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Makerere University Launches First Writing Summer School

Published

3 weeks ago

July 6, 2026

First Deputy Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, Prof Sarah Ssali on her Right, Prof. Fredrick Muyodi, and Assoc Prof. William Tayeebwa at the launch of the Summer School

Makerere University on Monday 6^th July officially launched the First Mak Writing Summer School, a week long training program designed to equip students and staff with the practical writing skills needed to compete in today’s job market. The official unveiling took place at the Makerere Main Building and was streamed online to accommodate the more than two hundred participants who registered, running from 1:30 PM to 2:00 PM before the first working session began.

The program is a joint initiative of the Makerere University Writing Centre and the Makerere University Press, known as MakPress. It was officially unveiled by Professor Sarah Ssali, the First Deputy Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs.The occasion drew support from Professor Fredrick Muyodi, Head of the Makerere University Writing Centre, and Associate Professor William Tayeebwa, Director of MakPress, both of whom addressed participants.

Speaking first, Professor Tayeebwa outlined the mandate of MakPress, describing it as an office that reports to the Deputy Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs and that carries out three main functions: publishing books, publishing academic journals, and now, an expanding portfolio that includes working paper series. He noted that the traditional strength of the press has been the publication of books, and he used the occasion to showcase two recent examples authored by members of the university community.

The first was a book titled The Muchwezi, The Flower, The Suitor, written by Charles Ziwa, a staff member attached to the Writing Centre who has been coordinating the current writing camp. More so, the second was a book titled The Men I Killed, authored by a student in the Department of Journalism and Communication. Both works are currently self published, and Professor Tayeebwa used them to illustrate the kind of support MakPress hopes to extend to more writers across the university, encouraging students, staff, and even members of the public with completed manuscripts, including family histories or biographies, to bring their projects to the press for formal publishing support rather than remaining self published.

He also spoke about the press journal portfolio, which includes a Mak journal run by the School of Languages, Literature and Communication, the Working Paper Series by the College of Business and Management Sciences, and the Mawazo journal, which is shared with the College of Humanities and Social Sciences. He reported that the writing camp had already drawn about 175 participants at the time he spoke, a number he described with evident pride.

“Before any work can reach the publishing stage described by Professor Tayeebwa, it must first pass through the discipline of good writing, which is the core mission of the Writing Centre”, Professor Muyodi exclusively emphasized the arc that the summer school is taking. Established only last year, the Centre exists to strengthen the writing skills of Makerere University staff and students, with plans to extend its services to communities beyond the university and eventually across the East African region, a concept he described as still new in this part of the world.

He listed the Centres and areas of coverage as including the writing of manuscripts, grant proposals, scholarly and academic writing, curriculum vitae, application letters, and the responsible use of artificial intelligence in writing. He identified the Centres target beneficiaries as early career researchers, postgraduate students, undergraduate finalists preparing to enter the job market, and non academic staff, including registrars, who also require strong writing skills in their daily work.

In her remarks as Chief Guest, Professor Ssali described the summer school as an important bridge that transforms theoretical classroom knowledge into marketable, real world, competence based skills.

She praised the facilitators lined up for the week as experienced professionals and life coaches rather than simple motivational speakers, and expressed confidence that they would equip participants with practical, usable skills. She committed her office to working with both the Writing Centre and MakPress to institutionalize the training so that Makerere University graduates leave with more than just academic degrees, but also with the practical soft skills required to lead and transform the Ugandan workforce. Prof. Ssali conclusively declared the First Makerere University Writing Summer School officially launched, expressing hope that future editions would attract even greater resources and reach a wider audience.

Following the opening ceremony, the floor was handed to Mr Abdul Noor Luttamaguzi, who facilitated the first working session on professional CV writing. Introducing himself, he described his roles as the recently elected global student director of the World Aquaculture Society, a PhD student in the Department of Zoology, Entomology and Fisheries Sciences within the School of Biosciences at Makerere University, a Senior Fisheries Officer with Luweero District Local Government, and the founder and director of the ANL Foundation, an organization that supports youth employment and capacity building.

Turning to the Ugandan context, Mr Luttamaguzi noted that recruiters and human resource professionals often use the terms CV and resume interchangeably, with the real distinguishing factor being length and purpose rather than strict definition.

The opening day module, covering the launch ceremony and the first session on professional CV writing, set the tone for a full week of training with subsequent sessions expected to cover application letter writing and the use of artificial intelligence in professional writing. Organizers described the summer school as the first in what is planned to be a continuing series of writing camps, with future editions expected to expand from professional skills training into writing for scholarly publication.

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Undergraduate Admission Lists 2026/2027

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Admission Lists for Postgraduate Programmes 2026/27

Published

7 hours ago

July 27, 2026

Mak Editor

SPH and CHS Masters Graduands at the 76th Graduation Ceremony. 76th Graduation Ceremony, Day 1, College of Health Sciences and School of Public Health. Commencement Speaker-Prof. Nicholas Ozor, the Executive Director of the African Technology Policy Studies Network, Nairobi, Kenya. 24th February 2026, Freedom Square, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

The Directorate of Graduate Training (DGT), Makerere University has released the admission lists for applicants successfully admitted for postgraduate programs for the 2026/27 Academic Year. The lists include postgraduate diplomas, PhD and Masters programmes.

Please see admission lists for the respective Colleges listed below:

Prof. Julius Kikooma
DIRECTOR DGT

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Makerere’s Research Billions Offer MUST a Blueprint for Managing Grants

Published

3 days ago

July 24, 2026

Allan Ainematsiko

Makerere Vice Chancellor Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe (right) with MUST Vice Chancellor Prof. Pauline Byakika-Kibwika (left) with the members during a benchmarking visit.

When a delegation from Mbarara University of Science and Technology (MUST) visited Makerere University on 23rd July 2026, one of the biggest discussions was how universities can effectively manage research grants.

The MUST delegation, led by Vice Chancellor Prof. Pauline Byakika Kibwika, visited Makerere to learn from the University’s experience in managing externally funded research projects. During the meeting, Makerere Vice Chancellor Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe revealed that while MUST managed research grants worth about UGX 13 billion in the last financial year, Makerere’s research portfolio now stands at approximately USD 250 million.

The discussion focused on the systems, policies and accountability measures that have enabled Makerere to manage one of the largest research portfolios in Africa.

Research Funding Built on Trust.

Prof. Nawangwe explained that Makerere’s research funding comes from different colleges and research units.

He noted that the Infectious Diseases Institute (IDI) alone attracts about USD 70 million annually, while the School of Public Health receives approximately USD 30 million each year. Together, the two units account for nearly USD 100 million in research funding.

He said these grants are made possible because development partners trust the University to manage public resources responsibly.

“We must ensure proper accountability so that we don’t lose the trust of our donors and continue benefiting from their support,” Prof. Nawangwe said.

How Makerere Manages Research Grants.

Acting University Secretary Mr. Simon Kizito took the MUST delegation through the key requirements that every grant funded project must meet under Makerere’s Grants Administration and Management Support Unit (GAMSU).

He explained that every research project must first be included in the University’s approved budget in line with the Public Finance Management Act before any funds can be spent.

He also emphasized that procurement under research grants must comply with the Public Procurement and Disposal of Public Assets (PPDA) Act, regardless of the donor’s procurement guidelines.

“The Auditor General will pounce on you” if procurement procedures are not followed, he cautioned.

Mr. Kizito further explained that all assets purchased using grant funds, including vehicles and equipment, must be recorded in the University’s central assets register unless the funding agreement states otherwise.

He added that separate project bank accounts can only be opened with approval from the Accountant General, while all projects must submit both financial and narrative reports to funders and government and undergo regular audits.

University Bursar Mr. Evarist Bainomugisha noted that although grant funds do not appear directly in the University’s main financial statements, they are fully disclosed in the notes to the accounts and are audited annually before reports are submitted to Parliament.

Lessons from the Research and Innovation Fund.

The delegation also learnt about the Makerere Research and Innovations Fund (Mak-RIF).

Representing the Fund, Dr. Roy William Mayega said Mak-RIF has invested about UGX 172 billion in research and innovation over the last seven financial years.

He explained that 70 percent of the funding supports competitive research grants, 10 percent is reserved for projects addressing national priorities, while the remaining funds support monitoring, evaluation and dissemination of research findings.

According to Dr. Mayega, the Fund has so far supported 1,480 research and innovation projects, with 53% completed and 47% still ongoing.

Looking Beyond Research Grants.

Director of Research, Innovation and Partnerships Prof. Robert Wamala encouraged the visiting delegation to look beyond simply winning research grants.

He emphasized the importance of investing in strong internal systems, using artificial intelligence to improve efficiency, and ensuring that research leads to publications, patents, commercialization and partnerships with industry.

He noted that universities should not only focus on attracting grants but also on translating research into solutions that benefit society.

Learning from Makerere’s experience.

Prof. Pauline Byakika Kibwika said MUST recently established a Research Institute to coordinate research activities and grant management under one structure. She explained that the University wanted to learn from Makerere’s experience as its own research portfolio continues to grow.

“We have come to learn from your achievements as well as the challenges, so that we can do things better,” she said.

She added that the visit marks the beginning of closer collaboration between the two institutions, with a follow up technical engagement planned to allow the MUST team to learn more about Makerere’s grant management systems, including the GAMSU online platform.

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Makerere, Southwest Minzu University and NARO Forge Strategic Partnership to Advance Livestock Research and Innovation

Published

3 days ago

July 24, 2026

Caroline Kainomugisha

Prof. Sarah Ssali gifting the Vice President, Southwest Minzu University. DVCAA Professor Sarah Ssali receives delegation from Southwest Minzu University, China, led by the Vice President, Professor Yang Sheng-Tao, for a high-level meeting focused on academic collaboration and joint capacity development in animal husbandry and veterinary medicine, 23rd July 2026, Main Building, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

Makerere University has taken a significant step towards strengthening international research collaboration following a high-level meeting with a delegation from Southwest Minzu University, China, to advance a strategic partnership in animal husbandry, veterinary sciences and agricultural innovation.

Held on 23^rd July 2026, the meeting brought together representatives from Makerere University, College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Biosecurity (CoVAB), the Advancement Office, Southwest Minzu University and the National Agricultural Research Organisation (NARO) to discuss a long-term collaboration aimed at enhancing livestock productivity, promoting scientific research and building institutional capacity.

The proposed partnership builds on an earlier study visit by NARO to Southwest Minzu University, where discussions identified opportunities to introduce high-quality goat breeds with superior genetic traits for crossbreeding with indigenous Ugandan breeds. The initiative positions Uganda as the first country in Africa to benefit from the introduction of these specialised breeds, with the goal of improving livestock productivity and supporting farmers’ livelihoods.

Prof. Sarah Ssali addressing the delegates during the meeting. DVCAA Professor Sarah Ssali receives delegation from Southwest Minzu University, China, led by the Vice President, Professor Yang Sheng-Tao, for a high-level meeting focused on academic collaboration and joint capacity development in animal husbandry and veterinary medicine, 23rd July 2026, Main Building, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa. — ***Prof. Sarah Ssali addressing the delegates during the meeting.***

While livestock improvement forms the foundation of the collaboration, partners agreed that the five-year initiative will extend far beyond animal husbandry. The partnership is expected to foster joint research in agro-technology, biotechnology, artificial intelligence, microbiology and laboratory sciences, creating new opportunities for scientific innovation and knowledge exchange. The project will be anchored at NARO’s Kawanda research facilities before expanding to twelve research institutions across Uganda, with Makerere University providing academic leadership, scientific expertise and research support.

Welcoming the delegation, the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic Affairs), Prof. Sarah Ssali, reaffirmed Makerere University‘s commitment to international collaboration as a driver of research excellence, innovation and capacity development. She noted that the University, through the advancement office, continues to leverage its extensive global partnerships to facilitate knowledge exchange while addressing national development priorities through research.

Prof. Ssali further observed that introducing improved goat breeds presents an opportunity to transform Uganda’s livestock sector by enabling farmers to move beyond subsistence production towards more commercially viable animal husbandry systems. She emphasized that the success of the partnership will depend on effective coordination, well-defined institutional frameworks and sustained communication among all partners.

Speaking on behalf of Southwest Minzu University, the visiting delegation expressed appreciation for Makerere University‘s hospitality and reaffirmed their commitment to establishing a lasting institutional partnership with both Makerere University and NARO. Beyond collaborative research, the delegation highlighted opportunities for staff exchanges, joint scientific projects and postgraduate training, including scholarships for Makerere students pursuing Master’s and PhD programmes. They also extended an invitation to Makerere University‘s leadership to undertake a reciprocal visit to Southwest Minzu University in China.

The Vice President of Southwest Minzu University addressing the meeting. DVCAA Professor Sarah Ssali receives delegation from Southwest Minzu University, China, led by the Vice President, Professor Yang Sheng-Tao, for a high-level meeting focused on academic collaboration and joint capacity development in animal husbandry and veterinary medicine, 23rd July 2026, Main Building, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa. — ***The Vice President of Southwest Minzu University addressing the meeting.***

Discussions also focused on operationalizing the partnership for the benefit of International education through staff and student exchange. Makerere University‘s International Office committed to developing an implementation framework linking Makerere University and Southwest Minzu University, while ensuring that staff and postgraduate students benefit from scholarship opportunities, research collaborations and international mobility programmes. The Office will also coordinate the development of exchange guidelines and work with the Academic Registrar on postgraduate scholarship applications.

The meeting concluded with a shared commitment to building a sustainable partnership that combines international expertise with Uganda’s research priorities. By bringing together Makerere University‘s academic excellence, Southwest Minzu University’s specialized expertise and NARO’s national agricultural research infrastructure, the collaboration is expected to strengthen livestock research, advance scientific innovation and contribute to Uganda’s agricultural transformation.

Expected Outcomes of the Partnership

The proposed collaboration between Makerere University, Southwest Minzu University and the National Agricultural Research Organisation (NARO) is expected to create a strong platform for advancing research, innovation and capacity development in Uganda’s agricultural sector. By combining the complementary strengths of the three institutions, the partnership seeks to promote multidisciplinary research in animal husbandry, biotechnology, agro-technology, artificial intelligence and microbiology, while supporting the development of innovative solutions to address challenges in livestock production and animal health.

A photo of the meeting in session. DVCAA Professor Sarah Ssali receives delegation from Southwest Minzu University, China, led by the Vice President, Professor Yang Sheng-Tao, for a high-level meeting focused on academic collaboration and joint capacity development in animal husbandry and veterinary medicine, 23rd July 2026, Main Building, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa. — ***A photo of the meeting in session.***

A key anticipated outcome is enhanced academic and research capacity through joint research initiatives, staff exchanges and postgraduate training opportunities. The partnership is expected to provide Makerere University students with access to Master’s and PhD scholarships at Southwest Minzu University, while enabling researchers and academic staff to participate in collaborative research, scientific exchange programmes and international knowledge-sharing initiatives. These engagements are expected to strengthen institutional research capacity and foster the development of highly skilled professionals in veterinary and agricultural sciences.

The collaboration is also expected to strengthen the link between research and practice. With NARO serving as the implementation anchor for field-based activities and Makerere providing academic and scientific leadership, the partnership aims to facilitate the translation of research into practical innovations that improve livestock productivity, enhance food security and contribute to sustainable agricultural development in Uganda.

At the institutional level, the partnership is expected to expand Makerere University‘s international research networks, attract collaborative research opportunities and reinforce its position as a leading research-intensive university. By fostering long-term collaboration across academia, research institutions and international partners, the initiative has the potential to contribute to Uganda’s agricultural transformation while advancing knowledge generation, technology transfer and evidence-based innovation.

Caroline Kainomugisha is the Communications Officer, Advancement Office.