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Mak Confucius Institute to Bridge Uganda-China Cultural Gap

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Makerere University together with the Government of China and Xiangtan University launched the Confucius Institute at a colorful ceremony, held on 19th December 2014 in the University's Main Hall.   The launch was as result of long term partnership between Makerere University and Xiangtan University to train and teach Chinese language and culture in Uganda.

The first of its kind to be established in the country, the Confucius Institute is a non–profit public institution, born out of the genuine cooperation between Makerere University and Xiangtan University since 2010. The institute hosted by Makerere University with support from the Government of the Peoples Republic of China will offer courses in Chinese to Makerere university students, staff and members of the general public interested in learning Chinese for all purposes. The Confucius Institute will also be a centre for promoting cultural and business ties between the people of Uganda and China.

The Vice Chancellor Prof. John Ddumba-Ssentamu, appreciated the Government of China for choosing Makerere University to host the first Confucius institute in Uganda.

“The establishment of Confucius Institute at Makerere University is indeed an important milestone in the history of cooperation between Uganda and China. I therefore thank the Confucius Institute Headquarters (Hanban), the Embassy of the Peoples Republic of China in Uganda and Xiangtan University for the financial and material support rendered towards the establishment of the institute”

Prof. Ddumba-Ssentamu also advised Ugandans to utilize this chance to learn Chinese so as to broaden their cooperation with Chinese nationals as it is one of the fastest ways to bring development and modernization to Uganda‘s economy.

“As you may be aware, China is currently one of the fastest growing economies in the world and its influence in global affairs cannot be underestimated. Therefore, as the interaction between Chinese and Ugandan businesses continues to grow, communication becomes more important. I believe that, with our collective efforts, the Confucius Institute will surely act as a window for Ugandans, especially the youth, to understand and study Chinese culture,” he said.

In his speech read by the State Minister in the Office of the Vice President, Hon. Vincent Nyanzi, The Vice President of Uganda His Excellency Edward Kiwanuka Ssekandi noted that language is a key component to culture which is a core determinant of a people’s identity. The Vice President said that understanding Chinese language will acquaint Ugandans with Chinese norms and values that have influenced China’s fast growing economy.

“Ugandans need to study Chinese to be able to associate with such a vibrant economy in politics, commerce, culture and general trade. Uganda established diplomatic relations with the People’s Republic of China in 1962 and has since enjoyed excellent relations in bilateral trade, cultural exchange, technology and scientific transfers, modernization of our security forces agricultural and industrial modernization” read the Vice President’s speech.

In his remarks, the Chancellor of Makerere University, Prof. George Mondo Kagonyera, hailed the strengthened cooperation between the China and Uganda in various sectors including education and business. He said through technology, the world has become more connected and Ugandans can no longer afford to live in isolation, especially from countries like China that have influenced events on the global stage.

“The rest of the world cannot afford to do without China. The Confucius Institute therefore offers an opportunity to Ugandans to learn more about China. I hope that it will not only focus on teaching the language but also the work quality and ethical values of the Chinese people,” he said.

Speaking at the ceremony, the Ambassador of the Peoples Republic of China in Uganda, H.E. Zhao Yali, said the Institute would further enhance cooperation between Uganda and China, “With the growing relations between our two countries, more and more Ugandans are visiting and studying in China, and many Chinese choose Uganda as their travel and investment destination.”

“The demand for learning Chinese and understanding Chinese culture among Ugandans has increased in the recent years. The Confucius Institute at Makerere University will provide a great platform for Ugandans to better understand Chinese language and culture” the Ambassador added

During the ceremony, Mr. Chu Maoming, Counsellor, Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Uganda, read a letter from Madame Xu Lin, Chief Executive of the Confucius Institute Headquarters in Beijing congratulating Ugandans upon their “landmark achievement”.

After a sumptuous dinner, guests were treated to different activities including; martial arts displays, Traditional Chinese dressing, and entertainment from the Confucius students.

Article by Nabatte Prossy, Intern-Public Relations Office

Proscovia Nabatte

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Applications for Admission to Undergraduate Programmes 2025/26 AY

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The Academic Registrar, Makerere University invites applications from Ugandan, East African, and international applicants for the undergraduate programmes under the private sponsorship scheme for the 2025/2026 Academic Year for ‘A’ Level Leavers Only.

Each applicant should:

Have the Uganda Certificate of Education (UCE) with at least five (5) passes, or its equivalent and at least two (2) principal passes at Uganda Advanced Certificate of Education (UACE) obtained at the same sitting. For day programmes only candidates who sat A’ Level in 2024, 2023 and 2022 are eligible to apply. For evening, afternoon, and external programmes, a candidate is not restricted on the year of sitting A’ Level. Detailed information on the weighting system can be accessed by following this link.

Other relevant information can be obtained from UNDERGRADUATE ADMISSIONS OFFICE, LEVEL 3, SENATE BUILDING OR CAN BE found on the University Website https://www.mak.ac.ug. Effective Wednesday 16th April 2025. 

A non-refundable application fee of shs.50,000/= for Ugandans, East African and S. Sudan applicants or $75 or equivalent for internationals  plus bank charges should be paid in any of the banks used by Uganda Revenue Authority.                                           

 Candidates who hold grades X, Y, Z, 7 and 9 of ‘O’Level results should not apply because they are not eligible for admission. Below are the availble courses including respective fees structure.

How to submit your application                                            

  1. Applicants should access the Institution’s Admissions URL https://apply.mak.ac.ug/
  2. Sign up by clicking on the REGISTER NOW. Use your full name, e-mail and Mobile No.  Please note that your name must be similar to the one on your supporting academic documents for your application to be considered valid.
  3. A password will be sent to you on your mobile phone and email.                                      
  4. The system will prompt you to change the password to the one you can easily remember.
  5. To fill an application form, click on the APPLY NOW button displayed on the appropriate running scheme.                                              
  6. Obtain a payment reference number by clicking on “Pay for Form” Button
  7. Make a payment at any of the banks used by Uganda Revenue Authority                                            

MOBILE MONEY PAYMENT STEPS:                                                 

  1. Dial *272*6# on either MTN or Airtel                                                             
  2. Select option 3-Admission                                                     
  3. Select option 3-Pay Fees
  4. Enter reference number obtained from Application portal 
  5. Details of Application form will be confirmed                                                              
  6. Enter PIN to confirm payment                                                            

The closing date for receiving applications to undergraduate programmes shall be Tuesday 20th May 2025.                                                           

WARNING:                                                             

  1. Applicants are strongly warned against presenting forged or other people’s academic documents to support their applications for admission.  The consequences, if discovered, are very grave indeed.
  2. Do not buy any other documents not originating from the Academic Registrar’s Office.  Those who buy them do so at their own risk. 
  3. The Academic Registrar has not appointed any agent to act on his behalf to solicit for additional funds other than the application fee stated above.    
  4. Applicants are advised to use the right programme names and codes. the university will not be responsible for any wrong information entered in the system by applicants.                                               

Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi
ACADEMIC REGISTRAR

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Embrace the Safeguarding Policy- Makerere Jinja Campus Students urged

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Makerere University Jinja Campus safeguarding policy sensitization meeting for students, staff and stakeholders by the Office of the Dean of Students, 15th April 2025 at the Civil Service College, Jinja, Uganda, East Africa.

The Director of Makerere University Jinja Campus, Associate Professor Ronald Kakungulu-Mayambala, has urged students to familiarise themselves with the Safeguarding policy aimed at creating a safer and more inclusive learning environment.

Speaking during the safeguarding policy sensitization meeting held today Tuesday, April 15, 2025 at the Civil Service College, Jinja, Prof. Kakungulu-Mayambala, emphasized the importance of awareness and adherence to the policy, which seeks to protect students, staff, and other stakeholders from all forms of abuse, harassment, exploitation, and discrimination.

“As Management we want every student to enjoy their stay at the University without being tormented and that can only happen, if students know their rights by reading about different policies on our website. You are meant to be living in a safe environment. We do not want anybody’s dream to be shattered or somebody to drop out from University,” Prof. Kakungulu-Mayambala, said.

Prof. Ronald Kakungulu-Mayambala, the Director Makerere University Jinja Campus. Makerere University Jinja Campus safeguarding policy sensitization meeting for students, staff and stakeholders by the Office of the Dean of Students, 15th April 2025 at the Civil Service College, Jinja, Uganda, East Africa.
Prof. Ronald Kakungulu-Mayambala, the Director Makerere University Jinja Campus.

In his speech, Prof. Kakungulu-Mayambala, also called upon students who have complaints but do not know the reporting lines, to approach staff safeguarding champions to make sure that they live in a safe environment.

Addressing guests, Emmanuel Muchake, the Guild Administrator at Jinja Campus, pointed out that the launch of the safeguarding policy is timely because as a University, without creating a conducive environment for teaching and learning, they will not have students graduate.

On Friday, April 4,2025, the Third Deputy Prime Minister and Minister without Portfolio, Right Honourable Lukia Isanga Nakadama, officially launched the Safeguarding Policy and commended Makerere University for crafting a policy that lays out the University’s framework for embedding viable safeguarding measures into its ethos and all institutional activities and processes to: Identify, detect, and act swiftly on safeguarding risks.

The Safeguarding Policy was developed in response to the growing need for institutions of higher learning to implement proactive measures that address concerns related to student welfare, mental health, gender-based violence, and power imbalances in academic settings.

Mr. Emmanuel Muchake addressing guests. Makerere University Jinja Campus safeguarding policy sensitization meeting for students, staff and stakeholders by the Office of the Dean of Students, 15th April 2025 at the Civil Service College, Jinja, Uganda, East Africa.
Mr. Emmanuel Muchake addressing guests.

Some of potential safeguarding risks in Institutions of higher learning include emotional distress, Sexual Exploitation, Abuse and Harassment (SEAH); material loss, financial exploitation, discrimination and neglect, unfair and illegitimate response to civic engagements, cyber security/threats, psychological and emotional harm, substance abuse and physical assault. Discrimination and neglect which are often high risks for students with disabilities and international students.

The safeguarding policy sensitization meeting in Jinja Campus brought together students and staff in a meaningful dialogue on safeguarding issues affecting learning.

The event was graced by Dr. Rodney Rugyema, from the Dean of Students Office, who emphasized the University’s commitment to the well-being of all its members. In his remarks, he highlighted the importance of safeguarding policies in preventing abuse, harassment, exploitation, and other forms of misconduct within the Jinja Campus community.

“Safeguarding is not a one-time action, but a continuous culture of care and accountability. We all have a role to play in ensuring a safe and respectful space for learning and growth,” Dr Rugyema, said.

Dr. Rodney Rugyema (Left) and Prof. Ronald Kakungulu-Mayambala (Right) during the sensitization. Makerere University Jinja Campus safeguarding policy sensitization meeting for students, staff and stakeholders by the Office of the Dean of Students, 15th April 2025 at the Civil Service College, Jinja, Uganda, East Africa.
Dr. Rodney Rugyema (Left) and Prof. Ronald Kakungulu-Mayambala (Right) during the sensitization.

The sensitization session covered key topics including; recognizing signs of abuse, understanding reporting procedures on the MakSafeSpace and fostering mutual respect among peers.

Participants were encouraged to actively engage and reflect on their roles in upholding safety standards both on and off campus.

Students who attended the sensitization welcomed the initiative, with many expressing optimism that the policy would improve campus safety and encourage victims to come forward without fear of retaliation.

“We have seen issues go unreported in the past because students didn’t know where to turn. This policy provides clarity and assurance that the university is taking these matters seriously,” noted, a third-year student.

The University plans to conduct a series of sensitization workshops and distribute printed copies of the policy to ensure that every member of the campus community is well-informed. This initiative is part of Makerere University‘s broader strategy to reinforce its values of integrity, respect, and protection for all.

The Safeguarding Sensitization Meeting concluded with a collective pledge to uphold safety, dignity, and mutual respect within the University community.

Carol Kasujja
Carol Kasujja Adii

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Government Sponsorship Undergraduate Admission Lists 2025/26

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The Office of the Academic Registrar, Makerere University has released admission lists for Government sponsored students for the Academic Year 2025/2026. The Office has also released Cut Off Points for Government Admissions.

Below are lists of candidates admitted to the respective courses tenable at Makerere University and Makerere University Business School:

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