About us

Welcome to GAMSU

At Makerere University, our ambition to become a research-led institution is guided by strategic systems like the Grants Administration and Management Support Unit (GAMSU). GAMSU plays a pivotal role in enabling academic and administrative staff to secure, manage, and deliver on grant-funded projects that drive both academic and institutional excellence.

Through professional support across the entire grant lifecycle — from identifying funding opportunities and developing competitive proposals to ensuring compliance and effective implementation — GAMSU is a trusted partner in advancing impactful research at Makerere University.

Our Establishment

Established by the University Council in 2020, GAMSU is a central office designed to provide coordinated, expert services in grants administration. The unit works closely with stakeholders across the university to strengthen institutional capacity, ensure financial accountability, and uphold the highest standards of research compliance and reporting.

Our Mission

To provide expert and professional support in securing and managing grants, empowering staff, ensuring compliance, and driving impactful research.

Our Vision

A leading model of excellence in grants administration and management across Africa and on the global stage.

Core Values

• Accountability: Taking full responsibility for actions and outcomes.
• Respect: Fostering a culture of inclusiveness, collaboration, and mutual regard for all stakeholders.
• Integrity: Upholding honesty, ethics, and transparency in all operations.
• Professionalism: Delivering reliable, high-quality, and timely support.
• Compliance: Ensuring adherence to institutional, legal, and funder requirements.

Our Goal

To position Makerere University as a research-led institution through a strong and supportive grants administration system that enables increased external research funding and full compliance.

Objectives

• Capacity Building: Enhance the knowledge and skills of staff in grant development, budgeting, and compliance.
• Grant Acquisition: Increase the volume and quality of competitive grant proposals.
• Process Efficiency: Streamline and standardize pre- and post-award grant management processes.
• Regulatory Compliance: Promote adherence to institutional, funder, and national/international guidelines.
• Accountability & Oversight: Strengthen reporting, transparency, and coordination in externally funded projects.

Who We Serve

• Academic Staff: Supporting faculty in identifying funding, developing proposals, and managing grants.
• Research Coordinators & Project Teams: Assisting research teams in administration and compliance.
• Administrative & Finance Officers: Collaborating on budgeting, oversight, and compliance tasks.
• University Leadership: Providing data, reports, and strategic input for institutional planning and accountability.
• Partner Institutions: Engaging with funders and external stakeholders for effective project delivery and reporting.

Governance & Oversight

GAMSU operates under the Office of the Vice Chancellor and is accountable to the University Council. Strategic guidance and oversight are provided through periodic evaluations and reporting mechanisms to ensure transparency, compliance, and alignment with Makerere University's research agenda. GAMSU collaborates with relevant university bodies, such as the Directorate of Graduate Training (DGT), the Directorate of Research Innovations & Partnerships (DRIP), the University Secretary's Office, and the Finance Directorate, to ensure policy alignment and institutional coordination.