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MAK partners with ACCA to offer professional courses

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Makerere University has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) Uganda aimed at producing highly competitive graduates for the market.   

Through this mutually beneficial partnership, Makerere University (MAK) will work with ACCA Uganda to deliver professional courses; train and produce professional accountants; and high quality Bachelor of Commerce graduates.

 “Today, Friday 10th October 2014, Makerere University is becoming one of the major partners of ACCA in delivering professional courses. Makerere University in general and the College of Business and Management Sciences in particular are answering the demands of the market.  In addition to training, and equipping students with knowledge and skills, we are integrating professional courses in the Bachelor of Commerce so that we produce a highly competitive graduate,” said Dr. Umar Kakumba, Dean-School of Business, College of Business and Management Sciences at Makerere University.

Dr. Kakumba shared that they have started with professionalizing the Bachelor of Commerce academic programme, but the team in the College of Business and Management Sciences is focused on a long-term plan to partner with respected bodies/institutions so as to professionalise all academic programmes offered at the College. With the MAK and ACCA Uganda partnership, the students majoring in Accounting will have acquired 80% of the professional accounting at the time of completion of Bachelor of Commerce.

With regard to the internationalization agenda as stipulated in the Makerere University Strategic Plan, Dr. Kakumba applauded ACCA Uganda for linking the Makerere University College of Business and Management Sciences (CoBAMS) to ACCA Global, which initiatives will foster internationalization of the curricula and academic outputs.

In her address, the Head of ACCA Uganda, Ms Beatrice M. Isagayite emphasized the need for partnerships and pointed out that ACCA has over 80 working partnerships with universities in China, over 20 partnerships with universities across sub-Saharan Africa, and equally commended Makerere University for coming on board.

“The major purpose of this partnership is to promote sustainable development in the Accounting profession. We need partners like Makerere University. Makerere University is important to us. Makerere University is one of the top ten (10) universities that contribute most students joining ACCA.  We have therefore had a symbiotic relationship, which we are sealing today through this MOU,” she remarked.

Ms Isagayite said that ACCA founded in 1904 and MAK founded in 1922 have rich history and share common values. The Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) is the global professional accounting body offering the Chartered Certified Accountant qualification and over the years, both MAK and ACCA have greatly contributed to imparting knowledge and economic development of Uganda and the world over.

“At ACCA, we believe that accountants bring value to economies in all stages of development. We aim to develop capacity in the profession and encourage adoption of consistent global standards. Our values are aligned to the needs of employers in all sectors and we ensure that, through our qualifications, we prepare accountants for business…This is achieved through partnerships like the one we are entering into with Uganda’s premier university,” she said.[L-R] Ms Beatrice M. Isagayite, Mr Martin Bakundana, Dr Umar Kakumba and Dr. Bernadette Nambi Karuhanga.

On behalf of the team that has been working diligently to restructure and review the curricula, Dr. Bernadette Nambi Karuhanga, Head-Department of Accounting and Finance said:

“Two years ago, our department chose to professionalise her academic programmes. Premised on our core value of innovativeness, we decided to team up with professional bodies. We are thus shifting from the current scenario where a student completes Bachelor of Commerce and joins another body to acquire a professional course. The MAK and ACCA Uganda partnership will ensure that our Bachelor of Commerce students acquire 80% of the professional courses.”

Dr. Nambi Karuhanga explained that through this consultative process, they have aligned the curriculum to the professional requirements, and next academic year 2014/2015, they will follow the reviewed curriculum to deliver a professional product/accountant.

The Ag. Principal, CoBAMS, Dr. Eria Hisali congratulated the School of Business for initiating the partnership with ACCA Uganda and highlighted the initiatives being undertaken by CoBAMS to improve on the quality of her graduates.

“To have a competitive edge in the labour market, we are continuously reviewing our curriculum, our students undertake internship/field attachment, and we are also collaborating with international agencies in the delivery of academic programmes,” he said.

Dr. Hisali advised the MAK and ACCA Uganda team to maximize the synergies presented by the partnership.  “In addition to training and professionalism, consider working within your mandate to undertake joint research, joint community outreach programmes, and joint staff exchanges.”

He thanked the Office of the Vice Chancellor, which was represented by Ms Ritah Namisango, the Senior Public Relations Officer, as well as the MAK Legal Office for the support in the realization of the MAK-ACCA partnership.

The ACCA Uganda team comprised: Ms Beatrice M. Isagayite, Ms Charlotte Kukunda, Ms Dorothy Mutabaazi, Mr. Emmanuel Siiya and Ms Martha Nakayima.

The MAK CoBAMS team comprised:  Dr. Eria Hisali, Dr. Umar Kakumba, Dr. Nambi Karuhanga, Dr. Godfrey Akileng, Mr. Martin Bakundana and Mr. Chris Muganga.

 

Written by:  Ms Ritah Namisango, Public Relations Office

Elias Tuhereze

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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:

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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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