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Students With Disabilities Welfare Takes Centre Stage at Sensitization Workshop

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On 22nd June 2017, the Office of Dean of StudentsMakerere University organised a workshop to sensitize the institution’s Stakeholders on issues pertaining students with disability. Held in Senate Conference Hall, the workshop focused on developing a fundamental strategy to operationalize the Makerere University Policy on Students with Disabilities.

Speaking to the stakeholders, Management and members of staff present, the Dean of students Mr. Cyriaco Kabagambe said that the workshop kick-started efforts to practically implement the Makerere University Policy on Students with Disabilities. “Our aim is to create awareness of the importance of the policy through capacity building.  We want to take the policy off the shelf and put it into practice.

According to Mr. Kabagambe, the Policy on Students with Disability that was approved by the Makerere University Council in February 2014. This action was purposely to promote effective management, inclusion, participation and visibility of students of the university through deliberate supportive, sustainable and friendly physical and nonphysical environment.
The Dean of Students-Mr. Cyriaco Kabagambe convened the Stakeholders Workshop
The policy also mainstreamed the disability issues in all university programmes and activities, as well as promoted equalization of opportunities for students with disabilities and special needs in the university.

“This policy is very instrumental, based on research from different universities and other international policies. We looked at how we can create a conducive working and learning environment for the participation of students with disabilities in the university. And also promote consciousness and awareness among members of the University community about the rights and needs of students with disabilities and ways of supporting them,” he said.

On behalf of students with Disability at Makerere University, Mr. Okwii Simon Peter thanked the management and staff for ensuring effective, efficient and friendly service delivery to students with disabilities and Special Needs. “We are very grateful that out of the 64 slots the government of Uganda gives to personal with disabilities at higher institutions of learning, Makerere University takes the highest number of students during the entry application compared to other Public Institutions.”
Mr. Charles Ssentongo, Ag. Deputy Registrar (Undergraduate Admissions) contributes to the discussion during the workshop
Sharing an experience of students with disability at Makerere University, Mr. Okwii, a final year student at School of Law said that for long people have misinterpreted disability with only physical challenges. “Disability goes beyond what we can see in relation with the international convention. It goes a long way to include things we cannot see such as sickle cells, asthma, among others,” he explained.

He however, humbly called upon the university to look into the challenges that have persisted and greatly hindered his fellow students from having a convenient and enjoyable stay at campus.

“We have realised that the university has few sign posts and this has affected us. Another issue is to do with examinations, tests and course work. So many of my fellow students have failed to graduate in time due to missing marks. We find many challenges in classes with lecturers who don’t know how to handle us. Our request is to the university management is to carry out a capacity building workshop on how lecturers are supposed to handle us in class” Okwii said.
A sign language interpreter (R) helps students with hearing impairments to follow proceedings of the Stakeholders Workshop
During the workshop, the Programs Manager at National Union of Disabled Persons of Uganda (NUDIPU) Mr. Ninsiima Chris encouraged students with disability to ignite a sense of self-esteem in their lives. ” The greatest enemy of the person with disability is the person with attitude. Remove all the stereotypes and names referring to you in form of sympathy. There is ability in disability and those abilities can flourish with support,” he said.

In a presentation he made on creating a conducive study environment for students with disability at Intuitions of Higher Learning, Mr Ninsiima urged institutions of higher learning to engage the entire community including persons with disability if they are to attain inclusive development.

“Inclusive development occurs when the entire community, including persons with disabilities, benefit equally from development processes. Inclusive development encourages awareness of and participation by all marginalized groups. Disability-inclusive development respects the diversity that disability brings and appreciates that it is an everyday part of the human experience. Disability-inclusive development sets out to achieve equality of human rights for persons with disabilities as well as full participation in, and access to, all aspects of society,” he stated.
Mr. David Nangosi emphasised the need for equity for students with disabilities
Discussing the rights of person with disability under a topic; enforcing human rights of students with disabilities in institutions, Mr. David Nangosi, the Legal Officer NUDIPU emphasized the need to promote equity among students in the university. “Don’t discriminate them, let them compete with others in the various university activities available. The only way to live is to achieve equity in life.

Speaking on the role of the Makerere University Library in adapting the new innovations and modern software to suit the needs of students with disability, Mr. Luyaaya Mathias, the Officer in charge of Students’ Information Services said that the University has put in place equipment that carter of the needs of students with disability.

“We have at least stocked machines and software that carter for both students that are deaf and those who are visually impaired. The library has also been set up to accommodate students with wheelchairs among others. However, the library still faces challenges of being under-staffed and lack enough equipment in the section,” Mr Luyaaya narrated.
Dr. Margaret Wandera addresses the Stakeholders Workshop
The Director Makerere University Hospital Dr. Margaret Wandera, encouraged the students with disability to fully utilize the university hospital services. According to Dr. Wandera the university hospital has put aside services accessible to only students with special needs.

In his speech, the Guild President H.E Kato Paul thanked the Office of the Dean of Students for the initiatives it has put in place to make sure that the Makerere University Policy on Students with Disability is operationalized. He pledged to work hand in hand with the Office of the Dean of Students to see to it that the entire university community understands and puts into practice the principles of the policy.
The Guild President-H.E. Kato Paul makes his speech at the Workshop
“We are also working hand in hand with the Office of the Dean of Students to see to it that we provide orientation to first year students specifically students with disability,” he said.

H.E Kato Paul also said that his Government has embarked on an affirmative action to help students with disabilities.  The Students Guild has in place a full ministry and a well allocated budget for the students with disabilities.

Article: Public Relations Office
 

Mark Wamai

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Management Training Calls for Budget Execution that Impacts Uganda

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The Vice Chancellor-Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe (10th from Right) with Members of Management and other officials at the Training on 14th August 2025. Top Management Capacity Building Training for Makerere University aimed at building excellence in 21st Century University Leadership at Makerere through two objectives namely; Strategic Budget Mastery and Implementation Excellence, and Comprehensive Management Excellence and Skills Enhancement on 14th August 2025, Speke Resort Munyonyo, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

Universities in the 21st century worldwide are increasingly being subject to a number of changes in their operating environment majorly due to rapid technological advancement, changing student demographics, intensifying financial pressures, and heightened accountability demands from governments, donors, and society. Makerere University, as Uganda’s oldest and flagship institution has not been spared the effects of these changes. As such, the increasing need to support national development priorities in the midst of evolving regulatory frameworks, increasing stakeholder scrutiny and expectations necessitates not just response but proactive transformation.

“While graduation numbers and publication counts remain important indicators, our reporting must illuminate Makerere’s transformative impact on Uganda’s development trajectory” remarked the Chairperson of Council, Mrs. Lorna Magara as she delivered her communication at the Top Management Capacity Building Training for Makerere University on 14th August 2025.

The training running from 13th to 15th August 2025 at Speke Resort Munyonyo is aimed at building excellence in 21st Century University Leadership at Makerere through two objectives namely; Strategic Budget Mastery and Implementation Excellence, and Comprehensive Management Excellence and Skills Enhancement. “We must explicitly demonstrate how our work advances Uganda’s Vision 2040 and the National Development Plan IV priorities, especially the four-way growth strategy,” rallied Mrs. Magara.

Mrs. Lorna Magara (Left) flanked by Prof. Winston Tumps Ireeta pays keen attention to submissions by College Principals. Top Management Capacity Building Training for Makerere University aimed at building excellence in 21st Century University Leadership at Makerere through two objectives namely; Strategic Budget Mastery and Implementation Excellence, and Comprehensive Management Excellence and Skills Enhancement on 14th August 2025, Speke Resort Munyonyo, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Mrs. Lorna Magara (Left) flanked by Prof. Winston Tumps Ireeta pays keen attention to submissions by College Principals.

The Chairperson of Council was making reference to Government’s earmarking of Agro-industrialisation, Tourism development, Mining and minerals development, as well as Science, Technology and Innovation (ATMS) as priority areas to propel Uganda’s economy to a US$500billion one by 2040. Describing the workshop as timely in enabling Makerere appreciate her role in these national aspirations, Mrs. Magara who had in an earlier engagement met with College Principals called for increased collaboration across various disciplines.

“This afternoon’s conversations with our College Principals reaffirmed my confidence in the calibre of leadership we have; their energy, commitment – and we have made some commitments, and candid reflections demonstrate the openness and determination needed to keep Makerere at the forefront of higher education” she affirmed.

Quoting world-renowned Management Consultant Peter Drucker who said “What gets measured gets managed” she added, “However, at Makerere, we elevate this principle and say, ‘what creates impact gets sustained’.” In this, she drew attention to the fact that budget execution is a shared responsibility of all leaders who beyond ensuring accountability for funds allocated ought to adopt results-oriented management.

Prof. Frank Norbert Mwiine (Standing) contributes during one of the plenary sessions. Top Management Capacity Building Training for Makerere University aimed at building excellence in 21st Century University Leadership at Makerere through two objectives namely; Strategic Budget Mastery and Implementation Excellence, and Comprehensive Management Excellence and Skills Enhancement on 14th August 2025, Speke Resort Munyonyo, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Prof. Frank Norbert Mwiine (Standing) contributes during one of the plenary sessions.

“Traditional reporting that merely chronicles expenditure and activities is insufficient” said Mrs. Magara, adding that “we require evidence of tangible impact.” She further noted that every leader invited to take part in the training by virtue of their position holds a critical multiplier effect that ought to be felt by those they lead. “Everything rises and falls on leadership” she reminded, citing John Maxwell’s 21 irrefutable laws of leadership.

Earlier, the Vice Chancellor Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe who officially opened the training noted that Makerere is already fulfilling her part in terms of producing quality human resource for the region and increasing her research output in partnership with leading institutions globally. He nevertheless underscored the need for the training, which is aimed at nurturing transformational excellence in leadership and strategic management. This excellence, according to the training objective, ought to be demonstrated through strategic budgeting and budget execution, human resource management, statutory reporting and compliance, procurement optimisation, and comprehensive legal compliance frameworks.

Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe officially opens the training. Top Management Capacity Building Training for Makerere University aimed at building excellence in 21st Century University Leadership at Makerere through two objectives namely; Strategic Budget Mastery and Implementation Excellence, and Comprehensive Management Excellence and Skills Enhancement on 14th August 2025, Speke Resort Munyonyo, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe officially opens the training.

Prof. Nawangwe who appreciated the good work currently done by staff in line with achieving institutional and national objectives nevertheless encouraged participants to continue working with diligence. “Continue loving Makerere, continue working well for Uganda, for Africa, so that we can move our people out of poverty in the shortest time possible.”

Subsequent sessions following the official opening covered; Key issues and lessons from the Financial Year (FY) 2024/2025 budget execution, Highlights of the approved Budget for FY 2025/26, Budget execution guidelines for FY 2025/26, and focus on key budget outputs and reporting.

Tackling key issues and lessons from the recently concluded Financial Year, the University Secretary, Mr. Yusuf Kiranda outlined technical challenges such as: Budget transitions that moved funds for allowances from teaching units, Budget credibility in relation to cashflow planning, Adherence to approved budgets and workplans, Accountability for funds disbursed versus quarterly deadlines, Budget reporting in line with approved workplans, and Responsiveness to audits, and the need to do better in the present financial year.

Mr. Yusuf Kiranda presents the FY2024/2025 budget key issues. Top Management Capacity Building Training for Makerere University aimed at building excellence in 21st Century University Leadership at Makerere through two objectives namely; Strategic Budget Mastery and Implementation Excellence, and Comprehensive Management Excellence and Skills Enhancement on 14th August 2025, Speke Resort Munyonyo, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Mr. Yusuf Kiranda presents the FY2024/2025 budget key issues.

Highlighting key issues from the approved budget for FY 2025/2026, the University Bursar, Mr. Evarist Bainomugisha noted that Makerere’s allocations are aligned with NDP IV and are aimed at fostering growth in the four priority areas (ATMS). “How do we ensure that we support these areas as Makerere University?” he prompted.

Delving into a few specifics, the University Bursar noted that Government allocated approximately 33.9billion shillings to the Development budget. This, he noted will cover; the College of Business and Management Sciences (CoBAMS) Infrastructure Expansion, Acquisition of Computers for Colleges, Administrative Units and Smart classrooms, Furniture for Colleges and Administrative Units, E-resources for the Library, Renovation of CCE Hall, Office Equipment, Renovation of selected Halls or Residence, Repairs at the College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resourses and Biosecurity (CoVAB) Building, ICT Equipment, Digitalisation of Financial Management, Extension of Street lighting and Automation of switching system, among other undertakings.

Mr. Evarist Bainomugisha highlights key issues from the approved FY 2025/2026 budget. Top Management Capacity Building Training for Makerere University aimed at building excellence in 21st Century University Leadership at Makerere through two objectives namely; Strategic Budget Mastery and Implementation Excellence, and Comprehensive Management Excellence and Skills Enhancement on 14th August 2025, Speke Resort Munyonyo, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Mr. Evarist Bainomugisha highlights key issues from the approved FY 2025/2026 budget.

Sharing Budget execution guidelines for the current financial year, the Deputy University Secretary, Mr. Simon Kizito outlined the need for Units to adhere to policy directives regarding; fiscal consolidation in terms of following workplans to the letter and ensuring timely collection of non-tax revenue (NTR) such as payment of tuition. Also emphasized was the need for units to honour timely payment of taxes and statutory deductions such as pay as you earn (PAYE), value-added tax (VAT) and withholding tax (WHT).

In line with administrative guidelines, Mr. Kizito urged colleges to ensure that their finance committees meet before any expenditure is approved. He equally urged units to avoid getting into situations that necessitate virement and change of workplans, noting that this was heavily discouraged by the line Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development.

Mr. Simon Kizito shares FY 2025/2026 Budget Execution Guidelines. Top Management Capacity Building Training for Makerere University aimed at building excellence in 21st Century University Leadership at Makerere through two objectives namely; Strategic Budget Mastery and Implementation Excellence, and Comprehensive Management Excellence and Skills Enhancement on 14th August 2025, Speke Resort Munyonyo, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Mr. Simon Kizito shares FY 2025/2026 Budget Execution Guidelines.

Handling the day’s final topic; focus on key budget outputs and reporting, the Acting Deputy Chief, Planning and Development, Mr. Emmanuel Kitamirike emphasized the need for units to quantify what they seek to achieve, the budgets required to achieve expected results, and at the end of the budgeting period, a report on what was done, and the reasons for variation of expected performance, if any. On how this can be achieved, Mr. Kitamirike proposed; the need for University Secretary’s Office to share copies of final approved planning, reporting and budget documents with the implementing units, as well as the need for unit heads to examine workplans and begin the reporting process early, and where necessary revise workplans for upcoming quarters.

Mr. Emmanuel Kitamirike tackles key budget outputs and reporting. Top Management Capacity Building Training for Makerere University aimed at building excellence in 21st Century University Leadership at Makerere through two objectives namely; Strategic Budget Mastery and Implementation Excellence, and Comprehensive Management Excellence and Skills Enhancement on 14th August 2025, Speke Resort Munyonyo, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Mr. Emmanuel Kitamirike tackles key budget outputs and reporting.

The highlight of the day’s sessions was an opportunity for Mrs. Lorna Magara to bask in the limelight as participants sung Happy Birthday to their Chairperson of Council. Council Member and Head of the Institute of Gender and Development Studies (IGDS), Prof. Sarah Ssali who moved a vote of thanks appreciated Mrs. Lorna Magara for choosing to spend a significant amount of time on her special day speaking to Principals and staff.

The final day of the training will cover Human Resource Matters, with special communication from the Chairperson Appointments Board, Mr. Edwin Karugire. Also set to be covered are the procurement function of public entities and key legal matters in university operations.

Mark Wamai

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Graduate Training Students Advised to Read the Graduate Handbook as a “Bible”

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Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi (Front Row Centre) with officials and some of the Postgraduate Students that attended the orientation on 11th August 2025. Orientation for Postgraduate students held at the Yusuf Lule Central Teaching Facility Auditorium on 11th August 2025, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

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.

Prof. Julius Kikooma. Orientation for Postgraduate students held at the Yusuf Lule Central Teaching Facility Auditorium on 11th August 2025, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Prof. Julius Kikooma.

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.

Prof. Robert Wamala (Standing) and Dr. Godfrey Kawooya Kubiriza (Seated). Orientation for Postgraduate students held at the Yusuf Lule Central Teaching Facility Auditorium on 11th August 2025, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Prof. Robert Wamala (Standing) and Dr. Godfrey Kawooya Kubiriza (Seated).

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.

Dr. Mike Barongo. Orientation for Postgraduate students held at the Yusuf Lule Central Teaching Facility Auditorium on 11th August 2025, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Dr. Mike Barongo.

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.

Dr. Kizito Ongaya. Orientation for Postgraduate students held at the Yusuf Lule Central Teaching Facility Auditorium on 11th August 2025, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Dr. Kizito Ongaya.

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.

Mr. Henry Nsubuga. Orientation for Postgraduate students held at the Yusuf Lule Central Teaching Facility Auditorium on 11th August 2025, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Mr. Henry Nsubuga.

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.

Ms. Diana Nabikolo (Left) with one of the College Safeguarding Champions. Orientation for Postgraduate students held at the Yusuf Lule Central Teaching Facility Auditorium on 11th August 2025, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Ms. Diana Nabikolo (Left) with one of the College Safeguarding Champions.

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.

Left to Right: Ms. Caroline Nannono Jjingo, Dr. Mike Barongo, Dr. Kizito Ongaya, Prof. Julius Kikooma, Dr. William Tayeebwa and Dr. Godfrey Kawooya Kubiriza respond to questions from Postgraduate Students. Orientation for Postgraduate students held at the Yusuf Lule Central Teaching Facility Auditorium on 11th August 2025, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Left to Right: Ms. Caroline Nannono Jjingo, Dr. Mike Barongo, Dr. Kizito Ongaya, Prof. Julius Kikooma, Dr. William Tayeebwa and Dr. Godfrey Kawooya Kubiriza respond to questions from Postgraduate Students.

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.

Eve Nakyanzi
Eve Nakyanzi

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Application for Change of Programmes/Subjects 2025/2026

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Mak Main Building

The Academic Registrar, Makerere University informs all intending applicants for Change of Programmes /Subjects for 2025/2026 Academic year that the deadline has been extended from Tuesday 12th August 2025 to Friday 15th August 2025.

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