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Ngugi revitalizes Pan-Africanism as Mak honours Nyerere

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It is the 29th June 2013 at 2:00pm, the Makerere University Main Hall is bustling with activity as alumni, friends, staff members of Makerere University and well wishers stream in to join the historic commemoration of the University of East Africa, UEA, (1963 – 1970). The Main hall is filled with laughter as alumni greet each other with warm passionate hugs and handshakes. It has been years since they last saw each other. It has been years since they last shared a seat in this Main Hall. It has been years since they last returned to Makerere University, where it all started. Some of them have started graying and as they smile, the wrinkles on their faces emphasize the wisdom that only comes with age. All protocol is ignored for now. The alumni of UEA are simply happy to be back home. They walk in and out of the Main Hall to view the exhibitions on the side; as displayed by the three participating universities: Makerere University, University of Nairobi and University of Dar es Salaam. They finally settle in the Main Hall to participate in the other activities of the day.

The University Main Hall is at this moment transformed into what it was in the 1960s, when scholars from the continent and beyond came here to participate in powerful public debate and discourse. It was in this Main Hall that a strong spirit and sense of Pan Africanism was nurtured; a spirit that was to spread throughout the continent and cause major political paradigm shifts and result into independence of some of the African States. To bring this out clearly is the perfect choice of Africa’s celebrated writer, Prof. Ngugi wa Thiong’o, who is set to give a keynote address on ‘Makerere Dreams: Language and New Frontiers of Knowledge.’ Before the Keynote Speaker comes on stage, the Chairperson of Makerere University Council Eng. Wana Etyem welcomes all to Makerere University

Former Vice Chancellor, Prof. Livingstone Luboobi (2nd Row R) and Trinidad and Tobago High Commissioner to Uganda, H.E. Patrick Edwards share a light moment. Front Row is Rwot Ananiya Akera, Mwalimu Julius Nyerere's former Roommate while 3rd Row Right is Prof. Josephine Nambooze.
Former Vice Chancellor, Prof. Livingstone Luboobi (2nd Row R) and Trinidad and Tobago High Commissioner to Uganda, H.E. Patrick Edwards share a light moment. Front Row is Rwot Ananiya Akera, Mwalimu Julius Nyerere’s former Roommate while 3rd Row Right is Prof. Josephine Nambooze.

He reminds the gathering that this commemoration is part of the wider celebrations of 90 years of Makerere University and he is grateful for the initiators of the celebrations including former Acting Vice Chancellor, Prof. Venansius Baryamureeba. He is in the same vein grateful to the Vice Chancellor, Prof. John Ddumba-Ssentamu for steering the commemoration to such a tremendous moment. The Chairperson of Council is particularly grateful to the Government of Uganda for the continued support to higher education in the upcoming student loan scheme.
Amidst a thunderous applause, Eng. Wana Etyem then requests the alumni of the University of London and alumni of the UEA to stand up for recognition. They rise to their feet and wave to the crowd with wide jovial smiles. It is a happy hour.

The Keynote Speaker is introduced by the Makerere University Chancellor, Prof. Mondo Kagonyera.  “I was one of the first students to register for the UEA degrees. I went to the University of Nairobi. UEA must have been an innocent victim of political ignorance. Is it possible to resurrect the UEA in one form or another?” he wonders. “It is now my singular honour and pleasure to invite Prof. Ngugi wa Thiong’o to give the key note address,” he adds, as the crowd gives a befitting welcome to this illustrious son of Africa, who confidently walks to the podium clad in a white long sleeved shirt and a smile on his face. The Main Hall is filled to capacity, the gallery overflows. In the audience are Government officials including the former Prime Minister Hon. Apolo Nsibambi, cultural representatives like the former Katikiiro of Buganda Eng. J.B Walusimbi, Political leaders like the UPC President Olara Otunnu, Members of Staff from MUASA, MASA and NUEI, representatives from the diplomatic missions and students from both Makerere University and neighboring Secondary Schools.

The Nyerere family poses for a group photo with Rwot Ananiya Akera.
The Nyerere family poses for a group photo with Rwot Ananiya Akera.

“I find it interesting that people ask me where I was educated every now and then. They hope I will say an American or British University. But I always say I was educated at Makerere University, and I wrote my books in Makerere, Kampala,” said Prof. Ngugi in his opening remarks. “I feel truly grateful for the honour of bringing me back to the scene of many incredible memories. It was on this hill that year after year beginning in 1961, we celebrated the realization of a dream fought for in the streets of Dar, Nairobi and Kampala for over sixty years. The Makerere Student’s Guild with its tradition of free and fair elections had already undermined the colonial practices but anticipated this moment. I entered Makerere University in July 1959, a colonial subject of white settler state and left in 1964, a citizen of an independent black Republic. In a way, Makerere of my time was a personal paradise. Makerere opened the space of my imagination,” he reminisced.

Prof. Ngugi decried the absence of continuous works in native languages. “What we can question is the fact that our various fields of knowledge of Africa are in many ways rooted in the entire colonial tradition of the outsider looking in. Our knowledge of Africa is largely filtered through European languages and their vocabulary. How many historians, Africans and non-Africans alike, have ever written a single document in an African language? How many researchers have even retained the original field notes in words spoken by the primary informant? I have seen prizes being announced for the promotion of African literature but only on condition that the entries are not in an African language. Can you imagine the horror it would raise if someone offered a prize for the promotion of French literature but only on condition that the participants write in Zulu?” he added. He rebuked African governments for turning their backs on African languages by denying them resources.

Dr. Okello Ogwang (2nd L) and Dr. Susan Kiguli (L) after presenting the plaque to Prof. Ngugi wa Thiong’o (2nd R) as the Chancellor Prof. Mondo Kagonyera (R) beams.
Dr. Okello Ogwang (2nd L) and Dr. Susan Kiguli (L) after presenting the plaque to Prof. Ngugi wa Thiong’o (2nd R) as the Chancellor Prof. Mondo Kagonyera (R) beams.

Dr. Okello Ogwang, Dean of School of Languages and Literature and Dr. Susan Kiguli of the same School, presented Prof. Ngugi wa Thiong’o with a plaque for his keynote address and also as a prominent alumni of the school. He had paid a courtesy visit to the School earlier in the morning. The Deputy Vice Chancellor in charge of Academic Affairs. Prof. Lillian Tibatemwa-Ekirikubinza, thanked Prof. Ngugi wa Thiong’o for the address adding that he had indeed sent the congregation into deep thought on the need to generate scholarly material in indigenous languages.

A bronze bust of Mwalimu Julius Nyerere that was erected to mark the occasion.
A bronze bust of Mwalimu Julius Nyerere that was erected to mark the occasion.

A key highlight of the commemoration was the launch of the Mwalimu Julius Nyerere book, ‘Women’s Freedom: Women are Eagles, Not Chickens,’ and the unveiling of the Mwalimu bust by His Excellency Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, who was represented by Tourism Minister, Hon. Ephraim Kamuntu. The bust stands tall in bronze mounted on a white pedestal in the garden between Edge road and the Makerere University Main Road, overlooking the Freedom Square. From its position, one could rightly say that the late Julius Nyerere, with a smile on his face as seen in this bust, is staring at the historic Freedom Square, to remind all graduating from this Square to stay true to their heritage and carry on the spirit of Pan-Africanism. “With these accolades as the only Chancellor of the University of East Africa which we are celebrating today, it is worthy to have a Mwalimu Julius K. Nyerere Monument on the Main Campus of Makerere University, his proud alma mater. 

Mwalimu Nyerere’s efforts perhaps kicked off with his selflessness vision of a united Tanzania. President Nyerere and Sheikh Abeid Karume of Zanzibar were foresighted in uniting Tanganyika and Zanzibar to form Tanzania. The EAC later broke down in 1977 partly because the principled Nyerere was incompatible with Idi Amin,” said Hon. Kamuntu. The former Chairperson of Makerere University Council, Hon. Mathew Rukikaire, who doubles as a former Guild President of UEA in 1963, was grateful to President Yoweri Museveni for laboring to realize the dream of an integrated East Africa engineered by Julius Nyerere.

Dignitaries pose with a dummy of Mwalimu Julius Nyerere's book, ‘Women’s Freedom: Women are Eagles, Not Chickens,’
Dignitaries pose with a dummy of Mwalimu Julius Nyerere’s book, ‘Women’s Freedom: Women are Eagles, Not Chickens,’

Hon. Charles Makongoro Nyerere, a son to the late Julius Nyerere and a Member of the East African Legislative Assembly, thanked the organizers for honouring his father and emphasized that if Nyerere’s book had been written in current times, it would have indeed brought out many more prominent women both at local and international levels, who have raised to high profile positions. He was also grateful that the Gender Mainstreaming Directorate at Makerere University had deemed it fit to dedicate the proceeds from the sale of Mwalimu Nyerere’s book to help bright but disadvantaged female students attain education. Hon. Makongoro made a humble appeal that something should be done to change the fact that his late father is still the only Chancellor of UEA. He said his father would not have been pleased to remain the only holder of this position forever. 99-year old Mzee Anania Akera, a former roommate of Nyerere in 1944, attended the function to the delight of all, especially the Nyerere family.

Two prominent alumni of the University of East Africa from each country were awarded for their service over the years. The awards were presented by Dr. Martin Aliker, the Chairperson Council of UEA assisted by David Kahundha Muhwezi, the Makerere University Secretary:

  • From Makerere University; Prof. Charles Lwanga Mark Olweny, Professor Livingstone Sserwadda Luboobi and Mrs. Geraldine Namirembe Bitamazire, were awarded.
  • University of Dar es Salaam awarded H.E  President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni and Prof. Issa Gulamhussein Shivji.
  • University of Nairobi awarded Prof. (Mrs) Florida Amakobe Karani and Eng. Austin Salmon Kitololo

 The Vice Chancellors of participating universities shared their prospects of higher education:

L-R: VC UDSM-Prof. Mukanadla Rwekaza, VC UoNBI- Prof. George Magoha, VC Makerere University-Prof. John Ddumba-Ssentamu and the Chancellor Makerere University-Prof. Mondo Kagonyera

“It has been criminal to keep your child at home for the last 11 years in Kenya. This has been done diligently. A lot of money has been put into this. Kenya has a budget of 1.6 Trillion and education is going to take the biggest part of this budget. Government has invested highly in infrastructure and we now have 33 universities, 14 of which are fully chartered. This has expanded the capacity of the Kenyan students who are currently 370,000; both in private and public universities.  Our greatest challenge is in Science and technology. The number of students doing science and technology is about 25% only,” said Prof. George Magoha, the Vice Chancellor of the University of Nairobi. “We have retained our staff because the  government has been listening  to staff unions. We collect six billion annually and are now focusing on training staff to write proposals. 25% of this budget comes from research,” he added

“The Uganda Vision 2040 provides plans and strategies to transform the Ugandan society from a peasant to a modern, prosperous and competitive upper middle-income country within 30 years. To attain this projected level of development, the country will have to exploit its enormous opportunities including oil and gas, tourism, minerals, ICT business, abundant youthful labour force, strategic geographical location, fresh water resources, industries and agriculture.

These opportunities can only be harnessed through strengthening the physical infrastructure; Science, Technology, Engineering and Innovation (STEI); and above all through concentration on human capital development,” said Prof. John Ddumba-Ssentamu, the Vice Chancellor of Makerere University.


“Some of the interviews for positions in the University of Dar es Salaam were held here. The instruments designed here, so Makerere was the cradle for Dar. Every visit here is an opportunity for us to extend our gratitude. I would like us to focus on the question of whether we still value quality education or we are simply focusing on big numbers of students. The numbers are high of universities, students, lecturers, etc, but we need to ponder on the quality. Do we appreciate the role of education in our emancipation? Yes the three universities are bigger but are they better?  Are they universities or simply glorified high schools? Are our universities doing enough, like investing in cooperation amongst ourselves as opposed to cooperation with universities abroad only? Are we spending our meager resources wisely? The resources expended on administrative overheads could be spent in the active involvement of education? I am positive that we will prosper if we provide education in cooperation rather than competition,” advised Prof. Mukanadla Rwekaza, the Vice Chancellor of the University of Dar es Salaam.

A souvenir magazine for 90 years of Makerere University, highlighting the strides taken in research and innovations across the nine colleges of Makerere University and the School of Law, was launched by Education Minister, Jessica Alupo, as part of the celebrations. The magazine, Mak@90, is a product of a partnership between the Public Relations Office of Makerere University and The New Vision. The commemoration was sponsored by UNESCO, which was represented by the Secretary General, Mr. Augustine Omare-Okurut, and the Swedish Government represented by the First Secretary Dr. Patri Pohjolainen. 

Hon. Jessica Alupo unveils the Mak@90 Magazine as dignitaries applaud.
Hon. Jessica Alupo unveils the Mak@90 Magazine as dignitaries applaud.

The Guests were treated to a cocktail to wind down the commemoration and entertainment from the Department of Performing Arts and Film (PAF).

Article by Marion Alina

Photo selection by Elias Tuhereze

Mark Wamai

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Re-Advert for Applications for Diploma and Certificate Training

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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).

The details are in the following document:

The deadline for receiving applications will be 25th August, 2025.

Elias Tuhereze

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Mak Marathon Unveils NCBA as Platinum Sponsor

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Left to Right: NCBA Bank CEO-Mr. Mark Muyobo, MakEF Board Chairperson-Dr. Maggie Kigozi and the Vice Chancellor-Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe hold the dummy cheque unveiling the UGX 1.45 billion sponsorship for the Makerere Marathon for the next five years. Makerere University Endowment Fund (MakEF)’s flagship initiative – the Makerere University Marathon unveiling of NCBA Bank Uganda as Platinum Sponsor with UGX 1.45 Billion over five years, 9th July 2025, Kampala, East Africa.

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. Makerere University Endowment Fund (MakEF)’s flagship initiative – the Makerere University Marathon unveiling of NCBA Bank Uganda as Platinum Sponsor with UGX 1.45 Billion over five years, 9th July 2025, Kampala, East Africa.
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. Makerere University Endowment Fund (MakEF)’s flagship initiative – the Makerere University Marathon unveiling of NCBA Bank Uganda as Platinum Sponsor with UGX 1.45 Billion over five years, 9th July 2025, Kampala, East Africa.
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. Makerere University Endowment Fund (MakEF)’s flagship initiative – the Makerere University Marathon unveiling of NCBA Bank Uganda as Platinum Sponsor with UGX 1.45 Billion over five years, 9th July 2025, Kampala, East Africa.
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. Makerere University Endowment Fund (MakEF)’s flagship initiative – the Makerere University Marathon unveiling of NCBA Bank Uganda as Platinum Sponsor with UGX 1.45 Billion over five years, 9th July 2025, Kampala, East Africa.
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. Makerere University Endowment Fund (MakEF)’s flagship initiative – the Makerere University Marathon unveiling of NCBA Bank Uganda as Platinum Sponsor with UGX 1.45 Billion over five years, 9th July 2025, Kampala, East Africa.
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. Makerere University Endowment Fund (MakEF)’s flagship initiative – the Makerere University Marathon unveiling of NCBA Bank Uganda as Platinum Sponsor with UGX 1.45 Billion over five years, 9th July 2025, Kampala, East Africa.
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. Makerere University Endowment Fund (MakEF)’s flagship initiative – the Makerere University Marathon unveiling of NCBA Bank Uganda as Platinum Sponsor with UGX 1.45 Billion over five years, 9th July 2025, Kampala, East Africa.
Left to Right: Mr. Mark Muyobo, Dr. Maggie Kigozi and Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe pose for a photo at the Main Building entrance.

Mark Wamai

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Directorate of Graduate Training Empowers PhD Supervisors with Academic Supervision Training

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By Moses Lutaaya

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.”

Elias Tuhereze

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