Makerere University has today Monday, 15th January 2018 signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Kyungpook National University (KNU), Daegu, Korea to facilitate staff and student exchanges, research collaboration as well as coming up with joint education programmes in the field of Information Technology (IT). The Vice Chancellor-Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe signed the MoU on behalf of Makerere University, while the Vice Dean, School of Computer Science and Engineering-Prof. Soon Yong Park signed on behalf of KNU. The Principal College of Computing and Information Sciences (CoCIS)-Prof. Tonny Oyana and the Acting Director Legal Affairs-Mr. Goddy Muhumuza signed as witnesses.
Also present at the ceremony were the; First Secretary, Embassy of the Republic of Korea in Kampala-Mr. Yoon Jung Tae, Prof. Dongik Lee-KNU, Deputy Principal CoCIS-Dr. Agnes Rwashana Semwanga, Dr. George William Kiyingi, Dr. Gilbert Maiga, Dr. Evelyn Kigozi, Dr. Engineer Bainomugisha and Mr. Francis Ekwaro.
Making the introductory remarks, Prof. Tonny Oyana welcomed the delegation from KNU and thanked them for the preparations leading up to the signing ceremony. He shared that research at CoCIS is conducted in key areas of excellence namely: artificial intelligence and data science; software systems; networked systems and systems security; impact of digital technology on records management in libraries, museums, and archives; and learning, policy, and information-seeking behavior in health, agriculture, and finance.
Giving a background to the MoU, Dr. Gilbert Maiga paid tribute to Dr. Constant Okello-Obura, the former Principal CoCIS and Dr. Evelyn Kigozi for making initial contact with KNU and proposing areas of collaboration that eventually formed the terms of the agreement.
Speaking on behalf of KNU, Prof. Soon Yong Park said that it was a great honour for his delegation to visit Makerere University and sign the MoU. He shared that KNU’s strength in the field of IT-related research attracts a lot of funding from both the South Korean Government and leading corporate firms.
“KNU is strong in research and development in the fields of sensors and semiconductors where we have a cooperation with Samsung. A lot of our staff focus their research in these areas as well as mobile communication technology. This MoU therefore presents a great opportunity for KNU and Makerere University to work together in the fields of both hardware and software,” said Prof. Soon Yong Park.
In his remarks, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe thanked Prof. Park and Prof. Lee for travelling all the way from South Korea to sign the MoU. He paid special tribute to Mr. Yoon Jung Tae for sparing time to attend the MoU signing ceremony. “Your presence here today shows the importance that the Embassy of the Republic Korea in Kampala places on academic collaboration and research.”
Prof. Nawangwe noted that whereas the GDP of both Uganda and South Korea were considered low in the early 1960s, South Korea initiated a number of unique measures that saw its economy transform rapidly. He therefore hoped that through the MoU, Makerere would learn some of those unique initiatives and contribute to propelling Uganda’s economic growth back to double digits.
“Uganda is experiencing both economic and population growth, with the latter outstretching the former. As a University we want to learn from the Korean people and through this collaboration, we should be able to enable our country’s economy to grow much faster. We hope that the Embassy in Kampala will continue being our link to Universities in South Korea.”
The Vice Chancellor further stated that CoCIS is home to the leading School of Computing in Africa with a number of cutting-edge research projects being conducted by the faculty. “We are confident that our collaboration with Kyungpook National University will take our research to the next level, As the University Management, we shall do all that is possible to ensure that this collaboration succeeds,” he reassured.
Following a brief interval during which the MoU was signed and souvenirs were exchanged between the Vice Chancellor and South Korean delegation, the first secretary thanked Prof. Nawangwe for his kind remarks and expressed his pleasure at witnessing the MoU signing. He shared that in the early 1960s, the South Korean Government embarked on an ambitious project to develop her academia. “This they did by sending citizens to study in the leading universities all over the world” explained Mr. Yoon Jung Tae.
He noted that South Korea and Uganda had previously collaborated in the field of agriculture, which was greatly aided by research. He noted that academic collaboration is very important to his Government and the MoU signing had marked a historic moment for both South Korea and Uganda as their Universities embarked on collaboration in IT. He hoped that the progress made in the bilateral collaboration in agriculture would also be experienced in the field of IT.
The Academic Registrar, Makerere University invites persons with disability who applied for admission to public universities under the disability entry scheme for 2026/2027 Academic Year to appear for medical/review exercise at Makerere University, Senate Building, Level Four Conference Hall.
NOTE: Only those who have the minimum entry requirements of at least two principal passes at A’ Level or its equivalent and at least five (5) passes at O’ Level or its equivalent will be interviewed.
Only candidates who sat ‘A’ level in 2025, 2024 and 2023 are eligible for admission.
THE EXERCISE WILL BE CONDUCTED ON 18th, 19th, 20th, 21st and 22nd May, 2026 respectively from 9.00 A.M – 1.00 P.M each day.
In this exclusive quick chat, we spoke to the 91st Guild President, Ssentamu Churchill James, a third-year student pursuing a Bachelor of Social Sciences. He shares insights into his leadership journey, key achievements, challenges, and his vision for the student community.
What inspired you to run for Guild President?
My background and personal leadership journey played a big role. Growing up, I saw my father and uncle actively involved in politics, which shaped my interest in leadership.
I also held leadership roles in high school—serving as Sports Minister at O-Level and later as Head Prefect at St. Juliana High School, Gayaza, during my A-Level. These experiences built my confidence and passion for representing others.
Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi with the H.E. Ssentamu, H.E. Kadondi, Dr. Winifred Kabumbuli and family members of the Guild Leadership.
Seeing former Guild President Vincent Lubega Nsamba win also motivated me. We come from the same high school, and I succeeded him as Head Prefect. That gave me the belief that I, too, could lead at that level.
What was your vision when you assumed office, and how much of it did you achieve?
My vision was to amplify students’ voices and ensure their needs were prioritized. While it wasn’t easy due to bureaucracy, we made progress.
We improved students’ social welfare by engaging management, which led to greater flexibility in organizing events like the Bazaar and Freshers’ Ball. We also addressed the issue of missing marks. Previously, it could take semesters to resolve, but now, through the Office of the Academic Registrar, such issues can be handled much faster.
What is your biggest achievement?
One of the biggest milestones was allowing students to sit for examinations after paying at least 60% of tuition. This has reduced the number of students dropping out due to financial constraints.
Left to Right: MD and CEO NEC-Lt. Gen. James Mugira conducts a symbolic handover of keys to the Vice Chancellor-Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe as 91st Guild President-H.E. Ssentamu Churchill James, Principal CEES and Ag. DVCFA-Prof. Anthony Muwagga Mugagga, Deputy University Secretary-Mr. Simon Kizito and Deputy Dean of Students-Dr. Rodney Rugyema witness on 25th July 2025.
We also saw the lifting of the ban on social events, which has gradually revived campus life. Additionally, leadership roles such as ministers and Guild Representative Councillors (GRCs) have become more functional, with clearer responsibilities and greater impact.
What key lessons have you learned?
One key lesson is the importance of daring to take action. Things may seem impossible, but once you step out and try, you realize they are achievable.
I also learned that leadership begins with influence. For example, when class representatives raised concerns about not being paid, I had to engage and influence them to understand the situation while working toward solutions.
Leadership also requires teamwork. You cannot lead alone—you need a support system. When you delegate, trust people and avoid micromanaging.
H.E. Ssentamu Churchill James and H.E. Kadondi Gracious welcome freshers in typical Makerere style.
Another lesson is the importance of effective communication with management. Building strong relationships increases your chances of influencing decisions.
On a personal level, I have learned discipline—keeping time, improving how I present myself, and becoming more mindful in how I engage with others.
What do you attribute your success to?
First and foremost, God, who gave me the wisdom and understanding to lead.
I also attribute it to the strong working relationships I built with University leadership, especially the Vice Chancellor and the Dean of Students. Without that collaboration, it would have been difficult to achieve much.
How did you balance academics and leadership?
It required intentional planning and prioritization. When meetings clashed with tests, I delegated to the Vice President or Prime Minister. This ensured continuity while giving them an opportunity to grow.
H.E. Churchill James Ssentamu alongside other Student Leaders hold the “Strides for Change” banner at Mary Stuart Hall. Courtesy Photo.
However, I made it a point to attend critical engagements, such as Council meetings, because I was entrusted with representing students’ voices. I was also selective about external engagements to remain focused on my academics.
What challenges did you encounter?
Managing high expectations from students was a major challenge. Even small delays could attract criticism. For example, when students’ upkeep delayed by a week, some assumed I was not advocating for them.
I learned to remain calm and not react emotionally, instead using feedback as motivation to improve.
Another challenge was handling sensitive cases, such as advocating for students who had been suspended. Even when I did not agree with their actions, it was my duty to seek fair consideration on their behalf.
Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, Mr. Ian King and H.E. Ssentamu Churchill James (Standing before Banners) are joined by officials in a group photo in the Daycare Centre, located on the Ground Floor of the Institute of Gender and Development Studies (IGDS) on 7th August 2025.
Was there a difficult decision you had to make?
Yes. Just a month into office, I made the decision to relieve a minister of their duties because they did not align with the cabinet’s vision and values. Leadership requires making tough decisions to maintain unity and integrity.
Is there anything you would have done differently?
I feel I could have engaged more with the administration. At times, I was occupied with activities outside the University, which limited my interaction with management. With more engagement, I believe I could have achieved even more.
What will you miss most?
I will not necessarily miss the office itself. Leadership is about service, and it is now time for others to take on that responsibility as I move on to the next chapter of my life.
H.E. Churchill James Ssentamu enjoys a light moment with officials as he endorses the dummy of the policy.
How would you like to be remembered?
As a selfless leader who went the extra mile to serve others and always put students’ interests first—even when it required personal sacrifice.
For instance, during the Freshers’ Ball, we wanted to host a musician whose fee was UGX 4 million, yet we only had UGX 2 million. I personally covered the balance to make it happen for the students.
At Makerere University, the future didn’t feel distant, it felt urgent, alive, and within reach.
For three days in March, the university’s grounds transformed into a vibrant meeting point of ambition and opportunity as students, graduates, and industry leaders converged for the 2026 Careers Fair. Lecture halls spilled into exhibition spaces, conversations replaced uncertainty, and for many students, career dreams began to take clearer shape.
A Question That Defined the Moment: Man or Machine?
The opening day set the tone with a bold theme;“Machine vs. Man”, placing artificial intelligence at the center of career conversations. Students listened, questioned, and reflected as leaders challenged them not to fear technology, but to harness it.
The message was clear: the future belongs to those who can adapt.
Chief Guest-Hon. Dr. Monica Musenero (5th L) with Prof. Moses Musinguzi (3rd L), Chair Organising Committee-Prof. Anthony Gidudu and other Speakers on Day 1 of the Makerere Careers Fair.
Speakers emphasized that while AI is reshaping industries, it is also creating new opportunities for innovation, entrepreneurship, and job creation. For many students in attendance, this was more than a discussion—it was a wake-up call to rethink their place in a rapidly evolving world.
Beyond Jobs: Unlocking Global Opportunities
If Day One provoked thought, Day Two opened doors.
The focus shifted to scholarships, fellowships, and international study opportunities, expanding students’ horizons beyond the immediate job market. Conversations moved from “What job can I get?” to “What possibilities exist for me globally?”
Mr. James Katumba (R) contributes to the panel discussion.
Students explored pathways into prestigious programmes, exchange opportunities, and further study options, discovering that their ambitions could stretch far beyond borders.
Where Potential Meets Purpose
By the final day, the Careers Fair had evolved into something deeper—a platform for connection.
Under the theme “Connecting Potential to Purpose,” industry leaders, employers, and development partners engaged directly with students, emphasizing collaboration as the key to career success.
Across Freedom Square and exhibition booths, students asked tough questions, shared ideas, and made meaningful connections. Employers, in turn, offered insights into the skills that matter most in today’s workplace—adaptability, creativity, and critical thinking.
Gorretti Byomire contributes to the panel discussion.
More than 50 organizations participated, turning the fair into a living ecosystem of mentorship, networking, and opportunity.
Stories That Defined the Experience
But beyond the panels and presentations, it was the human moments that stood out.
There was the student who, after a conversation with a recruiter, discovered a career path they had never considered. The group of finalists who used simple tools like mobile phones to create powerful messages about safety and inclusion, reminding everyone that innovation often begins with what is available.
And there were countless quiet exchanges, handshakes, questions, shared laughter—that carried the weight of possibility.
Students attending the career fair on day three at the Freedom Square.
A Bridge to the Future
What emerged from the three-day experience was not just a successful event, but a powerful reminder of the university’s role as a bridge, linking academic training to real-world demands.
The Careers Fair reaffirmed Makerere’s commitment to preparing students not just for employment, but for meaningful participation in shaping the future. It brought into focus a simple but profound truth: careers are not built in isolation—they are nurtured through connections, curiosity, and courage.
For many students who walked through the fair, the journey ahead no longer felt uncertain. It felt possible.