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Announcing the 3rd Sarah Ntiro Memorial Lecture with Allen Kagina as the 2025 Distinguished Speaker

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Makerere University will host the 3rd edition of the Sara Nyendwoha Ntiro Memorial Lecture in honor of a gallant alumna whose groundbreaking legacy as Uganda’s first female graduate continues to inspire generations of women in higher education across Africa and beyond.

The Inaugural Edition was held on 1st December 2022 as part of Makerere University‘s centennial celebrations. The lecture was delivered by another distinguished alumna and passionate advocate for women’s rights, the Late Hon. Joyce Mpanga. Her moving lecture unpacked the topic Bold Ideas Need System Support to Thrive; The Case of Sarah Nyendwoha Ntiro, highlighting how Ntiro’s determination to pursue education required institutional backing to achieve lasting impact.

The Second Edition was held on 31st August 2023 and graced by Her Royal Highness, Nnabagereka Sylvia Nagginda, Queen of Buganda, as the distinguished keynote speaker.

The Nnabagereka’s lecture was based on the theme Catalyzing Change: Women as Pillars of Society. Therein, she appropriately stated that “An empowered woman is a better person, mother, worker, and citizen capable of taking advantage of opportunities to contribute, lead, make change, have her voice heard and skills employed.”

This year’s edition of the Lecture will be held on the eve of International Women’s Day, Friday 7th March 2025, in the Makerere University School of Public Health Auditorium starting at 2:00PM. The Third Edition will focus on the theme Pioneering Change and Transforming Institutions, aptly reflecting Sarah Ntiro’s legacy as a transformative figure who broke institutional barriers and pioneered change in Uganda’s educational landscape.

Sarah Ntiro’s own life embodied this year’s theme profoundly. As Uganda’s first female graduate who earned her degree from Oxford University in 1951, she returned home to transform educational institutions by advocating for girls’ education and challenging exclusionary systems.

Her work as an educator, politician, and advocate exemplifies how pioneering individuals can reshape institutions to become more inclusive and equitable. This year’s theme honors her approach to institutional transformation—creating sustainable change through strategic leadership, advocacy, and persistence.

To set the tone for the day’s discussion will be a distinguished speaker who, like Ntiro, pioneered change and transformation as the first female Commissioner General of the Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) and the first female Executive Director of the Uganda National Roads Authority (UNRA).

“Sarah Ntiro’s legacy reminds us that true transformation requires both pioneering individuals and responsive institutions. In Ms. Allen Kagina, we see this dual impact—a leader who not only broke barriers but reshaped organizational cultures. Our discussion will explore how women leaders like Ntiro and Kagina don’t merely occupy positions but fundamentally transform the institutions they serve, creating pathways for generations to follow.” Professor Sarah Ssali

Theme: Pioneering Change and Transforming Institutions. Announcing the 3rd Sarah Ntiro Memorial Lecture with Allen Kagina as the 2025 Distinguished Speaker, Friday 7th March 2025, 2:00PM, Makerere University School of Public Health Auditorium starting, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Announcing the 3rd Sarah Ntiro Memorial Lecture. Theme: Pioneering Change and Transforming Institutions.

Ms. Allen Kagina, an eminent alumna of Makerere, will in her keynote address explore how Ntiro’s trailblazing spirit has influenced her journey of institutional leadership and transformation, unpacking practical strategies for women leaders to effect meaningful change in traditionally male-dominated spaces.

Transforming institutions isn’t just about being the first woman to enter the room—it’s about ensuring you’re not the last. Like Sarah Ntiro, who understood that true leadership means creating pathways that others can follow, I’ve learned that our greatest legacy lies not in the barriers we break, but in the sustainable systems we build that outlast our tenure. When women lead with both courage and vision, we don’t just change organizations—we redefine what leadership itself can accomplish.” Ms Allen Kagina

The panel discussion will be moderated by Professor Sarah Ssali, Dean of the School of Women and Gender Studies. She will be joined by another expert on a panel to examine how Ntiro’s educational philosophy and public service ethos continue to offer valuable lessons for today’s institutional leaders seeking to create more inclusive organizations.

Makerere University is privileged to welcome home one of our most accomplished alumnae whose career exemplifies the institutional impact Sarah Ntiro envisioned when she championed education as a vehicle for national development. Just like Sarah Ntiro, Allen Kagina has consistently demonstrated how visionary leadership can transform our national institutions. Her groundbreaking work at both URA and UNRA embodies the very essence of this year’s theme—pioneering change that outlasts individual tenure.” Professor Barnabas Nawangwe, Vice Chancellor

We look forward to hosting you all on this platform that will promote the exchange of ideas and best practices among stakeholders to enhance strategies for greater gender equality in institutional change and transformation—continuing Sarah Ntiro’s vision of education as a pathway to societal transformation.

For updates, follow #SarahNtiroLecture25 on our social media platforms, or email us at advancement@mak.ac.ug

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Makerere University Strengthens Academic Leadership Through Capacity Building for Heads of Department

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Comprehensive capacity-building and retooling workshop for all Heads of Department (HoDs) organized under the office of the Deputy Vice Chancellor, Academic Affairs (DVCAA) August 5, 2025, Senate Conference Hall, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

In a strategic move to enhance academic leadership and institutional efficiency, Makerere University conducted a comprehensive capacity-building and retooling workshop for all Heads of Department (HoDs) on August 5, 2025. The workshop, held at the Senate Conference Hall, brought together HoDs from various academic units to deepen their understanding of university academic policies, graduate training guidelines, and intellectual property management.

The training was organized under the office of the Deputy Vice Chancellor, Academic Affairs. The session aimed at aligning departmental leadership with the University’s strategic goals, policies, and operational frameworks, particularly in relation to graduate education and research governance.

Opening the workshop, Prof. Buyinza Bukadasi, Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic Affairs), underscored the importance of strong departmental leadership in driving the University’s vision:

Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi makes his remarks. Comprehensive capacity-building and retooling workshop for all Heads of Department (HoDs) organized under the office of the Deputy Vice Chancellor, Academic Affairs (DVCAA) August 5, 2025, Senate Conference Hall, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi makes his remarks.

“The Head of Department is not merely an administrator; they are the academic engine of their unit. By equipping our HoDs with up-to-date policy knowledge, research management skills, and leadership tools, we are investing in the core structures that sustain academic excellence and innovation at Makerere.”

Emphasis on Graduate Policy and Structured PhD Training

Dr. Julius Kikooma, Director of the Directorate of Graduate Training (DGT), led an engaging presentation on the Makerere University Graduate Policies, Guidelines, and Procedures. His session unpacked critical updates in the revised 2024 Graduate Handbook, including:

  • Removal of provisional admission for PhD by Research.
  • A structured PhD framework requiring a minimum of three years and 40 credit units.
  • Strengthened supervision standards and doctoral mentorship structures.
  • Cohort-based admissions to improve program coherence and tracking.
  • Integration of cross-cutting courses such as Scholarly Writing, Advanced Research Methods, and Teaching Assistantship into PhD training.

The new framework, supported by the Research Information Management System (RIMS), enhances monitoring of student progress and ensures timely completion of graduate programs. Dr. Kikooma emphasized the importance of departmental roles in guiding and supporting students, noting that departments serve as the primary disciplinary homes for graduate students and are key in fostering research cultures.

A section of HoDs listens to the DVCAA make his address. Comprehensive capacity-building and retooling workshop for all Heads of Department (HoDs) organized under the office of the Deputy Vice Chancellor, Academic Affairs (DVCAA) August 5, 2025, Senate Conference Hall, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
A section of HoDs listens to the DVCAA make his address.

Understanding and Applying Intellectual Property Policies

The session also featured a detailed presentation on the Makerere University Intellectual Property Management Policy (2008, as amended), delivered by Counsel Esther Kabinga, Ag. Manager of the Intellectual Property Management Office (IPMO). Participants were guided through the obligations and rights related to IP created by staff, students, and visitors.

The presentation highlighted:

  • Ownership structures for IP generated at the University.
  • Procedures for disclosing, protecting, and commercializing IP.
  • Roles of departments in supporting creators and liaising with IPMO.
  • Revenue-sharing mechanisms and the inclusion of IP outputs in staff promotion criteria.

Counsel Kabinga encouraged HoDs to promote awareness of IP rights and responsibilities within their units, especially given the increasing volume of research outputs and innovations emerging from the University.

Strategic Alignment with the University’s Research Agenda

The workshop is part of broader efforts to implement the Makerere University Research Agenda 2025/26 – 2029/30, which prioritizes talent development, research visibility, and knowledge transfer. According to Dr. Robert Wamala, Director of the Directorate of Research, Innovation and Partnerships (DRIP), strengthening administrative and academic capacity at departmental level is critical for sustaining Makerere’s status as a leading research institution.

Dr. Robert Wamala makes his presentation. Comprehensive capacity-building and retooling workshop for all Heads of Department (HoDs) organized under the office of the Deputy Vice Chancellor, Academic Affairs (DVCAA) August 5, 2025, Senate Conference Hall, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Dr. Robert Wamala makes his presentation.

The Research Agenda also supports the operationalization of structures like the IP Management Committee and GAMSU (Grants Administration and Support Unit), both of which are instrumental in streamlining research support services.

The training reaffirmed Makerere University‘s commitment to continuous professional development and the strategic empowerment of academic leaders. With a renewed understanding of policies and tools, Heads of Department are now better equipped to foster academic excellence, supervise graduate research, and steward innovation at the departmental level.

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Admission Lists -Successful Appeals 2025/26

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International Admissions at makerere university

The Office of Academic Registrar, Makerere University has released the admission lists for candidates for those whose appeals have been successful for the 2025/26 Academic Year.

Kindly follow the links below to access the lists respectively:-

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UNDP and Mak Launch Daycare Centre and Multimedia Studio to Boost Gender Equality and Digital Inclusion

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Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, Mr. Ian King and H.E. Ssentamu Churchill James (Standing before Banners) are joined by officials in a group photo in the Daycare Centre, located on the Ground Floor of the Institute of Gender and Development Studies (IGDS) on 7th August 2025. Makerere University, in collaboration with UNDP Uganda launch of Daycare and Breastfeeding Centre at the Institute of Gender and Development Studies (IGDS) and state-of-the-art Multimedia Studio at the Frank Kalimuzo Central Teaching Facility, 7th August 2025, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

Makerere University, in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Uganda, has launched two transformative facilities, a Daycare and Breastfeeding Centre at the Institute of Gender and Development Studies (IGDS), and a state-of-the-art Multimedia Studio at the Frank Kalimuzo Central Teaching Facility. These facilities mark a major milestone in the University’s commitment to gender equality, student and staff welfare, and digital innovation in higher education.

A Milestone for Gender Equality: Daycare and Breastfeeding Centre

Mr. Ian King, the Ag. Resident Representative, UNDP Uganda, speaking at launch of the Daycare and Breastfeeding Centre emphasized the importance of the Gender Equality Seal (GES) initiative, funded by the European Union (EU). He applauded the Institute for being the first in Africa to participate in the GES.

Mr. King highlighted the role of the facility to mothers and some fathers in ensuring children’s safety and peace of mind for parents. He further commended the Institute for demonstrating what can be achieved through the programme. He stressed the importance of setting high standards for child care centres and making spaces safe for young parents. The Daycare centre is intended to provide a safe and nurturing environment for children and relief for mothers and fathers to focus on their work and studies.

A view of the general play and lounge area of the Daycare Centre. Makerere University, in collaboration with UNDP Uganda launch of Daycare and Breastfeeding Centre at the Institute of Gender and Development Studies (IGDS) and state-of-the-art Multimedia Studio at the Frank Kalimuzo Central Teaching Facility, 7th August 2025, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
A view of the general play and lounge area of the Daycare Centre.

Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, the Vice Chancellor, noted that the centre will be crucial in supporting breastfeeding mothers—particularly students and staff—to continue their academic and professional pursuits. Recalling a time when women were barely represented in the University Senate, he acknowledged the significant strides Makerere has made, while also noting ongoing gaps in graduate gender equity.

“The majority of graduates are women, but there are still issues of equity at the graduate level. I think there are still issues that we must solve, and one of them is helping mothers who are students and members of staff to continue with what they do, even when they have got babies to look after because that’s one of the reasons, I think, why many students drop out just because they become mothers,” he added.

Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe holds a baby as he makes his remarks at the Daycare facility. Makerere University, in collaboration with UNDP Uganda launch of Daycare and Breastfeeding Centre at the Institute of Gender and Development Studies (IGDS) and state-of-the-art Multimedia Studio at the Frank Kalimuzo Central Teaching Facility, 7th August 2025, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe holds a baby as he makes his remarks at the Daycare facility.

He acknowledged that the facility will come in handy for addressing challenges, including balancing motherhood with academic or professional responsibilities. He extended appreciation to UNDP for their long-standing partnership in transforming Makerere into a more inclusive and modern academic institution.

The Head of the Institute of Gender and Development Studies (IGDS), Prof. Sarah Ssali, in her remarks, thanked the Vice Chancellor who catered for the Daycare Centre while designing the building. Prof. Ssali highlighted that the Daycare describes Makerere University‘s history and its commitment to gender equality and inclusion. She highlighted that the University has over 20 gender policies and interventions—with some directly impacting gender equality and others improving the work ecosystem—for example, digitization, quality assurance programmes and scholarship programmes. “But this is the first that directly addresses the needs of both students and staff—mothers and fathers alike—through a shared space for child care,” she said.

Prof. Sarah Ssali (Right) welcomes officials to the Institute of Gender and Development Studies. Makerere University, in collaboration with UNDP Uganda launch of Daycare and Breastfeeding Centre at the Institute of Gender and Development Studies (IGDS) and state-of-the-art Multimedia Studio at the Frank Kalimuzo Central Teaching Facility, 7th August 2025, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Prof. Sarah Ssali (Right) welcomes officials to the Institute of Gender and Development Studies.

Ms. Donna Keirungi, a mother and alumna of the University, shared her personal journey on how challenging it is to balance both studying and childcare. She highlighted that the Daycare Centre aims to make the various policies on gender equality and women’s empowerment practical, and to support the University’s commitment to Gender Equality. The Centre aims to fulfil the University’s Strategic Plan 2020–2030’s emphasis on creating an enabling environment and work-life balance.

“The journey to establish the centre began in 2022 with support from the UNDP, including benchmarking at a well-established Daycare Centre in Parliament. The centre is open to children aged zero to five years, including those of students and staff members,” she highlighted.

Ms. Donna Keirungi leads officials on a tour of the Daycare Centre. Makerere University, in collaboration with UNDP Uganda launch of Daycare and Breastfeeding Centre at the Institute of Gender and Development Studies (IGDS) and state-of-the-art Multimedia Studio at the Frank Kalimuzo Central Teaching Facility, 7th August 2025, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Ms. Donna Keirungi leads officials on a tour of the Daycare Centre.

The Daycare Centre is unique in that it benefits all members of the University community, including single fathers and students.

H.E. Ssentamu Churchill James, the 91st Guild President, thanked UNDP and the organising committee for their efforts in making the facility a reality, describing it as a testament to the University’s commitment to gender equity, student welfare, and removing barriers for parenting students. He highlighted the importance of peace of mind for students, especially mothers, and how the facility will help them balance their roles.

Advancing Digital Transformation: New Multimedia Studio Launched

In a separate but equally impactful launch at the Frank Kalimuzo Central Teaching Facility, Mr. Ian King described the studio as a strategic milestone in the University’s vision to modernise higher education and foster flexible learning. Mr. King noted that Uganda has made significant progress in digital inclusion with over 13 million internet users. He emphasized that the facility aims to address gaps in digital skills access—with only 3% of the population currently benefiting—and promote digital inclusion in line with the pillars of the Digital Economy Scorecard.

Mr. Ian King makes his remarks prior to launching the Multimedia Studio. Makerere University, in collaboration with UNDP Uganda launch of Daycare and Breastfeeding Centre at the Institute of Gender and Development Studies (IGDS) and state-of-the-art Multimedia Studio at the Frank Kalimuzo Central Teaching Facility, 7th August 2025, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Mr. Ian King makes his remarks prior to launching the Multimedia Studio.

He also expressed confidence that the next Digital Economy Scorecard will show improved figures due to the efforts of Makerere and other universities. The digital studio will provide a dedicated space equipped with modern infrastructure to facilitate equitable access to digital skills development. He encouraged full utilization of the studio to maximise its impact on teaching, learning and skills development. He further thanked the Makerere University Management and development partners for their financial contributions that enabled the studio’s realization.

Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe expressed gratitude to the UNDP for their long-time support, especially with facilities like the Makerere University Innovation Pod (Mak UniPod). He thanked the UNDP for contributing to the modernisation of the University. The Vice Chancellor pledged to use the facility to build capacity across all disciplines and provide knowledge to a wider audience online.

Left to Right: Prof. Sarah Ssali, Prof. Paul Birevu Muyinda, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, Mr. Ian King, H.E. Ssentamu Churchill James and Ms. Annet Mpabalungi Wakabi in the Multimedia Studio. Makerere University, in collaboration with UNDP Uganda launch of Daycare and Breastfeeding Centre at the Institute of Gender and Development Studies (IGDS) and state-of-the-art Multimedia Studio at the Frank Kalimuzo Central Teaching Facility, 7th August 2025, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Left to Right: Prof. Sarah Ssali, Prof. Paul Birevu Muyinda, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, Mr. Ian King, H.E. Ssentamu Churchill James and Ms. Annet Mpabalungi Wakabi in the Multimedia Studio.

He noted that Africa’s enrolment in higher education is the lowest in the world despite having the fastest-growing population, emphasizing the importance of providing high-quality education to as many people as possible, both on-campus and online. “I’m happy that this facility looks even more diverse than ones I have seen,” he said, expressing his gratitude to UNDP. The Vice Chancellor also highlighted the impact of the UNDP’s support towards unleashing talent and fostering innovation among students. “So by bringing the UniPod, you helped us unlock so much talent, and these students can now come up with the innovations which can be commercialised and create jobs for our fast-growing populations,” said Prof. Nawangwe.

Prof. Paul Birevu Muyinda, the Director, Makerere University Institute of Open Distance and e-Learning (IODel), said that the studio brings a significant leap in content production for e-learning. He expressed gratitude to UNDP for providing the necessary equipment to compete with world-class universities. He highlighted that e-learning courses are now incorporating multimedia elements like video and sound, moving on from the text-based model.

Officials pose for a group photo shortly after the launch of the Multimedia Studio. Makerere University, in collaboration with UNDP Uganda launch of Daycare and Breastfeeding Centre at the Institute of Gender and Development Studies (IGDS) and state-of-the-art Multimedia Studio at the Frank Kalimuzo Central Teaching Facility, 7th August 2025, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Officials pose for a group photo shortly after the launch of the Multimedia Studio.

He further mentioned the preference of the younger generation for visual and interactive content, making multimedia content essential for effective teaching and learning. Prof. Muyinda explained how the new multimedia studio will allow for more authentic and context-specific e-learning content, enhancing student engagement. He emphasized that the University is focusing on four key areas: training staff on studio usage, AI literacy, online facilitation, and teaching learners how to use e-learning technology. He underscored the importance of continuous innovation and adaptation in e-learning to keep up with global standards.

Dr. Godfrey Mayende revealed that all science units can also be taught in this Multimedia Studio. He said that the studio provides the naturalness of a class setting as it gives space for students to physically sit in the studio room as the lecturer is teaching or recording a lecture.

Dr. Godfrey Mayende observes as Mr. Ian King tests the Multimedia Studio's provisions that support teaching of subjects that necessitate writing of formulae and other hand-drawn illustrations. Makerere University, in collaboration with UNDP Uganda launch of Daycare and Breastfeeding Centre at the Institute of Gender and Development Studies (IGDS) and state-of-the-art Multimedia Studio at the Frank Kalimuzo Central Teaching Facility, 7th August 2025, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Dr. Godfrey Mayende observes as Mr. Ian King tests the Multimedia Studio’s provisions that support teaching of subjects that necessitate writing of formulae and other hand-drawn illustrations.

The two facilities; Daycare Centre and Multimedia Studio, are the latest in a series of initiatives borne out of the strong partnership between Makerere University and the United Nations Development Programme, including the previously launched Mak UniPod and Gender Equality Seal for Public Institutions. The abovementioned developments offer clear demonstration that Makerere University and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) have a strong partnership focused on fostering innovation and development in Uganda and beyond.

Eve Nakyanzi
Eve Nakyanzi

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