General
Dr. Lin Visits Mak, Seeks Institutional Collaboration
The former Chairman of the Uganda Taiwanese Chamber of Commerce, Dr. Jeff J.L. Lin and his wife Mrs. Mei Yvan have today Thursday, 5th October 2017 visited Makerere and tabled various opportunities of collaboration between the University and Taiwanese Institutions as well as the business community. They were met by the Principal, College of Business and Management Sciences-Assoc. Prof. Eria Hisali who stood in for the Vice Chancellor-Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, and the Acting Director of Legal Affairs-Mr. Goddy Muhumuza.
Welcoming Dr. Lin and his wife Mei, Assoc. Prof. Hisali shared a brief history of Makerere’s growth from a technical institution to the premier public university in the region that is ranked 4th on the African continent in terms of research and publications.
Dr. Lin appreciated Assoc. Prof. Hisali for according him audience and noted that although Taiwan had forged a number of relationships with institutions in North America and Europe, very little was known about other African institutions outside South Africa.
“Taiwanese Institutions are very good at the sciences especially medicine and biotechnology but are not very good when it comes to the social sciences and Internationalization. We know that Makerere is the leader in the region and we would therefore wish to explore opportunities of linking Taiwanese institutions to Makerere University especially in terms of staff and student exchanges” shared Dr. Lin.
Dr. Lin further noted that although the population of Taiwan is currently estimated at 27million and it is only a seventh of the land area of Uganda, thanks to technology, the nation grows enough food for both domestic consumption and export. “With the right partnerships, Uganda can benefit a lot from Taiwan in terms of technological transfer in agriculture” he added.
Complementing her husband’s contribution, Mrs. Mei Yvan who has taught on voluntary basis in Ugandan institutions noted that she regularly received requests for student exchanges from friends in the Taiwanese academia which she often turned down owing to the absence of formal collaborations with Ugandan institutions. She therefore expressed hope that Makerere University would consider drafting an agreement that facilitates staff, student, cultural and language exchanges between institutions in the two countries. “The language of instruction in Taiwan is English so Ugandan students will find it very easy to learn and excel” she added.
In his response Assoc. Prof. Eria Hisali thanked Dr. Lin and his wife for their visit, noting that it was timely. “Your visit is in line with Makerere University’s four strategic directions of: Administrative and Financial Restructuring and Sustainability; Institutional and Human Resource Development; Rebranding and Quality of service delivery; and Academic Reform.
“In addition to staff and student exchanges as well as research collaboration, Makerere is also seeking to develop her prime land off campus for example in Makindye, and also turn the Guest House into a three-star hotel. We therefore look forward to a broad-based partnership that can take into consideration all these prospects” said Assoc. Prof. Hisali.
Mr. Goddy Muhumuza then took this opportunity to extend a vote of thanks to Dr. Lin and his wife who accorded the Ugandan delegation VIP treatment during the 29th Summer Universiade “Collegiate Olympics” held in Taipei, Taiwan from 19th to 30th August 2017. As a way of formalizing the collaboration between institutions in the two countries, Mr. Muhumuza then agreed draft a Memorandum of Understanding that makes the most of Dr. Lin and his wife’s dedication to selfless service and appreciation of Makerere’s academic and business prospects. Dr. Lin and his wife Mei already hold several business interests in Kampala’s leisure and hospitality sector.
Article by Public 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.
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