General
MAK 83rd Students’ Guild equipped with knowledge and skills
The 83rd Makerere University Guild has acquired valuable knowledge and skills aimed at enhancing their leadership abilities and service delivery to students.
Officially opened by the Dean of Students, Mr. Cyriaco Kabagambe on Saturday 21st October 2017, the two day Student Leaders’ Induction and Training workshop highlighted the: Governance Structure of Makerere University, Prospects and opportunities of a student leader, Financing procedures and regulations in the University, Team Building, Leadership experiences, public speaking as well a presentation on effective public relations and communication.
Delivering a presentation titled, “Public Speaking-A skill for effective leadership,” on Sunday 22nd October 2017, Mr. Ronald Mayanja, the Chief Executive Officer of Ability Explored and an alumnus of Makerere University urged the participants comprising the Dean of Students, Deputy Dean of Students, Wardens of Halls of Residence, and student leaders to adopt public speaking as a great tool in executing their duties and responsibilities.
Student leaders at the University have been encouraged to take on several strategies which they should employ in order to be good public speakers who have the ability to arouse interest in their audience especially the fellow youths whom they serve.
Mr. Mayanja, who is also a motivational speaker advised student leaders to learn the push and pull aspect in order to persuade your audience, exercise optimism and confidence coupled with directing their attention and sight to their audience in order to defeat objections and criticisms, and to focus on their dressing code and appearance before the audience.
Mr. Mayanja finalized by asserting the leaders need to always use attention attracting stories, use gestures wisely to engage and captivate the audience.
Speaking at the same workshop, Ms. Ritah Namisango, the Senior Public Relations Officer of Makerere University emphasized the need for the student leaders and the entire students’ body to use the right Makerere University logos when executing official duties. She added that the leaders should take lead since they are the best ambassadors of the University.
“You are the right ambassadors to tell the good story of Makerere University. Communicate to fellow students and the public about the innovations and milestones in research in the different colleges. Even when we face challenges, always focus on what the University Administration is doing to solve the issues at hand,” Ms. Namisango noted.
Seeking the support of the student leaders in popularizing the policies at Makerere University and activities that help to promote the University, Ms. Namisango requested them to always work with the respective College Communication Officers.
She concluded by thanking the 83rd Students’ Guild for choosing to dialogue with the University Management to resolve some of the issues of concern raised by the students.
The Guild President, H.E Kato Paul advised his counterparts to be good listeners, analytical in order to avoid politicizing Makerere University matters, and to always be professional when handling student oriented matters/issues of concern.
Closing the workshop, the Dean of Students commended the Vice Chancellor of Makerere University-Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe for supporting the Student leaders’ Induction and Training workshop. He thanked the Wardens of the respective Halls of Residence for organising a successful workshop as well as the Student Leaders for actively participating in the workshop.
Written by: Student Volunteers- Marion Apio, Namagembe Eva, Ndyabawe Waswa Myres
Today, Monday 18th May 2026, most students will begin their End of Semester Two Examinations, and they have been encouraged to remain confident and calm during the examination season.
Data from the University Counselling and Guidance Centre shows that even the best-prepared students experience anxiety, pressure, fear of failure, sleep difficulties and emotional exhaustion during examinations.
Addressing students during a pre-examination mental health workshop organised by the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Makerere University on 15th May 2026, Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi, Academic Registrar, reminded students that their mental health is far more important than any grade.
“This workshop comes at the right time. I encourage all students to understand that your worth is not defined by a single examination or grade. Examinations are only one part of your educational journey. What matters equally is your ability to remain healthy, focused, ethical and hopeful throughout the process,” Prof Buyinza, said.
Prof. Buyinza shared practical tips to help students avoid fatigue and excessive stress during this period.
“Prepare a realistic reading timetable and avoid last-minute cramming. Take short breaks while studying to allow your mind to recover and improve concentration. Get adequate sleep and avoid excessive consumption of caffeine and energy drinks,” he noted.
During the session, he also encouraged students to engage in light physical activity, stretching or short walks to refresh their minds and reduce tension.
“Maintain a positive mindset and avoid comparing yourself excessively with others. Stay connected with supportive friends, family members, mentors or counsellors whenever you feel overwhelmed,” Prof. Buyinza advised.
He reaffirmed the University’s commitment to supporting students not only academically, but also in their mental and psychosocial wellbeing, encouraging learners to seek help from counsellors, lecturers, mentors, peers, family members and available support systems whenever necessary.
Speaking at the event, Ms. Prossy Nakayiki, the Deputy Academic Registrar in charge of Examinations and Transcripts warned students against examination malpractice and urged them to uphold academic integrity.
“Anxiety should never push anyone into examination malpractice, do not enter an examination room with a smart watch, phone or any hidden paper commonly known as bullets. Preparation, honesty, rest and self-belief remain the best approaches to success,” Ms. Nakayiki, said.
She also advised students who had not yet printed their examination cards to do so early, noting that delays at the last minute could cause unnecessary panic and disorganisation.
In her presentation about the reality of examination stress and coping strategies, Connie Evelyn Kharono, a Counselling Psychologist at the Counselling and Guidance Center, called upon students to adopt the 5, 4,3,2,1 Ground technique before an exam or intense study session.
The 5, 4,3,2,1 ground technique, is one of the easiest mindfulness strategies designed for managing stress and anxiety, as it can be done almost anywhere and at any time. You name 5 things you can see, 4 you can touch, 3 you can hear, 2 you can smell and 1 you can taste.
She advised students to focus on what they can control.
“You can control your study schedule, your sleep and how kindly you speak yourself. You cannot control the exact questions that will be on the paper, so channel your energy only into the preparations you can influence,” Ms Kharono, said.
Ms Kharono encouraged students to maintain a regular sleep schedule and ensure that they are eating balanced meals and staying hydrated.
Ms Christine Nimusiima, a senior Psycho-Social Officer at the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Makerere University, called upon the students to practise positive self-talk and maintain a healthy mindset.
“During this examination season, avoid comparing your revision progress or predicted grades with your peers. Your only competition is who you were yesterday. Take a deep breath, trust in the work you have done and remember that you have the resilience to succeed. Best of luck with your preparations,” Ms. Nimusiima said.
By Dr. Racheal Ddungu Mugabi
The Alliance for African Partnership, Africa Office, today received a delegation from the University of Bergen (UiB)’s Division of Research and Innovation. The visiting team comprised Kristin Svartveit, Vivil Valvik Haraldsen, and Emmanuel Ovon Babatunde.
The delegation was officially introduced by Prof. Sylvia Antonia Nakimera Nannyonga-Tamusuza, Head, Grants Administration and Management Support Unit (GAMSU), together with Dr. Ronald Semyalo (Makerere University coordinator for UiB)
The visit aimed to strengthen institutional collaboration and promote research excellence through international partnerships. The key objectives of the meeting included:
- UiB team sharing information and experiences on enhancing success in EU grant acquisition and management.
- UiB application support process for Postdoc fellowships at Bergen up to a period of 2 years
- AAP Africa Office providing insights into the AAP consortium programs and activities in order to foster collaboration between the AAP consortium and UiB.
The engagement provided an important platform for knowledge exchange, networking, and exploring opportunities for future collaborative research initiatives between Makerere University, the AAP consortium, and the University of Bergen.
The Author is the Director of the AAP Africa Office
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