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February 2010 events

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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:

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.

Denis Wamala

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MakCHS Holds QA Training in Assessments, Pedagogy and Competence Based Curriculum

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July 21, 2026

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Seated L-R: Dr Kalidi Rajab, Dr. Besigye Innocent, Dr. Dorothy Kyagaba & Dr. Ssenkusu Peter with the participants on 19th June 2026. Makerere University College of Health Sciences (MakCHS) Quality Assurance (QA) Training in Assessments, Pedagogy and Competence Based Curriculum Held 18–19 June 2026 at Esella Hotel, Waksio, Uganda, East Africa.

College of Health Sciences Quality Assurance (QA) Training in Assessments, Pedagogy and Competence Based Curriculum Held 18–19 June 2026 at Esella Hotel.

 Pedagogy, Assessment and Supervision Training Workshop

The College of Health Sciences has embarked on the journey to improve the teaching, assessment and preparation for the adoption of the competence-based curriculum.

The training was held on 18-19 June 2026, at Esella Hotel, Kira, the training targeted the teaching assistants, lecturers’ senior lecturers’ key administrators and some PhD fellows, generally the early career academic staff that are yet growing in the ranks.

Seated L-R: Dr. Peter Ssenkusu, Prof Grace Ndeezi, Prof Idro Richard and Dr. Irene Rebecca Namatende with the participants at Esella Country Hotel. Makerere University College of Health Sciences (MakCHS) Quality Assurance (QA) Training in Assessments, Pedagogy and Competence Based Curriculum Held 18–19 June 2026 at Esella Hotel, Waksio, Uganda, East Africa.
Seated L-R: Dr. Peter Ssenkusu, Prof Grace Ndeezi, Prof Idro Richard and Dr. Irene Rebecca Namatende with the participants at Esella Country Hotel.

Objectives

  • Equip participants with modern pedagogical approaches for effective teaching and learning.
  • Review and harmonize assessment strategies to ensure quality and fairness in academic evaluation.
  • Enhance supervisory competencies for guiding graduate students in research and academic progress.
  • Foster collaboration and shared experiences among facilitators, supervisors, and administrators.
Dr. Peter Ssenkusu facilitating at the Pedagoggy and Assessment workshop on 18 June 2026. Makerere University College of Health Sciences (MakCHS) Quality Assurance (QA) Training in Assessments, Pedagogy and Competence Based Curriculum Held 18–19 June 2026 at Esella Hotel, Waksio, Uganda, East Africa.
Dr. Peter Ssenkusu facilitating at the Pedagoggy and Assessment workshop on 18 June 2026.

The key focus areas for the training

  • Guidelines in Assessment & Course Outlines- Dr. Cyprian Misinde -Chief Quality Assurance Officer.
  • Competence Based Education and Assessment- Dr. Mike Kagawa
  • Advancing continuous improvement in teaching, learning through teaching styles -Dr. Ssebowa Dorothy.
  • Teaching methods Knowledge production and acquisition- Dr. Peter Ssenkusu
  • Graduate Supervision Challenges and Opportunities- Prof. Grace Ndeezi.
  • Competence Based Curriculum in line with the NCHE- Dr. Innocent Besigye.
  • Feedback mechanisms in training- Dr. Irene Rebecca Namatende.
Dr. Mike Kagawa, facilitating at the Workshop on 18 June at Esella Country Resort Hotel. Makerere University College of Health Sciences (MakCHS) Quality Assurance (QA) Training in Assessments, Pedagogy and Competence Based Curriculum Held 18–19 June 2026 at Esella Hotel, Waksio, Uganda, East Africa.
Dr. Mike Kagawa, facilitating at the Workshop on 18 June at Esella Country Resort Hotel.

Key Outcomes for this training

  • The participants gained the understanding of learner-centered teaching approaches and pedagogical principles.
  • Acquired new skills supervisory skills, particularly in guiding research and addressing student challenges.
  • Consensus on adopting standardized assessment tools across graduate programmes.
  • Practical exposure to teaching models and interactive learning methods.
  • Development of action plans for continuous professional development in pedagogy and supervision.
  • The participants also acquired more skills in line with the competence-based curriculum as required by the National Council for Higher Education.
Dr. Innocent Besigye presenting the processes for curriculum review on 19 June 2026. Makerere University College of Health Sciences (MakCHS) Quality Assurance (QA) Training in Assessments, Pedagogy and Competence Based Curriculum Held 18–19 June 2026 at Esella Hotel, Waksio, Uganda, East Africa.
Dr. Innocent Besigye presenting the processes for curriculum review on 19 June 2026.

During the Discussion Key important Questions emerged as follows:

  1. Who supervises the supervisor?
  2. What is the difference between notion hours and contact hours?
  3. The 60/40 way of assessments—can it be independent for every course unit taught or allocated differently?
  4. How do we manage difficult supervisors?
  5. How do we Coerce PhD students to be fully involved in departmental activities without them feeling Coerced?
  6. How much time do we need to prepare for the review of the programmes in line with the competence-based curriculum as required by the National Council for Higher Education (NCHE) and the World Health Organization (WHO)?

We truly thank the facilitators and the participants who made this training very informative and enlightened.  We also appreciate the Principal/Deputy CHS, the Chief QA Officer, Makerere University and the University Management for the enormous support and for making this activity possible.

Dr. Irene Rebecca Namatende
Quality Assurance 0ffice
College of Health Sciences,
Makerere University

Mak Editor

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DVCAA Commends RENU Industrial Training Programme, Calls for its Expansion

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4 days ago

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July 17, 2026

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Prof. Sarah Ssali (2nd Row Centre) with RENU Leadership and Trainees after the visit on 15th July 2026. The Deputy Vice Chancellor in charge of Academic Affairs (DVCAA) Prof. Sarah Ssali's guided tour of Research and Education Network for Uganda (RENU)’s Industrial Trainee Program on 15th July 2026, RENU Labs, Edge Road, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

The Deputy Vice Chancellor in charge of Academic Affairs (DVCAA) Prof. Sarah Ssali on 15th July 2026 commended the Research and Education Network for Uganda (RENU)’s Industrial Trainee Program, describing it as the perfect hands-on intervention for the future workforce. She made the comments while on a guided tour of RENU’s on-campus Lab facility where ten undergraduate students from Makerere and other Universities are undergoing a two-month practical training.

Origin of tour

The tour was prompted by a 24th June 2026 meeting with a RENU delegation led by CEO, Mr. Nicholas Mbonimpa, aimed at broadening the existing partnership with Makerere University beyond internet service provision to supporting teaching, learning and research activities. During the said meeting, Prof. Ssali expressed Makerere‘s desire to produce graduates that are not only academically grounded but also cognizant of the needs of the job market.

Seated L-R: Prof. Dorothy Okello, Prof. Sarah Ssali, Mr. Nicholas Mbonimpa and Mr. Samuel Mugabi during the 24th June 2026 meeting. The Deputy Vice Chancellor in charge of Academic Affairs (DVCAA) Prof. Sarah Ssali's meeting with Research and Education Network for Uganda (RENU)’s Leadership on 24th June 2026, Main Building, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Seated L-R: Prof. Dorothy Okello, Prof. Sarah Ssali, Mr. Nicholas Mbonimpa and Mr. Samuel Mugabi during the 24th June 2026 meeting.

In his response then, Mr. Mbonimpa expressed RENU’s readiness to continue advancing digital transformation through advancing resilient connectivity, research infrastructure, and innovative initiatives that enhance teaching, learning, and research. He shared that the Senate Building’s computer network had been revamped in line with advancing resilient connectivity, and the initiative would be expanded to the College of Engineering, Design, Art and Technology (CEDAT) buildings and other premises subsequently.

The RENU CEO further highlighted that resilient connectivity forms a good basis for the proposed Open Radio Access Network (RAN) Architecture deployment set to be done within six months, so as to boost training of students in 5G and other technologies. Other initiatives discussed included training staff and students on acquisition of Open Researcher and Contributor ID (ORCID) to improve visibility of their publications and research output. 

Training Program Lauded

Addressing student interns during the 15th July guided tour, the DVCAA who was accompanied by the 92nd Guild Speaker Rt. Hon. Trevis Mutatiina Muhwezi urged beneficiaries to harness all the technical and social opportunities accorded by the Program. “Not all students in your respective academic programmes had the benefit of being exposed to this kind of training so please make the most of it and utilize skills gained here beyond the classroom setting”.

Mr. Nicholas Mbonimpa (C) with Prof. Sarah Ssali (L) and Rt. Hon. Trevis Mutatiina Muhwezi (R). The Deputy Vice Chancellor in charge of Academic Affairs (DVCAA) Prof. Sarah Ssali's guided tour of Research and Education Network for Uganda (RENU)’s Industrial Trainee Program on 15th July 2026, RENU Labs, Edge Road, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Mr. Nicholas Mbonimpa (C) with Prof. Sarah Ssali (L) and Rt. Hon. Trevis Mutatiina Muhwezi (R).

The 2026 Industrial Trainee Program is equipping students with skills on how to diagnose and repair ICT equipment based on old and disused stock.

Prof Ssali was also toured the makerspace where solar-powered routers are manufactured and deployed to extend internet connectivity to both rural and urban locations. In 2023, RENU partnered with Mesh++, a Chicago-based connectivity solutions manufacturer, to manufacture solar-powered internet routers in Uganda. Since inception, over 200 units have been manufactured and deployed across various sites in Uganda, while over 80 units have been shipped to various African countries such as Malawi, Rwanda and South Sudan under the RENUMESH Technologies joint venture.

Prof. Sara Ssali inspects the RENUMESH Technologies router. The Deputy Vice Chancellor in charge of Academic Affairs (DVCAA) Prof. Sarah Ssali's guided tour of Research and Education Network for Uganda (RENU)’s Industrial Trainee Program on 15th July 2026, RENU Labs, Edge Road, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Prof. Sara Ssali inspects the RENUMESH Technologies router.

Partnerships Inspiring New Prototypes

The RENU CEO nevertheless pointed to a long turnaround time for shipping parts from the U.S. as one of the drawbacks hindering the product’s rapid deployment. As a result, RENU, in response to the Ugandan Government’s call for import substitution and local capacity development is developing a solar-powered internet router with some of the components sourced from Ugandan companies Innovex and Chloride Excide.

“Innovex will supply the Internet of Things (IoT) component to help RENU remotely monitor and control the router while Chloride Excide will provide the batteries” Mr. Mbonimpa explained. He added that some of the current lot of trainees were already running simulations on the prototype and proposing how the device can be further refined so as to increase its portability and reduce its price.

Prof. Sarah Ssali with RENU Leadership and Trainees in the makerspace. The Deputy Vice Chancellor in charge of Academic Affairs (DVCAA) Prof. Sarah Ssali's guided tour of Research and Education Network for Uganda (RENU)’s Industrial Trainee Program on 15th July 2026, RENU Labs, Edge Road, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Prof. Sarah Ssali with RENU Leadership and Trainees in the makerspace.

A call for Expansion

At the conclusion of the tour, Prof. Ssali who commended the use of modular Ugandan components for the prototype thanked the RENU team to exposing students to real-world technological deployments. She nevertheless urged the CEO and his team to expand the program’s intake beyond ten trainees and duration beyond the current two months so as to give students a richer experience.

The CEO RENUMESH Technologies Mr. Brian Masiga thanked the DVCAA for following up their 24th June meeting with the visit, which demonstrates that the University Management values students’ development of practical skills. He equally thanked Prof. Ssali for Management’s support to RENU activities and pledged to further refine the prototype to produce a cheaper and more portable proudly Ugandan product.  

Mr. Brian Masiga (R) walks Prof. Ssali (L) through the layout of the prototype. The Deputy Vice Chancellor in charge of Academic Affairs (DVCAA) Prof. Sarah Ssali's guided tour of Research and Education Network for Uganda (RENU)’s Industrial Trainee Program on 15th July 2026, RENU Labs, Edge Road, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Mr. Brian Masiga (R) walks Prof. Ssali (L) through the layout of the prototype.

Mark Wamai

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Makerere University Launches First Writing Summer School to Strengthen Professional Writing Skills.

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5 days ago

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July 16, 2026

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First Deputy Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, Prof Sarah Ssali on her Right, Prof. Fredrick Muyodi, and Assoc Prof. William Tayeebwa at the launch of the Summer School

KAMPALA, UGANDA, EAST AFRICA| July 6, 2026.

First Deputy Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, Prof Sarah Ssali on her Right, Prof. Fredrick Muyodi, and Assoc Prof. William Tayeebwa at the launch of the Summer School
First Deputy Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, Prof Sarah Ssali on her Right, Prof. Fredrick Muyodi, and Prof. William Tayeebwa at the launch of the Summer School.

Makerere University has officially launched its inaugural writing summer school, a week long professional development program aimed at equipping students, graduates, researchers and staff with practical writing skills required for academic excellence and success in today’s competitive job market. The program jointly organized by the Makerere University Writing Centre and Makerere University Press (MakPress), reflects the University’s commitment to nurturing graduates with not only academic knowledge but also the communication skills needed to thrive professionally.

Held virtually, the launch attracted more than 280 participants from Makerere University and other higher education institutions, demonstrating the growing demand for structured writing support beyond the classroom.

Building the Next Generation of Writers.

Speaking at the launch, the Director of Makerere Writing Press, Prof. William Tayeebwa, said the summer school represents an important investment in developing writers before their work reaches publication.

“The press has traditionally focused on publishing books, journals and scholarly work. Today, we are expanding that mission by helping and develop the writers who will produce tomorrow’s publication.

He noted that MakPress continues to support the publication of books and scholarly works produced by members of the Makerere Community. Using recently published books authored by a member of staff and a student as examples, he encouraged participants to submit manuscripts for publishing support rather than relying solely on self publication.

Writing as a Foundation for Academic and Professional Success.

Chairperson of the Makerere University Writing Centre, Prof. Frederick Muyodi, said the center was established to strengthen the writing competences among students, researchers and university staff.

” The Writers Center is here to support every stage of the writing process from CVs and application letters to research manuscripts, grant proposals, reports and responsible use of Artificial Intelligence in writing.”

He explained that the Centre supports writing across multiple disciplines and professional contexts, adding that its long term vision is to extend writing support beyond Makerere University to institutions across Uganda and the East African region.

Equipping Graduates for the Labour Market.

Officially launching the summer school, the First Deputy Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, Prof. Sarah Ssali, described the initiative as a strategic investment in preparing graduates for an increasingly competitive labour market.

She observed that while universities successfully impart disciplinary knowledge, many graduates leave campus without the practical writing skills required to secure employment and other professional opportunities.

“We teach content very, but many students are never taught how to write an effective CV, application letter, motivation statement or scholarly essay. Yet these are the documents that often determine whether someone secures an opportunity.”

Prof. Ssali said the writing summer school would bridge the gap between classroom learning and professional practice by equipping participants with market ready communication skills.

Reaffirming her office’s commitment to the initiative, she added:

“My office is pleased to support this initiative as we institutionalize the Writing Summer School to ensure that Makerere graduates leave not only with degrees but also with practical competencies needed to thrive professionally,”

She officially declared the inaugural Writing Summer School open and expressed optimism that future editions would attract even more participants and resources.

Participants Gain Practical CV Writing Skills.

The first technical session was facilitated by Mr. Abdul Noor Luttamaguzi, a PhD student in the Department of Zoology, Entomology and Fisheries Sciences within the School of Bio sciences at Makerere University, a Senior Fisheries Officer with Luweero District Local Government, and the founder and director of the ANL Foundation, an organization that supports youth employment and capacity building.

During the session, he guided participants on developing competitive CVs tailored to specific professionals and employer expectations. He emphasized that applicants should customize their CVs to suit each opportunity instead of submitting the same document for every application. Participants also learned how effectively present their education, work experience, leadership roles technical competencies and professional achievements, while avoiding unnecessary personal information. Practical demonstrations using professional specific CVs provided participants with hands on examples of preparing competitive job application documents.

Looking Ahead.

The Writing Summer School continues throughout the week sessions on application letter writing, responsible use of artificial intelligence, professional communication and other essential writing skills aimed at improving academic productivity and employablity.

Through initiatives such as the Writing Summer School, Makerere University continues to strengthen its commitment to producing graduates who are not academically accomplished but also equipped with practical communication skills that enable them to compete and lead in today’s global workplace.

Allan Ainematsiko

I'm Allan Ainematsiko, a fourth year student pursuing Bachelors of Journalism and Communication at Makerere University.

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