Body Mass Index (BMI), is a number calculated by taking a person’s weight in kilograms against their height in square meters (kg/m2). It is an inexpensive and easy to perform method of screening for weight categories that may lead to health problems.
Body Mass Index (BMI), is a number calculated by taking a person’s weight in kilograms against their height in square meters (kg/m2). It is an inexpensive and easy to perform method of screening for weight categories that may lead to health problems.
BMI is interpreted following standard weight status categories that are the same for all ages and for both men and women as in the illustration below,
BMI Weight status
Below 18.5 Underweight
18.5-24.9 Healthy weight
25.0-29.9 Over weight
30.0 and above Obese
The BMI ranges show the relationship between body weight, disease and death. Over weight and obese individuals are at increased risk of many diseases and health conditions including; hypertension, type 2 diabetes, coronary heart disease, stroke, gall bladder disease, osteoarthritis, sleep apnea and respiratory problems, some cancers like endometrial, colon and breast cancers.
The recently concluded Department of Food Science and Technology’s 20th anniversary saw the President visit students’ exhibitions where one group explained to him what BMI is and how it is used to assess body fat and risk of disease. When asked if they could take his measurements, he instead smiled and told them what his height and weight measurements were and asked where he could find the group, upon which one member offered their business card. The President continued to listen to explanations about healthy eating and the foods available on our local market before moving on to the next stall.
It therefore came as a pleasant surprise when on Sunday 3rd October 2009, one of the students received a call from the President, asking if he could use their consultation services at 5.00pm that day, an appointment the students were only to happy to fix.
At 5:00pm on the dot, the students were at the State House Entebbe gate, ensuring punctuality for this all too important appointment. They waited in the lounge and later met the President in his gym, where the consultation went on. The President freely interacted with the students, which encouraged them to talk with ease about the various food groups and physical activity. After the consultation, the President extended an invitation to the students to join in as he did his routine exercise, an invitation they had to forfeit as they hadn’t anticipated to join the president as he worked out.
Then the big question, “Where do you see you business in the next few years?” the President asked. The students proceed to give him their plans whereupon he advised them on expanding their business to become more accessible to more Ugandans.
What came out clearly during their discussions was the President’s commitment to support all the students who had exhibited their products during 20th anniversary of the Department Food Science and Technology.
It was quite an experience for this team of students, where the President advised them about doing business i.e. he became their business advisor and they his nutrition advisors. The students under their company Nutrisat Uganda were glad to include His Excellency among their valued clients, as he actually paid them handsomely for their consultation services.
More information
The Nutrisat website is under construction and it will be launched by the end of this year.
Nutrisat Uganda Ltd has done work with Barclays bank branches in Kampala and crowned it with the successful health awareness week in July 2008 at Barclays bank Kampala Road.
Nutrisat Uganda Ltd hopes to extend its services to other corporate organizations in its corporate wellness programs as part of promoting good health through adequate nutrition and physical activity.
Nutrisat Uganda Ltd has a vision of fighting disease through embracing health. The team at Nutrisat Uganda Ltd believes that every one in the population can make healthy and informed choices in nutrition.
Team Contacts
Nutrisat Uganda Ltd
Kitante, Kampala
Tel: +256-313-112763
Mob: +256-772-488330
Email: nutrisatuganda@yahoo.com or muniem2002@yahoo.com.
The Nutrisat Uganda Ltd. team consists of two nutritionists and one administrator.
The Academic Registrar, Makerere University invites applications from Ugandan, East African, and international applicants for the undergraduate programmes under the private sponsorship scheme for the 2025/2026 Academic Year for ‘A’ Level Leavers Only.
Each applicant should:
Have the Uganda Certificate of Education (UCE) with at least five (5) passes, or its equivalent and at least two (2) principal passes at Uganda Advanced Certificate of Education (UACE) obtained at the same sitting. For day programmes only candidates who sat A’ Level in 2024, 2023 and 2022 are eligible to apply. For evening, afternoon, and external programmes, a candidate is not restricted on the year of sitting A’ Level. Detailed information on the weighting system can be accessed by following this link.
Other relevant information can be obtained from UNDERGRADUATE ADMISSIONS OFFICE, LEVEL 3, SENATE BUILDING OR CAN BE found on the University Website https://www.mak.ac.ug. Effective Wednesday 16th April 2025.
A non-refundable application fee of shs.50,000/= for Ugandans, East African and S. Sudan applicants or $75 or equivalent for internationals plus bank charges should be paid in any of the banks used by Uganda Revenue Authority.
Candidates who hold grades X, Y, Z, 7 and 9 of ‘O’Levelresults should not apply because they are not eligible for admission. Below are the availble courses including respective fees structure.
Sign up by clicking on the REGISTER NOW. Use your full name, e-mail and Mobile No. Please note that your name must be similar to the one on your supporting academic documents for your application to be considered valid.
A password will be sent to you on your mobile phone and email.
The system will prompt you to change the password to the one you can easily remember.
To fill an application form, click on the APPLY NOW button displayed on the appropriate running scheme.
Obtain a payment reference number by clicking on “Pay for Form” Button
Make a payment at any of the banks used by Uganda Revenue Authority
MOBILE MONEY PAYMENT STEPS:
Dial *272*6# on either MTN or Airtel
Select option 3-Admission
Select option 3-Pay Fees
Enter reference number obtained from Application portal
Details of Application form will be confirmed
Enter PIN to confirm payment
The closing date for receiving applications to undergraduate programmes shall be Tuesday 20th May 2025.
WARNING:
Applicants are strongly warned against presenting forged or other people’s academic documents to support their applications for admission. The consequences, if discovered, are very grave indeed.
Do not buy any other documents not originating from the Academic Registrar’s Office. Those who buy them do so at their own risk.
The Academic Registrar has not appointed any agent to act on his behalf to solicit for additional funds other than the application fee stated above.
Applicants are advised to use the right programme names and codes. the university will not be responsible for any wrong information entered in the system by applicants.
The Director of Makerere University Jinja Campus, Associate Professor Ronald Kakungulu-Mayambala, has urged students to familiarise themselves with the Safeguarding policy aimed at creating a safer and more inclusive learning environment.
Speaking during the safeguarding policy sensitization meeting held today Tuesday, April 15, 2025 at the Civil Service College, Jinja, Prof. Kakungulu-Mayambala, emphasized the importance of awareness and adherence to the policy, which seeks to protect students, staff, and other stakeholders from all forms of abuse, harassment, exploitation, and discrimination.
“As Management we want every student to enjoy their stay at the University without being tormented and that can only happen, if students know their rights by reading about different policies on our website. You are meant to be living in a safe environment. We do not want anybody’s dream to be shattered or somebody to drop out from University,” Prof. Kakungulu-Mayambala, said.
Prof. Ronald Kakungulu-Mayambala, the Director Makerere University Jinja Campus.
In his speech, Prof. Kakungulu-Mayambala, also called upon students who have complaints but do not know the reporting lines, to approach staff safeguarding champions to make sure that they live in a safe environment.
Addressing guests, Emmanuel Muchake, the Guild Administrator at Jinja Campus, pointed out that the launch of the safeguarding policy is timely because as a University, without creating a conducive environment for teaching and learning, they will not have students graduate.
On Friday, April 4,2025, the Third Deputy Prime Minister and Minister without Portfolio, Right Honourable Lukia Isanga Nakadama, officially launched the Safeguarding Policy and commended Makerere University for crafting a policy that lays out the University’s framework for embedding viable safeguarding measures into its ethos and all institutional activities and processes to: Identify, detect, and act swiftly on safeguarding risks.
The Safeguarding Policy was developed in response to the growing need for institutions of higher learning to implement proactive measures that address concerns related to student welfare, mental health, gender-based violence, and power imbalances in academic settings.
Mr. Emmanuel Muchake addressing guests.
Some of potential safeguarding risks in Institutions of higher learning include emotional distress, Sexual Exploitation, Abuse and Harassment (SEAH); material loss, financial exploitation, discrimination and neglect, unfair and illegitimate response to civic engagements, cyber security/threats, psychological and emotional harm, substance abuse and physical assault. Discrimination and neglect which are often high risks for students with disabilities and international students.
The safeguarding policy sensitization meeting in Jinja Campus brought together students and staff in a meaningful dialogue on safeguarding issues affecting learning.
The event was graced by Dr. Rodney Rugyema, from the Dean of Students Office, who emphasized the University’s commitment to the well-being of all its members. In his remarks, he highlighted the importance of safeguarding policies in preventing abuse, harassment, exploitation, and other forms of misconduct within the Jinja Campus community.
“Safeguarding is not a one-time action, but a continuous culture of care and accountability. We all have a role to play in ensuring a safe and respectful space for learning and growth,” Dr Rugyema, said.
Dr. Rodney Rugyema (Left) and Prof. Ronald Kakungulu-Mayambala (Right) during the sensitization.
The sensitization session covered key topics including; recognizing signs of abuse, understanding reporting procedures on the MakSafeSpace and fostering mutual respect among peers.
Participants were encouraged to actively engage and reflect on their roles in upholding safety standards both on and off campus.
Students who attended the sensitization welcomed the initiative, with many expressing optimism that the policy would improve campus safety and encourage victims to come forward without fear of retaliation.
“We have seen issues go unreported in the past because students didn’t know where to turn. This policy provides clarity and assurance that the university is taking these matters seriously,” noted, a third-year student.
The University plans to conduct a series of sensitization workshops and distribute printed copies of the policy to ensure that every member of the campus community is well-informed. This initiative is part of Makerere University‘s broader strategy to reinforce its values of integrity, respect, and protection for all.
The Safeguarding Sensitization Meeting concluded with a collective pledge to uphold safety, dignity, and mutual respect within the University community.