General
VUB Rector-Prof. Pauwels Visits Mak, Looks Forward to Collaboration
The Vrije University Brussels (VUB) Rector-Prof. Dr. Caroline Pauwels, accompanied by a delegation of VUB Staff and Alumni on Thursday, 19th April 2018 paid a courtesy call on the Vice Chancellor-Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe and Members of Management. The delegation’s visit to Uganda also took them to Kyambogo University (KYU) and Mbarara University of Science and Technology (MUST).
Following a brief session of introductions, Prof. Nawangwe welcomed Prof. Pauwels and her delegation to Makerere University and thanked VUB for offering postgraduate training to Makerere Staff and alumni. “I can tell that Molecular Biology is an outstanding discipline in VUB as mentioned by most of the alumni here, and I am very happy that you have called on us at Makerere University.”
The Vice Chancellor further noted that Makerere University is currently formulating the 2019/20 – 2029/30 strategic plan as the institution marks its 96th year of existence, wherein the university seeks to further prioritise research. “Whereas we have always considered ourselves to be a research-led university, we think that we can do more, and always look forward to new collaborations with institutions such as VUB” added Prof. Nawangwe.
In her remarks, Prof. Pauwels thanked Prof. Nawangwe for the warm welcome and couldn’t hold back her emotion at seeing so many VUB alumni in the room. VUB alumni present currently work with institutions such as the; College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Biosecurity (CoVAB), National Agricultural Research Organisation (NARO), National Water and Sewerage Corporation (NWSC), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Uganda and Gulu University (GU) among others.
“Although VUB will be celebrating its 50th anniversary in two years, the original French-speaking institution from which it was split was founded in 1834. We may not be as comprehensive as Makerere University, since we do not have Veterinary Medicine and other disciplines, but we are keen on research and innovations and strongly believe that research holds the answer to the common challenges that Europe and Africa both face” added Prof. Pauwels.
Contributing to the discussion, the Principal, College of Education and External Studies (CEES)-Prof. Fred Masagazi Masaazi noted that “without research, we cannot move our people forward. Makerere University is therefore privileged to contribute to the work that VUB is already doing in this respect.”
Prof. Pauwels conceded that VUB desires to understand Africa better and increasing staff and student exchanges as well as joint research could serve as a good starting point. “The Belgian Flemish Government and the European Commission both offer a number of scholarships to students from African countries and we encourage universities to take advantage of these” she added.
In conclusion, the Vice Chancellor once again thanked Prof. Pauwels and her delegation for visiting Makerere University and concurred that the two institutions have a lot of common ground to embark on mutually beneficial collaboration.
“If your intention is to study Africa, I must say that you are in the right place. Uganda by virtue of the diverse ethnicities that make up its population offers a very good starting point and I invite you to start right here” offered Prof. Nawangwe.
Prof. Nawangwe later on handed over an assortment of Makerere University souvenirs to Prof. Pauwels and her delegation.
Article by Public Relations Office
Today, Monday 18th May 2026, most students will begin their End of Semester Two Examinations, and they have been encouraged to remain confident and calm during the examination season.
Data from the University Counselling and Guidance Centre shows that even the best-prepared students experience anxiety, pressure, fear of failure, sleep difficulties and emotional exhaustion during examinations.
Addressing students during a pre-examination mental health workshop organised by the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Makerere University on 15th May 2026, Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi, Academic Registrar, reminded students that their mental health is far more important than any grade.
“This workshop comes at the right time. I encourage all students to understand that your worth is not defined by a single examination or grade. Examinations are only one part of your educational journey. What matters equally is your ability to remain healthy, focused, ethical and hopeful throughout the process,” Prof Buyinza, said.
Prof. Buyinza shared practical tips to help students avoid fatigue and excessive stress during this period.
“Prepare a realistic reading timetable and avoid last-minute cramming. Take short breaks while studying to allow your mind to recover and improve concentration. Get adequate sleep and avoid excessive consumption of caffeine and energy drinks,” he noted.
During the session, he also encouraged students to engage in light physical activity, stretching or short walks to refresh their minds and reduce tension.
“Maintain a positive mindset and avoid comparing yourself excessively with others. Stay connected with supportive friends, family members, mentors or counsellors whenever you feel overwhelmed,” Prof. Buyinza advised.
He reaffirmed the University’s commitment to supporting students not only academically, but also in their mental and psychosocial wellbeing, encouraging learners to seek help from counsellors, lecturers, mentors, peers, family members and available support systems whenever necessary.
Speaking at the event, Ms. Prossy Nakayiki, the Deputy Academic Registrar in charge of Examinations and Transcripts warned students against examination malpractice and urged them to uphold academic integrity.
“Anxiety should never push anyone into examination malpractice, do not enter an examination room with a smart watch, phone or any hidden paper commonly known as bullets. Preparation, honesty, rest and self-belief remain the best approaches to success,” Ms. Nakayiki, said.
She also advised students who had not yet printed their examination cards to do so early, noting that delays at the last minute could cause unnecessary panic and disorganisation.
In her presentation about the reality of examination stress and coping strategies, Connie Evelyn Kharono, a Counselling Psychologist at the Counselling and Guidance Center, called upon students to adopt the 5, 4,3,2,1 Ground technique before an exam or intense study session.
The 5, 4,3,2,1 ground technique, is one of the easiest mindfulness strategies designed for managing stress and anxiety, as it can be done almost anywhere and at any time. You name 5 things you can see, 4 you can touch, 3 you can hear, 2 you can smell and 1 you can taste.
She advised students to focus on what they can control.
“You can control your study schedule, your sleep and how kindly you speak yourself. You cannot control the exact questions that will be on the paper, so channel your energy only into the preparations you can influence,” Ms Kharono, said.
Ms Kharono encouraged students to maintain a regular sleep schedule and ensure that they are eating balanced meals and staying hydrated.
Ms Christine Nimusiima, a senior Psycho-Social Officer at the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Makerere University, called upon the students to practise positive self-talk and maintain a healthy mindset.
“During this examination season, avoid comparing your revision progress or predicted grades with your peers. Your only competition is who you were yesterday. Take a deep breath, trust in the work you have done and remember that you have the resilience to succeed. Best of luck with your preparations,” Ms. Nimusiima said.
By Dr. Racheal Ddungu Mugabi
The Alliance for African Partnership, Africa Office, today received a delegation from the University of Bergen (UiB)’s Division of Research and Innovation. The visiting team comprised Kristin Svartveit, Vivil Valvik Haraldsen, and Emmanuel Ovon Babatunde.
The delegation was officially introduced by Prof. Sylvia Antonia Nakimera Nannyonga-Tamusuza, Head, Grants Administration and Management Support Unit (GAMSU), together with Dr. Ronald Semyalo (Makerere University coordinator for UiB)
The visit aimed to strengthen institutional collaboration and promote research excellence through international partnerships. The key objectives of the meeting included:
- UiB team sharing information and experiences on enhancing success in EU grant acquisition and management.
- UiB application support process for Postdoc fellowships at Bergen up to a period of 2 years
- AAP Africa Office providing insights into the AAP consortium programs and activities in order to foster collaboration between the AAP consortium and UiB.
The engagement provided an important platform for knowledge exchange, networking, and exploring opportunities for future collaborative research initiatives between Makerere University, the AAP consortium, and the University of Bergen.
The Author is the Director of the AAP Africa Office
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