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81st Guild Champions First Ever Mak Varsity Awards

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Makerere University has unveiled the first ever “Mak Varsity Awards” in which the institution will recognize public personalities, organizations, staff and students with exceptional achievements. Set to be officially launched on 2nd October 2015, the Mak Varsity Awards will be held annually with this year’s event slated for Thursday, 15th October 2015 in the Makerere University Main Hall under the theme: ‘Motivate To Inspire’.

In light of this, the Awards Organising Committee made up of the Makerere University 81st Guild Cabinet, their partners and sponsors, held a meeting on 23rd September 2015 in Makerere University Council Room. Speaking at the meeting, the Dean of Students Mr. Cyriaco Kabagambe noted that the University is privileged to host the awards as a way of recognising the persons behind the institution’s success as well as increasing the university’s visibility to its stakeholders and the public.

Mr. Kabagambe called upon the public to start nominating their preferred candidates based on the most appropriate category. “Any outstanding organisation, personality, current member of staff and current student with exceptional achievement in any arena is fit for the nomination,” he added.

According to the Mak Guild Information Minister David Ndyabahika, for a candidate to be eligible for nomination he/she must:

  • Possess an exceptional achievement in any arena.
  • Have a notable Endeavour which has made a difference to the University.
  • Have engaged in a substantive contribution which has enhanced the reputation of the University.
  • Have engaged in an activity which has had a noticeably positive impact for students, staff or the local community.
  • Have registered an individual achievement or sustained achievement over a period of time.

“Examples of exceptional achievements by staff include; sporting success, leadership of a community project, exceptional service, innovation in service delivery, notable curricular innovation or significant research impact of some kind. Student exceptional achievements could include; contributions to Hall or SCR, sporting club, student society, other Students' Union activities or representation, volunteering in the community, as a student ambassador, and fundraising activities through College Level,” he said.

The Mak Varsity Award Project Coordinator John Paul Mugwanya, said that, the nomination process is open until 30th September 2015, and voting will take place from 2nd to 12th October 2015.

“We therefore call upon every student, staff, alumni and the entire public to join us as we rebrand our institution. We ought to be the institution our predecessors are proud to associate with wherever they are. Let us therefore nominate and reward our own,” he said.

In his remarks the Makerere University Guild President H.E Bala David said organising the Mak Varsity Awards as the students’ fraternity is a sign of improved relations at the university. He therefore emphasized that the next generation had an obligation to preserve the brand of the mighty Ivory Tower on the African continent and beyond.
    
“As the 81st Guild Cabinet, our mission is really to re-brand Makerere University and improve on our relationship with the public. We want to showcase our academic, research and innovative abilities and capabilities to the public. We want to tell the world out there that Makerere still holds its originality as the best university in East Africa, one of the top ten universities in Africa and one of the best universities in research and innovation globally. This is what we are as Makerere, so we need to increase our visibility and this underlines the importance of the Mak University Awards,” he explained.

The Mak Varsity Awards have attracted many big and successful organisations in Uganda to support the event. Unveiling their packages and support to the media at the gathering, Mrs. Belinda Sebunya–Sales/Reservations and Marketing Manager, Brussels Airlines announced that her company is willing to provide a return ticket to the project of the year winner to travel to Europe.

“In support of this event, Enterprise Uganda is willing to provide business and mentorship services to Makerere University  students and staff,” said Mr. Allan Ssembajjwe from Enterprise Uganda.

In the same meeting, Centenary Bank announced their support by handing over a UGX5million cheque to the Dean of Students Mr. Cyriaco Kabagambe. Mr. Leo Henghes from University Together Empowering Development (UNITED) said that the winner of the Social Impact category will be rewarded with a fully paid trip to Oxford University to present his/her project at the OXFID Conference.

Other key sponsors include; MTN Uganda, Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA), National Social Security Fund (NSSF), Century Bottling Company, SMS one, Capital FM,  Events Warehouse, Vision Group, Enterprise Uganda, HRN Media and the Uganda Police Force.

Please see the Downloads for the award categories.

By Nabatte Proscovia, Mak Public Relations Office
 

Mark Wamai

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The School of Engineering Hosts CFIT Workshop on Innovation and Technology

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The College of Engineering, Design, Art, and Technology (CEDAT) on 28th May 2025 convened the UNESCO China Funds-in-Trust (CFIT III) supported workshop, an event aimed at fostering innovation and technological advancements within the university. The high-level workshop hosted by the School of Engineering aimed at fostering innovation and advancing the national development agenda. It brought together academics, industry experts, students, and government officials to discuss the future of engineering, science, and technology in Uganda.

The event was officially opened by the College Principal Professor Moses Musinguzi, who congratulated the School of Engineering for spearheading the initiative, emphasizing the importance of innovation in African universities. He noted that institutions often overlook innovation, yet it is a key pillar in higher education worldwide. “Innovation should be at the core of universities. It defines progress, and as a college, we are committed to expanding our contributions in this field,” he stated. Prof. Musinguzi stressed that innovation is the key to economic transformation, and universities must integrate it into their work.

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Alex Isemaghendera

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Vice Chancellor Updates Media on Medical Drones, Road Safety Research & Various Issues

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Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi (Centre) with Dr. Andrew Kambugu (Left) and Dr. Fredrick Oporia (Right) at the Press Briefing on 29th May 2025. Press Conference featuring Infectious Diseases Institute—the IDI Medical Drone Programme and Kampala Status Summary 2023 on Road Safety Risk Factors, conducted under the Bloomberg Philanthropies Initiative for Global Road Safety. This collaborative effort between the Johns Hopkins International Injury Research Unit and our Trauma, Injury, and Disability Unit (TRIAD) Makerere University School of Public Health (MakSPH), Senior Common Room, Main Builing, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

The Acting Vice Chancellor, Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi on Thursday 29th May, 2025 held a press conference to update members of the Media on the Infectious Diseases Institute (IDI) Medical Drone Programme, and the Kampala Status Summary 2023 on Road Safety Risk Factors, conducted under the Bloomberg Philanthropies Initiative for Global Road Safety, a collaborative effort between the Johns Hopkins International Injury Research Unit and the Trauma, Injury, and Disability (TRIAD) Unit at Makerere University School of Public Health (MakSPH). Also presented were updates on; Digital Certification of Academic Transcripts, Digital Supervision of Graduate Students, Inclusive e-Learning and Smart Classrooms, and Launch of the Artificial Intelligence (AI) Laboratory at the College of Computing and Information Sciences (CoCIS).

The event held in the Senior Common Room, Main Building, was on behalf of the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe presided over by the Acting (Ag.) DVC AA and substantive Academic Registrar, Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi. Presentations were made by Executive Director of the Infectious Diseases Institute (IDI), Dr. Andrew Kambugu and Head of the Trauma, Injuries, and Disability (TRIAD) Unit, Dr. Fredrick Oporia. Dr. Jimmy Osuret and Dr. Esther Bayiga from TRIAD supplemented Dr. Oporia’s presentation. In attendance were; the Director for ICT Support (DICTS)-Mr. Samuel Mugabi, Deputy Chief – Public Relations-Ms. Betty Kyakuwa, Deputy Chief Security Officer-Mr. Musa Mulindwa and other university officials.

The proceedings of the Press Conference follow below;

Vice Chancellors’ Press Statement

Good morning colleagues, members of the press,

It is my pleasure to welcome you to this important media briefing, where we share compelling findings from two groundbreaking studies that reflect Makerere University‘s ongoing commitment to impactful research, innovation, and community transformation.

The first is a pioneering initiative led by the Infectious Diseases Institute—the IDI Medical Drone Programme. This project explores the use of drone technology to deliver lifesaving HIV medications and test samples to hard-to-reach populations, particularly in Kalangala District and the West Nile region. The study demonstrates how drones can overcome logistical barriers, reduce costs, and enhance access to critical healthcare in some of Uganda’s most underserved communities.

The second study is the Kampala Status Summary 2023 on Road Safety Risk Factors, conducted under the Bloomberg Philanthropies Initiative for Global Road Safety. This collaborative effort between the Johns Hopkins International Injury Research Unit and our Trauma, Injury, and Disability Unit here at Makerere University presents over two years of data on vehicle speed and helmet use in Kampala. It provides vital insights into the human behaviours and systemic gaps contributing to road traffic injuries and fatalities—particularly among vulnerable road users. The study also offers evidence-based recommendations for enforcement, planning, and public health messaging aimed at making Kampala’s roads safer for all.

We are proud to support this kind of research that not only advances knowledge but also drives tangible improvements in public health and safety.

Before I invite the researchers to present their findings, allow me to briefly highlight some transformative developments in the areas of academic registry and ICT advancement here at Makerere University:

  1. Digital Certification of Academic Transcripts:
    • Alumni can now certify their transcripts digitally through the Makerere Academic Records System (Mak-ARS https://makars.mak.ac.ug/), eliminating the need for physical visits. This user-friendly platform allows access from anywhere in the world, supported by comprehensive video tutorials and public communications.
  2. Digital Supervision of Graduate Students
    • We have introduced the Research Information Management System (Mak-RIMS), piloted at the College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, to streamline the supervision of Master’s and PhD research. This initiative enhances accountability, timely feedback, and is now being rolled out university-wide to improve graduation rates.
  3. Inclusive eLearning and Smart Classrooms
    • Through support from development partners and the Government of Uganda, we are establishing multimedia studios and smart classrooms across our colleges. These state-of-the-art facilities are designed to produce professional, accessible learning content, including tools tailored for students with visual and auditory disabilities. This aligns with our goal of equitable, globally competitive education.
  4. Launch of the AI Laboratory at CoCIS:
    • The newly launched Artificial Intelligence Laboratory will spearhead the development of AI-enabled solutions tailored to Uganda’s socio-economic needs, including localized assistive eLearning tools and context-sensitive curriculum development.

These initiatives are part of our broader vision to transform Makerere University into a research-led, inclusive, and globally relevant institution.

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Prof. Aina Visits Mak, Evaluates CECAP II Progress

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Prof. Omotade Akin Aina (Left) receives the Makerere Souvenir Book from Prof. Tonny Oyana as Prof. Julius Kikooma (2nd Right) and Mr. Charles Lwanga (Right) witness. Prof. Omotade Akin Aina-Carnegie Corporation of New York meeting to discuss progress of Consolidating Early Career Academics Programme (CECAP) phase II, which focuses on fostering academic development and research among early-career academics, 23rd May 2025, Main Building, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

The Senior Program Director, Higher Education and Research in Africa, International Program, Carnegie Corporation of New York, Prof. Omotade Akin Aina on 23rd May 2025 visited Makerere University during his short trip to Kampala. Prof. Aina was received on behalf of the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe by Prof. Tony Oyana, Principal of the College of Computing and Information Sciences (CoCIS).

During his visit, Prof. Aina met with the Project Implementation Committee, representatives from the Consolidating Early Career Academics Programme (CECAP) phase I Fellowship Cohort, and current Fellows of phase II. The meeting discussed the progress of CECAP II, which focuses on fostering academic development and research among early-career academics.

Left to Ritght: Dr. Jesca Nakavuma and Prof. Julius Kikooma alongside Prof. Omotade Akin Aina during the meeting. Prof. Omotade Akin Aina-Carnegie Corporation of New York meeting to discuss progress of Consolidating Early Career Academics Programme (CECAP) phase II, which focuses on fostering academic development and research among early-career academics, 23rd May 2025, Main Building, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Left to Ritght: Dr. Jesca Nakavuma and Prof. Julius Kikooma alongside Prof. Omotade Akin Aina during the meeting.

CECAP II is being implemented by Makerere University in collaboration with four other Ugandan public universities, including; Busitema University, Gulu University, Kyambogo University and Mbarara University of Science and Technology. Prof. Mukadasi Buyinza, the Project Principal Investigator was represented at the meeting by the Director of Graduate Training, Prof. Julius Kikooma.

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