General
Prof. Edward Bbaale handovers DRGT office to Assoc. Prof. Robert Wamala
By Nalumansi Aisha
In a ceremonious event at Makerere University’s Senate Building, a significant leadership transition took place at the Directorate of Research and Graduate Training (DRGT). This momentous occasion saw Professor Edward Bbaale, the outgoing Director, pass on his responsibilities to Associate Professor Robert Wamala, marking the beginning of a new era for the institution renowned for its dedication to advancing research and graduate education.
Professor Edward Bbaale, who led the DRGT since December 2022, presented a comprehensive overview of the directorate’s accomplishments and ongoing initiatives. He spotlighted key strategic developments during his tenure, including the establishment of the Research Entities and Institutes policy (2021), the Intellectual Property Management Policy (2022), and the Research and Innovations Policy (2022). These policies have been pivotal in fostering a research-centric and innovation-driven culture at Makerere University.
Under his guidance, the directorate achieved several milestones: the revision of the Postdoctoral Policy, the creation of a PhD Structure by Research, and the inception of the DRGT Annual Forum for Graduate Research and Policy Dialogue. A particularly notable highlight was the graduation of over 130 PhD candidates at the university’s 74th graduation ceremony. Professor Bbaale also emphasized the implementation of the Research Information Management System (RIMS), aimed at enhancing efficiency and transparency in graduate academic processes.
Following his presentation, Professor Bbaale officially handed over the directorate’s documents to Associate Professor Robert Wamala. This symbolic act underscored the continuity and the steadfast commitment to maintaining the high standards set by the outgoing director.
Vision from the Incoming Director
In his inaugural address, Associate Professor Robert Wamala expressed his gratitude and enthusiasm for leading the DRGT. He praised Professor Bbaale for his outstanding leadership and the solid foundation established during his term. Professor Wamala pledged to uphold the core values of Makerere University—Excellence, Accountability, Professionalism, Inclusivity, Respect, and Integrity—and to further the mission of DRGT by promoting research initiatives, supporting graduate students, and ensuring the quality of graduate programs.
He outlined key initiatives that will continue under his leadership, such as the Research Information Management System (RIMS), the digitization of academic records, and the consolidation of systems at Makerere University (MAKDATA). He emphasized the importance of collective effort and open communication among the directorate’s members to tackle challenges and embrace new opportunities.
The Guest of Honor
The ceremony’s guest of honor, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic Affairs) Associate Professor Umar Kakumba, commended Professor Bbaale for his significant contributions and expressed confidence in his new role as the Principal of the College of Business and Management Sciences (CoBAMS). Professor Kakumba congratulated Associate Professor Wamala on his appointment and applauded the entire DRGT team for their dedication and teamwork.
In his remarks, Professor Kakumba underscored the critical role of DRGT as the central hub for innovation at Makerere University. He reaffirmed the university’s commitment to supporting research and graduate training, essential components for Uganda’s development and global competitiveness.
A New Chapter of Excellence and Innovation
The handover ceremony on May 31, 2024 at the Directorate of Research and Graduate Training was more than a formal leadership transition. It was a reaffirmation of Makerere University’s dedication to research excellence and innovation. With the solid groundwork laid by Professor Edward Bbaale and the fresh vision of Associate Professor Robert Wamala, the DRGT is poised for continued growth and impact. As the university community embraces this new chapter, the spirit of collaboration and dedication to academic excellence remains steadfast and unwavering.
Makerere University on 23rd January 2026 hosted the National Council for Higher Education (NCHE) validation meeting of the draft minimum standards for implementing Competence-Based Education (CBE) in Higher Education Institutions. The meeting held in the Yusuf Lule Central Teaching Facility Auditorium brought together Vice Chancellors, Rectors, Principals and Academic Registrars from Higher Education Institutions in Uganda.
Hosted by the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe represented by the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic Affairs), Prof. Sarah Ssali, the meeting followed institutional input into the draft minimum standards and was aimed at validating them prior to their formal adoption by the NCHE Council at their next meeting in February 2026. The minimum standards cover nine areas namely; 1) Curriculum Design, 2) Teaching and Learning Approaches, 3) Assessment, 4) Faculty Training and Support, 5) Student Support Services, 6) Quality Assurance Systems, 7) Industry and Community Linkages, 8) Monitoring and Evaluation, and 9) Gender and Equity Mainstreaming.
Following feedback into presentations by the various leaders present, a motion to adopt the draft minimum standards, with institutional input incorporated, was moved by Bugema University, seconded by UMCAT School of Journalism and Mass Communication, and unanimously supported by institutions present.
At the conclusion of the meeting, Prof. Sarah Ssali appreciated NCHE for choosing Makerere to host the landmark event, reiterating that the University greatly respects each and every Higher Education Institution and regards them as partners and collaborators in the quest to improve Uganda’s Higher Education sector.
The Executive Director NCHE, Prof. Mary Okwakol reassured leaders present that all the pertinent issues raised for input into the draft minimum standards would be incorporated, and urged those with pressing issues to submit them before month’s end. She reiterated NCHE’s readiness to continue lobbying Government for the resources required by Higher Education Institutions, particularly Public Universities, to implement Competence-Based Education (CBE).
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