Makerere University (Mak) is Uganda’s largest and oldest institution of higher learning and the oldest currently active university in East Africa. Established in 1922 as a technical school, it evolved into a national university in 1970. Today, Makerere is recognized as a premier center for research and education in Africa, enrolling over 35,000 students across a broad range of disciplines.
The university is composed of nine colleges and one school, including:
- College of Natural Sciences (CONAS)
- College of Health Sciences (CHS)
- College of Engineering, Design, Art and Technology (CEDAT)
- College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences (CAES)
- College of Business and Management Sciences (CoBAMS)
- College of Humanities & Social Sciences (CHUSS)
- College of Computing and Information Sciences (CoCIS)
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources & Bio-Security (CoVAB)
- College of Education and External Studies (CEES)
- Makerere University Business School (MUBS – semi-autonomous)
Motto: “We Build for the Future”
Type: Public University
Established: 1922 (103 years ago)
Parent Institutions: University of London; University of East Africa (affiliation until 1970)
Chancellor: Crispus Kiyonga
Vice-Chancellor: Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe
Administrative Staff: 3,174 (2018)
Students: 35,000+ (2018; approx. 36,000 undergraduates and 4,000 postgraduates)
Location: Kampala, Uganda
Coordinates: 00°20′06″N 32°34′03″E
Campus: Urban, 300 acres
Website: www.mak.ac.ug
History
Early Foundations
- 1921–1922: Founded as a technical school offering carpentry, mechanics, and building construction.
- 1922: Renamed Uganda Technical College; expanded into agriculture, education, arts, and medicine.
- 1928: Vocational classes separated as Kampala Technical School.
- 1937: Began offering post-secondary certificates.
- 1949: Elevated to Makerere College, University of East Africa, under the University of London system.
Towards National University
- 1970: Became Makerere University, Uganda’s national university after the dissolution of the University of East Africa.
- 1960s–1970s: Established reputation as the “Harvard of Africa,” with strong influence in politics, literature, and sciences.
Challenges and Closures
- Closed three times between 2006 and 2016 due to student unrest and staff strikes.
- Reopened in January 2017 following government intervention.
Recent Developments
- September 2020: Main Building (Ivory Tower) gutted by fire; reconstruction began in 2022.
- October 2022: Celebrated 100 years with President Yoweri Museveni presiding over centenary events.
Global Rankings
- QS World University Rankings (2024): 951–1000
- Times Higher Education (2024): 801–1000 globally; =5 in Africa (2021)
- USNWR Global (2023): 757
- CWUR (2020–21): 923 globally; 1st in Uganda
Governance
- University Council: Supreme governing body
- Senate: Chief academic organ
- Subcommittees: Appointments, Finance, Quality Assurance, Students’ Affairs, Audit, Estates & Works
Notable Alumni
Politics & Leadership
- Julius Nyerere: First President of Tanzania
- Benjamin Mkapa: Former President of Tanzania
- Milton Obote: Former President of Uganda
- Yusuf Lule & Godfrey Binaisa: Former Presidents of Uganda
- Joseph Kabila: Former President of the Democratic Republic of Congo
- Mwai Kibaki: Former President of Kenya
- Amama Mbabazi & Apolo Nsibambi: Former Prime Ministers of Uganda
- Anita Annet Among: Speaker of the Parliament of Uganda
- Bobi Wine (Robert Kyagulanyi): Politician, musician, opposition leader
Writers & Thinkers
- Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o: Novelist and scholar
- V.S. Naipaul: Nobel Prize laureate, literature
- Ali Mazrui: Political scientist
- Paul Theroux: Author
- David Rubadiri & Okot p’Bitek: Poets and writers
Arts & Entertainment
- Anne Kansiime: Comedian and actress
- Joanita Kawalya & Rachael Magoola: Musicians (Afrigo Band)
- Irene Ntale & Rema Namakula: Singers
Science & Medicine
- Matthew Lukwiya: Doctor, Ebola response leader (2000 Gulu outbreak)
- Etheldreda Nakimuli-Mpungu: Psychiatrist and epidemiologist
- Nelson Sewankambo: Academic leader in public health
Campuses & Facilities
- Main Campus: Makerere Hill, Kampala
- Upcountry Campuses:
- Fort Portal
- Jinja
- Specialized Facilities:
- Makerere University Hospital
- Makerere Institute of Social Research (MISR)
- Numerous halls of residence (e.g., Lumumba, Mary Stuart, Africa Hall, Livingstone)
Distinction
Makerere University has shaped African political leadership, literature, science, and innovation, making it not only Uganda’s premier institution but also a continental intellectual hub.
