General
Mak-Sida Meet to ignite Research Agenda
The Swedish Ambassador to Uganda, H.E Urban Andersson, has re-affirmed his country’s commitment to supporting research and innovations in Makerere University and Uganda, as a way of contributing to national development, social transformation and poverty eradication. H.E Andersson was speaking at the Science Day for the Makerere-Sida Research Cooperation at the College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Bio-Security (CoVAB), on 19th November 2013. This was part of an ongoing Annual Review Meeting for the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida) research support to Makerere University, running from 18th – 27th November 2013. The Makerere-Sida Phase III Bilateral Research programme (2010-2014) is worth Swedish Krona (SEK) 180 million.
“Rural areas have been pointed out as key for Uganda’s development with 80% of the population staying there. I have noted that the challenges faced by people in rural areas have been pointed out in most of your presentations, which also provide recommendations and policy directions for improving livelihoods in rural areas. We are also glad that your focus on Northern Uganda will bring new knowledge of the disease potential, help in reducing the spread of diseases in animals, which also affect human beings. This will fit in well with why we support research, with the end goal of poverty reduction,” he said. The Ambassador also pointed out that the next phase of the MAK-Sida Bilateral Research Grant for Phase 1V, 2015 to 2020 was on its way to continue supporting research and innovations relevant to today’s fast changing world.
At the opening of the Annual Review Meeting held on 18th November 2013 at the Main Library, the Vice Chancellor, Professor John Ddumba-Ssentamu was represented by the Acting Vice Chancellor Associate Professor Arch. Barnabas Nawangwe, who is also the Deputy Vice Chancellor in charge of Finance and Administration.
“Makerere University and Uganda in general have enjoyed and continue to benefit from the generosity of the Royal Government of Sweden in the areas of human resources capacity building, research, library services/information technology and infrastructural development. Sida support has also contributed to the enhancement of centres of excellence in waste management, health systems research, and renewable energy research, among others. Despite these achievements, the University still faces challenges like inadequate infrastructure and we appreciate more support,” read the Vice Chancellor’s speech.
The Director of Research and Graduate Training, Professor Mukadasi Buyinza, welcomed participants to the MAK-Sida Annual Review Meeting that provides a platform for dissemination of research, technology and innovations at Makerere University. The Review also presents an opportunity to Makerere University to take stock of her research achievements and their strength in contributing to the national development agenda.
Professor Buyinza appreciated Sida for the continued support to Makerere University and also thanked the University Management for creating an environment conducive to research. “There is will from Management for research to take place and we have all the support we need. With the Sida and Management support, we are empowered to champion the University Research Agenda. During the Phase III (2010-2014), Sida has supported 100 PhDs; 70 Masters and 20 Post Doctoral Research grants. We are also happy to report that we have been granted the Year 2015 as a bridging year in preparation for the MAK-Sida Phase IV Bilateral Research Grant. We are grateful for this support,” he said.
He further saluted Sida for supporting cross cutting courses and services critical in knowledge creation and sharpening of people’s minds. “In Phase III, 700 graduate students have been trained in cross cutting courses such as research management, philosophy of methods, statistical application and information competence management; and senior researchers of Makerere University have undertaken skills enhancement courses including supervision and mentorship, research and financial management,” he explained.
The highly interactive Science Day was coordinated by Dr. David Owiny, of the Vet Sub-programme. “This is the 3rd Science Day since the beginning of the MAK-Sida Phase III. Our collaboration with the Swedish people has been very successful. Together with the Swedish Agricultural University, we are training five (5) PhD students and their research is on a steady path to completion. They are in the final stages of their doctoral studies and will graduate next year,” he said.
In an energetic presentation, the Principal of CoVAB, Professor John David Kabasa, called for a paradigm shift in the education sector if the current and future generations are to be saved from poverty and unemployment. “Peasants fed us and sustained the economy for the last 50 years. Since independence, the education system has been producing people to administer peasants, but not learning how to manage the production and industrial processes. That is why Uganda plans to transform from a peasantry to a middle income economy as per the National Vision 2040,” he asserted. “It is now time to change the model. We need to graduate people with skills to become entrepreneurs or else we are in for a social tsunami. There are a lot of processes from the farm to the table. The industry has so many opportunities in the value-addition chain. Why should supermarkets continue to be highly stocked with products from abroad?” he wondered.
He reasoned that today’s problems cannot be solved using the same methods that created them. “CoVAB has embraced the SPEDA model to harness the entrepreneur, vocational and intellectual skills for high level productivity in the animal industry. It is a blended model that involves working with all people in different sectors; academic, community, public and private sector to graduate a skilled entrepreneur,” explained Professor Kabasa.
The Science Day involved presentations from PhD students, Denis Muhangi, Kokas Ikwap, Benon Kanyima, Denis Rwabiita Mugizi and Margaret Nabukenya, all sponsored by Sida. Denis Muhangi presented the Practices in Pig Value Chain in Uganda: Implications to transmission of African Swine Fever. His study focused on documenting the different factors and practices within the pig value chain that could influence the transmission of African Swine Fever and also the potential risk factors for African Swine Fever outbreaks on farms.
Kokas Ikwap conducted a study on the magnitude of salmonellae infections in pigs in Gulu and Soroti. In his findings, Ikwap observed that 39% of the households had at least one animal succumbing to salmonellae infection, which presents with diarrhea. He stressed that this was dangerous because salmonellae also affects human beings. His study also revealed that out of the 56 samples taken, there were 20 different serotypes of salmonellae identified.
In his study, Benon Kanyima recommended a format to support post-strife rural urban immigrants engaging in urban and peri-urban dairy farming and to establish a Dairy Cow Welfare Policy in Uganda, to curb abuse of cows.
Denis Rwabiita Mugizi focused on the magnitude and risk factor of brucellosis in Gulu and Soroti district. His findings revealed that the disease was more prominent in the older animals of five years and above. Animals brought to these districts from Western Uganda had a higher chance of testing positive to brucellosis. He pointed out that brucellosis continues to be passed on to humans and that the current strain of this infection is resistant to some drugs.
Dr. Maria Nassuna, one of the supervisors emphasized that engaging in this research across different parts of the country was quite fulfilling, because the Supervisors took off time to go to the field with students and therefore made more informed supervision of the research projects.
Another PhD student, Margaret Nabukenya, carried out research on the threat of Helminthosis amongst goats in Gulu and Mpigi district. Her findings reveal that Helminthosis, a common disease in goats, is caused by infections due to various gastro-intestinal parasites. It leads to poor weight gain in these animals. Her findings further reveal that 5.2% of the country's GDP is from livestock products.
An exhibition to showcase the latest innovations from CoVAB, was organized as a key highlight of the Science Day. It involved demonstration of projects on posters and bee-hive technology among others. Dr. David Owiny the Exhibition Coordinator pointed out that the projects on display, as funded by Sida as well as innovations on technologies under the AFRISA programme, were designed to answer to the needs of society by providing practical solutions.
After a guided tour of the exhibits, Ambassador Andersson could not hide his amazement. “I thank this College for working with multidisciplinary teams and using a holistic approach to research. It is also positive that you are working with other universities and partners in Uganda and the region,” he remarked.
On behalf of the college, the Principal, Professor John David Kabasa presented a gift to the Ambassador and to the Sida Desk Officer, Dr. Katri Pohjolainen as a token of appreciation for the continued support.
Dr. Ruth Muwazi of CoVAB gave a vote of thanks to all who had worked tirelessly to make the 3rd Science Day a success and also appreciated the invited guests for dedicating time to understand what CoVAB stands for.
The Review continued with an afternoon session, chaired by Associate Professor George Nasinyama of the Directorate of Research and Graduate Training. It was a Scientific Conference for Postdoctoral presentations, held in the New Library Building Extension. The presentations included:
- A landscape population Genomics Approach for Conservation of the Domestic Pig and Control of African Swine Fever in Uganda by Dr. Charles Masembe, College of Natural Sciences.
- Genetic Characterisation of Trypanosomia vivax-induced hemorrhagic syndrome strains and their spread in Ugandan perigame areas by Dr. Savino Biryomumaisho, College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Bio-Security.
- The Opportunities and Challenges of Redd for the Forest Resources Base and Rural Livelihoods In Uganda by Dr. J.J. Namaalwa.
- Growth Modeling of Exploitable Fish populations: A case study of Nile Perch in Lake Nabugabo, Uganda by Dr. Gladys Bwanika, College of Natural Sciences.
- Evaluation and surveillance of the impact of severe maternal and prenatal morbidity on health of women and children attending Mulago and Jinja referral health facilities by Dr. Dan Kaye, College of Health Sciences.
- Adaptation to Climate Change in Post Conflict Communities in Uganda: Building Resilient Livelihoods Paths by Dr. Paul K. Musali, College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences.
- A theoretical approach for the compilation of the thesauruses in less documented languages by Dr. Celestino Orikiriza, College of Humanities and Social Sciences.
Through Sida support, Makerere University has been able to establish strong collaborations with leading universities including universities in Sweden. Makerere University has also benefitted from joint supervision, which has ensured high quality graduates.
Throughout the 8-day Annual Review Meeting, the team from Sweden and Directorate of Research and Graduate Training-Makerere University will hold discussions with researchers and beneficiaries under the MAK-Sida Bilateral Phase III Research Grant in the College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Bio Security; Makerere University Library; Quality Assurance Directorate; College of Humanities and Social Sciences; College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences; College of Engineering, Design, Art and Technology; College of Health Sciences; Gender Mainstreaming Directorate, College of Natural Sciences and DICTS.
The Annual Review Meeting will close on 27th November 2013 with ‘Wrap-up’ plenary discussions from all unit sub programme Coordinators, Supervisors, Researchers and Students. The Wrap-up will be an interactive session in which all beneficiary units will agree on a road map and lay strategies to maximize the anticipated Phase IV Mak-Sida support.
“The Wrap-up session will be instrumental in getting all stakeholders focus in one direction for purposes of positioning this university at a highly competitive and desirable global trend. As a Directorate, we are positive that Makerere University is on the right track in research but we need to speak the same language across the entire university so that we attain a competitive edge in all disciplines,” asserted Prof. Mukadasi Buyinza, Director, Research and Graduate Training, Makerere University.
By: Ritah Namisango and Marion Alina, Public Relations Office
Photos by: Directorate of Research and Graduate Training and MAK Public Relations Office
By Ritah Namisango
“This initiative, funded by the Government of Uganda through Makerere University Research and Innovations Fund in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation, represents a significant step forward in our efforts to modernize and digitalize our academic processes. It’s therefore with great pleasure and pride that I launch the Digitalization of Academic Records and Processes project at Makerere University, and I commission the Registry of Students’ Records and the Archive of Students’ Records,” stated the Minister of Education and Sports, Hon. Janet Kataaha Museveni represented by the State Minister for Higher Education, Hon. John C. Muyingo.
As the world continually evolves from manual and traditional methods of records management to modern and digitalized processes, Makerere University launched the Digitalization of Academic Records and Processes (DARP) project to ease the storage, retrieval and acquisition of academic documents by her stakeholders.
The project has digitalized records and implemented new processes as well as established a digital state-of-the-art storage facility at the Senate Building to securely store university academic documents. The digitization process comes along with a university policy that guides on how to record, manage, retrieve and dispose of records not in use. This project is designed to reduce on the substantial amount of space that paper storage systems occupy as well as safeguard records from disasters like fire.
Officiating at the launch of the DARP project on Friday 19th April, 2024 at Makerere University Freedom Square, Hon. John C. Muyingo, affirmed on behalf of Hon. Janet Kataaha Museveni that the launch was a significant milestone in the history of Makerere University.
The Education and Sports Minister further noted that in today’s fast-paced world, universities must manage massive amounts of academic information, and efficient record keeping necessitates that the information is accurate, accessible and secure, benefiting both the institution and its stakeholders. She noted that the DARP system would streamline the processes of managing and accessing academic records, resulting in significant timesaving for students and other stakeholders at the university and beyond.
“Digitalization of academic records and processes is an innovation set to revolutionize the way records are managed by addressing pressing public concerns such as efficiency, security, integrity and accessibility as well as eliminating the unnecessary delays in the processes. The traditional manual approach, while effective in its time has become increasingly challenging to sustain in this digital world, therefore, digitalizing academic records and processes provide crucial responses to the monotonous questions that the outdated manual system never addressed,” stated the Minister’s speech.
Having outlined the challenges and risks that the traditional paper-based record keeping systems present such as the storage space factor, the risk of mixing active and inactive records, the high rate of wear and tear as well as vulnerability to manipulation of records, the Minister commended Makerere University on the enviable track record of efficiently managing and securely storing its academic documents, Senate minutes, curricula, examination results and students files for nearly a century, despite political upheavals and other challenges.
She observed that digitalized systems would make academic records more accessible to the students and eliminate the frustration of delays caused by bureaucratic inefficiencies and the outdated paper system, enabling them to timely take the necessary steps in academic and professional progression.
As the University embarked on its journey of digital transformation, Hon. Janet Kataaha Museveni equally applauded Makerere for continuously upholding its commitment to academic excellence, research and innovation. She advised the fraternity to stay committed to the principles of innovation and inclusiveness that define the University. As such, she urged them to embrace the digital transformation wholeheartedly so as to harness the power of technology and enable Makerere University to remain a beacon of excellence in the academic world.
“Since its establishment in 1922, Makerere University has been a beacon of knowledge and learning, shaping the minds of generations of students and contributing significantly to the development of our nation, Africa and the world at large. Thank you for these brains. Your hard work, expertise, and dedication were instrumental in building this DARP project to realization. I am confident that you will have a lasting and positive impact on this university and the entire education sector, not only in Uganda, but the entire world,” said Hon. Janet Museveni.
The First Lady expressed her gratitude for the partnership with Mastercard Foundation and the support it renders in advancing education and innovation at Makerere University.
The Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe highlighted that the launch of the DARP project was not only a landmark achievement for Makerere University, but also a confirmation of the importance that the University Council and Management attach to the role that digitalization and e-services play in implementation of the University strategic plan that continually strives for a professionally managed university.
The Vice Chancellor revealed that the official launch of the DARP Project, undertaken in-house by a hardworking team of University staff, was a financial gain on the part of the University and an additional asset in the quest to improve efficiency and effectiveness as far as the University academic records and processes are concerned.
“Our current drive has been the continued digitalization of various business processes and services so as to be more responsive to the dynamic needs of our students, staff and stakeholders. We have been able to achieve this through intentional development of our in-house information systems development capacity, which has saved us a lot of funds in terms of initial purchase as well as annual license renewal costs,” said the Vice Chancellor.
Prof. Nawangwe stated that the DARP project has greatly contributed to the timely and improved service delivery to students and clients. He added that the ultimate goal is to enable students download their own transcripts without need for elaborate physical processes at the university.
“During the 74th graduation ceremony, Makerere University was able to issue academic transcripts to qualifying students before graduation. I am pleased to inform you that we succeeded in issuing of academic transcripts before the graduation date because of the DARP project, which we are launching today. With the digitalization of students’ academic records, the University is now in a better position to provide the required information and data on time,” said the Vice Chancellor.
Prof. Nawangwe elaborated that Makerere, being Uganda’s Premier University has been a major beneficiary of several initiatives aimed at improving ICT infrastructure and connectivity. He added that the University has been able to achieve this largely due to the generous donations of the Government of Uganda and other development partners. He thanked His Excellency Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, the President of Uganda whose support led to the creation of the Research and Innovations Fund (Mak-RIF) in the 2019/2020 financial year with initial funding of UGX 30 Billion.
He revealed that the funding has continued to be availed throughout the last five financial years, which is clear demonstration that the Government of Uganda esteems Research and Innovation as catalysts to Uganda’s continued march from a peasant to a modern and prosperous country.
“I am proud to say that Mak-RIF has transformed Makerere’s academic and research landscape tremendously. Over the last five Financial Years, we have worked with other key stakeholders including Government ministries, institutions, agencies, organizations, and the private sector. Together, we have continued to increase the local generation of translatable research and scalable innovations that address key gaps required to drive Uganda’s development agenda, especially the un-funded priorities” stated Prof. Nawangwe.
In the same spirit, the Vice Chancellor applauded the Principal Investigator and Team Leader DARP, Mrs. Patience Rubabinda Mushengyezi and all the Team Members for the hard work that has improved the status of academic records and processes from manual processes to e-services. The DARP project is a collaboration between the Academic Registrar’s Department, College of Education and Externals Studies (CEES), College of Computing and Information Sciences (CoCIS) and the Directorate of Information and Communication Technology Support (DICTS). The DARP Project team includes: Prof. Betty Ezati, Dr. Peace Tumuheki, Dr. David Luyombya, Dr. Joyce Bukirwa, Ms. Ruth Iteu Eyoku, Mr. Juma Katongole, Mr. Joshua Muhumuza and Mr. Lubowa Gyaviira.
The Vice Chancellor also thanked the Makerere University Research and Innovations Fund (Mak-RIF) and the Mastercard Foundation for supporting different phases of the DARP Project.
Mrs. Lorna Magara, the Chairperson of Makerere University Council acknowledged that launching the DARP project at Makerere University marked a significant step forward in digitalizing higher education services. She underscored that the transformational power of digitalization could not be overstated. She stated that by implementing an Academic Records Management System, the University would streamline the tracking and retrieval of academic files and establish a robust platform for digital certification and record verification.
“In an era where credential fraud poses a significant challenge, the DARP Project reinforces transparency, trust, and confidence in our academic processes. It is testament to our commitment to excellence. The DARP Project heralds a new era; one where our certificates and transcripts are shielded against increasingly sophisticated forgeries. By providing digitally verifiable academic documents, we empower employers worldwide to expedite verification procedures,” she articulated.
The Chairperson stated that Makerere University aims to create a dynamic and integrated learning environment with a goal to equip students with the skills and knowledge needed to thrive in an ever-evolving world. She emphasized the need to prioritize student-centeredness and adaptability which vision perfectly aligns with the DARP Project to ensure that the most deserving students can compete fairly in the job market alongside genuinely qualified candidates.
She advised that a system’s effectiveness hinges on the quality of input it receives, therefore, meticulous attention to detail is essential to ensure that the necessary information is accurately fed into the system to yield the expected outcomes. She recommended that vigilant effort has to be invested in ensuring quality processes in how the information is gathered and fed into the system, and the quality of persons tasked to do the work.
Mrs. Magara praised the DARP Principal Investigator for initiating the project in support of the University’s efforts to; address the critical element of maintaining integrity of academic records, significantly contributing to the University’s commitment to digitizing systems, and upgrading the process of archiving of records for ease in verification, certification, and retrieval.
She also extended appreciation to the Government of Uganda for the provision of funds through Mak-RIF, and to Mastercard Foundation for the provision of equipment and other support that will facilitate safe processing and storage of the academic documents.
The Principal Investigator and Team Leader, DARP project, Mrs. Patience Rubabinda Mushengyezi proclaimed that the launch of the project was the birth of a new era in records management at Makerere University.
To enable the audience to understand and appreciate the situation before the DARP project, Mrs. Mushengyezi shared a documentary that highlighted the transformation from a purely manual process to a digital one. She added that the digitalization of student records from the 1980s changes the narrative of delays and long queues to fast, timely and friendly services to the students.
The Principal investigator disclosed that the DARP project team’s aspiration was to have the digitalization of students’ records rolled out in all the schools and colleges of the University. She observed that because of the hard work of the DARP team, they now have clear and well organized documents and the ‘ugly’ records shall never be seen again since they no longer exist. She expressed gladness that what started as a vision had become reality, culminating in the launch of the DARP project.
“Today, Makerere University is launching a new era of digital transformation in the management of students’ records and service delivery. We are changing the narrative of long queues, lengthy processes and we are now moving to efficient and digital services. We are here also to commission the registry of the students’ records and archive. The registry has been fitted with modern shelves with the capacity of storing over 30,000 students files but as we have seen, there is room for improvement and expansion. The archive has been fitted with modern shelves that have a capacity of storing over 100,000 students’ files and 21 wagons will store 170,000 students’ files,” Mrs. Mushengyezi declared.
Recalling the genesis of the DARP Project, Mrs. Mushengyezi shared that when the Government allocated support to the university’s research and innovations fund in 2019, she approached her colleagues and together, they submitted a project proposal. The project identified several challenges which were affecting records management at Makerere University namely; manual records handling, inadequate storage space, inadequate security for records, inexistent policy on records management, and lack of a system to streamline records management. The DARP project therefore set out to address these gaps with the ultimate goal of operating e-services.
“The objectives of DARP Project were to digitalize academic processes including students’ files and examination results and other documents like senate minutes. We wished to establish a students’ records verification and certification Centre. We also wanted to use ICT to improve efficiency in conducting senate meetings and to archive existing manual documents into properly bound and referenced files. It has been a lot of hard work by the project team, but we have seen God’s hand in this transformational journey. I wish to say that we have achieved 95% of our objectives,” Mrs. Mushengyezi stated.
The Principal Investigator noted that the DARP project had created efficiency in the academic Registrar’s department with ability to generate reports on number of students by categories such as course, graduation cohort, academic disciplines i.e. Medicine, Law, Engineering etc., current enrolment and progression, as well as policies passed by the University Senate per year, and so on.
She thanked the Government of Uganda for funding the entire process by providing laptops, access control systems, CCTV cameras, printers, furniture, archival boxes, the 21 shelves, the wagons, stationery and facilitation of the entire team. She also thanked Mastercard Foundation for the support through the relief fund.
She appreciated the entire Makerere University Council and Management for the support rendered towards the establishment of the DARP project and for prioritizing the Project as a university programme. In a very special way, she acknowledged Prof. William Bazeyo, the former Deputy Vice Chancellor (Finance and Administration), Prof. Fred Masagazi Masaazi-Chairperson of Mak-RIF Grants Management Committee (GMC), Prof. Umar Kakumba, Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic Affairs), Mr. Alfred Masikye Namoah, former Academic Registrar and the Academic Registrar, Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi, the University Secretary, Mr. Yusuf Kiranda, Deputy Registrars namely Mr. Charles Ssentongo and Mr. Tom Otim, for providing tireless support.
In addition, she recognized the supervisors in the Directorate of Research and Graduate namely Prof. Edward Bbaale and Ms. Prossie Nakayiki.
The Principal Investigator, Mrs. Mushengyezi also appreciated the members of staff whom she referred to as DARP Foot Soldiers for organizing, sorting and scanning the records.
In recognition of her selfless service and leadership, the DARP project team members through the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe presented Mrs. Patience Mushengyezi with a plaque and bouquet of flowers.
The DARP project launch was graced by the Chancellor Emeritus, Prof. Ezra Suruma, Members of Parliament, Vice Chancellors of other Universities, former Vice Chancellors, former Deputy Vice Chancellors in charge of Finance and Administration, the Makerere University Students’ Guild, and Mrs. Mushengyezi’s family. The Chaplain, St. Francis Chapel, Rev. Dr. Lydia Nsaale Kitayimbwa led the opening prayer while the event was moderated by Dr. Zahara Nampewo, the Deputy Principal of the School of Law and Ms. Ritah Namisango, Principal Public Relations Officer and Chairperson of the Protocol, Publicity and Media Sub-Committee for the launch. The Department of Performing Arts and Film was on hand to lead the anthems and keep the guests entertained.
By Betty Nabisubi
On Friday 12th April 2024, over 100 international students convened at Makerere University to participate in the Mental Health Awareness Campaign organized by the International Students Union in partnership with the Counselling and Guidance Centre, International Office and Office of the Dean of Students.
The campaign, which included both physical and virtual participants, rallied international students to always ask for help. The annual event enables students to participate in engaging discussions, and provides a platform for them to openly share and address personal and academic challenges, both on and off campus.
The aim of holding a mental health awareness campaign for international students in the university is to promote mental well-being and provide support and resources for students facing mental health challenges. Furthermore, it seeks to raise awareness about common mental health issues, reduce stigma surrounding mental illness, and educate students on available mental health services and support networks. Additionally, it aims to empower students to recognize signs of distress, encourage help-seeking behavior, and foster a supportive and inclusive campus community where students feel comfortable discussing mental health concerns.
In line with the Mental Health Awareness Campaign theme; It is ok to ask for help, each Official urged the international students to seek guidance and support from the right offices and entities within the Makerere University system.
The Office of the Dean of Students represented by Mr. Peter Mwanja, Warden of University Hall emphasized the importance of students seeking help rather than isolating themselves in their hostels when faced with problems. He urged students to refrain from complaining about lack of assistance, but instead take action by speaking up when faced with challenges. Mr. Mwanja pledged to stand with the students throughout their academic journey so as to ensure that they have a fruitful stay at Makerere University.
In the same spirit, the Manager of the Makerere University Counselling and Guidance Centre, Mr. Henry Nsubuga called upon international students to utilize their services. He appealed to students to seek for help whenever they feel distressed.
“Please come to the Centre when you need help. The Centre is ready to provide assistance upon any distress signal. I assure you that nobody will judge you for not being okay. We have professional counsellors who are willing to help,” remarked Mr. Nsubuga. The Makerere University Counselling and Guidance Centre is conveniently located at Plot 106, Mary Stuart Road, opposite Mary Stuart Hall.
Dr. Gardner Herbert from the Julius Nyerere Leadership Centre at Makerere University emphasized the importance of emotional intelligence, which encompasses the ability to understand, manage, and express one’s own emotions effectively, as well as to recognize and respond appropriately to the emotions of others. He highlighted the significance of students possessing skills such as self-awareness, self-regulation, social awareness, and relationship management.
Self-awareness, he emphasized, serves as the foundation of emotional intelligence. This involves recognizing and understanding one’s own emotions, strengths, weaknesses, values, and motivations. Dr. Gardner explained that ndividuals with high self-awareness are better equipped to comprehend how their emotions influence their thoughts and behaviors, leading to more informed decision-making and greater self-control.
Mr. Gerald Ochwo on behalf of the Makerere University International Office encouraged the audience to visit the premises on Flat A5, Block A, Lincoln Flats for their mandate is anchored on ensuring that International students’ university experience is enriching. Furthermore, he emphasised the importance of students managing their visas proactively, instead of rushing to renew them either at the last minute or upon expiry. He pledged to organize more events to foster relationships among students.
Focusing on nurturing a supportive environment for students away from home, the International Office invited Ms. Olivia Mwanje, a student of Makerere University pursuing a Master’s degree in Climate Change and Development at the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences to share a lived experience.
Ms. Mwanje was one of the beneficiaries of the exchange students’ programme to Utrecht University in the Netherlands. Her testimony served to demonstrate to international students that with dedication and sacrifice, it is possible to leave one’s home country, study abroad, and excel both academically and personally. She encouraged students to remain focused on their academic programmes despite the allure of other pursuits.
“I urge you, fellow students, to remain steadfast in your educational aspirations while exploring the opportunities available. Prioritize your academic goals over non-academic pursuits,” said Ms. Mwanje. She stressed that deviating from the primary objective leads to unintended consequences. For instance, she shared stories of students who abandoned their academic pursuits for menial jobs upon arrival abroad. Ms. Mwanje advised students to stay committed to their studies and, upon completion, pursue other non-academic endeavors if they so desire.
The Guild President, H.E. Vincent Lubega Nsamba expressed the Guild Leadership’s strong commitment to ensuring that international students have a comfortable stay at Makerere University. He encouraged international students to seek counselling whenever they feel distressed and emphasized the importance of talking to peers for support.
One of the international student leaders, Mr. Harrison Igwe expressed enthusiasm for organizing activities that promote unity within the international student community at Makerere University. The goal of the activities, he said, is to enhance camaraderie and strengthen support networks among international students.
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