General
President Museveni Hails Makerere University
141 Farmers awarded certificates
President Yoweri Museveni has hailed Makerere University for bringing knowledge from the University to communities."You have replicated what happened 2000 years ago when Jesus Christ chose to come on earth and save sinners instead of staying in heaven and sending messengers," the President said amidst applause from the congregation gathered at Rukoni Sub-County, Ntungamo district to witness the award ceremony of Makerere University in the community.
President Museveni applauded Prof. Kabasa and the team in the College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Bio-security (COVAB) and the Africa Institute for Strategic Services and Development (AFRISA) platform for demystifying knowledge and higher education in general, coming down to the people and making it possible for skills to be accessible by the masses.
Impressed by the milestones reached through the SPEDA model, the Head of State pledged more funding to the College so that together with the Government of Uganda, they continue to transform communities, eradicate poverty, create employment and valuable production enterprises.
"We have been supporting similar programmes and in the future, we are going to give you much more support than we have done in the past", the President said amidst claps.
The Chancellor of Makerere University, Prof. George Mondo Kagonyera presided over the award ceremony during which Dr. Michael Kansiime-Head presented 141awardees for Certificates in Skills, Production, Enterprises, Development and Academics (SPEDA) model under the AFRISA platform.
Prof. Kagonyera congratulated the awardees upon their choice to acquire knowledge and skills in production. “The awardees are dressed in graduation regalia so that it sinks in the minds of all the people that the awardees have acquired knowledge. They are therefore better than before because in addition to being wise, they are knowledgeable,” he emphasized. He said that Makerere University is now more than ready to go into the communities and fight poverty through the SPEDA educational and community transformation model.
The SPEDA model was conceptualized 7 years ago after a directive from President Yoweri Museveni to the then School of Veterinary Medicine to transform the nation through veterinary medicine, animal resources, science and technology. "We had no idea how long it was going to take us to reach where we are" Prof. John David Kabasa, Principal College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Bio-security (COVAB) noted. He said that Makerere University has spent the last 7 years developing this model in consultation with different organisations and government ministries. Prof. Kabasa further noted that the entire program of community transformation starts at the grassroots to skill masses, create wealth and improve livelihoods.
The First Lady, Hon. Janet Kataha Museveni, Minister of Karamoja Affairs, Member of Parliament Ruhaama County encouraged the awardees to make use of the acquired knowledge to work hard and earn more income so that they can have a better lives. The First Lady who is also the Patron of Ntungamo Transformation Initiative (NTI), an umbrella organization of church leaders in Ntungamo appreciated the worthwhile partnership between the Government of Uganda, Makerere University, AFRISA and religious leaders that will enable Ugandans to truly get out of poverty.
A total of 141 individuals were awarded general artisan certificates in 6 disciplines of Fish industry and business, Pig industry and business, Poultry industry and business, bee industry and business, dairy industry and business and zootechnics and agro entrepreneurship. The awardees fulfilled all the requirements set by Makerere University after undergoing an intensive 8-month training and nurturing program by staff of COVAB and the Africa Institute for Strategic Animal Services and Development (AFRISA),which is the partnership engagement platform for the SPEDA programmes.
While presenting the awardees to the Chancellor, Dr. Michael Kansiime, head AFRISA secretariat said that initially 200 people registered for the training, out of which 179 actually went through the training as approved by Makerere University. Of these, 130 were male and 49 female. While 141 completed successfully, 38 did not and are still on probational progress and still being mentored and nurtured to start their enterprise.
"We vowed that lamentations at graduations should be history, said Prof. Kabasa in relation to the thousands of university students who graduate every year without employment. With the SPEDA model, an individual graduates with an enterprise. He said that the awardees if they wished could enroll for an ordinary certificate, then a diploma and finally a degree if they wished, with each level adding on to their prior skills and knowledge.
The overall best awardee was Lydia Akankwatsa, who before the training was focused on her banana plantation. She has since the training, established a viable poultry business with 100 layers, producing 89 eggs a day, an equivalent of 26,700/= a day.
Also among the outstanding awardees, was the best performing female youth. Immaculate Tweyanze, an S.3 student is now paying her school fees from the piggery business that she improved upon during the course of the nurturing period. Prior to the training, she had only one pig that she was not looking after well. She has now expanded the business by stocking more pigs having gained more knowledge. She has so far sold 3 pigs, earning her 300,000/=. Her plan is to raise her stock to 360, which will increase her business worth to 95,000,000/=
Others who received special recognition were the best male youth and the best performer per value chain. According to Dr. Kansiime, all the trainees went through a continuous assessment of their progress every month. They also sat an oral exam and were guided in the development of their business plans.
The Diocese of South Ankole under the leadership of the Rt. Rev. Nathan Ahimbisibwe has purchased a training venue and facilities for more people to be trained and currently registration is in process. In what he termed as a memorable day in the history of Ntungamo and Uganda at large, Bishop Ahimbisibwe who is also the Chairman Board of Directors, NTI thanked the university and Mrs. Museveni for their support to transform the region. The Bishop called upon AFRISA and Makerere to continue training people not only in Ntungamo but the entire region.
Present at the ceremony were delegations from Busoga, Masabaland, Lango and Bugwere who are interested in having the same programme in their respective regions.
"We have built capacity to instruct 1,000 individuals at a time, with Makerere taking leadership in curriculum development and quality assurance. We are waiting to be propelled forward", Prof. Kabasa told the congregation.
Written by: Jovia Musubika
General
Makerere University Writing Centre holds second training workshop: Roots for standard University-wide templates in minute writing
By Chris Kaahwa and Ritah Namisango
Makerere University Writing Center (MakWC) has intensified efforts to improve the quality, consistency, and accuracy of official records across the institution.
In pursuit of this agenda, MakWC has lined up a series of writing training workshops targeting University staff in the various units. On 13th November 2025, 27 members of staff participated in the second training workshop, which highlighted the need for development of standardized templates, to guide the documentation processes within the University. This builds on the workshop for the first cohort where 24 members of staff were trained on 6th November 2025.
With over 50 members of staff so far trained, MakWC is building both the individual and institutional capacity in writing minutes, record keeping and presentation of official records.
Addressing the participants, Professor Fredrick Jones Muyodi, Team Leader, MakWC, described the Center as a transformative initiative committed to enhancing academic and scholarly writing, and publication capacities across the University. He shared that the Center continues to support faculty, staff, and students through mentorship and training on various forms of writing, including theses, dissertations, publications, project proposals and grants.
Noting the urge for professional development, Professor Muyodi acknowledged staff from the Department of the Academic Registrar, administrative units, colleges, and Makerere University Jinja Campus for embracing continuous learning. He highlighted the Centre’s deliberate plan to continuously use a comprehensive training and mentorship model, bringing on board specialists and mentors with extensive experience in writing, collaborative research, and publication to guide and support participants.
The Academic Registrar of Makerere University, Professor Buyinza Mukadasi represented by Mrs. Patience Rubabinda Mushengyezi, applauded the Writing Center for continuously providing practical support to staff who handle official documents and sensitive academic information. “This is the kind of support we all need in the various units. Many of us will benefit from this workshop,” she said.
Stressing the need for standardized templates and ethical writing practices, Mrs. Mushengyezi noted that minutes are important documents that must be accurate, confidential, and easy to reference. “Many of us handle sensitive information. A standard template will help us keep our records consistent and professional across all units,” she stated.
Mrs. Mushengyezi encouraged staff to take the training seriously pointing out that proper minute writing and documentation contributes to professional and institutional credibility. She tasked staff involved in writing minutes as well as documentation of university proceedings to ensure that official records conform to the Universities and Other Tertiary Institutions Act.
Guiding participants through the Roles of a Minute Taker, Mrs. Mushengyezi pointed out the different types of meetings, which included; Regular, Special, and Emergency, and urged them to have a solid understanding of the University’s operational framework in order to record such meetings accurately.
During a session on legal compliance, Ms. Esther Kabinga, Principal Legal Officer, explained that adherence to policies and regulations, which govern minutes writing, upholds the integrity of records and decision making process of institutions. “In addition”, she said, “Accuracy and objectivity, completeness and clarity, timeliness and confidentiality, compliance with organizational policies and procedure,” are among the key considerations that the staff should comply with while writing minutes.
She guided participants to desist from including personal opinions in writing minutes, stressing that in accurate or incomplete documentation may expose institutions and individuals to legal risks. “Proper documentation protects both the University and the decision-makers,” she said.
To ensure consistency across academic and administrative units, Ms. Prossie Nakayiki, Acting Deputy Academic Registrar (Examinations and Transcripts) advocated for the adoption of University-wide standardized templates. She explained that standard templates promote a uniform and consistent writing culture. She called upon participants to use simple, clear and official language while avoiding abbreviations and unnecessary jargons. She emphasized that each minute should accurately record the resolution made, indicate the person responsible for follow-up actions, and provide clear timeline for implementation. “Good minutes, reflect not just what was discussed, but also the discipline, clarity, and accountability of the institution,” she added.
In a virtual presentation, Professor Paul Birevu Muyinda, Director of the Institute of Open, Distance and e-Learning (IODeL) sensitized the participants on the Ethical and Responsible Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Underscoring AI’s growing transformative role in teaching, learning, research, and administration, Professor Muyinda urged participants to integrate AI tools into their daily work, and to conform to the University’s approved AI policy.
Supporting his submission, Dr. Godfrey Mayende, Head of the Department of Open and Distance Learning (ODL) and Deputy Director of IODeL, highlighted how AI and Online platforms provide automated accuracy, faster turnaround in work efficiency, and better accountability in writing and recording minutes.
He guided participants on preparing effectively for virtual meetings, including confirming the agenda, setting platform options (recording, captions, cohost), and preparing consent scripts.
Closing the workshop, Professor Ronald Bisaso, Assistant Team Leader, MakWC commended staff for their active participation, as well as, the facilitators for sharing the knowledge and expertise.
“As the Writing Center, we are profoundly honored that we started with a team entrusted with essential duties of this great institution. Standardizing minute writing is the next step toward improving the credibility and accountability of our academic records,” he concluded.
Makerere University has made a notable advance by officially launching the implementation of its Mentorship Policy. This initiative aims to strengthen support and guidance for students, fostering personal and academic growth within the university community. This was announced on Thursday, 13 November 2025, by Prof. Sarah Ssali, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Academic Affairs, in her remarks delivered by the Dean of Students, Dr. Winfred Kabumbuli, during the annual workshop for mentors of the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program, held at the Fairway Hotel.
Prof. Ssali praised the university’s mentors for their outstanding work in supporting students.
“I am pleased to join my fellow mentors at this crucial capacity-building workshop organised under the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Makerere University. It is important to recognise and commend your unwavering dedication to the holistic development of our Scholars. Your roles in mentorship, safeguarding, and fostering inclusion are essential, and together, we must continue to advance these efforts for the benefit of our Scholars,” asserted Prof. Ssali.
Prof. Ssali expressed her enthusiasm, noting that mentorship closely aligns with the shared mission: ensuring that all Makerere University students feel safe, thrive, and achieve their academic and personal goals.
“Our efforts in student affairs are incomplete unless we provide our students with the mentorship, guidance, and support they need to develop into responsible global citizens. Safeguarding, mentorship, and inclusion are not just programmatic themes; they are values that define the Makerere University community we seek to build,” Prof. Ssali remarked.
Prof. Ssali further praised the University Council and Management for adopting key policies, the Mentorship Policy 2025 and the Safeguarding Policy 2024, which are essential for the well-being of students and staff at Makerere University.
“I wish to commend the University Council and Management for approving and implementing the Makerere University Career Guidance and Mentorship Policy (2025) and the Safeguarding Policy (2024). These policies provide structure and accountability to our work, helping us strengthen systems that protect and support our students and staff,” Prof. Ssali noted.
Speaking in her role as the Dean of Students, Dr. Kabumbuli highlighted the importance of Mentorship, inclusion, and safeguarding as the critical areas in managing student affairs at Makerere University.
“Safeguarding reminds us of our duty to create and maintain a learning environment where every student feels safe, respected, and valued. Career guidance and mentorship remind us that academic excellence must go hand in hand with personal growth, discipline, and preparation for life after university. Inclusive mentorship compels us to extend our support to every learner, including those with disabilities, those from refugee backgrounds, young mothers, and international students, ensuring that no one is left behind,” Dr. Kabumbuli asserted.
Dr. Kabumbuli urged the mentors to reaffirm their shared commitment to a student-centred approach, one that recognises the human dignity, potential, and diversity of every Scholar. She encouraged the mentors to continue exemplifying the values of integrity, professionalism, and compassion that embody the spirit of Makerere.
On behalf of the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program and the Africa Climate Collaborative, Program Director Prof. Justine Namaalwa shared exciting news with the Program mentors about the recent recruitment of 191 undergraduate scholars and 41 graduate students. She highlighted the importance of providing mentorship and guidance to these scholars, who come from diverse backgrounds and possess various strengths and challenges. Prof. Namaalwa encouraged everyone to actively support these students as they embark on their academic journeys.
“We were excited to welcome 191 undergraduate and 41 master’s Scholars to the Programme this academic year. These talented individuals hail from diverse backgrounds and bring immense potential, and they need your active support and mentorship,” Prof. Namaalwa remarked.
Prof. Namaalwa further requested that, as the University continues to recruit more mentors, it’s essential to recognise that effective mentorship goes beyond mere knowledge sharing. It involves actively listening, empathizing with the mentees, and empowering them to forge their own unique paths.
”Together, we can create a supportive environment that fosters growth and success for all our Scholars and students of Makerere University.” Prof. Namaalwa pointed.
The Annual Mentors’ Workshop, which was attended by over 70 mentors from different units of the University and others from other organisations, featured a range of activities designed to enhance mentors’ skills and understanding. Mr. Musa Mwambu from Light for the World, a partner of the Mastercard Foundation, led a valuable training session focused on inclusion, equipping participants with essential insights. Additionally, Mr Apollo Mulondo from the Refugee Law Project provided an in-depth training session designed to empower mentors to support students with refugee status effectively. The workshop also included opportunities for mentors to hear firsthand from young individuals, including a student with disabilities and two safeguarding champions, enriching their understanding and commitment to inclusive mentorship.
The writer is the Principal Communications Officer for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Makerere University.
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