At the Vice Chancellor’s monthly press briefing held on 5th March, 2012, in the Makerere University Council Room, the College of Humanities and Social Sciences presented a number of developments to the media fraternity.
The Ag. Chair, Department of Journalism and Communication, Dr. Aaron Mushengyezi, informed the media that the Masters of Arts Programme in Journalism and Communication had been reinstated. He noted that the Department will resume teaching the programme next academic year 2012/2013. The programme was put on hold last academic year due to lack of senior staff.
According to Dr. Mushengyezi, the staffing situation continues to improve and by August 2012, the Department will be in a better position to administer the programme. Dr. Mushengyezi pointed out that some of the senior lecturers who are currently on leave are expected to resume duties in August this year while the University Administration authorized appointment of more staff to replace those who left. Associate Professor Goretti Nassanga, who is currently on sabbatical leave and Mr. William Tayeebwa who is on study leave in Canada are expected to resume their duties in the Department in August this year.
He said the University had also appointed new members of staff namely Dr. Patricia Litho, Mr. John Baptist Imokola and Ms Florence Namasiga to address the human resource gap that we have been facing. He further noted that the University had regularized the appointment of Mr. Fred Kakooza and Mr. Wilson Kaija who have been serving on temporary contracts.
Dr. Mushengyezi re-affirmed the commitment of two former members of staff in the Department, Dr. Monica Chibita and Dr. Peter Mwesige, to continue offering part-time services to the Department in form of graduate teaching, supervision and examining dissertations when the M.A. programme is reinstated.
Department of Journalism and Communication wins UNESCO Grants
Dr. Aaron Mushengyezi
Dr. Mushengyezi also said the Department of Journalism had won two grants funded by UNESCO worth USD 52,000. One is a joint project with Daystar University in Kenya worth USD 27,500 which will enable the two Departments to carry out a training of trainers programme in new media journalism, participate in a curriculum review programme and conduct staff exchange visits in critical areas of need.
The second grant worth USD 25,590 will enable the Department to conduct a study on the media landscape in Uganda using the Media Development Indicators (MDIs).
NGO Forum offers research fellowships, 50 internship places to students
Meanwhile, the Chair, Department of Political Science and Public Administration in the School of Social Sciences, Dr. S.K Simba, informed the media that the Uganda National NGO Forum had offered eight research fellowships to Masters students in the School of Social Sciences, College of Humanities and Social Sciences undertaking research on NGO/Civil Society. He also said the same organization had offered 50 internship places to undergraduate students in the School of Social Sciences starting this year.
The grants are a result of the Memorandum of Understanding between the Uganda National NGO Forum and the School of Social Sciences at Makerere University. The MoU is aimed at setting up a formal collaboration and cooperation mechanism to among other factors increase the level of understanding and appreciation amongst students on the work and contribution of civil society to Uganda’s development.
Dr. Simba said the grants will reduce the burden for students searching for internship placement.
Makerere to recognize UPDF officers
Dr. Simba also announced that Makerere University will soon start offering a Masters of Arts Degree in Defense and Security Studies and a Diploma in Defense and Security Studies to students at the Senior Command and Staff College, Kimaka. The programme will be co-jointly taught by dons in the Department of Political Science and Public Administration in the School of Social Sciences at Makerere University and officers at Kimaka.
The programmes for the award of the MA and Diploma in Defense and Security Studies are still being reviewed by various units at the University to ascertain their relevance.
The affiliation of the Senior Command and Staff College, Kimaka to the School of Social Sciences at Makerere University was approved by the University Council in 2011.
Government warned against neglecting humanities (Arts disciplines)
At the same media briefing, the Ag. Principal, College of Humanities and Social Sciences, Prof Oswald Ndoleriire, cautioned the government against promoting the teaching of sciences at the expense of the humanities. He noted that government’s policy of promoting science subjects in schools has created bias among students undertaking or intending to pursue art subjects, yet for the sciences to thrive, the community must appreciate what’s around them.
Prof. Ndoleriire said that while government’s emphasis on the sciences is a good strategy and should avail human resource and laboratories for the same cause, no society can develop without humanties. He explained that people must be taught to appreciate their culture which can be done through teaching arts to bring up leaders and thinkers for a developed society.
The Academic Registrar, Makerere University invites persons with disability who applied for admission to public universities under the Disability Scheme for 2025/2026 academic year to appear for medical/review exercise at Makerere University, Senate Building, Level Two (2) in the Telepresence Centre.
Note: Only those who have the minimum entry requirements of at least two principal passes at A’ Level and at least five (5) Passes at O’ Level or the equivalent will be interviewed.
Only candidates candidates who sat A’ Level in 2024, 2023 and 2022 are eligible for admission.
The exercise will be conducted on 26th, 27th, 28th, 29th and 30th May, 2025 respectively from 9.00 a.m – 1.00 p.m. each day.
Important:
a)If you fail to appear on any of the given days above, there will be no other chance for you.
b) Applicants who are beneficiaries of other Government Scholarships are not eligible for admission through the Disability Scheme.
Makerere University on Thursday 15th May, 2025 embarked on a two-day induction exercise spearheaded by the Directorate of Human Resources for newly appointed staff, whose tenures commenced in the 2024/2025 financial year. Held in the Senate Conference Hall, day one of the induction was presided over by the Acting (Ag.) Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic Affairs)-DVCAA, Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi, who represented the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe.
Warmly welcoming the new staff, Prof. Buyinza congratulated the ladies and gentlemen upon choosing Makerere University as the workplace for embarking on their next phase of professional growth, self-discovery, and personal development.
Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi addresses new staff during the induction.
“You are joining a century-old institution with a distinguished history and a deeply rooted culture of academic excellence” Prof. Buyinza remarked. “For over 100 years, Makerere has nurtured the intellectual talents of young people and contributed meaningfully to the development of society across the globe,” he added.
The Ag. DVCAA nevertheless tipped that although the onboarding process might overwhelm staff with a lot of information, it is all meant to enable them better understand their roles, the benefits due them, and the unique opportunities that come with working in a world-class institution. Prof. Buyinza therefore encouraged new staff to contribute to the attainment of Makerere’s Mission, connect with the vibrant community they are now part of, enjoy the beautiful greenery the campus affords, and take advantage of professional development as well as well-being promoting programmes.
“At Makerere University, the well-being, safety, and professional growth of our staff are priorities. We are committed to walking this journey with you, and to building an institution that is not only a place of work but a place of inspiration and belonging” Prof. Buyinza reassured.
Mr. Deus Tayari Mujuni (2nd Right) responds to a question as Left to Right: Mr. Amon Muteganda, Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi and Mr. Emmanuel Kitamirike listen.
In his welcome remarks, the Chief Human Resources Officer, Mr. Deus Tayari Mujuni congratulated the new staff upon successfully completing the rigorous process the resulted into their respective appointments. He equally thanked the Vice Chancellor for endorsing the induction ceremony with not only budgetary support but also his representation.
Reiterating the need to appreciate the culture, politics and dynamics of the institution that they are now part of, Mr. Mujuni tasked new staff to take time and appreciate the University Vision, Mission and Objectives, and ensure that they adhere to them. He equally urged new staff to read and understand the various university policies and where in doubt, consult the relevant offices.
Ultimately, he urged staff in the fulfilment of their duties and responsibilities not to disregard their individual goals. “You have aspirations that you must achieve as an individual and I encourage you not to neglect them.”
Mr. Amon Muteganda congratulated the new staff upon their respective appointments.
The University Council as the supreme governing body of the university is also the policy making body, whose Appointments Board oversees the appointment, promotion, removal from service, and discipline of all university staff and officers. The representative of Staff with Disabilities on University Council, Mr. Amon Muteganda Kabahima who chaired the session on University Governance equally congratulated new staff.
“You underwent a tough process full of various competitive stages and we are sure that we have the right people for the various jobs” he commended.
Addressing aspects of University Governance and the key Offices, the University Secretary and Secretary to Council, Mr. Yusuf Kiranda guided that the policies and regulations that govern the institution are broad, numerous, and as such cannot adequately be covered over the two-day induction. He nevertheless encouraged staff to visit the University Policies website and appraise themselves with the details, not only for avoidance of breaching them but also building a culture voluntary compliance.
Mr. Yusuf Kiranda made a presentation on University Governance and Key Offices.
Mr. Kiranda equally encouraged staff not to ascribe importance and respect to colleagues based on rank and titles but seek to esteem each and every member of staff as an important and vital contributor to the fulfilment of the University’s Vision and Mission.
“We are all equally important in this university; the person whose services the university does not require, it does not hire. As long as you are here, you are required” he explained.
The University Secretary equally called upon staff to familiarize themselves with the law that establishes and governs public universities; the Universities and Other Tertiary Institutions Act (UOTIA). In his presentation, he singled out section twenty-four (24) that outlines the objectives of a public university in Uganda, as well as sections 30 to 32 that prescribe various offices’ responsibilities.
Mr. Kiranda equally encouraged staff to read the Human Resources Manual, Policy and Regulations against Sexual Harassment (PRASH), the Safeguarding Policy, among others. He concluded by reiterating the need for staff to read and appreciate the policies that directly address their welfare and steer clear of negative narratives and discourse, particularly those that seek to weaponize discourse. Other topics to be covered during the two-day induction include; the University Strategic Plan, Financing, Research-led Agenda, Institutional Communication and Public Relations and the Makerere University Retirement Benefits Scheme (MURBS). Topics to be covered on day two include; Legal Instruments, The Collegiate System, Human Resources Management and Functions, as well as Policies on Gender Equality and Sexual Harassment. Others include; Academic Issues, Quality Assurance, Procurement, Audit, and Library Resources.
Candidates who scored 50% and above passed the examination and have been recommended to the Admissions Committee for consideration. However, the candidates who passed have to submit an application where Bachelor of Laws is among the programme choices in the application system here: https://apply.mak.ac.ug.
Those who are not satisfied with their results may appeal within two weeks from the date of the release of results.
The list includes the different categories of applicants namely: A-level, Diploma Holders, Degree Holders and Mature-Age: