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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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Undergraduate Admissions List: Mop-up/Appeals 2025/2026

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The Office of Academic Registrar, Makerere University has released lists of Successful appeals and supplementary lists. Below is a list arising from appeals of Government Sponsored candidates who have been admitted:

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Makerere University, DFCU Bank Sign MoU to Advance Innovation, Student Leadership and Research

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Officials from Makerere University and DFCU Bank pose for a group photo at the Main Building Entrance after the MoU signing ceremony on 4th July 2025. Makerere University and DFCU Bank Limited sign a three-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) designed to enhance academic excellence, advance research and innovation capabilities, and provide crucial student support services through key activities; Annual Tumusiime Muteile Lecture, MakRun and Student activities, 4th July 2025, Council Room, Main Building, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

By Eve Nakyanzi and Atwenda Nancy

Makerere University and DFCU Bank have today signed a three-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to bolster innovation, student leadership, research and community impact initiatives.

The collaboration which will see the equipping of the Disability Support center for students living with disabilities through the MAK run and more leadership trainings for students will begin this July.

“The MoU will strengthen research collaborations across sectors like agriculture and health and it will also support the Mutebile Centre to assist private sector growth, which is crucial in lifting Africa out of poverty,” said Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, the Vice Chancellor.

Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe (R) flanked by Mr. Charles Mudiwa (L) makes his remarks at the MoU signing ceremony. Makerere University and DFCU Bank Limited sign a three-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) designed to enhance academic excellence, advance research and innovation capabilities, and provide crucial student support services through key activities; Annual Tumusiime Muteile Lecture, MakRun and Student activities, 4th July 2025, Council Room, Main Building, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe (R) flanked by Mr. Charles Mudiwa (L) makes his remarks at the MoU signing ceremony.

Speaking during the event, Mr. Charles M. Mudiwa, the DFCU Bank Chief Executive Officer, welcomed the move, noting its alignment with the bank’s mission to transform lives and support national development through four pillars: funding, financial inclusion, enterprise development, and vocational education.

“This MoU crowns years of effort and shared intent between our institutions,” he stated.
Mr. Mudiwa highlighted the bank’s commitment to skilling youth through internships, curriculum development, and support for innovation hubs and centres of excellence at the university.
“We consume the graduates of Makerere. In our most recent graduate intake of 87, 60% were Makerere alumni. The bank allocates around 30 internship positions annually to equip young people with the skills necessary for future roles within the institution,” Mr. Mudiwa, noted.

Representing the student body, Guild President His Excellency, Sentamu Churchill James, commended the partnership as a timely intervention that will empower youth, support SMEs, and expand internship and leadership development opportunities.

Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe (2nd L) presents a framed portrait of the Main Building to Mr. Charles Mudiwa (C) as L-R: University Secretary-Mr. Yusuf Kiranda, 91st Guild President-H.E. Ssentamu Churchill James and Acting Deputy Vice Chancellor (Finance and Administration)-Prof. Winston Tumps Ireeta witness. Makerere University and DFCU Bank Limited sign a three-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) designed to enhance academic excellence, advance research and innovation capabilities, and provide crucial student support services through key activities; Annual Tumusiime Muteile Lecture, MakRun and Student activities, 4th July 2025, Council Room, Main Building, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe (2nd L) presents a framed portrait of the Main Building to Mr. Charles Mudiwa (C) as L-R: University Secretary-Mr. Yusuf Kiranda, 91st Guild President-H.E. Ssentamu Churchill James and Acting Deputy Vice Chancellor (Finance and Administration)-Prof. Winston Tumps Ireeta witness.

“Students are the heartbeat of the university. This collaboration will empower youth and strengthen their role in national development,” His Excellency Ssentamu, said.

About MAK RUN 2025

The Makerere Run 2025 (#MakRun2025), hosted by the Makerere University Endowment Fund (MAKEF) on 17th August 2025, returns for its fifth edition as Kampala’s premier charity marathon, uniting 8,000+ runners—students, alumni, corporate teams, and elite athletes—to tackle the city’s iconic hills under the theme “Run the Hills for the Future.” This landmark event combines competitive racing with transformative impact, channeling proceeds to strengthen Makerere University’s community programs while offering unmatched branding opportunities for partners through Kampala’s largest university-led sporting spectacle.

The Mak Run, scheduled this year for August 17th, is a flagship initiative that mobilizes students, staff, alumni, and partners to raise funds for projects such as the Disability Support Unit and the Student Centre.

The Writers are Interns in the Public Relations Office, Makerere University

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Diploma in Performing Arts Admission List 2025/26

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The Office of Academic Registrar, Makerere University has released the admission list of candidates who passed the special entry examinations for the Diploma in Performing Arts held on Saturday 17th May, 2025

The following have been admitted by the University’s Admissions Committee on Private Sponsorship for the 2025/26 Academic Year

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