Institutional overview
Founded in 1922, Makerere University is Uganda’s oldest and most prestigious higher education institution. With over 35,000 students and a diverse academic portfolio, Makerere has significantly contributed to national and regional development through teaching, research, innovation, and community engagement. The university’s commitment to knowledge generation and impact makes it a key player in shaping Africa’s higher education and development agenda.
Our vision is to be a thought leader of knowledge generation for societal transformation and development.
Academic and Research Capacity
Makerere University comprises 10 colleges offering a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across disciplines such as humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, engineering, health, agriculture, computing, and education. The university is renowned for its impactful research in health, agriculture, climate change, education, and governance. It collaborates with governments and international bodies like USAID, SIDA, the EU, and the World Bank on large-scale research and capacity-building initiatives. These efforts are supported by institutional research policies, strong publication records, and an expanding network of national and international partners.
Makerere University has been instrumental in advancing Uganda's electric vehicle (EV) sector. What started as a research project has grown into Kiira Motors Corporation (KMC), a vehicle manufacturing plant, owned by the government. This has seamlessly integrated academic research, innovation, and industrial application, positioning Uganda as a leader in sustainable mobility solutions.
Centres of Excellence
Makerere hosts specialized research and training centres, established to advance knowledge, innovation, and capacity building in key priority areas. These centres collaborate with regional and international institutions to address critical development challenges in Africa. Some notable Centres can be viewed at: https://www.mak.ac.ug/research/explore-institutes-centres-projects. These centres drive advanced training, research, and policy influence in key sectors.
Makerere University has been at the forefront of electric mobility research and innovation in Sub-Saharan Africa, laying the groundwork for Uganda’s first automotive manufacturing company—Kiira Motors Corporation.
Digital Transformation and Innovation
Makerere University is taking significant strides in modernizing its education system by incorporating Artificial Intelligence (AI) into teaching and learning through the installation of Smart Classrooms. This initiative aligns with global trends in digital transformation in higher education and reflects the university's commitment to improving educational quality, accessibility, and innovation.
The University has also invested in online learning platforms, integrated information systems. The university’s ICT infrastructure supports blended learning, virtual exchange, and digital knowledge management.
Human Resource Capacity
Makerere University boasts a highly qualified faculty, with over 1,400 academic staff including professors, researchers, and lecturers, many of whom hold doctoral degrees from leading institutions worldwide. The University is committed to nurturing early-career researchers and postdoctoral fellows through structured mentorship and institutional support programmes. In addition, the university promotes gender inclusion within its faculty development and recruitment frameworks.
Infrastructure and Facilities
The University boasts of state-of-the-art facilities, including advanced laboratories, computing centres, and one of East Africa’s largest and most well-resourced libraries. In addition to general academic facilities, the university houses several renowned specialized research units, such as:
- The Infectious Diseases Institute (IDI), which plays a critical role in HIV/AIDS and infectious disease research and treatment
- The Makerere University Walter Reed Project, a collaborative biomedical research initiative focusing on emerging infectious diseases.
- The Dentistry Unit, which offers both education and clinical services in oral health and dental sciences.
- The University teaching hospital, serves as a teaching and learning site for medical and health sciences students and also provides medical services to Makerere University students, staff, and the community.
- Makerere University Innovation Pod (UniPod) is a multidisciplinary innovation hub established in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) under the Timbuktoo Initiative. Its primary aim is to inspire, nurture, and support innovative ideas that address societal challenges and drive Uganda’s economic transformation.
Monitoring, Evaluation, and Quality Assurance
The university has institutionalized robust Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) and Quality Assurance systems to ensure accountability, learning, and continuous improvement. All donor-funded projects and academic programs undergo regular evaluation aligned with national and international standards.
Student Engagement and Leadership Development
Makerere fosters a vibrant student experience through innovation hubs, internships, and student exchange programs. These initiatives equip students with skills for global competitiveness and social impact.
Partnerships and Collaboration
Makerere University has established enduring partnerships with international universities, research institutions, development agencies and governments. It plays a leading role in regional consortia such as Regional Universities Forum for Capacity Building in Agriculture (RUFORUM) and the African Research Universities Alliance (ARUA). Makerere is also a member of the Worldwide Universities Network (WUN), Association of Commonwealth Universities (ACU), and participates in global consortia focused on sustainable development, digital transformation, and higher education reform. Makerere is home to the first Rotary Peace Centre on the African continent underscoring its global leadership in peace and development education.
Financial Management Systems
The institution has experience in managing multi-million-dollar grants and projects with strong financial, administrative, and reporting systems in place. The university has established robust financial systems, guided by the Public Finance Management Act, International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS), PPDA, and donor-specific requirements. An integrated financial management system supports transparent budgeting, procurement, and reporting processes.
Performance
- Makerere is ranked the number one university in Uganda. The University's consistent top rankings underscore its commitment to academic excellence, research innovation, and societal impact. Its leadership in various disciplines and strong performance in both national and continental rankings solidify its reputation as a leading institution in Africa.
- Successfully implemented over 100 donor-funded projects from organizations such as USAID, SIDA, the World Bank, Carnegie Corporation and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation among others.
- Lead academic institution in major regional programmes such as the Higher Education Centres of Excellence, RUFORUM, and the Inter-University Council for East Africa initiatives.
- Makerere’s research policy has informed national strategies in health, education, land use, climate change and public investment.
- Makerere alumni hold leadership roles globally in academia, government, business, and civil society.
Commitment to Development Goals
Makerere University aligns its programs and strategic direction with Uganda’s Vision 2040, the National Development Plan (NDP III), and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Makerere University is committed to addressing national and global challenges, particularly in public health, food security, environmental sustainability, and inclusive education.
Looking Ahead
Makerere is committed to expanding its impact through enhanced research excellence, international collaboration, digital innovation, and inclusive education. The university continues to serve as a dynamic engine for knowledge generation, policy development, and socio-economic transformation in Uganda and beyond.
Contact Information
Office of the Vice Chancellor
Makerere University
P.O. Box 7062, Kampala, Uganda
Tel: +256 414 533 261
Email: vc@mak.ac.ug
Website: www.mak.ac.ug