General
Archbishop Rededicates Expanded St. Francis Chapel
On Sunday 9th July 2017, St. Francis faithful, invited guests and well-wishers assembled at Makerere University to praise, worship and thank the Almighty God for their newly refurbished and expanded sanctuary-the magnificent St. Francis Chapel. The Chapel’s capacity expanded from 450 to 1,350 seats per service.
Uplifted by the wonderful messages in the songs of praise, the congregation that filled both the St. Francis Chapel interior and gardens to capacity listened attentively to the Head-Laity Eng. Moses Kulabako who highlighted that the chapel extension project had lasted 14 months. The report on Chapel Finances, read by the Treasurer indicated that the total collections towards chapel expansion from 2012 to 30th June 2017 was UGX 2.315billion.
The Chaplain, St. Francis Chapel, Rev. Canon Amos Turyahabwe exalted the Almighty God for the ever growing congregation at St. Francis that resulted in the expansion of the chapel.
“For the past many months, the population has been growing, necessitating the introduction of three main English services at 7:00am, 9:00am and 11:00am and one special Lugbara service at 1:00pm. However despite this innovation the capacity of the Chapel was not sufficient to the extent that almost 50% of the congregation could either sit outside in the tent or under the mango tree and upstairs side aisles where they had no view of the existing chapel proceedings,” revealed the Chaplain.
The Archbishop of the Church of Uganda, The Most Rev. Stanley Ntagali congratulated St. Francis Community and Makerere University upon the successful completion of the Chapel extension project. He prayed to the heavens to bless St. Francis community, Chapel Council, Chaplain and the Makerere University family for generous contribution towards fulfilling God’s work.
“We are here today to celebrate the opening of this extended Chapel. Indeed, this is the day that that Lord has brought to us and we should be glad in it. As we rededicate this church, we need to thank Him for this far He has brought us. This has been greatly possible with your generous contributions. Those who will come after you will know that you did a great work,” he said.
Dedicating the expanded chapel to the Almighty God, Archbishop Ntagali said:
“Dear brothers and sisters in the Lord, now that we have completed building, let us dedicate this house and rejoice in its holy use, to the glory of God who has called us by grace, to the honour of Jesus Christ who loved us and gave up himself for us; and for the praise of the Holy Spirit who illuminates and sanctifies us…”
Archbishop Ntagali appealed to the St. Francis Community to always make good use of the facility, maintain its magnificent beauty and also remain supportive to the activities of the Church. He thanked Makerere University administration for supporting St. Francis and availing the Church with more space for expansion.
The Guest of Honour, Rt. Hon. Prof. Apolo Nsibambi who was represented by Prof. Edward Kirumira-Principal of the College of Humanities Social Sciences (CHUSS) re-echoed that he enjoyed the spiritual nourishment and grooming from St. Francis Chapel while a student and member of staff at Makerere University. He thanked the current and former chaplains and their pastoral teams for shaping university students into responsible citizens.
“It is now 56 years ago when I was here at St. Francis Chapel as a student, but also later as a professor of Makerere University. It was good for us because we would sit as a small number and listen to sermons, be mentored and prepared to be leaders of this nation. Now that the Chapel has been expanded to create more space, it is really great work worth celebrating since it will increase on the number of students who participate in church activities.” Prof. Nsibambi wrote.
He expressed his gratitude to the staff of Makerere University and the alumni who after their studies keep coming back to St. Francis as their church. He mentioned that it is their love and generous contributions that have given the Chaplain and the chapel council the morale to plan and be able to come up with structures such as the beautiful sanctuary that was being rededicated to God.
Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Finance and Administration) on behalf of the Vice Chancellor Prof. John Ddumba-Ssentamu congratulated the St. Francis Community upon the wonderful achievement. He thanked the community and well-wishers for their enormous contribution towards the Chapel extension project. Prof. Nawangwe-a professional architect by training, applauded the Chapel technical committee chaired by Eng. Paul Ekirikubinza for coming up with magnificent architectural designs.
At the same occasion, Prof. Nawangwe who is also the Vice Chancellor-Elect thanked the Members of St. Francis Chapel for praying for him to reach greater heights. He vowed to selflessly serve the community during his tenure as Vice Chancellor.
The Chapel rededication service was attended by members of clergy, former chaplains of St. Francis Chapel, Makerere University staff, members of St. Francis Community, Makerere University students, invited guests and well-wishers. The colourful service was regularly punctuated by songs of praise from a number of teams including the Children’s Choir.
Rev. Canon Amos Turyahabwe also saluted his predecessors for their vision in running the affairs and the programmes of St. Francis Chapel. “We would like to thank God for them and we pledge our commitment to continue on the firm foundation that they started so that we are able to have a sense of continuity as a body of Christ.”
Article by: Mak Public Relations Office
Makerere University has today Wednesday, 9th June 2025 officially unveiled NCBA Bank Uganda as the Platinum Sponsor of the Makerere University Endowment Fund (MakEF)’s flagship initiative – the Makerere University Marathon. Formerly known as a fun run, the initiative was rebranded on 27th March 2025 during the launch of its Fifth Edition. This year’s event, #MakRun2025, is slated for 17th August 2025 under the theme “Run the Hills for the Future”.
Addressing the Media at a press conference this afternoon, the MakEF Board Chairperson, Dr. Maggie Kigozi remarked, “We are deeply honoured and excited to unveil NCBA Bank Uganda as the Platinum Sponsor of #MakRun2025, with a landmark commitment of UGX 1.45 billion over the next five years.”
Dr. Kigozi further described the unveiling as “a strategic partnership built on shared values and a common vision for inclusive education and sustainable impact,” adding that it would “fast-track the establishment of a fully equipped Disability Support Unit for students living with disabilities, and to build a sustainable pool of funds to support Economically Disadvantaged Students.”
Appreciating the generous sponsorship, the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe acknowledged that NCBA Bank had not only made history as the biggest corporate sponsor of #MakRun to date but also aligned with Makerere’s vision to improve the quality of student life. “This is a powerful gesture of trust in our mission and a demonstration of deep corporate citizenship”, he added.
Prof. Nawangwe further thanked NCBA for recognizing that an investment in Makerere University is an indirect investment in the future of Uganda. “The Makerere Marathon is not just a race. It is a movement to establish a fully-fledged Disability Support Unit for students living with various forms of disabilities, and to build a sustainable fund for Economically Disadvantaged Students.”
The Vice Chancellor therefore rallied staff, students, alumni, partners and friends of Makerere to match NCBA’s generous support with vigour and commitment, so as to make #MakRun2025 the most impactful edition since its founding.
The Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Mark Muyobo thanked Makerere University for giving NCBA Bank Uganda the opportunity to play its part in “shaping Uganda’s future one student, one community, one strength at a time,” adding that #MakRun is a symbol of hope for students living with disabilities as it speaks to Makerere’s core values of inclusion, equity, and excellence.
On a rhythmical note, Mr. Muyobo remarked that the #MakRun2025 theme is “not just about finishing lines, it is about opening doors; giving opportunities to those who are disabled. It is about promoting active lifestyle.”
#MakRun2025 will for the first time feature a full 42.2km marathon race with international accreditation and professional timing along a dedicated traffic-free route.
“These are not just upgrades, these are bold steps towards building a world-class international marathon right here in Kampala. We are proud to be the wings at your back as you take this leap because when Makerere University, the beacon of higher learning in Uganda grows stronger, the ripple effects are felt across the region and across the continent” Mr. Muyobo affirmed.
To officially seal the deal, a Memorandum of Understanding was officially signed between Makerere University and NCBA Bank Uganda, and thereafter, a dummy cheque of UGX 1.45 billion was presented to Dr. Maggie Kigozi as the Vice Chancellor, Members of Management and NCBA staff witnessed.
General
Directorate of Graduate Training Empowers PhD Supervisors with Academic Supervision Training
By Moses Lutaaya
The Directorate of Graduate Training (DGT) in conjunction with CARTA’s Emerging and Re-emerging Infectious Diseases (TERID) Research Hub and the East– Spark Project completed a two days Doctoral (PhD) academic supervisors training under the theme: “Empowering Academic Supervision Training in Eastern Africa: Sparking Potential, Advancing Research, and Knowledge (EAST-SPARK).”
The training took place between 2nd and 3rd July 2025 at the College of Business and Management Sciences’ (COBAMS) School of Business conference hall.
In his opening remarks, the Director of Graduate Training Prof. Julius Kikooma challenged the team to set clear and manageable objectives for graduate students under their supervision so that they can complete their doctoral studies on time.:
“Set expectations at the beginning of the research journey of PhD students under your supervision. Resist working with students that are not objective. Set a time frame with in which the student is able to do their research so that they are able to finish their doctoral studies on time.”
He added, “The issue of supervising graduate research is very vital because there needs to be seamless progression of the graduate students.”
Prof. Kikooma further highlighted that the target in the strategic plan is to have 30% graduate students enrolled in the next five years. Currently, it is about 17%.
“We need to get everything right in this training. Our biggest issues are in the supervision process flow of the graduate students. Graduate supervisors need to listen to students and equally the students need to listen to the supervisors. The graduate supervision journey is simple with open communication and immediate feedback between the two parties.”
This will help us in creating a new breed of academia and researchers that Makerere university and the country as a whole need.”
Prof. Kikooma further added “Take the excellence you have to represent the university. Ensure you have all they policies on your fingertips so that you guide the students well.”
In his remarks, Prof. Ibrahim Okumu (representing the Principal, COBAMS) said that such a training was necessary and it was a right move towards standardization of doctoral training in the region.
“What does it take to standardize doctoral and graduate studies? We need to create unison in the region and learn by doing. Doctoral studies are vital and cannot be taken for granted. We need to continue creating critical thinkers ready to nature research programs. These trainings are enablers in this journey.”
He added, “Let us blend the old and young birds in this training so that we share knowledge and experience to nature and grow the dreams of the doctoral students. Nature the inner person, not imposing yourself on to the student. Enable them to open up while doing their research and they will have a good and seamless doctoral academic journey.”
Dr. Drago Kato Charles, a trainer and a senior Lecturer at the Department of Biomedical Laboratory Technology at CoVAB said, “These trainings are continuous professional development programs aimed at refreshing doctoral supervisors every now and then. They are vital and needed by the mixture of the young, intermediate and senior supervisors.”
He added, “These senior supervisors share knowledge and experience on what is going on in the world of education. The young come to learn from old supervisors. The goal is to increase completion and quality of the PhD output. In totality, such a training aims to improve quality and mentorship on how to facilitate and handle graduate student supervision.”
He added that the trainees were taking the obtained skills to their schools and colleges to produce more quality doctoral and graduate students which would lead to growth of economies since every country needs PhD researchers to drive economic transformation and policy developments as well as implementation.
Dr. Peter Ssenkusu, a senior lecturer in the Department of Foundations and Curriculum studies in the School of Education said, “The training modules are extensively researched. The areas covered are very pertinent for doctoral supervision.”
Dr. Stephen Ojiambo Wandera, a facilitator and a Senior Lecturer at the Department of Population Studies in the School of Statistics and Planning at COBAMS added, “The vision for Makerere University is to be a research led institution. To be research- led university, we need to promote graduate teaching and learning. To achieve this, graduate students need supervisors that are well trained and skilled. We will also continue to do retooling for experienced supervisors.”
Dr. Byaruhanga Micheal Bruce from the Department of Biochemistry and Tourism, a lecturer and a participant said, “Whoever thought about this training did something very important. I thought all I was doing in supervision was normal until this training came. I did not know that some issues I knew would let the students off the course while others would keep them on. I want to ensure that all I have learnt is put into action. The modules have been very enriching. We need more of such trainings, probably for more than two days.”
Dr. Tukae Mbegalo, a guest trainer from Mzumbe University in Tanzania said, “The training is very relevant considering the diversity of the participants which include the young and senior researchers because of sharing the experiences which include delays and the relationships between supervisors and supervisees.” He added, “As supervisors, our emphasis is on scientific writing which we should instill in the students. Scientific writing leads to consistency right from problem setting, objectives, methodology and aligning it to the results so that we improve the quality of the doctoral outputs.”
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