Makerere University Unveils Digital Transcripts, Certificates in Major Academic Services Overhaul

What the report says

Watchdog Uganda reports that Makerere University in Kampala has announced a shift to digital academic records, allowing students and graduates to access electronic transcripts and certificates online. The initiative was unveiled by Academic Registrar Prof. Mukadasi Buyinza, who described it as part of a long-running effort to modernize the university’s academic services and reduce reliance on paper-based processes.

Under the plan, graduates will be able to obtain their documents through a secure digital portal once Makerere releases the access procedures. The university says this should reduce the need for former students to visit multiple offices to process transcripts or certificates, a system often associated with delays, travel costs and paperwork. The platform is also expected to support online verification of credentials by employers and institutions, where graduates grant access.

According to the report, Makerere is presenting the move as part of a wider digital transformation agenda intended to improve service delivery and administrative efficiency. The university expects the system to make academic records easier to authenticate, which could be important for recruitment, admissions and professional checks that depend on confirming qualifications.

Watchdog Uganda also reports that Makerere is reviewing its curriculum in line with Uganda’s competency-based education agenda. Prof. Buyinza said the focus is on strengthening practical and experiential learning, including staff retooling, continuous learning exercises and practical assessments, rather than a complete overhaul of existing programmes. The twin changes signal Makerere’s effort to update both its administrative systems and teaching approaches.