General
Mak Administrative Secretaries equipped with skills and knowledge
Over 40 Administrative Secretaries serving in the different Units of the University were equipped with valuable knowledge and skills on coping with the demanding nature and ever changing trends in the field of work.
During the Induction Workshop held on 5th and 6th April 2017 at School of Food Technology, Nutrition and Bio-engineering Conference Hall, participants received training focusing on the changing role of an Administrative Secretary. The participants gained multiple skills in multi-tasking and prioritization; effective communication; professional ethics; dealing with multiple bosses, difficult personalities and conditions; customer care services; records keeping and management and time management.
The participants listened to presentations on how to effectively work with others/teamwork, personal development, practical problem solving, conflict resolution, decision making as well as managing pressure and stress.
Opening the workshop, the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Finance and Administration), Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe emphasized the vital role played by Secretaries in the realization of the University Vision, Mission and Strategic Objectives. He thanked the Directorate of Human Resources for organizing the workshop and urged the Directorate to organize more of that kind for all categories of staff in the University.
According to the Director, Mrs. Mary K. Tizikara, the two days workshop focused on providing important information that would help Administrative Secretaries to align their duties and roles with the institution’s values and behavior. Mrs. Tizikara mentioned. She thanked Makerere University Appointments Board for the support rendered in the organization of the workshop.
Addressing the participants, Dr. Euzobia Baine Mugisha a Member of Makerere University Appointments Board who represented the Chairperson-Mr. Bruce B. Kabaasa said the induction workshop was the beginning of the holistic process of enhancing professionalism.
“I have listened to the participants and I am happy that this workshop has served the purpose. I encourage everyone to put into practice what you have learned. Let us try to socialize and work with everybody because you are at a work place. Avoid conflicts at work. Always remain conscious regarding your personal credibility. Credibility comes with experience and the professionalism you have on the job,” Dr. Baine Mugisha said.
Dr. Baine Mugisha, the representative of Makerere University Administrative Staff Association (MASA) in Council as well as the Appointments Board used the same occasion to appeal to Administrative Secretaries to join MASA.
In a captivating presentation titled, Dealing with Multiple Bosses, Ms Irene Tino from Uganda Management Institute informed the participants to always remember that there is no bad boss, but one could have a difficult boss. During the discussion, Ms. Tino said that Secretaries should learn how to manage, handle and balance the demands of multiple bosses. An Administrative Secretary with multiple bosses should manage time and prioritise tasks as well as sharing the list of tasks/assignments he/she is working on with the multiple bosses so as to understand his/her workload.
Focusing on Dealing with Pressure and Stress, Mrs. Tizikara said: “Pressure is something that drives you if it is not too much. If pressure is elevated and there is no time for recovery, then stress is felt. Long hours of work can affect your motivation and concentration. Once in a while, pressure is good since it can help one meet a few challenges and keeps the individual on track. Lack of pressure may lead to boredom since the job may become a routine.”
Presenting on Team Building and Management, Dr. Wilberforce Turyasingura, Dean-School of Business and Management at Uganda Management Institute said that the greatest outcomes are achieved as a result of teamwork. He said that with teamwork, individuals work together to accomplish more than what they could have done as individuals, but in an exciting, liberating, satisfying and enjoyable way. He mentioned that to build an effective team, the right people should be selected.
“Team building process involves gathering the right people and getting them to work interdependently to achieve high performance levels. If members share a common purpose and recognize that they need the efforts of everyone in the team, then it is teamwork. Working as a team comes with many benefits including: generating new ideas; providing support and help to team members; giving people a sense of belonging; helping them to learn from each other and develop, helping to achieve goals and objectives, experience and responsibility sharing, synergy development and common commitment to goals,” Dr. Turyasingura said.
He also highlighted the seven (7) steps involved in building an effective and cohesive team. These include; clarifying the team’s common goals and purposes, clarifying each person’s role in achieving the common purpose, clarifying the needs of the team’s internal and external clients, allowing conflicts to come to surface instead of stifling, working out effective ways to resolve conflicts based on the needs of the specific teams, not allowing individual interests to override those of the team and celebrating the milestones and success of the team.
Briefing participants on Customer Care and Customer Service, Mr. Ben Mugerwa from Uganda Management Institute explained that good customer service is taking that extra step to help even without being asked. It’s all about attitude and skills. He urged the participants to always communicate with professionalism, be organized, understand their role in the team and be a team player.
“The level of customer service that a customer expects will depend upon the past experiences and the type of organization they are dealing with. In the public sector, it has been difficult to implement a customer service type in organizations that are typically very process-oriented and usually in non-competitive situation!” Mr. Mugerwa stated.
He said that when the customer care is good, there will be increased satisfaction and increased use of services by the customers since the satisfied customers will tell their fellows. He added that for exceptional customer care; the staff must be professional and knowledgeable, friendly and courteous even when under pressure. He advised the Administrative Secretaries to be helpful, listen to customers, take responsibility and respond promptly to enquiries and problems.
Tipping the participants on Records Keeping and Management, Mr. Henry Akra-Uganda Management Institute informed them that record keeping is a routine activity taken in handling records while record management is the effort taken to handle records. He said that the record content, context and structure should be in order to serve as evidence, should be kept complete and every employee is responsible for managing records.
“When records are created, they have values attached to them; some are short term administrative values while others are long term physical values. Therefore, these values should be known and the retention schedule should be understood, whether to be deleted or retained.” Mr. Akra concluded.
In a one-on-one interaction with the Mak Public Relations Office team, the participants appreciated the knowledge and skills acquired. Most of them were fascinated by the general slogan "There is no bad boss, but you can meet a difficult boss." They were inspired with the experiences shared on managing a difficult boss.
Delivering the closing remarks, the Director Human Resources, Mrs. Tizikara thanked the staff in the Training and Development Division for organizing the workshop. She equally applauded the team in the Directorate of Human Resources for facilitating the different sessions of the workshop. The facilitators included: Mrs Dorothy Senoga Zake; Mr. Richard Mugisha; Mr. Lawrence Ssanyu; Ms Marvis Kansiime; Mr. Joseph Kalema; and Ms Josephine Apolot Opolot.
The training climaxed with award of certificates and a group photo.
Written by: MAK Public Relations Office
At an orientation for Postgraduate students held at the Yusuf Lule Central Teaching Facility Auditorium on 11th August 2025, the Academic Registrar and Acting Deputy Vice Chancellor in charge of Academic Affairs, Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi, reiterated Makerere University’s readiness to avail all the necessary support to ensure timely completion of various programmes. He underscored the contribution of research conducted by Makerere to national development priorities and urged Postgraduate students to play their role in making this influence more impactful.
Picking up from where Prof. Buyinza left off, the Director, Directorate of Graduate Training, Prof. Julius Kikooma reassured students that “Makerere University has all the resources to facilitate you through the academic journey of your graduate studies.” He equally further advised that “The Graduate Handbook is your bible that will guide you through your academic programs,” given its comprehensive reference to policies, procedures, and resources that support students during their graduate journey.
In his remarks, the Director, Prof. Robert Wamala introduced the Directorate of Research, Innovations, and Partnerships (DRIP) and outlined its role in guiding students in research. He explained DRIP’s primary functions, which include promoting and coordinating research activities, innovation and technology transfer, and overseeing research ethics and integrity. The Directorate also enhances research capacity and infrastructure, secures funding, and manages partnerships. He stressed the importance of understanding and following key university policies such as the Research and Innovations Policy and the Intellectual Property Management Policy. Prof. Wamala explained that the Intellectual Property Policy ensures that “IP created by a student in the course of study at the university, will be owned by the student,” adding that, “whatever you develop through the course of your study belongs to you and not the university.” He further encouraged students to protect their ideas and innovations through proper registration and documentation.
Dr. Godfrey Kawooya Kubiriza, from the Department of Zoology, Entomology & Fisheries at the College of Natural Sciences (CoNAS), discussed the importance of aligning research with relevant Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to ensure it remains current and impactful. He advised students to be cautious of peers who might negatively influence their studies and urged them to co-create with stakeholders to ensure their research has a clear impact. He also emphasized translating research evidence into policy briefs and building interdisciplinary and regional networks, encouraging connections with colleagues from East Africa, West Africa, and Europe for future collaborations and career development.
The Head ICT Division, Office of the Academic Registrar, Dr. Mike Barongo welcomed the students and underscored the importance of downloading admission letters from the portal, as these contain student numbers necessary to activate the student portal. He highlighted that enrolment is key to knowing the fees to be paid and to creating a Makerere University email address. In case of challenges, students were encouraged to seek help from college registrars or the Directorate of ICT Support. “The College of Computing has a support center at the basement of Block A, where students can get assistance,” he said.
The Deputy University Librarian, Dr. Kizito Ongaya, provided an overview of library services, noting significant changes compared to the 1990s and early 2000s. He outlined various training programs, including Reference Management Tools and Plagiarism Detection, and stressed the importance of using the available resources. “There are over 40 online libraries that we pay for. We pay over 1 billion shillings per annum to subscribe to these libraries, and you need special training so that you are able to access these,” he said. He also shared the library website, https://mulib.mak.ac.ug/ as a valuable resource.
Mr. Henry Nsubuga the Head of Counselling and Guidance Services addressed mental health and well-being, especially for PhD and Masters students, noting the significant mental toll of such programs. He pointed out that over 40% of graduate students experience depression, anxiety, and stress, and urged them to seek help early. He advised against internalizing negative feedback, suggesting instead that criticism be reframed as external rather than personal. He also encouraged positive self-talk to maintain motivation.
Ms. Diana Nabikolo, the Safeguarding Liaison Officer, briefed students on the Safeguarding Policy launched in April, which complements 11 other safeguarding policies available on the university policies website. She explained that the policy addresses various forms of abuse—physical, emotional, and neglect—as well as infrastructure-related concerns. She mentioned the presence of Safeguarding Champions in each college, both staff and students, who may assist in logging cases into the Makerere Safe Space and determining whether an issue qualifies as a safeguarding concern.
The Registrar at the Directorate of Graduate Training Ms. Caroline Nannono Jjingo explained the Directorate’s presence at all colleges and its coordination role with college and school registrars. She clarified the difference between enrolment and registration, noting that enrolment signifies acceptance of the study offer and triggers billing, while registration must follow enrolment. She also outlined the official withdrawal process, which can be prompted by financial challenges, illness, or job opportunities. Students were advised to formally notify the university to avoid being marked absent. “Withdrawal can only occur after registration,” she said, adding that students should inform the university if they plan to return.
The event was moderated by the Managing Editor Makerere University Press Dr. William Tayeebwa, who also doubles as a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Journalism and Communication, College of Humanities and Social Sciences (CHUSS). It follows a similar orientation session for undergraduate students held on 4th August 2025.
As the new academic year begins, our dedicated staff and student Safeguarding Champions are stepping up to ensure that all freshers feel welcomed, safe, and supported. These committed individuals are here to guide New University Students through their university journey, offering resources, advice, and a listening ear. Together, we’re creating a vibrant and secure campus community where everyone can thrive!
Safeguarding Measures at Makerere University
“At Makerere University, we prioritise the safety and well-being of our students, staff, and the surrounding community. Our safeguarding measures include a range of policies and practices designed to prevent harm and create a secure environment. We are committed to fostering a supportive atmosphere where everyone feels safe and valued,” remarked Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi, the Deputy Vice Chancellor of Academic Affairs.
Safeguarding is about protecting people’s health, well-being and human rights, enabling them to live free from harm, abuse and neglect. Specific to Makerere University, it is the measures put in place to promote the safety and well-being of all Students, Staff and other stakeholders.
As part of the University Initiative to Improve the Safety and Wellbeing of Students and Staff, 25 Staff and 68 Student Safeguarding Champions attended an intensive refresher training on Safeguarding at Makerere University. They received information materials and planned their engagements during the University Orientation, which took place from 4th to 8th August 2025.
Orientation week is always a lively blend of excitement and nervousness for the new students. Thousands of fresh students arrive from all corners of Uganda and beyond, carrying dreams and sometimes unspoken worries.
During the 2025 Freshers’ Orientation, an Information Tent was set up at the Senate Building to assist new students, parents, and guardians with various types of information and guidance. The well-trained Student Champions, representing the 9 Colleges and 3 Schools at both the main campus and the Jinja Campus, wore white “Safeguarding Champion” T-shirts. They actively helped welcome the new students and familiarise them with the university environment.
A key emphasis was on increasing awareness of Safety and Well-being at Makerere University. In each college, the Student Safeguarding Champions were supported and guided by the Staff Safeguarding Champions. Others moved between groups of freshers, providing peer-to-peer guidance and distributing brochures with simple messages: ‘Your safety matters.’
Speaking during Orientation, Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi, the Ag. Deputy Vice Chancellor, Academic Affairs and University Academic Registrar, emphasised that the University was committed to the Safety and well-being of all University Students and Staff.
“When students know their rights and have the support systems in place, they are better positioned to thrive academically and socially. This is the kind of environment that nurtures both learning and personal growth,” Prof. Buyinza noted.
In her speech, Dr. Winfred Kabumbuli, the Dean of Students, pointed out that the Safeguarding policy included provisions for Students, Staff, and other Stakeholders, as well as the accredited Hostels and their owners.
Talking about the Champions, she mentioned that “These young leaders have taken it upon themselves to be the first line of support for their peers. Their presence is a reminder that at Makerere University, safety, respect, and inclusivity are everyone’s responsibility.”
As the semester begins, the Safeguarding Champions will continue their work by organising peer-support circles, awareness drives, and training sessions in various colleges. The University Management is urging all students and staff to have a personal responsibility of ensuring a safe, respectful and inclusive environment for all.
When discussing with the Champions, she highlighted, “These young leaders have made it their mission to be the first line of support for their peers. Their presence serves as a reminder that at Makerere University, safety, respect, and inclusivity are the responsibility of everyone.”
Addressing the student champions, Prof. Justine Namaalwa Jjumba, a member of the Safeguarding Implementation Team, urged them to lead by example in their behaviour, willingness to support other Students to identify any safeguarding risks, prevent any form of harm or abuse, report in case of any incident and support during case management.
“Let us be champions of inclusive language. We do not refer to them as ‘blind people’; we say ‘visually impaired.’ As champions, you need to be keen on identifying risks and possible causes of safeguarding concerns, report promptly, and support each other,” Prof. Namaalwa said.
The Safeguarding Liaison Officer, Ms. Diane Nabikolo Osiru, who supports monitoring the implementation and review of the Makerere University Safeguarding policy as well as coordinating activities of awareness creation and enhancement among students, staff, and partners, was at the forefront of championing awareness creation during orientation week.
Student Safeguarding Champions speak out
Mary Agnes Atim, a third-year Fine Art student, described orientation week as a valuable experience that provided a well-rounded introduction to university life for her peers.
“I have really enjoyed the orientation. As an advocate, I appreciated the opportunity to talk to fellow students about the safeguarding initiative. I’m confident that by now they know the ‘dark spots’ and will be better protected from fraudsters,” Atim said.
Edinah Kamurasi, a second-year Bachelor of Arts in Economics student, expressed gratitude for the in-depth two-day training, admitting that she had not been fully aware of the University’s safeguarding policy before.
“I am really grateful for the in-depth training we had as champions. Before this, I wasn’t even sure about the safeguarding policy, but now I can confidently explain it to others and interact with students every day, explaining the same thing. I also learnt a lot,” Kamurasi said.
Jenkins Okidi, a third-year Bachelor of Animal Production student, shared that many of the students he interacted with were enthusiastic about the MakSafeSpace, the University’s confidential e-reporting platform.
“Most freshers were excited to learn they have a safe, private way to report any concerns,” Okidi, said.
Sharifah Nalubembe, a second-year Library and Information Science student, noted that during the orientation week, she was able to guide fellow students to the appropriate offices for support.
“It felt very satisfying to help and ensure that no one ended up in the wrong hands,” Nalubembe said.
Fahad Kiyimba, a second-year Software Engineering student, described the training as highly informative in promoting the safety and wellness of students across campus.
“After the training we received as champions, I gained valuable knowledge and skills. It gave me the confidence to engage first-year students about our comprehensive safeguarding policy, and that is exactly what I did during orientation week,” Kiyimba said.
Ms. Carol Kasujja Adii is the Senior Communication Officer in charge of Safeguarding and Crisis communication at Makerere University.
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