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New MUASA Chairperson Swears In: Emphasises Association’s Financial Sustainability
The newly elected Chairperson of Makerere University Academic Staff Association (MUASA) Dr. Deus Kamunyu Muhwezi has vowed to use his term of office to create a MUASA SACCO with the aim of strengthening the financial position of the Association. Speaking to the joyful audience at the swearing in ceremony held on 15th January 2018, Dr. Kamunyu said that the New MUASA Executive is committed to resource mobilisation and strengthening the financial position of the Association beyond the current income generating activities.
To achieve this, he pledged to institute processes and procedures that are guided by approved operating manuals with an improved outlook to governance as well as increased trust in the Association‘s ability to handle finances and guide investments.
“This SACCO will increase our social cohesion, empower us financially and increase our love for the Association. MUASA SACCO will not compete with any available saving options in the university as many may anticipate, it will instead expand saving opportunities for members but this time with clear social development objective and governance structure. The two years which we have started today seem few but will endeavour to lay a foundation for most viable projects,” he said.
Dr. Kamunyu envisions a meaningful and stronger MUASA that focuses on not only uniting but also positively changing the lives of its members beyond salary enhancement and harmonisation. According to Dr. Kamunyu, his team is also ready to work with the University Management to improve governance and promote compliance to policies and regulations.
“We want consistent improvement in ethical standards especially in the handling of financial, administrative and academic matters. We want transparency in staff development and promotions policy and procedures, college financial management and improved budgeting and compliance budgets. We will continue to call for action towards a pro service delivery procurement system and one that guarantees good value for money,” he said.
After serving as the Association’s Public Relations Officer for two years, Dr. Deus Kamunyu Muhwezi was on Monday 11th December 2017, elected as the new Chairperson of MUASA replacing Dr. Muhammad Kiggundu-Musoke; his term officially starting on 5th January 2018. He pointed to the past two years of serving MUASA as a period of learning to; serve people selflessly, take MUASA’s position seriously, listen to others carefully and be open minded.
“I therefore believe that my victory as the MUASA Chairperson was not out of persuasive campaign but out of the trust that MUASA fraternity have in me. Even when I know that the tasks ahead are many and yet with no straight forward methods of accomplishing them, I will be reminded of your resolute trust in my ability and push forward,” he remarked.
Dr. Kamunyu Muhwezi who was in the company of his beloved wife Mrs. Mariam Kamunyu and children Charles and Rebecca Kamunyu thanked the Almighty God and the MUASA fraternity for allowing him to serve the Association as the Chairperson. He also thanked the outgoing Chairperson Dr. Muhammad Kiggundu-Musoke and his Executive for steering the Association for the last five years. “Your leadership has brought various staff welfare achievements such as salary enhancement and health insurance. Together with my team, I promise to build on from where you have stopped. We hope that you will be available for consultation where need arises especially when we move to tap from your wealth of experience as MUASA leader” he said.
“I also thank the MUASA Electoral Commission for delivering a credible election. The election you organised has never been held in the history of MUASA. We are glad and honoured to have taken these respectable positions with undisputed mandate which we believe you made possible. We are partners in strengthening your mandate because we are aware that at some point, bad elections were threatening to undermine MUASA,” he added.
The swearing in ceremony was presided over by the Commissioner of Oaths His Worship Mr. Lawrence Tweyanze and witnessed by Jolly J. Sonko representing the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Public Service, the Representative from the Ministry of Educ ation and Sports, Makerere University Management and staff among others.
The Vice Chancellor Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe congratulated the new Executive and looked forward to their cooperation with the Management. He encouraged the team to consider looking for more aid and funds to boost the institution’s research.
“Research is one of the biggest pillars of Makerere University. This means that it needs to be heavily funded. We also have to enforce our policies that can keep the intuition’s research at the highest rank that is why I suggest that every PhD and Masters Student must begin to publish at least one publication before they finish. This is what the best universities do,” said the Vice Chancellor.
Prof. Nawangwe appreciated Dr. Kiggundu-Musoke and his Executive for employing diplomacy to win the negotiations on salary enhancement.
In the same spirit the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Finance and Administration) Prof. William Bazeyo thanked the outgoing Executive for the tireless efforts to defend the rights of teaching staff. Prof. Bazeyo congratulated the incoming Executive and urged them to be that strong bridge between MUASA and Management so as to foster positive change at Makerere University.
He challenged the MUASA Executive to explore the available opportunities within the university so as to improve their finances.
The outgoing Chairperson Dr. Muhammad Kiggundu-Musoke congratulated Dr. Deus Kamunyu Muhwezi and his team upon being elected as the new MUASA Executive. He advised the new leadership to always use the appropriate solution for the situation at hand for the good of the people. “Leadership is not about doing a lot of talking, writing, striking, dialoguing, tweeting, whatsapping and mailing. It is about appropriate judgement that suits an environment to deliver services that promote the good of the community,” said Dr. Kiggundu-Musoke.
He urged the new leadership to create a close working relationship with the Government of Uganda and always engage Management when finding solutions to issues concerning the University.
“Makerere University is a Public Institution that demands close working relationship with the Government. Therefore, take this as important because the Government has a great stake…. In addition Management should not be treated as enemies but as a team that requires effective engagement. Both Academic and Non-Academic staff are great stakeholders and also require maximum respect as you deliver your services. Students are indispensable and they are the reason we exist,” he said.
He thanked the University Management, Council and members of staff for the support they have rendered to his Executive during the five years of his service. In a special way, Dr. Kiggundu-Musoke thanked the Government of Uganda, specifically H.E. Yoweri Kaguta Museveni for his decision to enhance staff salaries.
“I thank the IGP Kale Kayihura for ensuring peace and stability at Makerere University and for his support that enabled us to meet the President on the salary issue. We thank the Ministry of Education and Sports for both moral and financial support towards our staff. I thank our fellow associations; Makerere University Administrative Staff Association, Non-Teaching Fraternity and NUEI for the generous support when we pushed the university and the Government to work on our demands,” he nostalgically said.
The newly elected MUASA Executive will be led by the Dr. Deus Kamunyu Muhwezi, the Chairperson and other remembers include:
• Assoc. Prof. Edward Nector Mwavu (Vice Chairman),
• Dr. Michael Walimbwa (General Secretary),
• Dr. Geoffrey Nuwagaba (Deputy General Secretary),
• Mr. Hussein Oria (Treasurer),
• Dr. Ronald Kakungulu-Mayambala (Academic & Research),
• Mr. Arthur Mugisha (Welfare),
• Mr. Allan Ochieng (Public & External Relations),
• Assoc. Prof. John Bosco Lamoris Okullo (CAES college representative),
• Mr. Milton Wabyona (CHUSS college representative),
• Dr. Anthony Tibaingana (CoBAMS college representative),
• Dr. Andrew Tamale (CoVAB college representative),
• Dr. Amin Kiggundu Tamale (CEDAT college representative),
• Dr. Erem Geoffrey (CHS college representative) and
• Mr. Mwanje Aloysius Desire (COCIS college representative).
Article by Public Relations Office
General
Makerere University Launches First Writing Summer School to Strengthen Professional Writing Skills.
KAMPALA, UGANDA, EAST AFRICA.
On Monday 6th, Makerere University has officially launched its inaugural writing summer school, a week long professional development program aimed at equipping students, graduates, researchers and staff with practical writing skills required for academic excellence and success in today’s competitive job market. The program jointly organized by the Makerere University Writing Centre and Makerere University Press (MakPress), reflects the University’s commitment to nurturing graduates with not only academic knowledge but also the communication skills needed to thrive professionally.
Held virtually, the launch attracted more than 280 participants from Makerere University and other higher education institutions, demonstrating the growing demand for structured writing support beyond the classroom.
Building the Next Generation of Writers.
Speaking at the launch, the Director of Makerere Writing Press, Prof. William Tayeebwa, said the summer school represents an important investment in developing writers before their work reaches publication.
“The press has traditionally focused on publishing books, journals and scholarly work. Today, we are expanding that mission by helping and develop the writers who will produce tomorrow’s publication.
He noted that MakPress continues to support the publication of books and scholarly works produced by members of the Makerere Community. Using recently published books authored by a member of staff and a student as examples, he encouraged participants to submit manuscripts for publishing support rather than relying solely on self publication.
Writing as a Foundation for Academic and Professional Success.
Chairperson of the Makerere University Writing Centre, Prof. Frederick Muyodi, said the center was established to strengthen the writing competences among students, researchers and university staff.
” The Writers Center is here to support every stage of the writing process from CVs and application letters to research manuscripts, grant proposals, reports and responsible use of Artificial Intelligence in writing.”
He explained that the Centre supports writing across multiple disciplines and professional contexts, adding that its long term vision is to extend writing support beyond Makerere University to institutions across Uganda and the East African region.
Equipping Graduates for the Labour Market.
Officially launching the summer school, the First Deputy Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, Prof. Sarah Ssali, described the initiative as a strategic investment in preparing graduates for an increasingly competitive labour market.
She observed that while universities successfully impart disciplinary knowledge, many graduates leave campus without the practical writing skills required to secure employment and other professional opportunities.
“We teach content very, but many students are never taught how to write an effective CV, application letter, motivation statement or scholarly essay. Yet these are the documents that often determine whether someone secures an opportunity.”
Prof. Ssali said the writing summer school would bridge the gap between classroom learning and professional practice by equipping participants with market ready communication skills.
Reaffirming her office’s commitment to the initiative, she added:
“My office is pleased to support this initiative as we institutionalize the Writing Summer School to ensure that Makerere graduates leave not only with degrees but also with practical competencies needed to thrive professionally,”
She officially declared the inaugural Writing Summer School open and expressed optimism that future editions would attract even more participants and resources.
Participants Gain Practical CV Writing Skills.
The first technical session was facilitated by Mr. Abdul Noor Luttamaguzi, a PhD student in the Department of Zoology, Entomology and Fisheries Sciences within the School of Bio sciences at Makerere University, a Senior Fisheries Officer with Luweero District Local Government, and the founder and director of the ANL Foundation, an organization that supports youth employment and capacity building.
During the session, he guided participants on developing competitive CVs tailored to specific professionals and employer expectations. He emphasized that applicants should customize their CVs to suit each opportunity instead of submitting the same document for every application. Participants also learned how effectively present their education, work experience, leadership roles technical competencies and professional achievements, while avoiding unnecessary personal information. Practical demonstrations using professional specific CVs provided participants with hands on examples of preparing competitive job application documents.
Looking Ahead.
The Writing Summer School continues throughout the week sessions on application letter writing, responsible use of artificial intelligence, professional communication and other essential writing skills aimed at improving academic productivity and employablity.
Through initiatives such as the Writing Summer School, Makerere University continues to strengthen its commitment to producing graduates who are not academically accomplished but also equipped with practical communication skills that enable them to compete and lead in today’s global workplace.
General
Makerere Launches Strategic Plan 2025-2030 to Drive Research, Innovation and National Development.
Kampala, Uganda East Africa.
Makerere University has officially launched its Strategic Plan 2025-2030, reaffirming its commitment to advancing research, innovation, academic excellence and human capital development in support of Uganda’s national transformation agenda.
The Strategic Plan, unveiled by the Minister of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, Hon. Henry Musasizi, provides a road map for strengthening the University’s contribution to Uganda’s Tenfold Growth Strategy through research, innovation, entrepreneurship and the production of highly skilled graduates.
The launch, held at the University’s Main Hall, brought together government officials, members of the University Council, management, development partners, staff and students to witness what leaders described as the beginning of Makerere University’s next phase of institutional transformation.
Positioning Makerere for National Transformation.
Delivering his remarks, Vice Chancellor Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe said the Strategic Plan reflects Makerere University’s ambition to become an even stronger research led institution that responds directly to Uganda’s development priorities.
He noted that the University intends to restore student enrollment to pre COVID levels while significantly increasing postgraduate training to produce more researchers, innovators and professionals capable of addressing national challenges.
Prof. Nawangwe also highlighted the University’s growing research portfolio, commending researchers and research centers that continue to attract substantial international funding.
“when you combine the grants won by all our researchers through competitive international funding, the total exceeds US$200 million,” He said.
The Vice Chancellor also pointed to the need to strengthen the University’s academic workforce, noting that although progress has been made, more investment is required to fill approved academic positions, particularly at professor and associate professor levels.
Strategic Plan Sets Ambitious Institutional Targets.
Chairperson of the University Council, Dr. Lorna Magara, described the Strategic Plan as more than an institutional document, calling it “a public covenant with the people of Uganda.”
She said the Plan outlines measurable commitments that will guide the University’s performance over the next five years, including expanding postgraduate enrolment, increasing STEM participation, improving doctoral completion rates and strengthening research productivity.
“Ambition is precisely what this moment demands. A strategic plan is not measured by the elegance of its language, but by the lives it transforms,” she said.
Dr. Magara emphasized that every investment in Makerere University should translate into tangible benefits for society through research, innovation, leadership and skilled graduates.
She also called for reforms to Uganda’s Universities and Other Tertiary Institutions Act to strengthen university governance and create an enabling environment for innovation and knowledge production.
Government Reaffirms Support.
Launching the Strategic Plan, Hon. Henry Musasizi commended Makerere University for aligning its institutional priorities with Uganda’s Vision 2040, the Fourth National Development Plan (NDP IV) and the country’s Tenfold Growth Strategy.
He observed that universities remain central actors in national development because they produce the knowledge, innovation and skilled workforce required to transform Uganda’s economy.
“Universities are central actors in national transformation. they are engines of knowledge creation, innovation and human capital development,” he said.
The Minister emphasized government’s commitment to supporting research, innovation and stronger collaboration between universities and industry to ensure that knowledge generated within higher education institutions contributes directly to economic growth.
Universities Critical to Uganda’s Tenfold Growth Strategy.
Presenting the national development perspective, Samuel Kasule, Senior Planner at the National Planning Authority, explained that the Strategic Plan aligns closely with the Uganda’s long term development framework.
He noted that achieving the country’s ambitious economic growth targets will depend heavily on universities producing competent graduates, expanding research and strengthening innovation ecosystems that support priority sectors including agriculture, tourism, ICT, minerals, manufacturing, and oil and gas.
Kasule further underscored the importance of competency based education and post graduate training in building the human capital required for sustainable national development.
A Shared Vision for the Future.
Throughout the launch, speakers emphasized that Makerere University’s future lies in becoming an increasingly research intensive, innovation driven institution that responds to national and global development challenges.
The Strategic Plan 2025-2030 outlines priorities that include strengthening research excellence, promoting innovation and commercialization, expanding digital transformation, enhancing partnerships with industry, and producing graduates equipped to drive socioeconomic transformation.
Its launch marks a renewed commitment by Makerere University to remain at the forefront of knowledge generation and to contribute meaningfully to Uganda’s long term development aspirations.
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