’t compromise today because you are planning for the future.
“My view therefore, is that man or woman should be given an opportunity closer to retirement to start putting one leg into the waters to test how deep they are in order to be able to put in both legs later, well knowing the depth of the river or lake” he remarked. This he justified by noting that it is better for one to lose 12% of their retirement benefits to poorly researched investment now, than lose 100% at retirement when they have no chance for reprieve.
On this note, Chairperson FPAIC urged MURBS to step up its member education programmes on what works or doesn’t work for various investment vehicles they are likely to engage in. “You should be involved in making sure that our people have the required skill, the required mindset and the required understanding of the opportunities available within our economies and beyond.”
Delivering the Vice Chancellor’s remarks, Mr. Kiranda noted “the story of MURBS is simply one of the many good stories that will continue to stream out of Makerere year after year.” He added that “The Chairperson’s presentation of MURBS’ good performance for the year 2022/2023 is very much appreciated by the University Management for it encourages the employees of Makerere University to remain focused on their core mandate, confident that their retirement benefits are secure.”
He lauded the MURBS Board of Trustees for upholding professionalism and integrity, noting that the University Management has not received complaints concerning retirement benefits from any former employee of Makerere University over the last five years. The Vice Chancellor equally acknowledged the tremendous contribution by the Government of Uganda to a thriving sector by paying salaries on time, contributing to retirement benefits and creating an enabling environment for Schemes and their service providers to invest member funds.
On the subject of Midterm access, Mr. Kiranda re-echoed the Chairperson Council’s call to invest more in training members on how best to invest their retirement benefits. “Chairperson (of MURBS Board of Trustees), Management committed to work with you to do further sensitization and that commitment is still open.”
On behalf of the CEO URBRA, Mr. Lubega commended the MURBS Board for always addressing matters raised by the regulator during onsite inspections. He noted that the retirement benefits sector growth over the last ten years has not been by coincidence, but rather due to strengthened supervision. According to the URBRA website, Uganda currently has UGX 20.56trillion worth of assets under management in the retirement benefits sector.
“I am happy to communicate that Makerere University Retirement Benefits Scheme is one of those schemes that have really implemented these regulations of retirement benefits… the controls put in place by this Scheme can actually show you that they are moving in the right direction so thank you so much Board” commended Mr. Lubega.
Delivering the closing remarks at the presentation, Mr. Bamugemereire thanked all members and service providers for attending the event, reminding all present that planning for retirement starts the day one is employed. As a Trustee, he appreciated the lengths that URBRA goes through to ensure that Trustees are well trained and equipped to perform their duties. “I want to inspire you with confidence that the Scheme is in safe hands.”
General
Makerere University Set to Develop Curriculum to Transform Graduate Supervision and Mentorship
By Moses Lutaaya
KAMPALA – Makerere University is set to develop a curriculum for a specialized Certificate Course in Supervision and Mentoring for Graduate Training and Higher Education Management, in a move aimed at professionalizing graduate supervision and strengthening the capacity of academic staff to deliver quality postgraduate education.
The proposed programme will equip academic staff with advanced competencies in graduate-level teaching, research supervision, mentorship, and higher education management, while supporting the University’s agenda of improving the quality and relevance of graduate training.
The curriculum development process was discussed during a Stakeholders’ Curriculum Development Consultation Workshop held on Thursday, 18th June 2026 at the Senate Building Telepresence Hall, Makerere University.
The workshop, organized by the Directorate of Graduate Training in collaboration with the Centre for Teaching and Learning Support (CTLS), brought together curriculum specialists, academic staff, and higher education stakeholders to review and enrich the proposed curriculum before it proceeds through the University approval processes.
Participants included 11 lecturers from the College of Engineering, Design, Art and Technology (CEDAT), 3 from the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES), 2 from the College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Bio-security (CoVAB), 1 from the College of Humanities and Social Sciences (CHUSS), 4 from the College of Education and External Studies (CEES), among others.
The National Curriculum Development Centre (NCDC) was represented by Dr. Patrice Ssembirige, Deputy Executive Director in charge of Curriculum Review and Instructional Materials Development. The Centre for Teaching and Learning team was led by Dr. Dorothy Ssebowa, while Dr. Stephen Wandera coordinated the workshop.
Addressing participants, Prof. Julius Kikooma, Director Graduate Training at Makerere University, said the curriculum development initiative is central to strengthening graduate education and ensuring that academic staff are adequately prepared to support postgraduate learners.
Prof. Kikooma noted that Makerere University is targeting an increase in graduate student enrolment to 50 percent of the total student population, but emphasized that this ambition must be matched with investment in the capacity of academic staff who supervise and mentor students.
“We can get many graduate students, but if the people supporting them do not have the right tools and preparation, we will still have challenges,” Prof. Kikooma said.
He explained that the initiative responds to University policies requiring academic staff teaching graduate students to undergo pedagogical training, while those supervising graduate research must undergo specialized preparation in supervision and mentoring.
Prof. Kikooma said graduate supervision requires deliberate preparation because supervisors play a central role in shaping research quality, student success, and the overall effectiveness of postgraduate programmes.
He further emphasized Makerere University’s responsibility as a leading institution in the region.
“We have a double expectation. We must support the country to achieve its aspirations in national development, but we also have an expectation from other institutions to support them in building graduate training capacity. In that sense, we are a trainer of trainers,” he said.
Speaking on behalf of the National Curriculum Development Centre (NCDC), Dr. Patrice Ssembirige commended Makerere University for adopting a consultative and inclusive approach to curriculum development.
He noted that education systems globally are undergoing significant transformation, requiring continuous curriculum review and alignment with emerging needs.
“Education systems globally are undergoing significant transformation, and in Uganda, NCDC has been leading and spearheading the implementation of the competency-based curriculum,” Dr. Ssembirige said.
He explained that NCDC has developed competency-based curriculum frameworks at primary and lower secondary levels and is currently advancing reforms at upper secondary level, which feeds into higher education institutions.
Dr. Ssembirige said the new curriculum presents an opportunity to align graduate training with global trends, Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), international best practices, and national development priorities.
“As we develop this curriculum, we need to align with global trends, SDGs and international best practices. We also need to undertake comparative analysis because curriculum reforms are taking place across East African Community states,” he noted.
He encouraged developers to ensure that the programme follows competency-based principles and equips participants with relevant 21st-century skills.
“Since we are talking about competency-based curriculum, we must be cognizant of the principles of competency-based education and ensure that we develop skills that fit the demands of the 21st century,” he added.
Dr. Dorothy Ssebowa, Director of the Centre for Teaching and Learning Support at Makerere University, said the initiative marks an important step in strengthening professional development for academic staff involved in graduate education.
She noted that effective supervision requires more than disciplinary expertise, but also skills in mentorship, communication, research guidance, ethics, assessment, and student support.
“The quality of graduate education depends on the quality of mentorship and supervision we provide. This curriculum will strengthen the capacity of academic staff to guide graduate students effectively, improve research outcomes, and uphold the standards expected of a leading university,” Dr. Ssebowa said.
She added that the Centre for Teaching and Learning will continue working with the Directorate of Graduate Training, academic colleges, curriculum specialists, and regulators to ensure the programme remains relevant and impactful.
During the workshop, stakeholders reviewed the proposed curriculum structure, course content, competency areas, assessment strategies, quality assurance mechanisms, and alignment with national and international standards.
Once finalized, the programme is expected to strengthen graduate supervision at Makerere University and serve as a model for professional development across higher education institutions in Uganda and beyond.
General
Revised Advertisement for Positions of Principal and Deputy Principal at Makerere University
The Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, has called for strengthened graduate training and research systems, urging a significant scale-up in the production of Masters and PhD graduates to meet Uganda’s and Africa’s growing knowledge and development needs.
The call was made during an engagement with the College of Health Sciences leadership, where the Vice Chancellor underscored the strategic importance of research-intensive colleges in advancing the university’s mission and contributing to national transformation.
The Vice Chancellor noted that while the College of Health Sciences continues to make a substantial contribution to the university’s research output and remains one of the most productive units, there is need to further strengthen systems that support graduate training, supervision, and timely completion of studies.
He emphasized the need to increase postgraduate enrolment, with a target of raising graduate participation to 40 percent. According to him, expanding graduate training is essential for building a critical mass of highly skilled researchers capable of addressing Uganda’s and Africa’s development challenges.
Improving Completion Rates and Supervision
The Vice Chancellor highlighted concerns over graduate completion rates, noting that delays in supervision and academic support continue to affect timely graduation across many institutions.
He called for stronger supervision systems, improved mentorship, and more structured academic support to ensure that students complete their programmes within the stipulated timeframes.
“Completion of graduate programmes must be prioritized through effective supervision and structured academic support systems,” the Vice Chancellor emphasized.
Strengthening Research Output
The Vice Chancellor also stressed the need to enhance research productivity and visibility through increased publications, improved citation impact, and expanded access to competitive research funding.
He encouraged deeper collaboration among researchers, including co-supervision arrangements with international scholars and strengthened partnerships with other universities to enhance research quality and global competitiveness.
Investment in Infrastructure
The College Deputy Principal, Prof. Richard Iwa Idro, shared with the VC some of the college’s challenges which included low staffing levels at both academic and administrative levels, inadequate infrastructure and high staff turnover among others.
The Vice Chancellor reaffirmed the University’s commitment to improving infrastructure for teaching and research within the College of Health Sciences. He noted that ongoing and planned developments are aimed at strengthening PhD training environments and supporting advanced research activities.
He further emphasized the importance of expanding academic staffing and leveraging expertise from both active and retired scholars, including the appointment of honorary professors to support mentorship and research development.
Academic Accountability and Innovation
The Vice Chancellor reminded professors and associate professors of their responsibility to deliver inaugural lectures within stipulated timelines as part of academic accountability and recognition of scholarly contribution.
He also encouraged researchers to translate their work into innovation and practical solutions that contribute to Uganda’s socio-economic transformation, noting that research must go beyond publication to deliver real-world impact.
The Vice Chancellor reiterated that strengthening graduate training and research is central to achieving national development goals and enhancing Uganda’s competitiveness in the global knowledge economy.
He emphasized that sustained investment in Masters and PhD training, combined with stronger research systems, will be critical in producing the next generation of scholars, innovators, and leaders required to drive sustainable development.
The Vice Chancellor was accompanied by the Academic Registrar, Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi, the Director DRIP, Prof. Robert Wamala, Prof. Edward Bbaale, who represented the Deputy VC in charge of Academic Affairs, Prof. Fredrick Muyodi, the Director of the Writing Centre, Dr. Margaret Nagwovuma, the Deputy Director of Makerere University Technology and Innovation Centre, Prof. William Tayeebwa, the Manager of Makerere Press and Prof. Kikooma Julius, the Director of Graduate Training. The officials shared with staff how staff can benefit from their offices.
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