General
Centre of Excellence in Sickle Cell Anemia Launched as Mak Hosts AAP Meeting
The State Minister for Higher Education Hon. Dr. J.C. Muyingo represented by the Commissioner in Charge of Admissions and Student Affairs Mr. Muzamil Mukwatampola on 9th September 2024 officially launched the Centre of Excellence for Sickle Cell Anemia and Other Neglected Tropical Diseases at the Alliance for African Partnership (AAP) of Michigan State University (MSU) Annual Consortium Meeting. Hosted by Makerere University in the School of Public Health Conference Hall, the three-day event that concluded on 11th September 2024 included an Annual Business Meeting, and a networking event hosted by the US Embassy and the US Ambassador to Uganda, H.E. William W. Popp.
The Annual gathering also included a Meeting with Members of Top Management, a tour of the Mak Innovation Hub, an AAP Advisory Board Meeting, a Public Dialogue on pioneering change and transforming institutions, a Student Recruitment Event by MSU, and a Forum on how African and global funders have worked across sectors for impactful programming.
Opening Ceremony
Addressing participants at the opening event on 9th September, the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe acknowledged that it was a privilege for Makerere to host the Annual Consortium Meeting as it presents a lot of opportunities for AAP members to deliberate on innovations that can contribute to the betterment of humanity. Narrating a firsthand account of the loss of loved ones to Sickle Cell Disease, he added that Makerere can work together with consortia such as AAP to alleviate Africa’s health challenges.
Prof. Nawangwe also current Chair of the AAP Advisory Board therefore expressed happiness that the funds used to start the Centre of Excellence for Sickle Cell Anemia and Other Neglected Tropical Diseases were received from Government of Uganda through the Makerere University Research and Innovation Fund (Mak-RIF). He invited all AAP Members to utilize Centre’s resources to conduct research on Sickle Cell Anemia and NTDs. The Centre is headed by Prof. Sarah Kiguli, a Professor of Paediatrics and Child Health at the College of Health Sciences (CHS).
Delivering the opening remarks, Prof. Steven Hanson the MSU Vice Provost and Dean for International Studies and Programs thanked Makerere University for the demonstrable leadership in tackling challenges such as Sickle Cell Anemia and Neglected Tropical Diseases.
“When an institution like invests its resources, creates infrastructure and prioritises addressing big problems like these by creating a Centre for Excellence, we have an obligation to not just learn from them but to work together alongside them because we know that in a global society, challenges faced by one community affect us all, and solutions built together help us all” he added.
Adding his voice to the congratulatory messages, Mr. Mukwatampola on behalf of Dr. J.C. Muyingo noted that the Centre of Excellence will serve as a beacon of hope for not only treating Sickle Cell Anemia and Neglected Tropical Diseases but also fostering research and collaboration that plays a pivotal role in bridging the gap between new findings and treatment.
“This launch therefore underscores the NRM Government’s commitment to strengthening healthcare systems and prioritizing diseases that have long been neglected” added the State Minister’s remarks.
The opening ceremony also played witness to the announcement of Prof. David Meya an Infectious Disease physician at the College of Health Sciences (CHS) as the Oliver Reginald Tambo Africa Research Chair Initiative (ORTARChI) for Infectious Diseases recipient. The announcement was made by Dr. Dorothy Ngila, Director of Strategic Partnerships at the National Research Foundation of South Africa (NRF).
“The panel found the University (Makerere)’s involvement in AAP, RUFORUM, ARUA, AAUN, WUN, and many other university networks really excellent and on the basis of this was satisfied that the Chair would be in good hands to support the developmental trajectory of not only Uganda but also East Africa and the rest of the continent” remarked Dr. Ngila, also Vice Chair of the AAP Advisory Board.
AAP Dialogue in line with the AU Year of Education (2024)
The Vice Chancellor opened the Dialogue held 10th September 2024 on a philosophical note, by quoting Presidents Mandela and Nyerere.
“Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.”
PRESIDENT NELSON MANDELA
“We must run while they walk”.
MWALIMU JULIUS KAMBARAGE NYERERE
Taking note of the World Bank recommendation that Africa must produce as many as 100,000 PhDs over the next ten years so as to move the continent out of poverty, Prof. Nawangwe stated that “Education is extremely important and it is important for us to understand what kind of education will transform our continent.”
However, and on the question of quantity versus quality and relevance, he further explained that for the African case, “any education is important and relevant.” This he amplified by stating that how the recipient of that education uses it to transform themselves and society is what renders it relevant.
Delivering the keynote address, Dr. Thangavel Palanivel, UNDP Uganda Senior Economic Advisor applauded Makerere’s role as a lighthouse among African Universities by pioneering change and transforming institutions through not only educating future leaders but also contributing to research, innovations as well as shaping policy and strategy. He added that Makerere and other Universities have the dual role of responding to emerging needs, challenges and opportunities as well as developing the knowledge and skills of youth to match the changing labour market.
He went on to outline what UNDP sees as potential areas of change as; Digital Transformation and Artificial Intelligence, Innovation in Curricula to address mismatches in the labour market, Interdisciplinary undertakings, Enhanced Research and Innovation, Community Engagement as well as Leadership and Governance that embraces flexibility.
Dr. Palanivel outlined UNDP’s commitment to continue providing unlimited technical support to institutions as well as supporting initiatives such as Innovation Hubs at Makerere and Kabale University, and supporting the Policy Lab at Makerere University to foster implementation of the Parish Development Model (PDM).
Panelists have their say
The discussion that followed the keynote had as panelists; Prof. Brendan Cantwell – Erickson Distinguished Chair in Higher Education at MSU, Dr. Elizabeth Nansubuga – Higher Education Resource Services-East Africa (HERS-EA) Associate, Dr. Patrick Okori – Executive Secretary, Regional Universities Forum for Capacity Building in Agriculture (RUFORUM) and Prof. Richard Tabulawa – Deputy Vice Chancellor – Teaching and Learning, University of Botswana. The session moderators were Prof. Ronald Bisaso, Deputy Principal, College of Education and External Studies (CEES) and Prof. Flavia Senkubuge, Acting Vice Principal of Student Affairs, University of Pretoria.
Prof. Cantwell noted that maintaining and increasing the quality and quantity of systems coupled with inclusivity would help the continent move towards the 100,000 PhDs in ten years target. Furthermore was the need to embrace the creativity and innovation that resides in people who know the needs of their communities so as to develop a new generation of scholars equipped to steer universities to navigate new challenges.
He equally stated the need for quasi-independence by universities so that they are not directly controlled by the state, so as to be able to professionalise their workforce and enhance their salaries competitively. Prof. Cantwell further urged universities to be loosely coupled and environmentally open, to embrace networks and communication especially in the form of South-South partnerships and concluded calling on the State, Private Sector, NGOs, CSOs and Multinationals to fund the research and resource intensiveness of universities.
Prof. Okori on his part observed that whereas universities account for 40% of Full-Time Equivalent (FTE) scientists, they spend most of their time teaching and less of it innovating. He therefore called for the need for universities to focus on training transformative leaders across staff and communities as well as produce science solutions that are relevant to societal needs and scalable so as to attract funding.
On the need for innovative curricula, he shared that RUFORUM embraced coursework-based PhD which have increased the number of candidates trained and strengthened Agri-food systems resilience in Africa, with particular emphasis on crop improvement. Prof. Okori equally stressed the need for Universities to shift from project-based to programmatic-based models so as to attract long-term funding and partnerships.
Prof. Tabulawa who shared the University of Botswana’s staff development strategy noted that the Government’s role in providing funds for staff to be trained abroad and hiring international expertise to fill local gaps was and remains fundamental. He equally shared sandwich programmes that enable staff to be trained while at work as a game changer.
He equally shared the University of Botswana’s Equity, Inclusion and Sustainability strategy that introduced an affirmative action policy that relaxed admission requirements for students with disabilities as well as those from marginalized communities as pivotal. To address the skills mismatch in the labour market, Prof. Tabulawa shared that despite its failure in other countries, the outcome-based approach to education allows for players from the industry to provide input into curricula, thereby increasing relevance of programmes taught.
Tackling the gender perspective, Dr. Nansubuga shared that whereas Makerere has achieved gender parity at undergraduate level, the same is yet to be achieved at postgraduate level due to a number of barriers. These, she added, have been identified over time and embedded into HERS-EA innovative curriculum that aims to shape female leaders’ career and professional development aspirations.
As such, HERS-EA has carried out policy advocacy workshops with male allies and mentorship workshops that help women develop their PhD concepts and identify supervisors. Dr. Nansubuga added that HERS-EA enables female leaders to tap into global partnerships for grants and as a result of these empowerment initiatives, eight of the female graduates from the HERS-EA Academy have become Deans. She nevertheless highlighted the need to do more at a higher level, as majority of female leaders who attend the Academy have receive support from their Schools, Colleges, Administrative Units and the Vice Chancellor’s Office, which she applauded for the enormous support, including granting HERS-EA Office Space.
Concluding Remarks
The Dialogue was closed by Prof. Mwenda Ntarangwi, Vice Chancellor, USIU-Africa who urged participants to always distinguish between proactive and reactive responses opportunities, the former being preferable as it caters for the partners’ strategic objectives. Secondly, he urged institutions to have a stake in partnerships so as to work towards their survival. He equally called for examination of what institutions bring to the table that others can tap into, citing the launch of the Centre of Excellence for Sickle Cell Anemia and Other Neglected Tropical Diseases as a show of great commitment by the Government of Uganda.
“What it means, and I hope this is true, is that the results of the research being done here will be applied to solving problems that the Government has identified as priority” added Prof. Ntarangwi.
He concluded by adding that AAP Members were gathered at Makerere, not because they didn’t have convention centres of their own but because it is important to work together. “Conflict, disease and climate change have demonstrated to us that there are no boundaries that can keep all these things out.”
Makerere University has officially welcomed the 2026/2027 cohort of freshers, urging them to pursue academic excellence, uphold integrity, embrace diversity and make the most of the opportunities available throughout their university journey.
The opening of Orientation Week, held at the Freedom Square on Monday, 3rd August 2026, brought together University leaders, staff and thousands of newly admitted students. Throughout the event, speakers emphasized academic discipline, personal responsibility, leadership, student welfare and the values that have defined Makerere University for over a century.
Academic Registrar Welcomes Freshers
Delivering his remarks, the Academic Registrar, Prof. Mukadasi Buyinza, congratulated the freshers upon their admission and welcomed them into Makerere University‘s long standing tradition of scholarship, research and innovation.
He reminded the students that joining Makerere University marked the beginning of a new chapter in their lives; one in which they would take full responsibility for shaping their future.
“Your arrival at Makerere marks a new chapter in your own life. This chapter is different because now you have the opportunity to determine the direction of your own story.”
Prof. Buyinza encouraged students to actively participate in academic activities, complete assignments on time and uphold integrity throughout their studies.
He cautioned against examination malpractice, forgery and other forms of academic misconduct, emphasizing that such offences could lead to dismissal from the University.
The Academic Registrar also stressed the importance of completing registration within the prescribed period, reminding students that admission remains provisional until registration requirements have been fulfilled.
“Technically, you are not yet students until you register.”
He further guided students on programme changes, registration procedures, and tuition payment requirements and urged them to carefully read the University’s Joining Instructions.
Beyond academics, Prof. Buyinza advised students to exercise financial discipline, avoid online scams and make responsible personal decisions while adjusting to university life.
Dean of Students Highlights Student Welfare
The Dean of Students, Dr. Winifred Kabumbuli, briefed freshers on accommodation, health services, feeding, spiritual welfare and leadership opportunities available at the University.
She advised students seeking off-campus accommodation to choose only accredited private hostels approved by the University.
“Please make sure you choose a hostel that is safe, comfortable and closer to campus.”
Dr. Kabumbuli also encouraged students to open medical files at the University Hospital instead of self-medicating whenever they fall ill.
“Don’t ignore illness. Don’t self-prescribe. Go for proper medical attention through the University Hospital.”
She urged students to participate in spiritual fellowship through the University’s places of worship and to embrace leadership opportunities available at class, hall and college levels.
Welcoming international students, Dr. Kabumbuli noted that Makerere University has admitted more than 800 international students from 55 countries across five continents, reaffirming the institution’s commitment to providing an inclusive learning environment.
Former Guild President Shares His Makerere Journey
Hon. Lawrence Alionzi (Dangote), inspired the freshers through his personal story, recalling how he joined Makerere University in 2019 as a young student from Arua “with an empty pocket and a bag full of dreams.”
He described Makerere as “the hill of endless possibilities” and challenged students to maximize every opportunity available during their university life.
“The answer to whether you reach the top of the hill lies in what you do between now and the day you graduate.”
Drawing lessons from his own experience, Dangote cautioned students against peer pressure, financial recklessness and online investment scams, encouraging them to choose friends wisely and remain focused on their academic goals.
“Hard work beats talent if talent does not learn to work hard.”
Academic Registrar Clarifies Registration Process
Returning to the podium, Prof. Buyinza clarified registration procedures, programme change guidelines and admission requirements.
He reminded students that failure to register within the stipulated period would result in forfeiture of admission.
“Registration is the most important step that will determine whether you become a university student or not.”
He also advised students seeking programme changes to ensure they meet the required cut-off points and available vacancies before submitting applications.
Prof. Sarah Ssali Calls for Excellence and Integrity
Closing the orientation, the Deputy Vice Chancellor in charge of Academic Affairs, Prof. Sarah Ssali, who represented the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, officially welcomed the freshers to Makerere University.
Beginning her remarks, Prof. Ssali asked students admitted to the Bachelor of Arts in Social Sciences to identify themselves before revealing that she too had studied the same programme.
Using her own experience, she reminded students that every academic programme offered by the University is valuable.
“Every course matters. Whatever you have been given, do it as if your life depends on it.”
She congratulated the incoming students, describing their admission as the beginning of a transformative journey that would prepare them to become responsible citizens and future leaders.
“Your achievement reflects your hard work, determination and potential, and we are delighted that you have chosen Makerere University as the next step in your academic journey.”
Prof. Ssali reminded students that every academic programme matters and encouraged them to pursue excellence regardless of the course they had been admitted to.
She reassured students that Makerere remains committed to providing a supportive and inclusive learning environment through academic staff, the Dean of Students’ Office, counselling services, student leaders and other support units.
She particularly encouraged students facing personal or academic challenges to seek help whenever necessary.
Prof. Ssali reaffirmed the University’s zero-tolerance policy on sexual harassment and exploitation.
“Do not suffer silently. Raise your voice. We have zero tolerance for sexual harassment and exploitation of students.”
Encouraging students to engage beyond the classroom, she urged them to participate in research, innovation, sports, leadership, community engagement and international programmes that complement academic learning.
She also called upon students to reject examination malpractice, plagiarism, violence, substance abuse and all forms of misconduct that undermine the University’s values.
“University education is not only about earning a degree; it is about developing the knowledge, character, values and competences required to make a meaningful contribution to society.”
As she concluded, Prof. Ssali challenged the freshers to think about the legacy they wished to leave behind at Makerere University.
“Pursue a life of excellence. Take ownership of your learning, build strong networks and make the most of every opportunity the University offers.”
The 2026/2027 Orientation Week continues with college based sessions that will introduce freshers to academic programmes, registration processes, student support services and university life before the commencement of the new academic year.
By Moses Lutaaya
The Directorate of Graduate Training (DGT) at Makerere University has set an ambitious course for the next five years after a three-day strategic planning retreat held at Royal Suites Hotel, Bugolobi, from July 29–31, 2026. The retreat brought together staff, officials from the Directorate of Planning and invited facilitators to review the Directorate’s performance, identify challenges and opportunities, and develop a strategic plan that aligns with Makerere University‘s vision of becoming a research-led institution.
Opening the retreat, the Director of the Directorate of Graduate Training, Prof. Julius Kikooma, reminded staff that the Directorate occupies a central position in the implementation of Makerere University‘s Strategic Plan and must therefore position itself to deliver measurable results.
Prof. Kikooma said one of the University’s key strategic priorities is to increase graduate student enrolment and improve graduate completion rates, making the Directorate’s work more critical than ever before.
He explained that under the University’s Strategic Plan, graduate education is expected to grow significantly over the next five years, with graduate students projected to constitute about 40 per cent of the University’s total enrolment by 2030.
“It is not enough to simply increase admissions,” Prof. Kikooma said. “Our responsibility is to ensure that the students we admit are supported to complete their programmes on time. Graduate completion rates are now one of the University’s strategic priorities.”
He noted that while graduate enrolment is expected to increase substantially, completion rates must also improve if the University is to achieve its research-led aspirations.
The Director emphasized that the Directorate must move beyond reporting admission figures and instead closely monitor student progression from admission through graduation using the Research Information Management System (RIMS). He said the system would enable the University to track every graduate student throughout their academic journey and generate reliable data for planning and decision-making.
Prof. Kikooma challenged staff to embrace the system fully, warning that inaccurate or outdated information compromises the University’s reporting to management and Council.
“We must ensure that the information we present is clean, accurate and reflects active graduate students. RIMS is no longer optional; it is central to how we monitor graduate training and account for our performance.”
He revealed that academic staff supervising graduate students would increasingly be required to demonstrate active use of RIMS before receiving administrative clearance, a move intended to improve accountability and strengthen graduate student tracking.
The Director also highlighted operational challenges facing the Directorate, particularly during peak admission periods when staff experience overwhelming workloads.
He encouraged staff to embrace teamwork and support one another beyond their designated responsibilities whenever the Directorate faces periods of high demand.
“When it’s admissions peak, the pressure belongs to all of us. Even those whose primary roles are elsewhere should step in because we are one Directorate,” he said.
Prof. Kikooma further stressed the importance of proper planning, timely resource mobilization and continuous staff development, noting that changing technologies and administrative systems require continuous learning and capacity building.
“The way we succeeded yesterday cannot guarantee our success tomorrow. We must continue building our skills because the demands of graduate administration keep changing,” he observed.
As the retreat progressed, participants held intensive discussions on institutional priorities, performance targets, work planning, policy implementation and strategies for improving service delivery across the Directorate.
Delivering his closing remarks, Prof. Kikooma expressed satisfaction with the outcome of the retreat, saying the Directorate had successfully reflected on the key issues that will shape its future.
“I’m happy that we have reached this moment. We had a very tight programme, but I believe we have touched on everything we intended to discuss. Some of the messages have encouraged us, while others have provided practical and technical guidance on improving the way we work,” he said.
He urged staff to return to their offices and translate the lessons from the retreat into practical improvements in service delivery.
Prof. Kikooma thanked the organizing committee for ensuring the retreat became a reality despite earlier uncertainties and acknowledged the contribution of the facilitators, especially colleagues from the Directorate of Planning.
He particularly commended Dr. Christine Amito for her commitment and technical guidance in developing the Directorate’s strategic plan, describing her as instrumental in ensuring that the Directorate’s priorities remain aligned with the University’s overall strategic direction.
He also recognized the contributions of newly assigned planning staff whose early involvement had already strengthened the Directorate’s planning processes.
The Director applauded the graduate interns attached to the Directorate for the valuable support they provided during their placement.
“The work you have done has been real work that would ordinarily have been done by employed staff. Beyond your academic training, I hope you have also learnt the soft skills that are essential in every workplace,” he said.
Prof. Kikooma disclosed that the retreat marked only the beginning of the Directorate’s strategic planning process, noting that the resolutions would be compiled into a comprehensive report for discussion by the Directorate’s management before implementation.
He assured staff that recommendations requiring higher-level consideration would be forwarded to the relevant University authorities.
“The University is banking very much on what we do in graduate training to achieve its vision of becoming a research-led university. Admissions, graduate student tracking, policy development and graduate completion are all at the heart of that agenda.”
The Director also announced that the Directorate would institutionalize a culture of recognizing staff members for their dedicated service.
He observed that employees spend most of their lives in the workplace and therefore deserve appreciation from the institutions they serve.
“As a Directorate, we want everyone who has worked with us to know that they remain part of the DGT family. We are a winning team, but a winning team must also be a happy team.”
One of the emotional moments of the retreat came when the Directorate honoured its former Head of Registry, Ms. Prossy Nakayiki, with a special gift in recognition of her outstanding service and contribution to graduate training.
Receiving the award, Ms. Nakayiki thanked the Directorate for remembering her, saying the recognition affirmed that dedication and integrity are eventually rewarded.
“I take it at heart that when you do well, you are appreciated,” she said.
She recounted her professional journey from joining the then Directorate of Research and Graduate Studies as an admissions officer, rising through the ranks to head the Directorate’s Registry before her appointment as Deputy Academic Registrar in charge of Examinations, Transcripts and Graduation.
Ms. Nakayiki encouraged staff to remain committed to excellent customer care, urging them to treat every student with empathy and professionalism.
“When serving a student, think of that student as your own child. Even when you cannot provide an immediate answer, communicate honestly and assure them when you will be able to help. Our work is about service.”
She attributed the Directorate’s earlier achievements to teamwork, clearly defined responsibilities and effective communication among staff.
She advised employees to understand their roles, support one another and resolve workplace misunderstandings through open communication rather than conflict.
“Our supervisors can only succeed if we, the foot soldiers, perform our responsibilities well. Let us continue working together for the good of the Directorate and for the success of every graduate student who walks through our doors.”
The retreat ended with renewed commitment from staff to implement the Directorate’s five-year strategic plan and strengthen graduate training as a key pillar in advancing Makerere University‘s research excellence agenda.
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