Makerere dons cite govt, partnerships support for university ranking
Ssali thanked the Government of Uganda for its enormous financial support and goodwill to the university.
The Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Makerere University (Academic Affairs), Prof. Sarah Ssali (third-left) speaks to the press about the Times Higher Education Rankings that confirm Makerere University as the number 1 University in East Africa. With her are other dons and officials of the university, who include the Manager, International Relations Office, Mathias Ssemanda (left), the Director of Quality Assurance Dr. Cyprian Misinde (second-left), the Director, Graduate Training, Prof. Julius Kikooma (fourth-left), the Dean of Students Dr. Winifred Kabumbuli (fifth-left) and the Director - Research, Innovations and Partnerships, Prof. Robert Wamala (right). This was during the press conference at Makerere University in Kampala on Thursday, October 16, 2025. (Credit: Mathias Mazinga)
The Manager, International Relations Office, Mathias Ssemanda (left) delivers his message during the press conference. With him is the university's Director of Quality Assurance. Dr. Cyprian Misinde. (Credit: Mathias Mazinga)
KAMPALA - Makerere University is currently the number one university in East Africa, according to the Times Higher Education rankings October 2025 report.
The same report also places Makerere in the eighth position in Africa. Makerere also enjoys the privilege of being in the 801-1000 band globally.
News of the high placements of Makerere University was publicly declared by the university’s deputy vice-chancellor (academic affairs), Prof. Sarah Ssali, during a press-briefing at the university on October 16.
“The ranking considers five performance indicators, namely: Teaching, research environment, research quality, international outlook, and industry. Makerere’s overall score was 37.2, significantly outperforming peer institutions in the region that average scores of 18.8. In particular, Makerere University continues to thrive in research quality, where we scored 54.2%, but even better in international outlook, where we scored highest with 69.7%. On the continent, Makerere University is ranked 8th in the sub-Saharan African university rankings,” Ssali said.
Ssali later thanked the Government of Uganda for its enormous financial support and goodwill to the university. She also paid tribute to all the other stakeholders, including the local and international partners, the alumni, students, parents and the general public for their trust and support.
Prof. Ssali, in a special way, paid tribute to vice-chancellor Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe for his visionary leadership.
MAK dons and officials speak out
Mathias Ssemanda (manager, international relations office)
Makerere University has an international image and outlook. We have over 725 MOUs with top universities in the world, such as Michigan State University, Technical University of Munich, and others. We also belong to influential associations such as African Research Universities Alliance, Association of Commonwealth Universities etc.
So, our global standing and international participation is great. This year alone, we received 4,200 international applicants from 57 countries. Last year, we had a Chinese student who graduated from the Faculty of law. And by the way we don’t just teach our students. We also expose them to the world of work. Last year PhDs, 300. Association of Commonwealth Universities. We are one of the widely partnered universities, with 1,000 partners.
Dr Cyprian Misinde (director of quality assurance)
Since 2016, we have been improving steadily. Certain strategic actions have helped us. We shall continue to ensure that we give our students the best.
Prof. Julius Kikooma (Director, Graduate Training)
Students are important in the life, activities and development of the university. So, we have been mindful to improve our processes, on how we care for them right from admission. We handle them well. We have become paperless in our processes; we are now applying digital systems, which also enhance individual information and feedback. Students can give their comments, complaints and compliments.
The respective initiatives have improved the experience of our students and our positive outlook.
• The double-degree programmes has also been an important driver of our good performance. We also have a digitalised tracking system that helps us to track our students.
• We also have a policy of recognising and rewarding our students who perform exceptionally well.
• We also link our students up to the respective development partners who can help them to put their ideas or innovations into action. We reward researchers who are doing well and promote their work.
• We have established research labs which can also be used by other universities. We have also established innovation boards at every college. The idea is to expand research.
Dr Winifred Kabumbuli (dean of students)
We have been keen on improving the welfare of our students to enhance their satisfaction. We give them due emotional support. We ensure their learning and living environment is conducive.
That is why we have renovated their halls of residence, such as Lumumba Hall. We have also partnered with Private Hostels. We also encourage and support their involvement in co-curricular activities. We safeguard them from harm. Strikes are not encouraged.
Prof. Robert Wamala (director -research, innovations and partnerships)
We aim to be number 1 in Africa. We know our strategic plan, 2025-2030, will enable us to achieve the objective.
We shall continue to improve on our teaching, learning and research processes. We shall continue to improve our physical and digital infrastructure. Yes, we know teaching and learning is not limited to a lecture room. We shall continue to forge partnerships.