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Guidelines to First Year students 2016-2017 Academic Year

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First Year students (Freshers) are by tradition given an “acclimatization” period of normally one week which is referred to as the “Orientation Week”.  The Freshers report on Campus one week earlier than the Continuing students and during this week they are introduced to the key facilities in the University as well as other important aspects of life at the University.

Schedule of Semesters for Academic Year 2016/2017

Orientation Week:
Getting used to a new place can be pretty daunting, but that is what orientation week is all about; getting to know your surroundings, meeting students and staff members.  This makes you feel comfortable enough to hit the ground running when the semester starts.  It is a great chance for you to familiarize yourself with the University.
Saturday 6th August, 2016 to Friday 12th August, 2016 (7 Days) – Orientation Week
Semester One
Saturday 13th August, 2016 to Saturday 10th December, 2016 (17 Weeks)
Ceremony of Admission
Friday 19th September, 2016.  Time: 2.30 p.m. in the Freedom Square (All Freshers are required to wear the undergraduate gown).
Semester One Vacation
Saturday 10th December, 2016 to Friday 20th January, 2017 (7 Weeks)
Semester Two
Saturday 21stJanuary, 2017 to Saturday 20th May, 2017 (17 Weeks)
Semester Two Vacation
Saturday 20th May, 2017 to Saturday 29th July, 2017 (10 Weeks)
During this week, arrangements are made to enable the Freshers meet and be addressed by Key Officers, Wardens and Student Leaders who welcome the students.
Arrangements are also made to enable the Freshers acquaint themselves with such key facilities at the University like the Library, University Hospital, Games and Recreation Facilities etc.  Freshers are expected to take advantage of the week to survey and acquaint themselves with the general Campus lay out.  Another major activity during the Orientation Week is Registration.
All Freshers must ensure that they are registered first centrally and then with each of their respective Colleges/Schools.

Orientation Events

Saturday 6th August, 2016
Resident Freshers report to their respective Halls of residence or private Hostels by 5.00 p.m.  It is the responsibility of each student to make his/her own travel arrangements to the University or private hostel.
Monday 8th August, 2016
All Freshers shall report to the Freedom Square for a meeting with the University officials at 9.00 a.m.
Programme for the Day
9.00 a.m – 12.30 p.m address from the following University officials:

▪ Guild President
▪ Deputy Registrars
▪ The Academic Registrar
▪ Dean of Students
▪ Director University Health Services
▪ Director Counseling & Guidance Centre
▪ The Principal Games Tutor
▪ The University Bursar
▪ The University Chief Security Officer

The Freedom square is the open ground in front of the main Administration Building where official functions of the University are normally performed.
Freshers are expected to be seated by 9.00 a.m.

Registration

For a candidate to qualify to be a bonafide student of the University, he/she must be registered.  Registration is a mandatory requirement of the University which must be done within the first two (2) weeks from the beginning of the semester by every student.
Registration will commence on Monday 8th August, 2016 starting at 9.00 a.m. each day.
Ensure that you complete all the required registration formalities within the prescribed time in order to avoid disappointments later.

Registration Requirements

For registration purposes, the originals of the following must be produced by each Fresher:

▪ Admission Letter, O’Level Certificate/Pass Slip (UCE or Equivalent)
▪ A’Level Certificate/Pass Slip (UACE or equivalent)
▪ Birth Certificate
▪ An Identity Card from the previous A’level School.  The Diploma Holders must produce Identity Cards from their previous College.
▪ Three photocopies of each of the “O” and “A”Level Results Slips/Certificates, and Transcripts/Certificates from the awarding Institutions in case of Diploma Holders.
▪ Seven most recent passport-size photographs. (Current Likeness)
▪ Copies of the Pay-in/Deposit Slip acknowledging payment of the following fees for each government sponsored student to Makerere University Fees Collection Accounts:

a) University Rules Booklet   – Shs.2,000/=
b) Undergraduate Gown    – Shs.16,000/=
c) Identity Card     – Shs.45,000/=
d) Guild Subscription fee    – Shs.10,000/=
e) Endowment fee    – Shs.10,000/=
f) Senior Common Room fee   – Shs.5,000/=
g) Sports Contribution fee   – Shs.15,000/=
h) National Council for Higher Education fees  – Shs.20,000/=(Payable to
the National Council for Higher Education Account)
Change of Programme/Subjects

(a) Change of Programme
Since selection for specific programmes was made according to each candidate’s performance and order of programme choices, taking into account the available subject combinations and time-table limitations, there is normally little need to change the programme or subjects.  However, some places become vacant when some of the students admitted do not take up the offers.  Such places are filled through the change of programme/subjects.
Students who wish to change programmes first of all register according to the registration time-table for the programmes and subjects (where applicable) to which originally have been admitted.  Each student who may wish to change his/her programme/subject is required to pay an application fee of Shs.6,000/= plus the bank charges to Stanbic Bank, dfcu Bank, Post Bank, Centenary Bank and crane Bank.

(b) Change of Subjects
Students in the College of Humanities and Social Sciences, Natural Sciences or the College of Education and External Studies may wish to change their subjects.  Change of Subject will be done online on payment of Shs.6,000/=, to either Stanbic Bank, dfcu Bank, Post Bank, Centenary Bank or crane Bank.
Students should be aware that changing one subject may result in a change of College.  Before students apply to change their programmes, Colleges and Subjects, they are encouraged to seek advice on the cut-off point(s) for programmes, requirements for specific subjects and possible subject combinations.
Students are notified and warned about this Senate ruling that any one transferring to another subject or College without proper authority will be liable to discontinuation from the University.
A student who has been permitted to change his/her programme or subject(s) is issued with a letter stating so, and on receipt of such a letter that student should complete the ACCEPTANCE Part and return a copy of each to the Undergraduate Admissions and Records Office, the former and the new College/School.
The change of programme/subjects will be done online from Monday 8th August, 2016 to Friday 12th August, 2016 at Level 3, Senate Building.
N.B: It is advisable that only those students who meet the cut-off points for the desired programmes may apply.

COMMUNICATION FROM UNIVERSITY SECRETARY

Effect 2016/2017 Academic year, all students admitted by Makerere University at the Makerere University Business School-MUBS campus are required to pay Ugx. 190,000 directly to Makerere University Fees Collection Account Number: 9030005866749  at Stanbic Makerere Branch.

Please take note that the Identity Card fee of Ugx. 45,000 is paid once and hence the above figure will adjust to Ugx. 145,000 after the 1st year of study. The details of the total figures is as follows;

                     Ugandans (Ugx)             Other Nationals (Ugx)

Registration   50,000                           101,000
Examination   50,000                           151,500
Technology     25,000                            50,000
Identity Card  45,000                             45,000
Affiliation        20,000                            20,000

Total       Ugx.190,000                 Ugx. 367,500  

You will be required to present the receipts for the above fees at the end of your program in order to access your academic documents.

COMMUNICATION FROM DEAN OF STUDENTS

Accomodation

Accommodation for year one students 2016/2017 in the University Halls of Residence.
1. Government Sponsored
a) A’Level direct merit entrants offered the following study programmes maybe accommodated in the Halls of Residence to which they are attached as indicated on the admission letter.  Eligible students not able to take up the accommodation offer for very strong reasons should inform the Dean of Studentsin writing before Monday 1st August, 2016 and submit your application to Room 214, Senate Building:

i) Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Engineering (AGE)
ii) Bachelor of Science in Agriculture (AGR)
(iii) Bachelor of Architecture (ARC)
iv) Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS)
v) Bachelor of Science in Medical Radiography (BMR)
vi) Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering (CIV)
vii) Bachelor of Science in Conservation Forestry & Products Technology (CFP)
viii) Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering (ELE)
ix) Bachelor of Industrial and Fine Art (FIN)
x) Bachelor of Science in Food Sciences and Technology (FST)
xi) Bachelor of Laws (LAW)
xii) Bachelor of Science in Land Surveying and Geometric (LSG)
xiii) Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MAM)
xiv) Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering (MEC)
xv) Bachelor of Science in Nursing (NUR)
xvi) Bachelor Social and Entrepreneurial Forestry (SEF)
xvii) Bachelor Science in Quantity Surveying (SQS)
xviii) Bachelor Statistics (STA)
xix) Bachelor Pharmacy (PHA)
xx) Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine (VET)

b) Non Residents
The rest of the government sponsored students, including all those admitted through Diploma and Mature age entry schemes (irrespective of study programmes offered) shall be Non Residents and eligible for Food and Living out allowance.  Register with the Warden’s Office at your Hall of attachment upon arrival.
c) Change to Private Programmes
Students admitted on government sponsorship but who choose to take up alternative study programmes under private sponsorship shall lose all government related benefits and should not claim for any.

d) Students Admitted Under Disability Scheme
Students in the above Scheme may be resident in the Halls of attachments indicated on their admission letters, irrespective of the study programmes offered.
e) Students Admitted Under Sports & District Quota Schemes
Students admitted under these categories will be treated as in 1(a) and (b) above, subject to availability of bed space by the time their admission is finalized.

2. Change of Halls of Attachment
This is PROHIBITED except where Gender was mixed up i.e female attached to Male Halls or vice versa.

3. Privately Sponsored Students

a) A few bed spaces have been reserved for privately sponsored students.  Once admitted privately sponsored students who wish to be accommodated should apply to Dean of Students in Room 214, Senate Building for Bed space.

b) Privately sponsored students granted permission to reside in Halls of Residence may pay for meals at the nearest Food Court.  There are six Food Courts located in Africa, Nkrumah/Nsibirwa, University Hall, Mary Stuart, Galloway House and Kabanyolo Hostel.

Alfred Masikye-Namoah
ACADEMIC REGISTRAR

Elias Tuhereze

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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.

Detailed Presentations

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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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Directorate of Graduate Equips Schools and Colleges with Training in Philosophy of Methods

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By Moses Lutaaya

The Directorate of Graduate Training at Makerere University has equipped several Senior ranking lecturers with expert knowledge in a Training of Trainers’ workshop on “Philosophy of Methods”.

In his remarks at the opening of a 3-day training workshop at Level4 Conference Hall – Senate Building, the Director of Graduate Training Prof. Julius Kikooma said, “The teaching of Philosophy of Methods gives all participants the fundamentals to extend knowledge to other learners, hence its importance in upholding the Makerere University values.”

Kikooma urged and challenged the participants to also attend and actively participate in the follow up of learners’ training of students, stating that the PhD students need support as the directorate continues to coordinate the curriculum of PhD by-research that was approved by the senate recently.

“To holistically implement the senate approved PhD curriculum, we are coordinating capacity building trainings of all stake holders in a structured approach with the different units of the University. Many more trainings including Training of Trainers in advanced research methods course are on the way.”

He further urged the participants to be intentional in their teaching profession and in whatever they were doing, adding “Apart from focusing on practices as teachers and researchers, we can engage in wider philosophical debates in our research areas so that we are relevant in the society and in the empowerment of PhD research students.”

 The participants for the Philosophy of Methods training were from College of Humanities and Social Sciences, College of Education and External Studies, Makerere University Business School among others.

During the same training, Dr. Dickson Kanakulya stressed the need to train senior lecturers in the Philosophy of Methods, saying, “The biggest connection is that societal problems require concrete research to find solutions. Our challenge in Africa is that we employ a short barrow approach to find solutions to problems. This cannot work. We need consistent researchers to solve problems. Lasting solutions to societal issues can only be got through training such as Philosophy of Methods, where researchers come up with new models for societal solutions.”

Prof. Julius Kikooma pose for a photo with participants and facilitators.

Dr. Kanakulya said that Makerere University remains the biggest research University in Africa and philosophy of Methods helps to come up with good research tools that produce good research outputs. “Research has shown that the higher the number of PhD researchers in any given country, the higher the levels of development of that country e.g. the USA, China etc., adding that research is not limited to only medicinal or agricultural related issues.”

He said philosophy of methods, encourages philosophical creativity in research, “It is meant to bring out philosophical generation of concepts, theories and ideas. It is meant to encourage students to question the existing philosophical assumptions and status quo in a given field of knowledge such that new philosophical concepts are created.”

 For successful rollout of government programs like the National Development Plan 4, Dr. Kanakulya said that Philosophy of Methods training needs to be integrated into such systems. “Philosophy of Methods focuses on ethical thinking aspects. For example, for a better rollout of the Parish Development Model, we need implementers to be ethical.” He added.

 Prof. Sulait Tumwiine, the associate Dean of Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research at MUBS said, “This is a discussion where new ideas are shared to guide and gauge applicability in the current knowledge diversity coupled with lots of technological development including Artificial Intelligence and Chat GPT.”

He added, “As professors of Universities, we need to understand how we leverage on what comes up so that it does not take our space, but also appreciate how we can support growth of knowledge. The Philosophy of Methods training is the answer.”

 Dr. Jim Spire Ssentongo highlighted that Philosophy uses more of the critical mind than Science. He added that philosophy is more of speculation of the mind.

“Sustainability of philosophy Education encourages us to continue training. Philosophy being the oldest discipline retained special status in the academia as a pinnacle of pursuit of knowledge. All disciplines have major elements of philosophy citing examples in the philosophy of Mathematics and Physics.

Dr. Spire added, “If you do not understand philosophy, you cannot deeply investigate anything because philosophy is the reality of understanding everything. Philosophy is the basis of understanding what knowledge is and how it is arrived at.”

Also participating in the workshop was Prof. Joseph Ntaayi from MUBS, in his remarks he said PhD students need the philosophy of methods training to understand how to best to create knowledge. He added that ontological and epistemological questions that lead to good research design methods can only be answered by this training.

Dr. Robert Kakuru, a Lecturer in the College of Humanities and Social Sciences said that the Philosophy of Methods training is needed by every graduate student as well as supervisors to critically determine the choice of methods to use in academic research. For example, “If one wants to use a questionnaire as an interview approach, one should understand, why that approach and yet without this training, the why cannot be answered.” He added.

The Philosophy of Methods training was organized by Directorate of Graduate Training with funding support from the Consortium for Advanced Research Training in Africa (CARTA).

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