Makerere University – Jobs

Overview

Makerere University is the oldest and largest public university in Uganda. It began in 1922 as a technical school and has grown into a globally recognized academic and research institution. It became an independent national university in 1970 and has remained a cornerstone of higher education in the region.

Location and Campuses

The main campus is located on Makerere Hill, just 5 kilometers from Kampala’s city center, covering over 350 acres. Other campuses and land units include:

• Health Sciences Campus at Mulago Hill
• Makerere University Agricultural Research Institute (MUARIK)
• Buyana Stock Farm and several residential estates

Academic Programs and Enrollment

Makerere hosts over 35,000 undergraduate and more than 3,000 postgraduate students. It offers:

• 145 undergraduate programs
• 139 postgraduate programs (including diplomas and master’s degrees)
• Doctoral programs by coursework or research

In 2011, the university adopted a collegiate system comprising 10 semi-autonomous colleges such as the College of Engineering, Design, Art and Technology (CEDAT), College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES), College of Computing and Information Sciences (CoCIS), and more.

Research and Innovation

Makerere is a leading hub for research in Africa, with strong focus areas in public health, agriculture, climate change, education, and governance. It maintains partnerships with organizations such as:

• USAID
• Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation
• World Bank
• European Union
• SIDA (Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency)

Notable research units include the Infectious Diseases Institute, Kiira Motors Corporation, and Makerere Innovation Hub.

Libraries and Facilities

The Makerere University Library, established in 1949, is the oldest academic library in Uganda and the official legal deposit center. It holds over 450,000 volumes and operates more than 15 branch libraries across colleges.

The university features advanced laboratories, ICT infrastructure, and reconstructed heritage buildings like the iconic Ivory Tower, which was restored after a 2020 fire.

Governance and Leadership

Makerere operates under Uganda’s Universities and Other Tertiary Institutions Act (2001). Its leadership structure includes:

• Vice Chancellor: Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe
• Chairperson of University Council: Dr. Lorna Magara

Strategic decisions are made through the University Council and its committees, while academic matters are overseen by the Senate.

Rankings and Achievements

• Consistently ranked #1 in Uganda
• Top 10 university in Sub-Saharan Africa
• THE Impact Ranking 2024: Top 400 globally for SDGs
• Top 20 worldwide in SDG 8 – Decent Work and Economic Growth

Partnerships and Global Engagement

Makerere is a member of regional and international networks such as RUFORUM, ACU, ARUA, and the Worldwide Universities Network. It hosts Africa’s first Rotary Peace Centre and facilitates over 100 active donor-funded projects.

Relevance for Employers and Job Seekers

As Uganda’s top institution of higher learning, Makerere produces skilled graduates across engineering, IT, public health, agriculture, education, business, and law. Employers regularly recruit Makerere alumni for roles in academia, research, consultancy, and leadership.

For job seekers, Makerere is a symbol of excellence. Collaborating with Makerere-trained professionals ensures access to knowledgeable, research-driven, and socially responsible talent.