Published: February 2025

Makerere University is fast-tracking its digital transformation journey in 2025, unveiling expanded e-learning platforms, cutting-edge technology centers, and infrastructure backed by major global partnerships. These efforts aim to create a flexible, inclusive, and digitally resilient learning ecosystem for all students.

1. Five-Year Digital Transformation Roadmap (2025–2030)

The cornerstone of Makerere’s digital push is a comprehensive Five-Year e-Learning Digital Transformation Roadmap developed by the College of Education and External Studies (CEES) through the Institute of Open, Distance, and e-Learning (IODeL).

This roadmap is being developed in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation and Arizona State University (ASU).

2. Cutting-Edge Facilities and Innovation Centers

Makerere University has unveiled a suite of high-tech facilities designed to support digital learning and frontier research.

3. Boosting Capacity, Connectivity & Resources

Beyond infrastructure, Makerere is strengthening capacity through major partnerships and equipment donations.

• KOICA Grant: A $12.2 million (44 billion UGX) grant from the Korea International Cooperation Agency to strengthen ODeL capacity.
• Equipment Support: In May 2025, Makerere received 40 modern laptops and 10 projectors from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to enhance teaching and research.

With these major investments, Makerere University continues its evolution into a digitally advanced, research-led, and student-centered institution. More details are available on the official Makerere University website.

While the Ugandan government did not introduce immediate changes to university tuition policies at the start of 2025, the year opened with heated national discussions and intense government reviews on the future of education funding. The current tuition structures remain unchanged—but several critical developments indicate that major reforms may be approaching.

Key Developments and Government Activity

1. EPRC Submits a Landmark Education Review

In February 2025, the Education Policy Review Commission (EPRC), chaired by Nuwe Amanya Mushega, submitted its long-awaited national education review report. After nearly three years of research, the report offers comprehensive recommendations that could reshape Uganda’s education system from pre-primary to university level.

2. Debates on Free University Education Intensify

The discussion on whether Uganda should introduce free university education gained momentum throughout 2025.

• Parliamentary Push: In June 2025, several MPs called for universal free university education, arguing that the current private sponsorship model disadvantages students from low-income families.
• President Museveni’s View: In May 2025, he suggested reviewing free primary and secondary education policies based on parents’ ability to pay—highlighting the government’s continuous examination of education financing.

3. Student Financing Scheme Remains the Main Support System

The Higher Education Students Financing Board (HESFB) continued to manage the national Student Loan Scheme, which remains the main financial support option for needy students.

The board published its 2025/2026 application timeline and eligibility criteria in June 2025 on its official website.

4. URA Takes Over Public School Fee Collection

To reduce corruption and strengthen financial accountability, the government transferred the collection of public school fees to the Uganda Revenue Authority (URA).

What This Means for Students and Parents

As of early 2025, tuition fees set by each university for the 2024/2025 and 2025/2026 academic years remain unchanged.

Students and parents are advised to check their universities’ official websites for accurate fee structures and updates.

While no immediate tuition changes were introduced, 2025 has clearly become a pivotal year for education reform. The final shape of Uganda’s higher education future will depend on:

• The upcoming government White Paper
• Parliamentary debates
• Legislative reforms based on the EPRC findings

Ugandans should expect continued discussions—and possibly major policy shifts—in the near future.

Uganda Christian University (UCU) has taken major steps in 2025 to strengthen its national role in research, innovation, and entrepreneurship. The institution is rolling out two major initiatives: a nationwide consortium research project designed to curb youth unemployment, and the construction of a modern Innovation Hub to support business creation.

1. Groundbreaking Consortium Research Project: SUESCA

UCU is a key partner in a transformative five-year project titled Strengthening University Delivery of Entrepreneurship Skills for Community Engagement and Action Research in Uganda (SUESCA).

The project focuses on the maize value chain, using it as a platform to empower students and out-of-school youth with real entrepreneurial skills.

SUESCA aims to create 5,000 jobs and launch at least 19 new startups, with a strong focus on empowering young women across the country.
More details are available on the official Uganda Christian University website.

2. UCU Launches Construction of a Modern Innovation Hub

To further expand opportunities for young innovators, UCU has begun constructing a state-of-the-art Innovation Hub in partnership with the Hanze University Foundation.

The hub will serve as a center for:

• Business development and startup incubation
• Innovation training and mentorship
• Technology and creative solutions development
• Entrepreneurship research and collaboration

Additional information about the Innovation Hub is available on the UCU website.

With these dual initiatives, UCU is positioning itself as a national leader in research, entrepreneurship, and innovation—empowering the next generation of Ugandan change-makers.

Kyambogo University has solidified its position as a national hub for practical innovation and community-driven technological solutions. Throughout 2025, the university hosted multiple high-impact events that highlighted the ingenuity of its students and faculty while promoting research that addresses Uganda’s most pressing challenges.

1. Appropriate Technologies Expo & Innovation Lounge 2025

Held in June 2025, the Faculty of Engineering organized its widely anticipated annual expo under the theme: “Homemade Innovations for a Sustainable Future.”

The event provided final-year students with a platform to demonstrate locally developed technologies aimed at solving real community problems.

The expo attracted innovators, researchers, industry players, and development partners for live demonstrations and insightful panel discussions on scaling local innovations to international markets.
Find more details on the Kyambogo University website.

2. 4th Edition of the STEAM Festival

In April 2025, Kyambogo University hosted the 4th Annual Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM) Festival under the theme:

The two-day event emphasized translating research into practical tools that uplift communities and inspire younger learners to embrace STEM and humanities as engines of national development.

Panel discussions addressed key topics such as:

• Green mobility and sustainable transportation
• The role of artificial intelligence in modern education
• Value addition in agricultural technology

More information about the festival is available on the Kyambogo University website.

3. Upcoming Event: UG Design Summit 2025

Kyambogo University is preparing to host the international UG Design Summit 2025, scheduled for:
October 5–8, 2025

The summit will feature an innovation exhibition and thought-provoking conversations on how design can drive global sustainability, address climate change, and reduce social inequalities.

Through these events, Kyambogo University continues to build a vibrant innovation ecosystem—nurturing the next generation of Ugandan inventors, researchers, and problem-solvers.