By Ritah Atukwatse,
KMPALA
Makerere University has taken a significant step towards digital transformation by launching the Makerere Academic Records System (MARS), an automated platform designed to streamline the certification of academic documents. This initiative aims to enhance efficiency, reduce errors, and provide a more secure and user-friendly experience for both alumni and current students.
Speaking during the launch of the system on Thursday May 29, Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi, the Acting Deputy Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs acknowledged the challenges of the previous manual certification process, which included delays, human errors, and security risks. He emphasized that MARS addresses these issues by allowing users to digitally certify their academic documents from anywhere in the world, eliminating the need for physical visits to the campus.
“For long, we’ve done manual certification of our academic documents, which presents several challenges, including the potential for errors, delays, and security risks. We are now ready to shift from the manual to the automated certification of our academic documents,” Prof. Buyinza stated.
The new system not only enhances accuracy but also aligns with global best practices in academic record management. In its next phase, Makerere plans to introduce digital verification, enabling employers and other institutions to authenticate academic credentials online without delays.
In addition to MARS, Prof. Buyinza announced the rollout of a Research Information Management System aimed at tracking the academic progress of postgraduate students. This system, piloted at the College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, is expected to improve accountability, provide timely feedback, and help students complete their master’s and PhD programs within the prescribed duration.
Further supporting the university’s digital transformation, Makerere has established inclusive e-learning tools and smart classrooms across most university colleges. These facilities, developed with support from development partners and the Government of Uganda, are designed to produce professional, accessible learning content, including tools tailored for students with visual and auditory disabilities.
Prof. Buyinza emphasized the university’s commitment to inclusive education, stating, “World over, we are talking about inclusive education. We want to enhance equitable and global learning experiences for all our students.”
The launch of MARS and other digital initiatives marks a significant milestone in Makerere University’s efforts to modernize its academic processes and enhance service delivery to its stakeholders.
