General
Rev. Canon Onesimus Asiimwe Installed as St Francis Chaplain
Thousands of believers, friends and families convened at Makerere University’s St. Francis Chapel to witness their one and only beloved Rev. Canon Onesimus Asiimwe being installed as the New Chaplain. The installation ceremony was presided over by His Grace Rt. Reverend Stanley Ntagali, the Archbishop of the Church of Uganda on 18th February 2018. The highly colourful ceremony was graced by Archbishops from various parts of Uganda, Archdeacons, Deacons, Reverends, other religious leaders, politicians, Makerere University top Management as well as dignitaries from the United States of America, United Kingdom and Missionaries from New Zealand and other special guests.
Officially appointed on 1st November 2017, Rev. Canon Onesimus Asiimwe joins the ranks of a great heritage of the St. Francis Chapel’s pastoral leadership teams led by previous chaplains such as Rev. Canon Amos Turyahabwe, Canon Goeffrey Byarugaba, Canon Johnson Ebong, Canon Benon Mugarura Mutana, and Rev. Lusania Kasamba amongst others. Before a Chaplain is appointed, the Church of Uganda nominates names of clergy that are then forwarded to the University Appointments Board, which selects and appoints a Chaplain. The Chaplain is at the rank of Senior Lecturer in the University.
Looking resplendent and graceful in his pastoral robes, Rev. Canon Onesimus Asiimwe was presented to the Archbishop for installation by the Archdeacon of Kampala Central Rev. Michael Mukhwana. At exactly 11:30am, he was inducted as the Chaplain of Makerere University St. Francis Chapel by His Grace Rt. Reverend Stanley Ntagali. After the induction ceremony, Rev. Canon Asiimwe was then presented to the congregation and received by the Chancellor Prof. Ezra Suruma, the Chairperson of Council Eng. Dr. Charles Wana-Etyem, the Vice Chancellor Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe and the Acting Director of Legal Affairs Mr. Goddy Muhumuza.
The Archbishop congratulated Rev. Canon Asiimwe upon his new role as the Chaplain and asked God to bless him so that he may be a faithful shepherd and a true friend to God’s people. He prayed for God’s Guidance and inspiration to flow through Rev. Canon Asiimwe and asked God to make him one in heart and mind for the sake of God’s Kingdom.
“May God Bless your ministry among the people of this parish. Follow the example of the good shepherd: lead with courage and guide with love; keep watch over the whole flock among whom the Holy Spirit has appointed you. Proclaim the gospel, restore the lost, encourage the faithful and build up the body of Christ. Keep in your life and ministry, the love and joy and peace which are the marks of Jesus and his disciples,” he said.
“Your love, faith and inner character have landed you this important role, so take it with utmost faith and love. I thank God for this moment. This is the right choice. God knows us all. When He was anointing you, He was looking at the inner man; He looked at how lovely your heart is. Reverend Onesimus God has called you at a time when there are many challenges. Jesus is commissioning you today to fulfil his task of serving a community with youth,” added Archbishop Ntagali.
He thanked the church and the community for supporting Rev. Canon Asiimwe since his appointment as Chaplain. The Archbishop also applauded the Makerere University Management for the cordial working relationship with St. Francis Chapel that has born fruitful results.
Upon installation, Rev. Canon Asiimwe thanked Jesus Christ for considering him trustworthy. He referred his calling to Isaiah chapter 49 when he said, “the Prophet reflects on his calling and his Ministry as Prophet to the people of God in Israel. I was first an ordinary member of St. Francis for many years, and then found myself assisting in the ministry after my ordination while serving full-time as the provincial Youth and Students Coordinator. Now God in His mysterious wisdom has called me to be the Chaplain of His Chapel and great community that my family and I have loved for many years,” he said.
In his message entitled “too small a thing” Rev. Canon Asiimwe said that God has called St. Francis Chapel as its mission holds, to not only make disciples out of the nations for Jesus, but also equip and empower them to go and make other disciples.
“Our mission states; make disciples who make disciples for Jesus Christ. My brothers and sisters, it is “too small a thing” for St Francis Chapel to only be a place where students and graduates can come for lively worship, supportive cell groups, relevant Alpha Courses and Biblical-based sermons. This is too small a thing for us,” he intimated.
He thanked His Grace, the Most Rev. Stanley Ntagali and the Makerere University Appointing Authority for nominating him and considering him worthwhile to serve in the capacity of Chaplain. He also thanked the Chapel Council and all St. Franciscans for the warm reception and tremendous support since he assumed office on 1st November 2017. “God is not unjust, He will not forget your work and the love you have shown Him as you helped His people and continue to help them,” said the Chaplain in quoting Herbrews 6:10.
Prior to his current appointment, Rev. Canon Asiimwe has held various church ministry roles, the most recent being Director for Youth Department at the Provincial Office of the Church of Uganda.
Commenting on his appointment, Rev. Asiimwe said, “The measure of Church should not be determined by its sitting capacity, but, by its sending capacity.” He expressed his readiness to foster the raising, equipping, and empowering of ‘disciple-making disciples’ to transcend cultures and nations preaching the good news of the Bible.
“Learning the life-skills of racial tolerance and social mediation is crucial for evangelism in unfamiliar terrain across geographic boundaries and cross-cultural circumstances. A University community the calibre of Makerere, with the highest per capita brain power in Uganda, should be known for rigorous study and application of the Bible Scriptures.” He added.
Uplifted and strengthened spiritually by the messages, praise and worship during the service, the Chancellor Prof. Ezra Suruma was happy to note that the church had evolved. By contextualizing the Archbishop’s message to Makerere University’s situation, Prof. Suruma reminded people of their important role as soldiers of righteousness serving the kingdom of God. He thanked Rev. Canon Onesimus Asiimwe for the powerful and uplifting prayer he led the congregation through during the 68th Graduation ceremony.
“I am happy that the Archbishops are here to support Rev. Canon Onesimus in this journey of bringing more light to Makerere University. I am appealing to you for your cooperation to ensure that students at Makerere do not only receive degrees but also become people whose emotions and character turn out to be the basis of the future of this generation,” he said.
On behalf of Council and Management, the Chairperson of Makerere University Council Eng. Dr. Charles Wana-Etyem pledged to support the Chaplain in refining the minds of students and staff.
The Vice Chancellor Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe congratulated Rev. Canon Onesimus Asiimwe upon his installation as the new Chaplain and appealed to him to continue praying for the institution. “Makerere University is a vibrant institution; the best black university in the whole world. We shall therefore ensure that you enjoy your stay here. The task you have taken up is challenging because it is not easy to work with youth but with God’s guidance you will find it enjoyable,” he said.
The Former Prime Minister of the Republic of Uganda Rt. Hon, John Patrick Amama Mbabazi wished the new Chaplain a successful and fruitful career path that is ordained by God to spiritually change people’s lives. He thanked the Church of Uganda for its tremendous role in initiating several development projects that have positively impacted many lives in Uganda.
In his brief remarks, the People’s Warden Mr. Peter Kizza assured the new chaplain of the support of members of the church when he said, “The people are with you. They are ready to stand with you. The shoes you are putting on now may seem to be big but we will help you to fit in those shoes.”
Article by Public Relations Office
General
Makerere University Set to Develop Curriculum to Transform Graduate Supervision and Mentorship
By Moses Lutaaya
KAMPALA – Makerere University is set to develop a curriculum for a specialized Certificate Course in Supervision and Mentoring for Graduate Training and Higher Education Management, in a move aimed at professionalizing graduate supervision and strengthening the capacity of academic staff to deliver quality postgraduate education.
The proposed programme will equip academic staff with advanced competencies in graduate-level teaching, research supervision, mentorship, and higher education management, while supporting the University’s agenda of improving the quality and relevance of graduate training.
The curriculum development process was discussed during a Stakeholders’ Curriculum Development Consultation Workshop held on Thursday, 18th June 2026 at the Senate Building Telepresence Hall, Makerere University.
The workshop, organized by the Directorate of Graduate Training in collaboration with the Centre for Teaching and Learning Support (CTLS), brought together curriculum specialists, academic staff, and higher education stakeholders to review and enrich the proposed curriculum before it proceeds through the University approval processes.
Participants included 11 lecturers from the College of Engineering, Design, Art and Technology (CEDAT), 3 from the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES), 2 from the College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Bio-security (CoVAB), 1 from the College of Humanities and Social Sciences (CHUSS), 4 from the College of Education and External Studies (CEES), among others.
The National Curriculum Development Centre (NCDC) was represented by Dr. Patrice Ssembirige, Deputy Executive Director in charge of Curriculum Review and Instructional Materials Development. The Centre for Teaching and Learning team was led by Dr. Dorothy Ssebowa, while Dr. Stephen Wandera coordinated the workshop.
Addressing participants, Prof. Julius Kikooma, Director Graduate Training at Makerere University, said the curriculum development initiative is central to strengthening graduate education and ensuring that academic staff are adequately prepared to support postgraduate learners.
Prof. Kikooma noted that Makerere University is targeting an increase in graduate student enrolment to 50 percent of the total student population, but emphasized that this ambition must be matched with investment in the capacity of academic staff who supervise and mentor students.
“We can get many graduate students, but if the people supporting them do not have the right tools and preparation, we will still have challenges,” Prof. Kikooma said.
He explained that the initiative responds to University policies requiring academic staff teaching graduate students to undergo pedagogical training, while those supervising graduate research must undergo specialized preparation in supervision and mentoring.
Prof. Kikooma said graduate supervision requires deliberate preparation because supervisors play a central role in shaping research quality, student success, and the overall effectiveness of postgraduate programmes.
He further emphasized Makerere University’s responsibility as a leading institution in the region.
“We have a double expectation. We must support the country to achieve its aspirations in national development, but we also have an expectation from other institutions to support them in building graduate training capacity. In that sense, we are a trainer of trainers,” he said.
Speaking on behalf of the National Curriculum Development Centre (NCDC), Dr. Patrice Ssembirige commended Makerere University for adopting a consultative and inclusive approach to curriculum development.
He noted that education systems globally are undergoing significant transformation, requiring continuous curriculum review and alignment with emerging needs.
“Education systems globally are undergoing significant transformation, and in Uganda, NCDC has been leading and spearheading the implementation of the competency-based curriculum,” Dr. Ssembirige said.
He explained that NCDC has developed competency-based curriculum frameworks at primary and lower secondary levels and is currently advancing reforms at upper secondary level, which feeds into higher education institutions.
Dr. Ssembirige said the new curriculum presents an opportunity to align graduate training with global trends, Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), international best practices, and national development priorities.
“As we develop this curriculum, we need to align with global trends, SDGs and international best practices. We also need to undertake comparative analysis because curriculum reforms are taking place across East African Community states,” he noted.
He encouraged developers to ensure that the programme follows competency-based principles and equips participants with relevant 21st-century skills.
“Since we are talking about competency-based curriculum, we must be cognizant of the principles of competency-based education and ensure that we develop skills that fit the demands of the 21st century,” he added.
Dr. Dorothy Ssebowa, Director of the Centre for Teaching and Learning Support at Makerere University, said the initiative marks an important step in strengthening professional development for academic staff involved in graduate education.
She noted that effective supervision requires more than disciplinary expertise, but also skills in mentorship, communication, research guidance, ethics, assessment, and student support.
“The quality of graduate education depends on the quality of mentorship and supervision we provide. This curriculum will strengthen the capacity of academic staff to guide graduate students effectively, improve research outcomes, and uphold the standards expected of a leading university,” Dr. Ssebowa said.
She added that the Centre for Teaching and Learning will continue working with the Directorate of Graduate Training, academic colleges, curriculum specialists, and regulators to ensure the programme remains relevant and impactful.
During the workshop, stakeholders reviewed the proposed curriculum structure, course content, competency areas, assessment strategies, quality assurance mechanisms, and alignment with national and international standards.
Once finalized, the programme is expected to strengthen graduate supervision at Makerere University and serve as a model for professional development across higher education institutions in Uganda and beyond.
General
Revised Advertisement for Positions of Principal and Deputy Principal at Makerere University
The Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, has called for strengthened graduate training and research systems, urging a significant scale-up in the production of Masters and PhD graduates to meet Uganda’s and Africa’s growing knowledge and development needs.
The call was made during an engagement with the College of Health Sciences leadership, where the Vice Chancellor underscored the strategic importance of research-intensive colleges in advancing the university’s mission and contributing to national transformation.
The Vice Chancellor noted that while the College of Health Sciences continues to make a substantial contribution to the university’s research output and remains one of the most productive units, there is need to further strengthen systems that support graduate training, supervision, and timely completion of studies.
He emphasized the need to increase postgraduate enrolment, with a target of raising graduate participation to 40 percent. According to him, expanding graduate training is essential for building a critical mass of highly skilled researchers capable of addressing Uganda’s and Africa’s development challenges.
Improving Completion Rates and Supervision
The Vice Chancellor highlighted concerns over graduate completion rates, noting that delays in supervision and academic support continue to affect timely graduation across many institutions.
He called for stronger supervision systems, improved mentorship, and more structured academic support to ensure that students complete their programmes within the stipulated timeframes.
“Completion of graduate programmes must be prioritized through effective supervision and structured academic support systems,” the Vice Chancellor emphasized.
Strengthening Research Output
The Vice Chancellor also stressed the need to enhance research productivity and visibility through increased publications, improved citation impact, and expanded access to competitive research funding.
He encouraged deeper collaboration among researchers, including co-supervision arrangements with international scholars and strengthened partnerships with other universities to enhance research quality and global competitiveness.
Investment in Infrastructure
The College Deputy Principal, Prof. Richard Iwa Idro, shared with the VC some of the college’s challenges which included low staffing levels at both academic and administrative levels, inadequate infrastructure and high staff turnover among others.
The Vice Chancellor reaffirmed the University’s commitment to improving infrastructure for teaching and research within the College of Health Sciences. He noted that ongoing and planned developments are aimed at strengthening PhD training environments and supporting advanced research activities.
He further emphasized the importance of expanding academic staffing and leveraging expertise from both active and retired scholars, including the appointment of honorary professors to support mentorship and research development.
Academic Accountability and Innovation
The Vice Chancellor reminded professors and associate professors of their responsibility to deliver inaugural lectures within stipulated timelines as part of academic accountability and recognition of scholarly contribution.
He also encouraged researchers to translate their work into innovation and practical solutions that contribute to Uganda’s socio-economic transformation, noting that research must go beyond publication to deliver real-world impact.
The Vice Chancellor reiterated that strengthening graduate training and research is central to achieving national development goals and enhancing Uganda’s competitiveness in the global knowledge economy.
He emphasized that sustained investment in Masters and PhD training, combined with stronger research systems, will be critical in producing the next generation of scholars, innovators, and leaders required to drive sustainable development.
The Vice Chancellor was accompanied by the Academic Registrar, Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi, the Director DRIP, Prof. Robert Wamala, Prof. Edward Bbaale, who represented the Deputy VC in charge of Academic Affairs, Prof. Fredrick Muyodi, the Director of the Writing Centre, Dr. Margaret Nagwovuma, the Deputy Director of Makerere University Technology and Innovation Centre, Prof. William Tayeebwa, the Manager of Makerere Press and Prof. Kikooma Julius, the Director of Graduate Training. The officials shared with staff how staff can benefit from their offices.
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