Makerere University has launched electronic academic transcripts and certificates, allowing graduates to access their credentials online while enabling employers and other authorised parties to verify them digitally, in a move aimed at modernising academic service delivery.
The initiative is part of the university’s broader digital transformation strategy, which also includes expanded online learning and the rollout of competency-based education beginning with the 2026/2027 academic year.
Academic registrar Prof Mukadasi Buyinza said the e-transcripts and e-certificates will spare graduates the inconvenience of repeatedly returning to the university to obtain certified academic documents.
“The new e-transcripts and certificates will enable graduates to access their academic documents electronically while allowing employers and other third parties to verify their authenticity online with the graduate’s permission,” Buyinza said.
He said the initiative will enhance the security, credibility and accessibility of Makerere’s academic records while streamlining verification services for graduates, employers and institutions.
Buyinza also revealed that the university has fully institutionalised blended learning, combining face-to-face and online instruction across its academic programmes.
He said Makerere is developing fully online degree programmes that will enable students from anywhere in the world to study remotely and earn qualifications from the university.
According to Buyinza, the digital reforms reflect Makerere’s commitment to adopting more efficient methods of delivering education while widening access to higher learning.
He added that beginning with the 2026/2027 academic year, the university will implement revised curricula in line with the government’s directive to shift from theory-based instruction to Competency-Based Education and Training (CBET).
The curriculum review is intended to equip graduates with practical, industry-relevant skills that improve employability and respond more effectively to labour market demands.
Meanwhile, vice chancellor Prof Barnabas Nawangwe dismissed claims that Makerere is facing a shortage of lecturers, saying the institution remains among the best-staffed universities on the continent.
Speaking during an update on the implementation of the university’s 2025–2030 Strategic Plan, Nawangwe said Makerere currently has about 32,000 enrolled students and approximately 1,400 teaching staff, including 1,100 lecturers with doctoral qualifications.
According to Nawangwe, this gives the university a lecturer-to-student ratio of 1:21, well above the international benchmark of one lecturer for every 35 students.
He said the high number of PhD holders has strengthened Makerere’s research capacity, enabling both staff and students to perform competitively in international research and academic forums.
Nawangwe also dismissed allegations that the university has frozen recruitment and promotions.
“The university continues to make significant strides in building a robust and motivated workforce through strategic recruitment, appointments and promotions,” he said.
He noted that over the past year, the University’s Appointments Board approved several appointments to academic leadership positions, including deans and heads of departments, while recruiting academic, administrative and support staff to fill critical vacancies.
Although retirements and natural staff attrition continue to create vacancies, Nawangwe said the university remains committed to replacing departing staff and attracting top talent as part of implementing its strategic plan.
