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Albert Cook Library Expands-CHS Hosts World Library Day 2017 Celebrations

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The World Library Day was first celebrated in Uganda by the Makerere University Library on 22ndMay 2009. Since then, the Main Library has annually played host to numerous celebrations, each showcasing the latest innovations and publications from both Makerere University and external exhibitors. The 2017 edition was therefore the first of its kind to be hosted off campus by the College of Health Sciences (CHS), Mulago, home of the Sir Albert Cook Memorial Library. Rather than dampen the mood, the lunchtime downpour on Friday, 16th June 2017 only served to confirm to the organisers’ that this was indeed a blessed occasion.

As if to reaffirm this, the rain had hardly let up when the Chief Guest, Chairperson Makerere University Council-Eng. Dr. Charles Wana-Etyem accompanied by Vice Chancellor-Prof. John Ddumba-Ssentamu, University Librarian-Dr. Hellen Byamugisha, Principal CHS-Assoc. Prof. Charles Ibingira and other guests took to the tents to listen to the exhibitors. Not even the light drizzle was about to stop the guests from viewing the historical Sir Albert Cook medical notes dating as far back as 1897 among other exhibits. Prior to this, a select number of guests had taken a tour of ongoing works on the Sir Albert Cook Library extension, housed under the upcoming Research Support Centre at the College.
The Chief Guest & Chairperson Council-Eng. Dr. Charles Wana-Etyem tours the exhibits by Library Departments
Welcoming the Chief Guest and invited guests to the celebrations, Assoc. Prof. Charles Ibingira acknowledged that the Medical Library is a clear example of Sir Albert Cook’s great work and care for medicine and thanked the University Librarian for choosing CHS to host the first-ever off-campus celebration.

“The Library has supported the College of Health Sciences to grow, which has enhanced Makerere University’s visibility and continental ranking. The Library is rated highly in the contribution to ranking and quality of publications,” said Prof. Ibingira.

Prof. Ibingira further expounded that the Sir Albert Cook Library promotes the use of new modes of scholarly contributions, avails opportunities for dissemination of knowledge as well as bridges the gap between PhD and Masters students, owing to the time they spend researching in the library and thereafter uploading their publications in the MakIR; a digital research repository. And whereas he lauded the upcoming library extension which will increase sitting capacity by 108, he noted that this was still insufficient for over 2,500 students. Sir Albert Cook Library currently sits only 200 students.
Principal CHS-Assoc. Prof. Charles Ibingira (L) leads Chairperson Council-Eng. Dr. Charles Wana-Etyem (2nd L), VC-Prof. John Ddumba-Ssentamu (3rd L) and members of Management on a tour of the Sir Albert Cook Memorial Library
In her remarks, the University Librarian- Dr. Hellen Byamugisha thanked the Chairperson Council, Vice Chancellor and all guests for honouring her invitation. In line with the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA 2017) theme Libraries.Solidarity.Society, the World Library Day theme was Libraries Transforming Society. She explained that the aim of the celebrations was to share experiences and draw the attention of policy makers, library users and guests to the role that libraries play in shaping society.

“This year’s celebration has been deliberately organised in the College of Health Sciences to recognise especially, the tremendous contributions made to the academic and research disciplines in Makerere University, Uganda and the rest of the world. The College of Health Sciences has published the highest number of academic papers in the University and has immensely contributed to the web ranking and visibility of Makerere University” said Dr. Byamugisha.

At the end of her remarks, Dr. Byamugisha thanked the World Library Day 2017 Organising Committee led by Dr. Alison Kinengyere, for their hard work that culminated into a successful celebration. Dr. Kinengyere is the Head of Albert Cook Medical Library.
R-L: Eng. Dr. Charles Wana-Etyem, Mr. Cyriaco Kabagambe, Assoc. Prof. Charles Ibingira, Eng. Fred Nuwgaba (2nd L Rear) are guided around the Library Departments' exhibitions by Dr. Alison Kinengyere (L)
Carrying on with the congratulatory message to CHS in appreciation of their prolific research output, the Vice Chancellor-Prof. John Ddumba-Ssentamu noted, “Let me also take this opportunity to commend the College of Health Sciences for continuing to attract grants that have boosted Makerere University’s research output and publications. I am aware that the most published researchers in Uganda and the region are found in this college. Thank you very much Principal.”

Prof. Ddumba-Ssentamu further appreciated the progress of works on the Sir Albert Cook Library extension, noting that this was a continuation of the University’s efforts to achieve her core functions of teaching and learning, research and innovations, and knowledge transfer partnerships and networking. He noted that such projects would not only make Makerere succeed but also excel.
Eng. Dr. Charles Wana-Etyem (C) plants a tree in commemoration of World Library Day 2017. Left is Deputy Principal CHS-Dr. Isaac Okullo.
In his remarks as Chief Guest, Eng. Dr. Charles Wana-Etyem noted that his brief tour of the Sir Albert Cook Library underscored the need for Council, Management and the College leadership to jointly work hard to find resources to revamp the Library. He nevertheless appreciated the University Library staff for meticulously preserving Sir Albert Cook’s medical notes, as one of the special and prized possessions depicting the history of medical practice and training in Uganda.

“As the University Council, we are not only aware of the history that forms part of Makerere’s rich heritage but are also fully embracive of it as we seek to address issues of access, quality, efficiency, financing and governance” said Eng. Dr. Wana-Etyem.
Dr. Deogratius Munube (L) shows off his award as (L-R) Prof. Charles Ibingira, Dr. Hellen Byamugisha, Eng. Dr. Charles Wana-Etyem, Prof. John Ddumba-Ssentamu and Prof. Moses Kamya applaud
The Chairperson Council once again lauded CHS staff for the publications, research and innovations which continue to greatly contribute to Makerere’s global ranking. He in particular singled out Dr. Deogratius Munube for his efforts in securing a Book Grant from the British Medical Association (BMA). In 2016, Dr. Munube and colleagues from the Department of Paediatrics and Child Health successfully applied for and won the Book Grant on behalf of CHS. The BMA Book Grant is awarded once a year to a successful applicant. During the day's celebrations, Dr. Munube and the Department of Paediatrics and Child Health were awarded certificates by the Chairperson Council, in recognition of their efforts to stock the Library.

Shortly after the speeches, the Chief Guest and the Vice Chancellor were accompanied by guests to plant three trees in the gardens in front of the Department of Physiology, in commemoration of the World Library Day 2017.

Article: Public Relations Office

Mark Wamai

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Call for Applications: Admission to Postgraduate Programmes 2026/2027

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SoL Graduands celebrate after being conferred upon their awards. 75th Graduation Ceremony, Day 1, CoCIS, CEES, CoVAB and School of Law. 13th January 2025, Freedom Square, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

The Academic Registrar, Makerere University invites applications for admission to Graduate Programmes (Postgraduate Diplomas, Masters and Doctoral Degree Programmes) for the 2026/2027 Academic Year. Applicants should have obtained at least a first or second class degree (or its equivalent) from a Chartered University at the time of completion. Applicants should also possess a Uganda Certificate of Education (or its equivalent) and a Uganda Advanced Certificate of Education (or its equivalent).

Sponsorship:

All Graduate Programmes are PRIVATELY-SPONSORED. Therefore, applicants seeking sponsorship should have their applications endorsed by their respective sponsors where applicable. Applicants should note that the various fees payable to the University indicated for the various programmes EXCLUDE functional fees, accommodation, books, research and other expenses.

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Simon Mungudit: Mak’s Best Performing Male Science Student & Rising Star in Petroleum Geoscience

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Simon Mungudit emerged the best performing male science student this year. He is set to graduate from Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa on 24th February 2026 in the Freedom Square.

At just 24 years old, Simon Mungudit from the College of Natural Sciences (CoNAS) has etched his name in the academic history of Makerere University, having emerged as the overall best male student in the Sciences, an achievement earned through perseverance, discipline, and an unrelenting pursuit of excellence.

Mungudit is set to graduate during 76th graduation ceremony scheduled for 24th to 27th February 2026, having attained a CGPA of 4.76 in the Bachelor of Science in Petroleum Geoscience and Production. His academic interests-Reservoir Engineering, Petrophysics, and Drilling-reflect a deep understanding of the subsurface sciences that power modern energy systems.

Early Life and Journey to Academic Excellence

Born to Mr. Owor Thomas, a Game Ranger with the Uganda Wildlife Authority at Murchison Falls National Park, and Ms. Lilly Obewun Grace of Akuru Bridge Village, Nyaravur Sub-County in Nebbi District, Mungudit’s journey to academic excellence began far from the lecture halls of Makerere. At Karuma Primary School, Mungudit scored 12 aggregates in the Primary Leaving Examinations (PLE), setting the pace for his future success. He proceeded to St. Daniel Comboni College, Nebbi, where he attained 14 aggregates in 8 subjects at O’ Level. He then joined Namilyango College, one of the best secondary schools in Uganda, where he studied Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics (PCM) and scored 19 points, results that secured him government sponsorship to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Petroleum Geoscience and Production at Makerere University.

Gratitude to his mentors and sponsors

Behind these milestones lies a story of humility, gratitude and opportunity. Mungudit credits his parents for supporting his primary and O’ Level education and expresses gratitude to TotalEnergies, which provided a full bursary for his A’ Level studies, covering tuition, upkeep, and medical care. He also acknowledges the Government of Uganda for sponsoring his university education, a factor he says motivated him to excel.

At Makerere, Mungudit thrived in an environment that blended rigorous academics with mentorship. He pays tribute to his lecturers, particularly Dr. Arthur Batte, Head, Department of Geology and Petroleum Studies, for their unwavering commitment to nurturing students and pushing them to excel.

“I always aimed to excel,” Mungudit says. “Together with a few colleagues, we formed a group and held discussions on a daily. This, coupled with a conducive study environment, prayer, and discipline, enabled us to attain excellent grades.”

Dr Arthur Batte describes Mungidit as a humble yet very intelligent student.

Achievements and Professional Experience

Beyond academics, Mungudit consistently demonstrated expertise in petroleum engineering. In 2024, he led a team that won the Reservoir Modelling Challenge, organized by the American Association of Petroleum Geologists (AAPG) Makerere University Chapter, earning prize money and a sponsored field trip to the Tilenga Project courtesy of COSL. He was First Runner-Up in the Petro Bowl competitions of 2023 and 2025, a highly competitive petroleum knowledge quiz organized by the Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE) Uganda Section. He served as a Student Officer for the SPE Makerere University Chapter in 2023, and in 2024, he chaired the Organizing Committee of the SPE Annual Students’ Technical Conference and Exhibition, helping bridge the gap between academia and industry.

His learning extended beyond the classroom. During his internship, he worked with TotalEnergies, where he applied petrophysics skills to analyze gas-while-drilling data for formation evaluation, hands-on exposure that sharpened his professional competence. At Makerere University, he mastered PetroMod 2018, a critical software tool in oil and gas exploration. After completing his studies in June 2025, Mungudit trained with the Uganda National Oil Company (UNOC), participating in the 2D seismic acquisition in the Kasurubani Block in Buliisa and Hoima districts.

Mungudit currently works as the Special Projects Coordinator for the Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE) Uganda Section Student Liaison Committee.

Future Plans

Mungudit hopes to work in the oil and gas industry in the upstream sector as a geoscientist. He also plans to pursue further studies in petroleum engineering.

From a village in Nebbi to the forefront of petroleum geoscience, Mungudit’s story is one of an opportunity seized and potential realized. It is a testament to what is possible when talent meets support, and when determination is guided by faith, mentorship, and service. As Uganda’s oil and gas sector continues to evolve, Mungudit stands as a symbol of the skilled, principled professionals poised to shape its future.

The CoNAS fraternity congratulates Mungudit on this noble achievement.

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Hasifa Kabejja

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Press Statement: Makerere 76th Graduation Ceremony

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Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe (Centre) presents one of the printed batches of transcripts the Registrar College of Computing and Information Sciences (CoCIS)-Ms. Ruth Iteu Eyoku (2nd Right) as Right to Left: DVCAA-Prof. Sarah Ssali, AR-Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi and Ms. Prossy Nakayiki witness on 28th January 2026. Vice Chancellor's Press Briefing on the 76th Graduation due to be held 24th-27th February 2026 at Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

Makerere University’s 76th graduation ceremony will be held from February 24th – 27th, 2026, at the Makerere University Freedom Square, starting at 8.30am. During the 76th graduation ceremony, we shall confer degrees and award certificates to 185 PhDs, 2034 Masters, 6,043 bachelors, 137 postgraduate diplomas and 33 diplomas.

I am proud to announce that in comparison to the 75th graduation, we have registered a 30% growth in graduate student output. This is a result of our strategic decision to prioritize graduate education per our research-led agenda.

I also wish to announce that the transcripts have been finalized and are ready for pick up. Today, I am handing over the ready transcripts to the College principals and can be picked up from respective Colleges even before the graduation ceremony.

Important to Note:

In preparation for the graduation ceremony, the University wishes to note the following:

  1. Pre-graduation clearances
    Graduands are reminded to clear all necessary payments such as tuition and all graduation
    fees. It is also important to check with your College to ensure your name is on the graduation
    list and all mandatory clearances with university officials have been finalized. Note and
    internalize the graduation schedule (attached) to know which day you are graduating.
  2. Securing the graduation gowns
    Graduation gowns will be issued starting from 2nd February 2026 from the University Hall (Dinning Hall), Monday to Friday, from 9am to 4pm. To collect your gown, check and ensure your name appears on the Senate Graduation list, present your student number or National ID, and proof of payment for the gown.
  3. Security requirements
    • Attendance: For each day of graduation, entrance to the graduation ground will be by invitation only. Graduands will be issued with invitation cards which permits two guests per graduand. Do not come with more than two people or they will not be allowed access to the graduation venue. Graduands are encouraged to arrive to settle at the Freedom Square by 7am on graduation day to for a seamless flow of planned activities including the necessary security checks.
    • Prohibited items: Prohibited items include firearms, sharp instruments like mirrors and knives, alcohol, cell or batteries and chemicals, canned food and drinks, laptops, flashes and hard disks, radios including pocket radios, bottled drinks, cameras, large bags or any other heavy items.
    • Media: All media and journalists who wish to cover the ceremony must be pre-accredited by the Makerere University Public Relations office or they will not be allowed to access the ceremony venue. The access point for accredited media personnel will be the Senate Building.
    • Parking: There will be two designated parking areas; Rugby Grounds for those coming through the Eastern and Main Gate; and the second one is the Makerere University Main Grounds at Makerere College School. For VVIPs, VIPs and procession parking will be at CTF1, Directorate of Legal parking, St Francis and St Augustine parking, JICA and Senate Building.
    • Access Control: To ease traffic flow and management, the University has planned three access points to the graduation venue: the School of Social Sciences, Senate Building and the University Swimming Pool.
  4. For help and inquiries
    • Starting February 2, 2026, the Academic Registrar ’s Office and Graduation Committee will set up an information tent outside the Senate Building to provide guidance and handle all inquiries pertaining to graduation.


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