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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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Celebrating Women in Science at Makerere University

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A female student conducts an experiement in one of the Science Labs, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda

Today, on the International Day of Women and Girls in Science, we celebrate the incredible women scientists at Makerere University who are driving innovation, advancing research, and shaping the future of science in Uganda and beyond.

Your dedication, resilience, and groundbreaking contributions continue to inspire generations. As you break barriers and push the frontiers of knowledge, remember that your work is not only transforming communities but also paving the way for more young women to embrace science.

We honor your achievements and reaffirm our commitment to fostering an inclusive and supportive environment where women in science can thrive. Keep leading, innovating, and inspiring!

Happy International Day of Women and Girls in Science!

Mak Editor

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91st Electoral Commission Promises a free and fair Electoral Process

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By Nickson Maberi

The swearing-in-ceremony for the 91st Students’ Guild Electoral Commission was held on Friday 31st January 2025.  Mr. Joseph Murungi, a commissioner from the College of Health Sciences (CHS) was unanimously chosen as the chairperson of the commision.

Mr. Murungi thanked the good Lord and students for entrusting him with the position and promised to deliver a free and fair electoral process and head a commission that is impartial.

The Dean of Students, Dr. Winifred Kabumbuli urged the new commission to execute its duties in line with the Guild statute and Constitution.

“You must execute your duties in line with the Guild statute and Constitution, anything outside that is invalid. I wish you the best and I am looking forward to working with you,” she said.

Ms. Ruth Iteu, the Head of the Online voting team, urged the commission to avoid being caught on the wrong side of the law as it will lead to severe consequences.

Rev. Fr. Josephat Ddungu, the Chaplain of Makerere University St. Augustine Chapel said they will continue to pray for the commission to have a peaceful and successful.

“The Electoral Commission is a very important body and the success of the electoral process depends on you. Please concentrate on doing what is right before the Lord. As your spiritual leaders, our duty is to pray. We are therefore praying for you to have a peaceful and successful election,” he said.

Administrator who urged the commission to always do the right at the right time.

Mr.  Nickson Maberi encouraged the new commission to follow the law and avoid tarnishing the image of the university.

Mr. Joseph Murungi, Commissioner from the College of Health Sciences (CHS) swearing in as Chairperson of the Electoral Commission for the 91st Guild Elections.

“Makerere University elections attract national attention. Please follow the law and be people of integrity to avoid tarnishing the image of the university,” he guided.

Mr. Aston Tayebwa from the College of Natural Sciences was elected as the commission’s General Secretary while Ms Sharon Nyonyozi from the College of Humanities and Social Sciences was elected as the commission’s Vice Chairperson.

Other commissioners include: Mr. Ijoot William from the College of Engineering, Design, Art and Technology (CEDAT), Mr. Ntambi Moses from the College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Biosecurity (COVAB), Mr. Perez William Mwesigwa from the School of Law (SoL), Alyosius Mutagubya from the College of Computing and Information Science (CoCIS) and Mr. Mugisha Hamidu from the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES).

Mak Editor

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KobWeb: RENU’s Community Magazine – 2024 Edition

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Cover page of KobWeb: RENU's Community Magazine, 2024 Edition. Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

The Research and Education Network for Uganda (RENU) is a community-driven, non-profit organization with a major focus on nurturing collaboration among member institutions (i.e. research and education institutions), and global partners. Founded in 2006, RENU has grown from a small National Research and Education Network (NREN) that focused on just connectivity needs of universities and research organisations, to a fast-growing specialized ICT solutions provider for the entire Research and Education (R&E) community including schools, colleges, other tertiary institutions, hospitals, and their end users. RENU is located at House No. 31, The Edge, Makerere University and on Plot 6B, Mabua Road, Kololo, Kampala.

Highlights from the 2024 Edition featuring Makerere:

  • Universities Launch Global Coalition to Support Refugee Education at Scale
    • 16 universities from across the globe have come together to improve and increase access to higher education for refugees and their communities, where they reside. Universities based in Africa, Europe, and North America formed the Global University Academy (GUA) following a workshop hosted by the University of Oslo in June 2024.
    • The GUA is currently looking into the possibility to pilot the initiative in Uganda. Key partners in this work are Makerere University and Gulu University, who are already actively engaged in providing access to higher education for refugees, and the Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) Uganda.
  • Advancing Child Welfare The AfriChild Centre’s Inter-University Programme
    • The Inter-University Programme, spearheaded by the Centre of Excellence for the Study of the African Child (AfriChild Centre), is a landmark initiative focused on equipping researchers with the essential skills needed to conduct high-quality child-focused research. The success of the Inter-University Programme is built on the strong partnerships the AfriChild Centre has established with universities including Makerere University.
  • Liberate your Mind from the Present and Dream Big to Provide Meaningful ICT Solutions for Research and Education!
    • At the 2024 RENU ICT Directors Forum, Dr. Francis F. “Tusu” Tusubira, the Chief Guest, delivered an electrifying address urging ICT leaders to dream beyond the present and shape the future of research and education. Reflecting on his time at Makerere University, he shared his philosophy of granting autonomy to team members and supporting them unconditionally. “Allow your team to make decisions and mistakes, especially in the current environment, which presents opportunities for learning. Protect them when they make mistakes. Once you do this, your team will build your dream.”
  • Advancing Open Science and Open Access in Africa, with a Focus on Uganda
    • Open Science and Open Access have emerged as transformative movements in the global academic and research community. Their principles—sharing knowledge freely, fostering collaboration, and driving practical solutions to societal challenges—are especially resonant in Africa, where equitable access to resources and innovative solutions are essential for sustainable development. Institutions like Makerere University are driving Open Science efforts by encouraging researchers to adopt open frameworks.

Visit RENU to download full edition

Mark Wamai

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