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Reality Check on Multiparty Politics in Uganda

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“Rather than keeping quiet and dying with these critical ideas, I have decided to write the political issues I have been observing over a period of time,” said the courageous author.

“Rather than keeping quiet and dying with these critical ideas, I have decided to write the political issues I have been observing over a period of time,” said the courageous author.

Assoc. Prof. Yasin Olum, School of Social Sciences, Makerere UniversityThe re-introduction of multiparty democracy in Uganda is now in its fifth year. Rather than sitting and watching as events unfold, our very own, Dr. Yasin Olum has decided to courageously put it on paper.

Dr. Yasin Olum, a renowned political science a scholar is an Associate Professor in the Department of Political Science and Public Administration, School of Social Sciences, College of Humanities and Social Sciences (CHUSS).

He has authored a book titled: “Reality Check: Multiparty Politics in Uganda.”

This book, which was launched on Tuesday 13th December 2011 presents an assessment of the development, challenges and prospects of multiparty politics in Uganda. The author, Dr. Yasin Olum informed the academics, scholars, staff and students gathered in the Main Hall that he had used the lense of history to be able to trace where Uganda is coming from in multi-party politics.

Key lessons from the book: It will always be difficult for a semi-authoritarian regime to allow a fully fledged multiparty system to thrive. That such a semi-authoritarian regime will always endeavor to amass all it can. Sometimes, being tempted to tamper with the Constitution! You will also appreciate the role of religion, ethnicity and women in multiparty politics in Uganda.

Dr. Barnabas Nawangwe (R) represented the Vice Chancellor at the Book Launch. Left is the Author Assoc. Prof. Yasin OlumOn behalf of the Vice Chancellor, Dr. Barnabas Nawangwe, Principal, College of Engineering, Design, Art and Technology (CEDAT) commended the author for a brilliant publication detailing major events that have influenced the political, legal, economic and social spheres in this
country.

Dr. Nawangwe said he would work with his team in CEDAT to write a book on the role of technology in multiparty politics.

At the book launch, the academicians were tasked to reflect on these questions: “Why has the role of the academia diminished in political debates?” Where are the voices of the academicians and scholars in the oil debates?

The author, Dr. Yasin Olum said that in case anyone had a divergent opinion, or felt that some ideas had been left out, they should write another book to counter his publication.

The Book was published by Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung (KAS).

Downloads

Reality Check: Multiparty Politics in Uganda: pdf(865KB)

For details, please contact the author:

Associate Professor Yasin Olum,
Department of Political Science and Public Administration,
E-mail: yolum@ss.mak.ac.ug

 

 

 

Denis Wamala

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Re-advert: Admission to Undergraduate Programmes 2025/2026

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The Academic Registrar, Makerere University invites applications from Ugandan, East African, and international applicants for the undergraduate programmes under Self Sponsorship Scheme for the 2025/2026 Academic Year.

Each applicant should:

a) Have the Uganda Certificate of Education (UCE) with at least five passes, or its equivalent and at least two 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 2020 are eligible to apply. For evening, afternoon, and external programmes, a candidate is not restricted on the year of sitting A’ Level.

OR

d) Degree from a recognised /Chartered Institution

Further details on the re-advertised programmes , fees structure, and the procedure of submitting applications can be accessed from the document below: 

The closing date for submitting applications is Tuesday 22nd July 2025.

Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi
ACADEMIC REGISTRAR

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Undergraduate Admissions List: Mop-up/Appeals 2025/2026

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The Office of Academic Registrar, Makerere University has released lists of Successful appeals and supplementary lists. Below is a list arising from appeals of Government Sponsored candidates who have been admitted:

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Makerere University, DFCU Bank Sign MoU to Advance Innovation, Student Leadership and Research

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Officials from Makerere University and DFCU Bank pose for a group photo at the Main Building Entrance after the MoU signing ceremony on 4th July 2025. Makerere University and DFCU Bank Limited sign a three-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) designed to enhance academic excellence, advance research and innovation capabilities, and provide crucial student support services through key activities; Annual Tumusiime Muteile Lecture, MakRun and Student activities, 4th July 2025, Council Room, Main Building, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

By Eve Nakyanzi and Atwenda Nancy

Makerere University and DFCU Bank have today signed a three-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to bolster innovation, student leadership, research and community impact initiatives.

The collaboration which will see the equipping of the Disability Support center for students living with disabilities through the MAK run and more leadership trainings for students will begin this July.

“The MoU will strengthen research collaborations across sectors like agriculture and health and it will also support the Mutebile Centre to assist private sector growth, which is crucial in lifting Africa out of poverty,” said Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, the Vice Chancellor.

Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe (R) flanked by Mr. Charles Mudiwa (L) makes his remarks at the MoU signing ceremony. Makerere University and DFCU Bank Limited sign a three-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) designed to enhance academic excellence, advance research and innovation capabilities, and provide crucial student support services through key activities; Annual Tumusiime Muteile Lecture, MakRun and Student activities, 4th July 2025, Council Room, Main Building, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe (R) flanked by Mr. Charles Mudiwa (L) makes his remarks at the MoU signing ceremony.

Speaking during the event, Mr. Charles M. Mudiwa, the DFCU Bank Chief Executive Officer, welcomed the move, noting its alignment with the bank’s mission to transform lives and support national development through four pillars: funding, financial inclusion, enterprise development, and vocational education.

“This MoU crowns years of effort and shared intent between our institutions,” he stated.
Mr. Mudiwa highlighted the bank’s commitment to skilling youth through internships, curriculum development, and support for innovation hubs and centres of excellence at the university.
“We consume the graduates of Makerere. In our most recent graduate intake of 87, 60% were Makerere alumni. The bank allocates around 30 internship positions annually to equip young people with the skills necessary for future roles within the institution,” Mr. Mudiwa, noted.

Representing the student body, Guild President His Excellency, Sentamu Churchill James, commended the partnership as a timely intervention that will empower youth, support SMEs, and expand internship and leadership development opportunities.

Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe (2nd L) presents a framed portrait of the Main Building to Mr. Charles Mudiwa (C) as L-R: University Secretary-Mr. Yusuf Kiranda, 91st Guild President-H.E. Ssentamu Churchill James and Acting Deputy Vice Chancellor (Finance and Administration)-Prof. Winston Tumps Ireeta witness. Makerere University and DFCU Bank Limited sign a three-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) designed to enhance academic excellence, advance research and innovation capabilities, and provide crucial student support services through key activities; Annual Tumusiime Muteile Lecture, MakRun and Student activities, 4th July 2025, Council Room, Main Building, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe (2nd L) presents a framed portrait of the Main Building to Mr. Charles Mudiwa (C) as L-R: University Secretary-Mr. Yusuf Kiranda, 91st Guild President-H.E. Ssentamu Churchill James and Acting Deputy Vice Chancellor (Finance and Administration)-Prof. Winston Tumps Ireeta witness.

“Students are the heartbeat of the university. This collaboration will empower youth and strengthen their role in national development,” His Excellency Ssentamu, said.

About MAK RUN 2025

The Makerere Run 2025 (#MakRun2025), hosted by the Makerere University Endowment Fund (MAKEF) on 17th August 2025, returns for its fifth edition as Kampala’s premier charity marathon, uniting 8,000+ runners—students, alumni, corporate teams, and elite athletes—to tackle the city’s iconic hills under the theme “Run the Hills for the Future.” This landmark event combines competitive racing with transformative impact, channeling proceeds to strengthen Makerere University’s community programs while offering unmatched branding opportunities for partners through Kampala’s largest university-led sporting spectacle.

The Mak Run, scheduled this year for August 17th, is a flagship initiative that mobilizes students, staff, alumni, and partners to raise funds for projects such as the Disability Support Unit and the Student Centre.

The Writers are Interns in the Public Relations Office, Makerere University

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