General
Chairperson of Council inaugurates MAK Students Disciplinary Committee
In line with the Makerere University Students Regulations 2015 (The Uganda Gazette No.39, Volume CV111, and dated 16th July 2015), Makerere University has established a Student’s Disciplinary Committee.
Inaugurated by the Chairperson of Council, Eng. Dr. Charles Wana-Etyem on Wednesday 1st November 2017, the Makerere University Students Disciplinary Committee will be headed by Mr. Ngabirano Precious a former Chief Magistrate and a Senior practicing advocate at Pearl Advocates and Solicitors.
Other members of the Makerere University Students Disciplinary Committee appointed by the University Council include; Dr. Rose Nakayi, Dr. Umar Kakumba, Mr. Ahmed Ssentongo, Ms. Carolyne Nabaasa and Mrs. Prossy Katongole Kyazze.
According to the Acting Director of Legal Affairs, Makerere University Mr. Goddy Muhumuza, the committee is set to;
- To handle disciplinary cases directly brought to it;
- To handle cases referred to it by Hall Disciplinary Committee;
- To handle appeals from parties dissatisfied with the ruling by the Hall Disciplinary Committee; and
- Any other functions assigned by the University Council.
“The Dean of Students may refer a case of breach of the University Regulations to the University Students Disciplinary Committee directly without the same having been brought before the Hall Disciplinary Committee,” said Mr. Muhumuza.
The University Students Disciplinary Committee has powers to do any/ or several of the following:
- Uphold the decision made by the Hall Disciplinary Committee;
- Dismiss the case against the student;
- Reprimand the student;
- Demand an apology from the student;
- Ask the student to pay for the cost or part of the cost of damaged or lost University property;
- Ask the student to be a non-resident;
- Remove or recommend removal of the student leader from office;
- Suspend the student for a specified time;
- Recommend to the University Council that the student be dismissed;
- Suspend the student for a specified period of time not exceeding four months pending approval of the recommendation to Council that the student be dismissed; and
- Any other punishment that the Committee may deem to be appropriate.
The Committee’s decision shall be communicated to the student in writing within seven days of the day of conclusion of the hearing.
During the inauguration ceremony in the Makerere University Main Building Senior Common Room, the Chairperson of Council thanked the Committee Chairperson and his entire team for voluntarily accepting to take up the role to ensure that the University is safe and free from hooliganism and any other unnecessary behaviour.
He asked the Committee to be very firm but also fair when handling students’ matters. “We expect to give a fair hearing to each person coming to the committee. There is also room for appeal in case you feel dissatisfied with the committee’s ruling,” he said.
He thanked the Management and the entire University community for putting up a Committee whose background is governed by the law to ensure that peace, discipline and good conduct is reinstated at Makerere University.
He however, appealed to the University Management to always engage students in decision making and also leave room for the students to reach out to them. The Chairperson of Council also appealed to the students to focus on their studies and other constructive activities to create a better and admirable future. He encouraged them to use the social media and the technologies to reach out to fellow students positively as they build the University’s image and brand.
“We should know that whatever we are dong either builds the institution’s profile or tarnishes its image, I therefore call upon you to tell the University’s greatness in a positive way. Let us use the technologies constructively and seek pride from our own,” he explained.
Eng. Dr. Wana-Etyem highly encouraged the Guild Cabinet to use their offices in a rightful manner and work with the Committee to clean up the University. “We are not going to tolerate behaviour that creates problems to our people. You can strike if you feel your issues are not handled, but you should not be violent or infringe on other people’s rights. Those students engaging in such acts should be identified and be brought to book,” he vehemently said.
In his acceptance speech, the Chairperson of the Makerere University Students Disciplinary Committee Mr. Ngabirano Precious, proudly thanked the Makerere University community for entrusting his team with such a remarkable role. He vowed to take the responsibility seriously and fight against misconduct and hooliganism at Makerere University.
“We consider this as a great honour to be called back to serve our University. We are here to serve. I have taken note of the regulations providing the jurisdiction of this committee. We shall exercise our work judiciously in all fairness. We shall be fair to all parties through applying all the principles,” Mr. Ngabirano stated.
The Makerere University Vice chancellor Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe pledged to work hand in hand with the Committee to sieve out the few students who tarnish the institution’s image.“I have always told people that Makerere University is the top University. However, people have always wondered why Makerere University has failed to find a mechanism of sieving out the students tarnishing the image of the University. Here is the students Disciplinary Committee put in place to do that role,” said Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe.
The Dean of Students Mr. Cyriaco Kabagambe welcomed the Chairperson of the Committee and thanked the University Management and entire Makerere University Community for making it possible to have the committee put in place.
“On behalf of my team, I pledge to closely cooperate with the Committee and other organs of the University to create a difference in the way our students conduct themselves,” he mentioned.
Written by: Proscovia Nabatte, Communication Volunteer-MAK Public Relations Office
Makerere University has today Wednesday, 9th June 2025 officially unveiled NCBA Bank Uganda as the Platinum Sponsor of the Makerere University Endowment Fund (MakEF)’s flagship initiative – the Makerere University Marathon. Formerly known as a fun run, the initiative was rebranded on 27th March 2025 during the launch of its Fifth Edition. This year’s event, #MakRun2025, is slated for 17th August 2025 under the theme “Run the Hills for the Future”.
Addressing the Media at a press conference this afternoon, the MakEF Board Chairperson, Dr. Maggie Kigozi remarked, “We are deeply honoured and excited to unveil NCBA Bank Uganda as the Platinum Sponsor of #MakRun2025, with a landmark commitment of UGX 1.45 billion over the next five years.”
Dr. Kigozi further described the unveiling as “a strategic partnership built on shared values and a common vision for inclusive education and sustainable impact,” adding that it would “fast-track the establishment of a fully equipped Disability Support Unit for students living with disabilities, and to build a sustainable pool of funds to support Economically Disadvantaged Students.”
Appreciating the generous sponsorship, the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe acknowledged that NCBA Bank had not only made history as the biggest corporate sponsor of #MakRun to date but also aligned with Makerere’s vision to improve the quality of student life. “This is a powerful gesture of trust in our mission and a demonstration of deep corporate citizenship”, he added.
Prof. Nawangwe further thanked NCBA for recognizing that an investment in Makerere University is an indirect investment in the future of Uganda. “The Makerere Marathon is not just a race. It is a movement to establish a fully-fledged Disability Support Unit for students living with various forms of disabilities, and to build a sustainable fund for Economically Disadvantaged Students.”
The Vice Chancellor therefore rallied staff, students, alumni, partners and friends of Makerere to match NCBA’s generous support with vigour and commitment, so as to make #MakRun2025 the most impactful edition since its founding.
The Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Mark Muyobo thanked Makerere University for giving NCBA Bank Uganda the opportunity to play its part in “shaping Uganda’s future one student, one community, one strength at a time,” adding that #MakRun is a symbol of hope for students living with disabilities as it speaks to Makerere’s core values of inclusion, equity, and excellence.
On a rhythmical note, Mr. Muyobo remarked that the #MakRun2025 theme is “not just about finishing lines, it is about opening doors; giving opportunities to those who are disabled. It is about promoting active lifestyle.”
#MakRun2025 will for the first time feature a full 42.2km marathon race with international accreditation and professional timing along a dedicated traffic-free route.
“These are not just upgrades, these are bold steps towards building a world-class international marathon right here in Kampala. We are proud to be the wings at your back as you take this leap because when Makerere University, the beacon of higher learning in Uganda grows stronger, the ripple effects are felt across the region and across the continent” Mr. Muyobo affirmed.
To officially seal the deal, a Memorandum of Understanding was officially signed between Makerere University and NCBA Bank Uganda, and thereafter, a dummy cheque of UGX 1.45 billion was presented to Dr. Maggie Kigozi as the Vice Chancellor, Members of Management and NCBA staff witnessed.
General
Directorate of Graduate Training Empowers PhD Supervisors with Academic Supervision Training
By Moses Lutaaya
The Directorate of Graduate Training (DGT) in conjunction with CARTA’s Emerging and Re-emerging Infectious Diseases (TERID) Research Hub and the East– Spark Project completed a two days Doctoral (PhD) academic supervisors training under the theme: “Empowering Academic Supervision Training in Eastern Africa: Sparking Potential, Advancing Research, and Knowledge (EAST-SPARK).”
The training took place between 2nd and 3rd July 2025 at the College of Business and Management Sciences’ (COBAMS) School of Business conference hall.
In his opening remarks, the Director of Graduate Training Prof. Julius Kikooma challenged the team to set clear and manageable objectives for graduate students under their supervision so that they can complete their doctoral studies on time.:
“Set expectations at the beginning of the research journey of PhD students under your supervision. Resist working with students that are not objective. Set a time frame with in which the student is able to do their research so that they are able to finish their doctoral studies on time.”
He added, “The issue of supervising graduate research is very vital because there needs to be seamless progression of the graduate students.”
Prof. Kikooma further highlighted that the target in the strategic plan is to have 30% graduate students enrolled in the next five years. Currently, it is about 17%.
“We need to get everything right in this training. Our biggest issues are in the supervision process flow of the graduate students. Graduate supervisors need to listen to students and equally the students need to listen to the supervisors. The graduate supervision journey is simple with open communication and immediate feedback between the two parties.”
This will help us in creating a new breed of academia and researchers that Makerere university and the country as a whole need.”
Prof. Kikooma further added “Take the excellence you have to represent the university. Ensure you have all they policies on your fingertips so that you guide the students well.”
In his remarks, Prof. Ibrahim Okumu (representing the Principal, COBAMS) said that such a training was necessary and it was a right move towards standardization of doctoral training in the region.
“What does it take to standardize doctoral and graduate studies? We need to create unison in the region and learn by doing. Doctoral studies are vital and cannot be taken for granted. We need to continue creating critical thinkers ready to nature research programs. These trainings are enablers in this journey.”
He added, “Let us blend the old and young birds in this training so that we share knowledge and experience to nature and grow the dreams of the doctoral students. Nature the inner person, not imposing yourself on to the student. Enable them to open up while doing their research and they will have a good and seamless doctoral academic journey.”
Dr. Drago Kato Charles, a trainer and a senior Lecturer at the Department of Biomedical Laboratory Technology at CoVAB said, “These trainings are continuous professional development programs aimed at refreshing doctoral supervisors every now and then. They are vital and needed by the mixture of the young, intermediate and senior supervisors.”
He added, “These senior supervisors share knowledge and experience on what is going on in the world of education. The young come to learn from old supervisors. The goal is to increase completion and quality of the PhD output. In totality, such a training aims to improve quality and mentorship on how to facilitate and handle graduate student supervision.”
He added that the trainees were taking the obtained skills to their schools and colleges to produce more quality doctoral and graduate students which would lead to growth of economies since every country needs PhD researchers to drive economic transformation and policy developments as well as implementation.
Dr. Peter Ssenkusu, a senior lecturer in the Department of Foundations and Curriculum studies in the School of Education said, “The training modules are extensively researched. The areas covered are very pertinent for doctoral supervision.”
Dr. Stephen Ojiambo Wandera, a facilitator and a Senior Lecturer at the Department of Population Studies in the School of Statistics and Planning at COBAMS added, “The vision for Makerere University is to be a research led institution. To be research- led university, we need to promote graduate teaching and learning. To achieve this, graduate students need supervisors that are well trained and skilled. We will also continue to do retooling for experienced supervisors.”
Dr. Byaruhanga Micheal Bruce from the Department of Biochemistry and Tourism, a lecturer and a participant said, “Whoever thought about this training did something very important. I thought all I was doing in supervision was normal until this training came. I did not know that some issues I knew would let the students off the course while others would keep them on. I want to ensure that all I have learnt is put into action. The modules have been very enriching. We need more of such trainings, probably for more than two days.”
Dr. Tukae Mbegalo, a guest trainer from Mzumbe University in Tanzania said, “The training is very relevant considering the diversity of the participants which include the young and senior researchers because of sharing the experiences which include delays and the relationships between supervisors and supervisees.” He added, “As supervisors, our emphasis is on scientific writing which we should instill in the students. Scientific writing leads to consistency right from problem setting, objectives, methodology and aligning it to the results so that we improve the quality of the doctoral outputs.”
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