Makerere University has launched a 10-year master plan to transform its Open, Distance, and e-Learning (ODeL) systems, a step towards modernizing higher education delivery across Uganda and the region.
The draft ODeL Master Plan (2025–2035), unveiled at a stakeholder workshop held on June 5, 2025, at Hotel Africana in Kampala, outlines strategies to increase access to quality, affordable, and inclusive education through digital platforms. The initiative is funded by the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) and implemented with technical support from the Korea National Open University (KNOU) and the Korea Institute for Development Strategy (KDS).
Professor Buyinza Mukadasi, Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic Affairs), opened the workshop on behalf of the Vice Chancellor. He described the KOICA-backed initiative as a milestone in Makerere’s journey toward digital transformation.
“This project is a significant milestone in our journey to enhance the university’s capacity in ODeL,” Prof. Buyinza said. “With KOICA’s support, we will strengthen our infrastructure, develop quality digital content, and build staff capacity. This investment will have a lasting impact on our institution and Uganda’s education sector.”
The plan focuses on three core components: creating a strategic and contextualized ODeL framework, building staff capacity, and upgrading infrastructure, including a Learning Management System (LMS), Content Management System (CMS), and the construction of a dedicated ODeL building.
Professor Henry Alinaitwe, the Project Investigator, highlighted the long-term vision of the project. “Through this masterplan, we are not only expanding access to higher education across Uganda and beyond, but also redefining how knowledge is delivered in the 21st century,” he said.
Prof. Alinaitwe confirmed that all three project components are progressing steadily. Training is ongoing in Uganda and Korea, and the design of the new ODeL building is 60% complete, with construction set to begin later this year.
The master plan envisions Makerere as a regional hub for digital education. It aims to increase the number of accredited ODeL programmes, enhance ICT infrastructure, and ensure that distance learners receive high-quality, flexible education through the university’s Moodle-based MUELE platform.
KOICA Country Director Ms. Ahn Jihee praised Makerere’s commitment to digital innovation. “We believe education is a powerful driver of national development, and we are proud to partner with Makerere University on this ambitious journey,” she said. “Our partnership is not just about technology, but about building resilient systems and empowered people.”
Currently, only eight of Makerere’s academic programmes are delivered via ODeL. However, the university’s Strategic Plan (2020–2030) aims to expand that number significantly. The new masterplan draws on best practices from KNOU, Hanoi Open University, and the Africa Virtual University.
In his closing remarks, Professor Anthony Mugagga, representing the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Finance and Administration), called on academic units to fully embrace the implementation of ODeL.
“The future of education is blended and borderless,” he said. “We must collectively embrace this shift—not just through policy, but through action: by developing new programmes, supporting learners, and investing in infrastructure.”
Prof. Mugagga also thanked KOICA for its ongoing support in building a more resilient and inclusive education system in Uganda.
The draft masterplan will be submitted to Makerere University’s Senate and Council for preliminary approvals, with full implementation expected to begin following endorsement.
