General

February 2010 events

Published

15 years ago

January 25, 2011

February 2010

26th February 2010: The CIT Mentor Series:

CIT has continuously received feedback from the private sector and specifically requesting the faculty to invite people from the Private Sector to come and mentor the students to expose them to what the industry expects of them. This series featured Mr. Robert Kabushenga, CEO, Vision Group of Companies.

23rd – 24th February 2010: Consultative Workshop of DeLPHE Project:

The Consulatative workshop of DelPHE Project : Collaboration of School of Education, University of Nairobi , Department of Religious Studies, Faculty of Arts; Makerere University and the Center for Peace and Reconciliation Studies, Coventry University was held at the Conference Hall, Economic Policy Research Center, Makerere University.

22nd February 2010: Mak/ECNU MoU signing ceremony:

Makerere University and the East China Normal University (ECNU) signed a Memorandum of Understanding and Cooperation aimed at strengthening the cooperation in education, science, engineering and technological transfer between the two universities. Chinese Ambassador to Uganda H.E. Sun Heping expressed represented Peoples Republic of China at the signing ceremony held in the Council Room, Main Administration Building, Makerere University.

22nd February 2010: The 26th MUBS Public Lecture:

The School runs a Public Lecture Scheme as part of its activities to increase the diversity of business management among its clients and as part of its corporate social responsibility. The 26th MUBS Public Lecture was held under the theme:Innovations and Business Growth in the MUBS Conference Hall. The presenters were; Mr. Patrick Bitature (Chairman Simba Group and Uganda Investment Authority) and Mr. Jamil Sewanyana (Lecturer, Department of Entrepreneurship, MUBS).

20th February 2010: International Mother Tongue Day Celebrations:

This day has been designated by UNESCO as Mother Tongue Day and is observed worldwide. This was the third time the Institute of Languages was celebrating this day. The theme of the day was “Mother Tongue to Foster Unity in Diversity” Activities of the day included; reciting of poems and proverbs in mother tongues, reading of essays, singing and dancing among others, held at the Department of Food Science & Tech Conference Hall

19th February 2010: Launch of the Makerere Linux Chapter:

Every third Friday of the month the Linux User Group-Uganda (LUG) gathers at their LUG Meeting. The monthly meeting at the Makerere Faculty of ICT also served as a lunch for their Makerere Chapter. Speakers from DSMagic and AG Commons were on hand to inspire the students.

18th February 2010: Mak-SIDA PhaseIII Research Cooperation signing ceremony:

SIDA has been supporting research in Makerere University since 2000. A number of units including Faculties of Agriculture, Social Sciences, Technology, College of Health Sciences, and School of Graduate Studies, the University Library and the Directorate of Communication and Information Technology Support have since benefited through two phases of support which came to an end in December 2009 2009. The support to the tune of 181 million SEK has benefited over 150 students on PhD programmes and 40 students on Master degree programme. The signing ceremony of the Specific Agreement on Research Cooperation between Makerere University and Sida (represented by the Embassy of Sweden) took place in the Council Room, Main Administration Building.

17th February 2010: Public Dialogue – Desirable Institutions:

The Faculty of Social Sciences, Makerere University, held a Public Dialogue on the theme “Desirable Institutions, or Desirable Leaders. What does Uganda need for development?” at the Lower Conference Hall, Senate Building.

17th February 2010: CHS Needs Assessment Dissemination Workshop:

Makerere University and Johns Hopkins University have undertaken in a Twinning Program to inform and guide a 10-year strategic initiative to build Makerere University's sustainable capacity to improve health outcomes in Uganda and the region. As part of the activities, the MUJHU Twinning Program carried out a Needs Assessment for the College of Health Sciences. The half-day dissemination workshop took place at the Imperial Royale Hotel, Kampala.

16th February 2010: Public Lecture by Ambassador Demetrios J. Marantis:

Ambassador Demetrios J. Marantis, Deputy U.S. Trade representative gave a public lecture entitled “United States – African Trade and Investment in the 21st Century” held in the Conference Hall, Department of Food Science and Technology from 2.30 – 4.00p.m.

13th Feb – 3rd March 2010 2010: MTSIFA Staff Art Exhibition:

Fourteen Members of Staff at the Margaret Trowell School of Industrial and Fine Arts Exhibited their works at the “Different but One” exhibition, held at the Makerere Art Gallery.

12th February 2010: Consultative Workshop for the Development and use of Pozzolanic Materials Research:

The Department of Construction Economics and Management of Makerere University received a grant from the Uganda National Council for Science and Technology, under the World Bank's Millennium Science Initiative programs, towards research in the development and use of pozzolanic materials. The Department’s one-day consultative workshop was held at the Protea Hotel, Kampala.

12th February 2010: Mak/UMEME MoU on Bulk Metering signed:

The University now benefits from a lowered average tariff at the main campus, following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between UMEME and Makerere University.

11th February 2010: Launch of the GRACE book:

The Gender Research in Africa into ICTs for Empowerment (GRACE) is a project that was initiated in 2005 with an aim to provide context specific data on how women in Africa use information communication technologies (ICTs) to improve their lives, barriers that prevent them from accessing and utilisation of ICTS and how they surmount these barriers. With support from the International Development Research Center (IDRC), GRACE evolved into an African network of gender and ICT researchers involving 14 research teams in 12 different African countries including Uganda. The findings from the first research phase were captured and published in a book titled “African Women and ICTs: Investigating Technology, Gender and Empowerment” and launched at the Faculty of Food Science Conference Room, Makerere University.

10th February 2010: A Student Portforlio’s Presentation, CHS:

The student Portfolio for Makerere was designed in partnership with students and staff of the College of Health Sciences and was piloted this year. Other Institutions at Makerere University such as The School of Graduate Studies, Faculty of Computing & IT and the Directorate of Human Resources Management are in the process of piloting it. The CHS presentation was held in the Davis Lecture Theatre, College of Health Sciences

9th – 11th February 2010: MEDI-SHARE National Conference.

MEDI-SHARE is an initiative taken by a consortium of Institutions: CINECA of University of Bologna Italy and Pharmacy schools in three Higher Education Institutions in East Africa; Makerere University, Nairobi University and Muhimbili University of Health Sciences. The project involves a collection of patient information of three conditions; HIV/AIDS, Malaria and Tuberculosis. The software and platform for managing this information has been developed by CINECA in conjuction with Almalaurea of Italy. The Department of Pharmacy, School of Health Sciences, Makerere University organized the three-day workshop at the Imperial Royale Hotel Kampala.

1st February 2010: ICPAU Results Release Ceremony

The Vice Chancellor was invited to officiate over the release of the December 2009 results by the Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Uganda (ICPAU). As part of her Corporate Social Responsibility, Makerere University provides the ICPAU with facilities for conducting practical IT examinations, a relationship which dates back to 1997.

1st February 2010: 2nd Vice Chancellors Media briefing

The 2nd monthly media briefing featured the School of Public Health, College of Health Sciences and the School of Graduate Studies. The Vice Chancellor made presentations on the commencement of online registration or students from 1st February 2010, Electronic feedback to parents and guardians on student progress, the putting in place of a Public Relations and Communications Board, to improve the University’s Communications function, and the Alumni Development Fund Account to help raise funds and undertake major projects aimed at creating endowment for Makerere University.

February 2010

26th February 2010: The CIT Mentor Series:

19th February 2010: Launch of the Makerere Linux Chapter:

18th February 2010: Mak-SIDA PhaseIII Research Cooperation signing ceremony:

17th February 2010: Public Dialogue – Desirable Institutions:

16th February 2010: Public Lecture by Ambassador Demetrios J. Marantis:

The University now benefits from a lowered average tariff at the main campus, following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between UMEME and Makerere University.

11th February 2010: Launch of the GRACE book:

10th February 2010: A Student Portforlio’s Presentation, CHS:

9th – 11th February 2010: MEDI-SHARE National Conference.

1st February 2010: ICPAU Results Release Ceremony

1st February 2010: 2nd Vice Chancellors Media briefing

General

From Curiosity to Clarity: Inside Makerere’s Transformative Career Fair 2026

Published

30 minutes ago

May 6, 2026

Betty Kyakuwa

Paul Rumanda Rugambwa enjoys a photo opportunity with participants after his keynote address on Day 3 of the Careers Fair. Three-day Careers Fair 2026, bringing together students, industry leaders, and policymakers to discuss the future of work in the era of Artificial Intelligence (AI), Day 3, Grand Finale, held under the theme “Connecting Potential to Purpose: Partnerships for Sustainable Impact”, 13th March 2026, Freedom Square, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

At Makerere University, the future didn’t feel distant, it felt urgent, alive, and within reach.

For three days in March, the university’s grounds transformed into a vibrant meeting point of ambition and opportunity as students, graduates, and industry leaders converged for the 2026 Careers Fair. Lecture halls spilled into exhibition spaces, conversations replaced uncertainty, and for many students, career dreams began to take clearer shape.

A Question That Defined the Moment: Man or Machine?

The opening day set the tone with a bold theme;“Machine vs. Man”, placing artificial intelligence at the center of career conversations. Students listened, questioned, and reflected as leaders challenged them not to fear technology, but to harness it.

The message was clear: the future belongs to those who can adapt.

Chief Guest-Hon. Dr. Monica Musenero (5th L) with Prof. Moses Musinguzi (3rd L), Chair Organising Committee-Prof. Anthony Gidudu and other Speakers on Day 1 of the Makerere Careers Fair. Three-day Careers Fair 2026, bringing together students, industry leaders, and policymakers to discuss the future of work in the era of Artificial Intelligence (AI), Day 1 held under the theme “Machine vs. Man” and sponsored by the National Social Security Fund (NSSF), 11th March 2026, Yusuf Lule Central Teaching Facility Auditorium, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa. — ***Chief Guest-Hon. Dr. Monica Musenero (5th L) with Prof. Moses Musinguzi (3rd L), Chair Organising Committee-Prof. Anthony Gidudu and other Speakers on Day 1 of the Makerere Careers Fair.***

Speakers emphasized that while AI is reshaping industries, it is also creating new opportunities for innovation, entrepreneurship, and job creation. For many students in attendance, this was more than a discussion—it was a wake-up call to rethink their place in a rapidly evolving world.

Beyond Jobs: Unlocking Global Opportunities

If Day One provoked thought, Day Two opened doors.

The focus shifted to scholarships, fellowships, and international study opportunities, expanding students’ horizons beyond the immediate job market. Conversations moved from “What job can I get?” to “What possibilities exist for me globally?”

Mr. James Katumba (R) contributes to the panel discussion. Three-day Careers Fair 2026, bringing together students, industry leaders, and policymakers to discuss the future of work in the era of Artificial Intelligence (AI), Day 2 held under the theme “Scholarship and fellowship opportunities for students and graduates in the United States (US)”, 12th March 2026, Yusuf Lule Central Teaching Facility Auditorium, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa. — ***Mr. James Katumba (R) contributes to the panel discussion.***

Students explored pathways into prestigious programmes, exchange opportunities, and further study options, discovering that their ambitions could stretch far beyond borders.

Where Potential Meets Purpose

By the final day, the Careers Fair had evolved into something deeper—a platform for connection.

Under the theme “Connecting Potential to Purpose,” industry leaders, employers, and development partners engaged directly with students, emphasizing collaboration as the key to career success.

Across Freedom Square and exhibition booths, students asked tough questions, shared ideas, and made meaningful connections. Employers, in turn, offered insights into the skills that matter most in today’s workplace—adaptability, creativity, and critical thinking.

Gorretti Byomire contributes to the panel discussion. Three-day Careers Fair 2026, bringing together students, industry leaders, and policymakers to discuss the future of work in the era of Artificial Intelligence (AI), Day 3, Grand Finale, held under the theme “Connecting Potential to Purpose: Partnerships for Sustainable Impact”, 13th March 2026, Freedom Square, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa. — ***Gorretti Byomire contributes to the panel discussion.***

More than 50 organizations participated, turning the fair into a living ecosystem of mentorship, networking, and opportunity.

Stories That Defined the Experience

But beyond the panels and presentations, it was the human moments that stood out.

There was the student who, after a conversation with a recruiter, discovered a career path they had never considered. The group of finalists who used simple tools like mobile phones to create powerful messages about safety and inclusion, reminding everyone that innovation often begins with what is available.

And there were countless quiet exchanges, handshakes, questions, shared laughter—that carried the weight of possibility.

Students attending the career fair on day three at the Freedom Square. Three-day Careers Fair 2026, bringing together students, industry leaders, and policymakers to discuss the future of work in the era of Artificial Intelligence (AI), Day 3, Grand Finale, held under the theme “Connecting Potential to Purpose: Partnerships for Sustainable Impact”, 13th March 2026, Freedom Square, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa. — ***Students attending the career fair on day three at the Freedom Square.***

A Bridge to the Future

What emerged from the three-day experience was not just a successful event, but a powerful reminder of the university’s role as a bridge, linking academic training to real-world demands.

The Careers Fair reaffirmed Makerere’s commitment to preparing students not just for employment, but for meaningful participation in shaping the future. It brought into focus a simple but profound truth: careers are not built in isolation—they are nurtured through connections, curiosity, and courage.

For many students who walked through the fair, the journey ahead no longer felt uncertain. It felt possible.

General

Guild Mama: The Woman Behind the Students

Published

43 minutes ago

May 6, 2026

Betty Kyakuwa

H.E. Ssentamu Churchill James assisted by Ms. Norah Nalubowa takes oath as 91st Guild President of Makerere University. Ssentamu Churchill James and Kadondi Gracious inaugurated as the 91st Guild President and Vice President, 21st March 2025, Main Hall, Main Administration Building, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

Long before the title “Guild Administrator” became synonymous with her name, Norah Nalubowa was simply a young administrator finding her footing at the university. It was 2006 when she joined the Dean of Students’ Department, unaware that she was beginning a journey that would see her become one of the most beloved figures on campus.

Today, many students do not know her by her official title. To them, she is simply “Guild Mama.”

“I learned very early,” she says, “that when dealing with students, you must listen more and speak less. These students need to be loved.” That philosophy would come to define her work, and her identity.

From ‘Head Girl’ to ‘Mama’

In her early days, students fondly referred to her as “Head Girl,” a nod to her youthful presence and approachable demeanor. As the years passed, the names evolved—“Kazende,” a term of respect, then “Mama,” and eventually “Guild Mama.”

Each name told a story. Each reflected a deepening relationship.

“I decided to befriend them,” she recalls. And for nearly two decades, she has lived up to that role, often going far beyond the call of duty.

A Job That Never Ends at 5:00 PM

For Norah, student affairs do not end when the workday does. Some of the most critical moments unfold after hours, late into the night. She remembers one such moment vividly.

At 3:30 a.m., she received information about a planned student strike. Without hesitation, she picked up her phone and called the student leader.

“We had already agreed during the day that issues should be resolved through dialogue,” she says. “So I reminded him.”

What followed was a long, patient conversation, one that ultimately diffused the situation before it escalated. “I thank God he listened,” she adds quietly.

It is in these unseen moments, phone calls in the middle of the night, quiet interventions, careful listening, that her impact is most deeply felt.

Carrying More Than a Job Title

Beyond administration, Norah has become counselor, mediator, and, in many cases, a lifeline.

Students come to her with everything, from leadership disputes to deeply personal struggles.

Some come with nothing at all. “There are students who lack basic things,” she explains. “Soap, sanitary towels… sometimes even food.” In such moments, policy gives way to compassion.

“You may have little,” she says, “but you share what you have.”

Her guiding principle is simple yet profound: “If a student comes to my office crying, they should leave with a smile.”

Inside the World of Guild Politics

Having overseen Guild elections for over a decade, Norah has witnessed the highs, the tensions, and the transformation of student politics.

She recalls one particularly intense election season when eight strong candidates competed fiercely, each backed by large crowds and vibrant campaigns.

But it was not strategy or strength that ultimately shifted the race—it was a rumor or what students popularly refer to as ‘chemical’. The candidate that had been favored to win, lost the election.

“By morning, everything had changed,” she says. “That is the power of perception.”

Moments like these have shaped her approach, grounding it firmly in fairness, guidance, and adherence to policy.

Over time, the elections themselves have changed. Once marked by physical campaigns and, at times, violence, they have since transitioned to virtual platforms following tragic incidents.

“It was a necessary shift,” she reflects. “Safety had to come first.”

One campaign moment still makes Norah smile. She recalls a candidate whose slogan stood out for its simplicity and rhythm: “Allow me, to allow you to sing a song, Dangote.”

“It was catchy,” she says, laughing softly. “Students connected with it immediately.”

The slogan quickly gained traction across campus, echoing through campaign trails and student gatherings. More than just words, it created a sense of participation and excitement among the electorate. “That message helped him win,” Norah notes.

Years later, she still remembers it, not just as a slogan, but as a reminder of how creativity, timing, and connection with students can define a campaign.

Lessons in Leadership and Life

After years of working closely with students, Norah has come to believe that leadership is both innate and cultivated. “Some are natural leaders,” she says. “But others grow into it.”

Her advice to aspiring Guild Presidents is practical: stay academically grounded, understand student needs, and work within university policies. But beyond that, her deeper lesson is one of humanity, of empathy, patience, and presence.

A Legacy Written in Lives Touched

Ask Norah about her proudest moments, and she does not mention titles or milestones.

Instead, she speaks of the students. The messages she receives. The quiet “thank yous.” The moments when a student says her guidance changed their path.

One memory stands out—when students with disabilities chose to recognize her among all administrators, presenting her with an accolade. “That meant the world to me,” she says.

More Than a Mother at Work

Outside the university, Norah finds joy in farming; growing coffee, cocoa, bananas, maize, and beans. It is a practice she describes with the same care and intentionality she brings to her work.

“Even one acre,” she says, “can be productive if you plan well.”

At home, she is a mother to one biological child, but in her heart, she carries many more. “I have six children at home and many more on campus” she says with a smile. And perhaps that is the simplest way to understand her story.

In lecture halls, in offices, in late-night phone calls and quiet acts of kindness, Norah has built something far greater than a career. She has built a family.

Grounded in Gratitude

As our conversation comes to a close, Norah pauses, not to speak about herself, but to give thanks.

“I am very grateful for the opportunity to share my story,” she says. “But more importantly, I thank the University management. It is not easy to sit in meetings and constantly think about the welfare of students and the institution. Their work should never be taken for granted.”

She is equally quick to acknowledge those who have guided her journey. “I have served under several Deans of Students, and each one has mentored me in a special way. Whenever I face a challenge, I still reach out to them for guidance.” Her appreciation extends to her colleagues—the wardens and staff in the Dean of Students’ Department, whom she credits for their teamwork and vigilance.

And finally, she turns to the students themselves, the very reason her journey began. “I thank all the student leaders, past and present. Many of them call to say thank you, and to tell me that something they learned from me has helped them. That feedback means everything.”

General

How the Disability Centre Is Transforming Student Lives

Published

55 minutes ago

May 6, 2026

Betty Kyakuwa

At Makerere University, the journey toward inclusive education is steadily gaining ground, thanks in part to the establishment of the Disability Support Centre, an initiative that is already reshaping the experiences of students with disabilities.

For Fatuma Nabulime, a recent graduate with a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work, the centre represents more than just a physical space on campus, it is a symbol of dignity, access, and possibility.

“I was very excited when it was launched,” she recalls. “I knew it would help bridge the gap between students with disabilities and the university system.”

A Journey Marked by Resilience

Fatuma, who uses a wheelchair, joined Makerere University in 2022 under the disability scheme. Like many students with disabilities, her academic journey was defined by both determination and structural barriers.

While she describes her overall university experience as positive, thanks largely to supportive lecturers and peers, she is candid about the challenges that existed before the centre was established.

Accessing study materials, for instance, was often a struggle. “Sometimes we were required to buy printed notes from far places, and I didn’t always have the money,” she explains. “There was also limited access to assistive devices.”

Physical accessibility posed an even greater challenge. Some lecture rooms were located in buildings without ramps or functioning elevators. On several occasions, Fatuma had to be carried upstairs to attend lectures, a situation she describes as both inconvenient and humiliating.

A Turning Point for Inclusion

The introduction of the Disability Support Centre marked a turning point.

Today, students like Fatuma can access printed notes, use computers for research, and receive academic support tailored to their needs. For students with visual or hearing impairments, the centre provides assistive devices and services that were previously unavailable.

Beyond these practical interventions, the centre is also playing a crucial role as a bridge between students and academic staff.

“There are lecturers who may not fully understand how to support students with disabilities,” Fatuma notes. “The centre helps to mediate and create understanding.”

In one instance, when she faced challenges with her research project, staff from the centre intervened and engaged her supervisors to ensure she received the support she needed. “That really made a difference,” she says.

Changing Attitudes, Building Awareness

Equally important is the centre’s role in challenging misconceptions and raising awareness across the university community.

Fatuma points to an incident where a lecturer dismissed a sign language interpreter, unaware of the student’s needs. Such experiences, she says, highlight the continued need for sensitization.

“Awareness is improving, but more still needs to be done,” she emphasizes.

Despite these gaps, Fatuma acknowledges a growing culture of empathy among students. “Many students are supportive. Someone can offer you a seat or assist when needed,” she says, though she adds that occasional bias and misunderstanding still persist.

The Work Ahead

While the Disability Support Centre has made significant strides, Fatuma believes that true inclusion will require sustained effort.

She calls for improved physical infrastructure, ramps, elevators, and accessible buildings across campus, as well as continued awareness campaigns targeting both staff and students.

“The university needs to become fully accessible,” she says. “Not just in policy, but in practice.”

A Future Inspired by Inclusion

For Fatuma, the impact of the centre goes beyond her academic success. It has shaped her confidence and career aspirations.

“My university experience taught me how to overcome challenges and speak up for myself,” she reflects. “It inspired me to pursue social work so I can support others and advocate for inclusion.”

As she looks ahead, she hopes to work with communities and organizations that promote access to education and social services for people with disabilities.

A Centre That Changes Lives

The story of Fatuma is just one among many, but it captures the transformative potential of inclusive initiatives within higher education.

The Disability Support Centre at Makerere University is not merely addressing barriers, it is redefining what is possible for students with disabilities. By fostering access, dignity, and opportunity, it is ensuring that no student is left behind.

And for students like Fatuma, that change is already life-changing.

FACT FILE

The centre was opened in July 2024 with support from MasterCard Foundation
The University has 156 Students with disabilities
The centre has received equipment worth Shs60m from the Endowment Fund/ Mak Run
The university has received a bus from Kiira Motors to transport students with disabilities across the university
Service provided by the centre include;
- Accessible Computers installed with Screen readers (JAWS AND FUSION)
- Braille Embossing
- Large Printing
- Access to refreshable braille displays
- Audio book reading etc.