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Mak-Freshers advised to develop a lifelong passion for learning

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Makerere University Academic Registrar Mr. Namoah Masikye has urged students to immensely engage in the university academic activities and develop life-long passion for learning in order to succeed in academics. This was during the Makerere University new Students’ Orientation that was held on Friday 18th August 2017 in Makerere University Freedom Square.

According to the Academic Registrar, developing a culture of studying, consultation as well as engaging in the academic activities of the university will not only enable the students achieve their academic goals but also provide a platform to attain good grades.Freshers listen attentively in one of the tents at the orientation held in Freedom Square

He warmly welcomed the students at Makerere University and encouraged them to maintain a self-disciplined character while at campus. The Academic Registrar mentioned the university commitment to help students create a positive university experience and he assured students of quality academic service deliverance with international standards.

“We are proud you chose to pursue your university education with us, and we are excited to help nurture your academic strengths, encourage your personal growth, and inspire your creativity. As students you are the cornerstone of our campus community and our partners in advancing Makerere University‘s stature as a preeminent world-class research driven university,” he remarked.

He encouraged students to always keep an open mind to the unique gifts, interests and needs of those with whom they interact with. According to him, such relationships build a stronger sense of community coupled with the richness that comes from learning in a diverse environment.

He urged students to always tap into the different opportunities offered by the institution when he said, “Makerere University provides a unique opportunity for you to develop a lifelong passion for learning. We hope you will contribute your time and talent by being involved in sports activities, community services, cultural and religious activities, and many other important activities.”

At the beginning of each academic year, Makerere University organizes a New Students Orientation Meeting which presents an opportunity to the University Administration to interact with new students. According to the Head Undergraduate Admissions Mr. Charles Ssentongo, during the orientation meeting students are given a comprehensive package that appeals to their academic and social wellbeing. The Management and staff interact with students in order to provide relevant information and knowledge crucial to students’ stay at the University.Guild Leadership led by H.E Paul Kato(holding a microphone) address the audience.

“The orientation also provides you with a chance to meet other incoming students. Helps you to meet new people, and to make new friends,” he said.

Leading the opening prayer Mr. Mubiru John-a student from the College of Education and External Studies dedicated the Orientation meeting for students of academic Year 2017/2018 to the Almighty God, prayed for wisdom and academic excellence during their stay at the University.

Representing the Dean of Students Mr. Cyriaco Kabagambe, the Deputy Dean of Students Mr. Stephen Kateega encouraged freshers to read, understand and strictly follow the rules and regulations governing the University.“We have rules and regulations you must observe. These regulations apply to all students of Makerere University,” he vividly said. He encouraged students to read the Makerere University Anti Sexual Harassment Policy. In addition the Deputy Dean of Students also encouraged students to register so that they can fully be recognized as Makerere University students.A student leader rally freshers for the forthcoming Mak Run 2018 slated for February 2018.

Emphasizing the need to register, the Director, Makerere University Hospital, Dr. Margret Wandera called upon the new students to register with Hospital in order to access health services. “Our responsibility is to see that students stay healthy while at the University. I therefore encourage you to report to the University Hospital for medical services,” said Dr. Wandera.

In the same spirit Dr. Ruth Nalumaga from Makerere University Library who represented Dr. Helen Byamugisha-the University Librarian called upon students to register with the Makerere University Library and the college Libraries.[L-R] Deputy Dean of Students Mr. Stephen Kateega, SP Jackson Mucunguzi - Chief Security Officer Makerere University and Dr. Ruth Nalumaga from Makerere University Library

Representing the Makerere University Bursar Mr. Augustine Tamale, the Manager Grants and Revenue Mrs. Jackie Keirungi Ayorekire sensitized students on the importance of timely payment of University dues, proper record keeping and advised them to keep all receipts for every payment they make at the university. She warned students on forgery, impersonation and falsification documents and said, “The University emphasizes zero tolerance to forgery and it is considered as a criminal matter.”

The Manager-Counselling and Guidance Centre, Makerere University, Mr. Henry Nsubuga encouraged students to fully utilize the counselling and guidance services provided at the centre to free their mind of any problems that will deter them from achieving their academic goals and objectives.

In the same spirit the Dr. Barbra Streets- a Fulbright Scholar attached to Makerere University Counseling and Guidance Centre reminded students of the importance of utilizing the counseling and guidance services saying that, “Counseling and Guidance provides a supportive environment towards career development, it helps in building ones emotion and improving relationships. Counseling and guidance also helps you renew, restore and revive who you already are,” she said.

Makerere University Senior Public Relations Officer, Ms. Ritah Namisango encouraged students to take a holistic approach to life. Speaking to the freshers in the Makerere University Freedom Square, the Senior Public Relations Officer encouraged students to balance academics with other aspects of life throughout the course of their stay.[L-R]  Manager Grants and Revenue Mrs. Jackie Keirungi Ayorekire, Ms Gloria Nakyeyune- Fund Administrator Mak Endowment Fund and Makerere University Senior Public Relations Officer, Ms. Ritah Namisango

“Learn to manage your time so that you are able to participate in University activities targeting students, the various sports disciplines, and community outreach activities. Furthermore, I encourage you to join students’ leadership at the School/college and Guild levels. I also appeal to you to continually harness the potential of the various networking opportunities that are freely available in the multidisciplinary multicultural Makerere Community.

On matters of security, the Chief Security Officer Makerere University , SP Jackson Mucunguzi warned freshers on conmen. Mucunguzi who has been at Makerere since 2005 cautioned female students who are likely to be lured into sexual activities over campus excitement.

Afande Mucunguzi advised students to report criminal cases and cooperate with the police officers in case of any information required. “Avoid fortune tellers and money lenders. Avoid keeping large sums of money and housing strangers in your places of residence. Report criminal cases to police officers and in case of any information required of you, be responsive,” he said.

On behalf of the 83rd Makerere University Guild, H.E Kato Paul- the Guild President welcomed the new students to the great and legendary Makerere University. He urged students to take their academic studies seriously and encouraged them to fully participate in the Guild activities. The Guild President also advised the students to always contact the Guild Office for guidance on different aspects including life at campus.

Author: Esther Joyce Nakibombo-Intern MakPublic Relations Office

Elias Tuhereze

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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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