By Sadique Bamwita
KAMPALA
The Minister for Finance, Planning and Economic Development, Hon. Henry Musasizi, has pledged to review the budget Cut for Makerere University Research Fund which was slashed by the parliament from Shs.30 billion to Shs.20 billion. He has pledged to double the budget in the next financial year 2027/2028.
Minister Musasizi argues that in order for government to boost research and innovation in academic institutions, there is need to allocate more funds to these institutions so as to produce innovative students.
He made the remarks on July 2, 2026, while launching 2025-2030 Makerere University Strategic plan.
Minister Henry Musasizi noted that the plan aligns tenfold strategy, and National Development plan 1V which calls for research, innovation and science -led economy. He, however tasked management of Makerere University to maintain the integrity of the University and desist from any form of corruption tendencies adding that vice has hampered service delivery in the country hence it should be eradicated.
The Minister also believes that Makerere’s Strategic plan rightly commits the University to optimize its research potential for national and global transformation, adding it comes at a defining moment when the country is pursuing its vision of growing the economy tenfold to USD 500 billion by 2040.
He pledged more support to the University through the Research and Innovations Fund, adding that the University must also continue to explore mechanisms to expand research financing, promote innovation ecosystems, support commercialization and strengthen University-industry collaboration.
Minister Musasizi further challenged management of the University to focus much on graduate research that addresses economic pressing challenges in the country.
The Vice Chancellor Makerere University, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, said the Makerere University strategic plan 2025-2030, will focus much on research and innovations which will inform policy makers and decision making .
Prof. Nawangwe also revealed that Makerere University has established an Artificial Intelligence (AI) hub in the college of computing to help innovative students innovate using AI.
The Chairperson Makerere University Council, Dr. Lorna Magara said that under the new strategic plan 2025-2030, the University plans to double postgraduate enrolment in the coming five years.
Samuel Kasule, the senior planner in charge of education and skilling at the National Planning Authority (NPA), said the Makerere University strategic plan fully aligns with the fourth National Development Plan arguing it demonstrates a critical commitment to the University to become a research- led university. On this note, he reaffirmed that National Planning Authority is committed to supporting Makerere University to become a research-led University.
