General
Mak Hosts Association of African Universities Advancement Workshop
The advancement workshop was held at Africa Suites Hotel, Mutungo from 27th -29th September 2016. The workshop brought together Academic Registrars, Human Resource Managers and directors and Chief Financial Officers from Western, Eastern and Southern Africa Universities that constitute the Association to discuss and dialogue on their roles as Registrars, Financial Officers and Human Resource Officers, articulating their needs in terms of the value adding services they need to provide in the 21st Century University.
In his opening speech, the Secretary General of the AAU extended his apologies for his inability to attend due to other developments at the Secretariat which required his attention and presence. He was however represented by the Vice Chancellor, Makerere University, Prof John Ddumba Ssentamu, who read his speech and also warmly welcomed the participants to the three-day workshop for Executives of African Universities Programme offered by the AAU and Stellenbosch Academy of Advancement.
”In line with our mission, we consider this theme “University Advancement – The Role of the Registrar, CFO and CHR in the 21st Century University” very timely for the topical issues it seeks to address.
Ladies and Gentlemen, all modern organizations today, aspire to sustainable excellence, and universities can surely not be left out of this current trend. Most importantly, those of us in various key positions of leadership have a major role to play in advancing our respective higher education institutions. Registrars, Chief Financial Officers and Chief Human Resource officers certainly form a major segment in piecing together efforts by the various sections of the university towards its transformation.
As leaders of your various institutions, departments and units, you hold the future of your institutions in your hands, providing strategic and critical direction and leadership to the University, and ensuring a coherent vision across all the constituent parts of the University.
It is our hope that through this platform, your needs, will be articulated in terms of the value adding services that should be provided to 21st century Africa HEI’s. I am confident that as we share and discuss through the carefully selected topics and planned session, we can together identify common issues across our universities and come up with their solutions thereof.
Whilst maintaining a good level of optimism about the outcomes of our meeting here, let me also say, that this workshop should not be seen to provide tailor-made solutions to the many challenges within HEIs, but as a collective opportunity to engage in a dialogue, facilitated by the Advancement Academy at Stellenbosch, and other resource persons towards strategic approaches to overcoming some of those common issues identified.
Distinguished guests, you would agree with me, that the classical university model has been challenged by massification, marketization, internationalisation, technology and globalisation among other key emerging issues in the the 21st Century.
All these factors do have a ripple effect on the governance structures of our universites, including the offices of Registrars, CFOs and CHRs in ensuring sustainability and relevance of higher education to society. And most importantly in advancing our institutions. The need to reflect on, and adapt to the changing times can surely not be overemphasised.
Your individual roles in assisting the university pursue its vision, makes you a unique group in the higher education circle whose actions and inactions can affect your institutions in a critical way.
This is why the AAU, has since 2007 been organizing several workshops on Leadership as well as Management Skills Development for senior executives and middle level managers of African Universities respectively. These are aimed at enhancing the leadership skills of university leaders, particularly in the promotion of innovation and management of change, as well as to strengthen collaboration, networking, and capacity building among this group”.
He went on to say that, in 2017, the AAU will be celebrating its Golden Jubilee at the next General Conference that will be hosted in Accra, Ghana and extended an invitation to all participants. 50 years of serving the African continent as its voice for matters on higher education and developmental issues, was indeed a great feat worth celebrating.
He reiterated the commitment and dedication of the AAU and its partners, to continuously engage in effective collaborations with Higher Education stakeholders to implement quality and strategic programmes targeted at improving the quality of education in Ghana and on the African continent as a whole.
I am confident that the various discussions and resolutions which will be reached at this conference will be fervently pursued to the letter.
The Workshop was facilitated by Professor Tobias De Coning of Stellenbosch Advancement Academy. This was done through presentations on different topics such as driving forces that will fundamentally affect the 21st century African universities. The forces singled out were competitive domestic and international student markets, challenges of government funding, competition for new sources of funding, use of digital technologies in campus based learning, blended learning, global student mobility, integration with industry, the scale and depth of industry-based learning, research partnerships and commercialisation, among others. This was followed by discussions on the practical impact of these driving forces. There was also a presentation on what Vice Chancellors and University presidents expect from their senior managers and how these managers meet those expectations through discussions of the challenges they face. Some of the challenges mentioned were, how to attract and sustain sufficient resources, how to attract the best staff and students, how to become the preferred recipient for external support, service delivery that satisfies their clients (staff, students and other stakeholders). There was also sharing of views on what should be done to ensure optimal functionality of Registrar’s, Financial Officers and Human Resource Officers from different perspectives of the various universities present.
Universities represented were University of Cape Coast, Ghana; Stellenbosch University, South Africa; Ezekiel Guti University, Zimbabwe; Eduardo Mondlane University, Mozambique; Kyambogo University; Bugema University; Busitema University; Islamic University in Uganda; Muni University; Uganda Martyrs University, Nkozi and Ndejje University.
In his closing remarks, The Vice Chancellor, Makerere University, Professor John Ddumba Ssentamu said, “I am certain that this workshop has expanded your thinking of the different roles of technical staff in a University and especially the African University within the dynamic global higher education setting. It is no doubt that the roles of the Registrar, Chief Financial Officer and Chief Human Resource Officer are the backbone of the University and the thrusts upon which a successful Vice Chancellor operates”. You know the work you do in your institutions and its level of importance. It is crucial that your services are performed with diligence, precision and above all excellence if African Universities are to reach global competitive standards.
This workshop has equipped you with the required mindsets and strategic tools to help you rethink, redesign and realign your various functions to be able to function effectively serve the Vision and Mission of the University.
As member of the Governing Council of the Association of African Universities, the Association of African Universities and its partners are committed and dedicated to continuously engage in effective collaborations with Higher Education Stakeholders to implement quality and strategic programmes targeted at improving the quality of higher education on the African continent.
He thanked Prof. Tobie De Coning for successfully facilitating the workshop and thanked all the participants for engaging in this important conversation that will help us improve our universities. In a special way, he thanked the participants from Zimbabwe, South Africa, Ghana and Mozambique for attending the workshop.
Lastly, he extended his sincere thanks to the Association of African Universities Secretariat, particularly the Secretary General for supporting the workshop and Ms Yvette Quashie (from AAU) and Ms Martha Muwanguzi on behalf of Makerere University for organizing the workshop successfully.
He awarded certificates to the participants and officially closed the workshop.
Article by:
Martha Muwanguzi
Head International Office
The Program Director for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Makerere University, Prof Justine Namaalwa, has urged Scholars to uphold Makerere and Mastercard Foundation values during the holiday period.
Speaking at the family day event held on Monday, May 19, 2025 at the Rugby grounds at Makerere University, Prof Namaalwa emphasized the importance of integrity, responsibility and community engagement, encouraging Scholars to be ambassadors of positive change even while away from campus.
“As you return to your homes and countries, I encourage you to volunteer your time and data to support prospective applicants for the Mastercard Foundation Scholarship, as the application process is online. You will feel fulfilled when someone you supported earns the scholarship. Do not ask for a single coin just offer your help and proudly uphold the Makerere flag.” Prof. Namaalwa, noted.
In her speech, Prof. Namaalwa also challenged Scholars to lead, serve, and uplift their communities, emphasizing the need to make transformational leadership a lived reality. She called upon Scholars to engage in community-based learning activities during the holiday period, initiatives that align with their academic programs or personal passions as a way of applying their knowledge and values in meaningful, practical ways.
“When you go back for the holidays, identify a problem in your community that relates to your degree program. It could be an issue like poor sanitation or low immunization rates among children under five. Document the problem and think critically about possible solutions bearing in mind that the issue you choose should inspire an academic research project, an entrepreneurial initiative, or a social venture idea.” Prof.Justine Namaalwa said.
Themed ‘Building and Strengthening Our Bonds’ the Family Day event brought together over 100 Scholars, mentors, and members of the Program Implementation Team of the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Makerere University. The day was marked by interactive games, storytelling, and meaningful engagement, all aimed at fostering connection, collaboration, and a strong sense of community within the Program.
The day kicked off with a lively aerobics session, setting an energetic tone for the activities ahead. Scholars then participated in a variety of fun and engaging activities including sack races, running competitions, and puzzle challenges. These activities fostered teamwork and excitement, with several Scholars and their family groups walking away with gifts and tokens of appreciation for their participation and enthusiasm.
During the event, Dr. Rodney Rugyema, the Acting Dean of Students, commended the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Makerere University for its impactful role in uplifting young people. He highlighted the value of initiatives such as counselling, mentorship, and entrepreneurship support, noting that these programs are instrumental in shaping well-rounded, empowered future leaders.
Dr. Rugyema also took the opportunity to counsel Scholars on responsibility and focus, urging them to avoid engaging in sexual relationships before completing their studies.
“You left home to change home. Do not forget the goal. Be responsible. Avoid engaging in sexual activities that may lead to unintended responsibilities. During the holidays, learn a skill, be productive, or plant trees. Save the environment and be part of the change.”
In his remarks, Derrick Asiimwe, President of the Scholars Association at Makerere University, expressed heartfelt appreciation to the Program Implementation Team for their unwavering support. He thanked them for grooming Scholars into leaders, offering comfort during challenging times, and treating them with the care and concern of a parent. His words reflected the deep sense of gratitude and belonging felt by Scholars within the Program.
“It can’t go without mention that you have really loved and disciplined us. You are the true definition of Mathew 19:14 where Jesus said let the children come and not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to us,” Asiimwe, said. The vibrant day came to a close with members of the Shalom family emerging as overall winners, proudly walking away with the trophy a testament to their teamwork, spirit, and active participation throughout the event.
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