General
Postgrad Students receive Info Competence and Management Training
26 students have been awarded certificates after a successful two-week (1st-14 June 2015) training in Information Competence and Management. The training was organized by Makerere University Library in conjunction with the Directorate of Research and Graduate Training (DRGT) to equip postgraduate students; mainly PhD and Second year Masters Students, with skills on how to use research and manage information in their research projects, as well as professional careers.
Speaking at the award ceremony on Friday 12th June 2015, the Acting Librarian Dr. Helen Byamugisha said that participants were equipped with knowledge and skills on the various ways of; conducting research, referencing their work, drafting proposals, as well as packaging and disseminating information.
“We have given you skills to boost your competencies in conducting literature reviews, organizing your information and making the best use of information in your research project,” said the Acting Librarian.
She then applauded participants for exhibiting incredible discipline during the two-week course. “The information I have received from the facilitators, shows that you have been very exemplary participants who were always on time as well as very keen and eager to learn. I commend you and request that you continue to uphold that spirit.”
The Information Competence and Management is a cross-cutting course designed to equip post graduate students with skills and knowledge on research information gathering, organization, usage and dissemination.
The course offers a range of skills in
• Introduction to research process, including elements of research proposal writing
• introduction to bibliographic searches for literature review
• Searching Makerere University in-house databases (MakULA, MaKIR and AIM)
• Searching specific databases (E-brary, Sage, OUP, EBESCO, Jstor, HINARI, OARE, AGORA TEEL, ARDI, Cochrane, Emerald, Wiley)
• Document Delivery Services (DDS)
• Management of multiple electronic files
• Professional citing and quotations
• Reference management using Endnote and Medely
• Scholarly writing and communication skills and
• Presentation of research work
According to Ms. Faith Akiteng, College Librarian – College of Education and External Studies (CEES), today’s digital and technological changes, necessitate that students should equally gain aptitude in information search and management.
“This is the 21st century where technology changes everything. You should therefore have information searching skills compatible with technological evolution in order to get the information you want. You should know the database that can give you that information, and how to filter that relevant results from the lots of resources we have. The internet is a global village which requires that you manage and use information ethically,” Ms. Akiteng advised.
On behalf of participants, Mr. Omany Andrew Komakechi, thanked the facilitating team for the great job they did in exposing participants to invaluable ideas and knowledge with visible benefits in their research and professional careers.
“The training has taught us what we are supposed to do as scholarly people. And as a teacher, it has taught me how to gather the information I would like to pass on to my students as well as equipped me with the best dissemination skills,” he said.
“The facilitators have done a great job. They are proficient in what they are doing, and I urge them to also open up this course to undergraduate students, in addition to the existing intakes of postgraduate students. I also ask that this course be held on a periodical basis that is to say after every two months, so as to refresh every one,” Mr. Omany added.
Article by Nabatte Prossy, Intern-Public Relations Office
Makerere University and the University of Notre Dame, Indiana, USA (ND) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), which opens opportunities for collaboration between the two historic and leading research institutions in the areas of staff and student exchange, joint research and training, joint supervision of graduate students, and others.
The Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe signed on behalf of Makerere University and Rev. Robert A. Dowd, the 18th President signed on behalf of the University of Notre Dame. The ceremony, which was held at the University of Notre Dame campus at South Bend, Indiana was witnessed by Dr. Lorna Magara, the Chairperson of the Council of Makerere University, who led the Mak delegation.
Dr. Magara appreciated the institutionalisation of the collaboration between the two universities and the very warm hospitality accorded to the Mak delegation.
General
Press Release: Government of Uganda and Partners Launch SAY Plus+ to Scale Youth Sexual Reproductive Health & Rights (SRHR) Impact in Underserved Regions
USD 50 million national programme moves into full implementation, strengthening
adolescent and youth rights, empowerment, protection and access to youth-responsive
services in 13 districts across five sub-regions
KAMPALA, 7 MAY 2026: The Government of Uganda, through the Ministry of Health, today officially launched the SAY Plus+ Programme, a Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) initiative designed to strengthen adolescent and youth rights, empowerment, protection and access to quality services in Uganda’s underserved regions.
The launch, held at Makerere University‘s Freedom Square under the theme “My Voice Matters: Youth Voices for SAY Plus+” and the tagline “Nothing for us, without us”, marks the programme’s transition into full implementation.
SAY Plus+, formerly known as Strengthening Adolescents and Youth Rights and Empowerment: Scaling Impact, is led by the Ministry of Health, in coordination with other Ministries, with UNFPA Uganda serving as the Managing and Technical Agency.
Backed by a USD 50 million pooled fund from the Governments of Iceland, Denmark, the Netherlands, and Sweden, the initiative is scheduled to operate between 2024 and 2030. It is currently being rolled out across thirteen districts within five sub-regions, providing targeted assistance to regional referral hospitals in Jinja, Mbale, Moroto, Yumbe, Arua, and Gulu. Furthermore, the programme supports the Human Capital Development goals established in Uganda’s National Development Plan IV.
“SAY Plus+ represents a shift from fragmented interventions to a coordinated national effort that meaningfully places young people at the centre of both design and delivery. Through our partnership with the Government of Uganda, development partners, and implementing partners, we are investing not only in services, but in the systems, communities, and environments that enable adolescents and young people to thrive not only today but also in the future,” said Ms. Kristine Blokhus, Representative – UNFPA Uganda.
Officially launched by the Minister of State for Health Hon. Margaret Muhanga, the SAY Plus+ programme targets adolescents and young people aged 10 to 24 years, with particular focus on adolescent girls and young women, refugees and host-community youth, out-of-school young people, those not in employment, education or training, adolescents with disabilities, and young people in humanitarian and post-conflict settings.
“For many of us, things like this one are designed without listening to what we go through every day, think or even feel. SAY Plus+ feels different because it starts with our voices and gives us a real role in shaping solutions. It is not just about information, it is about being supported to make decisions, access services, and build the future we want.” – Jovia Dranzoa, Young person.
SAY Plus+ operates through three pillars. First, it empowers youth to exercise their rights and make informed choices. Second, it engages families, communities, and leaders to address harmful social norms. Third, it strengthens youth-responsive SRHR, HIV, and gender-based violence services via health facilities and community platforms, aiming to reach over 2.3 million direct and indirect beneficiaries.
The SAY Plus+ initiative stands as a model of international cooperation and multi-sectoral synergy. Through the combined support of the Governments of Iceland, Denmark, the Netherlands, and Sweden, and the technical leadership of UNFPA, Uganda is now equipped to scale-up critical interventions in HIV prevention, gender-based violence response, and reproductive health. With implementation now in high gear through 2030, the programme is poised to make a lasting contribution to the nation’s human capital development goals.
— ENDS —
Photos from the event
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