Connect with us

General

July 2010 events

Published

on

July 2010

30th July 2010: Google launch of the Google Interface into local languages

Translator Google interface was translated into Runyakitara and Luo languages by CIT as part of its public-private sector contribution. Runyakitara is a family of the Bantu language that standardizes four linguistically closely related languages of western Uganda which are Rutooro, Rukiiga, Runyankole and Runyoro.

29th – 30th July 2010: VC and Management visit to Kibale Field Station

The Makerere University Biological Field Station (MUBFS) is located in the tranquil Kibale Forest at the peripherals of Kibale National Park (KNP). Established in 1970 as Kibale Forest Project-KFP by Dr. Thomas Struhsaker, a renown primatologist and scholar from Duke University, USA, the project was handed over to Makerere University for its long-time survival by Dr. Struhsaker, shortly before his departure in 1987.
The high-quality research being conducted at this world renown field station is being conducted by local and international scholars and includes:

  • Ecological & Behavioral Studies of Various Animal Species in KNP.
  • Studies of Forest Regeneration in Logged & Formerly Encroached Areas.
  • Long-term Ecological Monitoring of Kibale National Park Eco-Systems.
  • Socio-Economic & Ecological Studies Including Crop Raiding By Park Wildlife.

27th July 2010: Signing MOU between the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University South Africa (NMMU) and Mak

The MOU is aimed at making it possible exchange 2 students on continuing basis for each academic year.

27th July 2010: Launch of the Africa Institute for Strategic Animal Resource Services and Development (AFRISA)

AFRISA is a Public-Private Academic Partnership Platform, where the two parties have come together through special agreements, to establish problem solving programs. The primary objective of AFRISA is to reposition and align animal sector education, research and services in the diverse Animal Resources Value chains to meet national, regional and International demands. This will be done alongside promoting holistic and superior Skills, Technology, and Innovation for Production, Employment, Health and Development.

27th July 2010: Public lecture by Dr. Thoraya Ahmed Obaid (UN Under-Secretary General)

The public lecture was on “Reproductive Health and Rights- Perspectives for further Development in Africa” Dr. Thoraya is also the Executive Director of UNFPA.

26th July 2010: ACBF Grant Signing Ceremony

The African Capacity Building Foundation (ACBF) signed a grant with the Economic Policy Research Centre (EPRC) aimed at supporting regional initiatives in the areas of specialized training, policy analysis, applied policy research, negotiation and policy advocacy.

15th July 2010: Handover of book donation from the Swedish Embassy

The Swedish Embassy handed over boxes of books to the Dept. of History, Faculty of Arts. These books were given to the department in 2009.

13th July, 2010: Signing MOU between Mak, University of Southern Carlifornia and IBM East Africa Limited (IBM)

This MOU is meant to establish a collaborative institute (Joint Institute for Mobile Innovations JIMI)

12th July 2010: Signing MOU between Makerere and Orange (U) Ltd.

This collaboration is in areas limited of but not limited to; ICT Application Development, Research and Development, Joint Community Outreach Projects and Knowledge Exchange. It will run for 3years.

9th July 2010: A farewell party for Top Management whose contracts ended this year

This took place at the Makerere Guest House gardens. Some of the top management members included the former Vice Chancellor Prof. Livingstone Luboobi.

8th July 2010: Meeting with Wellcome Trust UK

A delegation from Wellcome Trust, UK led by the Head, Sir. Mark Wallport paid a courtesy call on the VC. Discussions touched on offering Post-Doctoral training in form of academic fellowships to Makerere University staff so as to enhance their research skills, and strengthen health workers’ capacity in Africa, as well as partnering on virus research.

8th July 2010: Meeting with University of Sydney.

The Vice Chancellor met with a team from the University of Sydney and held talks on a partnership aimed at providing scholarships for postgraduate degree programmes in areas of Public Health, Medicine as well as other disciplines in the Australian University.

6th July 2010: Tripartite letter of Agreement for RUFORUM, Fac. of Agric and The National Crops Resources Research Institute

This is aimed at supporting research and training of one student (Dr. Okori). The amount involved is USD 10,000, a laptop and computer.

5th July 2010: 7th Vice Chancellors Media briefing

The 7th monthly media briefing featured the Institute of Statistics and Applied Economics and the Faculty of Technology. The Vice Chancellor made presentations on the successful restructuring and revision of academic programmes by all units by the 30th June 2010 deadline, Capital Investments: Public Private Partnerships (PPP) to develop Makerere land through the Build Operate Transfer (BOT) arrangement, and the issuance of transcripts from August to October 2010 for students meant to graduate in January 2011. He also made presentations on the repair of the road network within the University and halls of residence, redesign/beautification of the Main Gate by the Faculty of Technology & MTSIFA, minor repairs on halls of residence by the Estates and Works Department except for Lumumba hall, which was earmarked for the Renovate Operate Transfer (ROT) arrangement with the private sector, and the setting up of a Technical Committee to handle the issue of academic programmes’ revision at MUBS.

2nd July 2010: Signing MOU between Bergen University College Norway and Mak

The purpose of this MOU is academic and research collaboration. This was under the Dept. of Nursing, Medical School. It will run for 5years

2nd July 2010: Signing MOU between Hawassa University Ethiopia and Mak

The purpose of this MOU is to promote cooperation in teaching and research between the two universities. It will run for 5years

1st – 2nd July 2010: Qualilty Assuarance MURM workshop

Makerere University Management held this all day workshop at L. Victoria Hotel, Entebbe

 

July 2010

30th July 2010: Google launch of the Google Interface into local languages

Translator Google interface was translated into Runyakitara and Luo languages by CIT as part of its public-private sector contribution. Runyakitara is a family of the Bantu language that standardizes four linguistically closely related languages of western Uganda which are Rutooro, Rukiiga, Runyankole and Runyoro.

29th – 30th July 2010: VC and Management visit to Kibale Field Station

The Makerere University Biological Field Station (MUBFS) is located in the tranquil Kibale Forest at the peripherals of Kibale National Park (KNP). Established in 1970 as Kibale Forest Project-KFP by Dr. Thomas Struhsaker, a renown primatologist and scholar from Duke University, USA, the project was handed over to Makerere University for its long-time survival by Dr. Struhsaker, shortly before his departure in 1987.
The high-quality research being conducted at this world renown field station is being conducted by local and international scholars and includes:

  • Ecological & Behavioral Studies of Various Animal Species in KNP.
  • Studies of Forest Regeneration in Logged & Formerly Encroached Areas.
  • Long-term Ecological Monitoring of Kibale National Park Eco-Systems.
  • Socio-Economic & Ecological Studies Including Crop Raiding By Park Wildlife.

27th July 2010: Signing MOU between the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University South Africa (NMMU) and Mak

The MOU is aimed at making it possible exchange 2 students on continuing basis for each academic year.

27th July 2010: Launch of the Africa Institute for Strategic Animal Resource Services and Development (AFRISA)

AFRISA is a Public-Private Academic Partnership Platform, where the two parties have come together through special agreements, to establish problem solving programs. The primary objective of AFRISA is to reposition and align animal sector education, research and services in the diverse Animal Resources Value chains to meet national, regional and International demands. This will be done alongside promoting holistic and superior Skills, Technology, and Innovation for Production, Employment, Health and Development.

27th July 2010: Public lecture by Dr. Thoraya Ahmed Obaid (UN Under-Secretary General)

The public lecture was on “Reproductive Health and Rights- Perspectives for further Development in Africa” Dr. Thoraya is also the Executive Director of UNFPA.

26th July 2010: ACBF Grant Signing Ceremony

The African Capacity Building Foundation (ACBF) signed a grant with the Economic Policy Research Centre (EPRC) aimed at supporting regional initiatives in the areas of specialized training, policy analysis, applied policy research, negotiation and policy advocacy.

15th July 2010: Handover of book donation from the Swedish Embassy

The Swedish Embassy handed over boxes of books to the Dept. of History, Faculty of Arts. These books were given to the department in 2009.

13th July, 2010: Signing MOU between Mak, University of Southern Carlifornia and IBM East Africa Limited (IBM)

This MOU is meant to establish a collaborative institute (Joint Institute for Mobile Innovations JIMI)

12th July 2010: Signing MOU between Makerere and Orange (U) Ltd.

This collaboration is in areas limited of but not limited to; ICT Application Development, Research and Development, Joint Community Outreach Projects and Knowledge Exchange. It will run for 3years.

9th July 2010: A farewell party for Top Management whose contracts ended this year

This took place at the Makerere Guest House gardens. Some of the top management members included the former Vice Chancellor Prof. Livingstone Luboobi.

8th July 2010: Meeting with Wellcome Trust UK

A delegation from Wellcome Trust, UK led by the Head, Sir. Mark Wallport paid a courtesy call on the VC. Discussions touched on offering Post-Doctoral training in form of academic fellowships to Makerere University staff so as to enhance their research skills, and strengthen health workers’ capacity in Africa, as well as partnering on virus research.

8th July 2010: Meeting with University of Sydney.

The Vice Chancellor met with a team from the University of Sydney and held talks on a partnership aimed at providing scholarships for postgraduate degree programmes in areas of Public Health, Medicine as well as other disciplines in the Australian University.

6th July 2010: Tripartite letter of Agreement for RUFORUM, Fac. of Agric and The National Crops Resources Research Institute

This is aimed at supporting research and training of one student (Dr. Okori). The amount involved is USD 10,000, a laptop and computer.

5th July 2010: 7th Vice Chancellors Media briefing

The 7th monthly media briefing featured the Institute of Statistics and Applied Economics and the Faculty of Technology. The Vice Chancellor made presentations on the successful restructuring and revision of academic programmes by all units by the 30th June 2010 deadline, Capital Investments: Public Private Partnerships (PPP) to develop Makerere land through the Build Operate Transfer (BOT) arrangement, and the issuance of transcripts from August to October 2010 for students meant to graduate in January 2011. He also made presentations on the repair of the road network within the University and halls of residence, redesign/beautification of the Main Gate by the Faculty of Technology & MTSIFA, minor repairs on halls of residence by the Estates and Works Department except for Lumumba hall, which was earmarked for the Renovate Operate Transfer (ROT) arrangement with the private sector, and the setting up of a Technical Committee to handle the issue of academic programmes’ revision at MUBS.

2nd July 2010: Signing MOU between Bergen University College Norway and Mak

The purpose of this MOU is academic and research collaboration. This was under the Dept. of Nursing, Medical School. It will run for 5years

2nd July 2010: Signing MOU between Hawassa University Ethiopia and Mak

The purpose of this MOU is to promote cooperation in teaching and research between the two universities. It will run for 5years

1st – 2nd July 2010: Qualilty Assuarance MURM workshop

Makerere University Management held this all day workshop at L. Victoria Hotel, Entebbe

 

Denis Wamala

Continue Reading

General

AR Department Bids Farewell to Mr. Ssentongo and Ms. Akoli

Published

on

Mr. Charles Ssentongo (C) and Ms. Betty Akoli (3rd R) are joined by Staff and Family to cut cake at the farewell luncheon on 18th September 2026. Farewell Luncheon held by Department of Academic Registrar in honour of Mr. Charles Ssentongo, Deputy Academic Registrar – Undergraduate Admissions and Records and Ms. Betty Akoli, Assistant Academic Registrar presided over by Ag. Academic Registrar Ms. Prossie Nakayiki, 18th September 2026, Senate Conference Hal, Level 4, Senate Building, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

By Gerald Ochwo

On Friday 18th September 2026, the Department of the Academic Registrar, Makerere University, held a befitting farewell ceremony in honour of Mr. Charles Ssentongo and Ms. Betty Akoli, who have retired from University service upon attaining the mandatory retirement age of 60 years.

Mr. Ssentongo retires as Deputy Academic Registrar in charge of Undergraduate Admissions and Records, after 26 years of dedicated service to the University, a journey he began in 2000. Ms. Akoli retires as Assistant Academic Registrar.

Ms. Prossie Nakayiki (L) poses with Mr. Ssentongo (C) and Ms. Akoli (R) shortly after presenting them with their plaques. Farewell Luncheon held by Department of Academic Registrar in honour of Mr. Charles Ssentongo, Deputy Academic Registrar – Undergraduate Admissions and Records and Ms. Betty Akoli, Assistant Academic Registrar presided over by Ag. Academic Registrar Ms. Prossie Nakayiki, 18th September 2026, Senate Conference Hal, Level 4, Senate Building, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Ms. Prossie Nakayiki (L) poses with Mr. Ssentongo (C) and Ms. Akoli (R) shortly after presenting them with their plaques.

The farewell, held in the Senate Building Conference Hall, was presided over by Ms. Prossie Nakayiki, the Acting Academic Registrar, and was attended by members of the Senior Management Team and staff of the Academic Registrar’s Department.

In recognition of their distinguished and spotless service, the two retirees were awarded institutional plaques and assorted gifts from the Department and individual members of staff.

Mr. Ssentongo and Ms. Akoli receive gifts from staff of their former Units including Mr. Justus Karegyeya (2nd L) the Ag. Deputy Academic Registrar, Undergraduate Admissions and Records. Farewell Luncheon held by Department of Academic Registrar in honour of Mr. Charles Ssentongo, Deputy Academic Registrar – Undergraduate Admissions and Records and Ms. Betty Akoli, Assistant Academic Registrar presided over by Ag. Academic Registrar Ms. Prossie Nakayiki, 18th September 2026, Senate Conference Hal, Level 4, Senate Building, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Mr. Ssentongo and Ms. Akoli receive gifts from staff of their former Units including Mr. Justus Karegyeya (2nd L) the Ag. Deputy Academic Registrar, Undergraduate Admissions and Records.

Mr. Ssentongo and Ms. Akoli’s retirement follows that of other senior members of the Department, including Mrs. Patience Mushengyezi, who retired earlier this year.

The Department of the Academic Registrar remains deeply indebted to Mr. Ssentongo and Ms. Akoli for their highly committed, exemplary, and dedicated service to Makerere University. We wish them a happy, healthy, and fulfilling retirement.

Ms. Betty Akoli receives a gift from a former colleague. Farewell Luncheon held by Department of Academic Registrar in honour of Mr. Charles Ssentongo, Deputy Academic Registrar – Undergraduate Admissions and Records and Ms. Betty Akoli, Assistant Academic Registrar presided over by Ag. Academic Registrar Ms. Prossie Nakayiki, 18th September 2026, Senate Conference Hal, Level 4, Senate Building, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Ms. Betty Akoli receives a gift from a former colleague.

We celebrate you.

More photos from the event: https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjD5btz

Mak Editor

Continue Reading

General

Prof. Sarah Ssali shares institutional best practices ahead of The Trust Summit

Published

on

Prof. Sarah Ssali, Panelist, Virtual Round Table on Restoring Trust in Academia and the Knowledge Economy, September 15, 2026. Graphic: X/@GTSummit2026

Prof. Sarah Ssali the First Deputy Vice Chancellor in charge of Academic Affairs (DVCAA) at Makerere University was one of the panelists that addressed the complex challenges facing African higher education during a Virtual Round Table on Restoring Trust in Academia and the Knowledge Economy held September 15, 2026. The event was organised by Strathmore University as part of the pre-summit events for The Trust Summit (TTS), due to be held in Nairobi, Kenya from October 21-23, 2026.

She was also welcomed in her capacity as the Director of the African Research Universities Alliance (ARUA) Centre of Excellence in Notions of Identity, a platform she used to deliver warm regards from the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe. Other panelists included; Dr. Vincent Ogutu-Vice Chancellor, Strathmore University and Prof. Gilbert Kokwaro-Director, Institute of Healthcare Management, Strathmore University Business School, while the Moderator was Dr. Maureen Syallow-Senior Lecturer, Strathmore University.

In her submission, Prof. Ssali emphasised the need to understand that universities are working in a turbulent times, and do not deserve to be at the receiving end of some of the challenges being ascribed to them. She added that challenges affecting society ought to be handled in partnership with other stakeholders and key players.

An example of this kind of criticism is on the question on the quality and integrity of degrees that has come up severally and is being fueled by the fact that not many graduates can find gainful employment after completing university.

“We have many more people living longer, getting educated, and chasing fewer jobs. For example, in the case of Uganda, we graduate around 40,000 students per year, but only 700 jobs are being created in the public sector per year” she noted.

Turning to the need to maintain standards and trust, Prof. Ssali outlined the rigorous systems already in place. These include holistic curriculum development involving stakeholders such as the National Council of Higher Education, Government Ministries, and the National Planning Authority.

Prof. Ssali also highlighted the importance of quality assurance, international benchmarking, and constant evaluations. She nevertheless conceded that despite having all these efforts in place, universities still face immense pressure from ranking systems and the need to prove their worth.

Reflecting on the historical debate regarding the role of an African university, she contrasted the school of thought advocating for global competitiveness with that emphasising practical relevance to local development challenges, concluding that taking the middle path; globally competitive and locally relevant, remains the viable option.

Addressing the issue of trust directly, Prof. Ssali noted that universities, just like the aviation and healthcare industries, are more concerned with what systems are in place to correct any errors should they arise.

She explained that just as one plane crash does not shut down the aviation industry, a single failure in a university does not warrant shutting it down. Instead, the focus should be on checking the black box, correcting errors, and improving standards to ensure the institution continues to serve its purpose.

Elvis Lubanga, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Elvis Lubanga

Continue Reading

General

“We are moving in the right direction” Prof Nawangwe to Press

Published

on

Seated: Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe (C) flanked by Prof. Sarah Ssali (2nd L) and Prof. Moses Musinguzi (2nd R), Members of Management and other officials (Seated and Standing) at the Press Conference on 15th September 2026. Vice Chancellor's Press Conference, VC's Boardroom, Main Building, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

Addressing members of the Media at the Vice Chancellor (VC)’s September 15, 2026 Press Conference, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe shared that Makerere University rose 295 places moving from 1,071st in 2025 to 776th in the July 2026 Webometrics Ranking of World Universities. This is a noteworthy improvement on a global scale and on continental level, where the university moved from 13th place earlier this year to 11th.

Still in the right direction, the number of graduate students completing their studies at Makerere has nearly doubled over the past five years as the University steps up efforts to improve training and research output. The completion rates have increased from 1,588 in 2023 to 1,874 in 2024, 2199 in 2025 and 2,922 in 2026.

The Vice Chancellor attributed this growth partly to government funding and digital systems that have been set up to track student progress.

Improving the Academic Environment

In alignment with VC, the First Deputy Vice Chancellor in charge of Academic Affairs (DVCAA), Prof. Sarah Ssali assured the media that a number of quality assurance measures have been put in place to improve the university’s core functions. These range from assessment forms that enable students to evaluate their courses and provide feedback that can be used to improve teaching and learning as well as research environments.

In line with digitalisation of University processes, Prof. Ssali noted that the Academic Management Information System (ACMIS) enables supervisors, colleges and University Management to identify delays in student progress and take corrective action.

The system currently empowers students to track their academic progress and print their own testimonials, and in future, transcripts, without having to queue up. These services are accessible by students who have fulfilled their tuition obligations.

Infrastructure Development

The Acting Second Deputy Vice Chancellor in charge of Finance and Administration (DVC F&A) and Principal, College of Engineering, Design, Art and Technology (CEDAT), Prof. Moses Musinguzi, shared that the university has undertaken extensive infrastructure expansion and renovation projects, with funding from government, philanthropists and donors.

“One of the infrastructures being the building that is going to house the graduate school, among others” he elaborated.

Research News – FLOWERS Project

Makerere University prides itself as a thought leader in knowledge generation for societal transformation and development. Makerere researchers and partners have launched the FLOWERS Project — Facilitating Local Organic Waste Exchange for Regenerative Systems. Led locally by Assoc. Prof. Charles B. Niwagaba, the two-year project (2026–2028) aims to turn restaurant food waste in Kampala into animal feed and organic fertiliser. Project Kick-off Meeting: https://news.mak.ac.ug/2026/09/makerere-partners-kick-off-flowers-project-to-turn-restaurant-waste-into-a-regenerative-resource/

Upcoming Events highlighted

Makerere Marathon
The sixth edition of the Makerere University Marathon will take place on Sunday, 27 September 2026, starting and finishing at Freedom Square. Marathon kits are available at UGX 50,000 and can be purchased online via https://shorturl.at/Vjovo

The Annual Makerere Guild Medical Camp
The camp will be held from 17th to 18th September 2026, starting at 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., in the Freedom Square. The Camp is organised by Guild leadership under the Office of the Dean of Students. Link: https://events.mak.ac.ug/events/2026/09/17/816

The Press Conference was graced by Members of Management, Staff and the media fraternity who were all appreciated for their contribution informing the public about developments at Makerere. This press briefing is part of the media engagements organised by the university Public Relations Office aimed at fostering open communication lines with the public through the media. It happens every two months with the previous one having taken place on 15th July 2026.

Please see Downloads for the Press Statement and its supporting documents.

Photography by Benite Uwase, Public Relations Office, Makerere University

Elvis Lubanga, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Elvis Lubanga

Continue Reading

Trending