General
Mak marks national breast cancer awareness month: Students join fight against breast cancer
Over 400 Makerere University students assembled in the Freedom Square on Sunday 23rd October 2016 to participate in the Breast Cancer Awareness Run.
The Breast Cancer Awareness Run kick started the “MAK Breast Cancer Awareness Campaign” organized by Makerere University 82nd Guild Cabinet to disseminate information on breast cancer screening and treatment in several parts of Uganda.
A renowned local artist Mr. Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu aka Bobi Wine together with his wife Barbra Kyagulanyi, flagged off the Runners. The Mak Breast Cancer Awareness Campaign is also aligned to the commemoration of the National Breast Cancer Awareness month.
According to the Makerere University Guild President H.E Roy Ssembogga, the Mak Breast Cancer Awareness Campaign which is aligned to the commemoration of the National Breast Cancer Awareness month provides a platform to Makerere University students to join the fight against breast cancer, encourage people to go for cancer screening and to train them on self breast cancer check up and monitoring.
“Statistics from the Uganda Cancer Institute supported by the World Heath organizations show that for every 1000 women, 45 do have breast cancer. The statistics show that the burden is going to continue and increase to the third world countries like Uganda with no strategic cancer treatment plan. Our aim therefore is to encourage people to go for the screening. Prevention is better than cure. It is important that people are diagnosed early and go for the treatment because cancer in its early stages is curable,” he said.
Highlighting the roll out of the screening exercise, the Guild President said: “We will carry out cancer screening at the National Cancer Institute and at Makerere University Hospital. We also hope to extend the screening activity to Halls of residence so as to reach everyone. Screening is free and we vehemently invite people from outside to come and check for cancer,” he said.
Ssembogga said that they will extend the campaign to reach different people in several areas of Uganda under the umbrella of FACE OF MUK when he said, “our target in this campaign is to reach out to 10,000 people in the next five years. Therefore through Face of MUK initiative, we want to select an Ambassador who will lead a team of selected and well trained people to traverse the country disseminating information on breast cancer. The team will also provide cancer screening services to the people.”
The Vice Guild President, H.E Maria Ledochowska Nattabi added that the Ambassador will lead an awareness campaign in secondary schools and higher institutions of learning in Uganda.
Speaking to the chummy audience, Mr. Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu who was the Chief Runner, applauded Makerere University students for joining the rest of the world to create awareness on Breast Cancer.
“I have been invited to such activities and events by elderly guys, NGOs, Government but today I am delighted to have been invited by young and energetic people to join hands and fight for a good cause,” the happy Kyagulanyi said.
He urged the participants to utilize their youthful age and make a positive impact in their societies. “These are times when you are most passionate about what you believe in. These are the times when you look at the future, these are times when you still have the time to shape the future. I want to challenge you to be more of critical thinkers. The leaders that are leading us today, never sat back because they knew that the future was supposed to be set by them. They gave their best contribution during their youthful years. This is your time to give your contribution,” he said.
In an interactive interview with the Makerere University Public Relations Office, Barbra Kyagulanyi called upon women and men, girls and boys to go for cancer screening. This bold step would help them to know their status as early as possible and take up the right measures.
“You cannot hide from a disease. If you have it that is the truth and this will never change. The earlier you know the better. It is not true that when you are diagnosed of cancer you will die tomorrow. There are high chances of surviving if it is detected in its early stages. Cancer takes on several stages, there is a stage where it is treatable, there is a stage where you can have a surgery and there is a stage that is beyond, so the longer time you take to go for a screen and know your status, the worse it becomes,” she explained.
The event was sponsored by Africell Uganda, Brussels Air line, Care Hearts-Uganda, Firebase Entertainment, Uganda Female Muslim Students’ Initiative among others.
Article by: Mak Public Relations Office
Pomp and colour defined the opening day of the Makerere University’s 76th Graduation Ceremony as thousands gathered to celebrate academic excellence and new beginnings.
The historic ceremony has brought together scholars, families, friends and industry partners in a vibrant celebration of achievement and possibility. Throughout the four-day event, the University will confer degrees and award diplomas to 9,295 graduands in recognition of their dedication and hard work.
Among the graduates, 213 will receive Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degrees, 2,503 will graduate with Master’s degrees, and 6,343 will earn Bachelor’s degrees. In addition, 206 students will graduate with postgraduate diplomas, while 30 will be awarded undergraduate diplomas.
Of the total number of graduands, 4,262 are female and 5,033 are male. According to Vice Chancellor, this marks the first time in 15 years that male graduands have outnumbered their female counterparts.
The best overall graduand in the Sciences, Esther Ziribaggwa, graduated on the opening day with the Bachelor of Agricultural and Rural Innovation and an impressive Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) of 4.77.
The ceremony marks a proud moment for Makerere University as it continues to nurture top-tier professionals across diverse fields.
While presiding over the graduation, the State Minister for Primary Education, Hon. Dr. Joyce Moriku Kaducu, on behalf of the First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Hon. Janet Kataaha Museveni, pointed out that Makerere University is a model institution, where leaders are nurtured, scholars are sharpened, and where dreams have been given direction.
In her address, Hon. Museveni, highlighted Government’s deliberate investment in research, innovation, and infrastructure to strengthen higher education in Uganda.
“The establishment of the Makerere University Research and Innovation Fund (RIF), supports high-impact research and innovation that directly contributes to national priorities and development. Through this initiative, thousands of researchers and innovators have pursued practical, scalable solutions that are transforming communities and key sectors across Uganda,” Mrs Museveni, said.
The Minister also noted that Parliament’s approved a USD 162 million concessional loan to upgrade science, technology, and innovation infrastructure at Makerere University. The funding will facilitate the construction of modern laboratories, smart classrooms, and state-of-the-art facilities for Engineering and Health Sciences, investments expected to position the University firmly within the Fourth Industrial Revolution.
“Government has embarked on the construction of a National Stadium at Makerere University and other institutions of higher learning across the country. This will promote physical education, strengthen talent identification, and boost investment in the sports sector,”
Turning to the graduands, the Minister encouraged them to see themselves not merely as job seekers, but as job creators and solution-makers.
Uganda and Africa need innovators who will modernize agriculture; engineers who will build quality infrastructure; healthcare professionals who will strengthen health systems; and educators who will inspire the next generation,” the Honourable Minister said.
She reminded graduates that they are entering a rapidly changing world shaped by Artificial Intelligence, climate change, and shifting global markets. To thrive, she advised them to remain adaptable, creative, and committed to lifelong learning.
She also encouraged graduates interested in entrepreneurship to tap into the Government’s Parish Development Model, which provides community-based financing and production support.
Quoting Proverbs 3:5–6, the Minister urged the graduates to trust in God as they embark on their next chapter.
She extended special appreciation to the Mastercard Foundation for its 13-year partnership with Makerere University in expanding access to education and empowering young people in Uganda and beyond.
In his speech, the Chancellor of Makerere University, Dr Crispus Kiyonga, urged graduands to harness research, innovation and technology to drive Uganda’s transformation.
“This is a milestone in your lives. You have invested time, discipline and hard work to attain these qualifications. It is important that you derive value from this achievement, not only for yourselves, but for your families and for society.” Dr Kiyonga, said.
Dr. Kiyonga expressed gratitude to the Government of Uganda for its continued financial support to the University, particularly the funding allocated under MakRIF, which he described as critical in strengthening the institution’s research capacity.
“Research plays a very vital role in the development of any community. Makerere as the oldest University in the country is doing a significant amount of research, However, more work is required to mobilize additional resources to further strengthen research at the University.” Dr Kiyonga, noted.
Acknowledging the challenges of a competitive job market, Dr. Kiyonga encouraged graduates to think beyond traditional employment pathways.
“It is true that the job market may not absorb all of you immediately. But the knowledge you have acquired is empowering. You can create work for yourselves, individually or in teams.” Dr Kiyonga, said.
He advised the graduands to embrace discipline, integrity and adaptability in the workplace, and to take advantage of technology and digital platforms to innovate and respond to societal challenges.
“Every development challenge presents an opportunity. Believe that you can apply your knowledge to create solutions with impact.” He said.
Addressing the congregation, the Vice Chancellor, Prof Barnabas Nawangwe, congratulated the graduands, particularly staff and societal leaders on their respective achievements.
“I congratulate all our graduands upon reaching this milestone. In a special way I congratulate the members of staff, Ministers, and Members of Parliament that are graduating today as well as children and spouses of members of staff,” Prof Nawangwe, said.
In his speech, Prof Nawangwe, recognized outstanding PhD students, particularly members of staff. who completed their PhDs in record time without even taking leave from their duties.
He called upon graduates not to despise humble beginnings but rather reflect on the immense opportunities around them and rise to the occasion as entrepreneurs.
“You are all graduating with disciplines that are needed by society. We have equipped you with the knowledge and skills that will make you employable or create your own businesses and employ others. Do not despair if you cannot find employment. Instead, reflect on the immense opportunities around you and rise to the occasion as an entrepreneur,” Prof Nawangwe, said.
Prof Nawangwe called upon the graduands of PhDs to use their degrees to transform the African continent.
“As you leave the gates of Makerere I urge you to put to good use the knowledge you have received from one of the best universities in the World to improve yourselves, your families, your communities, your Country and humanity. Let people see you and know that you are a Makerere alumnus because of the way you carry yourself in society with dignity and integrity. Put your trust in God and honour your parents and opportunities will be opened for you,” Prof Nawangwe, said.
Delivering a key note address, Prof. Nicholas Ozor, the Executive Director of the African Technology Policy Studies Network Nairobi, Kenya ((ATPS). Reminded the graduates that a degree is not a finish line but the beginning of accountability. “The world is a complex, fast changing and deeply unequal. Degrees make you responsible for others not better than them,” Prof Ozor, said.
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