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QAD Presents Makerere Self Assessment Report 2013

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The Quality Assurance Directorate (QAD) held a half-day dissemination workshop on 5th March 2014, to publicize findings of a ‘Self Assessment Report 2013,’ to stakeholders in Makerere University.

The report, the first of its kind, appreciates and also highlights areas that call for improvement across Makerere University’s three core functions of Teaching & Learning; Research & Knowledge Transfer Partnerships and Networking. “The exercise was hinged on the Quality of Inputs, Processes and Outputs and data utilized was for the period 2010-2012 except in a few circumstances where trend data were available,” explained Dr. Vincent Ssembatya, Director Quality Assurance Directorate.

A quick synopsis of the report shows disproportionate male: female student numbers in some disciplines, inadequate government funding and limited infrastructure at Makerere University – all of which hamper the full realization of the core functions. The mechanisms of Self Assessment were devised by the Inter-University Council for East Africa (IUCEA) and based on national, regional and international benchmark metrics. “The Self Assessment Report may not be comprehensive to include all metrics but the key elements were identified and analysed. The aim of this workshop therefore is to interface with you; our key stakeholders as we seek to find solutions to the issues raised,” emphasized Dr. Ssembatya.

A cross-section of participants at the QAD Self Assessment Report Dissemination Workshop, 5th March 2014, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda

The workshop was attended by College Principals and their Deputies, Deans, Department Chairs, Members of University Management, Registrars, Senior Academicians and Communication Staff from the respective colleges, among others. Dr. Ssembatya was grateful to the participants for honouring the invitations and acknowledged all their respective contributions to the successful compilation of the report. The interactive workshop made recommendations to the report, which will be incorporated in a second draft to be published at a later date. The participants decried the intended move to increase student numbers as a way of generating more income for the University, irrespective of the strained resources. They urged government to critically weigh in on this matter by increasing University funding.

Prof. David J. Bakibinga, School of Law (L) and Prof. Mukadasi Buyinza, Director-RGT hold a discussion during the QAD SAR2013 Dissemination Workshop, 5th March 2014, Kampala UgandaIn June 2009, The University Research, Administrative and Financial Reforms Committee (URAFRC) was set up to identify the core and support processes in the University, critically examine them and make recommendations to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the University. On 10th November 2011, a Change Management Committee (CMC) was appointed to assess the level of preparation for the Reform, complete any outstanding work from the URAFRC and to implement the continuous change management process.

As the Unit in charge of the University’s Quality Assurance function, QAD is the owner of the Change Management process. One of the factors identified during this process was the need to set up Data Centres at College level, to The Self Assessment Report 2013 Edition1 Cover page, produced by the QAD, Makerere University, Kampala Ugandahelp monitor and track key factors affecting Graduate Students, especially as Makerere strives to entrench her stance as a research-led university. At the workshop, the Directorate handed over computers and printers to Registrars in the Colleges and School of Law, to facilitate the setting up of Data Centers and implement the Quality Assurance function for Research and Graduate Training at a devolved level.

Officiating at the handover of the computers and equipment, Prof. Mukadasi Buyinza, the Director – Directorate of Research and Graduate Training (DRGT), Makerere University commended QAD for facilitating the Data Centre setup process. “DRGT believes that the setting up of these Data Centres will enable Units to better perform the Research and Graduate Training function at College level. College Registrars need to be equipped with basic tools to help track and give up-to-date records on Graduate Students and today’s handover is a meaningful step to improve,” remarked Prof. Buyinza. He however tasked the Units to put the equipment to use according to Data Centre objectives, warning that a monitoring and evaluation exercise shall be carried out in this regard.

Prof. Charles Opolot-Okurut, College of Education and External Studies (CEES), then took participants through an intricate discussion on coming up with a way forward. He however asked participants to take note of the fact that Prof. Charles Opolot-Okurut chairs the session on discussions and the way forward during the QAD SAR2013 Dissemination Workshop on 5th March 2014 at Makerere University, Kampala Ugandathe scope of the report did not cover a few factors like the quality of processes feeding into the three core functions of Teaching & Learning; Research & Knowledge Transfer Partnerships and Networking. At the close of the workshop, Prof. David J. Bakibinga, School of Law, in moving a vote of thanks commended QAD for organizing the workshop and Sida for supporting the Reforms initiative. He thanked Makerere University for agreeing to subject itself to a Self Evaluation exercise, noting that change is a continuous process and this kind of activity was critical for the institution’s survival. “Thank you all for honouring QAD’s invitation and may we all utilize these findings to improve Quality Assurance for the core activities of Makerere University,” he concluded.

The Self Assessment Exercise was carried out with support from the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida), under activities of the Bilateral Support extended to the Government of Uganda.

 

Article by Marion Alina Public Relations Office

Mark Wamai

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Uhuru Kenyatta, African Leaders Inspire Youth at Guild Leaders’ Summit

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Second Annual Guild Leaders’ Summit, organized by the Guild Presidents Leadership Academy, keynote address by Former President of Kenya, H.E. Uhuru Kenyatta, 24th April 2025, Yusuf Lule Central Teaching Facility Auditorium, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda.

In a vibrant celebration of youth leadership and African unity, Makerere University hosted the Second Annual Guild Leaders’ Summit, an event that brought together high-profile dignitaries, student leaders, and international partners for a powerful dialogue on the future of the continent. The summit, organized by the Guild Presidents Leadership Academy, served as a rallying point for East Africa’s young leaders to confront Africa’s most urgent challenges—on their own terms and with their own solutions.

A Warm Welcome and Reflections on Makerere’s Legacy

The Vice Chancellor, Professor Barnabas Nawangwe, welcomed the distinguished guests, who included Former President Uhuru Kenyatta of Kenya, Uganda’s Vice President H.E. Jessica Alupo, former Prime Minister Rt. Hon. Ruhakana Rugunda, Justice Simon Byabakama, Hon. Mathew Rukikaire, and European Union Deputy Ambassador Mr. Guillaume Chartrain, among others.

In his address, Prof. Nawangwe reflected on Makerere’s deep historical ties to East Africa’s liberation and development movements. He reminded the audience that Makerere University has been a crucible for the continent’s leadership, stating:

“Jomo Kenyatta was the first person to receive a degree from Makerere when, in 1963, he was awarded an honorary doctorate by then Chancellor Julius Nyerere. All freedom fighters in East Africa studied at Makerere.”

H.E. Uhuru Kenyatta is received upon arrival at Makerere University by the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe. Second Annual Guild Leaders’ Summit, organized by the Guild Presidents Leadership Academy, keynote address by Former President of Kenya, H.E. Uhuru Kenyatta, 24th April 2025, Main Building, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda.
H.E. Uhuru Kenyatta is received upon arrival at Makerere University by the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe.

Building on this rich history, Prof. Nawangwe affirmed the university’s current mission to tackle pressing continental issues. “Today,” he said, “Makerere is committed to addressing Africa’s challenges—climate change, disease, poverty, food security, conflict resolution, and economic development. But we cannot do this alone.”

He echoed sentiments later shared by the keynote speaker, stressing that Africa must no longer depend on external interventions:

“Foreign agencies will not solve all Africa’s problems. It is our young people who must step forward and lead the change.”

Uhuru Kenyatta: “You Are the Last Line of Defence”

In a keynote address that resonated deeply with the students and delegates in attendance, Former President Uhuru Kenyatta issued a bold and urgent call to action for Africa’s youth.

“No one is coming to save us,” Kenyatta declared. “You are the last line of defence in the battle to rescue the heart and soul of Africa.”

H.E. Uhuru Kenyatta (2nd Right) poses for a group photo during the courtesy call on the Vice Chancellor with Left to Right: Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, Ms. Sarah Kagingo and Guild President-H.E. Churchill James Ssentamu. Second Annual Guild Leaders’ Summit, organized by the Guild Presidents Leadership Academy, keynote address by Former President of Kenya, H.E. Uhuru Kenyatta, 24th April 2025, Main Building, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda.
H.E. Uhuru Kenyatta (2nd Right) poses for a group photo during the courtesy call on the Vice Chancellor with Left to Right: Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, Ms. Sarah Kagingo and Guild President-H.E. Churchill James Ssentamu.

Positioning today’s youth as the heirs of the continent’s freedom fighters, Kenyatta described the current moment as a new “independence era”—not of political liberation, but of economic and intellectual sovereignty. He urged students to think critically about intra-African trade, which currently accounts for less than 2.5% of global commerce, and to advocate for the removal of internal barriers to trade, innovation, and mobility.

“You are the freedom fighters of this generation,” he said. “Universities must be incubators of change, and students must be the trustees of tomorrow’s Africa.”

Pan-Africanism, Leadership, and Action

Uganda’s Vice President H.E. Jessica Alupo encouraged students to take up the mantle of Pan-Africanism with unwavering commitment. She acknowledged that while the rhetoric of African unity is inspiring, real progress demands more than words:

Left to Right: The Vice President-H.E. Jessica Alupo, Prime Minister Emeritus-Hon. Dr. Ruhakana Rugunda, Hon. Matthew Rukikaire and other dignitaries follow proceedings. Second Annual Guild Leaders’ Summit, organized by the Guild Presidents Leadership Academy, keynote address by Former President of Kenya, H.E. Uhuru Kenyatta, 24th April 2025, Yusuf Lule Central Teaching Facility Auditorium, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda.
Left to Right: The Vice President-H.E. Jessica Alupo, Prime Minister Emeritus-Hon. Dr. Ruhakana Rugunda, Hon. Matthew Rukikaire and other dignitaries follow proceedings.

“You must embrace the spirit of Pan-Africanism. But it is easy to say these words—the challenge lies in collective implementation.”

She emphasized the importance of action-oriented leadership and urged the youth to harness their creativity, energy, and education for the benefit of the continent.

European Union’s Message: Leadership with Integrity

Representing Team Europe, the EU Deputy Ambassador to Uganda, Mr. Guillaume Chartrain, gave a passionate speech on the values of authentic leadership, integrity, and inclusive development. He praised Makerere University as a space where “intellectual ambition meets civic responsibility” and emphasized that leadership is not about prestige, but purpose:

“Be a leader because of what you want to be—not because of what you want to have,” he said.

Citing former Makerere alumni such as Julius Nyerere and Wangari Maathai, Chartrain called on students to model courage, resilience, and humility:

“True leadership emerges in moments of loss—when resilience, not triumph, becomes the measure of one’s character.”

The EU, he said, remains committed to supporting youth through programs like Erasmus+, the EU Youth Sounding Board, and partnerships with organizations like Faraja Africa Foundation and Restless Development. These initiatives empower youth not as symbols, but as active participants in shaping policy and governance.

The Legacy Continues

Throughout the summit, speakers highlighted the importance of legacy and long-term impact. They challenged young leaders to think not just about the present, but about the systems and institutions they will leave behind. In the words of Former President Kenyatta:

“Leadership is not about the next election. It’s about the next generation.”

The summit ended on a high note, with students invigorated and inspired to lead with purpose. As global support grows less predictable and Africa stands at a crossroads, the message from Makerere was clear: the future of the continent is in the hands of its youth. And as the Guild Leaders’ Summit demonstrated, they are ready.

Betty Kyakuwa
Betty Kyakuwa

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Admission Lists for Diploma Holders under Government Sponsorship for 2025/2026 AY

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One of the First Class Graduands Shafik Senkubuge (2nd Right) in a group photo with part of the BEHS Class of 2024. 74th Graduation Ceremony, Day 1, School of Public Health, College of Health Sciences (CHS), 29th January 2024, Freedom Square, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

The Office of Academic Registrar, Makerere University has released lists of Diploma holders admitted under the Government Sponsorship Scheme for the Academic Year 2025/2026.

Under the Diploma Holders Government Sponsorship Scheme admission does not exceed 5% of the intake capacity to the respective Degree Programme.

The list can be accessed by following the link below:

Mak Editor

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Call For Applications: AlphaFold Workshop Uganda 2025

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Are you a researcher or student working in protein-related research, structural biology, or bioinformatics?

The African Center of Excellence in Bioinformatics and Data Intensive Sciences (ACE) Uganda with support from Google DeepMind, invites researchers and students seeking to integrate AlphaFold into their work to apply for the AlphaFold Workshop to be held at the Infectious Diseases Institute, Makerere University-Kampala, Uganda from 16th to 20th June 2025.

Deadline: 30th April 2025

Apply here: AlphaFold Workshop – Uganda 2025

Mak Editor

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