General
Mak Vice Chancellor addresses First Year Students
“University education is a two way process. Lecturers provide information to guide you and on your part, there is a lot of initiative required using the available resources including the University Library, which is one of the best libraries on the African continent. It is a joint responsibility for students, staff and University Management to ensure that we maintain the reputation of Makerere University as a community of excellence that builds for generations,” said the Vice Chancellor, Prof. John Ddumba-Ssentamu at the Ceremony of Admissions held on 29th October 2015 in the Freedom Square.
As per the University tradition, the drums sounded as the Vice Chancellor’s procession comprising the Academic Registrar, Dean of Students, Director of Research and Graduate Training and College Principals fully in their academic regalia walked majestically from the Main Building to the Freedom Square.
Building on to the Orientation day held on 27th August 2015 where the Academic Registrar and other University officials shared with students information vital to their academic and social well being, the Admissions Ceremony held on 29th October 2015 provided an opportunity to the students to receive a special message from the Vice Chancellor.
Welcoming the Vice Chancellor’s procession, the students who had assembled in the Freedom Square stood up, waved to the University Management and College Principals, and used their smart phones to capture the memorable moments.
The Head of Department, Dr. Sylvia Nannyonga-Tamusuza together with the students of Performing Arts and Film led the Anthems. Leading the prayer, the Dean of Students, Mr. Cyriaco Kabagambe asked the Almighty God to bless the Admissions Ceremony for the Academic Year 2015/2016, the students and University leadership.
The Academic Registrar, Mr. Namoah-Masikye introduced the Vice Chancellor, Prof. John Ddumba-Ssentamu to the First Year students. “Dear students, you will recall that when I addressed you on the Orientation day held on 27th August 2015 here in the Freedom Square, I informed you that you will have a special day to receive a message from the Vice Chancellor. Today, 29th October 2015, I am pleased to introduce the Vice Chancellor who is presiding over the Admissions Ceremony,” he said amidst applause from the First Year students.
The following colleges/units presented students: College of Health Sciences; Makerere University Business School (MUBS); College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences; College of Engineering, Design, Art and Technology; College of Natural Sciences; College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Bio-Security; School of Law; College of Education and External Studies; College of Computing and Information Sciences; College of Humanities and Social Sciences; and the College of Business and Management Sciences.
As per the University procedure, the Academic Registrar called upon the respective College Principals/representatives to present the students to the Vice Chancellor. The students from the College/Unit being presented stood up and listened to the Academic Registrar reading a statement:
“Do you solemnly promise to seek the truth, to study diligently, to obey the Chancellor, Vice Chancellor, and those in authority, to observe the regulations of the University, to exercise discipline and to promote its good as far as in you lies.”
As expected, the First Year students from the respective Colleges/Units replied:
“ALL THIS I DO SOLEMNLY UNDERTAKE.”
Presenting the students to the Vice Chancellor, the College Principal or a Representative, read the statement: “Mr. Vice Chancellor, Sir, I present to you for admission to the University these new students of the College of …who have duly subscribed their names to the declaration they have made.”
Still standing, the students looked on with a lot of admiration as the Vice Chancellor (dressed in his academic regalia) faced them, smiled and nodded his head in an official way, confirming their admission into the University.
Enjoying the special moment, most of the students responded with laughter and would resume their seats full of energy and charisma.
Addressing the First Year students, the Vice Chancellor Prof. John Ddumba-Ssentamu congratulated the students on being admitted to various academic programmes of Makerere University. He emphasized to the students that they had responsibilities and obligations that are stipulated in their admission letters and the Makerere University Students Regulations 2015. In the same spirit, the Vice Chancellor encouraged the students to concentrate on their studies, be mindful of the choices they make, associate with the right people, and above all remain disciplined.
“Your success depends on your attitude and the choices you make now. I strongly urge you to use your time productively while you are here. Try to use your time here at Makerere University as a platform for achieving a better tomorrow. I urge you to make genuine friendships, those that will add value to your life. You need to make wise choices. As we strive to provide you the best services possible, you too need to take responsibility as students. Each one of us has a role to play,” said the Vice Chancellor.
At the climax of the Admissions Ceremony, all the students stood up, and listened to the proclamation from the Vice Chancellor:
“From today onwards, you are now students of Makerere University. You are formally admitted. I congratulate you and wish you a fruitful stay.”
Reiterating the Vice Chancellor’s message focusing on a bright and disciplined student, the Dean of Students Mr. Cyriaco Kabagambe appealed to the First Year students to read the Gazetted Makerere University Rules and Regulations 2015, which are binding.
As the Vice Chancellor’s procession prepared to leave the Freedom Square, the Senior Public Relations Officer Ms Ritah Namisango together with the students applauded the staff in Department of the Academic Registrar, the Ceremonies and Certificates Division and the respective College Registrars for organizing the Admissions Ceremony for the Academic Year 2015/2016.
Story by: Ritah Namisango, Mak Public Relations Office
The Deputy Vice Chancellor in charge of Academic Affairs (DVCAA), Prof. Sarah Ssali has made a strong case for good Minutes Writing, describing the process as “very important in respecting the integrity of the institution.” She made the remarks while officially opening a training workshop organised by the Makerere University Writing Centre (MakWC) for Executive and Administrative Staff on 4th August 2026.
And whereas it is important to consult long serving staff on institutional best practices, Prof. Ssali noted that good minute writing is the best way to preserve institutional memory, especially as staff come and go. She equally pointed out the importance of minutes in addressing issues of legality, as these accounts have since time immemorial been relied on to “help shape records and document the history of states”.
Away from setting the record straight, the DVCAA also stressed the importance of minutes in helping teams better prepare for their next meeting. Minutes, she noted, should help members develop an action matrix with quick turnaround times that empower the next meeting to address what was resolved.
The DVCAA equally underscored the importance of minutes in; helping institutions or their units comply with regulatory requirements, provide accountability in the event of tracking implementation of policies or programmes, and team alignment. “Minutes affect decisions and so they are good reference points for positions agreed upon by teams, especially where there was a lot of debate,” she said about the latter.
Prof. Ssali concluded by thanking executive and administrative staff present for sparing time to attend the training and urged them to uphold the highest degree of ethics and efficiency as they go about this noble task.
The Chairperson, MakWC, Prof. Fredrick Jones Muyodi in his remarks sincerely thanked the DVCAA for reiterating the importance of workshop in equipping staff to become better professionals. He, in the same breath, urged participants to do their best by putting into practice all the knowledge and skills that they acquire during the training.
Participants received specific training on Fundamentals and Roles of the Minute Taker by Mrs. Patience Mushengyezi and Minute Writing Techniques by Ms. Proscovia Nakayiki. The executive and administrative staff were equally tipped on; the Policy and Legal Environment for Minute Writing by Ms. Esther Kabinga, e-Meeting platforms by Dr. Godfrey Mayende, and Ethical and Responsible Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) by Prof. Paul Birevu Muyinda.
About MakWC
Housed under the Directorate of Research, Innovation and Partnerships (DRIP), MakWC is a pivotal centre aimed at enhancing Makerere University’s strategic goal of becoming a research-led institution by 2030. The centre provides faculty, staff and students with assistance on their papers, projects, reports, multi-modal documents and other writerly needs across disciplines.
Makerere University has officially welcomed the 2026/2027 cohort of freshers, urging them to pursue academic excellence, uphold integrity, embrace diversity and make the most of the opportunities available throughout their university journey.
The opening of Orientation Week, held at the Freedom Square on Monday, 3rd August 2026, brought together University leaders, staff and thousands of newly admitted students. Throughout the event, speakers emphasized academic discipline, personal responsibility, leadership, student welfare and the values that have defined Makerere University for over a century.
Academic Registrar Welcomes Freshers
Delivering his remarks, the Academic Registrar, Prof. Mukadasi Buyinza, congratulated the freshers upon their admission and welcomed them into Makerere University‘s long standing tradition of scholarship, research and innovation.
He reminded the students that joining Makerere University marked the beginning of a new chapter in their lives; one in which they would take full responsibility for shaping their future.
“Your arrival at Makerere marks a new chapter in your own life. This chapter is different because now you have the opportunity to determine the direction of your own story.”
Prof. Buyinza encouraged students to actively participate in academic activities, complete assignments on time and uphold integrity throughout their studies.
He cautioned against examination malpractice, forgery and other forms of academic misconduct, emphasizing that such offences could lead to dismissal from the University.
The Academic Registrar also stressed the importance of completing registration within the prescribed period, reminding students that admission remains provisional until registration requirements have been fulfilled.
“Technically, you are not yet students until you register.”
He further guided students on programme changes, registration procedures, and tuition payment requirements and urged them to carefully read the University’s Joining Instructions.
Beyond academics, Prof. Buyinza advised students to exercise financial discipline, avoid online scams and make responsible personal decisions while adjusting to university life.
Dean of Students Highlights Student Welfare
The Dean of Students, Dr. Winifred Kabumbuli, briefed freshers on accommodation, health services, feeding, spiritual welfare and leadership opportunities available at the University.
She advised students seeking off-campus accommodation to choose only accredited private hostels approved by the University.
“Please make sure you choose a hostel that is safe, comfortable and closer to campus.”
Dr. Kabumbuli also encouraged students to open medical files at the University Hospital instead of self-medicating whenever they fall ill.
“Don’t ignore illness. Don’t self-prescribe. Go for proper medical attention through the University Hospital.”
She urged students to participate in spiritual fellowship through the University’s places of worship and to embrace leadership opportunities available at class, hall and college levels.
Welcoming international students, Dr. Kabumbuli noted that Makerere University has admitted more than 800 international students from 55 countries across five continents, reaffirming the institution’s commitment to providing an inclusive learning environment.
Former Guild President Shares His Makerere Journey
Hon. Lawrence Alionzi (Dangote), inspired the freshers through his personal story, recalling how he joined Makerere University in 2019 as a young student from Arua “with an empty pocket and a bag full of dreams.”
He described Makerere as “the hill of endless possibilities” and challenged students to maximize every opportunity available during their university life.
“The answer to whether you reach the top of the hill lies in what you do between now and the day you graduate.”
Drawing lessons from his own experience, Dangote cautioned students against peer pressure, financial recklessness and online investment scams, encouraging them to choose friends wisely and remain focused on their academic goals.
“Hard work beats talent if talent does not learn to work hard.”
Academic Registrar Clarifies Registration Process
Returning to the podium, Prof. Buyinza clarified registration procedures, programme change guidelines and admission requirements.
He reminded students that failure to register within the stipulated period would result in forfeiture of admission.
“Registration is the most important step that will determine whether you become a university student or not.”
He also advised students seeking programme changes to ensure they meet the required cut-off points and available vacancies before submitting applications.
Prof. Sarah Ssali Calls for Excellence and Integrity
Closing the orientation, the Deputy Vice Chancellor in charge of Academic Affairs, Prof. Sarah Ssali, who represented the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, officially welcomed the freshers to Makerere University.
Beginning her remarks, Prof. Ssali asked students admitted to the Bachelor of Arts in Social Sciences to identify themselves before revealing that she too had studied the same programme.
Using her own experience, she reminded students that every academic programme offered by the University is valuable.
“Every course matters. Whatever you have been given, do it as if your life depends on it.”
She congratulated the incoming students, describing their admission as the beginning of a transformative journey that would prepare them to become responsible citizens and future leaders.
“Your achievement reflects your hard work, determination and potential, and we are delighted that you have chosen Makerere University as the next step in your academic journey.”
Prof. Ssali reminded students that every academic programme matters and encouraged them to pursue excellence regardless of the course they had been admitted to.
She reassured students that Makerere remains committed to providing a supportive and inclusive learning environment through academic staff, the Dean of Students’ Office, counselling services, student leaders and other support units.
She particularly encouraged students facing personal or academic challenges to seek help whenever necessary.
Prof. Ssali reaffirmed the University’s zero-tolerance policy on sexual harassment and exploitation.
“Do not suffer silently. Raise your voice. We have zero tolerance for sexual harassment and exploitation of students.”
Encouraging students to engage beyond the classroom, she urged them to participate in research, innovation, sports, leadership, community engagement and international programmes that complement academic learning.
She also called upon students to reject examination malpractice, plagiarism, violence, substance abuse and all forms of misconduct that undermine the University’s values.
“University education is not only about earning a degree; it is about developing the knowledge, character, values and competences required to make a meaningful contribution to society.”
As she concluded, Prof. Ssali challenged the freshers to think about the legacy they wished to leave behind at Makerere University.
“Pursue a life of excellence. Take ownership of your learning, build strong networks and make the most of every opportunity the University offers.”
The 2026/2027 Orientation Week continues with college based sessions that will introduce freshers to academic programmes, registration processes, student support services and university life before the commencement of the new academic year.
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