General

March 2010 events

Published

16 years ago

January 25, 2011

March 2010

31st March 2010: Meeting with MPL Team:

The VC along with a team from Makerere University met with the Managing Director Monitor Publications Limited at their Namuwongo Headquarters. The move, according to the MPL Managing Director Dr Gitahi Githinji is aimed at creating awareness about the institution.

30th March 2010: Wireless Hotspots Launch:

Presided over by the Swedish Ambassador to Uganda H.E. Anders Johnson, the launch held in the Africa Hall Dining was a demonstration of a long mutual collaboration with Sida and its recognition of the importance of ICT as an integral facilitator for research, learning and instruction in higher institutions of learning.

27th March 2010: Gender Equality Awards Dinner:

The Gender Mainstreaming Division organized a dinner aimed at honoring female Professors from Makerere University held at the Sheraton Hotel Rwenzori Ballroom. The proceeds from the dinner will be used to enable female students from disadvantaged socio-economic background to access higher education. At the function attended by the VC, Professors Lillian Tibatemwa-Ekirikubinza, the Ag. deputy vice-chancellor of Academic Affairs, Makerere University, Joyce Kikafunda of the Department of Food Science and Technology, Makerere University, Harriet Mayanja of the Department of Internal Medicine, Makerere University, Grace Bantebya Kyomuhendo, the Department of Women and Gender Studies, Makerere University, Ruth Mukama, Institute of Languages, Makerere University, Joy Constance Kwesiga, vice-chancellor of Kabale University, Josephine Namboze, Public Health, Makerere University, Mary Okwakol, the vice-chancellor, Busitema University, Victoria Mwaka, Makerere University, Maria Musoke, Makerere University Library and Florence Mirembe of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University were honored.

26th March 2010: Dr. Matthew Lukwiya & MUSPH-CDC Certificate Awards Ceremony

The Makerere University School of Public Health-Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (MUSPH-CDC) HIV/AIDS fellowship program embraces the multi-sectoral approach to fighting the HIV/AIDS epidemic by taking on individuals from varied professional backgrounds and attaching them to organizations involved in crosscutting HIV/AIDS activities. This Program, one of a kind in the African region, emphasizes hands-on training through partnering with other institutions and providing a practical approach to program leadership and management training in Uganda.

24th March 2010: University of Zurich dinner:

A team from the University of Zurich alongside their counterparts from the College of Health Sciences met with the VC over dinner at Protea hotel.

22nd March 2010: IFIP Workshop:

The Faculty of Computing and Informatics Technology, Makerere University (CIT) and the International Federation for Information Processing (IFIP) Technical Commission 9 organized the workshop under the theme “ICT and Development Research Voices from Africa” Professor Venansius Baryamureeba was the chief guest at this event.

22nd March 2010: Google Team Meeting:

The VC along with a team from CIT and DICTS met the Google team from the US and Switzerland and discussed issues relating to enabling students and Staff to access subsidized laptops and notebooks.

15th March 2010: DBSA DF Courtesy call on VC:

A team from the Development Bank of South Africa – Development fund, DBSA DF led by the Chairperson of the Board; Prof. Brian Figaji visited Makerere and met with Prof. Lillian Tibatemwa-Ekirikubinza. The team was here to discuss matters relating to a Memorandum of Understanding between Makerere University and DBSA DF aimed at turning Makerere into a center of excellence for the delivery of the Executive Masters Programme in Water, Sanitation and Environmental Management.

12th March 2010: The Guild Presidential Debate:

The Makerere University Convocation in partnership with Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung organized this debate under the theme “The Renaissance of Makerere's Intellectual Legacy; my contributions” The event was held at The Main hall, Main Administration Building, Makerere University.

5th March 2010: Mawazo (OSSREA) Edition & Launch:

The Organization for Social Science Research in Eastern and Southern Africa (OSSREA) is a regional membership-based and donor-supported research and capacity-building organization whose mission is to promote dialogue and interaction between researchers and policy-makers in Eastern and Southern Africa with a view to enhancing the impact of research on policy-making and development planning. The Mawazo (OSSREA) Special Edition, Vol 9 No 1 was launched at a ceremony officially presided over by The Academic Registrar, Mr. Alfred Masikye Namoah at the Oral History Documentation Center, in the History Department, Faculty of Arts.

4th March 2010: The Mak/UVRI Infection and Immunity Research Training Programme:

Makerere University/Uganda Virus Research Institute (UVRI) Infection and Immunity Training Program held their Young Scientists' Symposium at the Food Science and Technology Conference Hall, Makerere University.

1st March 2010: 3rd Vice Chancellors Media briefing

The 3rd monthly media briefing featured the Faculty of Agriculture and the Institute of Environment and Natural Resources. The Vice Chancellor congratulated Advanced Level leavers upon the release of their results and encouraged the media to refrain from causing anxiety about the shortage of places for University Admission. He also informed the media that the Jinja Campus opened its doors on 1st March 2010 initially offering only BIT, the commencement of work by the Academic Programmes Restructuring Committee, and on infrastructural development, which would see library space double from 4,000sq meters to 8,000sq meters. The Vice Chancellor then presented on the improved accessibility through creation of a Western Gate into Sir Apollo Kaggwa road, measures undertaken by the university to keep in touch with the alumni, parents and former parents, and the encouragement to students to start on their undergraduate research early so as to improve on the quality of output.

March 2010

31st March 2010: Meeting with MPL Team:

30th March 2010: Wireless Hotspots Launch:

27th March 2010: Gender Equality Awards Dinner:

26th March 2010: Dr. Matthew Lukwiya & MUSPH-CDC Certificate Awards Ceremony

A team from the University of Zurich alongside their counterparts from the College of Health Sciences met with the VC over dinner at Protea hotel.

22nd March 2010: IFIP Workshop:

22nd March 2010: Google Team Meeting:

The VC along with a team from CIT and DICTS met the Google team from the US and Switzerland and discussed issues relating to enabling students and Staff to access subsidized laptops and notebooks.

15th March 2010: DBSA DF Courtesy call on VC:

12th March 2010: The Guild Presidential Debate:

5th March 2010: Mawazo (OSSREA) Edition & Launch:

4th March 2010: The Mak/UVRI Infection and Immunity Research Training Programme:

1st March 2010: 3rd Vice Chancellors Media briefing

General

Makerere Urges New Scholarship Beneficiaries to Prioritise Academics and Personal Safety

Published

3 hours 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

2 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

5 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.