General
Mak Bids Farewell to the old University Council
Bidding farewell, for most, is usually a sad affair. However, on this particular night, it was a time for appreciation and celebration! The Makerere University community came together on 11th January, 2011 to bid fare thee well to the outgoing Council that has served Makerere for the last four years.
Bidding farewell, for most, is usually a sad affair. However, on this particular night, it was a time for appreciation and celebration! The Makerere University community came together on 11th January, 2011 to bid fare thee well to the outgoing Council that has served Makerere for the last four years.
Praises filled the air as speaker after speaker commended the outgoing council for a job well done. And their response, words of encouragement and wisdom to the new council members.
“We are expecting a lot from you, especially in the area of policy. We are ready to work under your guidance.” Prof. Baryamureeba said to the new Council members, as he made his brief remarks.
In her personal reflection, Mrs. Christine Kiganda, the Vice Chairperson of the Makerere University Council (2002- 2010) confessed that her eight year tenure had been a profound experience that greatly changed the lives of her family. “It has touched and formed us so fundamentally that we will never be the same again.” Mrs. Kiganda emotionally highlighted.
Mrs. Kiganda confessed that she has lived through periods of both student unrest in the earlier years and the relative calm experienced today. Through close interaction with the students, Mrs. Kiganda’s experience has led her to understand that the majority of the students were genuinely struggling to understand and resolve issues at the university, all along being tempered by negative adult forces in the wider society.
“I would agree with bringing the students into all important forums and giving them hands on training in running their own and institutional affairs.” Mrs. Kiganda recommended.
The high profile affair was graced by some of Uganda’s influential personalities such as the Governor Bank of Uganda, the Southern Sudan Ambassador to Uganda, the University Secretary Busitema University, former Vice Chancellors and Deputy Vice Chancellors , Deans and Directors of Makerere University, among others.
In his speech, the former Makerere University Council Chairperson Hon. Matthew Rukikaire confidently assured the gathering that he believes that in repositioning the role of Makerere University in society, Makerere will no longer only be known as the ivory tower but as a university of learning and research whose products are delivered to promote the wellbeing of the country. He also challenged the university staff to move out and address real social issues, demand from government to be heard and play a role in government programmes.
“I have got no doubt that this new group is going to push forward Makerere, especially at a time when we, the former Council, have created stability and a better relationship with government and as Makerere now goes out to play a role with the extended society,” Hon. Rukikaire added.
In his first speech, the incoming Council Chairperson Eng. Dr. Charles Wana- Etyem praised his predecessor; Hon. Mathew Rukikaire for being a brilliant team leader and consensus builder. “It was indeed a privilege to serve with him in the previous council, but a greater privilege is for me to succeed him as the Chairman. I hope I will fit in his very large shoes,” Dr. Wana-Etyem remarked.
The new council consists of highly qualified men and women; the composition reflects a diversity of expertise and experience. There are members that bring on board the traditions of the 1960s like Mr. Stephen Maloba, members of the “dot com” era like Bruce Kabasa, among others. This rich composition will surely bring about a smooth and mature policy formulation and decision-making process.
Representing the Ministry of Education and Sports, Ms. Elizabeth Gabona deeply appreciated the efforts of the former University Council. “Thank you for loving Makerere and doing your very best!” She also thanked Makerere staff and the student body for the support they have given the council over throughout their term.
The Guest of Honour, Rt. Hon. Prime Minister, Apolo Nsibambi, while quoting Section 40 of the Universities and Other Tertiary Institutions Act, explained that the University Council is the supreme organ of the university and is therefore responsible for the overall administration of the university, and ensuring that the university duly implements its objects and functions. He thereafter commended the outgoing council for doing an excellent job.
“Your outgoing Council has registered many achievements as we have heard tonight. These achievements demonstrate no more than a vision, collective work and focused leadership of the Rukikaire-Kiganda led Council,” Prof. Nsibambi added.
The Makerere Community is confident that the new University Council will carry on with this legacy, as they take Makerere to even greater heights. The incoming Deputy Chairperson Council Dr. Katherine Namuddu in moving a vote of thanks commended the Office of the Vice Chancellor and the University Secretary Mr. David Kahundha Muhwezi, for successfully organising the colourful event. Mr. Muhwezi is also Secretary to the University Council.
Downloads
Reflections on two terms as Vice Chairperson: Mrs Christine Kiganda MS Word Version, PDFVersion, Postscript Version
Hon. Matthew Rukikaire's address: MS Word Version, PDFVersion, Postscript Version
Eng. Dr. Charles Wana Etyem's Inaugural address: MS Word Version, PDFVersion, Postscript Version
The Prime Minister Rt. Hon. Apolo Nsibambi's address: PDFVersion, Postscript Version
Article by Moreen Katushabe
General
Makerere University Set to Develop Curriculum to Transform Graduate Supervision and Mentorship
By Moses Lutaaya
KAMPALA – Makerere University is set to develop a curriculum for a specialized Certificate Course in Supervision and Mentoring for Graduate Training and Higher Education Management, in a move aimed at professionalizing graduate supervision and strengthening the capacity of academic staff to deliver quality postgraduate education.
The proposed programme will equip academic staff with advanced competencies in graduate-level teaching, research supervision, mentorship, and higher education management, while supporting the University’s agenda of improving the quality and relevance of graduate training.
The curriculum development process was discussed during a Stakeholders’ Curriculum Development Consultation Workshop held on Thursday, 18th June 2026 at the Senate Building Telepresence Hall, Makerere University.
The workshop, organized by the Directorate of Graduate Training in collaboration with the Centre for Teaching and Learning Support (CTLS), brought together curriculum specialists, academic staff, and higher education stakeholders to review and enrich the proposed curriculum before it proceeds through the University approval processes.
Participants included 11 lecturers from the College of Engineering, Design, Art and Technology (CEDAT), 3 from the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES), 2 from the College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Bio-security (CoVAB), 1 from the College of Humanities and Social Sciences (CHUSS), 4 from the College of Education and External Studies (CEES), among others.
The National Curriculum Development Centre (NCDC) was represented by Dr. Patrice Ssembirige, Deputy Executive Director in charge of Curriculum Review and Instructional Materials Development. The Centre for Teaching and Learning team was led by Dr. Dorothy Ssebowa, while Dr. Stephen Wandera coordinated the workshop.
Addressing participants, Prof. Julius Kikooma, Director Graduate Training at Makerere University, said the curriculum development initiative is central to strengthening graduate education and ensuring that academic staff are adequately prepared to support postgraduate learners.
Prof. Kikooma noted that Makerere University is targeting an increase in graduate student enrolment to 50 percent of the total student population, but emphasized that this ambition must be matched with investment in the capacity of academic staff who supervise and mentor students.
“We can get many graduate students, but if the people supporting them do not have the right tools and preparation, we will still have challenges,” Prof. Kikooma said.
He explained that the initiative responds to University policies requiring academic staff teaching graduate students to undergo pedagogical training, while those supervising graduate research must undergo specialized preparation in supervision and mentoring.
Prof. Kikooma said graduate supervision requires deliberate preparation because supervisors play a central role in shaping research quality, student success, and the overall effectiveness of postgraduate programmes.
He further emphasized Makerere University’s responsibility as a leading institution in the region.
“We have a double expectation. We must support the country to achieve its aspirations in national development, but we also have an expectation from other institutions to support them in building graduate training capacity. In that sense, we are a trainer of trainers,” he said.
Speaking on behalf of the National Curriculum Development Centre (NCDC), Dr. Patrice Ssembirige commended Makerere University for adopting a consultative and inclusive approach to curriculum development.
He noted that education systems globally are undergoing significant transformation, requiring continuous curriculum review and alignment with emerging needs.
“Education systems globally are undergoing significant transformation, and in Uganda, NCDC has been leading and spearheading the implementation of the competency-based curriculum,” Dr. Ssembirige said.
He explained that NCDC has developed competency-based curriculum frameworks at primary and lower secondary levels and is currently advancing reforms at upper secondary level, which feeds into higher education institutions.
Dr. Ssembirige said the new curriculum presents an opportunity to align graduate training with global trends, Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), international best practices, and national development priorities.
“As we develop this curriculum, we need to align with global trends, SDGs and international best practices. We also need to undertake comparative analysis because curriculum reforms are taking place across East African Community states,” he noted.
He encouraged developers to ensure that the programme follows competency-based principles and equips participants with relevant 21st-century skills.
“Since we are talking about competency-based curriculum, we must be cognizant of the principles of competency-based education and ensure that we develop skills that fit the demands of the 21st century,” he added.
Dr. Dorothy Ssebowa, Director of the Centre for Teaching and Learning Support at Makerere University, said the initiative marks an important step in strengthening professional development for academic staff involved in graduate education.
She noted that effective supervision requires more than disciplinary expertise, but also skills in mentorship, communication, research guidance, ethics, assessment, and student support.
“The quality of graduate education depends on the quality of mentorship and supervision we provide. This curriculum will strengthen the capacity of academic staff to guide graduate students effectively, improve research outcomes, and uphold the standards expected of a leading university,” Dr. Ssebowa said.
She added that the Centre for Teaching and Learning will continue working with the Directorate of Graduate Training, academic colleges, curriculum specialists, and regulators to ensure the programme remains relevant and impactful.
During the workshop, stakeholders reviewed the proposed curriculum structure, course content, competency areas, assessment strategies, quality assurance mechanisms, and alignment with national and international standards.
Once finalized, the programme is expected to strengthen graduate supervision at Makerere University and serve as a model for professional development across higher education institutions in Uganda and beyond.
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