As the oldest university in Uganda, Makerere University is truly leading by example. In a bid to boost girl child education, the university has embarked on a study to investigate effects of early ICT exposure. This came after a joint study revealed that female students are less likely to use Information Communication Technologies (ICTs), compared to their male counterparts due to limited exposure at an early stage.
While undertaking the study, Makerere University researchers found out that most of the Ugandans conversant with computer technology got exposed at the secondary school level. “The school system is the first point of contact for the majority of computer technology users in Uganda “observed Dr. Alice Ndidde a Senior Lecturer in the College of Education and External studies.
She also observed that schools largely exhibit deep seated negative stereotypes against girls and female teachers’ use of technology. Dr Ndidde confirmed this by highlighting that from the study, it was revealed that in one of the secondary schools, 99.3% of the computer users were boys with girls only constituting 0.7%, an alarming disparity.
Additionally, the study noted that there was more focus on teaching ICT and less on integrating it into teaching and learning. As such, students registered less improved levels of participation, self-direction learning, confidence levels, and self esteem in the use of ICT.
Schools that integrated ICT use also saw students being motivated and willing to study science subjects that have traditionally been believed to be difficult. Interestingly, the study also revealed that private schools have more ICT infrastructure than the prestigious public schools.
However, despite the positive impact of ICT integration, there are still challenges which have faced the implementation of the solutions to problems revealed by the study. They include:
Inaccessibility to ICT facilities mainly due to poverty
Under utilization and gender disparities in the integration of ICT into learning and teaching
Inadequate computer infrastructure and internet connectivity in most of the learning institutions
The high number of male teachers over female teachers in ICT, especially in rural areas.
In order to mitigate these challenges, the study provided recommendations such as encouraging females and males to participate in ICT at an early age and equally urging parents and guardians to ensure that girls and boys both use computers and ICT facilities equally without discrimination. The study further called for the training of teachers in transferring knowledge and skills around gender issues equally, and planning activities which encourage both boys and girls to develop ICT skills, among others.
Article by Toku Paul, Intern, Makerere University.
As the oldest university in Uganda, Makerere University is truly leading by example. In a bid to boost girl child education, the university has embarked on a study to investigate effects of early ICT exposure. This came after a joint study revealed that female students are less likely to use Information Communication Technologies (ICTs), compared to their male counterparts due to limited exposure at an early stage.
While undertaking the study, Makerere University researchers found out that most of the Ugandans conversant with computer technology got exposed at the secondary school level. “The school system is the first point of contact for the majority of computer technology users in Uganda “observed Dr. Alice Ndidde a Senior Lecturer in the College of Education and External studies.
She also observed that schools largely exhibit deep seated negative stereotypes against girls and female teachers’ use of technology. Dr Ndidde confirmed this by highlighting that from the study, it was revealed that in one of the secondary schools, 99.3% of the computer users were boys with girls only constituting 0.7%, an alarming disparity.
Additionally, the study noted that there was more focus on teaching ICT and less on integrating it into teaching and learning. As such, students registered less improved levels of participation, self-direction learning, confidence levels, and self esteem in the use of ICT.
Schools that integrated ICT use also saw students being motivated and willing to study science subjects that have traditionally been believed to be difficult. Interestingly, the study also revealed that private schools have more ICT infrastructure than the prestigious public schools.
However, despite the positive impact of ICT integration, there are still challenges which have faced the implementation of the solutions to problems revealed by the study. They include:
Inaccessibility to ICT facilities mainly due to poverty
Under utilization and gender disparities in the integration of ICT into learning and teaching
Inadequate computer infrastructure and internet connectivity in most of the learning institutions
The high number of male teachers over female teachers in ICT, especially in rural areas.
In order to mitigate these challenges, the study provided recommendations such as encouraging females and males to participate in ICT at an early age and equally urging parents and guardians to ensure that girls and boys both use computers and ICT facilities equally without discrimination. The study further called for the training of teachers in transferring knowledge and skills around gender issues equally, and planning activities which encourage both boys and girls to develop ICT skills, among others.
Article by Toku Paul, Intern, Makerere University.
The Academic Registrar, Makerere University invites applications from Ugandan, East African, and international applicants for the undergraduate programmes under the private sponsorship scheme for the 2025/2026 Academic Year for ‘A’ Level Leavers Only.
Each applicant should:
Have the Uganda Certificate of Education (UCE) with at least five (5) passes, or its equivalent and at least two (2) principal passes at Uganda Advanced Certificate of Education (UACE) obtained at the same sitting. For day programmes only candidates who sat A’ Level in 2024, 2023 and 2022 are eligible to apply. For evening, afternoon, and external programmes, a candidate is not restricted on the year of sitting A’ Level. Detailed information on the weighting system can be accessed by following this link.
Other relevant information can be obtained from UNDERGRADUATE ADMISSIONS OFFICE, LEVEL 3, SENATE BUILDING OR CAN BE found on the University Website https://www.mak.ac.ug. Effective Wednesday 16th April 2025.
A non-refundable application fee of shs.50,000/= for Ugandans, East African and S. Sudan applicants or $75 or equivalent for internationals plus bank charges should be paid in any of the banks used by Uganda Revenue Authority.
Candidates who hold grades X, Y, Z, 7 and 9 of ‘O’Levelresults should not apply because they are not eligible for admission. Below are the availble courses including respective fees structure.
Sign up by clicking on the REGISTER NOW. Use your full name, e-mail and Mobile No. Please note that your name must be similar to the one on your supporting academic documents for your application to be considered valid.
A password will be sent to you on your mobile phone and email.
The system will prompt you to change the password to the one you can easily remember.
To fill an application form, click on the APPLY NOW button displayed on the appropriate running scheme.
Obtain a payment reference number by clicking on “Pay for Form” Button
Make a payment at any of the banks used by Uganda Revenue Authority
MOBILE MONEY PAYMENT STEPS:
Dial *272*6# on either MTN or Airtel
Select option 3-Admission
Select option 3-Pay Fees
Enter reference number obtained from Application portal
Details of Application form will be confirmed
Enter PIN to confirm payment
The closing date for receiving applications to undergraduate programmes shall be Tuesday 20th May 2025.
WARNING:
Applicants are strongly warned against presenting forged or other people’s academic documents to support their applications for admission. The consequences, if discovered, are very grave indeed.
Do not buy any other documents not originating from the Academic Registrar’s Office. Those who buy them do so at their own risk.
The Academic Registrar has not appointed any agent to act on his behalf to solicit for additional funds other than the application fee stated above.
Applicants are advised to use the right programme names and codes. the university will not be responsible for any wrong information entered in the system by applicants.
The Director of Makerere University Jinja Campus, Associate Professor Ronald Kakungulu-Mayambala, has urged students to familiarise themselves with the Safeguarding policy aimed at creating a safer and more inclusive learning environment.
Speaking during the safeguarding policy sensitization meeting held today Tuesday, April 15, 2025 at the Civil Service College, Jinja, Prof. Kakungulu-Mayambala, emphasized the importance of awareness and adherence to the policy, which seeks to protect students, staff, and other stakeholders from all forms of abuse, harassment, exploitation, and discrimination.
“As Management we want every student to enjoy their stay at the University without being tormented and that can only happen, if students know their rights by reading about different policies on our website. You are meant to be living in a safe environment. We do not want anybody’s dream to be shattered or somebody to drop out from University,” Prof. Kakungulu-Mayambala, said.
Prof. Ronald Kakungulu-Mayambala, the Director Makerere University Jinja Campus.
In his speech, Prof. Kakungulu-Mayambala, also called upon students who have complaints but do not know the reporting lines, to approach staff safeguarding champions to make sure that they live in a safe environment.
Addressing guests, Emmanuel Muchake, the Guild Administrator at Jinja Campus, pointed out that the launch of the safeguarding policy is timely because as a University, without creating a conducive environment for teaching and learning, they will not have students graduate.
On Friday, April 4,2025, the Third Deputy Prime Minister and Minister without Portfolio, Right Honourable Lukia Isanga Nakadama, officially launched the Safeguarding Policy and commended Makerere University for crafting a policy that lays out the University’s framework for embedding viable safeguarding measures into its ethos and all institutional activities and processes to: Identify, detect, and act swiftly on safeguarding risks.
The Safeguarding Policy was developed in response to the growing need for institutions of higher learning to implement proactive measures that address concerns related to student welfare, mental health, gender-based violence, and power imbalances in academic settings.
Mr. Emmanuel Muchake addressing guests.
Some of potential safeguarding risks in Institutions of higher learning include emotional distress, Sexual Exploitation, Abuse and Harassment (SEAH); material loss, financial exploitation, discrimination and neglect, unfair and illegitimate response to civic engagements, cyber security/threats, psychological and emotional harm, substance abuse and physical assault. Discrimination and neglect which are often high risks for students with disabilities and international students.
The safeguarding policy sensitization meeting in Jinja Campus brought together students and staff in a meaningful dialogue on safeguarding issues affecting learning.
The event was graced by Dr. Rodney Rugyema, from the Dean of Students Office, who emphasized the University’s commitment to the well-being of all its members. In his remarks, he highlighted the importance of safeguarding policies in preventing abuse, harassment, exploitation, and other forms of misconduct within the Jinja Campus community.
“Safeguarding is not a one-time action, but a continuous culture of care and accountability. We all have a role to play in ensuring a safe and respectful space for learning and growth,” Dr Rugyema, said.
Dr. Rodney Rugyema (Left) and Prof. Ronald Kakungulu-Mayambala (Right) during the sensitization.
The sensitization session covered key topics including; recognizing signs of abuse, understanding reporting procedures on the MakSafeSpace and fostering mutual respect among peers.
Participants were encouraged to actively engage and reflect on their roles in upholding safety standards both on and off campus.
Students who attended the sensitization welcomed the initiative, with many expressing optimism that the policy would improve campus safety and encourage victims to come forward without fear of retaliation.
“We have seen issues go unreported in the past because students didn’t know where to turn. This policy provides clarity and assurance that the university is taking these matters seriously,” noted, a third-year student.
The University plans to conduct a series of sensitization workshops and distribute printed copies of the policy to ensure that every member of the campus community is well-informed. This initiative is part of Makerere University‘s broader strategy to reinforce its values of integrity, respect, and protection for all.
The Safeguarding Sensitization Meeting concluded with a collective pledge to uphold safety, dignity, and mutual respect within the University community.