General
Fulbright celebrates 70 years of partnership and achievements
The Makerere University Chancellor Prof. Ezra Suruma has commended the tremendous efforts of the U.S government in developing the academic and social-economic sector of Uganda through the Fulbright scholarship program. This was during the celebration of the 70th Anniversary of the Fulbright program organized by the U.S Mission in Uganda together with the Uganda-US Exchange Alumni Association and hosted by Makerere University under a theme; 70 years of partnership and achievements.
Speaking to the overjoyed congregation on 21st October 2016, Prof. Suruma congratulated the “Fulbrighters” upon a successful 70th Anniversary full of partnerships and achievements. He acknowledged the program’s tireless efforts in promotion of international goodwill through cultural exchange, mutual understanding and academic development among countries. Prof. Suruma also highlighted the program’s impact in Uganda where it has nurtured exceptional talented men and women who have socially, economically, politically and culturally impacted the society.
“So many prominent and outstanding Ugandans have passed through Fulbright program; the late Prof. Ssenteza Kajubi who contributed immensely in the formulation of Uganda’s curriculum; Prof. Lutalo Bbosa has influenced and continue to influence higher education in Uganda; Dr. Martin Aliker is a renowned Ugandan dental Surgeon, Business man and a successful Entrepreneur; Prof. Joy Kwesiga is the Vice Chancellor of Kabale University and Hon. Olara Otunu has served Uganda at home and abroad and is a well renown political leader here in Uganda,” he said.
Citing the need for Ugandan universities to partner in research and scholarships, Prof. Suruma said that Fulbright remains a great partner and ally in Uganda’s push for academic advancement and excellence.
Started in 1946 by America’s distinguished Senator James William Fulbright, the Fulbright program was initiated with a purpose of transforming the world by bridging the barriers especially in academia across the global north and south. The programme is sponsored by the U.S Department of State’s Bureau of Educational Cultural Affairs and its primary source of funding is the annual appropriation by the U.S. Congress to the Department of States.
According to the U.S Ambassador to Uganda Her Excellency Deborah R. Malac, more than 370,000 “Fullbrighters” have participated in the program since its inception. Her Excellency Deborah R. Malac said that the program operates in over 160 countries worldwide. Today, approximately 8000 grants are awarded annually. Out of these awards, 399 have been awarded to Ugandans.
“The program has witnessed several success stories with 33 current or former Heads of states or government, 54 Nobel Laureates, 82 Pulitzers prize winners, 29 MacArthur Foundation Fellows, 16 Presidential Medal Freedom recipients, and thousands of leaders across the private, public and nonprofit sectors,” she acknowledged.
In Uganda, the Fulbright program has contributed tremendously to the development of the education system. Through its various scholarship opportunities, it has strengthened Ugandan’s university lecturers’ competence by sponsoring their higher degree of training, provided research grants to scholars, encouraged academic exchange programs, provided professional enrichment studies, offered fully funded fellowships, promotes linkages between U.S. scholars, professionals and their counterparts at host institutions overseas.
The Makerere University Vice Chancellor Prof. John Ddumba-Ssentamu mentioned to the congregation that Makerere University for years has been a key beneficiary of various opportunities provided by the Fulbright program. According to Prof. Ddumba-Ssentamu the program has been very supportive to the realization of the University’s strategic goals.
“We have benefited in the areas of staff development, joint research, scholarships for students as well as staff and students exchange. Indeed Fulbright programmes have contributed to the fulfillment of our core functions of teaching and learning, research and innovation as well as knowledge transfer partnerships and networking,” he said.
“Makerere University is therefore appreciative of this continued support. This is an achievement to be proud of because in academia, it is important to foster research collaborations, which translate into that Senator James William Fulbright referred to as, in quotes, “…. A little more knowledge, a little more reason and a little more compassion into world affairs.” Indeed education without knowledge, reason, and compassion is meaningless,” he added.
Giving a living testimony, the Deputy Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, Associate Professor Ernest Okello Ogwang assured the delegates that Fulbright program is a distinct program among others, committed not only to the generation of knowledge that has facilitated the development of many nations, but it has also distinguished itself by its special attention to individuals.
“Fulbright sponsored my PhD at Indiana University. I would like to say, this is a family where different people from all walks of life are connected. It is a network of outstanding professionals with exceptional abilities mentored and sponsored to attain skills that are later passed on to their communities. I really wish that more and more scholars access the opportunities the program offers through its initiatives,” he said.
Representing the Deputy Vice Chancellor for Finance and Administration Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, the Principal of College of Humanities and Social Sciences Prof. Edward Kirumira urged the young scholars to apply for related opportunities with various Fulbright programmes. “The world we exist in today is about building global partnerships and establishing linkages in order to ensure continuing progress of humanity. I therefore encourage you to be part of the Fulbright network by applying for the available opportunities,” he said.
The function climaxed with a tour at the art exhibition organized by Margaret Trowell School of Industrial and Fine Art, College of Engineering, Design, Art and Technology (CEDAT).
Article by: Makerere University Public Relations Office
The Makerere University School of Public Health (MakSPH) has honored Ms. Gladys Khamili for her 12 years of service as Registrar, as she transitions to a senior role in the Senate Division of Makerere University.
During the School’s 239th Management Meeting, colleagues recognized her contribution to academic administration and formally handed over the office.
Ms. Khamili assumes the role of Deputy Academic Registrar in charge of the Senate Division, where she will oversee academic standards, policy, and governance at the University. She replaces Mrs. Patience Rubabinda Mushengyezi, who officially retires after 26 years of dedicated service.
At the ceremony, Dr. Rhoda Wanyenze, Professor and Dean, together with members of MakSPH management, presented Ms. Khamili with a plaque in recognition of her service, noting that she “served the School of Public Health with distinction, demonstrating exceptional dedication, professionalism, and commitment to excellence,” and that her contribution strengthened academic administration at the School.
Dr. Wanyenze described Ms. Khamili as a steady and dependable presence. “She’s been with us and supported us in many ways. We thought we should meet here together to see her off. And I wish her the very best… we shall continue to work with her. She will continue to serve us in a different capacity,” she said.
Ms. Khamili joined the School of Public Health on March 15, 2012, from the College of Computing and Information Sciences, where she served as an Assistant Registrar.
Over the years, she has been central to the School’s academic operations—coordinating student admissions, managing records, overseeing examinations, and serving as secretariat to key governance structures, including the Academic Board, Examinations and Results Committee, and Appointments and Promotions Committee. Her role also involved handling student matters and ensuring compliance with University policies and Senate decisions.
Reflecting on her tenure, Ms. Khamili pointed to improvements in registration systems, records management, and examination processes. “In my tenure, I have had some achievements that have improved efficiency in the students’ registration processes and strengthened records management and data accuracy… and coordinated successful university graduation ceremonies,” she said.
She also highlighted areas for further strengthening, including improving documentation and follow-up of pending tasks, enhancing coordination across departments, and decentralising selected services, including transcript issuance.
The handover process was overseen by Internal Auditor Amos Dembe, who emphasized the importance of continuity in such a critical office. “The office of the registrar is very sensitive… It is at the core of what we do and what we stand for as a school. It calls for integrity and professionalism,” he said, adding that Ms. Khamili’s handover report provides “a strong body of knowledge for Ms. Annet Khabuya to build on and to hit the ground running.”
Mr. Dembe also commended Ms. Khamili’s professional and ethical record. “We have not had student issues of marks, money, or related concerns as a School… Thank you for making my work easier. That is not always the case. Some people make it hard for us, but this has not been the case here,” he noted.
Colleagues described her as thorough and dependable in a role that often operates behind the scenes. Dr. Joan Mutyoba, Head of the Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, said the incoming Registrar would be stepping into a demanding position. “The shoes you are stepping into are really big. I have seen her work… She is extremely professional, one of the most professional people I have worked with. She takes her work very seriously and goes beyond the line,” she said.
In her farewell remarks, Ms. Khamili spoke candidly about her experience at the School. “My work has been with everybody… everything here is different—the people, the work culture—it has been very, very worthwhile,” she said, thanking colleagues for their support.
“If I had a choice, I would stay… but I don’t have that choice. Thank you so much for the support and for the love,” she added, acknowledging the demands of her role. “In my line of work, like in any space where you work with people, you certainly step on some toes… I ask that you find it in your heart to forgive and forget where necessary.”
The meeting also marked the official handover to Ms. Annet Khabuya, who takes over as Registrar. She commended the School’s approach to transition and organization.
“I have seen the systems, I have seen the organization, and I can confidently say there is continuity. I look forward to building on this work and working with all of you,” she said.
Ms. Khabuya joins MakSPH from the Examinations and Transcripts Division of the Senate and brings experience from the College of Natural Sciences and the School of Statistics and Planning.
Ms. Khamili’s transition marks a shift from School-level administration to University-wide academic governance, extending her impact beyond MakSPH to the broader Makerere system.
General
Makerere’s CHUSS Embraces Digital Future as RIMS Training Sparks Push for Faster Graduate Completion
By Moses Lutaaya
KAMPALA, April 17, 2026 — The College of Humanities and Social Sciences (CHUSS) at Makerere University has taken a decisive step toward strengthening graduate training and accountability following a comprehensive hands-on Research Information Management System (RIMS) training by a team from the Directorate of Graduate Training (DGT) and Directorate for ICT Support (DICTS) held yesterday, April 16, in the CHUSS Smart Room.
Opening the session, the Director of Graduate Training, Prof. Julius Kikooma, underscored CHUSS’s central role in producing graduate students and contributing to Uganda’s development agenda. He cautioned that the college’s leading position could easily be overtaken if vigilance wanes.
“I’m glad we are back here to focus on something that can propel CHUSS to its rightful position,” Prof. Kikooma said. “Your contribution to graduate student production is highly envied across the university, but if you sleep even briefly, that position can be taken.”
He emphasized that beyond competition, the real goal is national transformation. According to Prof. Kikooma, increased graduate output directly supports Uganda’s Fourth National Development Plan (NDP IV), which prioritizes building relevant human capital.
“More than ever before, the country needs human resources from the humanities and social sciences,” he noted.
Prof. Kikooma explained that the RIMS platform builds on CHUSS’ pioneering cohort-based PhD model by introducing a digital solution to track student progress, enhance supervision, and improve completion rates. The system, developed in collaboration with the Directorate for ICT Support, allows both supervisors and students to log and monitor academic activities in real time.
“This is not optional,” he stressed. “By the end of this month, we must report on who is using the system. It is a strategic priority of the University Council.”
Welcoming participants, the Deputy Principal of CHUSS, Assoc. Prof. Eric Awich Ochen, described the training as timely and necessary in a rapidly digitizing academic environment.
“Makerere today is very different from the Makerere of 15 or 20 years ago,” he said. “We are moving from an analogue past to a digital future.”
He noted that while the college has improved its graduate output in recent years, gaps in tracking student progress remain a concern.
“We celebrate the numbers we graduate, but we may still have many students in the pipeline whom we cannot fully account for,” he said. “This system will help us track supervision and improve accountability.”
The training drew participation from the CHUSS Principal and Deputy Principal, senior lecturers, lecturers, and registrars from the School of Psychology, School of Social Sciences, School of Liberal and Performing Arts, and the School of Languages, Literature and Communication.
In an interview after the session, Dr. Jim Spire Ssentongo offered a more reflective perspective, welcoming RIMS as a timely innovation while highlighting key realities in graduate training.
“I think RIMS is a good idea with strong potential,” he said, noting that the system could help address long-standing supervision gaps by ensuring that interactions between students and supervisors are tracked and visible.
However, he pointed out that delays in graduate completion are not solely the fault of supervisors. According to him, student-related factors—particularly lack of consistency and self-discipline during the research phase—play a significant role.
“At the coursework level, students are guided by timetables and structured assessments, which keeps them active,” he explained. “But once they transition to research, much depends on their own discipline. Some students simply become unresponsive.”
Dr. Ssentongo observed that RIMS could help counter this by introducing a level of accountability on both sides. If properly used, the platform would enable students to track feedback from supervisors while also making it clear when they themselves have delayed progress.
He also noted that the system’s monitoring aspect could encourage improved completion rates, as both supervisors and students become more conscious of timelines and expectations.
At the same time, he cautioned that implementation would be key. He explained that while systems that enhance accountability are beneficial, they must be introduced in a way that supports rather than intimidates users.
“There is an element of monitoring, which is good,” he said, “but it should be balanced so that it does not create an environment where people feel over-policed.”
Dr. Ssentongo further emphasized that RIMS should be seen as part of a broader strategy to strengthen research culture at the university. Beyond improving completion rates, he said, there is need to encourage publication, collaboration between students and supervisors, and greater visibility of research outputs.
“If it is implemented well and supported by other initiatives, it can contribute not just to completion, but also to improving research productivity and impact,” he added.
The RIMS training marks a significant step in Makerere University’s efforts to modernize graduate education, improve accountability, and align academic output with national development priorities.
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