Makerere University has officially rolled out the Research Information Management System(RIMS) at the College of Engineering, Design, Art, and Technology (CEDAT), marking a significant step in the university’s digital transformation journey. Developed by the Directorate for ICT Support (DICTS), RIMS is designed to streamline the management of graduate training and research processes by providing a centralized system for tracking student progress, admissions, and research activities
According to the Director, Directorate of Graduate Training, Dr. Kikooma Julius, the system will help address key challenges, including the difficulty in accounting for admitted students and delays in research completion. By integrating with the existing Academic ManagementInformation System (ACMIS), RIMS ensures efficient record-keeping and compliance with policies such as the Graduate School Handbook.
During the meeting with CEDAT staff on Thursday, 12th June 2025, the Directorate of Graduate Training shared its ambitious plan to increase graduate student enrollment from the current19%to 30% by 2030. This effort aligns with Makerere’s broader goal of becoming a research-led institution.
A major change in PhD admissions this academic year includes a cohort-based approach, with 552 PhD students admitted in two groups, 250 in the first cohort and 188 in the second, in addition to those admitted earlier. The system is expected to improve tracking of these students, ensuring they progress efficiently and graduate on time.
CEDAT Deputy Principal Assoc. Prof. Kizito Maria Kasule highlighted some of the challenges faced at the college, like the limited number of professors to undertake PhDsupervision timely manner. Despite these advancements, several challenges remain, he noted. Staff shortages mean some supervisors are overseeing over eight graduate students, leading to heavy workloads. Additionally, inadequate funding for graduate students is a growing concern, with officials urging top university management to address facilitation issues.
During the launch event, officials stressed the importance of digital solutions like RIMS in bridging these gaps. By providing real-time updates on student progress, the system will help identify delays and ensure smoother graduation processes.