Kampala, Uganda | July 2, 2026
Makerere University has officially launched its Strategic Plan 2025–2030, unveiling an ambitious roadmap that positions Uganda’s oldest and largest public university to deepen its contribution to national development while expanding its global research footprint.
Launched under the theme, “Optimising the University’s Research Potential for National and Global Transformation,” the five-year strategy seeks to transform Makerere into an internationally competitive research-led university through increased investment in innovation, postgraduate education, technology transfer, and strategic partnerships. The plan builds on the gains made under the previous strategic framework and aligns with Uganda’s Fourth National Development Plan (NDP IV) and Vision 2040.
Vice Chancellor Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe described the strategic plan as a defining milestone in Makerere’s transformation journey. He said the University is entering a new phase focused on deepening research excellence, increasing international visibility, and generating knowledge that addresses Uganda’s development priorities while contributing solutions to global challenges.
Prof. Nawangwe emphasized that the University is not reducing undergraduate admissions but instead significantly expanding postgraduate education, with postgraduate enrolment projected to double over the next five years. He noted that the strategy also prioritises greater investment in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM), graduate research training, scholarly publications, innovation, intellectual property development, and stronger collaboration with industry and international institutions.
The Vice Chancellor further explained that internationalisation lies at the heart of 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 knowledge hubs. The University also intends to attract more international researchers, students, development partners and research funding while producing innovations capable of addressing regional and global challenges such as public health, climate change, food security, digital transformation and sustainable development.
The Guest of Honour, Minister of Finance, Planning and Economic Development Hon. 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, noting that universities remain central to driving industrialisation, economic transformation and improving national competitiveness.
Hon. Musasizi said investment in research and innovation is essential for creating home-grown solutions, improving productivity, generating employment opportunities and positioning Uganda to compete effectively in the global knowledge economy. He challenged universities to produce research that directly responds to national priorities while maintaining international standards of excellence.
The Strategic Plan 2025–2030 outlines key priorities including enhancing teaching and learning, strengthening graduate training, expanding digital learning, increasing research productivity, commercialising innovation, improving governance and infrastructure, promoting financial sustainability, and building stronger partnerships with governments, industry, development agencies and global academic institutions.
The launch attracted government leaders, university management, members of Council, researchers, development partners, alumni, students and stakeholders from across the education sector, marking the beginning of a new chapter aimed at cementing Makerere University’s role as a leading centre of research, innovation and academic excellence in Africa and beyond.
