General
Second Session of the 67th Mak Graduation Ceremony: Over 4000 students graduate
During the Second Session held on Wednesday 22nd February 2017 in the Freedom Square, a total of 4, 483 graduands were presented to the Chancellor, Prof. Ezra Suruma for conferment of Makerere University and award of diplomas in the respective disciplines.
The 67th Graduation Ceremony of Makerere University kicked off on Tuesday 21st February 2017.The following Colleges presented graduands during the Second Session:
· College of Business and Management Sciences—-2,218 graduands
· College of Computing and Information Sciences—1,368 graduands
· College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Bio-security—314 graduands
· College of Health Sciences—583 graduands
After the Anthems, Rev. Fr. Josephat Ddungu, Chaplain − Makerere University St. Augustine Chapel dedicated the graduands, University leadership and the congregation to the Almighty God. The Chaplain glorified God for the gift of life, the gift of graduands, the continuous growth of Makerere University, and the gift of the rain. He appealed to the Almighty God to bless the graduands with employment, wisdom and a fruitful life.
Amidst jubilation, the Chancellor Professor Suruma congratulated the overjoyed graduands upon their academic achievement. He commended the graduands for the spirit of hard work, endurance and self control. He urged the graduands to use the knowledge and skills acquired to contribute to the betterment of society, and in the execution of duty and/or face of challenges and trials, to remain kind and loving.
“Now the hour has come for you to go out to the field, to fight the good fight, to run the race for which you have been preparing. I hope you will remember love in the middle of the tough battles ahead. I hope you will struggle for the possibility of joy in a sad world. Ponder the possibility of godliness and contentment in a broken world. Remember love in a loveless world,” remarked the Chancellor.
Chancellor Suruma congratulated members of staff who rose to the rank of Professor for their tremendous contribution to academia, knowledge discourse, policy formulation, and mentorship of the next generation of academics and leaders.
Addressing the congregation, the Vice Chancellor Prof. John Ddumba-Ssentamu highlighted a number of institutional achievements at the national and international levels including breakthroughs in research and innovations realized by staff and students in the aforementioned colleges.
The Vice Chancellor urged graduands to use the education skills and experience they received from Makerere University to add value to Uganda’s development process and consolidate the gains that have been scored.
“Go out of the gates of Makerere University with passion, with a determination to use your knowledge to improve yourself, your family and your country. Always remember your alma mater– Makerere University,” Prof. Ddumba-Ssentamu said.
Recognizing academic excellence, the Chancellor Prof. Suruma handed over a plaque, cash prize of one million shillings and an assortment of souvenirs from Makerere University Convocation to the best performing student in the Science based disciplines. Mr. Mukalele Rogers scored a Cumulative Grade Point Average of 4.91, Bachelor of Information Technology (First Class-Honours) degree. The Vice Chancellor, Prof. Ddumba-Ssentamu congratulated Mr. Mukalele Rogers as well as the leadership and staff from the College of Computing and Information Sciences upon this academic milestone.
The Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) recognized the best performing student – Bachelor of Commerce (Accounting Option). The Chancellor together with the representative of ACCA, Ms Dorothy Mutabaazi handed over a plaque and an education grant of 2.7million shillings to Mr. Bukenya Eddy who scored a Cumulative Grade Point Average of 4.45 (First Class Honours) degree.
The Department of Performing Arts and Film led by their Head; Associate Professor Sylvia Antonia Nannyonga-Tamusuza and the Police Band entertained the congregation.
To detailed speeches are provided below:
Speech by the Chancellor, Professor Ezra Suruma
Speech by the Chairperson Makerere University Council Eng. Dr Wana Etyem
Speech by the Vice Chancellor, Professor John Ddumba-Ssentamu
Mak Public Relations Office
Today, Monday 18th May 2026, most students will begin their End of Semester Two Examinations, and they have been encouraged to remain confident and calm during the examination season.
Data from the University Counselling and Guidance Centre shows that even the best-prepared students experience anxiety, pressure, fear of failure, sleep difficulties and emotional exhaustion during examinations.
Addressing students during a pre-examination mental health workshop organised by the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Makerere University on 15th May 2026, Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi, Academic Registrar, reminded students that their mental health is far more important than any grade.
“This workshop comes at the right time. I encourage all students to understand that your worth is not defined by a single examination or grade. Examinations are only one part of your educational journey. What matters equally is your ability to remain healthy, focused, ethical and hopeful throughout the process,” Prof Buyinza, said.
Prof. Buyinza shared practical tips to help students avoid fatigue and excessive stress during this period.
“Prepare a realistic reading timetable and avoid last-minute cramming. Take short breaks while studying to allow your mind to recover and improve concentration. Get adequate sleep and avoid excessive consumption of caffeine and energy drinks,” he noted.
During the session, he also encouraged students to engage in light physical activity, stretching or short walks to refresh their minds and reduce tension.
“Maintain a positive mindset and avoid comparing yourself excessively with others. Stay connected with supportive friends, family members, mentors or counsellors whenever you feel overwhelmed,” Prof. Buyinza advised.
He reaffirmed the University’s commitment to supporting students not only academically, but also in their mental and psychosocial wellbeing, encouraging learners to seek help from counsellors, lecturers, mentors, peers, family members and available support systems whenever necessary.
Speaking at the event, Ms. Prossy Nakayiki, the Deputy Academic Registrar in charge of Examinations and Transcripts warned students against examination malpractice and urged them to uphold academic integrity.
“Anxiety should never push anyone into examination malpractice, do not enter an examination room with a smart watch, phone or any hidden paper commonly known as bullets. Preparation, honesty, rest and self-belief remain the best approaches to success,” Ms. Nakayiki, said.
She also advised students who had not yet printed their examination cards to do so early, noting that delays at the last minute could cause unnecessary panic and disorganisation.
In her presentation about the reality of examination stress and coping strategies, Connie Evelyn Kharono, a Counselling Psychologist at the Counselling and Guidance Center, called upon students to adopt the 5, 4,3,2,1 Ground technique before an exam or intense study session.
The 5, 4,3,2,1 ground technique, is one of the easiest mindfulness strategies designed for managing stress and anxiety, as it can be done almost anywhere and at any time. You name 5 things you can see, 4 you can touch, 3 you can hear, 2 you can smell and 1 you can taste.
She advised students to focus on what they can control.
“You can control your study schedule, your sleep and how kindly you speak yourself. You cannot control the exact questions that will be on the paper, so channel your energy only into the preparations you can influence,” Ms Kharono, said.
Ms Kharono encouraged students to maintain a regular sleep schedule and ensure that they are eating balanced meals and staying hydrated.
Ms Christine Nimusiima, a senior Psycho-Social Officer at the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Makerere University, called upon the students to practise positive self-talk and maintain a healthy mindset.
“During this examination season, avoid comparing your revision progress or predicted grades with your peers. Your only competition is who you were yesterday. Take a deep breath, trust in the work you have done and remember that you have the resilience to succeed. Best of luck with your preparations,” Ms. Nimusiima said.
By Dr. Racheal Ddungu Mugabi
The Alliance for African Partnership, Africa Office, today received a delegation from the University of Bergen (UiB)’s Division of Research and Innovation. The visiting team comprised Kristin Svartveit, Vivil Valvik Haraldsen, and Emmanuel Ovon Babatunde.
The delegation was officially introduced by Prof. Sylvia Tamale Tamusuza, Head, Grants Administration and Management Support Unit (GAMSU), together with Dr. Ronald Semyalo (Makerere University coordinator for UiB)
The visit aimed to strengthen institutional collaboration and promote research excellence through international partnerships. The key objectives of the meeting included:
- UiB team sharing information and experiences on enhancing success in EU grant acquisition and management.
- UiB application support process for Postdoc fellowships at Bergen up to a period of 2 years
- AAP Africa Office providing insights into the AAP consortium programs and activities in order to foster collaboration between the AAP consortium and UiB.
The engagement provided an important platform for knowledge exchange, networking, and exploring opportunities for future collaborative research initiatives between Makerere University, the AAP consortium, and the University of Bergen.
The Author is the Director of the AAP Africa Office
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