General
Outgoing Chancellor Prof. Kagonyera shares Mak Experience
Professor George Mondo Kagonyera has been the Chancellor of Makerere University for an uninterrupted 8 years of service, 2007- 2015.
In the exclusive interview below with Marion Alina of the Makerere University Public Relations Office, the former titular head of the region’s leading institution of higher learning recounts his times at Makerere University and shares words of wisdom. The interview was conducted in the comfort of his Kampala residence on 8th October 2015.
1. What was the high point in your tenure as Chancellor?
During my tenure as Chancellor I have had the privilege to confer honorary degrees on three very important people: Former President Benjamin Mkapa of Tanzania, President Mwai Kibaki of Kenya and our own President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni. You can imagine when a sitting Head of State bows before you and you bless them! Those three occasions in which we conferred degrees upon these people were high points in my life. H.E Mwai and H.E Mkapa are graduates of Makerere University, but now H.E Museveni is a member of our alumni and I hope he will always be invited as such. When President Mkapa came for his conferment, we had arranged that he sits and only bows but he declined to do so and instead knelt before me. And I thought that was a great thing to happen in my life. Normally because they are fairly old people and very important, we usually arrange for them to sit.
2. Are there any other outstanding personalities you believe should be awarded Honorary doctorates?
I think there are many people who have distinguished themselves like Dr. Martin Aliker. We have our Ugandans who were the first to get degrees at Makerere University, like Mr. Alfred Mubanda and Hon. Mayanja Nkangi. Others like the late Bigirwenkya and Bisamunyu could be awarded posthumously. I think we should move expeditiously especially considering that Mubanda and Hon. Nkangi are still alive. They have distinguished themselves in service to this country. Even in the Industry we have people, like Justice Katureebe, our own graduate. We should also consider those outside our country for example all Presidents in the East African Community. Makerere University still maintains her position as the centre for higher learning in the whole of East Africa, so we should continue to sell ourselves and giving honorary degrees is one of the ways that we can do that.
3. Have you experienced any low moments in your tenure?
It is usually when we have had strikes and students have destroyed property both within and outside Makerere University. I was a student leader myself and we always got what we wanted without causing chaos. In the first week of my appointment, we had a staff strike. I spent the whole day pleading with them and reminding them that this was the worst reception from people I wanted to work with. I have been happy to work with MUASA leadership. They have done a tremendous job.
4. What has been your experience in the 8 years as Chancellor Makerere University?
Makerere University is one of the top universities in Africa. We have distinguished ourselves academically. So to be a Chancellor is a great honour and therefore I am eternally grateful to His Excellency the President for having found me fit enough to be appointed Chancellor, despite not holding an important Government post. The previous Chancellor, Prof. Apolo Nsibambi, was a Prime Minister of Uganda. I have enjoyed the eight years. I want to express my gratitude to the members of staff; both academic and non-academic, and students for being wonderful to me. I am very happy to have worked with them
It has always been my great pleasure to be identified with Makerere University. I taught at Makerere for 11 years and even after I left, I kept my connections. So I have been very happy to see Makerere University grow in leaps and bounds in terms of student numbers and variety of academic programmes. I have always been happy with the ranking of Makerere University’s academic performance. We have continuously ranked amongst the highest on the continent in spite of the fairly inadequate resources, a feat that many universities in Africa have not managed to replicate.
Secondly, I love associating with young men and women. I like to see them grow into professionals. So I have always been very happy to be part of the team nurturing part of the young generation. Having been at Makerere under the late President H.E Idd Amin when we were going through some of the difficult times, I have seen Makerere literally resurrect from those times when we even had no water in the laboratories. Imagine a chemistry lab without water in its taps. But when we now see scientists producing some good work, the growth of ICT at Makerere University and many other developments, the progress is commendable.
In my days there was only one computer centre in the Department of Statistics but now we have computers everywhere! The College of Computing, School of Food Science and technology, Human medicine and many others, have registered tremendous achievements. So I am very happy to be associated with all these developments at Makerere University, but allow me address myself to some particular developments in detail:
The Collegiate System
You know very well that people will always resist change, but I was very happy when Makerere University was organized into a collegiate system so that the various colleges could take charge of their peculiar affairs. I remember when I was Chairperson Appointments Board and systems were grossly centralized, we used to have a lot of problems getting the various faculties recommending people for appointment or promotion. Now that the Colleges can handle their own academic and other businesses, it is a very good thing. In that connection, I would like to register my appreciation to Prof. Venansius Baryamureeba for his contribution to the enforcement of the College System at Makerere University. I have a feeling that it has improved the way that the University is managed.
The MasterCard Foundation Scholars
I have always had the plight of disadvantaged Ugandans in mind. There are very many Ugandans who cannot afford the fees at Universities and yet some of them are very brilliant. More so I was mindful of the girl child from Northern Uganda. You know that young girls are the most highly vulnerable in times of insecurity. I noticed that with the intervention of programmes like the Carnegie Corporation Fund, many girls could access higher education and have tremendous testimonies thereafter. So when I had an opportunity to talk to the MasterCard Foundation, I was very glad that they were able to give us a grant of US$20.9million to pay tuition for the disadvantaged children, both male and female. I hope that the University will manage it properly so that all the money is put to good use. When we have achieved, we can go back and ask for more support. In fact I wished I could have done more using other organizations. The challenge with the position of a Chancellor is that it is a Titular position, therefore you have limitations.
The Loan scheme
All over the world, funding of University programmes is a problem. It becomes even harder in third world countries like Uganda where many of our people are poor. The most effective way of equalizing a society is to give them similar education. Give all Ugandans similar opportunities to acquire education. Even politically you build a nation by making all Ugandans equal. A loan scheme is a partial solution. Accessing the money is the easiest part of it, but when it comes to paying back, the terms and conditions need to be carefully looked into. If a student accesses this money but remains jobless three years after university, there has to be a way of establishing whether this person has genuinely failed to pay back. There must be a way that some people can get relief.
We also have this scholarship programme where student who get high grades are given government sponsorship. We are forgetting that these are the children of people who can afford to pay, people who have sent them to good schools right from an early age. We are forgetting that there is a brilliant child who has no nursery school to go to and goes to a third world primary and secondary school. With no access to a loan scheme, this child would be denied university education. I therefore think we should redesign this support and concentrate more on the needy children especially those from upcountry. We are risking dividing the country into two worlds; the first world around municipalities , towns and the city; and the third world in the villages. You cannot do this because it will bring social-economic conflict in the country. So we should do everything possible to equalize Ugandans based on making education available to as many Ugandans as possible.
Financial stability at Makerere University
We have a holdings company which is supposed to do the business of Makerere University in a business-like manner. We also have the Endowment Fund headed by Dr. Martin Aliker, which is supposed to help Mak identify and access resources that the Holdings Fund can utilize for the development of the University. I think those two funds if they can be made to work, they will bring in a lot of benefits to Makerere University. My appeal to the Management of the University is that they should continue to remind these two institutions, because most of the members are from outside the University, and out of sight can mean out of mind too.
The H.E Mwai Kibaki Presidential Library
This is a project we conceived to cost about $40m.I want to emphasize the anticipated functions this facility will be put to as an international centre. We also established the H.E Mwai Kibaki Chair in Economics and we hope it will make some difference in the stature of School of Economics. I look forward to actively engaging myself in promoting this Library project.
Israel-Agrostudies programme
Israel is one of the most highly advanced countries in relation to agriculture. They use only about 2% of their land for agriculture and yet they are a net agricultural exporting country. Therefore if we learn a bit of their technology and adapt it to our country you can imagine the land mass Uganda has, if we utilize it the way the Israelis utilize theirs we could easily become the food basket of the continent. We must know that the academic courses we study are fine but the manner in which we practically utilize the theoretical knowledge is what matters most. Makerere students from the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES) and the College of Veterinary medicine, Animal Resources and Bio-Security (CoVAB), have been sending students for a one-year paid internship in Israel. I highly commend this. The project is very important and I hope that the people of Uganda will take maximum advantage of the practical skills these young men and women will acquire from Israel to make a difference.
AFRISA
CoVAB is doing amazing work through this AFRISA programme. First of all the teaching of veterinary medicine in the traditional manner in aspects like anatomy, physiology, microbiology and surgery can restrict the adaptability of the graduates. So this programme is very highly innovative. The graduates are able to develop very practical skills and set up their own entities after university.
Secondly this College has taken education to the people at the grassroots. Makerere University was initially labeled the Ivory tower. The Veterinary College has even taken this training to the villages, enhancing people’s skills in areas that they are already involved in, like poultry farming. The farmers graduate and we award them certificates of Makerere University. This psychologically makes them feel good, and when we are graduating them, we see the highly improved productivity.
Resilient Africa Network- RAN
The concept of this project is very interesting. Resilient Africa is studying the various ‘insults’ of the environment, politics, and many other aspects on the lives of the people. They then establish how people are able to survive for example the landslides in Mbale, and share this knowledge, propose further areas of research to benefit both local and international communities. It is an interesting programme, more so because the funds they have from USAID were very competitive. In Africa, Makerere University through the School of Public Health was the only one that competitively won.
Entrepreneurship amongst students
The issue of unemployment is very serious for the whole continent and the world. In Uganda the tradition has been graduates to be employed by government, but we are forgetting that the maximum number of Government employees is 300,000 and many are still young. So if Makerere University graduates about 10,000 students, only a few of them can get employment in government. The private sector which should be doing more than they are doing is still under developed and we need the private sector to grow. Therefore we encourage both foreign and local investment to create jobs. But even when all this is done, you will still get a number of Ugandans who cannot get employment, therefore I appeal to them to be able to get skills that will enable them to start their own businesses. I know that not everybody is born to be an entrepreneur and sometimes we error when we force them to.
Public Lectures
This is a thing to be encouraged. Public lectures recognize the contribution that the various Guest speakers and Panelists have made to society, but they also enhance the stature of the university. We miss Prof. Ali Mazrui- who passed on recently, Prof Wasau- one of the first lecturers in Makerere- also died recently, Prof. Ominde and many others, are those whom we should recognize.
5. As you leave office, are there particular areas your Successor should focus on?
The Successor will partly continue business as usual but there are a few issues that need continuous attention:
Payment of tuition by private students
One of them is the perennial difference between students and management regarding fees. This should be sorted out so that each party understands its responsibility. It is always disheartening to hear about strikes at Makerere University. It is very surprising that it is at Makerere University and not any private institution of higher learning where students pay much higher fees but do not go on strike. I wonder what makes Makerere University students think that you can get a service for which you do not pay for on time without facilitating the budget. Perhaps students should sign a contract and after a certain period if they have not paid, then they should not be allowed in class.
Accommodation
The second is accommodation. Many halls of residence are dilapidated. I inspected Lumumba hall and it was in need of repairs. Part of these people’s training is about the environment in which they live, if they are in a dirty environment then they do not become the graduates we want them to be. The Government should spend money on physical infrastructure. It is not right to use money paid by students to do long term investments. I think fees paid by students should be strictly for operations. Makerere University, through the Endowment Fund and the Holdings Company, must also move faster. There are many people who have money and can invest in physical infrastructure at Makerere University. I would like to appeal particularly to the Chairperson of Council to make sure that he expedites the involvement of private investors. I know of plans to put up a teaching hospital, a hotel, apartments and more infrastructures. This way, Makerere University will be able to raise money and therefore stress less over fees collection. I would like to appeal to Makerere University to utilize all the land we have so that we are able to use the infrastructure to raise funds.
Mwai Kibaki Library
We have been working very hard on the Mwai Kibaki Presidential Library project. We have made a number of visits to H.E Mwai Kibaki in Nairobi and he is very excited about the project. We have even involved the Government of Uganda to the extent that when we visited President Museveni, he pledged US$5million on behalf of the Government. In December there should be a ground breaking for this project and I hope that we shall continue to raise funds. We have exciting proposals on how to raise this money, including involving the Archbishop of York His Grace Ssentamu- a graduate of Makerere University. We are not leaving anybody out. We hope to visit the London School of Economics, which is Mwai Kibaki’s alma mater. This building will change the functional skyline of Makerere University. We are imagining that it will host all sorts of functions, lecture halls, libraries, offices and accommodation for researchers. We are hoping that even Heads of State, Ministers of Finance and other dignitaries can come here for their conferences on Africa instead of going to Washington. The name might be misleading; it is not just a library, it’s a centre with so many functions.
6. You have advocated for more powers to the Chancellor, how best do you think this can be achieved?
First of all, there is enough power with people at the university. Previously Chancellors were the Heads of State and so everyone was exercising power on delegation of the Head of state. Now that Chancellors are ordinary citizens, I think they need a little bit more power, for instance to call people to order. I have had many people come to me and say, “Mr. Chancellor we have this problem with Makerere University.” And I say look I have no power. Chancellors are usually distinguished Ugandans, so some more powers to the Chancellor would be good.
This idea has been mooted for a long time and it is up to the Government through the Ministry of Education, to re-design the leadership structures of public universities, especially now that Chancellors are not Heads of State. This restructuring should also take into account their facilitation. I recall a time I had to go for graduation at Busitema University, I hired a car and paid my own money but I had been invited as Chancellor. Now there is some improvement, because when there is a function and I am invited as a Chancellor, Makerere University sometimes facilitates.
7. Which is the winning strategy for Makerere University to get to the number one position on the continent?
We need to improve on the support to Staff. If you do not feed a cow you cannot get milk out of its udder. We need to pay them reasonably well so that we discourage them from moon lighting. They will then spend more and more of their time at the University teaching and researching. Then we support them in getting research funds, get some allowances from it and publish too.
In relation to students, we have to be able to convince them that the most important thing they can do for themselves is acquire good knowledge and they can only do this through studying hard, obeying university rules and in the process they become more productive.
8. Staff of public universities continue to decry the low remuneration. Do you think this will improve to the desired magnitude as the years roll by?
I am glad that the last time we met the President he made an offer to improve the Staff remuneration and I am glad that recently all categories of Staff were considered. If this can be implemented, it is a good thing.
What we should recognize is that we must not as public universities isolate ourselves from the rest of the Public Service because they all have demands. So while we are advocating for our interests, we must know that we belong to a larger family and therefore our demands on Government must be reasonable. Secondly the Government’s purse is not big enough to put ample funds in everybody’s pocket. I think you should form a public employees association. Both Universities and public service should have an association where their interactions with the Government on their welfare is coordinated. The best scenario would be for Government to take over the entire wage bill so that internally generated funds can attend to other needs.
9. What next after Makerere University?
God knows what next. Many people will be surprised that I do not make deliberate efforts to plan this and that. I have lived for 74 years, my father died when I was only 15 and here I am. I don’t normally plan, that doesn’t mean that I don’t look at the future, I do. But I do not anxiously wait for what may come my way. I am an academician and politician, therefore it is in this realm that probably a role will crop up. And if it doesn’t, I can quietly live my life in this ‘manyata’ of mine. No big problem. Whatever will be available, private sector, government I will be happy. I am still a very strong man.
END
General
Makerere University Writing Centre trains first cohort of staff on professional minute writing
By Christopher Kaahwa and Ritah Namisango
On 6th November 2025, the Makerere University Writing Centre (MakWC) held a training workshop aimed at enhancing professional writing skills among University staff.
Focusing on official documentation and record keeping, the training, hosted at the School of Business Conference Hall, attracted participants from different University units, including Assistant Administrative Officers and Assistant Academic Registrars. This marked the first cohort of trainees to benefit from the program, which covered topics such as the fundamentals and responsibilities of a minute taker, writing techniques, policy and legal considerations, e-meeting platforms, and the ethical use of Artificial Intelligence (AI).
In her opening remarks, Mrs. Patience Rubabinda Mushengyezi, the Deputy Academic Registrar, who represented the Academic Registrar, Professor Buyinza Mukadasi, commended the Writing Centre for championing the growth of writing skills across the University. “I want to thank the team from the Writing Centre for considering the Academic Registrar’s Department. Writing is central to everything that we do – from keeping accurate minutes to communicating decisions. This training will greatly improve our writing skills,” she said.
Mrs. Mushengyezi emphasized that official records, especially minutes, must be accurate, ethical, and well-structured. She reminded participants that minutes are not mere summaries, but legal and public documents that can serve as evidence in administrative or legal matters. “When we write minutes, we must remember they represent official proceedings and can be used in courts of law. This calls for professionalism, clarity, and ethical responsibility in your daily work,” she stated.
Speaking during the workshop, Professor Fredrick Jones Muyodi, the Team Leader, Makerere University Writing Centre (MakWC), explained that the Centre is pivoted to support the University’s strategic goal of becoming a research-led institution by 2030. Established and institutionalized in 2025 by the University Senate and Council, the Centre operates under the Directorate of Research, Innovations, and Partnerships (DRIP).
Professor Muyodi shared that the Centre has developed a comprehensive training and mentorship program to build writing skills across the University and beyond. The program will involve experts and mentors experienced in writing, collaborative research, and publication. It will use a hybrid approach, combining traditional teaching with online learning, case studies, and hands-on practice.
He also revealed that the Centre will offer short courses, lasting up to two weeks, in key areas such as academic, technical and scientific writing, editing and proofreading, policy brief and report writing, writing for community engagement, professional writing for administrators, and publishing. “These courses will strengthen the writing capacity of both staff and students while promoting research translation and effective communication,” he said.
On behalf of the Writing Center, Professor Ronald Bisaso commended the support from the Directorate of Human Resource and the Academic Registrar’ department for the identification of capacity development gaps, that provided the basis for the choice of topics and training facilitators.
During her presentation on the Fundamentals and Roles of a Minute Taker, Mrs. Mushengyezi underscored the importance of understanding institutional structures and governing frameworks before taking on the role of writing minutes. She explained that Makerere University’s governance system – from the University Council and Senate down to College Boards and departmental committees, operates under clear mandates, which minute writers must understand to accurately record proceedings.
She noted that effective minute writing begins with proper preparation, which includes knowing the committee composition, consulting the Chairperson about meeting details, and ensuring members receive timely notices and agendas. She advised participants to differentiate between regular, special, and emergency meetings, as each requires a unique approach to documentation. Drawing from experience, she encouraged participants to arrive early for meetings, verify meeting logistics, and carry official record books to ensure accuracy. “A well-prepared minute writer, not only captures discussions accurately, but also upholds the credibility of the meeting,” she remarked.
Mrs. Proscovia Nakayiki, Acting Deputy Academic Registrar (Examinations and Transcripts), led a session on Writing Techniques. During the session, she emphasized that minutes are vital for accountability, serve as a record for future reference, and inform those who missed meetings. “Well-written minutes should tell a clear, flowing story that remains meaningful even years later,” she said.
Ms. Nakayiki stressed that minute writing requires preparation and structure. She advised secretaries to be familiar with the meeting type and agenda, list all attendees and absentees, clearly summarize discussions, and outline action points. She also encouraged the use of templates, testing of recording devices beforehand, and remaining attentive during meetings to capture key decisions accurately.
Presenting on Policy and Legal Frameworks for Minute Writing, Ms. Esther Kabinga, Principal Legal Officer discussed the laws and policies that govern record keeping in Uganda. She noted that minutes are crucial for transparency and accountability, citing laws such as the Companies Act (2012), Public Finance Management Act (2015), and Access to Information Act. She also referenced some of Makerere University policies, including the Record Keeping Policy, Academic Records Management Policy (2022), and Communications Policy (2013). “Proper documentation protects both the institution and the individuals involved in decision-making,” she emphasized.
Discussing the Ethical and Responsible Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI), Prof. Paul Birevu Muyinda, Director of the Institute of Open, Distance and e-Learning, noted that AI has become part of everyday life. He commended Makerere University for adopting an official AI policy that promotes its ethical, inclusive, and responsible use in teaching, research, administration, and innovation. He urged participants to use AI as a supportive tool, combining it with human judgment and creativity while writing.
Building on to the aforementioned presentation, Dr. Godfrey Mayende, the Head, Department of Distance Learning and Deputy Director at the Institute of Open, Distance and eLearning, highlighted the role of digital platforms such as Zoom, Microsoft Teams, Google Meet, and WebEx in improving meeting efficiency and documentation. He pointed out that these platforms provide useful features like recording, transcription, and chat functions that make meetings more interactive and inclusive. “Familiarity with these tools enhances accountability and ensures that discussions are well-documented and easy to retrieve,” he advised.
Writers: Ritah Namisango is a Principal Communication Officer at Makerere University. Christopher Kaahwa contributed to this article as a Volunteer. Christopher Kaahwa is a Graduate of Makerere University-Bachelor of Journalism and Communication.
General
Meet Sedrick Nuwagaba, a Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program Alumni Contributing to Uganda’s Oil & Gas Industry
Sedrick Nuwagaba, a 35-year-old petroleum engineer, is actively contributing his expertise to the Petroleum Authority of Uganda, which regulates the oil and gas sector. He obtained his Bachelor of Science in Petroleum Geoscience and Production from Makerere University in 2021, an opportunity he accessed through the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program. Sedrick’s educational qualifications and professional responsibilities exemplify his commitment to advancing Uganda’s oil and gas sector.
Who is Sedrick Nuwagaba?
Sedrick was born on February 1, 1990, in Kashari, located within the Mbarara district of Western Uganda. He spent his early childhood in a large family, where he faced many challenges that shaped his resilient character. By the age of 14, Sedrick had become the primary breadwinner for his immediate family, comprising his mother and two sisters. His unwavering commitment to their well-being remains evident to this day.
To support his family during these formative years, Sedrick took on a variety of jobs in his community. These early experiences cultivated in him resilience and tenacity, qualities that have significantly contributed to his success as a petroleum engineer.
Following these family challenges, Sedrick and his immediate family relocated from Kashari to a new area in what is now Lyantonde district, where they continue to reside. His journey not only reflects personal growth but also underscores a steadfast commitment to uplifting those around him.
Early Education
The implementation of Universal Primary Education (UPE) in Uganda in 1997 was a pivotal development for Sedrick, facilitating his enrollment at St. Martin Lyantonde Primary School at the age of seven, which was conveniently located near his residence. Sedrick expresses deep appreciation for this initiative, commenting, “Without UPE, I might not have had the opportunity to pursue my education. It truly opened the door for me to attend school and engage in learning.” Despite confronting considerable challenges, including a lack of necessities such as food, Sedrick distinguished himself academically. He achieved top candidate status among UPE schools in his district, earning an impressive seven aggregates in the Primary Leaving Examinations—a remarkable accomplishment given the adversities he faced.
Pursuing Secondary Education
Sedrick faced significant challenges after earning 7 points in the Primary Leaving Examinations, as he was unable to secure a bursary. At that time, alternative arrangements for Universal Secondary Education were limited, which made it difficult for him to continue his education. However, demonstrating remarkable resilience, Sedrick sought work at 14 to fund his secondary education. Through his determination and resourcefulness, he enrolled at Victoria Western College, a small private school in his area, where he attended for three years, reaching Form 3.
Although financial barriers hindered his progress to Form 4, Sedrick’s journey shows his dedication to education and his ability to overcome adversity. Fortunately, his elder half-brother, a businessman in the neighbouring town of Mbarara, reached out and helped him enrol in Form 4 at Kashari Secondary School in Mbarara in 2007.
Embarking on a Journey to Iraq in Search of Opportunity
In 2008, facing difficulties in pursuing his education, Sedrick made the brave decision to take up a security job during the conflict in Iraq between 2003 and 2011. At that time, many young Ugandans were recruited to provide buffer security support to the U.S. military in Iraq. During his time in Iraq, Sedrick not only earned a stable income to support his family but also cared for his mother and funded his two sisters’ education, ultimately improving their lives. Unfortunately, his contract ended in 2010, and he had to return to Uganda to write the next chapter of his life.
Joining the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Makerere University
Upon returning to Uganda after his experience in the Iraq War, Sedrick recognised that education was the key to transforming his life. With a determined mindset, he committed himself to his studies, understanding the long-lasting impact they could have on his future. Thanks to his perseverance and the relationships he had built, Sedrick obtained a bursary from a religious organisation, enabling him to resume his high school education six years after his last time in school.
In 2015, he completed his high school education at Namirembe Hillside, where he studied Physics, Mathematics, and Chemistry. With 15 points in his final exams, he was admitted to the Bachelor of Science in Petroleum Geoscience and Production program, supported by the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Makerere University.
“Participating in the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Makerere University significantly changed my life. For the first time, I was free from the constant worries about necessities like food and shelter. The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program provided me with a supportive environment that allowed me to focus on my education and personal growth,” Sedrick shared.
Life After Makerere University
In 2020, after graduating, Sedrick had the opportunity to intern at the Uganda National Oil Company (UNOC) in the Reservoir Engineering section. During his internship, he demonstrated exceptional dedication and expertise in the oil and gas sector. His performance led to his promotion to a Graduate Trainee, which provided him with valuable experiential learning and expanded his exposure within the industry. This experience ultimately paved the way for his recruitment as a Petroleum Engineer at the Petroleum Authority of Uganda, where he now contributes to the regulation of petroleum exploration activities in the country.
Impact on the Community
Upon graduating from university, Sedrick took a proactive approach that set him apart from his peers. He launched Kleanerman, a social venture project designed to have a positive impact on his community. This initiative provides valuable short-term, on-demand domestic services—such as home cleaning, laundry, and babysitting—catering to the needs of busy city residents. Through Kleanerman, Sedrick has successfully created employment opportunities for several young men and women in his community of Kanyanya, fostering both economic growth and personal development.
Due to his own challenges during his educational journey, he has developed a deep commitment to helping other young people facing difficulties with school expenses. To date, he has successfully supported seven young individuals in his Lyantonde community, guiding them from primary through secondary education. His long-term goal is to establish a charitable organisation dedicated to providing young people facing barriers to education with the resources they need to access quality education.
Looking into the Future
Sedrick is dedicated to making a meaningful impact in Uganda’s oil and gas sector. He, along with his colleagues, is focused on ensuring that Uganda achieves its inaugural oil production by 2026.
“Each day, our collective efforts are directed toward successfully introducing Uganda’s first oil into the market by the end of 2026, and expanding the country’s petroleum resource base by discovering more oil reserves,” Sedrick states with evident pride. He is also committed to advancing his career in the oil and gas industry. From his earnings, he has enrolled for a Master’s degree in Petroleum Geosciences at Makerere University to deepen his skills and expertise in the sector.
Message to his fellow young people
Sedrick urges the current Mastercard Foundation Scholars enrolled in the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Makerere University, as well as those at other universities, to make the most of the support provided by the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program. He emphasises the importance of engaging in capacity-building sessions, skill development programs, mentorship opportunities, and psychosocial support. Sedrick asserts that this comprehensive support framework has been instrumental in transforming his life and shaping who he is today.
He references a quotation that has become a guiding principle in his life: “Until death, all defeat is psychological.” Through this quotation, he seeks to inspire his peers to persevere, emphasising the notion that individuals can always recover and succeed despite the myriad challenges they may encounter in their initial endeavours.
Words of Gratitude
“The impact of the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program on my life is profound and transformative. I am sincerely grateful to the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Makerere University and to the Mastercard Foundation as a whole. It is my hope and prayer that the Foundation continues to make a positive difference in the lives of numerous young individuals, particularly within the African continent.” Sedrick emphasises.
His supervisor speaks out
Sedrick’s immediate supervisor, Mr Derrick Katusiime, the Senior Petroleum Engineer in the Directorate of Exploration at the Petroleum Authority of Uganda, was full of praise for him both at work and outside.
“Sedrick is very sociable and gets along well with everyone here at work, and his technical skills in just two years are impressive,” Mr. Katusiime pointed out.
Mr Katusiime further revealed that Sedrick champions values of integrity, active listening, and being an excellent team player. He goes the extra mile to complete tasks, takes on multiple responsibilities, and demonstrates humility and eagerness to learn.
Bernard Buteera is the Principal Communications Officer, Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Makerere University.
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