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Journalists trained on proper dissemination of information on Non-Communicable Diseases

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Acting Deputy Vice Chancellor (Finance and Administration)-Prof. William Bazeyo(Centre) speaking at the Training. On his left is the Chairperson Board of Trustees, SAIU-H.E. King Caesar Augustus Mulenga and the Principal, College of Health Sciences - Dr Charles Ibingira (R)

Over 30 journalists from both mainstream and online media have been urged to consider the urgency of public awareness on Non Communicable Diseases (NCDs). Convening at Sheraton Hotel, Kampala, on Monday 4th December 2017, journalists were called upon to take the initiative and save the community from the rapid growing burden of NCDs epidemic through their professional expertise.

“Through you, we can save the community. We therefore need your expertise as we dig deeper in this matter. I am aware of your positive reporting on HIV that was rated the best information mechanism in the whole world. With your experience in research, investigation, writing, interaction, and dissemination, you let the world understand what HIV was, it’s causes and how to prevent it. This is what we need at this moment. The community needs to know about NCDs and how they can be prevented. This is a matter of urgency so we need to collaborate,” said Prof. William Bazeyo-Acting Deputy Vice Chancellor (Finance and Administration), Makerere University.

Non-Communicable Diseases represent a growing burden of morbidity and mortality globally. NCDs are now included in the sustainable Development Goals with the aim to reduce by one third premature deaths due to NCDs. The World Health Organisation (WHO) projects that by 2025, 70% of all deaths in people less than 70 years of age will be due to NCDs and that 80% of these deaths will occur in Low and middle income countries. It is also estimated that 28 million people in low and middle income countries die each year from an NCD. In addition, Sub-Saharan Africa which includes 48 low and middle income countries is expected to have the world’s largest increase in the burden of NCD- related death over the next decade.

The NCD Media training is one of the pre-activities organised by Makerere University College of Health Sciences and St Augustine International University in preparation of the 1st International Non Communicable Diseases Symposium that will take place from 12th -15th February 2018 at Speke Resort Munyonyo.

Officially opened by Prof. William Bazeyo-the Acting Deputy Vice Chancellor for Finance and Administration, the media training aimed at providing journalists with a deeper understanding of Non-Communicable Diseases and to also encourage them to pay much attention to information received on the diseases when reporting.

Addressing journalists at Sheraton Hotel Kampala, Prof. Bazeyo urged journalists to always have a cross check the accuracy of facts and figures before publishing any information. In the same spirit, he advised researchers and concerned members to always avail information to the media in order to avoid dissemination of wrong information.

“We need to engage the media so that they fully understand the initiative, this will not only give us a positive and wider coverage of the matter, but also help the journalists understand the cause and report appropriately. Our cordial relationship with them will help us send the message to the last person in the community hence reaching the target we want. Let us actively engage them in this noble cause,” he said.

In Uganda, NCDs including injuries account for 40% of all deaths each year. In a presentation he made Dr. Bruce Kirega said that Uganda recorded an estimated 21,542 deaths from cancer and 4,690 deaths from diabetes in 2012 and 2016 respectively. Dr. Kirega also revealed that 1.3% of Ugandans are still battling with diabetes and Chronic respiratory diseases such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

“In addition to that, The Risk factor survey found out that about one in four adults (24.3%) had raised blood pressure or had been taking medication for raised blood pressure. Moreover majority of those with raised blood pressure (76.1%) were not aware of their condition and not taking any medicine,” he said.

He cautioned the public on the use of tobacco, excessive drinking of alcohol and being physically inactivity as the major risk factors for NCDs. “The rate at which Ugandans smoke and consume alcohol is alarming. This is a country where many Ugandans are physically inactive, and majority of them do not consume fruits and vegetables to recommended levels,” he mentioned.

Despite the evidence of a high burden of NCDs and their risk factors globally and in Uganda, the response to these diseases in Uganda is still minimal. According to the Principal of College of Health Sciences, Prof. Charles Ibingira, the minimal response to the NCDs by Ugandans has been due to low public awareness about the diseases, and weak health systems that are aligned to only communicable diseases and limited data to support the design of presentation and intervention.

“Many Ugandans have died due to lack of knowledge about the diseases. So many of them have gone to hospitals only to be diagnosed of cancer in its advanced stages. Another issues is that we have weak and poorly facilitated health centres with no screening equipment,” he said.

He encouraged the public to support the awareness drive that the College of Health Sciences together with St Augustine International University is organising to enable the society understand the preventative measures for Non-Communicable Diseases. The Principal urged the Government to support health centres with equipment and necessary facilitation in line with Non Communicable Disease prevention and awareness. He also encouraged people to go for screening so as to start treatment early in case they are found positive.

Reiterating the importance of research, the Chairman of St Augustine International University H.E King Caesar Augustus Mulenga, said that there is a need to invest in research on Non-Communicable Diseases. He therefore called upon the public to embrace the idea of establishing a research fund that will enable researchers to collect data aimed at finding lasting solutions on Non Communicable Diseases.

He advised all Ugandans to join the fight against Non Communicable Diseases when he said, “We should stop the habit of lamenting that it is always the Government that is supposed to work on each and very thing, we can also do something constructive. Through fundraising, we can be able to raise a good amount of money that can provide facilities in our health centres. Before you ask yourself what the country has done for you, ask yourself what you have done for your country.”

The 1st International Non Communicable Diseases Symposium will take place from 12th -15th February 2018 at Speke Resort Munyonyo.

Organised by Makerere University College of Health Sciences and St Augustine International University under a theme: “Building momentum to address the epidemic of Non-Communicable Diseases in Africa,” the symposium focuses on creating attention to the NCDs epidemic in Uganda and the region among general public, business community, researchers, clinicians, funders, and policy makers that will result into a formidable multi-disciplinary response to stop the epidemic. It also aims at creating networks and consortium that will generate data and design interventions for prevention, early detection and treatment of NCDs as well as creating national policies, frameworks and multi-disciplinary health systems to curb the ill health and early deaths from the Diseases.

The symposium will run with a series of activities that started with the media training. Other activities including screening in different places of the country. “We will have a screening activity going on at the College of Health Science, and Parliament of Uganda to screen the public and Members of Parliament, Ministers among others, this is one way of creating awareness as well as providing information about the Non-Communicable Diseases,” said the Dean School of Medicine, Makerere University.

Other activities that will be carried out ahead of the Symposium include the Fundraising Dinner that will be held on 12th December 2017, with the aim of supporting and raising money for the Research Fund. “St Augustine International University will pioneer the fundraising drive with 100 million. Let us learn how to support the noble cause,” said H.E King Caesar Augustus Mulenga.

Article by: Mak Public Relations Office

Elias Tuhereze

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Inter-college Debate 2025 Seeks to Nurture Confident, Articulate, and Visionary Leaders

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May 6, 2025

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Winners of the Inter-college debates Daphine Kemigisha and Jibiril Ssekandi (School of Law) pose for a photo with debaters and the GRCs of the Debate Union. Organised by the Makerere Debating Union – a student-led initiative, the Inter-college Debate Tournament was held on 11th and 12th April 2025 with a vision to leave no student behind by nurturing a community of confident, articulate, and visionary leaders who will drive positive change in society. Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

Organised by the Makerere Debating Union – a student-led initiative, the Inter-college Debate Tournament was held on 11th and 12th April 2025 with a vision to leave no student behind by nurturing a community of confident, articulate, and visionary leaders who will drive positive change in society. The tournament was held in three preliminary rounds, followed by semi-finals and a grand finale.

The first round covered democracy and youth participation in politics, while the second round covered inequality and wealth distribution, and the third, the ban on export of raw materials. The semi-final round debated apprenticeship for blue-collar jobs, while the grand finale debated national budget allocations for healthcare and education. In the spirit of inclusivity, all colleges, including the Jinja Campus participated in the tournament.

One of the preliminary rounds in session at Lumumba Hall. Organised by the Makerere Debating Union – a student-led initiative, the Inter-college Debate Tournament was held on 11th and 12th April 2025 with a vision to leave no student behind by nurturing a community of confident, articulate, and visionary leaders who will drive positive change in society. Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
One of the preliminary rounds in session at Lumumba Hall.

Commenting on the choice of topics, the organisers noted Makerere University as a bastion of academic excellence has a profound responsibility to cultivate the next generation of leaders who will shape the future of our nation. These leaders, they added, ought to be equipped with 21st century skills of self-expression, critical thinking, and problem-solving so as to navigate the complexities of an ever-evolving world.

On the whole, Makerere Inter-college Debates were conceived as a strategic initiative to foster a culture of intellectual curiosity, creativity, and innovation. The Debating Union aims to empower the future leaders by providing a platform for students to engage in respectful discourse, articulate their thoughts, as well as develop their critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

Daphine Kemigisha submitting at the debate grand finale. Organised by the Makerere Debating Union – a student-led initiative, the Inter-college Debate Tournament was held on 11th and 12th April 2025 with a vision to leave no student behind by nurturing a community of confident, articulate, and visionary leaders who will drive positive change in society. Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Daphine Kemigisha submitting at the debate grand finale.

Furthermore, the Debates serve as a platform for not only honing the intellectual prowess of students but also cultivating leadership skills, teamwork, and communication abilities that are essential for success in an increasingly complex and interconnected world. It is envisaged that this initiative will have a lasting impact on the lives of students, by exposing them to debates on topical issues that can shape the mindsets of transformative leaders our nation needs.

After a thrilling two days of debate, Daphine Kemigisha and Jibril Ssekandi from the School of Law (SoL) emerged as winners of the Makerere University Inter-college Debate Tournament 2025, while Olara Emmanuel George from the College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Biosecurity (CoVAB) was the Public Speech Champion, and Namujuzi Martha Mociita from the College of Business and Management Sciences (CoBAMS) was the Poetry Champion.

Debate Winners; Daphine Kemigisha (Right) and Jibril Sekandi (Left) from the School of Law (SoL). Organised by the Makerere Debating Union – a student-led initiative, the Inter-college Debate Tournament was held on 11th and 12th April 2025 with a vision to leave no student behind by nurturing a community of confident, articulate, and visionary leaders who will drive positive change in society. Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Debate Winners; Daphine Kemigisha (Right) and Jibril Sekandi (Left) from the School of Law (SoL).

The 2025 Tournament was organized by Mayanja Owen and Nkalubo Oprah – 91st Guild Representative Councils (GRCs) of the Debate Union, Akatwijuka Arthur – Chairperson Debate Union, and Debate Union Representatives from colleges. The Uganda National NGO Forum (UNNGOF) partnered with the Debate Union to deliver the 2025 edition.

Addressing students at the award ceremony, UNNGOF’s Mr. Derrick Baluuku encouraged the youth to step out of their comfort zones and think of solutions to inspire change in their communities.

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Accommodation during the Recess Term: 2024/2025

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May 5, 2025

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A section of the renovated Lumumba Hall. Date taken: 26th July 2024. Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

All Students
Makerere University

This is to inform you that the Recess Term for this Academic Year 2024/2025 will commence from 17th May to 26th July, 2025 and the following accommodation arrangements have been made for you.

  1. Male students from Livingstone Hall shall be accommodated at Mitchell Hall, while students from Nkrumah and Nsibirwa Halls of Residence shall be accommodated at University Hall.
  2. Female students shall be accommodated at Lumumba Hall.
  3. Students from the College of Health Sciences who were allocated accommodation space for the Academic Year 2025/2026 at Galloway House are expected to take it up at the
    start of recess while those from the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences with recess at Kabanyolo Agricultural site shall be accommodated at Kabanyolo Hostel.
  4. Private students who would like to reside in Halls of Residence are required to pay a fee
    of UGX176,500/=(one hundred seventy six thousand, five hundred shillings only) using a PRN to the bank for the ten-week duration upon confirming availability of space for accommodation.

By copy of this letter, all Wardens are requested to make the necessary arrangements to ensure a smooth transition.

Rodney Rugyema (PhD)
AG. DEAN OF STUDENTS

Makerere-Dean-of-Students-Accommodation-During-Recess-Term-2024-2025Download

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Mak Targets 30% Graduate Student Enrolment

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May 5, 2025

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By Moses Lutaaya

Prof. Mukadasi Buyinza –Ag. Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic Affairs) has challenged the academia and other professionals to focus their studies on original research that impacts communities and societies locally and globally.

“We want new things, if not new, it is a waste of resources. Be unique in your doctoral (PhD) thesis. Find solutions to societal and global challenges and problems.” Prof. Buyinza who is also the Academic Registrar said.

Prof. Buyinza said this, while giving his keynote address at the orientation program of PhD students for cohort two 2024/2025 at the Food Science Auditorium at Makerere University on Friday 2nd May 2025.

He challenged the students not to fear the new challenge ahead, encouraging them to always seek support. “Reach out to your supervisors and peers. Build formidable networks. Have a PhD group forum as this will enrich your learning and broaden your knowledge and skills.”, he said.

While taking on the tough journey of doctoral studies, Prof. Buyinza told the students to embrace a culture of curiosity, passion and analytical thinking that challenges and critics original thinking of other scholars.

He further encouraged the students to embrace open long-life learning as the academic world keeps evolving. He said, “To benefit from the PhD studies, be ready to continue learning and listen to the professional world so as to acquire a wealthy of experience.”

Prof. Mukadasi Buyinza(L) and Prof. Julius Kikooma

While pursuing their PhD studies, Prof. Buyinza told the students to balance their doctoral studies with work and life saying, “Take care of your physical and social being. Be resilient and patient to avoid mental breakdown.”

In a related development, the Makerere university librarian Dr. Ruth Nalumaga challenged the students to take advantage of the university library resources while pursuing their doctoral studies.

“The university library has all the books you need to read and pass. Let us utilize it to its full potential. All libraries are always open to all of you.” She added.

The orientation program organised by the Directorate of Graduate Training is an initiative that opens a new academic chapter for all incoming PhD students, aimed at equipping the learners with the required tools of trade.

The Director Graduate Training (DGT) Prof. Julius Kikooma while addressing the incoming PhD students said that in the next five years, Makerere University has targeted achieving 30% of students enrolment on graduate training especially graduate studies. Its current enrolment is 19.4%.

 “Initially, we used to have one intake for PhD students a year, we now have two intakes. Our focus is to have over 30% of the university students pursuing doctoral degrees.” Prof. Kikooma said.

Some of the PhD Students in attendance

On admissions, Prof. Kikooma noted “Currently once admitted, you now become a full PhD student. In the old system, one would be admitted provisionally and would be required to take over 6 months doing a proposal with an assigned supervisor which would be admissible to the PhD program.”

To achieve the 30% enrolment of graduate students, Prof. Kikooma noted that the University had undertaken numerous policy changes to guide graduate research and more specifically doctoral research.

Amongst which, he highlighted a new University research agenda with 9 (nine) priority areas including working with key government departments and engaging in research that solves society challenges.

He noted that in a knowledge economy, transformation of societies and communities is vital, noting that this can only be achieved by increasing the number graduate students.

Under the orientation theme, “Defining tomorrow, supporting doctoral students and shaping the future”, Prof. Kikooma emphasised to the PhD students that PhD is a life changing journey, and it is a turning point for their career and personal growth.

He noted to the students that the Directorate of Graduate Training was ready to guide all of them throughout their entire PhD process, “You all have the potential and once registered, you will have the support of our experienced staff. Makerere University is happy to be part of your academic journey and believes this will be a rewarding experience.” Prof. Kikooma added. Makerere University, Uganda’s oldest and biggest education institution received over 534 PhD applications in different disciplines and only 171 students were admitted for cohort II of the Academic Year 2024/2025.

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