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Press Release: Hon. Janet Museveni to Officially Open SoL, Lumumba and Lay Foundation Stone for SGS Building

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HON. JANET KATAAHA MUSEVENI TO OFFICIALLY OPEN THE SCHOOL OF LAW NEW BUILDING, THE RENOVATED LUMUMBA HALL, AND LAY THE FOUNDATION STONE FOR THE SCHOOL OF GRADUATE STUDIES BUILDING, 18TH DECEMBER 2024, 2:00P.M.

In line with her bid to improve the quality of education and student life, the First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Hon. Janet Kataaha Museveni toured Makerere University on 29th January 2021 to gain first-hand information and experience on the state of teaching and learning facilities, student halls of residence including Lumumba Hall, Mary Stuart Hall, and Africa Hall and other critical infrastructure.

After the visit, The Minister of Education and Sports presented a paper to the Cabinet and rallied the Government of Uganda and the Parliament of Uganda to prioritize the renovation of student halls of residence at Makerere University. 

Consequently, the infrastructural development plan, which is being implemented in a phased approach, has yielded positive results, with some of the construction and renovation works completed to-date.

Official Opening of the School of Law new building and the renovated Lumumba Hall:

On Wednesday 18th December 2024, the First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports is scheduled to officially open the new building for School of Law and the renovated Lumumba Hall, both generously funded by the Government of Uganda. Hon. Janet Museveni is expected to arrive at Makerere University at 2:00pm.

School of Law new building: We are delighted that Hon. Janet Museveni who officially laid the Foundation Stone on 17th May 2022 is returning to the Main Campus on 18th December 2024, to officially open the completed School of Law building. The construction works funded by the Government of Uganda to the tune of UGX 7.3 billion, have led to a magnificent three storeyed building, housing Lecture, tutorial and seminar rooms, a library, a moot court, offices, cafeteria, lactation room and other teaching and learning spaces. The works were undertaken by M/S CK Associates as the Contractor and Symbion as the Consultants.

Lumumba Hall:  On 27th June 2023, the renovation works commenced, with the site being handed over to the Contractor-National Enterprise Corporation (NEC). The Government of Uganda funded the renovation work to the tune of UGX 9billion. The renovation works involved an overhaul aimed at restoring Lumumba Hall to its original beauty. It is important to note that Lumumba Hall has capacity to accommodate about 725 students.

“Lumumba Hall, which was built in the 1960s and officially opened in 1971 was the biggest Hall of Residence, but there had been no major renovation since the time it was constructed,” explained the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe while handing over the site to the Contractor on 27th June 2023.

Subsequently, on 26th July 2024, the Contractor (NEC) handed over the renovated Lumumba Hall to the Vice Chancellor.  “Lumumba Hall has been restored. I thank NEC for the quality of work and high level of professionalism in the execution of the entire project,” said Prof. Nawangwe.

Mary Stuart Hall: In line with the schedule following the Government of Uganda’s commitment to funding the renovation of student halls of residence at Makerere University, on completion of the renovation works at Lumumba Hall, the Contractor-NEC, proceeded to Mary Stuart Hall. The Government of Uganda is funding the renovation of Mary Stuart Hall to the tune of UGX 10.5billion. The renovation works, which commenced on 31st May 2024 are on course.

Laying of the Foundation Stone for the proposed School of Graduate Studies building

Makerere University Strategic Plan highlights the transformation of the University into a research-led institution. This strategic direction re-affirms the commitment to graduate training as well as providing facilities and support services for graduate training.

To walk the talk, the University had to shift from the existing fragmented spaces for the graduate students for instance in the Main Library, Senate Building and in some Colleges, to finding a centralized home for graduate students, graduate training and support services.

We are pleased to report that through the advocacy and leadership of the First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, today, 18th December 2024, we are scheduled to witness the Laying of the Foundation Stone for the School of Graduate Studies building.

This building is a donation (in-kind) from the late Hasmukh Patel, who was an industrialist and Chairman of Tororo Cement. The Minister of Education and Sports and the University leadership held several strategic meetings regarding this donation with Mr. Hasmukh Patel before he passed away on 29th August 2024 after a short illness.

The family of the late Hasmukh Patel and Tororo Cement are implementing his wishes to construct the building that will house the School of Graduate Studies at Makerere University.  May the good Lord continue to grant Patel’s soul eternal rest as his legacy lives on through the School of Graduate Studies building.

For details, please contact:  Ms Ritah Namisango, Principal Public Relations Officer, Makerere University, on Email: pro@mak.ac.ug, and telephone number: +256 702944224.

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Undergraduate Admission Lists 2026/2027

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Students in discussion groups at Freedom Square.

The Office of Academic Registrar, Makerere University has released admission lists of candidates admitted under the Talented Sports Men & Women, Disability and District Quota Schemes with Government sponsorship 2026/27 Academic Year including appeals and remarked cases.

Other admission lists released include A-Level Applicants with Ugandan and those with Foreign Qualifications, Diploma in Performing Arts, Mature-Age Entry and Bachelor of Education (EXTERNAL Batch 2) for the Academic Year 2026/2027 under self sponsorship.

The cut-off points points can be accessed by following the link: https://mak.ac.ug/study-mak/cut-points

Kindly follow the links below to access the lists:-

Update 3rd July 2026

International & East African Applicants

Mop-up Lists

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Makerere Launches Strategic Plan 2030, Aligns with Uganda’s Tenfold Growth Agenda

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Official launch of the Makerere University Strategic Plan 2025-2030 by the Minister of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, Hon. Henry Musasizi, marking a major milestone in its commitment to strengthening research, innovation, and human capital development in line with Uganda’s national development priorities, 2nd July 2026, Main Hall, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

Makerere University has officially launched its Strategic Plan 2025-2030, marking a major milestone in its commitment to strengthening research, innovation, and human capital development in line with Uganda’s national development priorities.

The launch brought together senior government officials, university leadership, and development planners, including the Minister of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, Hon. Henry Musasizi, and a representative from the National Planning Authority (NPA), alongside the University Vice Chancellor.

Hon. Henry Musasizi unveils the Makerere University Strategic Plan (2025-2030). Official launch of the Makerere University Strategic Plan 2025-2030 by the Minister of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, Hon. Henry Musasizi, marking a major milestone in its commitment to strengthening research, innovation, and human capital development in line with Uganda’s national development priorities, 2nd July 2026, Main Hall, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Hon. Henry Musasizi unveils the Makerere University Strategic Plan (2025-2030).

A Vision Anchored in National Transformation

Speaking at the launch, the Vice Chancellor underscored the University’s ambition to significantly expand graduate training and strengthen its contribution to national development. He noted that the institution is targeting a return to pre-COVID enrolment levels and a substantial increase in postgraduate numbers by 2030, with a focus on producing highly skilled graduates, innovators, and researchers.

He emphasized that the Strategic Plan positions the University as a key driver of Uganda’s transformation through knowledge generation, innovation, and entrepreneurship, aligned with national priorities.

“The staffing distribution is shown here. Under the approved establishment, we intended to have 419 Professors, but we currently have only 75. We planned for 473 Associate Professors, but currently have only 144. This clearly demonstrates that we still have considerable room for growth in strengthening our academic staff profile,” the VC said.

Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe. Official launch of the Makerere University Strategic Plan 2025-2030 by the Minister of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, Hon. Henry Musasizi, marking a major milestone in its commitment to strengthening research, innovation, and human capital development in line with Uganda’s national development priorities, 2nd July 2026, Main Hall, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe.

The VC appreciated researchers and research centres, that continue to attract substantial research funding. He highlighted the Infectious Diseases Institute (IDI) and the Makerere University Walter Reed Project which attracted approximately US$70 million in international research funding into Uganda.

“When you combine the grants won by all our researchers through competitive international funding, the total exceeds US$200 million,” he said.

In her remarks, the Chairperson of the University Council, Dr. Lorna Magara, described the Strategic Plan as more than an institutional roadmap, calling it “a public covenant with the people of Uganda.”

She noted that the Plan marks “the launch of Makerere University’s next chapter,” adding that decisions taken over the next five years will shape not only the future of the institution, but also Uganda’s development trajectory through graduates, research, innovations, and leadership.

Dr. Lorna Magara. Official launch of the Makerere University Strategic Plan 2025-2030 by the Minister of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, Hon. Henry Musasizi, marking a major milestone in its commitment to strengthening research, innovation, and human capital development in line with Uganda’s national development priorities, 2nd July 2026, Main Hall, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Dr. Lorna Magara.

Dr. Magara emphasized Makerere’s unique national role as Uganda’s premier public university, entrusted with public resources and public confidence.

“Every investment made in Makerere must produce measurable value for the people of Uganda,” she said, underscoring the need for accountability, integrity, and impact.

Ambitious Targets for Transformation

The Council Chairperson and the Vice chancellor outlined bold performance targets under the Strategic Plan, including doubling postgraduate enrolment, increasing STEM enrolment from 30% to 55%, improving PhD completion rates from 10% to 35%, and more than doubling peer-reviewed research output, alongside a significant rise in patents and innovations.

Dr. Magara stressed that these targets are not aspirations alone but binding commitments against which institutional performance will be measured.

Hon. Henry Musasizi (3rd R) and Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe (2rd L) display an autographed dummy of the signed Strategic Plan as L-R: Hon. Kadondi Gracious, Prof. Henry Alinaitwe, Rt. Hon. Daniel Kidega, Dr. Lorna Magara, H.E. Mubiru John Bosco and Prof. Sarah Ssali witness. Official launch of the Makerere University Strategic Plan 2025-2030 by the Minister of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, Hon. Henry Musasizi, marking a major milestone in its commitment to strengthening research, innovation, and human capital development in line with Uganda’s national development priorities, 2nd July 2026, Main Hall, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Hon. Henry Musasizi (3rd R) and Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe (2rd L) display an autographed dummy of the signed Strategic Plan as L-R: Hon. Kadondi Gracious, Prof. Henry Alinaitwe, Rt. Hon. Daniel Kidega, Dr. Lorna Magara, H.E. Mubiru John Bosco and Prof. Sarah Ssali witness.

“Ambition is precisely what this moment demands. A strategic plan is not measured by the elegance of its language, but by the lives it transforms,” she said.

Call for Stronger Governance and Legal Reform

Dr. Magara also highlighted the need for reform of the Universities and Other Tertiary Institutions Act, Cap. 262, noting that the current legal framework has not kept pace with the evolving realities of university governance and innovation.

She called on Government and Parliament to support a timely review of the Act to enable universities to better optimise knowledge systems, productive assets, and innovation capacity in support of national development.

Government Endorsement and Strategic Alignment

Hon. Henry Musasizi commended the University for developing a forward-looking Strategic Plan aligned with Uganda’s Vision 2040 and the Fourth National Development Plan (NDP IV), which serves as the foundation for the country’s Tenfold Growth Strategy.

He explained that Uganda’s ambition to grow its economy from about USD 50 billion to USD 500 billion requires accelerated growth driven by productivity gains, innovation, and strong human capital development.

Hon. Henry Musasizi. Official launch of the Makerere University Strategic Plan 2025-2030 by the Minister of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, Hon. Henry Musasizi, marking a major milestone in its commitment to strengthening research, innovation, and human capital development in line with Uganda’s national development priorities, 2nd July 2026, Main Hall, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Hon. Henry Musasizi.

“Universities are central actors in national transformation. They are engines of knowledge creation, innovation, and human capital development,” he said.

The Minister stressed that government priorities include strengthening research, promoting industrialization, and ensuring that knowledge generated in universities is translated into practical solutions that support economic growth. He further highlighted the importance of accountability, efficiency, and value for money in public investments in higher education.

Universities as Drivers of the Tenfold Growth Strategy

In his presentation, the Senior Planner at the National Planning Authority, Samuel Kasule, emphasized that the Strategic Plan is firmly anchored in Uganda’s comprehensive development framework under Vision 2040 and NDP IV.

He noted that the Tenfold Growth Strategy seeks to accelerate Uganda’s economic growth into double-digit territory, enabling the country to achieve structural transformation and reach upper middle-income status.

Mr. Samuel Kasule. Official launch of the Makerere University Strategic Plan 2025-2030 by the Minister of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, Hon. Henry Musasizi, marking a major milestone in its commitment to strengthening research, innovation, and human capital development in line with Uganda’s national development priorities, 2nd July 2026, Main Hall, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Mr. Samuel Kasule.

Kasule underscored that universities play a critical role in this transformation through labour productivity, research, and innovation. He pointed out that priority sectors such as agriculture, tourism, minerals, oil and gas, and ICT depend heavily on skilled graduates and strong research ecosystems.

He also highlighted the importance of competency-based education, alignment of academic programmes with national human resource needs, and strengthening postgraduate training and research outputs.

A Shared Commitment to Transformation

Across all speeches, a strong message emerged: universities are central to Uganda’s development agenda and must evolve into research-intensive institutions that directly contribute to economic transformation.

The Strategic Plan 2025-2030 was widely commended for its focus on innovation, industry collaboration, digital transformation, and the commercialization of research outputs.

Government leaders reaffirmed continued support for higher education institutions through research funding, innovation ecosystems, and strengthened university–industry partnerships.

Conclusion

The launch of the Strategic Plan 2030 signals a renewed commitment to positioning the University as a key partner in Uganda’s development journey. With strong alignment to national priorities, the Plan is expected to accelerate research, innovation, and skills development necessary for achieving Uganda’s long-term economic ambitions. The Strategic Plan may be accessed at: https://mak.ac.ug/about/strategic-plan

Betty Kyakuwa
Betty Kyakuwa

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Press Statement: Makerere University Launches Ambitious Strategic Plan 2026–2030

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Launch of the Makerere University Strategic Plan (2025-2030), 2nd July 2026. Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

Visionary Blueprint to Drive Excellence, Innovation, and National Development.

Kampala, Uganda – July 2, 2026. — Makerere University today officially launched its Strategic Plan 2026–2030, outlining a bold roadmap for academic excellence, research innovation, and transformative impact on Uganda and the region. The high-profile launch event, held at Makerere University Main Campus, brought together government leaders, university stakeholders, development partners, and academia.

The Chief Guest, Hon. Henry Musasizi, Minister of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, presided over the official launch. In his presentation, Vice Chancellor Prof. Nawangwe Barnabas highlighted the University’s past achievements and the new Plan’s strategic vision. “This Strategic Plan builds on our rich legacy while positioning Makerere University as a leader in addressing contemporary challenges through cutting-edge research, quality education, and innovation,” he stated.

The Plan was developed through an inclusive process led by the Deputy Vice Chancellor for Finance and Administration, Prof. Henry Alinaitwe, with input from across the University community. It aligns closely with national development priorities, as affirmed by Dr. Joseph Muvawala, Executive Director of the National Planning Authority.

University Council Chairperson Dr Lorna Magara emphasised the Council’s oversight role and commitment: “The University Council is fully committed to providing the strategic leadership and oversight necessary for the successful implementation of this Plan. It will strengthen Makerere’s role as a driver of Uganda’s socio-economic transformation and ensure we remain a beacon of excellence in higher education across Africa.”

Development partners, Vice Chancellors from other public universities, college principals, deans, professors, and student representatives attended the event, underscoring broad stakeholder support.

Key Pillars of the Strategic Plan 2026–2030 include enhancing excellence in teaching and learning, advancing research and innovation, strengthening infrastructure and sustainability, promoting inclusivity, and deepening engagement with industry and government. Following the formal proceedings, guests participated in a networking breakfast and media engagement session.

Additional Quotes:

Makerere University remains Uganda’s flagship institution. This Strategic Plan will further harness our intellectual capital to contribute meaningfully to the National Development Plan and Vision 2040.” — Hon. Henry Musasizi, Minister of Finance, Planning and Economic Development.

We are excited to embark on this new strategic journey. With the support of our dedicated staff, students, alumni, and partners, we will achieve even greater heights in the next five years.” — Prof. Nawangwe Barnabas, Vice Chancellor, Makerere University

About Makerere University

Makerere University is Uganda’s oldest and largest public university, established in 1922. It is a world-class institution recognised for academic excellence, groundbreaking research, and cross-disciplinary innovation. With over 35,000 students and a strong alumni network, Makerere continues to shape leaders and solutions for Africa and beyond.

For more information, contact:

Ms. Eunice Rukundo, Deputy Chief, Public Relations

Makerere University

Email: inquiries@mak.ac.ug | Tel: +256-414-531202

Website: www.mak.ac.ug

The full Strategic Plan document may be accessed at the link below.
https://mak.ac.ug/about/strategic-plan

END

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