The Norwegian Agency for Development Cooperation (NORAD) team currently at Makerere for a five-day Annual Planning Meeting has commended the University for ensuring good reporting mechanisms in the management of ongoing projects. Makerere which is the lead partner managing over nine (9) NORHED research projects with other collaborating institutions in Africa and Norway was commended for embracing a consultative approach which ensured the participation of all key stakeholders in research project activities; as well as guaranteeing that competent and experienced staff run the projects.
The NORAD team comprising Edle Hamre-Head of Section; Jorun Nossum-Senior Adviser; Inga Dalin-Adviser; Silje S. Vevatne-Adviser, Jeanette da Silva-Senior Advisor and Ms Mary Mabweijano-Senior Programme officer, Royal Norwegian Embassy Kampala made the wonderful remarks during the courtesy call on the Vice Chancellor and the Makerere University Management held today, Monday 3rd November 2014. The courtesy call came ahead of the Opening Ceremony for the first Annual Planning Meeting between NORAD and the Norwegian Programme for Capacity Building in Higher Education and Research for Development (NORHED).
The Annual Planning Meeting, which starts today 3rd and runs until Friday 7th November 2014, is focused on reviewing the implementation of projects at Makerere University under the NORHED programme and providing an opportunity to focus on the second year of implementation.
In her speech, Elde Hamre, the Head of Section for Research, Innovation and Higher Education, NORAD emphasized the relevance of the NORHED Research projects which seek to address alignment of education and research to national development needs and eradication of poverty.
“We look forward to meeting the research teams, project coordinators and students during the Annual Planning Meeting and discussing the achievements and the progress made on the respective NORHED projects. We have particular interest in the alignment of research to national development needs and eradication of poverty,” said Hamre.
The Vice Chancellor Professor John Ddumba-Ssentamu welcomed the NORAD team and applauded the Government and People of Norway for supporting research, capacity building programmes and infrastructural development at Makerere University since the 1940s.
Professor Ddumba-Ssentamu assured the NORAD team of Makerere University’s commitment to the realization of Uganda’s development needs, and the successful implementation of the NORHED programme. He added that the 2014 Annual Planning Meeting was timely for it provides a platform through which Makerere University and NORAD will exchange ideas that will inform higher education and research for the transformation of society especially through knowledge dissemination.
During the courtesy visit, both the NORAD and Makerere University teams emphasized the following critical aspects:
Continuous engagement and involvement of stakeholders in research project activities/programmes
The Quality Assurance Directorate to undertake tracer studies especially on the students/beneficiaries under the NORHED programme
The need to develop realistic plans and budgets for the respective research projects
Strengthening financial and procurement systems in sister universities especially those in South Sudan
Partnering with the School of Women and Gender Studies to train the project teams in gender
To train and sensitise project team leaders on revised Mak procurement guidelines and procedures
For all parties, to uphold zero tolerance to corruption in the execution of research project and management activities.
With regard to overcoming the delays in procurement of equipment vital to research, theDeputy Vice Chancellor (Finance and Administration), Professor Barnabas Nawangwe encouraged the Makerere University research teams to study the revised Procurement Manual, which provides user-friendly procurement guidelines and procedures.
Article by Ritah Namisango, Public Relations Office Photos by: Mr. Joseph Buwule, Landmark Media Consultancy
Vision Group which consists of print and broadcast media targeting Ugandans in the different parts of the country and the diaspora is a true and reliable partner of Makerere University. Vision Group has significantly contributed to the realization of Makerere University’s institutional goals through the promotion of its teaching and learning services, research and innovations, as well as coverage of community engagement programmes undertaken by students and staff. In addition, Bukedde, New Vision and other media entities under the Vision Group employ dozens of Makerere University graduates and provides internship training placements/opportunities to many of our undergraduate students every year.
On Thursday 29th August 2024, Bukedde newspaper celebrated 30 years of existence. The three decades (1994-2024) exemplify a remarkable journey of humble beginnings, dedication, resilience and continuous growth. The first copy of Bukedde newspaper was published on 29th August 1994 under the editorship of Mr. Maurice Ssekawungu. Bukedde which started as a black and white publication later transitioned into full colour. Bukedde is a very popular newspaper with a significant circulation in the different parts of the country.
To appreciate the admirable growth of Bukedde and the Vision Group, the Archbishop of Kampala, His Grace Paul Ssemogerere toured the giant media empire accompanied by the Group Chief Executive Officer – Mr. Don Wanyama, Deputy Chief Executive Officer – Mr. Gervase Ndyanabo, the Editor-in-Chief – Mrs. Barbara Kaija, and Bukedde Editor – Mr. Michael Ssebbowa.
Over the years, Bukedde newspaper has witnessed the birth of Bukedde F.M, Bukedde TV 1 and Bukedde TV 2 as well as transformation of the livelihoods of its employees and their families.
The Archbishop of Kampala, His Grace Paul Ssemogerere leads the thanksgiving Mass.
Impressed by the tremendous work and evolution of Bukedde newspaper, the Archbishop praised God for blessing the founding team with the knowledge and wisdom to come up with such a brilliant idea. He also thanked the previous and current leadership and staff for contributing to the success and growth of Bukedde.
Celebrating the Holy Mass, Archbishop Ssemogerere informed the congregation that the founding date of Bukedde newspaper (29th August) is the feast day for St. John the Baptist in the catholic church. He urged the staff of Bukedde and the media in general to uphold the truth in the course of their work.
Focusing on the gospel reading from the book of Mark 6:17-29, the Archbishop said:
“In the catholic church, we celebrate and remember John the Baptist for standing for the truth. This day of celebration has coincided with the feast day of John the Baptist, who was beheaded because of standing for the truth. He stood for what was the truth until the very end. I pray that you will have the courage to stand for the truth even under very challenging circumstances.”
Ssemogerere highlighted that King Herod respected John the Baptist because he always stood for what was right, and as such, King Herold consulted him. Although Herod and John the Baptist were friends, when Herod took his brother’s wife, John the Baptist courageously confronted him, and informed him that adultery was wrong before God. This truth irritated the said concubine, who when presented with an opportunity tricked her little daughter to request for the head of John the Baptist on a plate. To fulfill his promise to his daughter, King Herold ordered one of his servants to satisfy the request of his little daughter, and consequently, John the Baptist was beheaded.
The Archbishop of Kampala, His Grace Paul Ssemogerere (3rd Right) with Vision Group staff and guests at the celebration.
Archbishop Ssemogerere rallied the media and the congregation to stick to the truth so that young people and humanity in general understand the consequences of promiscuity, adultery and the quick desire for money. His Grace appealed to Bukedde to continue publishing the truth in form of stories and airing information about the dangers of HIV/AIDS. “People need to hear the truth so that they understand the consequences of their actions, which not only threaten life, but lead to loss of life,” he added.
His Grace Ssemogerere acknowledged Vision Group for involving the catholic church in the 30 years’ celebration. He also thanked Bukedde and Vision Group for helping the catholic church in evangelization. “Through your media channels, you have not only dedicated space and airtime to messages that are spiritually uplifting, but you have also enabled the church to reach out to God’s people.”
The Archbishop called upon God to bless Bukedde and Vision Group abundantly as we wait for BukeddeAt50 celebrations in the near future.
After the thanksgiving mass, Bukedde’s current Editor – Mr. Michael Ssebbowa introduced the founding Editor – Mr. Maurice Ssekawungu and the editor who took on the mantle when he retired – Mr. Geoffrey Kulubya. The wonderful gentlemen (Ssekawungu and Kulubya) waved to the Archbishop and the congregation amidst applause from Bukedde staff and friends.
Mr. Ssebbowa then set the pace for the Archbishop and the entire audience to watch a documentary with powerful messages on the evolution of Bukedde from humble beginnings to greater heights.
In this documentary, the founding editor, Mr. Maurice Ssekawungu explained how the name “Bukedde” was selected. In this beautiful journey, they had come up with an idea of a Luganda newspaper, but did not have a name. So, William Pike, the CEO and Mr. Maurice Sekawungu put out a call for proposals. According to Ssekawungu, they received 90 submissions. That William Pike desired a name that would resonate with brightness. Finally, from the 90 names submitted by different people, they selected the name “Bukedde.” Mr. Ssekawungu explained that Bukedde meant a new day or a new morning, which presented new possibilities, new opportunities and hope.
In the same documentary, the Archbishop and the congregation listened to testimonies from staff of Bukedde who with a lot of happiness and pride attributed their success in different spheres of life to Bukedde media. Some of them have been nurtured, trained and skilled to become very powerful and respected journalists. Some of them credited Bukedde for being their source of livelihood while others highlighted that Bukedde has made them very popular and also provided an opportunity to them to network with people from different spheres of life.
The Archbishop of Kampala, His Grace Paul Ssemogerere (3rd Right) is joined by Vision Group CEO-Mr. Don Wanyama (Rear 2nd Left), Deputy CEO-Mr. Gervase Ndyanabo (Front Left), Founding Bukedde Editor-Mr. Maurice Ssekawungu (Waving), His successor-Mr. Geoffrey Kulubya (Right), Current Bukedde Editor-Mr. Michael Ssebbowa (Rear Left) and other officials.
Building on to the story of success and hard work, the Chief Executive Officer of Vision Group, Mr. Don Wanyama stated that Bukedde has just not survived, but it has actually thrived. He recognized the Government of Uganda for the different media channels under the Vision Group, which includes Bukedde newspaper whose achievements and impact are crystal clear. “One of our biggest highlights was in 2014 when we were marking the 20th anniversary of this newspaper. On that day, Bukedde sold a record of 100,000 copies in a single day. This is an achievement that has not been registered by any newspaper in Uganda,” he said.
Noting that Bukedde remains the best-selling newspaper in Uganda, Mr. Wanyama appreciated the loyal readers, past and present staff, advertisers and distributors for their hard work, sacrifices, support as well as being the lifeblood that keeps Bukedde progressing.
Ms. Barbarah Kaija, the Editor-in-Chief of Vision Group said Bukedde is one of Uganda’s most widely newspapers because it appeals to the ordinary person. “Its content centres on the ordinary person with issues that impact him or her in society. It is a people-centered approach with coverage bringing out the human interest angle.”
In his congratulatory remarks, the Vice Chancellor of Makerere University, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe re-affirmed the readiness of Makerere University to intensify its mutually beneficial relationship with Vision Group in order to contribute to the transformation of Uganda. Once again, the Vice Chancellor acknowledged the Vision Group for being a valuable partner during celebrations of Makerere University at 100 years (1922-2022) which lasted for a year (commencing on 9th October 2021 up to 8th October 2022). Prof. Nawangwe also thanked the Vision Group for contributing to the resounding success of Makerere University Run 2024 (MakRun2024) held on Sunday 18th August 2024.
The Office of the Academic Registrar,Makerere University has released admission lists for those recommended for change of course/ programme for Degree/Diploma Scheme and Direct entry for Private/Government sponsored students for the Academic Year 2024/2025.
The lists can be accessed by following the links below:
For a candidate to qualify to be a bonafide student of the University, he/she MUST enroll on the system and be registered. Registration is a mandatory requirement of the University which must be done within the specified time at the beginning of the semester. Failure to do so will automatically lead to your place being forfeited to another candidate. Official Registration/Verification of documents is ongoing using the Academic Information Management System (ACMIS).
Ensure that you complete all the required registration formalities starting with enrolment within the prescribed time as per the Fees Payment Policy and registration programmes provided by your respective Colleges. The system cycle will be closed on 18th October, 2024 being the deadline for normal registration. Registration Requirements For registration purposes all first year students MUST produce their Original documents as indicated on their admission letters for validation and verification purposes. At the end of enrolment and the online registration exercise, new students will be required to submit 3 photocopies of their academic documents which will be their Registrars for record purposes.
Further details can be found in the document below: