General

Counselling and Guidance Services

Published

16 years ago

February 8, 2011

The Counselling and Guidance Centre is here to help you address personal or emotional challenges that may affect you while studying or working in Makerere University. The Counselling and Guidance Centre works closely with all university units to enable students realize their academic and personal potential and to assist staff in addressing psychological issues that may affect them in living worthy and productive lives. The service is offered by professionally trained and experienced counselling psychologists. Counselling is free and confidential.

Location
The Makerere University Counselling and Guidance centre (CGC) is currently located at the University Hospital occupying offices 22,23,24,25 the lower part of the hospital premises. (The location is to change soon to plot 106 Mary Stuart Road opposite Mary Stuart Hall).

Brief History
The Counselling and Guidance services were started on a voluntally basis in the mid 1970’s where some staff decided to come out and offer free services to students. In 1987, the service was officially set up within the university but it was until January 2005, when the centre obtained formal council recognition as an autonomous unit during the 100th meeting of the University Council held on 15th December and 19th January 2005. The centre currently has three staff members and in the process of recruiting more five.

Mandate
The Counselling and Guidance centre is mandated to provide quality counselling and guidance services to the Makerere University community i.e students and staff and their families. The centre is also charged with the responsibility of overseeing the counselling and guidance services within the university. The centre is also mandated to carry out research on issues affecting peoples’ lives particularly those in the university community or prospective students (where need be).

Vision
To have wholesome members of Makerere University community

Mission
To provide professional counselling and guidance services to students and staff so as to achieve personal and educational goal.

Services
The centre provides services to enhance academic success and further educational goals for Makerere University students. The Counselling and Guidance Centre provides several services these include:

Individual Counselling
Career Guidance and Counselling
Academic support services
Group Counselling
Organising outreaches to halls of residence and hostels
Organising seminars and workshops for students and staff
Self-help print and online materials
Staff services

Staff also need support from the Counselling and Guidance Centre. Their issues and services may be different from those of students but may equally affect their productivity at the University. The centre staff is also available to consult with administrative offices, faculty and staff about issues affecting staff and student welfare and development.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is Counselling?
Counselling has diverse definitions but there are common elements in all definitions. Counselling is concerned with using psychological principles to enhance and promote the positive growth, well-being, mental health of individuals, families, groups and broader community. Counselling is generally done with well adjusted people and therefore it is meant to foster or improve the normal functioning of an individual by helping one solve problems, make decisions and cope with stresses of everyday life. It looks at helping the individual accomplish life tasks, and facilitate personal development. It enhances human potential and quality of life across the lifespan. It uses remedial, preventive and educational/developmental interventions while addressing emotional, cognitive, behavioural and interpersonal difficulties.

How do I know I need counselling?
Questions, choices, concerns and changes are all a normal part of life. Sometimes we can work through them on our own or with the help of friends and family. Sometimes, they can feel too private, overwhelming or complicated to share with someone we know. The people who provide us support can also be part of what’s bothering you. When this is case, talking to a professional can provide a safe, neutral, confidential setting to explore your concerns and move toward making changes to improve your situation.

Is counselling confidential?
University Counseling Center records are confidential and not part of or connected in any way to your academic records. There are, however, some exceptions to confidentiality. Counselors are required by law to release certain information in situations that involve harm to yourself or others, in instances of child or elder abuse, or as a result of a court order.

What are some of the reasons students and staff seek counselling?

Concerns about relationships
Problems with school or studying
Work relations
Work/home related stress
Questions about your future
Adjusting to university life and being away from home
Wanting to improve your family relationships
Wanting to be more assertive or improve your self-confidence
Consuming alcohol or other drugs more than you’d like
Difficulty balancing all the demands of student life
Thinking about ending your life
Grieving over the death of someone close to you
Difficulty taking care of your normal ‘day to day’ life
Concerned about someone close to you
Recovering from unwanted sexual contact or violence
Carrying a secret that you’ve never told anyone, but wish you could

etc
It is also okay if you don’t know exactly what you want to address, we can help you figure that out as well.

How do I know I need individual or group counselling?
When you speak with a counselor during your initial assessment, the counselor will discuss with you the different services available and his/her recommendations given your particular situation.

What are the qualifications of the Counselling and Guidance STAFF?
Our staff includes Counselling psychologists and counsellors. We also refer clients for medical and psychiatric services in case it is needed.

Is there charge for services?
There is no charge for these services. All services are entirely free of charge.

Do I need to make an appointment?
No. During the working hours there will always be somebody to offer you service. However, in case you need an appointment with a particular staff you will be free to make

Opening times 8:30am – 5:00pm Monday to Friday.

Counselling and Guidance Centre (CGC) Staff

Currently the centre has 3 full time professional staff and two support staff. We are soon getting more psychologists. Their details may be viewed by clicking the link below

Back to the Counselling and Guidance Centre

Vision
To have wholesome members of Makerere University community

Mission
To provide professional counselling and guidance services to students and staff so as to achieve personal and educational goal.

Individual Counselling
Career Guidance and Counselling
Academic support services
Group Counselling
Organising outreaches to halls of residence and hostels
Organising seminars and workshops for students and staff
Self-help print and online materials
Staff services

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Concerns about relationships
Problems with school or studying
Work relations
Work/home related stress
Questions about your future
Adjusting to university life and being away from home
Wanting to improve your family relationships
Wanting to be more assertive or improve your self-confidence
Consuming alcohol or other drugs more than you’d like
Difficulty balancing all the demands of student life
Thinking about ending your life
Grieving over the death of someone close to you
Difficulty taking care of your normal ‘day to day’ life
Concerned about someone close to you
Recovering from unwanted sexual contact or violence
Carrying a secret that you’ve never told anyone, but wish you could

etc
It is also okay if you don’t know exactly what you want to address, we can help you figure that out as well.

Is there charge for services?
There is no charge for these services. All services are entirely free of charge.

Opening times 8:30am – 5:00pm Monday to Friday.

Counselling and Guidance Centre (CGC) Staff

Currently the centre has 3 full time professional staff and two support staff. We are soon getting more psychologists. Their details may be viewed by clicking the link below

Back to the Counselling and Guidance Centre

General

Makerere Urges New Scholarship Beneficiaries to Prioritise Academics and Personal Safety

Published

6 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

6 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.