Makerere University has begun offering supplementary examinations for final-year students who have retakes, allowing them to complete their degrees without waiting an extra academic year.

Vice-Chancellor Professor Barnabas Nawangwe told journalists on Tuesday that the move responds to long-standing concerns from students about delays in finishing their undergraduate programmes, especially those left with only one or two outstanding courses.

The university council endorsed the introduction of supplementary exams, enabling the institution to start implementing them immediately.

“Council endorsed the issue of supplementary examinations, and we have started giving these supplementary examinations,” Nawangwe said.

Under the new arrangement, final-year students with one or two retakes can sit the supplementary papers.

Those who pass will be eligible to graduate.

Previously, such students had to wait a full academic year before retaking the papers.

Nawangwe noted that while the broader policy on supplementary examinations has not yet received complete council approval, the council has authorised the university to proceed with the current series of exams.

The opportunity is limited to final-year students and does not currently extend to those in earlier years of study.

Acting Academic Registrar Proscovia Nakayiki confirmed that the programme applies only to a maximum of two courses.

Students who have failed more than two papers are not eligible.

She added that candidates must pay the required fees, which include a re-examination fee of Shs 20,000, functional fees such as library fees of Shs 26,450, and registration fees of Shs 132,250, among others.

The exact amount is calculated automatically by the system according to the course.

The current supplementary examinations began on 7 September and will run until 25 September 2026.

Meanwhile, Nawangwe said Makerere continues to work on improving its standing in global university rankings and making its research, teaching and other activities more visible to ranking agencies.

He reported that the university currently ranks 11th in Africa and 776th in the world according to the Webometrics rankings, placing it among the top four per cent of universities globally.

Although Makerere had seen some decline in recent years, he said it has now returned to its established position.

Nawangwe advised against relying on rankings published by media organisations, describing the Webometrics figures as a more accurate measure.

He highlighted improvements in specific indicators, including the Excellence Rank, which moved from 1,095th to 715th — a gain of nearly 400 places.

He expressed confidence that Makerere’s position could rise further once ranking agencies capture more of the university’s activities.

“We shall continue working on ensuring that the information about what we do at Makerere University is available to the public and to all these ranking agencies,” he said.