The Oldest University in Uganda | Makerere University
Makerere University is a public research university located on Makerere Hill in the heart of Kampala City, Uganda. It was established in 1922 as a technical school and has since grown to become one of the leading universities in Africa. The university offers a wide range of undergraduate, graduate, and postgraduate programs in a variety of fields, including arts, sciences, engineering, medicine, and law. Makerere University is known for its strong research programs and has partnerships with several international institutions. It is also home to several centers of excellence, including the Makerere University Institute of Social Research and the African Institute for Mathematical Sciences. Makerere Universityhas a diverse student body, with students from all over Uganda and other countries in Africa. The university has a total enrollment of over 40,000 students, including international students from over 50 countries. The university also has a strong faculty, with over 1,800 academic staff members.
In addition to its academic programs, Makerere University is also involved in community engagement and outreach. The university has several centers that work on issues such as health, education, and economic development in the surrounding community. Makerere University also has a strong commitment to sustainability and has implemented several initiatives to reduce its environmental impact.
Makerere University is a leading institution in Uganda and has a reputation for excellence in research and education. It continues to be a major contributor to the development of Uganda and the region.
Makerere University is home to several notable research centers and institutes, including the Makerere University Institute of Social Research (MUISR), which is one of the oldest and most respected social research institutes in Africa. MUISR conducts research on a wide range of social and economic issues and provides policy recommendations to the Ugandan government and other stakeholders.
The university Is also home to the African Institute for Mathematical Sciences (AIMS), which is a pan-African network of centers dedicated to providing high-quality education in mathematical sciences. AIMS has centers in several African countries, including Tanzania, Senegal, and Ghana, and has partnerships with top international institutions such as Cambridge University.
Makerere University has a strong international presence and has partnerships with several universities and research institutions around the world. These partnerships allow students and faculty to exchange ideas, collaborate on research projects, and participate in international programs and exchanges. The university also has a number of exchange programs with institutions in Europe, North America, and Asia.
Makerere University is a dynamic and diverse institution that is committed to providing high-quality education and research to students and scholars from all over the world. It is an important contributor to the development of Uganda and the region and is an exciting place to study and work.
Makerere University has nine colleges which include:
College of Business and Management Sciences
College of Education and External Studies
College of Engineering, Design, Art and Technology
College of Health Sciences
College of Humanities and Social Sciences
College of Natural Sciences
College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Bio-Security
College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences
College of Computing and Information Sciences
Makerere University also has a number of affiliated institutions, such as the Makerere University School of Law and the Makerere University School of Public Health. These institutions offer specialized programs.
Each college at Makerere University is divided into several departments that offer specific programs and courses. Some of the departments include:
Department of Agricultural Economics and Agribusiness Management (College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences)
Department of Architecture (College of Engineering, Design, Art and Technology)
Department of Economics (College of Business and Management Sciences)
Department of Education (College of Education and External Studies)
Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering (College of Engineering, Design, Art and Technology)
Department of English (College of Humanities and Social Sciences)
Department of Geology (College of Natural Sciences)
Department of Medicine (College of Health Sciences)
Department of Nursing (College of Health Sciences)
Department of Political Science (College of Humanities and Social Sciences)
Department of Psychology (College of Humanities and Social Sciences)
Department of Veterinary Medicine (College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Bio-Security)
Department of Biomedical Engineering (College of Engineering, Design, Art and Technology)
Department of Civil Engineering (College of Engineering, Design, Art and Technology)
Department of Computer Science (College of Computing and Information Sciences)
Department of Environmental Science (College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences)
Department of History (College of Humanities and Social Sciences)
Department of International Relations (College of Humanities and Social Sciences)
Department of Law (College of Law)
Department of Library and Information Science (College of Computing and Information Sciences)
Department of Marketing (College of Business and Management Sciences)
Department of Mathematics (College of Natural Sciences)
Department of Public Health (College of Health Sciences)
Department of Sociology (College of Humanities and Social Sciences)
Department of Zoology (College of Natural Sciences)
Department of Fine and Performing Arts (College of Education and External Studies)
Department of Geography (College of Natural Sciences)
Department of Industrial and Fine Art (College of Engineering, Design, Art and Technology)
Department of Landscape Architecture (College of Engineering, Design, Art and Technology)
Department of Public Administration and Management (College of Business and Management Sciences)
Department of Population Studies (College of Education and External Studies)
Department of Statistics (College of Natural Sciences)
Department of Tourism, Hotel, and Institutional Management (College of Business and Management Sciences)
Department of Wildlife Management (College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences)
Department of Women and Gender Studies (College of Education and External Studies)
Department of Applied Linguistics (College of Education and External Studies)
Department of Archaeology and Heritage Studies (College of Humanities and Social Sciences)
Department of Community Health (College of Health Sciences)
Department of Dermatology (College of Health Sciences)
Department of Development Studies (College of Education and External Studies)
Department of Environmental Engineering (College of Engineering, Design, Art and Technology)
Department of Food Science and Technology (College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences)
Department of Genetics and Molecular Biology (College of Natural Sciences)
Department of Health Promotion and Education (College of Health Sciences)
Department of Human Nutrition (College of Health Sciences)
Department of Information Systems (College of Computing and Information Sciences)
Department of Land Management (College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences)
Department of Medical Laboratory Science (College of Health Sciences)
Department of Microbiology (College of Natural Sciences)
Department of Orthopedics (College of Health Sciences)
Department of Pediatrics (College of Health Sciences)
Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry (College of Health Sciences)
Department of Physical Education (College of Education and External Studies)
Department of Physiology (College of Health Sciences)
Department of Planning (College of Engineering, Design, Art and Technology)
Department of Psychiatry (College of Health Sciences)
Department of Public Health Dentistry (College of Health Sciences)
Department of Reproductive Health (College of Health Sciences)
Department of Structural Engineering (College of Engineering, Design, Art and Technology)
Department of Theatre and Film Studies (College of Education and External Studies)
Makerere UniversityAdministration
Makerere University is governed by a council, which is responsible for the overall management and direction of the university. The council is headed by the Chancellor, who is the ceremonial head of the university. The council also includes the Vice Chancellor, who is the chief executive officer of the university, and other members representing different stakeholders, such as the government, the academic staff, and the student body.
The university Is also divided into several administrative units that handle specific functions, such as finance, human resources, and academic affairs. These units are led by heads or directors who report to the Vice-Chancellor.
Makerere University also has a senate, which is responsible for the academic affairs of the university. The Senate is made up of the academic staff of the university and is headed by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic Affairs). The Senate is responsible for setting academic policies, approving new programs and courses, and overseeing the quality of education at the university.
In addition to these administrative units, Makerere University also has a number of committees and boards that handle specific tasks and provide oversight in different areas. Some of these committees include the University Appeals Board, the University Ethics Committee, and the University Disciplinary Committee. Overall, the administration at Makerere University is responsible for the management and direction of the university and works to ensure that the university meets its academic and research goals.
Makerere University Main Administration Building:
The Main Administration Building was completed in 1941 under the leadership of Mr. George C. Turner, Principal, Makerere College (1939-46). Earlier in 1938, the Duke of Gloucester, representing His Majesty King George VI had cut the first sod for the construction of the building on 3rd November. The Main Building with its unique 20th-century British architecture was Makerere’s most recognizable symbol and was constructed with funds from the Colonial Development Bourse. The building’s construction was greatly delayed by a scarcity of resources to purchase materials as Britain and her allies grappled with the expenses of World War II. As a result, some of the carpentry work had to be done on-site at the Technical College.
The Principal then focused on turning Makerere into a University College and establishing buildings. As a result, both St. Francis and St. Augustine Chapels were completed in the same year 1941 and by 1944, plans for the establishment of a School of Civil Engineering at Makerere were already being discussed by the British House of Commons.
This historic building, also known as “The Ivory Tower,” was an iconic symbol of the university. However was later gutted by fire in September 2020, However, in March 2022 the site was handed over to the contractor Messrs Excel Construction Limited for Reconstruction. The reconstruction was fully funded by the Government of Uganda which committed UGX 21 billion. Through His Excellency the President and our Minister of Education and Sports. The Main Administration Building reconstruction will adopt modern building methods, with a reinforced concrete frame as opposed to the original block work structure, while maintaining its distinct outward appearance.
Makerere University Halls of Residence.
There are six halls of residence for male and three for female students. Each student is admitted to the membership of one of these Halls and each new student is attached to the Hall of Residence as shown on their admission letter. accommodation in halls is for one year and is renewable. Each hall has its own set of rules and regulations, and different amenities and facilities.
Lumumba Hall is a hall of residence at Makerere University named after Patrice Lumumba, a Congolese independence leader who was assassinated in 1961. The hall is located within the main campus and is available to male students only. Lumumba Hall is one of several halls of residence at the University that provide accommodation for students. It has a capacity of over 500 students and has facilities such as a common room, a dining hall, and a library. The hall is also home to a number of student organizations and clubs that are active in various fields, such as sports, arts, and academics. Lumumba Hall is an important part of the university community and is known for its strong sense of community and support for students. It is a popular choice for students who are looking for affordable and comfortable accommodation on the main campus.
Mitchell Hall is a hall of residence at Makerere University named after James Mitchell, a British colonial administrator who played a significant role in the development of Makerere University. The hall is located within the main campus and is available to male students. Mitchell Hall is one of several halls of residence at Makerere University that provide accommodation for students. It has a capacity of over 500 students and has facilities such as a common room, a dining hall, and a library. The hall is also home to a number of student organizations and clubs that are active in various fields, such as sports, arts, and academics and is an important part of the university community and is known for its strong sense of community and support for students.
Mary Stuart Hall is a hall of residence at Makerere University named after Mary Stuart, a British royal who was also known as Mary, Queen of Scots. The hall is located within the main campus and is available to female students only. Mary Stuart Hall is one of several halls of residence at Makerere University that provide accommodation for students. It has a capacity of over 500 students and has facilities such as a common room, a dining hall, and a library. The hall is also home to a number of student organizations and clubs that are active in various fields, such as sports, arts, and academics. Mary Stuart Hall is an important part of the university community and is known for its strong sense of community and support for students.
Nkrumah Hall is a hall of residence at Makerere University named after Kwame Nkrumah, the first President of Ghana and a pioneer of the African independence movement. The hall is located within the main campus and is available to male students. Nkrumah Hall is one of several halls of residence at Makerere University that provide accommodation for students. It has a capacity of over 500 students and has facilities such as a common room, a dining hall, and a library. The hall is also home to a number of student organizations and clubs that are active in various fields, such as sports, arts, and academics. Nkrumah Hall is an important part of the university community and is known for its strong sense of community and support for students.
The University Hall also known as the “Founders Hall” is one of the oldest halls of residence at Makerere University. It is a co-ed hall and is known for its rich history and cultural heritage. The hall has a capacity of around 600 students and offers basic amenities such as running water and electricity. University Hall is known for its strong sense of tradition and is home to several cultural and social events throughout the year. These events are organized by the hall committee and are open to all residents. The hall also has sports teams that compete against other halls and faculties in the university.
Livingstone Hall is one of the main halls of residence at Makerere University for male students and is known for its friendly and welcoming atmosphere. The hall has a capacity of around 800 students and offers basic amenities such as running water and electricity. The hall is named after the famous explorer and missionary, David Livingstone, and is one of the most sought-after halls of residence for male students at Makerere University. The hall is known for its strong sense of community and tradition, and students often form strong bonds with their fellow residents. Livingstone Hall has different blocks/wings that are divided by levels/floors, each floor is allocated to different students from different faculties. The hall management is responsible for the overall welfare of the students and provides accommodation, security, and other services to students. The hall also has a common room where students can relax and socialize and a library for studying. Livingstone Hall is known for its strong sense of tradition and is home to several cultural and social events throughout the year. These events are organized by the hall committee and are open to all residents. The hall also has sports teams that compete against other halls and faculties in the university.
Africa Hall
Nsibirwa Hall
Complex Hall
OTHER KEY ATTRACTIONS WITHIN MAKERERE UNIVERSITY
The Makerere University Art Gallery: This gallery features a collection of Ugandan art, including traditional and contemporary works. This is located at The Margaret Trowell School Of Industrial And Fine Art. Margaret Trowell was a British artist, architect, and academic who played a significant role in the development of art education in Uganda. She was born in England in 1891 and studied art and architecture at the Royal Academy of Arts in London.
In 1924, she was invited to join the School of Industrial and Fine Arts at Makerere University in Uganda, where she established the first art school in the country. Trowell was a pioneer in the field of art education in Uganda and is credited with introducing modern art techniques and approaches to the country. She taught a wide range of subjects, including painting, sculpture, and architecture, and her students included some of the most influential artists in Uganda. Trowell was also an accomplished artist in her own right and exhibited her work internationally. She is best known for her paintings and sculptures, which often depicted the landscapes, flora, and fauna of Uganda. In addition to her work as an artist and teacher, Trowell was also involved in community development projects in Uganda. She founded the Uganda Society, which was dedicated to promoting the arts and culture of the country, and she also worked with the government to develop policies related to art education. Margaret Trowell School of Industrial and Fine Arts (MT-SIFA). It is known for its creative and artistic atmosphere. Overall, Margaret Trowell was a significant figure in the development of art education in Uganda and continues to be remembered and celebrated for her contributions to the field.
Freedom Square is a public space on the Makerere University campus located near the main administration block and the Senate building and is a popular gathering place for students, faculty, and visitors. Freedom Square is named after the struggle for independence in Uganda and is home to several monuments and landmarks that are significant to the university’s history and culture. These include the Freedom Monument, the Memorial Monument, the Founders Monument, and the Vice Chancellor’s Monument. The Freedom Bell is also located in Freedom Square and is used to mark special occasions and ceremonies at the university. Freedom Square is an important part of the university community and is often used for events, such as concerts, rallies, and ceremonies. It is a popular destination for visitors to the university and is known for its beautiful gardens and open space.
100 years Century monument at Makerere University shows its journey through its first 100 years. It was unveiled by H.E. Yoweri Kaguta Museveni the President of Uganda on the 6th of October 2022. Makerere University was founded in 1922 and has a long and rich history. The monument comprises 10 sides each with ten years of events that took place. There are a number of other monuments and landmarks on the campus that commemorate this history and celebrate the university’s achievements over the past 100 years. The Art piece shows a bird that is flying majestically in the air, symbolizing that Makerere University has gone through different metamorphic stages and it has progressed through thorns and stones to that milestone of flying. It was designed by the students of Makerere University, The Margaret Trowell School of Fine Art.
Makerere University Guest House Provides accommodation for Visiting Professors, Researchers, and other guests of the University. It is owned and operated by Makerere University. The guest house is located on the university’s main campus, and it offers a range of accommodation options to suit the needs of travelers. Amenities at the guest house include a restaurant, a bar, and a swimming pool. It is a popular choice for travelers visiting Makerere University and Kampala City for business or pleasure, as it offers convenient access to the university and the city center. The guest house has a variety of room types to choose from, including standard rooms, deluxe rooms, and suites. All rooms are air-conditioned and feature amenities such as en-suite bathrooms, TVs, and free Wi-Fi. The guest house’s restaurant serves a selection of international and local dishes, and there is also a bar where guests can relax with a drink. The guest house also has a swimming pool where guests can cool off and relax. The guest house is surrounded by beautiful gardens, and it is a peaceful and quiet place to stay. In addition to its location on the university campus, the guest house is also conveniently located near a number of attractions in Kampala including the Uganda Museum, Uganda National Theater, the different Markets like Owino and Nakasero, The Craft Market, The National Mospue for the best views of Kampala City from its Minaret or Tower
The Makerere University Main Library is one of the largest and most important libraries in the country, with a collection of over one million books, journals, and other materials. The library serves as a resource for students, faculty, and researchers at Makerere University, as well as for members of the general public. The library is open to the public, although some resources may only be accessible to registered students and faculty members. It has a combination of an online and physical library, you can access the online database via the library website. The library has a long and rich history, dating back to the early days of Makerere University, which was established in 1922 as a technical school. The library was officially opened in 1951 and has since grown to become one of the most important academic libraries in East Africa. Over the years, the library has undergone several renovations and expansions to keep up with the growing needs of the university and its users. Today, the library is equipped with state-of-the-art technology and resources, including a vast digital collection, study spaces, and research support services. The library staff is also available to assist visitors with their research needs. Makerere University Main Library is a vital resource for the university community, as well as for researchers and scholars from around the region. The library’s collection includes a wide range of materials, including books, journals, newspapers, maps, manuscripts, photographs, and other primary sources. In addition to traditional print materials, the library also provides access to a variety of online resources, including databases, e-books, and digital collections. One of the unique features of the library is the Africa Collection, which is a specialized collection of materials on Africa and the African diaspora, including literature, history, politics, and culture. The collection is particularly strong in the areas of Ugandan and East African studies and is an important resource for researchers, students, and scholars working in these fields. The library also provides a variety of services to support the research and learning needs of its users, including reference and research assistance, interlibrary loan, document delivery, and more. The library also has a number of study spaces and computer labs available for students to use.
Makerere University Sports Center is a state-of-the-art facility that offers a wide range of sports and fitness activities for students, staff, and members of the community. The center boasts a variety of sports fields, including a soccer field, tennis court, rugby field, and cricket ground, as well as a swimming pool, a gymnasium, and a fitness studio.
The sports center also offers a range of programs and classes, such as yoga, aerobics, and martial arts. In addition, the center hosts a variety of sports events and competitions throughout the year, including the Makerere University Inter-College Sports Competition and the Makerere University Open Athletics Championship. The sports center is also home to the Makerere University Sports Club, which is made up of student-athletes who compete in inter-university and national competitions. The club is a member of the Uganda Universities Sports Association (USUA) and the National Council of Sports (NCS). The sports center is open to the public and offers membership options for students, staff, and members of the community. The center is also available for rental for events and competitions. Overall, the Makerere University Sports Center is a vital part of the university community and provides students, staff, and members of the community with access to top-notch sports and fitness facilities and programs. The University Botanical Gardens: These gardens feature a wide variety of plants and flowers, including many indigenous to Uganda.
The Makerere University Great Hall: This grand building is the university’s main auditorium and is used for graduations, convocations, and other ceremonies.
Bird Viewing: Makerere University is endowed with different bird species of around 5000 species within the university including; Marabustock, vultures, doves, African Skimmer, weaver birds, Grey Heroine, and Pied Kingfisher, among other amazing birds. These birds are viewable with bare eyes and you need no binoculars to view them.
In case you need to have an Experience of Kampala City Tour with a Local Guide to include a visit to Makerere University Check out our Kampala City Tours
