General
Makerere University Unveils Pre-Award Grants Management System
Following successful development of the Integrated Electronic Pre-Award Grants Management System for Sponsored Research, the Grants Administration and Management Support Unit (GAMSU) at Makerere University held a dissemination workshop, to onboard the University leadership, principal investigators, researchers, staff and partner institutions.
Held on Friday 6th March 2026, the dissemination workshop provided a platform to demonstrate the Integrated Electronic Pre-Award Grants Management System for sponsored research at Makerere University, and to receive instant feedback from physical and virtual participants.
Participants were drawn from the University leadership, including the Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Finance and Administration, the University Secretary, the Director-Graduate Training, Director-Research, Partnerships and Networking, Principals, Deputy Principals, Deans, Heads of Department, Principal Investigators, researchers, Heads of Administrative Units, representatives from international partner institutions, and members of the Grants Management Steering Committee (GMSC).
Welcoming the internal and external stakeholders to the dissemination workshop, the Head of GAMSU, Prof. Sylvia Antonia Nakimera Nannyonga-Tamusuza, emphasized that feedback from the participants was a vital step, that would not only enrich the grants management and administration processes, but also contribute to refining the system.
Expressing GAMSU’s commitment to the automation of the entire grants cycle, Prof. Nannyonga-Tamusuza credited the University leadership, the research project team members, and the different units within Makerere University, as well as, international partners, for the support rendered to GAMSU in developing the system.
The Integrated Electronic Pre-Award Grants Management System
Prof. Nannyonga-Tamusuza highlighted that the initiative responds to growing global competition for research funding and longstanding administrative challenges that researchers have faced when accessing and managing grants.
This digital initiative is designed to modernise how the institution handles research funding applications and administrative workflows before awards are granted. The system, aims to streamline the entire grant application lifecycle — from identifying funding opportunities to proposal preparation, compliance review, reporting, and closeout management.
Recognition of the Project team
Headed by Prof. Nannyonga-Tamusuza (Principal Investigator), the project team members include the following: Denis Michael Wamala (I.T Specialist), Prof. Helen Nambalirwa Nkabala (Senior Researcher-GMSC), Prof. Charles Masembe (Senior researcher-GMSC), Ivan Mutyaba (Grants Administrator-IREX Alumnus), Mordecai Tayebwa (Grants Manager-IREX Alumnus, Esther Kabinga (Legal Affairs Advisor), Innocent Tumwebaze (Early-Career researcher), Caroline Nabwire (Grants Administrator-GAMSU), Harriet Nambooze (Senior Grants Administrator) , and Victor Chris Watasa (System’s Design Consultant).
Acknowledgment of funding partners
The development of the Integrated Pre-Award Grants Management System was supported by the International Research and Exchange Board (IREX) through funding from the Carnegie Corporation of New York, with additional contributions from Makerere University.
Institutional leadership welcomes system development
On behalf of the University Management, the Acting Deputy Vice Chancellor (Finance and Administration), Prof. Winston Tumps Ireeta, lauded the Principal Investigator, Prof.Sylvia Antonia Nakimera Nannyonga-Tamusuza and her project team, for the development of the system aimed at digitizing the pre-award grant processes at Makerere University.
Opening the dissemination workshop, Prof. Ireeta, who doubles as the Chairperson of the Grants Management Steering Committee (GMSC), highlighted that the Integrated Electronic Pre-Award Grants Management System, would significantly benefit Makerere University and the researchers.
Prof. Ireeta emphasized that as Makerere University continues to implement its research agenda, the funding question becomes paramount. Acknowledging that funding through grants significantly facilitates research undertakings at Makerere University, Prof. Ireeta underscored the value of the Integrated Electronic Pre-Award Grants Management System, as an excellent addition, to existing processes aimed at amplifying the research profile of the University, as well as, streamlining grants management and administration.
“If we maximally utilize the system, the University and its researchers will be better placed to apply, attract and win grants, which will definitely boost the grant and research profile of this institution,” he said.
He encouraged the participants to actively follow the proceedings, and provide constructive input during the feedback session, in order to contribute to the refinement of the system.
Format of the dissemination workshop
The dissemination workshop featured a series of presentations including: Makerere University’s Strategic Research Direction; the Context of Administration and Management of Grants at Makerere University; Project Overview; Purpose and Objectives of the workshop; Overview of the Pre-Award Grants System Development; Technical demonstration of the system; and the Discussion and Stakeholder Feedback session.
The benefits of the system and the challenges it seeks to address
Prof. Nannyonga-Tamusuza, Head of GAMSU and Principal Investigator of the project, explained that the electronic pre-award system addresses several structural challenges in research grant management.
She said Makerere University faces increasing global competition for research funding. “Grants have become highly competitive, and we need stronger institutional strategies to support our researchers,” she said.
According to Prof. Nannyonga-Tamusuza, the previous grant management environment was fragmented because different university units operated independent systems. The new platform seeks to streamline processes and support database-driven decision-making for capacity building and institutional planning.
She explained that the system is designed to support researchers even before they begin writing proposals. “Understanding the funder’s requirements is critical. If a researcher does not clearly understand what the funder is asking for, even a well-written proposal may fail to secure funding,” she said.
The Head of GAMSU stressed that transparency and accountability were central goals of the system. “With proper work logs and documentation, we can demonstrate accountability in grant administration,” she added.
She noted that principal investigators often require institutional documents such as audit reports and registration information when applying for grants. Centralised data storage, she said, would make such information more accessible.
Support for researchers, not replacement for individual applications
Prof. Nannyonga-Tamuzusa clarified that the system does not eliminate individual grant applications. “GAMSU is providing support to researchers. We want our staff to compete favourably within the global research community,” she said.
She explained that academic staff operate at different career levels. “Some staff are new to research grant applications and may need guidance. Others are experienced. Our role is to provide support whenever it is needed,” she stated
Addressing challenges in grant administration
The Head of GAMSU identified several challenges motivating the system’s development. These include: increasing international competition for research funding, fragmented awareness of funding opportunities across university units, limited coordination between researchers, colleges, and administrative structures, capacity gaps in grant proposal development, heavy reliance on manual administrative processes and limited institutional data for strategic planning.
She pointed out that GAMSU’s role is coordination, compliance, and institutional oversight rather than revenue collection.
Leaders and Researchers urged to adhere to university policies
Presenting the Context of Administration and Management of Grants at Makerere University, Mr. Yusuf Kiranda-University Secretary, articulated that the University Council, approved the Grants Administration and Management Policy in 2020, which provides governance guidance for research funding management. He appealed to participants to always read and make reference to the policy on matters pertaining to grants management and administration.
The University Secretary emphasized that research funds secured through grants are managed on behalf of Makerere University and the Government of Uganda. He therefore, urged researchers and principal investigators to uphold transparency and accountability when managing grant resources. “Funds acquired through grants must be accounted for within stipulated timelines and must demonstrate value for money,” said Mr. Kiranda.
In the same vein, he called upon research teams to follow the university’s human resource recruitment guidelines when appointing project staff.
Mr. Kiranda highlighted the importance of registering all grants managed across university units with GAMSU, noting that centralised oversight supports institutional accountability.
Director of Research highlights strategic research direction
Prof. Robert Wamala, Director of Research, Innovation and Partnerships (DRIP), presented the university’s strategic research agenda. He observed that university partnerships have sometimes been underutilised due to the absence of supporting infrastructure, such as the pre-award system.
The university’s research mandate includes promoting research coordination, strengthening innovation capacity, supporting technology transfer, and mobilising research funding.
Prof. Wamala said the university’s research strategy is guided by a 10-year institutional development plan aligned with Uganda’s National Development Plans. “The vision is to build a sustainable, research-led university that produces a highly productive academic workforce and versatile graduates,” he said.
Priority research themes
In his presentation, Prof. Wamala outlined Makerere University’s nine (9) priority research areas for the next five years. These include: Health and health systems; Sustainable urbanisation and housing; Governance, social justice, and equity; Agricultural transformation and food security, Education systems development; Economic growth, business, and innovation; Climate change and natural resource management; Cultural heritage; and Science, engineering, and technology.
Prof. Wamala encouraged researchers to align proposals with these institutional priorities. He urged academic staff to access university policies available on the official website (https://policies.mak.ac.ug)
Graduate training and institutional coordination
Prof. Julius Kikooma, Director of Graduate Training, said the establishment of GAMSU represents a major cultural shift in research administration.
He explained that earlier academic practice required researchers to independently search for funding opportunities and manage grants. “While that approach sometimes produced successful researchers, it also resulted in inconsistencies in proposal preparation and accountability reporting,” he said.
Prof. Kikooma emphasized the importance of institutional systems in meeting changing donor compliance requirements. He stated that grant writing involves two equally important components. “Approximately 50 percent depends on scientific proposal quality, while the other 50 percent depends on institutional compliance and administrative coordination,” he said.
He encouraged researchers to integrate GAMSU early in proposal development rather than treating the unit as a final review office.
Strategic investment in research competitiveness
In a document presented by Ms. Ritah Namisango, Prof. Charles Masembe-a member of the research team outlined the project overview, purpose, and workshop objectives, including system dissemination, stakeholder engagement, and functionality demonstration.
He stated that the electronic pre-award grants system is a strategic investment in Makerere University’s future research competitiveness. The digital transformation in grant administration will improve efficiency, strengthen accountability, and enhance access to funding opportunities.
Deputy Principal of CoBAMS applauds GAMSU Contributing to the discussion and stakeholder feedback session, the Deputy Principal of the College of Business and Management Sciences (CoBAMS), Associate Professor James Wokadala, commended GAMSU for the development of the system aimed at increasing the chances of winning grants. He appealed to GAMSU to cascade the training to the various units within the University.
Agriculture & Environment
Makerere Hosts Inaugural Falling Walls Lab Competition as Innovators Pitch Solutions to National Challenges
Students and researchers from Makerere University and other institutions pitched 12 innovations addressing challenges in healthcare, clean energy, agriculture, waste management and community resilience during the inaugural Falling Walls Lab Kampala, held at the School of Public Health Auditorium, Makerere University.
The competition brought together emerging innovators to present solutions to practical challenges through a three minute pitch, followed by questions from a panel of judges.
Modelled on the Falling Walls format that originated in Berlin, the event required each participant to identify a “wall” a problem or barrier, and demonstrate how their innovation seeks to break it down.
Mudhasi wins with newborn jaundice screening device
Andrew Mudhasi of Makerere University emerged as the overall winner with a score of 90 per cent for a low cost medical device designed to improve newborn jaundice screening across different skin tones.
Mudhasi explained that the device uses optical sensor technology and a skin tone targeting algorithm to provide a rapid reading, with the aim of helping nurses and clinicians identify jaundice more efficiently.
During questions from the jury, Mudhasi said the device had not yet been tested on actual babies but had undergone laboratory testing using simulated skin tones.
He reported an accuracy rate of 94 per cent when the device was compared with laboratory spectrophotometers.
The innovation is intended initially for use in clinics and hospitals, with Mudhasi saying the team is also considering a version that could eventually allow mothers to screen babies at home.
Mudhasi’s innovation has previously received recognition at the African Business Concept Challenge and the iF Design Student Award, according to his presentation.
Rhonda’s innovation tackles diaper waste
Rhoda John of the University of Nairobi emerged in second place with 89.6 per cent for an innovation addressing the problem of used diaper waste.
Under the theme “Breaking the wall of diaper waste and drug soils,” Rhonda explained that her team extracts sodium polyacrylate, the absorbent polymer found in diapers, and replaces the sodium with potassium.
The resulting potassium based superabsorbent material is designed to act as a “water battery” in soil by absorbing and retaining water for plants during dry periods.
John said testing showed a 99 per cent increase in germination and a 23 per cent increase in drought resistance.
The innovation also seeks to reduce the amount of used diapers ending up in landfills and the environmental effects associated with their decomposition.
During the question and answer session, John explained that her team was working with government environmental officials in Nairobi on a pilot collection system to address the challenge of gathering used diapers at scale.
Mahera takes third place with herbal peptic ulcer treatment
Stuart Mahera of Makerere University finished third with 86.2 per cent for a herbal formulation targeting peptic ulcers.
Presenting under the theme “Breaking the wall of Nature and Modern Medicine,” Mahera argued that conventional treatment for peptic ulcers can involve multiple medicines and may be associated with side effects and antimicrobial resistance.
His proposed formulation, MARAC capsules, is intended as a monotherapy, combining properties required for peptic-ulcer treatment in a single capsule.
Mahera said his team had carried out quality control work, including characterisation and dose quantification, and had conducted preclinical trials on laboratory mice.
He also told the jury that an application had been submitted to the National Drug Authority as the team awaits the next stage of the regulatory process.
According to Mahera, the proposed seven day treatment would cost about Shs21,000, compared with the existing 14 day treatment approach.
Innovators present solutions to practical challenges
The remaining presentations covered a wide range of challenges.
Esther Nakungu of Utamu University presented Agri-Track, a digital record keeping solution intended to improve visibility, accountability and management of farm operations and financial information.
Dr. Jimmy Chachiga, a Makerere University participant, presented a solar photovoltaic cooker with a heat storage system designed to provide a cleaner and more reliable cooking option during both sunny and non sunny periods.
His presentation focused on reducing dependence on biomass fuels and addressing the challenges associated with intermittent solar energy.
Abdul Noor Luttamaguzi, a PhD student and senior government fisheries officer, presented a mobile application aimed at helping fish farmers and extension officers report, track and manage disease outbreaks.
Henry Duke Tamale presented a herbal cream targeting antibiotic resistant biofilm infections associated with diabetic foot ulcers.
Marvin Seruwu proposed adapting existing near infrared brain monitoring technology to help detect extra-axial brain bleeds in health facilities where access to CT and MRI equipment is limited.
His proposal seeks to repurpose existing technology towards a diagnostic need that could be particularly important in settings where advanced imaging facilities are not readily available.
Kennedy Kisame presented a poultry alert and diagnosis system combining satellite weather information with computer vision disease detection. The proposed system could be accessed through a smartphone application, SMS or USSD, making it potentially usable by farmers with limited internet access.
Frank Atwiine proposed a solar powered mobile diagnostic van designed to bring ultrasound and other diagnostic services closer to rural communities.
Johnson Makmot, a software and blockchain developer, presented a platform that combines GPS tracking and blockchain-based tokens to incentivise and verify plastic-waste collection in Kampala.
Dr. Nelson Ndugu, from a partner university, presented an artificial intelligence tool designed to translate agricultural research publications into local Ugandan languages and generate voice notes for radio-based extension delivery.
The final presentation came from Dr. Juliet Akola, a Ugandan post doctoral researcher at Mangosuthu University of Technology in South Africa.
Akola presented a community digital resilience initiative focused on mapping risks in Kampala’s informal settlements, including flooding, fire, poor sanitation, waste management and inadequate infrastructure.
Her proposal seeks to combine local community knowledge with geographical information systems and link identified risks to action plans involving municipalities and other stakeholders.
Nawangwe calls for more investment in innovation
Closing the event, Prof. Nawangwe congratulated all the participants and described their presentations as an important beginning for Makerere University, Uganda and the wider region.
Drawing on his experience attending the Falling Walls conference in Berlin, the Vice Chancellor said initiatives of this nature are important because innovation will play a major role in determining the future of countries.
He encouraged participants to make their pitches more precise by clearly identifying the problem they are addressing, explaining their proposed solution and demonstrating what they have already achieved.
Prof. Nawangwe also welcomed the participation of innovators from other universities and countries, noting that the Kampala event had attracted participants beyond Makerere.
He thanked the Africa Office of the Falling Walls Foundation for its role in bringing the initiative to Makerere and encouraged continued support for innovation.
The Vice Chancellor further linked innovation to Uganda’s growing youth population and the need to develop home-grown solutions to address challenges such as youth unemployment.
The inaugural Falling Walls Lab Kampala ultimately provided a platform for innovators to move ideas beyond the classroom and laboratory and demonstrate how research, technology and creativity can be applied to challenges affecting communities.
| Position | Winner | Institution | Score |
| 1st | Andrew Mudhasi | Makerere University | 90% |
| 2nd | Rhoda John | University of Nairobi | 89.6% |
| 3rd | Stuart Mahera | Makerere University | 86.2% |
On Saturday, 5th September 2026, the Deputy Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs urged the Makerere University community to actively engage in local philanthropy as a vital way to support vulnerable members of our society. Prof. Ssali shared this message during the Community Open Day for Mastercard Foundation Initiatives at Makerere University, where Prof. Claire Mack Mugasa, Dean of the School of Biosecurity, Biotechnology, and Laboratory, represented her and served as the guest of honour.
At the event attended by Mastercard Foundation Scholars (Mak Students and Alumni), mentors, partners, and the broader university community, Prof. Ssali emphasised the importance of giving back to the community. She expressed her appreciation for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars at Makerere University, highlighting their commitment to generosity. Prof. Ssali encouraged the entire university community to adopt similar practices, fostering a culture of social responsibility that shall positively influence and uplift surrounding communities.
“We gather here today not simply for an event, but for a statement of intent. The Community Open Day is a platform built on the conviction that education, paired with a spirit of national service, can transform not only individual lives but entire communities,” Prof. Ssali remarked. “I therefore call upon the Makerere University community to embrace the spirit of giving back to our communities. It is one of the ways through which the university will positively impact the less advantaged amongst us,” Prof. Ssali added.
Ms. Maria Mugerwa, the Head of Finance at the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program, who represented the Foundation at the event, emphasised that giving back to the community is at the core of everything the Foundation does.
“I thank you, the Mastercard Foundation Scholars community at Makerere University, for bringing us together for this Community Open Day, one of the activities that sits at the heart of Mastercard Foundation: using opportunities to create opportunities for others.” Ms. Mugerwa remarked.
“Today is about community, connection and giving back. Giving back doesn’t require big projects or significant resources; it simply requires identifying a problem in your community and asking yourself what I can do about it.” Ms. Mugerwa pointed out.
Rotarian Francis Wangi, the day’s keynote speaker, reminded the scholars and guests present of the importance of giving back to the community. He noted that individuals’ success is tied to others’ well-being.
“Let us always think about others: ‘I am because we are.’ Our individual success is tied to the well-being of our neighbours, our villages, and our nation.” Wangi noted.
Mr. Wangi reminded the gathering that giving back to the community was not an act of Charity; rather, it was a fundamental responsibility of leadership.
“Giving back to the less advantaged in our communities is not an act of charity; it is a fundamental responsibility of leadership. True influence is measured by how much we lift others as we rise.” Wangi emphasized.
Prof. Justine Namaalwa, Program Director of the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program, represented by Ms. Jolly Okumu, stated that the Foundation considers education as equipping and empowering transformative leaders, a means to prepare young people to use their skills and networks for meaningful contributions to their communities.
“The Mastercard Foundation believes that education goes beyond acquiring knowledge and qualifications; it is also about developing young people who are prepared to apply their knowledge, skills and networks to contribute meaningfully to their communities.” Prof. Namaalwa remarked.
Prof. Namaalwa applauded the Mastercard Foundation Scholars (Mak Students and Alumni) for embracing the spirit of giving back through tangible community projects. Highlighting that the community open day was an opportunity to celebrate the community impact to date and launch a journey of change for yet another disadvantaged community.
“As we gather today, we celebrate the long-term community impact through the many transformative projects delivered since 2015, and we, the Scholars Program Community at Makerere University, are here to continue on the same journey with yet another community; we are here to demonstrate that every individual has something to offer in the transformation of our communities,” Prof. Namaalwa noted.
Mr Paul Wandera Makhulo, the Chairperson of the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Association at Makerere University, used the occasion to remind his fellow young people of the importance of giveback as one of the ethos of Mastercard Foundation.
“To my fellow Scholars, I make a special appeal: Let us own Giveback. Let us not see it as an initiative belonging only to your nominated Executive Committee or the Giveback Committee; let us see it as our responsibility as Scholars.” Wandera pointed out.
Mr. Elphas Khamala, the representative of the Scholars Council and Chairperson of the Giveback Committee, used the event to raise awareness of the 2026 Scholars Giveback Project. He said the project aims to raise UGX 86 million to build a two-classroom block with 60 bench desks, improve sanitation by constructing a ventilated pit latrine, and install a water-harvesting system at Eastern Gate Nursery and Primary School in Amuru District.
The school is in Pacilo parish, Atiak subcounty, Amuru district, about 8-10 km from the South Sudan border. It was established in 2023 as a community initiative and has not received external funding. It currently has about 164 learners, from nursery to Primary Seven, and 10 teachers, including children from the refugee communities.
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program and its partner initiative, the Africa Climate Collaborative, organised the Scholars Community Open Day in collaboration with DFCU Bank and other partners, including FINCA Bank, Tamani Solutions, and Katumba Estates.
Held under the theme “Together for Impact: Celebrating Innovations and Giveback,” the event brought together Scholars (Mak Students and Alumni), the university community, partners, and members of the public to celebrate community initiatives and gather support for the 2026 Scholars’ Annual Day of Service.
Of the targeted UGX 86 million, undergraduate and graduate Scholars and Program Team members will raise at least UGX 30 million, while the remaining funds will be mobilised from partners; university leadership and alumni are expected to mobilise the remainder. The funds will finance a two-classroom block estimated at UGX 63.5 million, 60 bench desks at UGX 6 million, a staff latrine at UGX 8 million, and a 10,000-litre water tank with a water-harvesting system estimated at UGX 8.5 million.
Background
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program began its first phase in 2013 at Makerere University, marking the start of an impactful partnership. In 2023, this collaboration was renewed with the launch of Phase Two of the Scholars Program. Central to this initiative are activities focused on community engagement and giving back, which play a vital role in fostering leadership development among scholars.
Bernard Buteera is the Principal Communication and Public Relations Officer for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Makerere University.
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