Prof. Sarah Ssali

Professor Sarah Ssali is the newly appointed First Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic Affairs) at Makerere University, making her only the second woman in the institution’s century-long history to hold this office. A distinguished social scientist with a PhD in International Health Studies from Queen Margaret University, Scotland, Professor Ssali also holds a Master’s in Gender Studies and a Bachelor of Arts in Social Sciences from Makerere University. Since joining Makerere in 2003, she has made significant contributions as a lecturer, Dean of the School of Women and Gender Studies, Director of the Institute of Gender and Development Studies, and through leadership roles within governing and advisory boards. Renowned for her research on public policy, health systems, HIV/AIDS, post-conflict settings, and marginalized groups, Professor Ssali has published widely and influenced academic discourse in these areas. In her new role, she aims to strengthen the research-teaching nexus at Makerere, fostering high-quality, relevant, and globally competitive graduates who will drive Africa’s transformation.