When the National Resistance Movement (NRM) came to power in 1986, there was only one public university in Uganda but things have ever since tremendously improved. Uganda currently has a total of 53 public universities and hundreds of private institutions.
Makerere University was first established as a technical school for Africans which kicked off in 1922 with only 14 students. The number of students increased to 76 in 1925 who were enrolled in Makerere college to receive vocational training.
However, three years into the NRM rule, with an enabling investment environment, the Islamic University in Uganda was established in 1988 by the organization of Islamic Co-operation (OIC). Later on in 1989, Mbarara University of Science and Technology (MUST) was established.
When it comes to higher education, private universities have proved to be the fastest growing. Many private universities were set up in 1990s in a bid to boost higher education. Among the big private universities that were set up in the 1990s include Ndejje, Nkumba, Kumi, Bugema, Uganda Martyrs, Uganda Christian University (UCU), and Busoga University.
In 2000s, more public universities were established by the NRM government while 36 other private universities were set up in a bid to improve higher education and foster development.
With the increase in number of universities, more Ugandans have accessed higher education and it is estimated that about 40,000 people are graduating every year. Uganda is now equipped with thousands of experts in both arts and sciences.
“Health Scientists, those in the field of agriculture , science in general and even the arts are engaged in research that is contributing to the development of the country, Africa and the world,” says Edward Mugambi, the executive director of Uganda Vice-Chancellors Forum.
Using innovation to solve day to day problems
While speaking at Kyambogo University’s 16th graduation ceremony, President Museveni appreciated the university’s efforts to solve real African problems while using innovation/technology . Kyambogo exhibited several items including telecommunication engineering models, leather tanning, ceramics and iron processing, cloth made out of banana fibre among others.
“In Kyambogo you are beginning to wake up. There is actually a renaissance at Kyambogo. Kyambogo has got out of sleep.” Museveni said.
Kyambogo’s main objective is to see most of its students complete their courses and leave as equipped entrepreneurs. The university is also encouraging students to start up small ventures within campus in a bid to earn a living.
Private and Government sponsorship
Back in the days when the NRM had just taken over power, Makerere University would only admit students who qualified for government sponsorship. Because of the university’s policy by then, students who wanted to pay for their own education were forced to study abroad.
However, things changed in 1991-1992 when the Private Students Scheme was introduced at Makerere University. According to M.K Mayanja, a former director of planning at Makerere, the Private Students Scheme was introduced for rich parents who used to send their children for higher education abroad.
With the expansion of programs, the private students scheme swiftly increased Makerere’s population and the university graduates over 10,000 students every. Makerere is also Uganda’s leading Institution with more than a half of the country’s research coming from the Ivory Tower.
In his speech read by the Prime Minister Dr. Ruhakana Rugunda, Museveni urged Makerere University to develop animal vaccines and pledged to finance it. This was during the university’s 70th graduation ceremony where Rugunda represented him as the chief guest.
