The Deputy Vice Chancellor in charge of Academic Affairs (DVCAA), Dr. Ernest Okello Ogwang, has encouraged international students to maximally utilize the privileges provided for by the university, as a way of improving their academic performances. Speaking to the students on Thursday 28th August 2014, the DVCAA said that the University structure clearly indicates that Makerere offers various opportunities and privileges to international students to enable them excel in their academics and also feel the hominess of Makerere.

Interacting with the students, the DVCAA encouraged them to value group discussions, regular class attendance and social networking, as these will improve on their academic performances. He urged students to fully maximize their time and leave Makerere with a legacy worth reckoning.

“Makerere University has nurtured and continues to nurture many of the prominent people in our society and beyond, we have a large cluster of alumni, and these comprise of international students. Many prominent people from various countries have passed through the gates of Makerere and we hope that you will raise our pride when you become our ambassadors back home,” the DVCAA remarked.

However Prof. Ogwang warned the students against, conmen and moving alone in the night. He also encouraged students to be responsible for their health and wellbeing so as to avoid ill health which can distract their studies.

The Senior Administrative Assistant and Head of the International Office, Ms. Martha Muwanguzi, advised the students to secure health insurance so as to guarantee their health and minimize disruption of their studies. She also encouraged students to always liaise with the International Office for help in the event that they encounter any difficulties during their stay at Makerere.

The Head of Undergraduate Admissions and Records Division, Academic Registrar's Department, Mr. Charles Ssentongo, asked the students to familiarize themselves with the guidelines that accrue to their status as either short or long term students.

“I emphasize that you read the Freshers' joining instructions, they have a lot of information on the University policies, registration procedures, fees payments and some of the terms that we use at Makerere,” Mr. Ssentongo said.

The Minister of International Affairs in the Students’ Guild Mr. Juma Kenneth encouraged the students to join associations of their respective countries to strengthen and widen their social network. He further added that his Ministry is planning to create a unified association to accommodate those few without associations yet.

Every year Makerere University admits approximately 600 international students from all over the world as part of the wider strategy on Internationalization. Away from the students who enroll through direct admission, some international students come in as part of ongoing exchange programmes between Makerere University and partner Universities both in the region and beyond.

Article By Nabatte Prossy, Intern, Public Relations Office