The Makerere University Council has authorized the College of Education and External Studies (CEES) with the responsibility of conducting academic training beyond the confines of the main campus. Previously, this function was managed by the Department of Community Education, now known as the Centre for Lifelong Learning (CLL). The CLL is empowered to carry out training outside the university premises under the umbrella of CEES, where it exclusively handles short courses.
In adherence to this mandate, the university has established branches and centers across the country to facilitate the delivery of various courses. Examples include the Administrative Law Officers Course, as well as skill-enhancing programs in Public Administration, Medical Records, and Project Planning and Management. Certificates awarded for these courses bear the location of instruction, the official university seal, and the learners’ registration numbers, and they are subject to grading.
It is emphasized that any programs not routed through CEES may be considered as a misuse of taxpayers’ money.
Over the past 70 years, CEES has overseen the operation of official branches and centers with extramural mandates. These include:
- Mbale Branch: Serving Bugisu, Karamoja, Sebei, Teso, and parts of Bukedi.
- Lira Branch: Catering to Lango and parts of Gulu and Padyere.
- Iganga Centre: Serving Busoga districts such as Iganga, Mayuge, Namutamba, Bugweri, and Kaliro.
- Busia Centre: Covering Busia, Namayingo, Bugiri, and parts of Tororo, Malaba, and some Kenyan county governments.
- Kamuli Centre: Located at Progress Valley College Kamuli, serving Buyende District, partly Luuka District, and Kamuli itself.
- Wakiso Centre: Serving Mukono and Wakiso districts.
- Other centers: Situated in Kibale, Fort Portal, Kabale, and Nakasongola districts.
Mr. Steven Masiga, the University Coordinator of Makerere University Mbale Branch, encourages individuals to seize the available opportunities and acquire skills in administrative law, public administration, and other relevant fields at nearby university centers.
He emphasizes the importance of obtaining the necessary skills, stating that in government, individuals without the required skills might face the prospect of being asked to leave. Mr. Masiga urges people to take advantage of these opportunities to enhance their knowledge and skills.
The Makerere University Council remains committed to its mission of extending education to various regions, aligning with the university motto of “taking Makerere University to the people and bringing the people to the university.” This commitment aims to fulfill both global and national objectives, empowering Ugandans with the essential skills through capacity-building courses. The university’s dedication includes providing well-polished staff for local governments through short skills courses in law and other university programs, which are also accessible at the main campus in the form of undergraduate and postgraduate programs.
