Connect with us

General

Reality Check on Multiparty Politics in Uganda

Published

on

“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

Continue Reading

General

Call for Research Support Applications from Master’s Students who have Completed their First Year of Taught Classes at Makerere University

Published

on

Call for Research Support Applications from Master’s Students who have Completed their First Year of Taught Classes at Makerere University. Photo: Nano Banan 2

Makerere University, in partnership with Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Independent University of Bangladesh, Eduardo Mondlane University, and Pokhara University, with funding from Norwegian Programme for Capacity Development in Higher Education and Research for Development (NORHED), is implementing a project: ‘Co-creating Knowledge for Local Adaptation to Climate Change in LDCs (COLOCAL).

The expected outputs of the project include strengthened educational and research capacity, improved knowledge on inclusive Locally Led Adaptation (LLA) and Community Based Adaptation (CBA) including delivering skilled knowledge co-creators, and partnerships to support needs-driven, locally-based and contextually sensitive adaptation. The outputs are anticipated to influence policy, planning and practice around LLA and CBA through collaborative learning and knowledge translation.

In line with targets and activities for 2026/2027, COLOCAL project is offering research support for three (3) Master’s students who have completed their first academic year of taught classes at Makerere University and are interested in undertaking research under one of the following thematic areas. The students MUST have undertaken the course offered under the auspices of the project on Disability, Social Justice and Climate Resilient Development.

Requirements:

  • A first degree from a reputable university in a field related to the focus of the project
  • Ugandan citizen below 35 years
  • Good command of English (spoken and written)
  • Demonstrated interest in inclusive and climate resilient development
  • Evidence of practical experience in conducting relevant research during and after undergraduate level
  • Evidence of full payment of all university fees for the first academic year
  • The Masters programme being undertaken MUST have explicit content on climate change mitigation and adaptation
  • Special consideration will be given to students with disabilities, financial challenges, students from ethnic minority groups, internally displaced students, among others

Scholarship and study/research conditions

Availability to complete all research activities in a maximum of 10 months.

Scope of the scholarship

The project will specifically cover stipends and support for field activities only. Support with tuition fees, for the research year, will be provided for students who will complete and submit the research thesis for examination within 10 months from the date of receiving the scholarship offer letter.

How to apply

Interested and eligible candidates should submit the following documents: Application letter, research concept note of not more than 2 pages, academic transcripts/certificates, an updated CV (including contacts of at least two referees) and two recommendation letters.

Send applications via email to: colocal.caes@mak.ac.ug, not later than 20th May, 2026. This contact can as well be used for inquiries, where necessary.

Mak Editor

Continue Reading

General

Request For Consultancy Services: Training & Digital Solutions Expert

Published

on

Infectious Diseases Institute (IDI) Request For Consultancy Services: Training & Digital Solutions Expert. Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa

The Makerere University Infectious Diseases Institute (IDI) Limited implemented a Gates Foundation training program dubbed “Principle of Management Excellence for Research training” PRIMER in francophone countries, namely, Mali, Cameroon and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). This training was delivered by content experts and experienced practitioners, not professionally trained experts. As such, limiting the quality of slide decks, which were largely fragmented with text rather than graphical and infographic elements that suit a mature audience. To effectively deliver a research training program, advanced, engaging, and efficient tools are critical for fostering audience engagement and participation, and for learning and assessment in research management excellence. To achieve this, IDI seeks to hire an expert to:

  1. design and deliver a set of integrated advanced slide decks combining text, visual learning materials (graphical and infographics) and case scenarios
  2. develop a virtual bilingual community learning platform (VBCLP), i.e. with in-built French and English to engage alumni,
  3. develop and automate a pre-course assessment system that potential trainees fill out, and it automates results that are presented in statistical form for easy interpretation and decision making.

Details: https://shorturl.at/Rzn8d

Apply to: EAkankwasa@idi.co.ug

Deadline: 5 June 2026, 5 PM EAT

Mak Editor

Continue Reading

General

Makerere University Waste Management Boosted by Centenary Bank

Published

on

Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe (3rd L) shakes hands with Centenary Bank's Mr. Sunday Julius (C) as L-R: Mr. Simon Kizito, Prof. Sarah Ssali, Prof. Henry Alinaitwe, Mr. Paul Agaba and SSP Kaheebwa Geoffrey applaud on 11th May 2026. Donation of 30 waste bins by Centenary Bank’s Makerere Branch as part of ESG objectives, 11th May 2026, Freedom Square, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda.

Waste Management efforts at Makerere University have been boosted by a donation of 30 waste bins by Centenary Bank’s Makerere Branch. The bins received on Monday 11th May 2026 in the Freedom Square by the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe in the company of the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic Affairs), Prof. Sarah Ssali, Deputy University Secretary, Mr. Simon Kizito and other officials were handed over by the Branch Manager, Mr. Sunday Julius.

Appreciating the donation from Centenary Bank on behalf of University Management, Prof. Nawangwe noted that Makerere University strives to maintain “the cleanest environment in Kampala”, especially as a good example to future leaders, the students.

Donation of 30 waste bins by Centenary Bank’s Makerere Branch as part of ESG objectives, 11th May 2026, Freedom Square, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda.
Some of the 30 bins donated by Centenary Bank Makerere Branch.

Acknowledging earlier donations to the Halls of Residence by Centenary Bank, Prof. Nawangwe described the ceremony as “the beginning of a long journey of collaboration in environmental stewardship,” with separation of plastics from biodegradable waste earmarked as the next step in user education.

In his remarks, Mr. Sunday noted that the donation was in line with the Bank’s Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) objectives, particularly the Social component, where supporting institutions with waste management facilities to enhance hygiene is key. “It is important for Centenary Bank to give back to the society where it makes money”, he emphasized.

Officials pose for a group photo after the donation ceremony. Donation of 30 waste bins by Centenary Bank’s Makerere Branch as part of ESG objectives, 11th May 2026, Freedom Square, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda.
Officials pose for a group photo after the donation ceremony.

Describing Makerere University as the “main institution that Centenary Bank operates a branch”, Mr. Sunday recognised the donation as a step in the right direction with a valuable partner.

The newly-donated bins will be placed in various public locations under supervision of the Estates and Works Directorate.

Mark Wamai

Continue Reading

Trending