Speaking to thousands of students during the Freshers’ Orientation held on 26th August 2016, the Academic Registrar-Mr. Alfred Masikye-Namoah urged students to embrace the 6Cs comprising commitment, communication, consultation, cooperation, coordination, and culture during their academic journey.

The Academic Registrar revealed to the new students that adherence to the 6Cs would help them to remain focused on their academic goals and as well as providing them with a platform to manage their socio prospects as they pursue their studies.

“It is important to balance academics and social life. Makerere University as a community has its unique and diverse culture. I therefore advise you to actively participate in all university programs and always make good use of your talents,” he said.

Dedicating the Orientation to the Almighty God, one of the students from the College of Education and External Studies prayed for wisdom, academic excellence, blessings in pursuit of their goals and peace during their stay at the University.

It was a splendid moment when the Head of the Department of Performing Arts and Film, Dr. Sylvia Tamusuza led the Freshers to sing the Makerere University Anthem.

The Head Undergraduate Admissions, Mr. Charles Ssentongo expressed his immense pleasure for the choice students made to pursue their university education at Makerere University. Mr. Ssentongo then introduced the University Officials to the Freshers and shared with them the chronology of administration and leadership at the great institution.

Representing the Dean of Students Mr. Cyriaco Kabagambe, the Deputy Dean of Students Mr. Stephen Kateega encouraged freshers to strictly follow the rules and regulations governing the University.“We have rules and regulations you must observe. Makerere University is a place where choices are made. Integrate and start making intelligent choices. Remain focused and know why you’re here. Safety and responsibility at individual level are paramount,” he remarked.

On behalf of Makerere University Public Relations Office, Ms. Ritah Namisango the Senior Public Relations Officer, welcomed the Freshers to Makerere University and congratulated them upon joining Makerere University.

“I thank you all for choosing to study at Makerere University. The University you have joined is committed to producing high quality and competent graduates at both the national and international levels. You are now in a place where you have a lot of freedom, but we would like you to excel in all aspects of life,” she said.

The Director-Makerere University Health Services, Dr. Margret Wandera encouraged the new students to register with the Makerere University Hospital in order to access health services. “We want to have healthy students. I therefore encourage you to report to the University Hospital for immunization and medical examination. I also urge you to maintain a peaceful and hygienic environment for better health,” she said.

Reiterating the importance of health, the Manager-Counseling and Guidance Centre, Makerere University, Mr. Henry Nsubuga said that a sharp brain is always complimented by a free and healthy mind. He therefore encouraged students to fully utilize the counseling and guidance services provided at the centre to free their mind of any problems that will deter them from achieving their academic goals and objectives.

“You should always have reasons to be happy because happy people have been found to be more productive and generate better results. We have our past, present but also the future. We have come across many students with problems from the past which have led them to poor marks and loss of concentration. We want to help you get through this. Let your past not fail your future,” Mr. Nsubuga explained.

In the same spirit, Mr. Lawrence Kavuma-the Senior Sports Tutor at the Sports and Recreation Department encouraged students to actively engage in the various sports and games activities available at the University. According to Mr. Kavuma, these activities will help students to stay physically fit and maintain an active and healthy mind. Representing the Head, Sports and Recreation Department Ms. Penninah Kabenge, Mr. Kavuma emphasized the need for students to participate in at least one sporting activity.

“Besides academics, all students are expected to take part in other activities like sports, mentorship clubs or professional societies. This creates an all round student. Come and develop your talent by being part of these activities. We have a number of games ranging from football, netball to swimming and rugby. We also have various clubs performing at national and international levels. This is such a big opportunity to our students,” The Sports Tutor highlighted.

Sensitizing students on the Makerere University Policy and Regulations against Sexual Harassment, the Acting Director, Gender and Mainstreaming Directorate (GMD) Ms. Frances Nyachwo said that counter measures have been put in place right from college level to fight against sexual harassment among students and staff. Ms. Nyachwo encouraged the freshers to join the Team no Sexual Harassment; a proactive platform created by students to enable them actively engage in creating awareness, sensitizing fellow students on the policy and regulations as well as fighting against sexual harassment actions.

She urged freshers to join their fellow students to support the zero-tolerance to sexual harassment campaign and help the University to create an environment that respects and protects the rights of all its members.

Equipping students with security tips, the Makerere University Chief Security Officer, Mr. Jackson Mucunguzi warned students against unlawful acts which could incite violence within the University. He advised students to shun theft, forgery, impersonation, sexual immorality and gambling, saying that such criminal actions are very disgraceful. Afande Mucunguzi also discouraged students from engaging in strikes and advised them to always use dialogue to settle disputes.

He cautioned the students on the rampant conmen within the University who may exploit them of their property and money.  “Avoid fortune tellers and money lenders. Avoid keeping large sums of money and housing strangers in your places of residence. Be a police yourself before police comes in, report criminal cases to police officers and in case of any information required of you, be responsive,” he said.

On behalf of the students’ fraternity, the Acting Guild President, Mr. Jothan Burobuto called upon students to actively participate in leadership and students’ social affairs when he said, “the Guild Cabinet is here to serve you. Do not hesitate to approach us when you are in need. Participate in the guild activities; we need a new generation of smart and intelligent students to lead when we are gone.  I therefore implore you to take part in the leadership roles as we build for the future.”

After an interactive Question and Answer session involving Makerere University Management and students, Rev. Canon Amos Turyahabwe, Chaplain of St. Francis Chapel-Makerere University closed the orientation with wonderful prayer. He humbly asked God to grace and bless the students as they pursue their respective courses. He also advised the students to seek God’s guidance through prayer and make good use of their time at the University.

The Emcee, Ms Ritah Namisango thanked the Makerere University Ceremonies Committee for organizing a successful orientation.