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President Museveni Launches National Mindset Education Programme

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Over time, it has been realized that the citizens’ negative mindsets are some of the key national constraints to development and social transformation. Consequently, the Ministry of Education and Sports signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the International Youth Fellowship (IYF) to focus on creating a system which delivers a radiant mindset and competencies amongst the labor force, responsive to the demands of the country.

The duo, in conjunction with Makerere University, School of Psychology and the Ministry of ICT and National Guidance organized a four-day National Mindset Education Camp whose objective was to sensitize the youth, educators and other stake holders on the importance and necessity of Mindset Education in the Country. The camp taking place from 29th July to 1st August 2017 at Makerere University is in line with the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that was signed between IYF and the Ministry of Education and Sports in August 2016 to implement a Mind Education Programme in Uganda.Electrified dancers entertaining the guests in Freedom Square

Officiating at the camp on Sunday 30th July 2017, H.E Gen. Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, the President of the Republic of Uganda launched the Mindset Education Programme aimed at developing citizens with positive attitudes and correct mindsets for national development.

In a speech read by Hon. Beti Kamya, the Minister for Kampala Capital City and Metropolitan Affairs, President Museveni noted that there is need to change the pessimistic attitude that some Ugandan youth have towards life and encourage them to work hard for prosperity. Through Mindset Education, he believes this can be achieved.

“The mind dictates our actions, so when we have an education of the mind as well as a changed attitude, we control our actions. It is our hope that this Mind Education programme will create a strong mind in us to overcome the difficulties we encounter in our lives. This is because knowing that there are always solutions is motivating enough,” the President wrote.

The President mentioned that through the use of mind education, they will be able to promote leadership skills, reduce unemployment and moral deterioration levels and create a unified mindset. Through this, people will start appreciating resources and the current situations to effect change in the country. He said that that Uganda is a rich country whose development is greatly deterred by the negative attitudes of her citizens.Hon. Beti Kamya, the Minister for Kampala Capital City and Metropolitan Affairs

“Uganda is a rich country, but we are still behind because of the poor attitude and mindset to the critical elements that bring about development. Our country is endowed with a lot of resources, both human and physical; all we need is a change in attitude. We need a holistic character education that will bring a substantial advancement by a precise change in the mindset of our people,” H.E Museveni said.

He said that the Mindset Education Programme should awaken the youth and other Ugandans to realize their potential because their ability to be lazy or to work depends on what and how they think. He added that it should also enable them to have cautious mindsets, be properly informed and prepared to embrace the positive attitude about the vast resources in the country.

He thanked the International Youth Fellowship who have partnered with the Ministry of Education and Sports and Makerere University to initiate the action to address the attitude problem in the country, starting with the youth. He affirmed Government’s commitment to addressing the problem of poor attitude of the citizens in order to fix bad situations caused by poverty, ignorance and disease.Acting Vice Chancellor of Makerere University, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe represented the Vice Chancellor Prof John Ddumba-Ssentamu

The Acting Vice Chancellor of Makerere University, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe informed the participants that all the aspects the National Mind Education camp aspired to promote were in line with addressing youth mindsets and challenges responsive to national and global needs.

“The dynamic nature today calls for greater support to the young people. With the persisting challenge of youth unemployment, poverty and the rising culture of individualism, it is right that the mindset of the youth are recaptured and re-guided on the path of progress that values the concept of holistic existence,” Prof. Nawangwe noted.

Prof. Nawangwe advised that the young people, being the future of the nation, should be equipped with relevant knowledge and skills to enable them contribute to societal transformation and economic development. He said knowledge and skills alone without mental and spiritual preparation are not sufficient enough for meaningful progress.

Prof. Nawangwe who is also the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Finance and Administration) welcomed the partnership with IYF that puts emphasis on mind education, particularly influencing attitudes and perspectives. He commended the Ministry of Education and Sports for endorsing the Programme and IYF for choosing Makerere University to host the Camp.

Rev. Ock Soo Park, the founder of International Youth Fellowship said that the organization has changed a number of lives of young people globally through mindset education. It teaches the youth and their leaders about the world of hearts, self-control and having a bright and radiant mind.A section of the audience

He pledged to work hand in hand with the government of Uganda and the Ministry of Education and Sports to promote Mindset Education in the country.

Representing the Ministry of Education and Sports, Mr. Nsumba Lyazi, the Director for Basic and Secondary Education at the Ministry and Chairperson of the organizing committee for the camp disclosed that the available literature shows that for one to succeed in life there is need to have a positive mindset. This means having good habits and practices that give one a positive living. According to him, majority of the Ugandan youth are in schools today. If they are given the right education, they will be able to have a positive living and develop good behavior and practices that will enable them to live a better life.

”If the youth who constitute the biggest part of our population are well propelled with good behavior and practices, there is no doubt that our nation will prosper. That is the main reason why we are here in this camp. When you go back to your areas, be ambassadors of mindset education to ensure change and development in your societies and our nation,” he said to the participants.

The Mindset Education Camp runs for 3 nights and 4 days during the months of July and August. It consists of programmes and trainings directed towards enabling the youth overcome their challenges and get a positive mindset through various mind lectures. The participants of the 2017 National Mindset Education Camp participated in various programmes including self-control training, diverse cultural presentations and music performances.

Article by: Mak Public Relations Office

 

Elias Tuhereze

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Vice Chancellor Updates Media on Medical Drones, Road Safety Research & Various Issues

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Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi (Centre) with Dr. Andrew Kambugu (Left) and Dr. Fredrick Oporia (Right) at the Press Briefing on 29th May 2025. Press Conference featuring Infectious Diseases Institute—the IDI Medical Drone Programme and Kampala Status Summary 2023 on Road Safety Risk Factors, conducted under the Bloomberg Philanthropies Initiative for Global Road Safety. This collaborative effort between the Johns Hopkins International Injury Research Unit and our Trauma, Injury, and Disability Unit (TRIAD) Makerere University School of Public Health (MakSPH), Senior Common Room, Main Builing, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

The Acting Vice Chancellor, Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi on Thursday 29th May, 2025 held a press conference to update members of the Media on the Infectious Diseases Institute (IDI) Medical Drone Programme, and the Kampala Status Summary 2023 on Road Safety Risk Factors, conducted under the Bloomberg Philanthropies Initiative for Global Road Safety, a collaborative effort between the Johns Hopkins International Injury Research Unit and the Trauma, Injury, and Disability (TRIAD) Unit at Makerere University School of Public Health (MakSPH). Also presented were updates on; Digital Certification of Academic Transcripts, Digital Supervision of Graduate Students, Inclusive e-Learning and Smart Classrooms, and Launch of the Artificial Intelligence (AI) Laboratory at the College of Computing and Information Sciences (CoCIS).

The event held in the Senior Common Room, Main Building, was on behalf of the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe presided over by the Acting (Ag.) DVC AA and substantive Academic Registrar, Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi. Presentations were made by Executive Director of the Infectious Diseases Institute (IDI), Dr. Andrew Kambugu and Head of the Trauma, Injuries, and Disability (TRIAD) Unit, Dr. Fredrick Oporia. Dr. Jimmy Osuret and Dr. Esther Bayiga from TRIAD supplemented Dr. Oporia’s presentation. In attendance were; the Director for ICT Support (DICTS)-Mr. Samuel Mugabi, Deputy Chief – Public Relations-Ms. Betty Kyakuwa, Deputy Chief Security Officer-Mr. Musa Mulindwa and other university officials.

The proceedings of the Press Conference follow below;

Vice Chancellors’ Press Statement

Good morning colleagues, members of the press,

It is my pleasure to welcome you to this important media briefing, where we share compelling findings from two groundbreaking studies that reflect Makerere University‘s ongoing commitment to impactful research, innovation, and community transformation.

The first is a pioneering initiative led by the Infectious Diseases Institute—the IDI Medical Drone Programme. This project explores the use of drone technology to deliver lifesaving HIV medications and test samples to hard-to-reach populations, particularly in Kalangala District and the West Nile region. The study demonstrates how drones can overcome logistical barriers, reduce costs, and enhance access to critical healthcare in some of Uganda’s most underserved communities.

The second study is the Kampala Status Summary 2023 on Road Safety Risk Factors, conducted under the Bloomberg Philanthropies Initiative for Global Road Safety. This collaborative effort between the Johns Hopkins International Injury Research Unit and our Trauma, Injury, and Disability Unit here at Makerere University presents over two years of data on vehicle speed and helmet use in Kampala. It provides vital insights into the human behaviours and systemic gaps contributing to road traffic injuries and fatalities—particularly among vulnerable road users. The study also offers evidence-based recommendations for enforcement, planning, and public health messaging aimed at making Kampala’s roads safer for all.

We are proud to support this kind of research that not only advances knowledge but also drives tangible improvements in public health and safety.

Before I invite the researchers to present their findings, allow me to briefly highlight some transformative developments in the areas of academic registry and ICT advancement here at Makerere University:

  1. Digital Certification of Academic Transcripts:
    • Alumni can now certify their transcripts digitally through the Makerere Academic Records System (Mak-ARS https://makars.mak.ac.ug/), eliminating the need for physical visits. This user-friendly platform allows access from anywhere in the world, supported by comprehensive video tutorials and public communications.
  2. Digital Supervision of Graduate Students
    • We have introduced the Research Information Management System (Mak-RIMS), piloted at the College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, to streamline the supervision of Master’s and PhD research. This initiative enhances accountability, timely feedback, and is now being rolled out university-wide to improve graduation rates.
  3. Inclusive eLearning and Smart Classrooms
    • Through support from development partners and the Government of Uganda, we are establishing multimedia studios and smart classrooms across our colleges. These state-of-the-art facilities are designed to produce professional, accessible learning content, including tools tailored for students with visual and auditory disabilities. This aligns with our goal of equitable, globally competitive education.
  4. Launch of the AI Laboratory at CoCIS:
    • The newly launched Artificial Intelligence Laboratory will spearhead the development of AI-enabled solutions tailored to Uganda’s socio-economic needs, including localized assistive eLearning tools and context-sensitive curriculum development.

These initiatives are part of our broader vision to transform Makerere University into a research-led, inclusive, and globally relevant institution.

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Prof. Aina Visits Mak, Evaluates CECAP II Progress

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Prof. Omotade Akin Aina (Left) receives the Makerere Souvenir Book from Prof. Tonny Oyana as Prof. Julius Kikooma (2nd Right) and Mr. Charles Lwanga (Right) witness. Prof. Omotade Akin Aina-Carnegie Corporation of New York meeting to discuss progress of Consolidating Early Career Academics Programme (CECAP) phase II, which focuses on fostering academic development and research among early-career academics, 23rd May 2025, Main Building, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

The Senior Program Director, Higher Education and Research in Africa, International Program, Carnegie Corporation of New York, Prof. Omotade Akin Aina on 23rd May 2025 visited Makerere University during his short trip to Kampala. Prof. Aina was received on behalf of the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe by Prof. Tony Oyana, Principal of the College of Computing and Information Sciences (CoCIS).

During his visit, Prof. Aina met with the Project Implementation Committee, representatives from the Consolidating Early Career Academics Programme (CECAP) phase I Fellowship Cohort, and current Fellows of phase II. The meeting discussed the progress of CECAP II, which focuses on fostering academic development and research among early-career academics.

Left to Ritght: Dr. Jesca Nakavuma and Prof. Julius Kikooma alongside Prof. Omotade Akin Aina during the meeting. Prof. Omotade Akin Aina-Carnegie Corporation of New York meeting to discuss progress of Consolidating Early Career Academics Programme (CECAP) phase II, which focuses on fostering academic development and research among early-career academics, 23rd May 2025, Main Building, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Left to Ritght: Dr. Jesca Nakavuma and Prof. Julius Kikooma alongside Prof. Omotade Akin Aina during the meeting.

CECAP II is being implemented by Makerere University in collaboration with four other Ugandan public universities, including; Busitema University, Gulu University, Kyambogo University and Mbarara University of Science and Technology. Prof. Mukadasi Buyinza, the Project Principal Investigator was represented at the meeting by the Director of Graduate Training, Prof. Julius Kikooma.

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Directorate of Graduate Equips Schools and Colleges with Training in Philosophy of Methods

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By Moses Lutaaya

The Directorate of Graduate Training at Makerere University has equipped several Senior ranking lecturers with expert knowledge in a Training of Trainers’ workshop on “Philosophy of Methods”.

In his remarks at the opening of a 3-day training workshop at Level4 Conference Hall – Senate Building, the Director of Graduate Training Prof. Julius Kikooma said, “The teaching of Philosophy of Methods gives all participants the fundamentals to extend knowledge to other learners, hence its importance in upholding the Makerere University values.”

Kikooma urged and challenged the participants to also attend and actively participate in the follow up of learners’ training of students, stating that the PhD students need support as the directorate continues to coordinate the curriculum of PhD by-research that was approved by the senate recently.

“To holistically implement the senate approved PhD curriculum, we are coordinating capacity building trainings of all stake holders in a structured approach with the different units of the University. Many more trainings including Training of Trainers in advanced research methods course are on the way.”

He further urged the participants to be intentional in their teaching profession and in whatever they were doing, adding “Apart from focusing on practices as teachers and researchers, we can engage in wider philosophical debates in our research areas so that we are relevant in the society and in the empowerment of PhD research students.”

 The participants for the Philosophy of Methods training were from College of Humanities and Social Sciences, College of Education and External Studies, Makerere University Business School among others.

During the same training, Dr. Dickson Kanakulya stressed the need to train senior lecturers in the Philosophy of Methods, saying, “The biggest connection is that societal problems require concrete research to find solutions. Our challenge in Africa is that we employ a short barrow approach to find solutions to problems. This cannot work. We need consistent researchers to solve problems. Lasting solutions to societal issues can only be got through training such as Philosophy of Methods, where researchers come up with new models for societal solutions.”

Prof. Julius Kikooma pose for a photo with participants and facilitators.

Dr. Kanakulya said that Makerere University remains the biggest research University in Africa and philosophy of Methods helps to come up with good research tools that produce good research outputs. “Research has shown that the higher the number of PhD researchers in any given country, the higher the levels of development of that country e.g. the USA, China etc., adding that research is not limited to only medicinal or agricultural related issues.”

He said philosophy of methods, encourages philosophical creativity in research, “It is meant to bring out philosophical generation of concepts, theories and ideas. It is meant to encourage students to question the existing philosophical assumptions and status quo in a given field of knowledge such that new philosophical concepts are created.”

 For successful rollout of government programs like the National Development Plan 4, Dr. Kanakulya said that Philosophy of Methods training needs to be integrated into such systems. “Philosophy of Methods focuses on ethical thinking aspects. For example, for a better rollout of the Parish Development Model, we need implementers to be ethical.” He added.

 Prof. Sulait Tumwiine, the associate Dean of Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research at MUBS said, “This is a discussion where new ideas are shared to guide and gauge applicability in the current knowledge diversity coupled with lots of technological development including Artificial Intelligence and Chat GPT.”

He added, “As professors of Universities, we need to understand how we leverage on what comes up so that it does not take our space, but also appreciate how we can support growth of knowledge. The Philosophy of Methods training is the answer.”

 Dr. Jim Spire Ssentongo highlighted that Philosophy uses more of the critical mind than Science. He added that philosophy is more of speculation of the mind.

“Sustainability of philosophy Education encourages us to continue training. Philosophy being the oldest discipline retained special status in the academia as a pinnacle of pursuit of knowledge. All disciplines have major elements of philosophy citing examples in the philosophy of Mathematics and Physics.

Dr. Spire added, “If you do not understand philosophy, you cannot deeply investigate anything because philosophy is the reality of understanding everything. Philosophy is the basis of understanding what knowledge is and how it is arrived at.”

Also participating in the workshop was Prof. Joseph Ntaayi from MUBS, in his remarks he said PhD students need the philosophy of methods training to understand how to best to create knowledge. He added that ontological and epistemological questions that lead to good research design methods can only be answered by this training.

Dr. Robert Kakuru, a Lecturer in the College of Humanities and Social Sciences said that the Philosophy of Methods training is needed by every graduate student as well as supervisors to critically determine the choice of methods to use in academic research. For example, “If one wants to use a questionnaire as an interview approach, one should understand, why that approach and yet without this training, the why cannot be answered.” He added.

The Philosophy of Methods training was organized by Directorate of Graduate Training with funding support from the Consortium for Advanced Research Training in Africa (CARTA).

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