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Counselling and Guidance Services

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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  


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  

Denis Wamala

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Special Exam Results -Diploma in Performing Arts 2025/26

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The results for the 2025/2026 special entry examination for the Diploma in Performing Arts held on Saturday 17th May, 2025. Candidates who scored a final mark of 50% and above passed the Examination and have been recommended to the university’s Admissions Committee for consideration.

Mak Editor

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Mature Age Scheme Exam Results for 2025/2026

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The Office of Academic Registrar, Makerere University has released full results for the Mature Age Entry Scheme Examinations for the Academic Year 2025/2026 held on Saturday 14th December, 2024.

The Candidates who scored a final mark of 50% and above passed the examination and have been recommended by the Pre-Entry & Mature Age Committee to the University’s Admissions Board for Consideration.

The Aptitude Exam  Results for 2025/2026 Academic Year released in February 2025 can be found here.

Mak Editor

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Call for Application: 2025 SNRM session 4 Summer School

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Participants in focused group discussions. Leiden-Delft-Erasmus East Africa Research Network (LEARN) in collaboration with the Urban Action Lab at Makerere University a workshop to deliberate strategies for mitigating the impacts of climate change in urban centres in the East African Region, Theme: “Resilient Urban Futures: Adapting Livelihoods to Climate Change”, 4th-5th September 2024, School of Public Health Auditorium, Kampala Uganda.

Context:
Natural resources in Africa are being depleted at an alarming rate due to several factors, including unsustainable human activities, climate change, and population growth. A primary condition of sustainable development is to ensure that the pressures do not exceed the environmental limits, and that demand for the resources does not exceed levels that can be sustainably provided by nature. Therefore, there is a pressing need for transformative, systems-thinking approaches and tools that can tackle the diverse challenges facing these systems. In Africa, this need is compounded by a lack of data and monitoring, which significantly hinders sustainable decision-making.

Investing in young scientists who are committed to take lead in sustainable management of Africa’s natural resources is very important. Capacity building of young scientists will enhance their knowledge and skill on sustainable natural resources and their involvement for implementation of the sustainable development goals (SDG’s) in Africa. To this effect, SNRM summer schools have been implemented in three sessions in 2019, 2020, and 2022 with support from Volkswagen Foundation; to build a critical mass of skilled and competent young natural resource scientists in Africa through training, capacity building and mentorship. Session 4 (2025) will target competent young scientists (MSc and PhD students) in Africa and Germany to further develop their knowledge and skills in systems thinking, advanced data collection and analysis, and application of emerging digital technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), internet of things (IoT), and embracing transdisciplinary approaches. In addition, we include an ideation workshop where students can work on real problems to come up with solutions for sustainable transformations in natural resource use.

Organizers: Leibniz Universität – Hannover (Germany), University of Antananarivo, University of Abomey Calavi (Benin), Makerere University (Uganda), University of Ghana (Ghana), University of Parakou (Benin), The Technical University of Kenya, with financial support from the Volkswagen Foundation (Germany).

Venue and dates: Nairobi, Kenya, 16-28 November 2025

Target: MSc and PhD students, early in the program of less than 35 years of age from any university/research institution in either sub-Saharan Africa or Germany with an interest in natural resources management.

Participants and Scholarships: The course is fully funded and open to 20 MSc and PhD students from Africa, and 5 from Germany. Funding will cover the costs of air ticket, accommodation, meals, visa, and transportation. However, participants will cover the cost of their travel health insurance.

Topics

SNRM Summer School Session 4: Transformative pathways in biodiversity management and conservation.
This summer school is designed to deliver four modules over a two-week period. The modules are designed to enable the students to acquire new ways of designing data collection protocols and analysis for transformative sustainable natural resources management.

Module 4.1: Data collection I
Skills in data collection for a transformative and sustainable management of natural resources (water, wildlife, forest, land, livestock, crops) monitoring and data collection techniques; remote monitoring tools, earth observation system data, e.g. satellite data sources, LIDAR, and UAV aerial images. Collect and analyse In-situ data on biotic and abiotic parameters, map and analyse data using R or Google Earth Engine, field data collection and retrieving data from online databases.

Module 4.2 Data management and processing
Introduction to tools and methods of managing large and diverse data sets of natural resources such as time series, spatial, directional, and multivariate data. Practicals will include data storage, organization and conversion into various formats using databases such as PostgreSQL and statistical programming software such as R and Python; scripts.

Module 4.3 Ecological monitoring, modelling and management
This module aims to teach participants how to anticipate and validate trends that can be observed in various ecosystems. Lectures include ecological monitoring and its design; population monitoring studies; metrics in population monitoring; methods for monitoring and assessing marine ecosystems; human ecology to socio-ecological systems; climate change impact of ecosystems; suitability assessments; overview of the principles underlying wildlife monitoring and prediction systems for climate change adaptation. Practicals will include field data collection (individual and group); ecological data analysis using R or PAST; modelling and experiencing the behaviour of complex systems using Vensim.

Module 4.4 Natural habitat restoration ideation lab
This module is designed to spur students’ innovation and creativity, and to help students comprehensively identify interdependencies across the 17 SDG goals. Participants will be trained on ideation processes for solutions and intervention for transformative natural resource management. They will work collaboratively in small groups on case studies and develop pathways of transformative sustainable natural resource management. Examples of projects include forest (mangrove) ecosystem and habitat restoration, improved technologies for agricultural production, nature-based solutions for improving water quality, and reversing land degradation.

Language: The course will be delivered in English. Participants are expected to be fluent in writing and speaking the English language.

How to apply

Applicants are kindly requested to fill in the application form available from https://snrmafrica.com/ and submit the following documents in English through the system.

  • a curriculum vitae (maximum 2 pages)
  • a letter of motivation (maximum 1 page)
  • a confirmation of university enrolment
  • a reference letter from the academic supervisor
  • project summary of MSc/ PhD project (1 page including objectives, methodology
    and key findings or expected outcomes).

Important dates
Application deadline: 30th June 2025.
Announcement of accepted applicants: 15th August 2025.
Confirmation of attendance by selected participants: 12th Sept 2025.
Summer school held: 16 – 28 Nov 2025.

Further information is available from

The secretariat info@snrmafrica.com
Dr Lydia Olaka lydiaolaka@tukenya.ac.ke
Prof. Dr. Hartmut Stuetzel stuetzel@gem.uni-hannover.de

Mak Editor

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