Makerere University in Uganda has introduced electronic academic transcripts and certificates, allowing graduates to access their academic records online and enabling employers to verify them digitally.
University officials say the system is designed to improve access to academic documents while reducing the need for graduates to return to campus for certified copies.
Academic Registrar Prof. Mukadasi Buyinza told Uganda Radio Network that employers and other authorized organizations will be able to verify the authenticity of academic records online with the graduate’s consent.
“The new e-transcripts and certificates will enable graduates to access their academic documents electronically while allowing employers and other third parties to verify their authenticity online with the graduate’s permission,” Buyinza said.
The university said the launch forms part of broader reforms that include expanding online education and introducing competency-based curricula from the 2026/2027 academic year.
Makerere has already adopted blended learning across its academic programmes and is developing fully online degree courses for students outside Uganda.
The revised curriculum, according to the university, aims to provide graduates with practical skills that better match the needs of employers.
Vice Chancellor Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe also rejected claims that Makerere is experiencing a shortage of lecturers.
He said the university has around 32,000 students and about 1,400 teaching staff, including roughly 1,100 PhD holders, giving it a lecturer-to-student ratio of 1:21.
“The university continues to make significant strides in building a robust and motivated workforce through strategic recruitment, appointments and promotions,” Nawangwe said.
He said the university continues to recruit new staff and fill vacancies created through retirement as it implements its 2025–2030 Strategic Plan.
