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Mak to make the most of AHP Fellowships

Published

11 years ago

August 19, 2014

Mark Wamai

Dr. Muhammed Umar-Burutai (2nd L), DVCAA-Dr. Ernest Okello Ogwang (3rd L), Principal CHUSS-Prof. Edward Kirumira (4th L), Dr. Sani Aliyu (5th L), Prof. Edward Wamala (4th R) and partcipants in the AHP Application Preparation Workshop pose for a group photo at CoBAMS, 15th August 2014, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda

The African Humanities Program (AHP) is conducted by The American Council of Learned Societies (ACLS) with support from the Carnegie Corporation of New York. The program which currently supports five countries in Africa namely; Ghana, Nigeria, Tanzania, Uganda and South Africa is aimed at encouraging and enabling research and writing of the highest quality by African scholars. AHP supports awards on the two fronts of Dissertation-Completion Fellowships and Early Career Postdoctoral Fellowships.

On Friday 15th August 2014, the Office of the Deputy Vice Chancellor in charge of Academic Affairs (DVCAA) organized an application preparation workshop for prospective fellows who had expressed interest in the call for applications. Welcoming participants to the workshop, Dr. Susan Kiguli; herself a 2010 AHP Postdoctoral Fellow and Head, Literature Department, College of Humanities and Social Sciences (CHUSS), thanked Dr. Ernest Okello Ogwang for organizing the workshop as part of Makerere’s AHP coordination activities. She then commended all applicants for seeking to take advantage of one of the best Humanities Fellowships.

Dr. Susan Kiguli; a 2010 AHP Postdoctoral Fellow and Head, Literature Department, College of Humanities and Social Sciences (CHUSS) welcomes participants to the AHP Workshop “The AHP fellowship promotes inter-scholarly interaction and communication and presents us all with the perfect platform to see how we can forge a way forward in research and promotion of humanities on the African continent,” said Dr. Kiguli.

The AHP applications preparation workshop targeted doctoral candidates in the final year of writing their dissertation as well as postdoctoral applicants who had obtained their PhD within the last eight years. The workshop coordinator Dr. Florence Ebila, School of Women and Gender Studies, CHUSS, announced that a total of 18 abstracts had been received and the two-day meeting would work with applicants to secure as many fellowship awards for Uganda as possible. “This is the most wonderful fellowship to help you come up with a book or journal. As a fresh fellow of the AHP, I personally look forward to completing my manuscript soon,” added Dr. Ebila.

In order to make the most of such opportunities, the Makerere University coordination office regularly invites AHP assessors to guide participants through the application process. Welcoming the facilitators, the DVCAA Dr. Ernest Okello Ogwang thanked Dr. Muhammed Umar-Burutai and Dr. Sani Aliyu from Ahmadu Bello University, Nigeria and Prof. Edward Wamala from the Philosophy Department, CHUSS, for accepting to facilitate the workshop. He noted that the highest number of participants Uganda had ever sent was eight although this total has varied over the years. He also urged participants take advantage of sabbatical teaching opportunities at Ahmadu Bello University, the largest university in Nigeria and second largest in Africa after Cairo University, Egypt.

Principal CHUSS-Prof. Edward Kirumira (L) and DVCAA-Dr. Ernest Okello Ogwang address participants at the AHP Workshop “This workshop is a unique opportunity for Uganda to better package her applications. Although colleagues from all around the world are lamenting over the state of affairs in the Humanities, we should not be complicit but move beyond lamentations,” persuaded Dr. Okello Ogwang. “Listen closely as the facilitators as they discuss your abstracts and carefully follow all instructions and this will help you understand the specific nature of the fellowship,” he added.

In his remarks as he officially opened the workshop, the Principal, College of Humanities and Social Sciences (CHUSS), Prof. Edward Kirumira welcomed the various shifts in National and Global strategies as an indicator that the Humanities and Social Sciences disciplines were starting to make an impact.

“Nationally, we are witnessing the shift from Poverty Eradication to National Development Programmes, and from science and technology for excellence to science and technology for prosperity,” Prof. Kirumira noted. “This shift is based on the recognition that development programmes ought to be holistic and will move much slower if the Humanities and Social Sciences component is excluded” added the Principal.

AHP Workshop 2014 Facilitators from L-R Prof. Edward Wamala, CHUSS, Dr. Muhammed Umar-Burutai and Dr. Sani Aliyu from Ahmadu Bello University Nigeria tip participants on application procedures He however urged collegues in the Humanities and Social Sciences not to remain in their academic silos but to step out and apply their various disciplines to the development agenda. “I urge all participants to have the National Development Agenda in sight as you write abstracts. Humanities and Social Sciences may not be explicitly emphasized on the research agenda and so it is our responsibility to reach out to them. This exclusion opens up opportunities for us to go to them,” counseled Prof. Kirumira.

He also noted that as Public institutions continued to tighten their expenditure patterns, staff development initiatives were likely to be affected and opportunities such as those presented by AHP ought to be welcomed and wholly embraced.

“We look forward to having the next generation of academic leaders emerging from AHP especially as you continue to create networks. The money is not in the pockets but in the networks so make the most of them,” Prof. Kirumira concluded.

Commenting on the workshop one of the facilitators Dr. Sani Aliyu noted that the AHP fellowship is a mentorship platform for the academia to help each other advance their careers, “As such, you interaction should not stop at workshops such as this two-day event but continue through the networks you establish,” he said.

The AHP Application Preparation Workshop 2014 coordinators Dr. Florence Ebila (L) and Dr. Peace Musiimenta (R) assured participants of success if they followed the rules Dr. Muhammed Umar-Burutai who took participants through the application procedures emphasized that the fellowship was only meant to fund basic research. “This fellowship will only support those whose research is aimed at providing a greater understanding of the subject and so if your research is applied in nature, it may not be considered,” advised Dr. Aliyu.

The AHP Application Preparation Workshop 2014 coordinators Dr. Florence Ebila and Dr. Peace Musiimenta assured participants of success if they stuck to the application instructions. The humanities disciplines that qualify for support include; anthropology, archaeology, studies of fine and performing arts, history, linguistics, literature studies, studies of religion, and philosophy. Projects in social sciences such as economics, sociology, or political science, as well as in law or international relations, are not eligible unless they are clearly humanistic in content and focus. More information on the program may be obtained at htto://www.acls.org/programs/ahp.

Article by Public Relations Office

General

Call for Applications: Admission to Postgraduate Programmes 2026/2027

Published

16 hours ago

February 4, 2026

Mak Editor

SoL Graduands celebrate after being conferred upon their awards. 75th Graduation Ceremony, Day 1, CoCIS, CEES, CoVAB and School of Law. 13th January 2025, Freedom Square, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

The Academic Registrar, Makerere University invites applications for admission to Graduate Programmes (Postgraduate Diplomas, Masters and Doctoral Degree Programmes) for the 2026/2027 Academic Year. Applicants should have obtained at least a first or second class degree (or its equivalent) from a Chartered University at the time of completion. Applicants should also possess a Uganda Certificate of Education (or its equivalent) and a Uganda Advanced Certificate of Education (or its equivalent).

Sponsorship:

All Graduate Programmes are PRIVATELY-SPONSORED. Therefore, applicants seeking sponsorship should have their applications endorsed by their respective sponsors where applicable. Applicants should note that the various fees payable to the University indicated for the various programmes EXCLUDE functional fees, accommodation, books, research and other expenses.

Makerere-Advert-for-Graduate-Programmes-2026-2027 Download

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Simon Mungudit: Mak’s Best Performing Male Science Student & Rising Star in Petroleum Geoscience

Published

1 day ago

February 3, 2026

Hasifa Kabejja

Simon Mungudit emerged the best performing male science student this year. He is set to graduate from Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa on 24th February 2026 in the Freedom Square.

At just 24 years old, Simon Mungudit from the College of Natural Sciences (CoNAS) has etched his name in the academic history of Makerere University, having emerged as the overall best male student in the Sciences, an achievement earned through perseverance, discipline, and an unrelenting pursuit of excellence.

Mungudit is set to graduate during 76th graduation ceremony scheduled for 24^th to 27th February 2026, having attained a CGPA of 4.76 in the Bachelor of Science in Petroleum Geoscience and Production. His academic interests-Reservoir Engineering, Petrophysics, and Drilling-reflect a deep understanding of the subsurface sciences that power modern energy systems.

Early Life and Journey to Academic Excellence

Born to Mr. Owor Thomas, a Game Ranger with the Uganda Wildlife Authority at Murchison Falls National Park, and Ms. Lilly Obewun Grace of Akuru Bridge Village, Nyaravur Sub-County in Nebbi District, Mungudit’s journey to academic excellence began far from the lecture halls of Makerere. At Karuma Primary School, Mungudit scored 12 aggregates in the Primary Leaving Examinations (PLE), setting the pace for his future success. He proceeded to St. Daniel Comboni College, Nebbi, where he attained 14 aggregates in 8 subjects at O’ Level. He then joined Namilyango College, one of the best secondary schools in Uganda, where he studied Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics (PCM) and scored 19 points, results that secured him government sponsorship to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Petroleum Geoscience and Production at Makerere University.

Gratitude to his mentors and sponsors

Behind these milestones lies a story of humility, gratitude and opportunity. Mungudit credits his parents for supporting his primary and O’ Level education and expresses gratitude to TotalEnergies, which provided a full bursary for his A’ Level studies, covering tuition, upkeep, and medical care. He also acknowledges the Government of Uganda for sponsoring his university education, a factor he says motivated him to excel.

At Makerere, Mungudit thrived in an environment that blended rigorous academics with mentorship. He pays tribute to his lecturers, particularly Dr. Arthur Batte, Head, Department of Geology and Petroleum Studies, for their unwavering commitment to nurturing students and pushing them to excel.

“I always aimed to excel,” Mungudit says. “Together with a few colleagues, we formed a group and held discussions on a daily. This, coupled with a conducive study environment, prayer, and discipline, enabled us to attain excellent grades.”

Dr Arthur Batte describes Mungidit as a humble yet very intelligent student.

Achievements and Professional Experience

Beyond academics, Mungudit consistently demonstrated expertise in petroleum engineering. In 2024, he led a team that won the Reservoir Modelling Challenge, organized by the American Association of Petroleum Geologists (AAPG) Makerere University Chapter, earning prize money and a sponsored field trip to the Tilenga Project courtesy of COSL. He was First Runner-Up in the Petro Bowl competitions of 2023 and 2025, a highly competitive petroleum knowledge quiz organized by the Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE) Uganda Section. He served as a Student Officer for the SPE Makerere University Chapter in 2023, and in 2024, he chaired the Organizing Committee of the SPE Annual Students’ Technical Conference and Exhibition, helping bridge the gap between academia and industry.

His learning extended beyond the classroom. During his internship, he worked with TotalEnergies, where he applied petrophysics skills to analyze gas-while-drilling data for formation evaluation, hands-on exposure that sharpened his professional competence. At Makerere University, he mastered PetroMod 2018, a critical software tool in oil and gas exploration. After completing his studies in June 2025, Mungudit trained with the Uganda National Oil Company (UNOC), participating in the 2D seismic acquisition in the Kasurubani Block in Buliisa and Hoima districts.

Mungudit currently works as the Special Projects Coordinator for the Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE) Uganda Section Student Liaison Committee.

Future Plans

Mungudit hopes to work in the oil and gas industry in the upstream sector as a geoscientist. He also plans to pursue further studies in petroleum engineering.

From a village in Nebbi to the forefront of petroleum geoscience, Mungudit’s story is one of an opportunity seized and potential realized. It is a testament to what is possible when talent meets support, and when determination is guided by faith, mentorship, and service. As Uganda’s oil and gas sector continues to evolve, Mungudit stands as a symbol of the skilled, principled professionals poised to shape its future.

The CoNAS fraternity congratulates Mungudit on this noble achievement.

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Press Statement: Makerere 76th Graduation Ceremony

Published

1 week ago

January 28, 2026

Mak Editor

Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe (Centre) presents one of the printed batches of transcripts the Registrar College of Computing and Information Sciences (CoCIS)-Ms. Ruth Iteu Eyoku (2nd Right) as Right to Left: DVCAA-Prof. Sarah Ssali, AR-Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi and Ms. Prossy Nakayiki witness on 28th January 2026. Vice Chancellor's Press Briefing on the 76th Graduation due to be held 24th-27th February 2026 at Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

Makerere University’s 76^th graduation ceremony will be held from February 24^th – 27^th, 2026, at the Makerere University Freedom Square, starting at 8.30am. During the 76^th graduation ceremony, we shall confer degrees and award certificates to 185 PhDs, 2034 Masters, 6,043 bachelors, 137 postgraduate diplomas and 33 diplomas.

I am proud to announce that in comparison to the 75^th graduation, we have registered a 30% growth in graduate student output. This is a result of our strategic decision to prioritize graduate education per our research-led agenda.

I also wish to announce that the transcripts have been finalized and are ready for pick up. Today, I am handing over the ready transcripts to the College principals and can be picked up from respective Colleges even before the graduation ceremony.

Important to Note:

In preparation for the graduation ceremony, the University wishes to note the following:

Pre-graduation clearances
Graduands are reminded to clear all necessary payments such as tuition and all graduation
fees. It is also important to check with your College to ensure your name is on the graduation
list and all mandatory clearances with university officials have been finalized. Note and
internalize the graduation schedule (attached) to know which day you are graduating.
Securing the graduation gowns
Graduation gowns will be issued starting from 2^nd February 2026 from the University Hall (Dinning Hall), Monday to Friday, from 9am to 4pm. To collect your gown, check and ensure your name appears on the Senate Graduation list, present your student number or National ID, and proof of payment for the gown.
Security requirements
- Attendance: For each day of graduation, entrance to the graduation ground will be by invitation only. Graduands will be issued with invitation cards which permits two guests per graduand. Do not come with more than two people or they will not be allowed access to the graduation venue. Graduands are encouraged to arrive to settle at the Freedom Square by 7am on graduation day to for a seamless flow of planned activities including the necessary security checks.
- Prohibited items: Prohibited items include firearms, sharp instruments like mirrors and knives, alcohol, cell or batteries and chemicals, canned food and drinks, laptops, flashes and hard disks, radios including pocket radios, bottled drinks, cameras, large bags or any other heavy items.
- Media: All media and journalists who wish to cover the ceremony must be pre-accredited by the Makerere University Public Relations office or they will not be allowed to access the ceremony venue. The access point for accredited media personnel will be the Senate Building.
- Parking: There will be two designated parking areas; Rugby Grounds for those coming through the Eastern and Main Gate; and the second one is the Makerere University Main Grounds at Makerere College School. For VVIPs, VIPs and procession parking will be at CTF1, Directorate of Legal parking, St Francis and St Augustine parking, JICA and Senate Building.
- Access Control: To ease traffic flow and management, the University has planned three access points to the graduation venue: the School of Social Sciences, Senate Building and the University Swimming Pool.
For help and inquiries
- Starting February 2, 2026, the Academic Registrar ’s Office and Graduation Committee will set up an information tent outside the Senate Building to provide guidance and handle all inquiries pertaining to graduation.