Makerere University Academic Registrar Mr. Alfred Namoah Masikye has advised students to respect and adhere to the university rules and regulations if they are to excel in their academics.  Addressing the second cohort of the Makerere University MasterCard Foundation (MCF) Scholarship Program recipients on 12^th September 2015 in the Makerere University Senate Conference Hall, Mr. Masikye said that following the University rules, guarantees a favorable learning environment and guidelines to help students achieve their academic goals and objectives. He therefore urged Scholars to always fulfill their academic responsibilities and obligations to enable the smooth running of the university activities.

“You are purposely here for academics. Looking thoroughly at your admission letters, they clearly state that you are admitted on the academic program not anything else. Therefore as students of Makerere University, you have some responsibilities and obligations to follow.  It is your responsibility to fulfill all the registration procedures so as to ensure that you are part and parcel of the university community. And to register, you should have paid the tuition and functional fees. I am glad that MCF will take care of all the dues. On your part, ensure that you attend all lectures, do all coursework, tests and the final exam,” he explained.

Mr. Masikye congratulated students upon their admission to Makerere University and assured the freshers that they made the right choice to join the best university in Africa.  He nevertheless cautioned students on bad behavior and hooliganism saying that such acts can result into expulsion from the university as well as the termination of their scholarship awards.

Reiterating the essence of rules and regulations, Makerere University Dean of Students Mr. Cyriaco Kabagambe encouraged students to consider academics as one of the duties they have to perform as respectable citizens of Uganda.“I advise you to utilize the rights and privileges you, have to study. You have been enrolled on a scholarship program to facilitate your right to education. Therefore treasure that has been given to you and do what is expected of you,” he said.

Mr. Henry Nsubuga- Manager Counselling and Guidance Centre (CGC) tipped students on how to overcome University Challenges, have a balanced social life and excel in academics. Speaking to over 49 students, Mr. Nsubuga said that students face many challenges; peer pressure being the major one. He confirmed that such challenges have led the growing rate of school dropouts among university students.

“Guard yourself against these vices if you want to attain your goal of studying. Be the master of your past, present and the future. Let’s not criticize ourselves because this is the beginning. Always remember these words: I can still move on, I am not the only person. Lastly mind a lot about the positive things you have achieved,” Mr. Nsubuga advised.

Emphasizing the need to participate in leadership and students social affairs, Makerere University Guild President H.E Bala David encouraged students not to ignore other university activities. “Although the cardinal reason is academics, you should also join other curriculums and social networks. This will help you add value to yourself. I advise you to discover your talent and area of interest. Leadership is one of the great opportunities you have at Campus and when God has called you to be a leader you must exercise your talent,” he remarked.

The students also received an inspirational talk from Dr. Anthony Muggaga, Deputy Principal, College of Education and External Studies (CEES). In his address entitled ‘What it means to be a successful recipient of a MasterCard Scholarship’, Mr. Mugaaga reminded students of the great oppoutunity they attained to study at Makerere University and being funded under MasterCard Foundation. He therefore advised students to defend, protect and fully utilize the chance in order to achieve their goals and objectives. 

“Always learn to go beyond academics, seek for more opportunities and discover your talent. Opportunities come once but they are never brought to your face. Look for them and utilize them,” Dr. Muggaga urged the students.

 The MCF Coordinator Dr. Florence Nakayiwa, thanked all the facilitators for the wonderful message they passed on to the students. Dr. Nakayiwa said that the information given will create a smooth and favorable environment for the students to have an enjoyable stay at campus and understand their responsibilities and rights as Makerere students as well as MCF Scholars. She therefore encouraged students to fully utilize the opportunity they had been availed to study hard and achieve their goals and objectives.

“Your responsibility here is to study. You have come to Makerere University to get a degree, so make sure you leave this place with a degree. We want 100% pass rate and this should be put deep in your mind since you are entirely responsible for sitting the exams. Our role is to provide you with the conducive environment and total support so that you can attain that. In this case I urge you to read hard and achieve your personal, the University’s as well as the Foundation’s expectations. I will be proud to stand here and announce that all of you have graduated with the upper second degree and above,” Dr. Florence told the students.

The orientation climaxed with the awarding ceremony during which the Makerere University Vice Chancellor Prof. John Ddumba-Ssentamu, awarded letters to the 49 first year Scholars. These letters are the confirmation that the recipients are Makerere University students under the MasterCard Foundation Program. Students will use the letters to introduce themselves to their Colleges as well as gain access to university facilities.

Article by Nabatte Proscovia; Mak Public Relations Office