Associate Professor Robert Wamala(2nd R) receiving a handover report from Prof. Edward Bbaale (Centre). Looking of is DVCAA -Assoc. Prof. Umar Kakumba(2nd L), Deputy Director Julius Kikooma(L) and Mr. Bennet Magara from Internal Audit Directorate
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.
Professor Edward Bbaale,Outgoing Director
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
Acting Director -Associate Professor Robert Wamala
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.
Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic Affairs) Associate Professor Umar Kakumba
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.
Kampala, Uganda – 20th January 2026 – Makerere University has postponed its opening date for Semester Two of Academic Year 2025/2026 from the earlier communicated 24th January 2026 to 10th February 2026.
This adjustment is in response to the Ministry of Education and Sports directive to all Schools and Education Institutions to postpone re-opening until 10th February 2026. Consequently, Semester Two at Makerere University will now run from 10th February 2026 until 6th June 2026. Attached is the detailed Calendar for Semester Two 2025/2026.
Confirmed dates for the 76th Graduation Ceremony
Makerere University also wishes to inform the general public that Makerere’s 76th Graduation Ceremony will be held from Tuesday 24th February 2026 to Friday 27th February 2026.
Specifics including the graduation schedules and standard operating procedures for participants will be communicated officially in due course.
Please see downloads for the statement, Ministry directive and revised calendar.
The Egypt-Japan University of Science and Technology (E-JUST) TICAD8 African Scholarship for STI is available for all African (Non-Egyptian) students who wish to obtain their M.Sc. degree in the programs of Faculty of Engineering (FoE), Basic and Applied Science (BAS), Computer Science and Information Technology (CSIT), Faculty of International Business and Humanities (FIBH) and Heritage Science (HS).
Please note that interested applicants have to apply through E-JUST’ website (online application system). Applications will only be accepted via E-JUST’s website (online application system).
Interested applicants must complete and submit their application forms before February 15, 2026. The applicant will receive an automatic confirmation e-mail as proof of successful submission of the application.
The Academic Registrar, Makerere University invites applications from Ugandan, East African and international applicants for the undergraduate 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.
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.
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 27th February, 2026.