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Scientists to engage youth in community livelihood and health programs

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To stimulate economic growth and development in African countries, participants at the 5th International Scientific Meeting emphasized the need to actively engage the youth in designing and implementation of community livelihood and health programs.

“Youth comprise the highest population in most of the African countries. They are bright, energetic young leaders with a wide and open mind. This provides us with a golden opportunity and a need to harness their socio-economic potential, utilize their abilities in research and community development,” stressed the participants.

Convening in the Makerere University Main Hall, from 30th June- 1st July 2016, Scientists, Professors and Researchers from different parts of the world shared knowledge and ideas on how to reduce poverty, boost trade, enhance resilience of livelihoods, improve human livelihood, and ensure Africa’s health security.

Participants guided by the theme, Sparkling Innovations for Sustainable livelihoods and Health in Africa, showcased numerous research projects to demonstrate the impact of international and regional partnerships on Sustainable Livelihood and Health in Africa.

The 5th International Scientific Meeting was organized by Makerere University College Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Biosecurity under the sponsorship of Regional Universities Mediated Partnerships for Enhancing Livelihoods and Health in Africa (RUMPHELA).  The conference   was officially opened by  the Makerere University Deputy Vice Chancellor in-charge of Academic Affairs, Associate Professor Ernest Okello Ogwang.

In a speech read by Associate Professor Okello Ogwang, the Vice Chancellor of Makerere University Prof. John Ddumba-Ssentamu said the is in line with the auspices of partners and the Government of Uganda.

 “Through these partners, the College has conducted Short-term training in International Cultural Boma, International Summer Schools, International Scientific Meetings, workshops, in-training leadership and community service learning. Supported laboratories and to date, Government of Uganda has offered more support for the laboratories in Biosecurity and Zoonoses,” he said.

During the conference meeting, participants shared ideas on improving the animal sector with a particular consideration for animal health and safety, production and consumption of healthy and safe animal resource products, provision of healthy and safe grounds to people involved in animal production as well as tapping into the opportunities for job creation and employment.

To achieve this, participants commended the need to develop their scientific research and ideas in line with entrepreneurship and business development with an essential element of income generating skills and job creation. In addition, they encouraged fellow scientists to always provide factual data and information on the various research projects/programs in time to allow an effective and instrumental timeline for youth engagement.

Giving a key note address on improving livelihood, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Gender and Social Development, Mr. Puis Birigimana said that institutions should actively engage the youth when designing and implementing livelihood and community programs.  Mr. Birigimana said the youth are more productive, business oriented with an influential effect on the African countries’ economic status.

“Youth constitute the highest population percentage in Uganda. Therefore leaving them behind creates a bigger gap between prosperity and stagnation. We need to make a fruitful engagement with them, especially in scientific programs. This is because youth are more productive, prefer agricultural activities and they are young, bright and energetic,” he said.

Citing the youth livelihood program designed and implemented by the Government of Uganda in order to reduce the high rate of unemployment and poverty among youth, Mr. Birigimana highlighted that the government’s strategy to actively engage the youth has yielded success in poverty alleviation in Uganda. He also mentioned that the project has witnessed more employment benefits, improved the incomes and instilled a saving culture among the youth.

“Always listen to the young people. Interact with them in a cool and humble way. I assure you it works very well. We used this strategy in the Youth Livelihood Program and we recorded success,” said the Permanent Secretary.

Highlighting the role of higher institutions of learning on human capital development, the Principal of Makerere University College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Bio security, Prof. John David Kabasa said that African countries should address human capacity in the current education system.

Besides designing youth centered livelihood programs, Prof. Kabasa said that the education system should provide the essential element of practical skills where a person is in position to work for oneself and change oneself to a transformative capital.

He reiterated the need to change the current education system of an African child urging that a single person should have several values and skills in addition to the general knowledge.  

“Give the youth a livelihood not labor capacity because that was earlier given and no longer exists. As experts we need a paradigm shift. In this current generation, it does not matter how many resources you have. If you don’t know how to use the resources, they will never be enough,” he said.

Prof. Kabasa called for the vocationalization of the education system in Africa.   According to him, the current education system has depended so much on infusing knowledge leaving humans with what he termed as malnourished human capacity.

 ‘’If we teach and lead today as we taught yesterday, we rob our children of tomorrow. There is therefore a need for higher institutions to change the ways of learning in order to deliver knowledge passed on following systematic manner. They need a different thinking package of competences in order to enhance livelihoods,” Prof. Kabasa explained.

The Dean, School of Biosecurity, Biotechnical and Laboratory Sciences at the College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Biosecurity, Associate Professor Frank Mwiine recommended the need for Uganda to host several conferences similar to the 5thInternational Scientific Meeting to provide solutions to emerging societal challenges.

 “As you may be aware, Uganda is facing many challenges like any other country in the world.  We, scientists should commit ourselves to transforming our societies in order to have a better and meaningful life,” he advised.

Associate Professor Mwiine thanked the organizing committee for ensuring that the 5th International Scientific Conference was a success. The conference meeting climaxed with a certificate awarding ceremony.

This year’s meeting started with a summer course for international students and collaborators from 6th -9th June 2016 to expose participants to one health concepts, food production, biosecurity, hygiene/ safety and public health.  This was followed by community outreach activities for two weeks in the Districts of Kampala, Tororo, Mbale, Bukedea, Soroti, Kaberamaido, kibale, Kasese and Kiruhura. Participants were also able to share their field experience in the two days (28th and 29th June 2016) international cultural Boma.

Since its inauguration in 2011, the International Scientific Meeting has enabled the College Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Bio-security record more achievements including the transformation of Faculty of Veterinary Medicine to an industrial value chain geared College.

Article by: Mak- Public Relations Office

 

 

 

 

Proscovia Nabatte

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Undergraduate Admissions List: Mop-up/Appeals 2025/2026

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The Office of Academic Registrar, Makerere University has released lists of Successful appeals and supplementary lists. Below is a list arising from appeals of Government Sponsored candidates who have been admitted:

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Makerere University, DFCU Bank Sign MoU to Advance Innovation, Student Leadership and Research

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Officials from Makerere University and DFCU Bank pose for a group photo at the Main Building Entrance after the MoU signing ceremony on 4th July 2025. Makerere University and DFCU Bank Limited sign a three-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) designed to enhance academic excellence, advance research and innovation capabilities, and provide crucial student support services through key activities; Annual Tumusiime Muteile Lecture, MakRun and Student activities, 4th July 2025, Council Room, Main Building, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

By Eve Nakyanzi and Atwenda Nancy

Makerere University and DFCU Bank have today signed a three-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to bolster innovation, student leadership, research and community impact initiatives.

The collaboration which will see the equipping of the Disability Support center for students living with disabilities through the MAK run and more leadership trainings for students will begin this July.

“The MoU will strengthen research collaborations across sectors like agriculture and health and it will also support the Mutebile Centre to assist private sector growth, which is crucial in lifting Africa out of poverty,” said Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, the Vice Chancellor.

Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe (R) flanked by Mr. Charles Mudiwa (L) makes his remarks at the MoU signing ceremony. Makerere University and DFCU Bank Limited sign a three-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) designed to enhance academic excellence, advance research and innovation capabilities, and provide crucial student support services through key activities; Annual Tumusiime Muteile Lecture, MakRun and Student activities, 4th July 2025, Council Room, Main Building, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe (R) flanked by Mr. Charles Mudiwa (L) makes his remarks at the MoU signing ceremony.

Speaking during the event, Mr. Charles M. Mudiwa, the DFCU Bank Chief Executive Officer, welcomed the move, noting its alignment with the bank’s mission to transform lives and support national development through four pillars: funding, financial inclusion, enterprise development, and vocational education.

“This MoU crowns years of effort and shared intent between our institutions,” he stated.
Mr. Mudiwa highlighted the bank’s commitment to skilling youth through internships, curriculum development, and support for innovation hubs and centres of excellence at the university.
“We consume the graduates of Makerere. In our most recent graduate intake of 87, 60% were Makerere alumni. The bank allocates around 30 internship positions annually to equip young people with the skills necessary for future roles within the institution,” Mr. Mudiwa, noted.

Representing the student body, Guild President His Excellency, Sentamu Churchill James, commended the partnership as a timely intervention that will empower youth, support SMEs, and expand internship and leadership development opportunities.

Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe (2nd L) presents a framed portrait of the Main Building to Mr. Charles Mudiwa (C) as L-R: University Secretary-Mr. Yusuf Kiranda, 91st Guild President-H.E. Ssentamu Churchill James and Acting Deputy Vice Chancellor (Finance and Administration)-Prof. Winston Tumps Ireeta witness. Makerere University and DFCU Bank Limited sign a three-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) designed to enhance academic excellence, advance research and innovation capabilities, and provide crucial student support services through key activities; Annual Tumusiime Muteile Lecture, MakRun and Student activities, 4th July 2025, Council Room, Main Building, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe (2nd L) presents a framed portrait of the Main Building to Mr. Charles Mudiwa (C) as L-R: University Secretary-Mr. Yusuf Kiranda, 91st Guild President-H.E. Ssentamu Churchill James and Acting Deputy Vice Chancellor (Finance and Administration)-Prof. Winston Tumps Ireeta witness.

“Students are the heartbeat of the university. This collaboration will empower youth and strengthen their role in national development,” His Excellency Ssentamu, said.

About MAK RUN 2025

The Makerere Run 2025 (#MakRun2025), hosted by the Makerere University Endowment Fund (MAKEF) on 17th August 2025, returns for its fifth edition as Kampala’s premier charity marathon, uniting 8,000+ runners—students, alumni, corporate teams, and elite athletes—to tackle the city’s iconic hills under the theme “Run the Hills for the Future.” This landmark event combines competitive racing with transformative impact, channeling proceeds to strengthen Makerere University’s community programs while offering unmatched branding opportunities for partners through Kampala’s largest university-led sporting spectacle.

The Mak Run, scheduled this year for August 17th, is a flagship initiative that mobilizes students, staff, alumni, and partners to raise funds for projects such as the Disability Support Unit and the Student Centre.

The Writers are Interns in the Public Relations Office, Makerere University

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Diploma in Performing Arts Admission List 2025/26

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The Office of Academic Registrar, Makerere University has released the admission list of candidates who passed the special entry examinations for the Diploma in Performing Arts held on Saturday 17th May, 2025

The following have been admitted by the University’s Admissions Committee on Private Sponsorship for the 2025/26 Academic Year

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