Makerere University has introduced electronic academic transcripts and certificates, enabling graduates to access their credentials online and allowing authorised employers and institutions to verify their authenticity digitally.
The reform is intended to reduce the need for graduates to make repeated physical visits to the university when seeking certified academic documents for employment, further education or other official purposes.
Makerere University Academic Registrar Professor Buyinza Mukadasi said the system would improve the accessibility, security and credibility of academic records while making verification easier for graduates and authorised third parties.
“The new e-transcripts and certificates will enable graduates to access their academic documents electronically,” Buyinza said.
Employers and other authorised institutions will be able to confirm whether submitted academic documents are genuine after receiving permission from the graduate concerned.
The development is expected to reduce paperwork, shorten verification processes and address some of the difficulties graduates have experienced when seeking certified copies of their academic records.
University expands blended and online learning
The electronic academic records system forms part of a wider digital transformation programme at Uganda’s oldest university.
Buyinza said Makerere had institutionalised blended learning across its academic programmes, combining physical classroom instruction with online teaching and learning.
The university is also developing fully online degree programmes intended to allow learners in Uganda and other countries to study remotely and obtain Makerere University qualifications without attending all classes physically.
University officials say the expansion of online learning will widen access to higher education, particularly for students who may be unable to attend regular campus-based programmes because of distance, work commitments or other circumstances.
Makerere has previously strengthened its e-learning infrastructure, trained staff and students in digital learning methods and expanded the use of the Makerere University E-Learning Environment.
In March 2026, the university launched an Open, Distance and E-Learning Strategic Plan and began developing a specialised facility at the College of Engineering, Design, Art and Technology.
The facility is expected to support the production of digital learning materials, strengthen online teaching and improve the university’s capacity to deliver academic programmes to learners beyond the physical campus.
Shift towards competency-based education
Makerere is also reviewing its curricula as Uganda’s higher education institutions prepare to adopt competency-based education and training.
Buyinza said revised curricula would begin to be implemented during the 2026/2027 academic year, with greater emphasis placed on practical skills, problem-solving, continuous assessment and workplace competence.
The reforms are intended to move academic programmes away from an excessive dependence on theory and ensure that graduates acquire skills relevant to employers, industry and Uganda’s changing economy.
Competency-based education places the learner at the centre of the teaching process and measures progress according to demonstrated knowledge, practical abilities and professional competence.
Makerere has been working with the Ministry of Education and Sports, the National Council for Higher Education and other institutions to prepare academic staff and curricula for the transition.
Digital verification expected to protect academic records
Electronic verification could also strengthen efforts to address forged or altered academic documents by giving employers and education institutions a direct method of confirming whether credentials were issued by Makerere University.
The system will, however, require clear safeguards to protect graduates’ personal information and ensure that academic records are accessed only by authorised individuals and institutions.
Detailed public guidance on the portal, eligibility, access procedures and the timetable for the full rollout had not been announced by the time of publication.
The reforms form part of Makerere University’s wider 2025–2030 Strategic Plan, which prioritises digital transformation, research, innovation, improved academic services and greater access to quality higher education.
