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Mak Hosts Academics Day as Uganda-France Mark Friendship Week

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The Academics Day was one of the activities hosted by Makerere University on Wednesday, 22nd March 2017 to celebrate the Uganda-France Friendship Week 2017. The Academics Day was graced by H.E Stephanie Rivoal, France’s Ambassador to Uganda.

The Head, International Relations Office-Ms. Martha Muwanguzi welcomed the Ambassador, Panelists and Guests to the debate and highlighted the items for the day’s debate. The audience was composed of staff from the French Embassy in Kampala, Directors of French Companies in Uganda, Makerere staff and students, French men and women, the media and members of the general public.

In his remarks, the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic Affairs)-Assoc. Prof. Ernest Okello Ogwang welcomed H.E Stephanie Rivoal and expressed his appreciation for the cordial relationship between Uganda and France. “As a University, we are very grateful for the support extended to us in form of scholarships for PhD studies, staff exchanges and support to the teaching of the French Language, to mention but a few.”

“Today, we are gathered to discuss the role of the youth in media on one hand and politics on the other hand. This is an important conversation given that the youth are the future of our world. Their place in shaping the agenda of tomorrow is therefore central and should be guided and harnessed for the best outcome.”

Assoc. Prof. Okello Ogwang thanked the French Embassy for taking a special interest in knowledge transfer partnerships and networking, which is one of the core functions of Makerere University. He pledged the University’s commitment to furthering this and other mutually beneficial activities.

H.E Rivoal welcomed everyone who had honored her Embassy’s invitation.  She then went on to introduce Mr. Mwambutsya Ndebesa to give the keynote address of the day.
L-R: DVCAA-Assoc. Prof. Ernest Okello Ogwang, French Ambassador-H.E Stephanie Rivoal, Uganda Olympic Committee President-Mr. William Blick and a French Official at the Academics Day, 22nd March 2017, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda
In his address, Mr. Mwambutsya Ndebesa, a political historian from the College of Humanities and Social Sciences (CHUSS) quoted Edmund Burke (1729-1797), “The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good people to do nothing”.  He also quoted Frantz Fanon (1925-1961), “Each generation must discover its mission, fulfill it or betray it”.

He emphasized that if anybody thinks s/he is a good person but does not do something to avert evil, then s/he is an accomplice in that evil. “So what is the mission of your generation as youth today? Have the today’s youths defined their mission? Are they ready to fulfill it by participating in public affairs?” questioned Mr. Ndebesa.

He noted that many youth seemingly participate in public affairs when in actual fact they are “participated”. He elaborated that “participated” is to engage in a public exercise whose agenda you do not know and where your engagement has no influence or is of no consequence and you therefore do not shape the future in a positive way. “Are youths of Uganda citizens or subjects? A citizen actively participates in shaping his destiny and that of his country or community. Are youths merely occupied in private affairs only or are they also actively engaged in public affairs? Youths should not be subjects.”

Mr. Ndebesa said that the Uganda-France Friendship should be informed by the core values established by their forefathers during the 1789 revolution summarized in their motto of Liberty, Equality and Fraternity. “This is shared between France and Uganda. In Africa, our forefathers established a universal principle and humanity core value of “Ubuntu” which stands for humanity towards others. Therefore youths of France and Uganda should be informed by the two principles of Ubuntu and Fraternity which promote universal cooperation and good living in a shared sense of humanity.

“The media has a role to play in promoting values of fraternity and Ubuntu and shun ideas of nationalisms and fundamentalism. The media should promote politics of justice, tolerance and accommodation among peoples of different races, creeds, nationalities and tribes. The media should have editorial policies that identify, expose and discourage any forms of xenophobic, hate speech and tribal politics alike” shared Mr. Ndebesa.

He noted that the media sometimes abuses its power and promotes interests of politicians and their political parties.  He stressed that the media in France and Uganda just like the youth should identify its mission to humanity, fulfill it or betray it. “This mission should be guided by the core values which should be promoted together with culture” concluded Mr. Ndebesa.
Mr. Mwambutsya Ndebesa (L) gave the Keynote address at the Academics Day. Ms. Martha Muwanguzi-International Relations Office, Makerere University (R) oversaw the day's proceedings
The first debate was on ‘Youth and Media’ with panelists from the French and Ugandan media. The CEO Vision Group-Mr. Robert Kabushenga said that the objective of the media is to be as neutral and sincere as possible, educate people and empower them with knowledge. The media in the Ugandan context has is in most cases however been accused of not being neutral and leaning towards a certain political ideology.

Mr. Samson Kasumba who moderated the debate then put the panelists to task as to whether the media was context specific or international? Ms. Rosebell Kagumire, a Ugandan journalist and blogger said the main role of the media is to inform and create a level ground that fosters discussion. “These days, the media has become too commercialized to allow a level ground. The one with more money gets more time to air his views and also use it to campaign. The media tends to give more coverage to the one who pays them  to and deny others  a chance of airing an opponents’ views and ideology.”

“There are cases where some radio and television stations were shut down or threatened with closure when they hosted prominent opposition politicians. In other words, neutrality in the media is not there. It was agreed and pointed out that, every country must invest money in a public media platform that can be used by all regardless of one’s ideology.  This way, the media will be serving humanity instead of being used by narrow minded politicians” noted Ms. Kagumire.

She also stressed the need for media houses to facilitate their staff with the right equipment and other necessary tools. “Their personnel should have transport to reach different places and get first hand information and make responsible reporting to the public instead of hearsay which might tarnish peoples’ personalities,” she advised.  

The Second session on ‘Youth and Politics’ featured two Ugandan and two French panelists. The Uganda panelists were Ms Isabella Akiteng-Director, Uganda Youth Network and Mr. Ivan Rugambwa. The Ugandans made a case for what is important to the Youth and what shapes their lives. They both shared that the youth are eager to see that they make a contribution to society and that the programs they put across are relevant to society. In the Ugandan context, Youth are those between 15 – 35 years although many above 35 and below 50 years also consider themselves as youth. These different categories make different contributions to society.

The first French panelist, Ms. Claire Sergent had a different view; freedom is more important for one to do as s/he pleases. The second French panelist Mr. Steve Coudray said that learning was more important to him and any obstacle to learning would destabilize his life and planning for his life. Youths should not just be used at the time of voting but should learn from older people how to engage in politics that benefits society. He believed that it is not only older people that can make successful leaders such as Presidents, “even the youths can spire for such positions provided they have the knowledge and can deliver services to the citizens.”
Ms Isabella Akiteng-Director, Uganda Youth Network (R) and Mr. Ivan Rugambwa (L) were panelists in the discussion on "Youth and Politics"
Mr. Coudray threw the audience into a bout of laughter when put to task by the moderator, Mr.  Kasumba whether at 26 years, he could contest for the French Presidency in the next elections slated for July, and he replied in the affirmative. He defended his position by stating that it was not age but the ideas that he will bring forward that will convince people to elect him as their President.

Youth have to change and have a positive attitude towards life. First and foremost, they should acquire as much knowledge as possible. It is only an informed and knowledgeable person who can bring about change. Ms. Akiteng emphasized the importance of youths being knowledgeable and gave an example of the hundreds of child mothers in Teso area where she comes from. “They know nothing about reproductive health and how to prevent early pregnancies.”

Ms. Akiteng went on to say that if people are not informed, then they will have no knowledge. “Services have to be taken to the people and explain to the populace the importance of those services in a language they understand.  Many of the ills we are facing today in our society is a failure of government implementing policies it puts in place and educating its citizens about their importance. Politics has become so commercialized to the disadvantage of the youths many of whom are unemployed and therefore hang around politicians who do not lobby for services to their constituencies but can pay the youths to campaign for them.”

Mr. Rugambwa on the other hand said, “Youth always follow old people and hang around old politicians because of what they learn from them and what they can get from them  monetary-wise. It is difficult for youths to start new political parties when they are unemployed, so they use existing institutions (political parties). The older people construct ideologies which young people follow until when they mature and are able to take over from their mentors.”

All in all, the youth should get ready to participate in public affairs without expecting any returns. The youth, regardless of country or environment, should identify their mission, fulfill it or betray it. Instead of complaining about what the government has failed to do, the youth should get involved and play their role in serving humanity in the best way possible, guided by the core values of ‘Ubuntu’ and ‘Fraternity’.

Article by Martha Muwanguzi, International Relations Office
 

Mark Wamai

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Mastercard Foundation Scholars Empower Schools in Mukono and Kyegwegwa Districts

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Mr. John Osuna, the Transition Lead, together with some of the Scholars, handing over the learning materials to the Chairperson of Parents' Association at Little Angels Primary School. Mastercard Foundation Scholars at Makerere University, Kampala during the Annual Scholars Day of Community Service at Little Angels Nursery and Primary School in Ntenjeru, Mukono District, and St. Charles Rwahunga, Nursery and Primary School in Kyegegwa District, Uganda, East Africa, 16th November 2024.

By Scholars Program Communication Team

On Saturday, November 16, 2024, Little Angels Junior School, Mawotto Village, Mukono District, and St. Charles Rwahunga, Nursery and Primary School in Kyegegwa District celebrated an inspiring, joy-filled event. These two schools were selected to receive the generosity of Mastercard Foundation Scholars at Makerere University during the Annual Scholars Day of Community Service.

At St. Charles Rwahunga Nursery and Primary School, the Scholars donated various products, including Learning Materials, Geometry sets, Sanitary towels for the girls, sportswear for the boys’ football team, and other goodies.

The Community Nursery and Primary School serves 412 pupils with severe challenges due to inadequate infrastructure. The buildings are dilapidated, there is a shortage of desks, and the classrooms are small and overcrowded. These issues need to be addressed to ensure a better student learning environment.

Mr. Alex Mugisha,the Headteacher, extreme left, pupils and staff of St. Charles Rwahunga Primary school very excited after receiving learning materials donated by Scholars of Mastercard Foundation. Mastercard Foundation Scholars at Makerere University, Kampala during the Annual Scholars Day of Community Service at Little Angels Nursery and Primary School in Ntenjeru, Mukono District, and St. Charles Rwahunga, Nursery and Primary School in Kyegegwa District, Uganda, East Africa, 16th November 2024.
Mr. Alex Mugisha,the Headteacher, extreme left, pupils and staff of St. Charles Rwahunga Primary school very excited after receiving learning materials donated by Scholars of Mastercard Foundation.

Mr. Alex Mugisha, the Headteacher of the School, expressed gratitude to the Scholars of Mastercard Foundation for the kind gesture they extended to his school.

“I am deeply grateful, along with the students and staff, for the generosity of the Mastercard Foundation Scholars. These materials will significantly enhance the learning environment for our pupils,” remarked Mr. Mugisha.

Mr. Nelson Ddumba, the Scholars Council Representative, encouraged the young learners at the event not to lose hope. He emphasized that regardless of their starting point, they can improve their circumstances by staying in school.

Mr. Ddumba Nelson, the Scholars' Council representative, speaking to the Pupils of St. Charles Rwahunga Primamary School. Mastercard Foundation Scholars at Makerere University, Kampala during the Annual Scholars Day of Community Service at Little Angels Nursery and Primary School in Ntenjeru, Mukono District, and St. Charles Rwahunga, Nursery and Primary School in Kyegegwa District, Uganda, East Africa, 16th November 2024.
Mr. Ddumba Nelson, the Scholars’ Council representative, speaking to the Pupils of St. Charles Rwahunga Primamary School.

“Listen, my fellow students: do not give up. The only path to transforming your circumstances is through a steadfast commitment to your education and remaining in school. I have been in your shoes, but I pushed through and succeeded thanks to my mother’s unwavering support. Today, I proudly attend Makerere University, one of the leading institutions in Uganda. Embrace the challenge ahead and make your education your top priority!” Mr. Ddumba declared.

At Little Angels Junior School, pupils were excited to receive educational materials, reusable sanitary towels, mathematical sets, dictionaries, and textbooks for nursery to primary seven students.

Ms. Sarah Nturo, the headteacher, commended the Mastercard Foundation Scholars at Makerere University for the kind gesture.

Pupils of Little Angels express their excitement during a group photo with the Scholars of Mastercard Foundation. Mastercard Foundation Scholars at Makerere University, Kampala during the Annual Scholars Day of Community Service at Little Angels Nursery and Primary School in Ntenjeru, Mukono District, and St. Charles Rwahunga, Nursery and Primary School in Kyegegwa District, Uganda, East Africa, 16th November 2024.
Pupils of Little Angels express their excitement during a group photo with the Scholars of Mastercard Foundation.

She said the books will help the school improve its reading culture and performance.

“We are grateful to the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Makerere University; we believe these books will significantly contribute to improving our pupils’ performance,” Ms. Nturo said.

Nturo also pointed out that they have challenges with the facilities and water as a school.

“Ever since we started this School, the education has improved because, in the past, parents could not allow their children to come here; instead, they would send them to the lake for fishing. But now, the children come only because they do not have somewhere to sit. We have few desks,” Nturo said.

A cross-section of Mastercard Foundation Scholars pose in a photograph with pupils of Little Angels Junior School. Mastercard Foundation Scholars at Makerere University, Kampala during the Annual Scholars Day of Community Service at Little Angels Nursery and Primary School in Ntenjeru, Mukono District, and St. Charles Rwahunga, Nursery and Primary School in Kyegegwa District, Uganda, East Africa, 16th November 2024.
A cross-section of Mastercard Foundation Scholars pose in a photograph with pupils of Little Angels Junior School.

During the visit, the pupils mesmerised the scholars with rare dance moves. The excitement did not leave the Programme Implementation team and teachers in their seats, making it a fun-filled event. The audience was left yearning for more.

Addressing the school, Mr. John Osuna, the Transition Lead at the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program, urged the pupils to use their school time to prepare for a bright future.

“Do not mind where you are coming from. We all started like this. Education is an equalizer. Now that you have an opportunity to study, focus on making the best out of it. Be disciplined pupils and listen to your teachers. The sky will be the limit,” Mr Osuna said.

A cross-section of schoolgirls of St. Charles Rwahunga Primary School pose in a photo with sanitary towels donated by Scholars of Mastercard Foundation. Mastercard Foundation Scholars at Makerere University, Kampala during the Annual Scholars Day of Community Service at Little Angels Nursery and Primary School in Ntenjeru, Mukono District, and St. Charles Rwahunga, Nursery and Primary School in Kyegegwa District, Uganda, East Africa, 16th November 2024.
A cross-section of schoolgirls of St. Charles Rwahunga Primary School pose in a photo with sanitary towels donated by Scholars of Mastercard Foundation.

During the event, Francis Kabuye Kaggwa, the Chairperson of the Parents Teacher Association (PTA) leadership, said that ever since the school started over 10 years back, they have never received guests who bring them gifts like how the Mastercard Foundation Scholars did.

“I think you have seen how excited the children were. We are all happy this has never happened to our school. Who are we to receive these gifts? We have challenges, but with friends like God on our side, we shall conquer,” Mr. Kabuye noted.

The boys' football team of St. Charles Rwahunga Primary School pose in a photo after receiving the sports wear donated by the Scholars of Mastercard Foundation. Mastercard Foundation Scholars at Makerere University, Kampala during the Annual Scholars Day of Community Service at Little Angels Nursery and Primary School in Ntenjeru, Mukono District, and St. Charles Rwahunga, Nursery and Primary School in Kyegegwa District, Uganda, East Africa, 16th November 2024.
The boys’ football team of St. Charles Rwahunga Primary School pose in a photo after receiving the sports wear donated by the Scholars of Mastercard Foundation.

The Scholars’ Day of Community Service is an annual event where Mastercard Foundation Scholars at Makerere University engage in community service as a way of giving back. This initiative aims to empower vulnerable individuals in the community and contribute positively to society.

Mak Editor

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Prof. Nawangwe calls for Increased Government Sponsorship for Students with Disabilities

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Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe addressing the gathering during the International Day for Persons With Disabilities commemoration. Office of the Dean of Students and the 90th Students' Guild-Ministry of Students with Disabilities inaugural International Day of Persons with Disabilities commemoration, 13th November 2024, Yusuf Lule Central Teaching Facility Auditorium, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

By Mak Communication Team

The Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, while speaking at the inaugural commemoration of the International Day for Persons with Disabilities at Makerere University has appealed to the Government to increase the number of students with disabilities on government sponsorship.

The event held on Wednesday, 13th November 2024 was organised by the Office of the Dean of Students and the 90th Students’ Guild-Ministry of Students with Disabilities and held in the Yusuf Lule Central Teaching Facility Auditorium.

Part of the audience, listening attentively during the event. Office of the Dean of Students and the 90th Students' Guild-Ministry of Students with Disabilities inaugural International Day of Persons with Disabilities commemoration, 13th November 2024, Yusuf Lule Central Teaching Facility Auditorium, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Part of the audience, listening attentively during the event.

The day’s theme was: “Empowering Inclusion: Breaking Barriers, Unlocking Potential”

“Students with disabilities should be the first to be admitted on Government sponsorship because there are not so many,” Prof. Nawangwe said.

Hon. Hellen Asamo, signing a commitment card to continue supporting inclusivity at Makerere University and the country as a whole. Office of the Dean of Students and the 90th Students' Guild-Ministry of Students with Disabilities inaugural International Day of Persons with Disabilities commemoration, 13th November 2024, Yusuf Lule Central Teaching Facility Auditorium, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Hon. Hellen Asamo, signing a commitment card to continue supporting inclusivity at Makerere University and the country as a whole.

 Prof. Nawangwe called upon the government to devise a scheme and policy for integrating students with disabilities into the working environment after graduation.

Prof. Nawangwe noted that the University has established a Disability Support Centre, a one-stop facility to ensure equal access to education and life, promote inclusivity, and support students and staff with disabilities.

Prof. Nawangwe handing over a gift to the Chief Guest, Hon Asamo. Office of the Dean of Students and the 90th Students' Guild-Ministry of Students with Disabilities inaugural International Day of Persons with Disabilities commemoration, 13th November 2024, Yusuf Lule Central Teaching Facility Auditorium, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Prof. Nawangwe handing over a gift to the Chief Guest, Hon Asamo.

“Over the years, Makerere University has branded itself as a place that actively and loudly promotes increased awareness about the rights and needs of students and staff with disabilities.” Prof. Nawangwe remarked.

While addressing the gathering, the Chief Guest, Hon. Hellen Grace Asamo, the State minister for Disability Affairs, called upon Persons with Disabilities to always believe in themselves and be able to break the barriers of the inferiority complex.

One of the students with disability receiving an award for being supportive to other students with disabilities. Office of the Dean of Students and the 90th Students' Guild-Ministry of Students with Disabilities inaugural International Day of Persons with Disabilities commemoration, 13th November 2024, Yusuf Lule Central Teaching Facility Auditorium, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
One of the students with disability receiving an award for being supportive to other students with disabilities.

“You have to show people that you have the potential, and when people get to know your potential, they will begin to include and engage you. But if you do not have your potential, nobody will include you. They will think you are just someone who is just there seated and begging,” Hon. Asamo noted.

In her welcome remarks, Dr. Winifred Kabumbuli, the Dean of Students at Makerere University, said that the University is making a deliberate effort to pay particular attention to the decisive implementation of inclusive Policies and Practices.

Dr. Kabumbuli, receiving the award on behalf of the VC, as recognition for the efforts the university was making towards inclusivity. Office of the Dean of Students and the 90th Students' Guild-Ministry of Students with Disabilities inaugural International Day of Persons with Disabilities commemoration, 13th November 2024, Yusuf Lule Central Teaching Facility Auditorium, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Dr. Kabumbuli, receiving the award on behalf of the VC, as recognition for the efforts the university was making towards inclusivity.

“This is where we want all people to thrive and grow. Therefore, we are proud to accept and celebrate our differences and uniqueness. We welcome you here to build a culture of active support for each other and to declare that by championing a conducive environment for students and staff with disability, we are part of the change-makers of today,” Dr Kabumbuli said.

Dr. Kabumbuli also highlighted several policies the University has implemented, such as the Policy for Persons with Disabilities and safeguarding, Accommodation policy, University rules and regulations, the Human resource manual, and the student guild constitution that provides inclusive participation in student leadership and admission policies.

Prof. Justine Namaalwa, the Program Director of Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program receiving the award on behalf of the Team. Office of the Dean of Students and the 90th Students' Guild-Ministry of Students with Disabilities inaugural International Day of Persons with Disabilities commemoration, 13th November 2024, Yusuf Lule Central Teaching Facility Auditorium, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Prof. Justine Namaalwa, the Program Director of Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program receiving the award on behalf of the Team.

“These policies protect and enhance the rights of both staff and students with disabilities. For example, we have a student guild minister for persons with disabilities to ensure their voices are heard,” Dr. Kabumbuli noted.

Makerere has directed attention to ensuring accessible and comfortable accommodations for students with Disabilities by having designated accessible hostels and rooms. The University provides salaries, lodging, and meals for helpers who assist students with disabilities. A concentrated effort is also being made to build ramps, elevators, and accessible pathways to facilitate navigation for students and staff.

A panel of experts discussing the issues affecting PWDs and how to mitigate them. Office of the Dean of Students and the 90th Students' Guild-Ministry of Students with Disabilities inaugural International Day of Persons with Disabilities commemoration, 13th November 2024, Yusuf Lule Central Teaching Facility Auditorium, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
A panel of experts discussing the issues affecting PWDs and how to mitigate them.

According to Dr Kabumbuli, the University has embraced a drive to facilitate students’ access to assistive devices, including wheelchairs, white canes, brailling machines, hearing aids, etc.

“As part of our commitment to inclusivity and accessibility, the University has designated a specialized space within the library, equipped with assistive technologies and resources, specifically for students with disabilities to ensure equal access to knowledge and academic success for all. We have also put in place special arrangements, such as extra time during examinations to enable access to education,” Dr Kabumbuli said.

Hon. Minister representing students with disabilities on the students' guild addressing the audience. Office of the Dean of Students and the 90th Students' Guild-Ministry of Students with Disabilities inaugural International Day of Persons with Disabilities commemoration, 13th November 2024, Yusuf Lule Central Teaching Facility Auditorium, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Hon. Minister representing students with disabilities on the students’ guild addressing the audience.

Dr. Kabumbuli acknowledged the support from the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program, the Ministry of Gender, and the School of Law, which are committed to championing diversity, inclusion, and equity for People with Disabilities.

The International Day of Persons with Disabilities is celebrated annually on December 3rd to raise awareness and support for people with disabilities worldwide.

The Commemorative card that was signed by guest as commitment to supporting inclusivity at Makerere University. Office of the Dean of Students and the 90th Students' Guild-Ministry of Students with Disabilities inaugural International Day of Persons with Disabilities commemoration, 13th November 2024, Yusuf Lule Central Teaching Facility Auditorium, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
The Commemorative card that was signed by guest as commitment to supporting inclusivity at Makerere University.

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The 3rd Fundis and Technicians sensitization event and exhibition held successfully

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The 3rd annual Fundis and Technicians sensitization event and exhibition by manufacturers of building materials organized by the Department Architecture and Physical Planning at the College of Engineering, Design, Art and Technology (CEDAT), Makerere University came to a close with a call for increased partnerships between training institutions and the community.

The event that attracted 200 participants including masons, fundis, painters, builders, metal and electrical fabricators ran from Thursday 24th to Friday 25th October 2024 at CEDAT. It was supported by several stakeholders and was characterized by training sessions and an exhibition of building materials by different companies that make cement, paint, water tanks tiles and many more.

Prof. Henry Alinaitwe, the Deputy Vice Chancellor in charge of Finance and Administration, Makerere University.

Prof. Henry Alinaitwe, the Deputy Vice Chancellor in charge of Finance and Administration represented the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe at the opening of the training. In his remarks, he extended appreciation to the technicians for accepting to take part in the training which he said was key in ensuring that they gain from continuous learning. Prof. Alinaitwe observed that although some of them did not get through formal training, it was important that they took part in such training programs to keep abreast of the developments in the construction industry where they undertake the bulk of the work as masons, technicians, plumbers, and metal fabricators.

‘Keep improving, we need to up our game in terms of quality’, he said while making reference to the need for quality output.  He cautioned them on issues of cost and cheating of their clients by making realistic costs.  ‘We need to cost the work well taking into account the materials, the labor, the equipment used, and the overheads’.  The other area that needed to be taken care of by the technicians included time management, which reflects on attitudes towards work, team work.   While addressing the gathering in his capacity as Chairman of the Engineers Registration Board, Prof. Alinaitwe said the upcoming engineering Registration Bill, if approved, has a provision for the registration of all artisans and hence the need to have the minimum requirements for the stakeholders to be registered. He also stressed the need to bring on board as more women as possible.  ‘We want to see more women, who can do some aspects in construction better than men like painting.

Prof. Moses Musinguzi, the Principal of the College of Engineering, Design, Art and Technology, Makerere University.

Prof. Moses Musinguzi, the Principal of the College of Engineering, Design, Art and Technology while welcoming the trainees to the college said the training is a good initiative that will help address challenge of skill and work match.  He encouraged the trainees to do smart work, and take due consideration of ethics and customer care. He encouraged the department to extend the training opportunity to other units of the college and the university and also make it more formal, as part and parcel of the training program of the college in liaison with bodies like UBTEB.

Assoc. Prof. Kizito Maria Kasule, the Deputy Principal CEDAT while appreciating the initiative of the department said countries like Germany have apprenticeship training that help the training of students to gain skills equivalent to those acquired while in formal institutions of learning.  He said the academia in Uganda is increasingly recognizing the importance of the informal sector in the growth of the country. ‘We need to learn from you. Almost 90% of the people in the construction industry have been informally trained’. He said by learning from each other, the two sectors jointly make a contribution towards the development of the country.

Dr. Amin Tamale Kiggundu, the head of the Department of Architecture and Physical Planning said the initiative, a community outreach program of the college started three years ago in the year 2022 with 60 Fundis and masons, in 2023, the number was increased to 120 Fundis and the current 2024, was 200 Fundis of various categories, including painters, builders, metal fabricators, plumbers and electrical fabricators. He said this community outreach program aims at sharing the accumulated scientific knowledge in building, design and construction technologies at CEDAT, sharing the expertise, knowledge and experiences with communities in greater Kampala and hence bridging the existing knowledge and skills gap between the training institutions and the communities.

Dr. Amin Tamale Kiggundu, the head of the Department of Architecture and Physical Planning, Makerere University

The 21st century is characterized by collaboration, partnerships, and establishment of knowledge economies.  He said based on the trainings held so far, it is clear that partnerships between the training institutions and the communities were possible especially the Fundis who are closer to the communities. ‘We also want to learn from the Fundi’s experiences, how they are able to connect to the communities in some cases better than those who have gone through the training institutions’, he said. He further noted that the majority of fundis are young people that need to be supported with skills and other ways of nurturing them. The dream of the department, he said is to introduce an open door policy that allows fundis and other university students to come to learn.  

Several organizations supported the event and participated in the exhibition and they included Habitat for Humanity, Uganda, Green Building Council Uganda, The National Building Board, Uganda Clays Limited, Centenary Bank, Steel and Tube Industries Ltd, Simba Cement, Plascon, Goodwill, Cresttanks among others.

Alex Isemaghendera

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