Our Pursuit of Research-led status firmly anchored
Makerere University has continued to excel in research, teaching, learning and knowledge transfer partnerships. A survey conducted by our experts revealed that between 2017 and 2021, our faculty published more than 7,000 articles in peer reviewed journals. Furthermore, a number of staff and students have won several awards in recognition of their excellence in research and teaching. I salute all staff and students involved in organizing scientific conferences and seminars, as well as exhibitions.
Our main goal for the next few years remains to transform Makerere University into a research-led University. Makerere must indeed respond to the changing paradigm of a modern university that is expected to not only create new knowledge through research, but to also put the findings to uses that benefit humanity in the form of goods and services.
To promote this strategy, we have put in place the Intellectual Property Management Office, the Makerere University Innovation Hub, and the Writing Centre, which is a joint venture between Makerere University and Michigan State University. Together with the Grants Administration and Management Support Unit (GAMSU), these initiatives are expected to propel Makerere to a modern global research and entrepreneurial university.
I commend the Government of Uganda led by H.E. President Yoweri K. Museveni for prioritizing research through the Makerere University Research and Innovations Fund. We have registered several patents, copyrights, and trademarks. Our international reputation and global linkages are at unprecedented levels. Makerere University was ranked quite highly by the Times Higher Education in the inaugural sub-Saharan impact ranking. We are indeed on the right track.
I congratulate our students from the College of Computing and Information Sciences who have continued to win the Huawei Global competition in IT as well as students from the School of Law for winning global moot competitions year after year. I applaud Associate Prof. Susan Kiguli from the Department of Literature for being the first African to win the Lifetime Achievement award of the International Civil Poetry Festival, and Prof. Rhoda Wanyenze, Dean of the School of Public Health on being appointed a Member of the WHO Pandemic Influenza Preparedness Advisory Group and Alternate Board Member of Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, representing Research and Technical Health Institutes.
I thank the Government, Parliament and our development partners for supporting all programmes aimed at making Makerere a more research-led University.
The Office of Academic Registrar, Makerere University has released lists of Successful appeals and supplementary lists. Below is a list arising from appeals of Government Sponsored candidates who have been admitted:
Makerere University and DFCU Bank have today signed a three-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to bolster innovation, student leadership, research and community impact initiatives.
The collaboration which will see the equipping of the Disability Support center for students living with disabilities through the MAK run and more leadership trainings for students will begin this July.
“The MoU will strengthen research collaborations across sectors like agriculture and health and it will also support the Mutebile Centre to assist private sector growth, which is crucial in lifting Africa out of poverty,” said Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, the Vice Chancellor.
Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe (R) flanked by Mr. Charles Mudiwa (L) makes his remarks at the MoU signing ceremony.
Speaking during the event, Mr. Charles M. Mudiwa, the DFCU Bank Chief Executive Officer, welcomed the move, noting its alignment with the bank’s mission to transform lives and support national development through four pillars: funding, financial inclusion, enterprise development, and vocational education.
“This MoU crowns years of effort and shared intent between our institutions,” he stated. Mr. Mudiwa highlighted the bank’s commitment to skilling youth through internships, curriculum development, and support for innovation hubs and centres of excellence at the university. “We consume the graduates of Makerere. In our most recent graduate intake of 87, 60% were Makerere alumni. The bank allocates around 30 internship positions annually to equip young people with the skills necessary for future roles within the institution,” Mr. Mudiwa, noted.
Representing the student body, Guild President His Excellency, Sentamu Churchill James, commended the partnership as a timely intervention that will empower youth, support SMEs, and expand internship and leadership development opportunities.
Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe (2nd L) presents a framed portrait of the Main Building to Mr. Charles Mudiwa (C) as L-R: University Secretary-Mr. Yusuf Kiranda, 91st Guild President-H.E. Ssentamu Churchill James and Acting Deputy Vice Chancellor (Finance and Administration)-Prof. Winston Tumps Ireeta witness.
“Students are the heartbeat of the university. This collaboration will empower youth and strengthen their role in national development,” His Excellency Ssentamu, said.
About MAK RUN 2025
The Makerere Run 2025 (#MakRun2025), hosted by the Makerere University Endowment Fund (MAKEF) on 17th August 2025, returns for its fifth edition as Kampala’s premier charity marathon, uniting 8,000+ runners—students, alumni, corporate teams, and elite athletes—to tackle the city’s iconic hills under the theme “Run the Hills for the Future.” This landmark event combines competitive racing with transformative impact, channeling proceeds to strengthen Makerere University’s community programs while offering unmatched branding opportunities for partners through Kampala’s largest university-led sporting spectacle.
The Mak Run, scheduled this year for August 17th, is a flagship initiative that mobilizes students, staff, alumni, and partners to raise funds for projects such as the Disability Support Unit and the Student Centre.