The Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) Uganda has recognized the best performing student in Bachelor of Commerce (Accounting Option) at Makerere University. The Chancellor together with the representative from ACCA presented the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants(ACCA) Award to Mr. Mwetware Crescent who scored a Cumulative Grade Point Average of 4.60 (First Class Honours) degree.
Dedicating the ceremony to the Almighty God, the Chaplain of Makerere University St. Francis Chapel Rev. Canon Onesmus Asiimwe glorified God for the gift of life, the gift of graduands, as well as the continuous growth and development of Makerere University. He appealed to the Almighty God to bless the graduands with employment, wisdom and a fruitful life.
The Chancellor congratulated the overjoyed graduands upon their academic achievement. He commended the graduands for the spirit of hard work, endurance and self-control and urged them to use the knowledge and skills acquired to contribute to the betterment of society.
Prof. Ezra Suruma commended the entrepreneurship spirit being championed by the staff and students in CoBAMS and called upon them to take lead in the creation of new enterprises, new financial institutions and services.
“Uganda needs more and better entrepreneurs and financial services. We need more private enterprises, more and better services, more capital and more credit. These are challenges as well as a great opportunities,” he said.
He applauded CoCIS for coming up with research projects in the areas of Epidemiology, Credit Risk Analysis, and GIS Modelling for Prevalence of Infectious Diseases. “I commend the college’s community outreach initiative in organizing the Get Connected Training that imparts ICT skills to P.7, S.4 and S.6 vacationers in the Makerere Community” added Prof. Suruma.
In the same spirit the Chancellor applauded CoVAB for its tremendous efforts in advancing science and technology. The college has worked tirelessly to transform the existing challenges in the animal resources world into economic and livelihood opportunities. Prof. Ezra Suruma congratulated the College upon developing anti-tick and east coast fever vaccines, and a diagnostic Kit for sleeping sickness as well as brucellosis. He also commended the college for establishing ultra-modern fish and animal feed factory that are all crucial for our animal industry.
“Currently, the Country is faced with the epidemic of ticks. There are also important concerns about biosafety and so I am glad that Makerere is graduating specialists in that field as well. The growth in non-communicable diseases such as cancer is a major concern and so we expect our scientists in the health sciences and veterinary medicine to confront these threats and provide solutions,” remarked the Chancellor.
In a special way he acknowledge the tremendous work done by CHS in producing medical professionals for the African Continent. To him, the continued leadership of CHS in the region has helped to keep Makerere University in the highest ranks.
“I can only encourage the College to continue doing what they do best to keep our citizens and humanity in better health.We need to increase public trust in our capacity to deliver health services. We need more trust which can only be achieved from better service experiences. We shall continue to pray for a revolution in the health sector,” the Chancellor remarked.
Amidst all the jubilation, the Vice Chancellor Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, encouraged graduands to think critically on how they can enter the world of self-employment. “You are going out to the world, which expects a lot from you. "We have trained you to be critical thinkers and not mere job seekers. Go out and create the jobs the Country is yearning for. With a degree from one of the best universities in the world, there is no reason for not succeeding,” he said.
“Your success is our pride. Avoid vain ambitions and keep away from corruption. Love and respect your parents and God will open doors for you. As you go through the gates of Makerere, hold your head high and always hold your alma mater in high esteem. And please, do not forget the gates of Makerere. God Bless You All!” concluded Prof. Nawangwe.
The Biomedical Engineering Unit, Department of Physiology at Makerere University College of Health Sciences (MakCHS), Uganda in conjunction with Case Western Reserve University, USA received a grant from the U.S. NIH – Fogarty International Center to train Ugandans in Biomedical Engineering (BME). This program’s main aim is to build capacity for medical technology innovation and develop human capacity interested in research in Biomedical Engineering.
As such, this program is currently soliciting for applications from suitably qualified Ugandans for Scholarships that will lead to the award of Engineering or closely related degree. MSc students from these programs at Makerere University are highly encouraged to apply: Technology Innovation and Industrial Development from College of Engineering, Design, Art and Technology (CEDAT), Computer Science (CoCIS) and Immunology and Clinical Microbiology, Masters of Health informatics, Master of Bioinformatics (CHS) but also open to closely related degrees. Funding for tuition, stipend and research costs will be available for a maximum of one academic year (Masters of Science).
A modest monthly stipend and reasonable research funds will be provided. Students are required to pick up to 2 topics those in the table (see downloads) indicating good reasons for the choice. The candidates should strictly limit their application to these preselected projects.
Selection Criteria:
Minimum qualifications: Applicants should have a bachelor’s degree in an in Engineering or Health-related field from a recognized university
Projects only limited to the preselected ones- the candidate will then develop a MSc concept/proposal based on these
Technology focus of biomaterials and drug delivery, point-of-care diagnostics, biomedical imaging, and data analytics and artificial intelligence.
Evidence of good performance in year one of MSc program is a requirement
Applicants should be ready and willing to undergo oral interviews
Submit only the following documents as a single PDF file to sightproject2022@gmail.com and indicate in the subject “Scholarship MSc Application 2025”.
The Program Director for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Makerere University, Prof Justine Namaalwa, has urged Scholars to uphold Makerere and Mastercard Foundation values during the holiday period.
Speaking at the family day event held on Monday, May 19, 2025 at the Rugby grounds at Makerere University, Prof Namaalwa emphasized the importance of integrity, responsibility and community engagement, encouraging Scholars to be ambassadors of positive change even while away from campus.
“As you return to your homes and countries, I encourage you to volunteer your time and data to support prospective applicants for the Mastercard Foundation Scholarship, as the application process is online. You will feel fulfilled when someone you supported earns the scholarship. Do not ask for a single coin just offer your help and proudly uphold the Makerere flag.” Prof. Namaalwa, noted.
Prof. Justine Namaalwa enjoys a fun moment with teams that took part in the sack race.
In her speech, Prof. Namaalwa also challenged Scholars to lead, serve, and uplift their communities, emphasizing the need to make transformational leadership a lived reality. She called upon Scholars to engage in community-based learning activities during the holiday period, initiatives that align with their academic programs or personal passions as a way of applying their knowledge and values in meaningful, practical ways.
“When you go back for the holidays, identify a problem in your community that relates to your degree program. It could be an issue like poor sanitation or low immunization rates among children under five. Document the problem and think critically about possible solutions bearing in mind that the issue you choose should inspire an academic research project, an entrepreneurial initiative, or a social venture idea.” Prof.Justine Namaalwa said.
Themed ‘Building and Strengthening Our Bonds’ the Family Day event brought together over 100 Scholars, mentors, and members of the Program Implementation Team of the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Makerere University. The day was marked by interactive games, storytelling, and meaningful engagement, all aimed at fostering connection, collaboration, and a strong sense of community within the Program.
Participants engage in aerobics.
The day kicked off with a lively aerobics session, setting an energetic tone for the activities ahead. Scholars then participated in a variety of fun and engaging activities including sack races, running competitions, and puzzle challenges. These activities fostered teamwork and excitement, with several Scholars and their family groups walking away with gifts and tokens of appreciation for their participation and enthusiasm.
During the event, Dr. Rodney Rugyema, the Acting Dean of Students, commended the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Makerere University for its impactful role in uplifting young people. He highlighted the value of initiatives such as counselling, mentorship, and entrepreneurship support, noting that these programs are instrumental in shaping well-rounded, empowered future leaders.
Dr. Rugyema also took the opportunity to counsel Scholars on responsibility and focus, urging them to avoid engaging in sexual relationships before completing their studies.
Dr. Rodney Rugyema.
“You left home to change home. Do not forget the goal. Be responsible. Avoid engaging in sexual activities that may lead to unintended responsibilities. During the holidays, learn a skill, be productive, or plant trees. Save the environment and be part of the change.”
In his remarks, Derrick Asiimwe, President of the Scholars Association at Makerere University, expressed heartfelt appreciation to the Program Implementation Team for their unwavering support. He thanked them for grooming Scholars into leaders, offering comfort during challenging times, and treating them with the care and concern of a parent. His words reflected the deep sense of gratitude and belonging felt by Scholars within the Program.
Derrick Asiimwe.
“It can’t go without mention that you have really loved and disciplined us. You are the true definition of Mathew 19:14 where Jesus said let the children come and not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to us,” Asiimwe, said. The vibrant day came to a close with members of the Shalom family emerging as overall winners, proudly walking away with the trophy a testament to their teamwork, spirit, and active participation throughout the event.
More highlights from the family day
Bottle filling was part of the fun and games.Female participants engage in one of the challenges.Scholars running during the fun and games.Mr. John Osuna (Centre) presents a gift to a participant. Scholars show off their certificates.
The Directorate of Graduate Training has equipped scholarly and communication skills to lecturers on facilitating PhD programs in different schools and colleges.
This was during a training dubbed “Training of Trainers” organized by Directorate of Graduate Training with funding support from the Consortium for Advanced Research Training in Africa (CARTA). The workshop, conducted in the training lab in the Main University Library, was spearheaded by facilitators from the School of Languages, Literature and Communication, where the course is housed.
Officiating at the training, the Director of Graduate Training at Makerere University, Prof. Julius Kikooma highlighted that the training aimed at strengthening and enhancing the capacity of schools and colleges in handling PhD studies.
“We select a few lecturers, comprehensively train them and we usually have them cascade the knowledge to other lecturers in the different schools and colleges.” Prof. Kikooma said.
Prof. Kikooma said the University had streamlined admissions into the PhD by research program at Makerere University. Presently, there are now two intakes per academic year, highlighting an increase in the number of applicants and admissions.
“Because of the increased number of applicants and admissions, the central management has put great emphasis on improving the environment for teaching, learning, and research for graduate students generally.” He said.
Prof. Kikooma said that in a bid to achieve a better learning environment, the Directorate of Graduate Training had spearheaded efforts to strengthen the capacity of staff in various schools to handle the PhD training.
The training that was supported by CARTA, Prof. Kikooma said “CARTA generally mobilizes resources to support researchers, especially graduate students, including Thesis completion, capacity building of researchers as well as support on actual PhD research.”
He added, “Makerere University prides in collaborations with partners that have resource mobilization power that is bigger than that of universities, saying, these support capacity building and competitive grants for Mak. The partners include the Council for Development of Social Science Research in Africa (CODESRIA) and CARNEGIE, based in New York.”
He however noted that the landscape for development partners continues to shift in terms of emphasis, this was not a sustainable way of supporting graduate training students and called for the need to work aggressively with government departments and agencies including the National Planning Authority to find more sustainable ways for addressing funding for graduate education in the country.
The trainers included Dr. Charles Kato – the Head of Department Biomedical Laboratory Technology and Molecular Biology- College of Veterinary Animal Resources and Biosecurity and Prof. Levis Mugumya, the Head of Department of Linguistics, English Language Studies and Communication Skills at School of Languages Literature & Communication.