Makerere University has stepped up efforts to improve graduate supervision and research quality through a three day Training of Trainers workshop in Advanced Research Methods held from April 28 to April 30, 2026.
The training took place at the Senate Building Telepresence Hall and brought together lecturers from different colleges, including the School of Law, College of Engineering, Design, Art and Technology, College of Natural Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Bio security, and the College of Humanities and Social Sciences.
The programme was organised by the Directorate of Graduate Training with support from iCARTA and funding from the NORHED Project.
University officials said the training aimed to strengthen supervision of graduate students and improve doctoral completion rates, which remain a challenge in many universities.
Speaking during the opening session, Julius Kikooma said the training was part of continuous efforts to equip staff with skills needed under the university’s new teaching and learning policies.
He noted that Makerere is increasingly adopting competence based education to match global academic trends.
Kikooma also pointed to recent reforms in doctoral studies, including a structured framework for PhD by research programmes intended to reduce delays in completion.
Robert Kakuru, a lecturer in the Department of Philosophy, described the training as important for strengthening research and graduate supervision at the university.
He, however, noted that many more academic staff still need similar training, saying the current effort only covers a small portion of the university workforce.
Sarah Nakijjoba from the Department of Linguistics, English Language Studies and Communication Skills said the workshop encouraged lecturers to shift from traditional teaching methods to more learner centred approaches.
She said participants were trained in practical teaching methods such as peer review, simulations, case studies and role play.
Nakijjoba added that the training would help lecturers deliver content more effectively while improving students’ problem solving abilities.
Participants also received skills in curriculum design, research ethics, academic writing and the use of statistical tools within a competence based framework.
University officials said the training forms part of Makerere’s wider plan to strengthen graduate education and produce researchers capable of addressing national and global challenges.
EducationMakerere Urges PhD Students to Turn Research into Actionable Solutions for National Growth
Makerere University's Graduate Training Director, Prof. Julius Kikooma, has challenged over 250 PhD students to produce actionable solutions for national problems rather than theoretical theses. Speaking at the close of an advanced research methods course, university chiefs stated that future funding will prioritize research that drives policy and job creation.
