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Vice Chancellor Updates Media on Digital Transformation, DVCs Search & Various Issues

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The Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe on Tuesday 4th March, 2025 held a press conference to update members of the Media on Automation of University Business Operations, the Search for the First and Second Deputy Vice Chancellors in charge of Academic Affairs (DVC AA) and Finance and Administration (DVC F&A) respectively, as well as a host of various issues. The event held in the Council Room, Main Building, was attended by the Acting (Ag.) DVC AA and substantive Academic Registrar-Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi, Ag. DVC F&A-Prof. Winston Tumps Ireeta, Dean of Students-Dr. Winifred Kabumbuli and the Director for ICT Support (DICTS)-Mr. Samuel Mugabi.

Also in attendance were; the Deputy University Secretary-Mr. Simon Kizito, Representative of the Ag. Manager Planning and Development-Mr. Moses Oluka, Outgoing Guild President-H.E. Vincent Lubega Nsamba, Deputy Chief – Public Relations-Ms. Betty Kyakuwa and staff from the Offices of the Vice and Deputy Vice Chancellors.

The proceedings of the Press Conference follow below;

Vice Chancellors’ Press Statement

As we commence the month of March, I wish to start by thanking all our staff for their diligent and dedicated service to our University and Country. Makerere University occupies a prominent position in the region when it comes to teaching and learning, research and innovation as well as knowledge transfer partnerships. I therefore wish to update the public on a few developments:

1. Automation of University Business Operations

Makerere University’s Strategic Plan (2020-2030) prioritizes digital transformation (DX) to establish the institution as a research-led, digitally driven university. To this end, the University Council has approved several Management Information Systems whose aim is to further professionalize management of university functions. In line with Uganda’s Buy Uganda Build Uganda (BUBU) policy, Makerere has embraced in-house software development as a sustainable approach to business process automation. Leveraging student and staff expertise, the university has developed several information systems to enhance efficiency and transparency.

Key systems include:

  1. Academic Management Information System (ACMIS) – Enables online student applications, tuition payments, results access, and timely graduation. ACMIS successfully supported the 74th and 75th graduation cohorts.
  2. Electronic Human Resource Management System (eHRMS) – Automates job applications, leave management, promotions, and payroll accuracy, improving staffing planning.
  3. Financial Management System (Mak-FMS) – Facilitates digital requisitions, approvals, and financial monitoring, increasing transparency and reducing paperwork.
  4. Biometric Attendance Management System – Tracks staff presence and ensures adherence to schedules. A student attendance system will soon provide mobile-based lecture attendance monitoring.
  5. Academic Registrar’s Electronic Document and Records Management System (AR-EDRMS) – Digitizes student records and credential verification, set to greatly reduce the need for physical visits from April 2025 onwards.
  6. Grants Management Information System – Monitors financial performance, research alignment with the National Development Plan, and research outputs.
  7. Hospital Management Information System – Still in early implementation, but evolving to automate hospital operations.

These systems have streamlined operations, improved service delivery, and enhanced transparency, reinforcing Makerere’s commitment to digital transformation and innovation in higher education. This is why you no longer have students in long queues, while transcripts and certificates are given to the student before graduation day. 

2. Search for Deputy Vice Chancellors –A/A and F/A

The search for individuals to fill the positions of Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic Affairs) and Deputy Vice Chancellor (Finance and Administration) at Makerere University has officially commenced.

Deputy Vice Chancellor (Finance and Administration) – DVC F&A

The Office of Deputy Vice Chancellor Finance and Administration has not had a substantive official since 2020 when the high court nullified the appointment of Prof. William Bazeyo, after one of the contestants alleged that the process was irregular. The second attempt to have the positioned filled substantively was again stopped by court following a petition by the same contestant.

Last year, the contestant withdrew the case, allowing for the search process to resume.  Upon its resumption, however, another contestant petitioned court. The University Council has now guided that the university holds a fresh search for a substantive DVC F&A.

Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic Affairs) – DVC AA

For the position of DVC AA, the former’s term ended in Dec 2023, whereupon he was given a short acting contract. While his appraisal was going on, he petitioned court, citing delays in completing his appraisal.  Owing to the court matter, the University Council could not continue with his appraisal. However, Council has decided it is time to substantively fill the position hence setting up the search committee.   

To ensure a rigorous and objective selection process, the University Senate on 26th February constituted two Search Committees – one for each of the vacant positions. The committees were given two (2) months in which to report back to Senate. Senate will then forward the required three (3) names to Council. We hope that this process will be completed within three (3) months.

3. Students Work Scheme

Every year, over 1,000 students drop out of university due to failure to raise tuition. The University Council has negotiated various work schemes to support such students. Some of these include; Mastercard Female Scholarships Scheme, Chinese Ambassador Scholarship, Chamber of Commerce Scholarship Scheme, Welcome Trust Scheme, NORAD as well as the University Graduate Fellowship Scheme which waives tuition for students who engage in teaching. The university has also got a Staff Scholarship Scheme, which waives tuition for staff that wish to further their education. Despite all these interventions, we still continue to see students dropping out of university. To this end, the University Council established the Students Work Scheme, through which students can raise fees.

Through the work schemes, students access part-time employment to help them meet their financial needs and also, to get work experience which they will use in search for gainful employment after studies. Under the Scheme, 56 students were recruited as Hall Attendants and office attendants. Their roles include cleaning and assisting in administrative duties. Another 10 were attached to a private company as sales representatives. Students work part-time, with flexible hours that do not conflict with their academic commitments. They receive a modest salary of Shs1.2m as compensation for their services, helping them meet their financial needs. The successful recruitment of 66 students under the scheme is just the beginning. We plan to expand the program to more than 100 students and include more diverse roles across different departments.

4. Guild Elections

Makerere University is set to hold elections for a new Students Guild Council on 12th March, 2025. These elections provide an important platform for students to exercise their democratic rights and actively participate in shaping the leadership that will represent their interests. The university administration encourages all students to fully participate in the electoral process, so as to ensure that their voices are heard and their concerns are represented in the governance of the institution.

We extend our appreciation to the outgoing Guild President, Mr. Vincent Lubega Nsamba, and his leadership team for their dedicated service and contributions to the student community. Under his leadership, the Guild Council has advocated for student welfare, promoted peaceful dialogue, enhanced student engagement and strengthened student governance.

The university administration, in collaboration with the Student Electoral Commission, is taking necessary measures to ensure free and fair elections as well as safety and security of all staff and students of the university during and after electioneering.

5. Disability Support Centre

The University has a comprehensive policy on Disability and recently Council approved a Safe Guarding Policy. Both policies will go a long way in supporting students. Owing to this, Council recently established the Disability Support Centre, with support from Mastercard Foundation which has provided initial equipment and staff.

Located at Level 1 of the Frank Kalimuzo Building, this dedicated space is transforming the educational experiences of students with impairments, fostering a sense of community, and equipping them with vital academic and life skills. The Centre will support the students in various ways so that they don’t have to move from building to building for support.

The Endowment Fund, recently conducted the MakRun, whose proceeds will go towards supporting the Disability Centre.

6. Infrastructure development

With substantial support from the Government, Makerere University has made significant strides in enhancing its critical infrastructure for teaching, research, and student residences/welfare, alongside initiating new infrastructure projects.

Following the phased approach to renovate student halls of residence, the University Management is pleased to report that the renovation of Lumumba Hall was completed in 2024, while that of Mary Stuart Hall is ongoing. On completion of the renovation of Mary Stuart Hall, the Contractors will proceed to Complex Hall. The University has also constructed two (2) new buildings for the School of Law and School of Dentistry.

Others include;

  1. School of Graduate Training and Research Building

This building will go a long way in helping the university achieve its strategic goal of becoming research-led. The building will house study rooms for PhD students and an innovation hub. We appreciate Tororo Cement who are funding this project, with support from the First Lady, to the tune of US$8 million.

  1. School of Public Health Building

The construction of the School of Public Health building, near the Eastern Gate is nearing completion. This project was an initiative of the staff of the school who raised the funds that kick started the construction. The building is supposed to be a 6-storey two tower building, with an Auditorium that has since been completed. We appreciated the support of our partners such as the government of Uganda, the government of the Netherlands and USAID through the American Hospitals Abroad.

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Makerere University and Goucher College Explore Strategic Collaboration

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Prof. Sarah Ssali (L)and Ms. Nenelwa Tomi holding a Goucher College's banner after the engagement on 2nd Oct. 2025.

Makerere University has reaffirmed its commitment to building strong global partnerships through a high-level engagement with Goucher College (USA), represented by Ms. Nenelwa Tomi. The meeting, chaired by Deputy Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, Prof. Sarah Ssali, also brought together academic leaders from the College of Humanities and Social Sciences (CHUSS) led by the Deputy Principal Dr. Eric Awich Ocen.

Opening the discussions, Prof. Ssali emphasized the importance of partnerships in driving Makerere University’s mission of knowledge generation, innovative teaching, research, and societal transformation. She highlighted her office’s role in supporting the Vice Chancellor’s vision and noted that the university has cultivated over 1,000 partnerships worldwide, ranging from global universities to community-based organizations. However, she stressed that the humanities, in particular, needed more collaboration to match the momentum already seen in the sciences.

The spotlight of the meeting was on Goucher College, with Nenelwa Tomi making a strong case for collaboration. She outlined the college’s unique strengths, including its liberal arts model, global education approach, and emphasis on experiential learning. Tomi emphasized Goucher College’s readiness to create synergies with Makerere University, ranging from faculty and student exchange programs to joint research, innovation projects, and alumni engagement opportunities. She noted that the shared values of diversity, community-centered learning, and innovation make the two institutions natural partners.

Ms. Nenelwa Tomi

Nenelwa Tomi highlighted Goucher College’s global perspective, noting that every student is required to engage in international learning as part of their degree. This, she explained, positions Goucher College as an institution deeply committed to cross-cultural exchange, making collaboration with Makerere University a natural extension of its mission. She emphasized the college’s strong tradition in liberal arts and humanities, pointing out that this could complement Makerere University’s growing interest in broadening partnerships beyond the sciences. She further mentioned that Goucher College has well-established student support systems, career readiness programs, and digital learning innovations, which could create synergies with Makerere University’s own efforts to integrate technology and experiential learning into academic programs.

In addition, she shared success stories of Goucher College’s collaborations with other international institutions, illustrating how these partnerships had not only expanded academic opportunities but also enhanced community impact. Finally, she stressed the importance of sustainable, people-centered partnerships, noting that collaboration should be designed to empower both students and staff, while also producing solutions that address pressing societal challenges in Uganda, the United States, and beyond.

Dr. Cathy Mbidde the Manager Makerere University Innovation Pod (UNIPOD) spoke on behalf Makerere University Technology and Innovation Center, established in 2022 to commercialize research outputs. The UNIPOD with facilities such as maker spaces, food technology labs, textile and electrical sections, and a multimedia studio, the center has already incubated five student-owned companies in areas like health, irrigation, coffee, wine, and wood production. Its focus on nurturing innovation and entrepreneurship aligns closely with Goucher’s experiential learning philosophy, opening new pathways for co-creation between the two institutions.

In closing, the meeting underscored the vast potential for Makerere–Goucher collaboration, with both sides expressing optimism about partnerships that could benefit students, staff, and the broader community. The dialogue marked the beginning of what stakeholders described as a promising journey of innovation, knowledge exchange, and global academic synergy.

The meeting was held on the 2nd of October 2025 and was attended by Dr. Pamela Khanakwa (Dean of the School of Liberal and Performing) Dr. Dickson Kanakulya (Head of the Department of Philosophy) and Dr. Charlotte K. Mafumbo  (Head of the Department of History).

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Nkrumah Hall Holds its 2nd Nkrumah Day Public Lecture

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Keynote Speaker and Chief Guest Maj. Gen. Kahinda Otafiire

Africa Must Wake Up and Unite

In commemoration of the Africa’s iconic leader, the late Kwame Nkrumah, a public lecture was celebrated on Friday, 26th September 2025. It was a day to celebrate and reiterate Nkrumah’s history and his dream of a one and united Africa through Pan-Africanism. The event was held under the theme ‘Transforming Young African Minds: Lessons We Can Draw from Kwame Nkrumah’s Ideas.’ As echoed by the Nkrumah hall’s chairman, Mr. Arinaitwe Peter, it was a day to transform the minds of activists. “Nkrumah Hall is not just a building but a temple of ideas, innovation and research.” he added highlighting the remarkable importance of Nkrumah’s legacy. With this spirit, Nkrumah hall’s leadership made it a responsibility to organise sports and charity works to the needy aiming at building brotherhood and lifting one another.

In the same regard, the Chief Guest and the Keynote Speaker, Hon. Maj. Gen. Kahinda Otafiire the State Minister for Internal Affairs highlighted the theme of the event affirming that Nkrumah lived dream for the unity of the African continent and that that is what inspires him. Reflecting on his journey as a student at Makerere 53 years ago, he mentioned that him and other colleagues became part time students and full-time guerrillas fighting for the love, peace and stability of their country, Uganda to liberate it from Idd Amin’s regime. “I rather live fighting than live on my knees begging…” he added.

He urged the youths to embrace the Africanism and unite Africa following Nkrumah’s dream therefore reinstating that if youths rise as Ugandans in oneness altogether, they shall be unbreakable. He added that we are living in a continent that encompasses countries that are democratically poor thus cannot do great things like going to the moon, inventing high end machinery and so on.

Maj. Gen. Kahinda, emphasized youths to do away with their cultural and religious beliefs and indifferences to develop the desire for the unity of Uganda, East Africa and Africa. Showing his worry, he stated that youths should wake up and stop being used fighters hence uniting the good as opposed to the bad ones. “I want you, young people to be Africans because I am an African and will be enough for me to go to my grave and rest.” he made a call to the youths. He articulated that Africa shouldn’t confine itself in the colonial borders forced on it by the colonialists but rather a border-less continent for all Africans thus cherishing in being a mayor in Africa than being a minister in Uganda.

Representing the Vice Chancellor of Makerere University, Dr. Winfred Kabumbuli pointed it out that the university focuses at interesting students towards leadership and aims to honour the legacy of Kwame Nkrumah by raising a generation that will respect Africa’s values and stand the taste of time as Nkrumah’s name has done. Honoured to host the event, she added that the university prides in research and innovation.

As a norm to digest the Nkrumah’s dream of ‘Pan Africanism and Unity,’ a panel discussion moderated by Dr. Suzie Muwanga was conducted. On this platform, it was addressed that;

  • The African people failed to get dignity and thus for Pan Africanism to prevail, dignity needs to be attached to the people.
  • Nkrumah’s dream was to see an Africa that could stand on its own; Intra-African, intra-state and intra-regional.
  • Africa still holds its strength and wealth which key in attracting Africa’s enemies to continually endeavour to destabilise it to obtain Africans’ wealth. This therefore calls for Africans to discard such for Africa to stand.
  • Nkrumah’s efforts continued to inspire the next generations thus a call to every African to embrace the great duty of advancing the ideals, principles and values of Pan Africanism and not only expecting it from the existing leaders but as everyone’s personal duty.
  • With the spirit to shape the pathway of Pan Africanism, young people should understand that they live because their forefathers fought and should carry on the same spirit to also fight for where their children will live.

As the event came to an end, it was re-echoed that it is very is important for youths/young people to shift their mindset from being a special group of people that should be only catered for. Therefore, young people should harness the international community and embrace diversity to awaken and expose their mindset. As a call, young people/youths were called to action to ensure that the right decisions are done for the betterment of a united people of Africa as it was foreseen by Kwame Nkrumah.

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Prof. Sarah Ssali commends Makerere University’s longstanding relationship with the Mastercard Foundation

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Participants of the co-creation workshop pause for a group photo

By Antonny Tugaineyo

The Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Academic Affairs, Prof. Sarah Ssali, hailed Makerere University for its longstanding partnership with the Mastercard Foundation, which has produced tangible results and impact. She made these remarks while officiating the launch and strategic plan co-creation workshop of the Africa Climate Collaborative, another initiative between Makerere University and the Mastercard Foundation, held on 30th September 2025, at the Senate Conference Hall, Makerere University.

“These initiatives illustrate how deeply the partnership between Makerere University and the Mastercard Foundation has become. The Africa Climate Collaborative builds on this foundation, broadening opportunities for scholarships, mentorship, and support for innovations that promote climate-resilient futures,” Prof. Ssali remarked.

Prof. Sarah Ssali delivering opening remarks.

Prof. Ssali highlighted that the Africa Climate Collaborative is a university-wide initiative created to tackle the ongoing challenges in graduate education in Africa, such as low completion rates, weak industry connections, and the disconnect between academic research and practical solutions.

“I strongly commend Makerere’s longstanding partnership with the Mastercard Foundation, which began in 2013, supporting transformative initiatives such as the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program, Action Research in Psychosocial Services, the E-learning Initiative, and the enhancement of Safeguarding at the university.” Prof. Ssali pointed out.

The Program Director for the Africa Climate Collaborative at Makerere University and Principal of the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, Prof. Gorettie Nabanoga, used the workshop to elaborate on the Collaborative’s mission and its four strategic pillars;

Prof. Gorettie Nabanoga explaining of the Africa Climate Collaborative’s interests

Pillar 1: Workforce Development: Enable talented young professionals to lead the development of climate solutions through quality education

  • Extend comprehensive Scholarships to 250 Masters and 40 PhD Students
  • Develop new curricula of 2 Masters and 1 PhD programmes
  • Upskill 150 Faculty in academic research supervision to improve the research experience of all graduate students

Pillar 2: Entrepreneurship: Empower youth to drive green economies through enhanced green entrepreneurship skilling programs

  • Skilling Programme for 500 youth who have not had the opportunity to pursue University Education
  • Provide seed funding for 200 viable entrepreneurship projects
  • Extend business mentorship to entrepreneurs for a period of 2 years           
  • Provide boost funding for 40 women and youth-led green community innovations

Pillar 3: Research and Innovation: Catalyze high-quality research and innovation through a Climate Resilience Support Centre

  • Support 30 post-doctoral fellows.
  • Establishment of the Climate Resilience Support Centre to catalyze high-quality research and innovation.
  • Seed funding for 101 Innovations (MSc, PhD, & Postdoctoral fellows) with facilitated mentorship for a period of 2 years.
  • Boost the research and innovation infrastructure at the University.

Pillar 4: Networks, Policy, and Learning: Strengthen networks to disseminate research outputs and innovations to enhance resilience to climate change

  • Partner with 5 Public Universities (Gulu University, Busitema University, Mbarara University of Science and Technology and Muni University) to develop joint research initiatives and community engagement programmes
  • Conduct 14 climate science-policy-practice dialogues to co-create transformative climate resilience solutions.
  • Support 15 Local Governments to develop their Climate Change Strategies and Action Plans
  • Engage 40 multi-generational community liaisons to promote uptake of research innovations.

Prof. Justine Namaalwa, the Lead of Mastercard Foundation initiatives at Makerere University, expressed her gratitude to university management for entrusting the Program Delivery Team with the responsibility of implementing the Programme. She also thanked participants for their highly productive engagement, noting that their valuable contributions will significantly guide the Program’s operations.

Prof. Justine Namaalwa – Program Director, Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program

Prof. Namaalwa further indicated that more targeted engagements with university units will be conducted to support the effective implementation of the Program. She emphasised that the Programme will collaborate closely with various units and projects to deliver the following course:

  • Cross-cutting course on Innovation and Entrepreneurship: The Program will partner with the Directorate of Graduate Training and the Makerere University Innovation Pod (UniPod) to co-develop and co-deliver this course, making it accessible to all master’s and PhD students across the University.
  • Course on Human-Centred Design in Teaching and Learning: In collaboration with the Directorate of Graduate Training and the Centre for Teaching and Learning Support, the Program will co-develop and co-deliver this course for all faculty members.
  • Cross-cutting course on Climate Resilience for Livelihoods, Economy, and Ecosystems: The Collaborative will work with Makerere University Centre for Climate Change Research and Innovation (MUCCRI) to co-develop and co-deliver this course to all students.

Regarding the pillar aimed at skilling youth who have not had the opportunity to pursue university education, Prof. Namaalwa observed that the Program will leverage the expertise of the Africa Institute for Strategic Resource Services and Development (AFRISA) and other innovation centres and hubs across the University to equip the youth in creating and sustaining green enterprises.

The Africa Climate Collaborative is a new partnership between Makerere University and the Mastercard Foundation. It is being carried out in collaboration with three other universities: The University of Ghana, the University of Cape Town, and the University of Cambridge.

Antonny Tugaineyo is the Principal CRSC Coordinator for Africa Climate Collaborative at Makerere University

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