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Scholarly Book launched to immortalize Prof. James Patrick Manyenye Ntozi

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Scholars from the field of Demography and Population Studies have written a scholarly tribute to Prof. James Patrick Manyenye Ntozi; celebrating his 45 years of dedicated and distinguished service in the field of demography at Makerere University, Uganda, Africa and beyond.

The book titled: Demography of Uganda and Selected African Countries: Towards more Sustainable Development Pathways was officially launched by the Prime Minister of the Republic of Uganda Rt. Hon. Dr. Ruhakana Rugunda at a high profile ceremony that was organized by Makerere University College of Business and Management Sciences (CoBAMS) and the Centre for Population and Applied Statistics (CPAS).

Edited by Prof. John Oucho, Dr. Gideon Rutaremwa and Prof. Jockey Baker Nyakaana, the book will immortalize Professor Ntozi’s work and inspire other demographers and their colleagues elsewhere to undertake a similar exercise for their deserving mentors. “We hope readers will find this book a fitting accolade to a man who dedicated his life to scholarship in demography and through which his students and compatriots alike have laid strong foundation for immortalizing the scholar.”

Speaking to the congregation in the Makerere University Main Hall on 23rd March 2017, Rt. Hon. Dr. Ruhakana Rugunda commended Prof. James Manyenye Ntozi for being a strong fighter with a dedicated spirit in liberating his country from poverty. According to Rt. Hon. Rugunda, Prof. Manyenye Ntozi is a unique and outstanding personality whose works have shaped the field of demography in Makerere University, the nation and indeed the continent.L-R: Tourism Minister Prof. Ephraim Kamuntu, Lt.Gen Ivan Koreta and former EA Legislator Hon Yona Kanyomozi old boys of Prof. James Ntozi share a light moment.

“I congratulate you on this great achievement. I would like to say that your distinguished contribution to the scholarly world and your excellence in the field of Demography and Population Studies has inspired many people around the globe. I am happy to say that you will always be remembered as a famous person that has taught, mentored and nurtured many people on this continent,” the Prime Minister said.

The Prime Minister appreciated Makerere University’s efforts to recognize distinguished academicians and called upon other institutions to emulate Makerere University so that academicians receive the recognition they deserve. He shared concern on the policy of retiring professors, and advised Makerere University Management to engage the concerned Ministries so that the University continues to benefit from the treasure within professors perpetually.

Speaking about the book, the Prime Minister said, “This book is very relevant and specifically talks about the needs of our country Uganda. I therefore thank the authors who contributed articles to this book. I also thank the editors for the wonderful job well done.”

Makerere University Vice Chancellor Prof. John Ddumba-Ssentamu acknowledged Prof. Manyenye Ntozi’s efforts in promoting Makerere University locally and globally through his tremendous achievements in Demography and Population Studies.  According to Prof. John Ddumba-Ssentamu, Prof. Manyenye Ntozi has diligently served Makerere University in various capacities.

“Prof. Manyenye Ntozi has served as a Lecturer, Head of Department, Dean, Member of Senate and Ambassador of the University to the outside world. His unique skills and knowledge in the field of demography, acquired over a period of more than four decades of scholarly work, have been utilized in the world over. This is evidenced by his various appointments to Boards of organizations and parastatals, as well as international engagements as Visiting Scholar and Researcher,” he said.

Prof. Ddumba-Ssentamu congratulated Prof. Manyenye Ntozi upon being recognized through a scholarly tribute that presents him as a brilliant academician with remarkable scholarly services in the field of Population studies.Some of Prof. Ntozi's Children and relatives (Second row) in attendance.

“There is truly no greater achievement for an academician than to be recognized by not only your peers but your students as well. Congratulations! The book has been put together by Prof. Ntozi’s compatriots and students across the African continent. It is, therefore, a product of highly organized collaborative effort, achieved with professional support of the Fountain Publishers,” said the Vice Chancellor.

In his keynote address titled Old is Gold; Harnessing Academicians in old Age, John Oucho a Professor of Demography and Geography at the University of Nairobi said that there is a need to respect and fully utilize knowledge and advice of old people. Defining the two terms, Prof. Oucho stated that Old is that experience a person has gained over the years and gold is one of the expensive metals in the metal industry.

Professor Oucho said that the experience that old people like Prof. Ntozi have, is as expensive as gold because they have taken many years to learn the lessons of life as well as accumulating a wealth of experience. “Therefore don't disrespect or neglect them because they are old but do take care of them as precious gold,” he said.

Citing a verse from the book of Exodus, Prof. Oucho encouraged the young generation to respect and show love to the old people since they are a source of knowledge and inspiration to them. “Exodus 20:12 says; “Honor your father, your mother that your days may be prolonged in the land which the LORD your God gives you”. We academicians we are like fathers of our students. Therefore you should respect us through giving us time, listening to us, being polite to us and asking for our advice. We must strive to have a society for all ages including the old and retirees. Discriminating against old academicians is like discriminating your own parents,” he said.Mr. Ben Paul Mungyereza (Second Left) Executive Director, Uganda Bureau of Statistics presenting the plaque to Prof. Ntozi for his meritorious work

In the spirit of harnessing academicians in old age, Prof. Oucho appealed to Makerere University to appoint Prof. James Patrick Manyenye Ntozi-Professor Emeritus.
James Patrick Manyenye Ntozi is a Professor of Population Studies at Makerere University. He is a Medical Demographer and Statistician by training whose distinguished experience is well observed in conducting evaluation, needs assessment and baseline studies at international and national levels. His most recent monitoring and evaluation work included evaluating the PEPFAR project in Nigeria for the USA National Academy of Sciences and Congress (2005 – 2007).

Introducing him, as a great scholar, the Minister of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities Prof. Ephraim Kamuntu said Prof. Ntozi’s legacy will live on through his works, scholarship and mentorship. He described Ntozi as a faithful and lovable person, very consistent and focused.

“I have known Ntozi since 1960, he is a dedicated fighter. He is a father who has managed to devote considerable amount of time to bring up his children. Ntozi is an excellent husband to Aidah Ntozi,” he passionately said.

The book titled, Demography of Uganda and Selected African Countries: Towards more Sustainable Development Pathways is a climax of an idea by Prof. Ntozi’s peers and students who thought of writing a paper to recognize their lecturer. When the staff in the Department of Population Studies committed themselves to writing a book, the idea of writing a journal article metamorphosed into a book that would forever immortalize Prof. Manyenye Ntozi.

According to Dr. Abel Nzabona, one of Prof. Ntozi’s students and writer of the book, Prof. Ntozi is Uganda’s most illustrious population demographer. He will always be remembered for establishing the Department of Population Studies at Makerere University; attracting funding to support national and international programmes in the field of population studies and demography;  and his track record in scholarship, mentorship and career guidance. He applauded Prof. Ntozi for over 75 papers published in peer reviewed journals.

Highlighting the book writing process, Dr. Nzabona said 15 writers and 4 editors from countries namely Uganda, Tanzania, Kenya, Nigeria, France and organizations including, Uganda National Bureau of Standards provided tremendous contributions to the book. He paid special tribute to all authors of the 16 Chapters who produced the material that builds the book. One of the Editors, Dr. Gideon Rutaremwa shared with the audience a brief on the book composition and contents.

It was a nostalgic moment when Prof. Ntozi clad in his academic regalia shared special moments regarding his student life at Makerere University.

“I joined Makerere University in June 1968 as an undergraduate student pursuing Bachelor of Science (Economics and Statistics)-Institute of Statistics and Applied Economics and I completed in March 1971. I registered for my Masters in the same Institute in September 1971 and completed in July 1973. I completed a PhD in Medical Demography in 1977. Because of the political turbulence during the Idi Amin Regime, I stayed in the University of Nairobi for two years. I returned to Makerere University in 1979, and since then, I have remained here despite many temptations in form of greener pastures at regional and international levels. I made a decision to stay at Makerere University to serve my alma mater and my country-Uganda. I did not abandon Makerere University.”

Prof. Ntozi also applauded Prof. Livingstone S. Luboobi, former Vice Chancellor of Makerere University, who was part of the audience for choosing to stay at Makerere University.
During his stay at Makerere University, Prof. Ntozi significantly contributed to the evolution of demography and population studies including mobilization of resources from bodies such as Rockefeller Foundation, World Bank, IDRC and National Population Council among others.

Prof. Ntozi expressed gratitude to his students and the authors for recognizing his contribution to the academia while he is still alive. He thanked the contributors for the scholarly tribute that will forever preserve his legendary work as Uganda’s most illustrious medical Geographer.

“I take this opportunity to appreciate all these efforts. In a special way, I thank Associate Professor Gideon Rutaremwa for spearheading efforts to publish this book. I also thank Prof. John Oucho, from the University of Nairobi for successfully accomplishing the task of Chief Editor of the publication and my wonderful students; I am more delighted to know that my students whom I trained and taught have vividly participated in putting together this piece of scholarly work,” he said.

Prof. Ntozi commended Dr. Fredrick Tumwine, Dr. Abel Nzabona and Mr. John Mushomi for working tirelessly to produce a piece of work that their teacher can proudly identify with. He thanked the College of Business and Management Sciences under the leadership of Dr. Eria Hisali for providing all the support required by the Centre for Population and Applied Statistics (CPAS) to publish the book.[L-R ]Dr. Eria Hisali,Prof. John Oucho and Mrs. Agnes Ssekiboobo

He equally acknowledged the efforts of the Centre for Population and Applied Statistics (CPAS) under the able leadership of Mrs. Ssekiboobo Agnes for successfully hosting this publication process of the book. He also thanked Makerere University and the Government of Uganda for providing an environment that is conducive for scholars to freely write and publish their work.

According to Prof. Ntozi, his recognition will set the precedent at Makerere that more scholars/academicians ought to be recognized for the precious time devoted to the University. He was happy for his tremendous contribution and achievements in the university when he said, “I am happy that I have diligently served Makerere University with passion. I am sure that I will fulfill my decision to stay in my Alma Mater and my country Uganda as long as my life is not in immediate danger,” said James Ntozi.

Prof. James Patrick Manyenye Ntozi received a plaque from Uganda Bureau of Statistics presented by the Executive Director, Mr. Ben Paul Mungyereza in recognition of Prof. Ntozi's outstanding work at Makerere University and invaluable support to Uganda Bureau of Statistics. The plaque was presented to him by the Prime Minister Rt. Hon. Ruhakana Rugunda.Some of the guests and other university senior staff after seeing off the Prime Minister Rt Hon Rugunda

Dr.  Fredrick Ruguma Tumwine who was supervised by Prof. Ntozi both at Masters’ and PhD, praised Prof. Ntozi for changing him from a physical into a human geographer.  Representing students taught by the Professor, the overjoyed Tumwine said that Prof. Ntozi will never fade from the minds of his students, owing to the unique and fatherly character he always exuded. “He has always been good at time management and perfect in the way he articulates points. He is a superb supervisor,” he said.

Giving a vote of thanks, the Dean-School of Statistics and Planning, Dr. Robert Wamala thanked the Government, Makerere University, the family of Prof. Ntozi, authors and students for their contribution towards the process of honouring Prof. Ntozi.Dr. Robert Wamala, the Dean-School of Statistics and Planning

The students from the Department of Performing Arts and Film together with the Head of Department Dr. Sylvia Antonia Nannyonga-Tamusuza treated guests to energetic performances including special presentations depicting the academic journey of Professor James Patrick Manyenye Ntozi.

Article by Mak Public Relations Office

Elias Tuhereze

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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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