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Presidents of Jigjiga & Samara Universities, Ethiopia Visit Mak, Discuss Collaboration on Dry Land Agriculture

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By Gerald Ochwo

On Friday 31st May 2024, Presidents Dr. Beshir Abdullahi (PhD) and Dr. Muhammad Usman Darasa of Jigjiga University, Ethiopia and Samara University, Ethiopia respectively and the First Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic Affairs) of Makerere University, Prof. Umar Kakumba discussed the possibilities of research collaboration, staff and student mobility and exchanges as well as internationalization of higher education.

The meeting that was attended by Makerere University officials from the Colleges of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES), Engineering, Design, Art and Technology (CEDAT), Education and External Studies (CEES), and the Directorate of Research and Graduate Training (DRGT) centred on research collaborations in dry land agriculture including, areas of Pastoral Education, Extension and Animal Science, Climate Change and Mitigation, Engineering and Technology, Education and Applied Teaching, as well as Energy Research and Urban Development.

Welcoming the two Presidents to Makerere, Prof. Umar Kakumba presented the historical journey that the University has undergone in its 102 years of existence. He emphasized the evolution of the University from the faculty-based system, to a collegiate institution in 2011, which now houses 10 Academic Colleges with over 500 academic programmes at Undergraduate and Post-graduate levels. He reiterated that Internationalization is one of the key core strategic agendas of the University, and currently, more than 1,000 international students are pursuing different studies at Makerere University including, students from Ethiopia.

“Makerere has historically remained the top University on the continent and because of this historical dominance the University has continued to attract students from the continent and beyond. For instance, we currently have about 5 PhD students from Ethiopia at our College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, and we have over the years, continued to work with visiting professors from the University of Addis-Ababa, who have supported our Academic, processes either as external supervisors or visiting lectures and this is the case with a number of other Universities that we partner with on the continent,” said Prof. Umar Kakumba.

Prof. Robert Wamala, the Acting Director, Directorate of Research and Graduate Training (DRGT) in his remarks reiterated that Makerere has a number of funded research partnerships all over the world, and the College of Health Sciences (CHS), currently tops the partnership ratings of the University. He further noted that, through the Government intervention, the University has established a research fund code-name, ‘MAK-RIF’, which receives an annual support of over US$ 8 Million from the Government of Uganda.

“We are grateful to the Government of Uganda for investing over US$ 8 Million, into the Makerere University research portfolio which currently is being housed at the MAK-RIF. This research fund attracts participation of researchers from the entire country and the research output and impact, is already commendable,” remarked Prof. Robert Wamala.

Prof. Umar Kakumba hands over a Makerere University Souvenir pack to Dr. Beshir Abdullahi (PhD), the President of Jigjiga University, during the meeting. Visit by Presidents of Jigjiga University, Ethiopia and Samara University, Ethiopia to Makerere University, 31st May 2024, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Prof. Umar Kakumba hands over a Makerere University Souvenir pack to Dr. Beshir Abdullahi (PhD), the President of Jigjiga University, during the meeting.

Dr. Beshir Abdullahi (PhD), President of the Jigjiga University in his remarks noted that his visit was aimed at understanding the different research and collaboration interests that Makerere University espouses and, to also see how these research areas can be synchronized with the Jigjiga University research agenda. Their agenda, he said, currently focuses on areas of dry land agriculture, animal feeding systems, irrigation technologies, agricultural extension programmes, and petroleum Engineering among others.

“I can say that we are happy to be here in Makerere University, Uganda, which we recognize as one of the best and oldest universities on the African continent. Ethiopia as a Country, experiences long spells of drought and this has over the years pushed us into adopting dry land farming approaches and technologies. This is slightly different with Uganda which is green and receives rain throughout the year. The situation in Ethiopia can only be equated to the Karamoja regions in Uganda” Dr. Beshir Abdullahi (PhD) remarked.

On the other hand, Dr. Muhammad Usman Darasa (PhD), the President of Samara University, noted that his institution currently has more than 103 Undergraduate programmes in the areas of Tourism, Health Sciences, dry land agriculture, livestock mobility, and veterinary systems and over 50 Masters programmes with the future prospects of starting PhD programmes. He then asked a question on how the two institutions (Makerere University and the University of Samara), can partner to solve the problems that affect the common people in the respective countries. Some of the challenges that he highlighted include: climate change, peace and security.

Prof. Umar Kakumba hands over a Makerere University Souvenir pack to Dr. Muhammad Usman Darasa (PhD), the President of Samara University, during the meeting. Visit by Presidents of Jigjiga University, Ethiopia and Samara University, Ethiopia to Makerere University, 31st May 2024, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Prof. Umar Kakumba hands over a Makerere University Souvenir pack to Dr. Muhammad Usman Darasa (PhD), the President of Samara University, during the meeting.

In attendance, were Prof. Anthony Muwagga Muggaga, Principal, College of Education and External Studies (CEES), Prof. Robert Wamala, Ag. Director Research and Graduate Training (DRGT), Dr. John Baptist Tumuhairwe, Dean, School of Agricultural Sciences, College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES), who also represented the Principal of CAES, Assoc. Prof. Kizito Maria Kasule, Deputy Principal, College of Engineering, Design, Art and Technology (CEDAT), Ms. Ritah Namisango, Principal Public Relations Officer, and Mr. Gearld Ochwo, Manager International Relations Office/Senior Assistant Registrar in charge of Communications and Liaison in the Department of the Academic Registrar.

The visit was concluded with a guided tour of the University and specifically to CAES, where Dr. John Baptist Tumuhairwe took the visitors around the College and showcased a number of initiatives including the Soybean project. The Presidents also visited the UNDP-Makerere University Innovation Pod, where Dr. Cathy Mbidde, the Director, Makerere University Innovations Hub, highlighted the various student innovation accomplishments and shared the future prospects of the Pod.

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Press Statement on Ranking

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An older photo of the Main Building, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda as seen from across the Freedom Square. Date taken: 22nd October 2012.

Makerere University has noted with concern the article titled “Mak Drops Marks” published by the Daily Monitor Newspaper on 8th July 2025. The article raises issues that require clarification to ensure accurate information is shared with our stakeholders and the public. We wish to address the following key points: 

1. Misrepresentation of Ranking Data 

The article inaccurately combines the Sub-Saharan African University Rankings and the World University Rankings to portray a misleading performance trend for Makerere University. For clarity, Makerere University was ranked 8th in the 2024 Sub-Saharan African University Rankings. However, the 2025 Sub-Saharan African Rankings have not yet been released, making any comparison with the World University Rankings is misleading. This is a misrepresentation of facts aimed at tarnishing the University’s reputation and causing alarm among stakeholders.

2. Omission of Impact Rankings Achievements 

The article fails to acknowledge Makerere University’s outstanding performance in the 2025 Impact Rankings, which assess contributions to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Makerere University significantly improved its global standing, moving from the 601–800 band in 2024 to the 301–400 band in 2025. Notably, the University ranked 17th globally in Decent Work and Economic Growth and within the 401–600 band for Quality Education. These achievements reflect Makerere’s commitment to societal impact and sustainable development, which the article conspicuously ignores. 

3. Balanced Perspective on World University Rankings 

While Makerere University acknowledges a decline in certain parameters in the World University Rankings, we view these as areas for improvement. At the same time, we celebrate our strengths, including high-quality research output and a robust international outlook, which continue to position Makerere as a leading institution globally. 

Makerere University remains committed to excellence in teaching, research, and societal impact. We urge our stakeholders and the public to rely on verified information from credible sources and to engage directly with the University for clarity on such matters. We acknowledge the Daily Monitor’s interest in Makerere University and implore them to report more accurately in the future. 

PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICE
Email: pro@mak.ac.ug

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Re-advert: Admission to Undergraduate Programmes 2025/2026

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The Academic Registrar, Makerere University invites applications from Ugandan, East African, and international applicants for the undergraduate programmes under Self Sponsorship Scheme for the 2025/2026 Academic Year.

Each applicant should:

a) Have the Uganda Certificate of Education (UCE) with at least five passes, or its equivalent and at least two principal passes at Uganda Advanced Certificate of Education (UACE) obtained at the same sitting. For day programmes, only candidates who sat A’ Level in 2024, 2023 and 2020 are eligible to apply. For evening, afternoon, and external programmes, a candidate is not restricted on the year of sitting A’ Level.

OR

d) Degree from a recognised /Chartered Institution

Further details on the re-advertised programmes , fees structure, and the procedure of submitting applications can be accessed from the document below: 

The closing date for submitting applications is Tuesday 22nd July 2025.

Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi
ACADEMIC REGISTRAR

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Undergraduate Admissions List: Mop-up/Appeals 2025/2026

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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:

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