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 Government of Uganda and AFRISA in Collaboration with Makerere University invites applicants for Diploma and Certificate programs tenable at the College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Bio-security (COVAB).
Makerere University has today Wednesday, 9th June 2025 officially unveiled NCBA Bank Uganda as the Platinum Sponsor of the Makerere University Endowment Fund (MakEF)’s flagship initiative – the Makerere University Marathon. Formerly known as a fun run, the initiative was rebranded on 27th March 2025 during the launch of its Fifth Edition. This year’s event, #MakRun2025, is slated for 17th August 2025 under the theme “Run the Hills for the Future”.
MakEF Board Chairperson, Dr. Maggie Kigozi.
Addressing the Media at a press conference this afternoon, the MakEF Board Chairperson, Dr. Maggie Kigozi remarked, “We are deeply honoured and excited to unveil NCBA Bank Uganda as the Platinum Sponsor of #MakRun2025, with a landmark commitment of UGX 1.45 billion over the next five years.”
Dr. Maggie Kigozi shows her support for #MakRun2025.
Dr. Kigozi further described the unveiling as “a strategic partnership built on shared values and a common vision for inclusive education and sustainable impact,” adding that it would “fast-track the establishment of a fully equipped Disability Support Unit for students living with disabilities, and to build a sustainable pool of funds to support Economically Disadvantaged Students.”
Appreciating the generous sponsorship, the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe acknowledged that NCBA Bank had not only made history as the biggest corporate sponsor of #MakRun to date but also aligned with Makerere’s vision to improve the quality of student life. “This is a powerful gesture of trust in our mission and a demonstration of deep corporate citizenship”, he added.
Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe makes his remarks.
Prof. Nawangwe further thanked NCBA for recognizing that an investment in Makerere University is an indirect investment in the future of Uganda. “The Makerere Marathon is not just a race. It is a movement to establish a fully-fledged Disability Support Unit for students living with various forms of disabilities, and to build a sustainable fund for Economically Disadvantaged Students.”
The Vice Chancellor therefore rallied staff, students, alumni, partners and friends of Makerere to match NCBA’s generous support with vigour and commitment, so as to make #MakRun2025 the most impactful edition since its founding.
Mr. Mark Muyobo makes his remarks at the press conference.
The Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Mark Muyobo thanked Makerere University for giving NCBA Bank Uganda the opportunity to play its part in “shaping Uganda’s future one student, one community, one strength at a time,” adding that #MakRun is a symbol of hope for students living with disabilities as it speaks to Makerere’s core values of inclusion, equity, and excellence.
On a rhythmical note, Mr. Muyobo remarked that the #MakRun2025 theme is “not just about finishing lines, it is about opening doors; giving opportunities to those who are disabled. It is about promoting active lifestyle.”
Runners get flagged off for an evening run after the unveiling ceremony.
#MakRun2025 will for the first time feature a full 42.2km marathon race with international accreditation and professional timing along a dedicated traffic-free route.
“These are not just upgrades, these are bold steps towards building a world-class international marathon right here in Kampala. We are proud to be the wings at your back as you take this leap because when Makerere University, the beacon of higher learning in Uganda grows stronger, the ripple effects are felt across the region and across the continent” Mr. Muyobo affirmed.
Mr. Mark Muyobo (L) and Dr. Maggie Kigozi (R) pose with the signed MoU.
To officially seal the deal, a Memorandum of Understanding was officially signed between Makerere University and NCBA Bank Uganda, and thereafter, a dummy cheque of UGX 1.45 billion was presented to Dr. Maggie Kigozi as the Vice Chancellor, Members of Management and NCBA staff witnessed.
Left to Right: Mr. Mark Muyobo, Dr. Maggie Kigozi and Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe pose for a photo at the Main Building entrance.
The Directorate of Graduate Training (DGT) in conjunction with CARTA’s Emerging and Re-emerging Infectious Diseases (TERID) Research Hub and the East–Spark Project completed a two days Doctoral (PhD) academic supervisors training under the theme: “Empowering Academic Supervision Training in Eastern Africa: Sparking Potential, Advancing Research, and Knowledge (EAST-SPARK).”
The training took place between 2nd and 3rd July 2025 at the College of Business and Management Sciences’ (COBAMS) School of Business conference hall.
In his opening remarks, the Director of Graduate Training Prof. Julius Kikooma challenged the team to set clear and manageable objectives for graduate students under their supervision so that they can complete their doctoral studies on time.:
“Set expectations at the beginning of the research journey of PhD students under your supervision. Resist working with students that are not objective. Set a time frame with in which the student is able to do their research so that they are able to finish their doctoral studies on time.”
He added, “The issue of supervising graduate research is very vital because there needs to be seamless progression of the graduate students.”
Prof. Kikooma further highlighted that the target in the strategic plan is to have 30% graduate students enrolled in the next five years. Currently, it is about 17%.
“We need to get everything right in this training. Our biggest issues are in the supervision process flow of the graduate students. Graduate supervisors need to listen to students and equally the students need to listen to the supervisors. The graduate supervision journey is simple with open communication and immediate feedback between the two parties.”
This will help us in creating a new breed of academia and researchers that Makerere university and the country as a whole need.”
Director of Graduate Training Prof. Julius Kikooma
Prof. Kikooma further added “Take the excellence you have to represent the university. Ensure you have all they policies on your fingertips so that you guide the students well.”
In his remarks, Prof. Ibrahim Okumu (representing the Principal, COBAMS) said that such a training was necessary and it was a right move towards standardization of doctoral training in the region.
“What does it take to standardize doctoral and graduate studies? We need to create unison in the region and learn by doing. Doctoral studies are vital and cannot be taken for granted. We need to continue creating critical thinkers ready to nature research programs. These trainings are enablers in this journey.”
He added, “Let us blend the old and young birds in this training so that we share knowledge and experience to nature and grow the dreams of the doctoral students. Nature the inner person, not imposing yourself on to the student. Enable them to open up while doing their research and they will have a good and seamless doctoral academic journey.”
Prof. Ibrahim Okumu
Dr. Drago Kato Charles, a trainer and a senior Lecturer at the Department of Biomedical Laboratory Technology at CoVAB said, “These trainings are continuous professional development programs aimed at refreshing doctoral supervisors every now and then. They are vital and needed by the mixture of the young, intermediate and senior supervisors.”
He added, “These senior supervisors share knowledge and experience on what is going on in the world of education. The young come to learn from old supervisors. The goal is to increase completion and quality of the PhD output. In totality, such a training aims to improve quality and mentorship on how to facilitate and handle graduate student supervision.”
He added that the trainees were taking the obtained skills to their schools and colleges to produce more quality doctoral and graduate students which would lead to growth of economies since every country needs PhD researchers to drive economic transformation and policy developments as well as implementation.
Dr. Peter Ssenkusu, a senior lecturer in the Department of Foundations and Curriculum studies in the School of Education said, “The training modules are extensively researched. The areas covered are very pertinent for doctoral supervision.”
Dr. Stephen Ojiambo Wandera, a facilitator and a Senior Lecturer at the Department of Population Studies in the School of Statistics and Planning at COBAMS added, “The vision for Makerere University is to be a research led institution. To be research-led university, we need to promote graduate teaching and learning. To achieve this, graduate students need supervisors that are well trained and skilled. We will also continue to do retooling for experienced supervisors.”
Dr. Byaruhanga Micheal Bruce from the Department of Biochemistry and Tourism, a lecturer and a participant said, “Whoever thought about this training did something very important. I thought all I was doing in supervision was normal until this training came. I did not know that some issues I knew would let the students off the course while others would keep them on. I want to ensure that all I have learnt is put into action. The modules have been very enriching. We need more of such trainings, probably for more than two days.”
Dr. Tukae Mbegalo, a guest trainer from Mzumbe University in Tanzania said, “The training is very relevant considering the diversity of the participants which include the young and senior researchers because of sharing the experiences which include delays and the relationships between supervisors and supervisees.” He added, “As supervisors, our emphasis is on scientific writing which we should instill in the students. Scientific writing leads to consistency right from problem setting, objectives, methodology and aligning it to the results so that we improve the quality of the doctoral outputs.”