Makerere launches five-year research strategy to boost global competitiveness

7 July 2026, 11:29 am

By Ronald Ssemagonja

Makerere University has launched a new five-year strategic plan aimed at strengthening research, expanding international partnerships, and increasing knowledge generation to support Uganda’s development and address global challenges.

Launched under the theme, “Optimising the University’s Research Potential for National and Global Transformation,” the strategy seeks to transform Makerere into an internationally competitive, research-led university through greater investment in innovation, postgraduate education, technology transfer, and strategic partnerships.

The university says the plan builds on achievements under the previous strategic framework and is aligned with Uganda’s Fourth National Development Plan (NDP IV) and Vision 2040.

Vice Chancellor Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe described the strategy as a major milestone in Makerere’s transformation. He said the university is entering a new phase focused on strengthening research excellence, increasing international visibility, and generating knowledge that responds to Uganda’s development needs while contributing solutions to global challenges.

Prof. Nawangwe clarified that Makerere is not reducing undergraduate admissions but will significantly expand postgraduate education, with postgraduate enrolment expected to double over the next five years.

He added that the university will increase investment in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM), graduate research training, scholarly publications, innovation, intellectual property development, and partnerships with industry and international institutions.

The Vice Chancellor also said internationalisation is central to the new strategy. Through stronger global research collaborations, increased publication in internationally recognised journals, expanded academic exchanges, and technology-driven innovation, Makerere aims to strengthen its position as one of Africa’s leading centres of knowledge.

The university also plans to attract more international researchers, students, development partners, and research funding while producing innovations to address challenges such as public health, climate change, food security, digital transformation, and sustainable development.

Speaking as the guest of honour, Minister of Finance, Planning and Economic Development Henry Musasizi commended Makerere University for aligning its strategic priorities with Uganda’s national development agenda.

He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to supporting higher education, research, innovation, and human capital development, saying universities play a vital role in driving industrialisation, economic transformation, and improving Uganda’s competitiveness.

Musasizi added that investment in research and innovation is essential for developing home-grown solutions, improving productivity, creating jobs, and enabling Uganda to compete in the global knowledge economy. He urged universities to produce research that directly addresses the country’s development priorities.