General
Mak-Freshers advised to develop a lifelong passion for learning
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.
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.
“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.
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](http://news2.mak.ac.ug/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/inlineImages_dos-security-lib.jpg)
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](http://news2.mak.ac.ug/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/inlineImages_jakie-makrun-rita.jpg)
“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
Makerere University on Thursday 15th May, 2025 embarked on a two-day induction exercise spearheaded by the Directorate of Human Resources for newly appointed staff, whose tenures commenced in the 2024/2025 financial year. Held in the Senate Conference Hall, day one of the induction was presided over by the Acting (Ag.) Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic Affairs)-DVCAA, Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi, who represented the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe.
Warmly welcoming the new staff, Prof. Buyinza congratulated the ladies and gentlemen upon choosing Makerere University as the workplace for embarking on their next phase of professional growth, self-discovery, and personal development.
“You are joining a century-old institution with a distinguished history and a deeply rooted culture of academic excellence” Prof. Buyinza remarked. “For over 100 years, Makerere has nurtured the intellectual talents of young people and contributed meaningfully to the development of society across the globe,” he added.
The Ag. DVCAA nevertheless tipped that although the onboarding process might overwhelm staff with a lot of information, it is all meant to enable them better understand their roles, the benefits due them, and the unique opportunities that come with working in a world-class institution. Prof. Buyinza therefore encouraged new staff to contribute to the attainment of Makerere’s Mission, connect with the vibrant community they are now part of, enjoy the beautiful greenery the campus affords, and take advantage of professional development as well as well-being promoting programmes.
“At Makerere University, the well-being, safety, and professional growth of our staff are priorities. We are committed to walking this journey with you, and to building an institution that is not only a place of work but a place of inspiration and belonging” Prof. Buyinza reassured.
In his welcome remarks, the Chief Human Resources Officer, Mr. Deus Tayari Mujuni congratulated the new staff upon successfully completing the rigorous process the resulted into their respective appointments. He equally thanked the Vice Chancellor for endorsing the induction ceremony with not only budgetary support but also his representation.
Reiterating the need to appreciate the culture, politics and dynamics of the institution that they are now part of, Mr. Mujuni tasked new staff to take time and appreciate the University Vision, Mission and Objectives, and ensure that they adhere to them. He equally urged new staff to read and understand the various university policies and where in doubt, consult the relevant offices.
Ultimately, he urged staff in the fulfilment of their duties and responsibilities not to disregard their individual goals. “You have aspirations that you must achieve as an individual and I encourage you not to neglect them.”
The University Council as the supreme governing body of the university is also the policy making body, whose Appointments Board oversees the appointment, promotion, removal from service, and discipline of all university staff and officers. The representative of Staff with Disabilities on University Council, Mr. Amon Muteganda Kabahima who chaired the session on University Governance equally congratulated new staff.
“You underwent a tough process full of various competitive stages and we are sure that we have the right people for the various jobs” he commended.
Addressing aspects of University Governance and the key Offices, the University Secretary and Secretary to Council, Mr. Yusuf Kiranda guided that the policies and regulations that govern the institution are broad, numerous, and as such cannot adequately be covered over the two-day induction. He nevertheless encouraged staff to visit the University Policies website and appraise themselves with the details, not only for avoidance of breaching them but also building a culture voluntary compliance.
Mr. Kiranda equally encouraged staff not to ascribe importance and respect to colleagues based on rank and titles but seek to esteem each and every member of staff as an important and vital contributor to the fulfilment of the University’s Vision and Mission.
“We are all equally important in this university; the person whose services the university does not require, it does not hire. As long as you are here, you are required” he explained.
The University Secretary equally called upon staff to familiarize themselves with the law that establishes and governs public universities; the Universities and Other Tertiary Institutions Act (UOTIA). In his presentation, he singled out section twenty-four (24) that outlines the objectives of a public university in Uganda, as well as sections 30 to 32 that prescribe various offices’ responsibilities.
Mr. Kiranda equally encouraged staff to read the Human Resources Manual, Policy and Regulations against Sexual Harassment (PRASH), the Safeguarding Policy, among others. He concluded by reiterating the need for staff to read and appreciate the policies that directly address their welfare and steer clear of negative narratives and discourse, particularly those that seek to weaponize discourse. Other topics to be covered during the two-day induction include; the University Strategic Plan, Financing, Research-led Agenda, Institutional Communication and Public Relations and the Makerere University Retirement Benefits Scheme (MURBS). Topics to be covered on day two include; Legal Instruments, The Collegiate System, Human Resources Management and Functions, as well as Policies on Gender Equality and Sexual Harassment. Others include; Academic Issues, Quality Assurance, Procurement, Audit, and Library Resources.
-
General2 weeks agoAccommodation during the Recess Term: 2024/2025
-
General4 days agoPre-entry Exam Results for Bachelor of Laws 2025/2026
-
General1 week agoEnd of Semester Memo for Academic Year 2024/2025
-
General2 weeks agoMak Targets 30% Graduate Student Enrolment
-
Agriculture & Environment2 weeks agoCall For Submissions: 2025 Farmer Field Schools Innovation Award