Biography
Melissa Nakiyaga is a Grants Officer at Makerere University School of Public Health with four years of experience in grants management. She oversees the School’s research grants portfolio across the full lifecycle, from identifying funding opportunities, supporting proposal development and budgeting, to post-award administration.
Her work ensures compliance with donor requirements, accurate financial reporting, and effective engagement with funders. She plays a central role in strengthening MakSPH’s research support systems, guiding faculty on grant management processes, and aligning institutional policies with international standards. Melissa is a former University Administration Support Program (UASP) Fellow, where she gained exposure to global best practices in research management, peer learning, and mentorship. She holds a Bachelor of Commerce degree from Makerere University and is an affiliate of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA). Her expertise lies in financial management, accountability, and compliance in research administration. Areas of Expertise • Grants management and administration • Financial management and compliance • Donor relations and reporting • Research support systems strengthening