General

July 2010 events

Published

16 years ago

January 25, 2011

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

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

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)

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

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 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

8th July 2010: Meeting with University of Sydney.

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

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

General

Makerere Urges New Scholarship Beneficiaries to Prioritise Academics and Personal Safety

Published

1 day ago

September 21, 2026

Allan Ainematsiko

Makerere University has urged female students admitted under the Makerere University Council Tuition and Functional Fees Waiver Scholarship for the 2026/27 academic year to take the opportunity seriously, focus on their academic performance, and stay alert about their personal safety.

The message was delivered during an orientation for the scholarship beneficiaries at the Senate Conference Hall, where officials from the Gender Mainstreaming Directorate welcomed the students and shared guidance on academic success, security, mentorship, and responsible social conduct.

The Chief Gender Mainstreaming Officer cautions students on safety and self-reliance

Dr. Euzobia Mugisha Baine, Chief Gender Mainstreaming Officer, congratulated the students on receiving the scholarship and urged them not to take it for granted.

She advised them to seek information from the relevant university offices instead of relying on assumptions or what fellow students tell them, and to keep records of official communication whenever they raise concerns or follow up on university matters.

***Dr. Euzobia, Chief Gender Mainstreaming Officer, giving her remarks***

Dr. Baine said students should take responsibility for their own security, warning them not to trust strangers easily and urging them to be careful about where they go and who they interact with.

She also reminded them that strong academic performance is required to keep the scholarship, and encouraged them to ask for help early whenever they face academic, social, or other challenges instead of waiting until the situation becomes harder to manage.

Students urged to aim for first-class results

The officers welcomed the students and encouraged them to put their studies first, urging them to aim for first-class academic results during their time at Makerere.

Mr. Eric Tumwesigye & Dr. Lillian speaking to scholars

They advised them to use the academic support available to them, including help from course mates and any tutorials or mentoring offered within their colleges, and not to hesitate to seek assistance when they have concerns about their results or coursework.

The GMD team also spoke to scholars about personal safety, cautioning students against accepting help from strangers, including with luggage or transport, and referred to a recent incident in which a student’s belongings were stolen. She urged them to stay alert as they settled into university life.

Focus on academic foundations and safe social conduct

Other speakers, including Ms. Susan Mbabazi, who is the Principal Gender Officer, Ms. Abilat Lozirah, and Cynthia Ayaa Kamaketch emphasised the need to build a strong academic foundation from the start of the semester. They encouraged students to attend lectures regularly, read beyond classroom notes, use university resources such as internet access and the library, and develop steady study habits instead of waiting until exams are near.

A section of female students awarded the Makerere University Council Tuition and Functional Fees Waiver Scholarship for the 2026/27 academic year listening to Mr. Eric Tumwesigye, the Principal Gender Officer and Head of the Students Affairs Division during their orientation at the Senate Conference Hall.

They also warned students to be careful when meeting people they do not know well, advising them to hold academic discussions and social meetings in open, public spaces such as Freedom Square rather than in private rooms.

The students were also encouraged to seek mentorship from university staff and others who could guide them in their academic and career development, and to identify a mentor before leaving the orientation.

The orientation also pointed students to key university services and locations they should know, including the university health facilities, the Makerere Police Post, the Counselling and Guidance Centre, and places of worship on campus.

Speakers reminded the students that the scholarship gives them a chance to pursue their education at Makerere University, and that keeping it depends on their discipline, academic performance, and willingness to seek support when needed.

General

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

Published

4 days ago

September 19, 2026

Mak Editor

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 18^th 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

General

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

Published

7 days ago

September 16, 2026

Elvis Lubanga

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.