General

Mak Students Receive USD 90,000 from Saudi Arabia

Published

11 years ago

November 10, 2015

The Ambassador of Saudi Arabia to Uganda H.E Dr. Jamal Rafah, handing over the cheque to the the Acting Vice Chancellor and Deputy Vice Chancellor in charge of Academic Affairs, Dr. Ernest Okello Ogwang. In the middle is the Coordinator of Arabic Language Mr. Ssali Ebraheem

On 4^th November 2015, Makerere University received a USD 90,000 grant from King Abdalla Bin Abdul Aziiz International Centre for Arabic Language- Royal Kingdom of Saudi Arabia; to enable 20 students to study Arabic language for a period of three years. The donation was handed over to the Acting Vice Chancellor and Deputy Vice Chancellor in charge of Academic Affairs, Dr. Ernest Okello Ogwang by the Ambassador of Saudi Arabia to Uganda H.E Dr. Jamal Rafah at a colourful ceremony held in the Makerere University Council Room.

According to the Head, Department of European and Oriental Languages, Dr. Edith Natukunda, the donation will help the institution to boost and promote the teaching of Arabic Language in the Colleges of Humanities and Social Sciences (CHUSS) and Education and External Studies (CEES).

The Mak-Arabic Scholarships will also enable students to learn and master the Arabic culture and norms as well as explore the historical background of Arab countries and the longstanding relations between Uganda and the Royal Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Additionally, the sponsorship will facilitate the development and promotion of Arabic both nationally and internationally, so as to enhance communication and friendship between the people of Uganda and the Royal Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Dr. Edith Natukunda, Head- Department of European and Oriental Languages As an incentive to encourage the learning and the usage of international languages in Uganda, Arabic language was introduced at Makerere University in 2011 under the Department of European and Oriental Languages. The Arabic language is taught at three stages of learning i.e. beginner, advanced and Postgraduate Diploma with education.

“We have beginners who start Arabic at the University; the advanced group, which studied Arabic at secondary level and those who are doing a Post Graduate Diploma in education. Most of the time, those who do Advanced Arabic are taking it with education, which explains our close collaboration with the College of Education and External Studies,” Dr. Natukunda stated.

She also explained that the Department of European and Oriental languages hosts four international languages, with French being the oldest, The Department also teaches German followed by Arabic which has been on students’ curriculum for approximately fifteen years.

“The younger daughter is Chinese and the very special daughter is Spanish, that we are set to teach as soon as approval from the University Management is granted. We are happy that today the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has come out to support our Arabic students. I am glad that the USD 90,000 will fully cover all basic requirements of 20 students for the three years they are to spend learning Arabic,” she said.

She thanked the College of Education and External studies for the efforts they have rendered in co-teaching Arabic with the Department of European and Oriental Languages.

“I am grateful that through our strong collaboration, you have been able to equip our students with the Arabic methods as we teach them the content. Currently we have also partnered with the Department of Peace, Conflict and Religious Studies to help us teach our students the religious concept of Islamic culture and civilization. We also service the PhD Programs at Makerere Institute of Social Research,” she said.

On behalf of the Makerere University Community, the Acting Vice Chancellor Dr. Ernest Okello Ogwang extended his sincere gratitude to King Abdul Aziiz International Centre of Arabic Language for the generous support that aimed at supporting the University’s core functions of teaching and learning.

“We recognise the support that the Centre and the Royal Kingdom of Saudi Arabia have offered us to fulfil one of our core functions of teaching language. Language is a form of communication, a part that builds up culture and language is civilization. Therefore Arabic as a language has contributed a lot to Humanities and Sciences such as Architecture and Astronomy. It is of great importance that our children also get this knowledge so that this culture is extended and perpetuated to our community,” said the Acting Vice Chancellor. From left, the Ambassador H.E Dr. Jamal Rafah, Dr. Ernest Okello Ogwang, Prof. Abasi Kiyimba and Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe

Dr. Okello Ogwang further acknowledged the mutual relationship that Makerere University has with the Royal Kingdom of Saudi Arabia which is in line with the University core function of Knowledge Transfer Partnerships and Networking.

“Another core function of Makerere University is to foster partnerships and networking. We therefore greatly value the relationship we have built with the Royal Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. It is through our collaboration that we acquired linkages with King Abdalla Bin Abdul Aziiz International Centre for Arabic Language, which has eventual led to this USD 90,000 donation,” he added.

Speaking to the Makerere University Management and Staff present, H.E Dr. Jamal Rafah said, “One very important thing in life is a friend, I therefore feel and I have always considered myself as a true friend to the people of Uganda. I am happy that Makerere University Management is willing to support and extend Arabic language and culture among Ugandan Academic and Saudi Arabian institutions of education. With much respect, I would like to say that this institution deserves to be supported. As Ambassadors of the Royal Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, it is our obligation to develop and cement relationships with other nations as assigned by the Custodian of the two holy mosques. I therefore promise you by the will of Subhanahu Wa Ta'ala that we shall have more collaborations and understandings.”

The Ambassador encouraged people to embrace education as the only way to liberate the world from ignorance and economic backwardness. “Education is very important to all of us. And in Islam the first thing Allah ordered to Prophet Muhammad was ‘Iqra’ which means read. By reading we can know each other, and also know more about our culture. Nothing is more of an enemy to us than ignorance,” he said.

Remarking on the importance of language in communication, the Ambassador encouraged institutions to teach several languages so as to ease international communication. Reiterating the usefulness of multilingualism in international business as well as developing international relations, Dr. Jamal Rafah said that humans should also consider the language of love and peace to promote unity and stability among their societies.

Ambassador of the Royal Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, H.E Dr. Jamal Rafah. “Language is very important and those who don’t know, I will be delightful to tell you that the Arabic language is the language of people in paradise. It is also my pleasure to say that the two languages that are most important in our society are; peace and love. Language can help in creating understandings among people as well as extending relations,” he noted.

He requested the Makerere University Management to develop a vision upon which distant collaboration between Saudi Arabia and the people of Uganda can be developed, assuring members that the kingdom of Saudi Arabia is willing to support people of Uganda regardless of their faith.

Emphasizing the importance of international languages on the secondary school curriculum, the Principal of College of Education and External Studies Dr. Fred Masagazi Masaazi mentioned that the College is working hard to see to that Arabic as a language is included on the new secondary school curriculum to be introduced in 2017.

“When we talk about Arabic, it is hard to separate it from teaching. So as the College of Education and External Studies, we are trying to expand the teaching of the languages to many schools in Uganda. Per now we have gone as far as Kitgum. Today, the secondary curriculum is changing and we are getting a new curriculum which is starting in 2017 and one of the areas which are very important is the area of international language. During the interaction with the Ministry of Education, Science, Technology and Sports, we were able to discuss on how we can make Arabic a core language on the students curriculum due to the strong communication and interaction we have with the Arabic people,”

According to the Deputy Principal of College of Humanities and Social Sciences Prof. Abasi Kiyimba, teaching and promoting Arabic language at Makerere University marks the realization of the college’s mandate of overseeing the teaching of languages through its subordinate units.

“To this end, we have come a long way which has taught me that when we see successful projects, we have to know that so many people have contributed towards their achievement. The College of Humanities and Social Sciences has six in which the need for language teaching cannot be overlooked. We therefore look forward for a fruitful collaboration in this area with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia,” he mentioned.

In his speech, the Chairperson of Makerere University Academic Staff Association Dr. Muhammad Kiggundu- Musoke thanked the Ambassador of Saudi Arabia to Uganda and the Royal Government of King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud for the support they have given to Makerere, which has enabled the institution to explore a new academic area. Makerere University Academic Staff Association Dr. Muhammad Kiggundu giving a vote of thanks on behalf of Makerere University Community.

“We are so grateful that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has now opened up all the doors to support us in academics. This wouldn’t have been possible if it was not for your openness, the love you have for Uganda and the love you have for international diplomacy. Makerere University enjoys explorations in terms of academia. So when we interacted with you, we discovered that we have got a friend who is reliable. The academicians of Makerere University are very happy that we are opening up and very soon with your corporation we shall have Memorandum of Understandings between Ugandan universities and the Universities of Saudi Arabia,” he happily remarked.

Giving a brief background about the Arabic language in Makerere University, The Language Coordinator,-Department of European and Oriental Languages Mr. Ssali Ebraheem said that despite its being late at the institution, Arabic as a language has received an overwhelming support and attention from the Makerere University Community.

He therefore advised the members to look at Arabic as a language other a religion. “We should not look at Arabic from the religious perspective only, but rather as any other language that binds the world together internationally,” he remarked.

The ceremony was graced by Makerere University Management and Staff and these included; the Makerere University Deputy Vice Chancellor in charge Finance and Administration Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, the Academic Registrar Mr. Alfred Namoah Masikye, the University Librarian Dr. Helen Byamugisha, Principals and Deputy Principals of various colleges and Heads of Department among others.

Article: Nabatte Proscovia and Iga Charles- Interns, Mak Public Relations Office.

General

AR Department Bids Farewell to Mr. Ssentongo and Ms. Akoli

Published

17 hours ago

September 19, 2026

Mak Editor

Mr. Charles Ssentongo (C) and Ms. Betty Akoli (3rd R) are joined by Staff and Family to cut cake at the farewell luncheon on 18th September 2026. Farewell Luncheon held by Department of Academic Registrar in honour of Mr. Charles Ssentongo, Deputy Academic Registrar – Undergraduate Admissions and Records and Ms. Betty Akoli, Assistant Academic Registrar presided over by Ag. Academic Registrar Ms. Prossie Nakayiki, 18th September 2026, Senate Conference Hal, Level 4, Senate Building, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

_{By Gerald Ochwo}

On Friday 18^th September 2026, the Department of the Academic Registrar, Makerere University, held a befitting farewell ceremony in honour of Mr. Charles Ssentongo and Ms. Betty Akoli, who have retired from University service upon attaining the mandatory retirement age of 60 years.

Mr. Ssentongo retires as Deputy Academic Registrar in charge of Undergraduate Admissions and Records, after 26 years of dedicated service to the University, a journey he began in 2000. Ms. Akoli retires as Assistant Academic Registrar.

Ms. Prossie Nakayiki (L) poses with Mr. Ssentongo (C) and Ms. Akoli (R) shortly after presenting them with their plaques. Farewell Luncheon held by Department of Academic Registrar in honour of Mr. Charles Ssentongo, Deputy Academic Registrar – Undergraduate Admissions and Records and Ms. Betty Akoli, Assistant Academic Registrar presided over by Ag. Academic Registrar Ms. Prossie Nakayiki, 18th September 2026, Senate Conference Hal, Level 4, Senate Building, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa. — ***Ms. Prossie Nakayiki (L) poses with Mr. Ssentongo (C) and Ms. Akoli (R) shortly after presenting them with their plaques.***

The farewell, held in the Senate Building Conference Hall, was presided over by Ms. Prossie Nakayiki, the Acting Academic Registrar, and was attended by members of the Senior Management Team and staff of the Academic Registrar’s Department.

In recognition of their distinguished and spotless service, the two retirees were awarded institutional plaques and assorted gifts from the Department and individual members of staff.

Mr. Ssentongo and Ms. Akoli receive gifts from staff of their former Units including Mr. Justus Karegyeya (2nd L) the Ag. Deputy Academic Registrar, Undergraduate Admissions and Records. Farewell Luncheon held by Department of Academic Registrar in honour of Mr. Charles Ssentongo, Deputy Academic Registrar – Undergraduate Admissions and Records and Ms. Betty Akoli, Assistant Academic Registrar presided over by Ag. Academic Registrar Ms. Prossie Nakayiki, 18th September 2026, Senate Conference Hal, Level 4, Senate Building, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa. — ***Mr. Ssentongo and Ms. Akoli receive gifts from staff of their former Units including Mr. Justus Karegyeya (2nd L) the Ag. Deputy Academic Registrar, Undergraduate Admissions and Records.***

Mr. Ssentongo and Ms. Akoli’s retirement follows that of other senior members of the Department, including Mrs. Patience Mushengyezi, who retired earlier this year.

The Department of the Academic Registrar remains deeply indebted to Mr. Ssentongo and Ms. Akoli for their highly committed, exemplary, and dedicated service to Makerere University. We wish them a happy, healthy, and fulfilling retirement.

Ms. Betty Akoli receives a gift from a former colleague. Farewell Luncheon held by Department of Academic Registrar in honour of Mr. Charles Ssentongo, Deputy Academic Registrar – Undergraduate Admissions and Records and Ms. Betty Akoli, Assistant Academic Registrar presided over by Ag. Academic Registrar Ms. Prossie Nakayiki, 18th September 2026, Senate Conference Hal, Level 4, Senate Building, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa. — ***Ms. Betty Akoli receives a gift from a former colleague.***

We celebrate you.

More photos from the event: https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjD5btz

General

Prof. Sarah Ssali shares institutional best practices ahead of The Trust Summit

Published

4 days ago

September 16, 2026

Elvis Lubanga

Prof. Sarah Ssali, Panelist, Virtual Round Table on Restoring Trust in Academia and the Knowledge Economy, September 15, 2026. Graphic: X/@GTSummit2026

Prof. Sarah Ssali the First Deputy Vice Chancellor in charge of Academic Affairs (DVCAA) at Makerere University was one of the panelists that addressed the complex challenges facing African higher education during a Virtual Round Table on Restoring Trust in Academia and the Knowledge Economy held September 15, 2026. The event was organised by Strathmore University as part of the pre-summit events for The Trust Summit (TTS), due to be held in Nairobi, Kenya from October 21-23, 2026.

She was also welcomed in her capacity as the Director of the African Research Universities Alliance (ARUA) Centre of Excellence in Notions of Identity, a platform she used to deliver warm regards from the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe. Other panelists included; Dr. Vincent Ogutu-Vice Chancellor, Strathmore University and Prof. Gilbert Kokwaro-Director, Institute of Healthcare Management, Strathmore University Business School, while the Moderator was Dr. Maureen Syallow-Senior Lecturer, Strathmore University.

In her submission, Prof. Ssali emphasised the need to understand that universities are working in a turbulent times, and do not deserve to be at the receiving end of some of the challenges being ascribed to them. She added that challenges affecting society ought to be handled in partnership with other stakeholders and key players.

An example of this kind of criticism is on the question on the quality and integrity of degrees that has come up severally and is being fueled by the fact that not many graduates can find gainful employment after completing university.

“We have many more people living longer, getting educated, and chasing fewer jobs. For example, in the case of Uganda, we graduate around 40,000 students per year, but only 700 jobs are being created in the public sector per year” she noted.

Turning to the need to maintain standards and trust, Prof. Ssali outlined the rigorous systems already in place. These include holistic curriculum development involving stakeholders such as the National Council of Higher Education, Government Ministries, and the National Planning Authority.

Prof. Ssali also highlighted the importance of quality assurance, international benchmarking, and constant evaluations. She nevertheless conceded that despite having all these efforts in place, universities still face immense pressure from ranking systems and the need to prove their worth.

Reflecting on the historical debate regarding the role of an African university, she contrasted the school of thought advocating for global competitiveness with that emphasising practical relevance to local development challenges, concluding that taking the middle path; globally competitive and locally relevant, remains the viable option.

Addressing the issue of trust directly, Prof. Ssali noted that universities, just like the aviation and healthcare industries, are more concerned with what systems are in place to correct any errors should they arise.

She explained that just as one plane crash does not shut down the aviation industry, a single failure in a university does not warrant shutting it down. Instead, the focus should be on checking the black box, correcting errors, and improving standards to ensure the institution continues to serve its purpose.

General

“We are moving in the right direction” Prof Nawangwe to Press

Published

5 days ago

September 15, 2026

Elvis Lubanga

Seated: Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe (C) flanked by Prof. Sarah Ssali (2nd L) and Prof. Moses Musinguzi (2nd R), Members of Management and other officials (Seated and Standing) at the Press Conference on 15th September 2026. Vice Chancellor's Press Conference, VC's Boardroom, Main Building, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

Addressing members of the Media at the Vice Chancellor (VC)’s September 15, 2026 Press Conference, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe shared that Makerere University rose 295 places moving from 1,071^st in 2025 to 776^th in the July 2026 Webometrics Ranking of World Universities. This is a noteworthy improvement on a global scale and on continental level, where the university moved from 13^th place earlier this year to 11^th.

Still in the right direction, the number of graduate students completing their studies at Makerere has nearly doubled over the past five years as the University steps up efforts to improve training and research output. The completion rates have increased from 1,588 in 2023 to 1,874 in 2024, 2199 in 2025 and 2,922 in 2026.

The Vice Chancellor attributed this growth partly to government funding and digital systems that have been set up to track student progress.

Improving the Academic Environment

In alignment with VC, the First Deputy Vice Chancellor in charge of Academic Affairs (DVCAA), Prof. Sarah Ssali assured the media that a number of quality assurance measures have been put in place to improve the university’s core functions. These range from assessment forms that enable students to evaluate their courses and provide feedback that can be used to improve teaching and learning as well as research environments.

In line with digitalisation of University processes, Prof. Ssali noted that the Academic Management Information System (ACMIS) enables supervisors, colleges and University Management to identify delays in student progress and take corrective action.

The system currently empowers students to track their academic progress and print their own testimonials, and in future, transcripts, without having to queue up. These services are accessible by students who have fulfilled their tuition obligations.

Infrastructure Development

The Acting Second Deputy Vice Chancellor in charge of Finance and Administration (DVC F&A) and Principal, College of Engineering, Design, Art and Technology (CEDAT), Prof. Moses Musinguzi, shared that the university has undertaken extensive infrastructure expansion and renovation projects, with funding from government, philanthropists and donors.

“One of the infrastructures being the building that is going to house the graduate school, among others” he elaborated.

Research News – FLOWERS Project

Makerere University prides itself as a thought leader in knowledge generation for societal transformation and development. Makerere researchers and partners have launched the FLOWERS Project — Facilitating Local Organic Waste Exchange for Regenerative Systems. Led locally by Assoc. Prof. Charles B. Niwagaba, the two-year project (2026–2028) aims to turn restaurant food waste in Kampala into animal feed and organic fertiliser. Project Kick-off Meeting: https://news.mak.ac.ug/2026/09/makerere-partners-kick-off-flowers-project-to-turn-restaurant-waste-into-a-regenerative-resource/

Upcoming Events highlighted

Makerere Marathon
The sixth edition of the Makerere University Marathon will take place on Sunday, 27 September 2026, starting and finishing at Freedom Square. Marathon kits are available at UGX 50,000 and can be purchased online via https://shorturl.at/Vjovo

The Annual Makerere Guild Medical Camp
The camp will be held from 17^th to 18^th September 2026, starting at 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., in the Freedom Square. The Camp is organised by Guild leadership under the Office of the Dean of Students. Link: https://events.mak.ac.ug/events/2026/09/17/816

The Press Conference was graced by Members of Management, Staff and the media fraternity who were all appreciated for their contribution informing the public about developments at Makerere. This press briefing is part of the media engagements organised by the university Public Relations Office aimed at fostering open communication lines with the public through the media. It happens every two months with the previous one having taken place on 15^th July 2026.

Please see Downloads for the Press Statement and its supporting documents.

Photography by Benite Uwase, Public Relations Office, Makerere University

Makerere-VC-Press-Conference-Sept-15-2026-Statement Download

Makerere-VC-Press-Conference-Sept-15-2026-Table-1-Webometrics Download

Makerere-VC-Press-Conference-Sept-15-2026-Admitted-Statistics-2026-2027 Download

Makerere-VC-Press-Conference-Sept-15-2026-About-FLOWERS-Project Download

Makerere-VC-Press-Conference-Sept-15-2026-About-2026-Makerere-Marathon Download