General

Makerere 65th Graduation Ceremony Kicks Off

Published

6 years ago

January 22, 2015

The Chancellor, Prof George Mondo Kagonyera Doctor of Science (Honoris Causa) of Makerere University to Ms. Ruth Morris Keesling.

Makerere University Chancellor Prof. George Mondo Kagonyera has advised students to always have a positive and all-encompassing approach towards work in order to make the desired difference to community. He made the remarks while presiding over the first day of the 65^th graduation ceremony at Makerere University, scheduled to last three days 21st-23^rdJanuary

He cautioned graduands to carefully utilize every opportunity and also avoid job discrimination between white and blue collar jobs. “You are graduating in various disciplines that you have chosen as the vehicles towards a better future. In the process, your families, your country and even the world, benefits from your knowledge. The world is expecting the best from you and with your skills and proficiency, the name of Makerere University shall be hailed,” he said.

Graduands from the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES), College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Bio-security (CoVAB), College of Engineering, Design, Art and Technology (CEDAT), College of Health Science (CHS), College of Natural Sciences (CoNAS) and College of Humanities and Social Sciences (CHUSS) were awarded diplomas, degrees and PhDs at the first session of the graduation on Wednesday.

In his speech the Makerere University Vice Chancellor Prof. John Ddumba-Ssentamu, briefed graduands on the desirable use of the acquired knowledge and skills. “Please be honest in what you do, for it is such honesty that will enable you to improve and fit in the society hereafter. Use the knowledge you have acquired not only to improve yourself but also for the positive transformation of your society.”

Prof. Ddumba-Ssentamu expressed his gratitude to all Members of Staff of Makerere University who graduated at the 65^th graduation ceremony. A total of 13,776 students graduated, with over 200 of them attaining first class degrees. The 65th graduation will also see a total of 67 graduands awarded PhDs.

At the function the Chancellor evoked the powers entrusted to him and awarded a Doctor of Science (Honoris Causa) of Makerere University to Ms. Ruth Morris Keesling in recognition of her distinguished and selfless contribution to Makerere University, Uganda, East and central region of Africa and the world at large. “For the last 28 years since 1986, Ruth has dedicated her energies, finances and time to carry on the gorilla conservation legacy of the late Primatologist Dian Fossey; and has made major contribution to the recovery of the Mountain Gorilla population from 248 at the time to the current estimate of 880. Both the Makerere University Senate and Council found her unreservedly deserving of the award of an Honorary Doctor of Science Degree of Makerere University for her selfless contributions to Makerere University; to Uganda; to the Eastern and Central Africa region and to global communities,” said Prof. John David Kabasa, Principal College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Bio-security (CoVAB) while presenting her citation.

The doctorate award to Ruth Keesling was highly colourful and unique with people wearing gorilla masks moving around as the citation was read. The ‘gorillas’ were being watched over by a team of highly alert officials from Uganda Wildlife Authority.

The graduation ceremony proceeds to day two.

By Prossy Nabatte

General

Veteran Professor changed Makerere and Higher Education

Published

4 days ago

June 21, 2021

Mark Wamai

Professor Pancras John Mukasa Ssebuwufu (L) receives a plaque and citation from RUFORUM Board Member and Vice Chancellor Ndejje University-Professor Eriabu Lugujjo (Right) on 6th May 2021 at the RUFORUM Secretariat, Plot 155 Garden Hill, Makerere University Main Campus,

When Professor John Ssebuwufu ambled up to receive a certificate of recognition for his ‘exceptional’ contribution to higher education from the Regional Universities Forum for Capacity Building in Agriculture (RUFORUM) at Makerere University (MU), he was thinking of many things, such as rewarding staff, that he could have done differently to impact university education more.

But he did what he could have done, under the circumstances.

He presided over MU (in 1993) when student enrolment was 5,000 and left in 2004 when the population was surging to more than 15,000.

He emphasised the use of information communication technologies in almost all the institutions he had been involved in and sent many academic staff on exchanges to boost research and innovation. Now, more African universities engage in ground-breaking research.

So, he proceeded to accept his recognition and make his acceptance speech, which was mostly about gratitude.

Ssebuwufu, 74, who is currently the chancellor at Kyambogo University and the vice-chancellor of the University of Kisubi, is credited for his exemplary leadership and pragmatic methods that have shaped higher education in Uganda and Africa as a whole.

General

Japan Africa Dream Scholarship (JADS) Program 2021/2022

Published

4 days ago

June 21, 2021

Mark Wamai

Japan Africa Dream Scholarship (JADS) Program 2021/2022. Photo credit: AfDB

The Japan Africa Dream Scholarship (JADS) Program is a capacity building project by the AfDB and Japan which was initiated in 2017 with the aim of providing two-year scholarship awards to highly achieving African graduate students to enable them to undergo post-graduate studies (i.e. a two-year Master’s degree program) in selected priority development areas on the continent and Japan. The overarching goal the AfDB and the Government of Japan seek to attain is to enhance skills and human resources development in Africa in under the Bank’s High 5s agenda (i.e. “Feed Africa”, “Light up Africa”, “Industrialize Africa”, “Integrate Africa” and “Improve the quality of life of the people of Africa”) and key Japanese development assistance initiatives. JADS core areas of study focus include energy, agriculture, health, environmental sustainability, and engineering. The program also seeks to promote inter-university collaboration and university-industry partnerships between Japan and Africa. Upon completion of their studies, the JADS scholars are expected to return to their home countries to apply and disseminate their newly acquired knowledge and skills in the public and private sectors, and contribute to national and continental socio-economic development.

About the JADS program

The JADS Program is open to applicants from AfDB member countries with relevant professional experience and a history of supporting their countries’ development efforts who are applying to a graduate degree program in energy development and related discipline. The program does not provide scholarships to any other graduate degree program.

The scholarship program provides tuition, a monthly living stipend, round-trip airfare, health insurance, and travel allowance.

Upon completion of their studies, the beneficiary scholars are expected to return to their home countries to apply and disseminate their newly acquired knowledge and skills, and contribute to the promotion of sustainable development of their countries.

Who is Eligible to Apply?

The program is open to those who have gained admission to an approved Masters degree course at a Japanese partner university. Candidates should be 35 years old or younger; in good health; with a Bachelor’s degree or its equivalent in the energy area or related area; and have a superior academic record. Upon completion of their study programs, scholars are expected to return to their home country to contribute to its economic and social development.

Application Procedures

Applicant requests for information and application forms and procedures from the chosen JADS partner university. For any inquiries, please contact JADS@AFDB.ORG
Applicant completes required documents and sends them to the university.
University evaluates and selects applicants.
University sends selected candidates to the AfDB.
AfDB reviews submissions from universities, prepares and approves the final list.
AfDB contacts selected awardees, and informs the universities.