Makerere University Research & Innovations Fund

Research that moves Uganda forward

A Government of Uganda investment in Makerere's own researchers — evidence, technologies and skills for the country's national development priorities.

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Explore Funded Projects

Funded by the Government of Uganda

All ten Makerere colleges

News, Opportunities

MakRIF Round 8 (RIF-8) Call for Applications — FY 2026/27 Now Open

Aug 31, 2026

Read the story: MakRIF Round 8 (RIF-8) Call for Applications — FY 2026/27 Now Open
News

Makerere University Conducts Training to Strengthen Climate-Sensitive Budgeting in Local Governments

Jan 20, 2026

Read the story: Makerere University Conducts Training to Strengthen Climate-Sensitive Budgeting in Local Governments
News

Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA and Mak-RIF) Engagement

Nov 14, 2025

Read the story: Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA and Mak-RIF) Engagement
News

Private Transporters Ready for Partnership to Decongest Kampala

Nov 10, 2025

Read the story: Private Transporters Ready for Partnership to Decongest Kampala

1000+

Research projects funded

8

Years funding research

100+

Publications & policy briefs

7

National priority themes

Call Status

Round 8 (RIF-8) — FY 2026/27: Open · applications close 2 Oct 2026

Round 6 Grants — FY 2024/25: Closed

View the RIF-8 call

Featured Project Stories

From the field to national policy

A snapshot of Mak-RIF supported research already shaping how Uganda lives, learns and trades.

News

Uganda’s Brick-Burning Industry Under Scrutiny Over Rising Emissions and Deforestation

A new study has raised concerns over the environmental impact of Uganda’s brick-making industry, revealing significant emissions and widespread deforestation linked to traditional brick-burning practices. The research, led…

Read the story: Uganda’s Brick-Burning Industry Under Scrutiny Over Rising Emissions and Deforestation
News

Makerere Study Reveals Why Ugandan Students Struggle in Biology, Calls for Urgent Reforms

A new study examining the persistent poor performance in Biology in Uganda’s national examinations has identified systemic challenges across the country’s education system, calling for urgent policy and…

Read the story: Makerere Study Reveals Why Ugandan Students Struggle in Biology, Calls for Urgent Reforms
News

Makerere University Strengthens Global Research Partnership Following Strategic Visit by Professor Daniel Branch of University of Warwick

Makerere University has reinforced its position as a leading African research and innovation powerhouse following a high-level strategic visit by Professor Daniel Branch, Deputy Vice Chancellor of the…

Read the story: Makerere University Strengthens Global Research Partnership Following Strategic Visit by Professor Daniel Branch of University of Warwick

Grants & Calls

Funding opportunities

Mak-RIF issues competitive calls for multidisciplinary research and innovation proposals from all ten colleges of Makerere University.

Aug 31, 2026

MakRIF Round 8 (RIF-8) Call for Applications — FY 2026/27 Now Open

Mak-RIF invites applications for Round 8, Track 1 — New Research & Innovation Agenda-Based Grants (FY 2026/27). UGX 6 billion for at least 58 awards. Applications open 31 August and close 2…
Read the full announcement: MakRIF Round 8 (RIF-8) Call for Applications — FY 2026/27 Now Open
Oct 25, 2024

Call for Applications Round 6: FY 2024/25

SECTION A: BACKGROUND A1. Funding opportunity description Makerere University received special funding from the Government of the Republic of Uganda, to support high impact Research and Innovations that contribute to national transformation.…
Read the full announcement: Call for Applications Round 6: FY 2024/25

View all calls

Community participants and Makerere University staff photographed together at a community workshop at an upcountry venue.

2019

Fund established

About Mak-RIF

Uganda's flagship investment in homegrown research

The Makerere University Research and Innovations Fund (Mak-RIF) channels an annual Government of Uganda appropriation into competitive, high-impact research and innovations led by Makerere's own researchers — generating the evidence, technologies and skilled people the country needs.

Competitive grants open to all ten colleges of Makerere University
Research aligned to Uganda's national development priorities
Deliberate pathways from findings to policy, products and practice

Funding acknowledgment

This work was funded by the Government of Uganda through the Makerere University Research and Innovations Fund.

News & Media

Partnerships and institutional news

All News & Media

News

Nov 10, 2025

Makerere Researchers Call for Urgent Conservation of Medicinal Plants in Eastern Uganda
News

Nov 10, 2025

Ugandan Youth Missing Out on Regional Trade Over Failure to Speak Kiswahili
News

Oct 17, 2025

Mak-RIF Advances Research and Innovation Agenda Through Strategic Engagements at the University of Warwick

Publications & Outputs

133

publications & policy briefs

Peer-reviewed papers, policy briefs and technical reports from Mak-RIF funded teams — open for policymakers, practitioners and fellow researchers.

Browse the Repository

Social Sciences & Humanities

Business & Economics

Governance & Law

Have a research idea that can transform Uganda?

Round 8 (RIF-8) is now open for FY 2026/27 — applications close 2 October 2026. Join over 620 funded teams turning Makerere's research strength into national impact.

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