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Student presents gift to Prof. Nawangwe: He acknowledges VC’s efforts in maintaining the University’s pride and importance

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“I present this gift to you as a sign of appreciation for your tremendous role in nurturing students and your efforts in maintaining the University’s pride and importance. Your relationship with students is indeed well paying. This is my work, through which I have been able to pay my tuition and facilitate myself for the three years I have been here.” This is how overwhelmed Joseph Kayongo started his conversation when he met his Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe. 

Mr. Kayongo Joseph, hitherto an undergraduate student of Social Sciences, visited the Vice Chancellor Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe on Friday, 11th May 2018 at his office. He acknowledged the Vice Chancellor’s love and dedicated efforts towards a better Makerere when he said, “I have been following your work ever since I joined Makerere University. By then you were the Deputy Vice Chancellor for Finance and Administration. Your passion for this institution’s wellbeing is well expressed in your speeches and writings. That is why I have decided to present this gift to you Professor.”

Kayongo presenting his products to the Vice Chancellor.

The Vice Chancellor thanked Mr. Kayongo for recognising his efforts at the University and equally appreciated his visit. Overjoyed to see his branded gift, labelled Makerere University Vice Chancellor, Prof Nawangwe acknowledged Kayongo’s talent and creativity. He strongly commended his brilliance and zeal to start a business that has enabled him to meet his academic goals.  

“I am so happy that this early morning, I am receiving a wonderful gift moreover from my student. My weekend is well made. The story about your academic journey is so inspiring. I am happy that you did not sit back but rather looked for opportune ways of supporting yourself,” he said.

Prof. Nawangwe recognised Kayongo’s innovative ideas and acclaimed the quality of the products he makes. Through various research and innovation programs, Makerere University has supported students’ innovations with the aim of finding solutions to community challenges. “I am impressed that Kayongo is not going to look for jobs. He created his own job and he is ready to employ more people.  I really acknowledge his hard work,” he said.

The well branded gift that  Kayongo presented to the Vice Chancellor.

Born in 1994 in Kayunga District, Joseph Kayongo’s parents never got a chance to see their son grow into the hardworking and inspiring young man he is today. In an exclusive interview with Makerere University Public Relations Office, Kayongo revealed that he was not able to receive the basic needs any child could desire to have after his father died in 1995 and his mother followed shortly in 1996. He was left in the hands of his paternal grandmother who used to sell agricultural products to raise his school fees and cater for the household needs.  Through his grandmother’s efforts, he was able to finish senior six at YALE Secondary School Kayunga. Although he passed with good grades, he had little hope of joining university since he missed out on government sponsorship.

According to Kayongo, his dream was to join Makerere University and study Social Sciences with the aim of serving communities. The long vacation after senior six examinations gave him room to prepare himself for university.

“During my S.6 vacation, I engaged in agricultural activities. My grandmother had a big chunk of land where I planted maize. I was able to get a reasonable amount of money to help me start with registration at campus and to come to Kampala and start a life. I knew I could not sustain myself and raise school fees while digging in the village.  I knew that I needed a job in town. So I had to budget the money I got from selling my produce well,” he narrated.

The Vice Chancellor interacting with Kayongo.

Joining the shoe making business

Kayongo said that he picked interest in making craft shoes during his senior six vacation. He bought the idea from a neighbour in Kayunga who was doing the same business. “When I approached Mr. Sserwadda, he was willing to teach me how to make craft shoes. It is this idea that first crossed my mind when I thought of a business in Kampala that would sustain my academic needs. My focus was on high quality products, so I made a survey and realised that I could only get good leather and rubber materials from Jinja. That is how I started the business,” he said.

“I made shoes and vended them around campus. I decided to also penetrate markets around the university. Vending is not easy but I persisted. I just needed to plan my time well, well knowing that I needed both money and books. I had to balance the two because the main reason why I joined the business was to raise school fees. I could not see myself failing to excel in my exams or failing to raise the tuition. I had to ensure that I raised the tuition while finding time for my books,” he added.

With his degree in the bag, Kayongo has no plans of looking for a job.  He is focused on expanding his business and tapping into both local and international markets. He has been able to introduce his products to different shops and supermarkets where he has been assured of market because of their good quality. 

Kayongo ensures that he uses pure leather and rubber materials as that is what makes his products unique. Additionally,  he has been able to secure a good machine that guarantees his quality. He is looking at employing more people when the business expands. He has so far trained 7 peers who help him make his products.

How he meets the market demand? 

Kayongo said that, in the beginning the market was limited; he had to look for clients and only produced based on the market demand. However, today he even receives special orders from clients. “Shoe making is an easy task; all it needs is interest and purpose. I can make a pair of high quality shoes in just 3 hours. Secondly I have introduced other products such as wallets, belts, and hand bags to meet the demand. I hope for the best and my dream is to own a very big business of leather products with more employees. After this, I can safely say that I have impacted my community,” he concluded. 

Article by Nabatte Proscovia, Public Relations Office

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Makerere University Kicks Off Semester Two Examinations Amid High Student Expectations

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Student discussion groups converge in tree shades on the edges of the Freedom Square overlooked by the Main Building. Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

Makerere University, the oldest and most prestigious institution of higher learning in Uganda and one of the foremost universities on the African continent, has officially commenced its Semester Two examinations for the 2025/2026 academic year. The much-anticipated assessment period marks a critical milestone in the academic calendar, bringing together thousands of students from across the university’s numerous colleges, schools, faculties, and institutes as they sit their end of semester papers in a bid to demonstrate mastery of the content covered throughout the semester.

The examinations, which span a carefully structured timetable released by the Academic Registrar, are being conducted across the various examination halls, lecture theaters, and designated assessment venues spread throughout the Makerere Hill campus. Security and integrity measures have been reinforced to ensure that the examinations are conducted in a fair, orderly, and transparent manner, upholding the university’s longstanding commitment to academic excellence and integrity.

This year’s examination season arrives at a particularly significant moment for the institution. Having navigated numerous challenges in recent years including disruptions to the academic calendar, resource constraints, and the ongoing effort to modernize curriculum delivery, Makerere finds itself reaffirming its core identity as a centre of academic rigour and intellectual development. The commencement of these examinations is therefore a statement of institutional resilience and the continued determination of both staff and students to uphold the highest standards of scholarship.

A Season of Academic Reckoning

For the student body, the commencement of Semester Two examinations signals the culmination of months of learning, late night reading sessions, group discussions, coursework submissions, and individual academic effort. Across the hostels, libraries, and common rooms of Makerere, the atmosphere has unmistakably shifted into one of focused determination. Students can be seen poring over lecture notes, textbooks, and past examination papers in every available space, from the steps of the Main Library to the benches of Freedom Square.

The university administration, through the various college deans and heads of department, has urged students to approach the examinations with calmness, thorough preparation, and utmost honesty. Messages reminding students of the dire consequences of academic malpractice have been widely circulated, as Makerere maintains a strict zero tolerance policy toward examination fraud, plagiarism, and any form of misconduct during assessments.

The Academic Registrar-Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi and other officials pose with students for a group photo after the pre-examination mental health workshop on 15th May 2026. Pre-End of Semester Two Examinations 2026/2026 mental health workshop organised by the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program, 15th May 2026, Yusuf Lule Central Teaching Facility Auditorium, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
The Academic Registrar-Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi and other officials pose with students for a group photo after the pre-examination mental health workshop on 15th May 2026.

Beyond the pressure of performance, the examination period also carries a deeply communal character on the Makerere campus. Students from different programmes, regions, and backgrounds find themselves united by the shared experience of preparation and assessment. Study groups form spontaneously in corridors and courtyards, senior students mentor their juniors on examination technique, and a spirit of collective striving pervades the institution. It is one of the defining features of life at Makerere, where the pursuit of knowledge is understood as both a personal endeavour and a shared social responsibility.

Preparation and Logistical Readiness

Ahead of the examination period, the university undertook extensive logistical preparations to ensure smooth and uninterrupted conduct of all papers. The Academic Registrar worked in close coordination with college examination officers to finalize seating arrangements, allocate invigilators, distribute examination materials, and confirm examination schedules with both academic staff and students. Special provisions were made for students with disabilities and those with documented medical conditions that may require additional time or special seating accommodations.

The university also invested in refreshing and reinforcing the physical examination venues. Lecture theaters and examination halls have been reorganized to ensure adequate spacing between candidates, proper ventilation, and clear visibility of invigilation personnel at all times. In line with best practices for examination administration, the university ensured that all required stationery, answer booklets, and supplementary materials were available and ready for distribution before the commencement of each paper.

Communication between the university and its students was also given particular attention in the lead up to the examinations. The Academic Registrar disseminated detailed instructions regarding reporting times, permitted materials, dress code requirements, and procedures for handling examination anomalies. Students were also reminded of the appeals process available to them should they have concerns about any aspect of their assessment. These communications were shared through the university’s official online portals, notice boards, college bulletins, and student representative councils to ensure maximum reach across the diverse student population.

Female students engage in a discussion outdoors at the Makerere University Main Campus. File photo.
Female students engage in a discussion outdoors at the Makerere University Main Campus. File photo.

The role of academic staff in the success of the examination period cannot be overstated. Lecturers and course instructors spent the final weeks of the semester conducting revision sessions, responding to student queries, and ensuring that all coursework components had been duly submitted and graded before the formal examination window opened. Many went above and beyond the requirements of their schedules to hold additional consultation hours, offering students every possible opportunity to consolidate their understanding and approach the examinations with confidence.

The Student Experience During Examinations

The experience of sitting Semester Two examinations at Makerere University is one that students across all disciplines describe as both challenging and transformative. Whether one is pursuing a degree in Medicine, Engineering, Law, Education, Agriculture, Business, or the Arts and Humanities, the examination period demands a high level of intellectual engagement and self discipline. For final year students in particular, these examinations carry enormous weight, as outstanding results can open doors to prestigious postgraduate opportunities, professional careers, and scholarship programmes both within Uganda and internationally.

First and second year students, many of whom are still adjusting to the demanding academic culture of university life, have also been encouraged to view these examinations not with fear, but as an opportunity to measure their growth and identify areas requiring further attention. The university’s Student Support Services office has throughout the semester offered counseling, academic advising, and peer mentorship programmes designed to equip students with the tools needed to manage examination related stress and perform at their best.

The physical and mental wellbeing of students during this period has also been a priority for the university. The university health center has been operating with extended hours to attend to students who may require medical attention, while the counseling and guidance unit has been available to offer psychological support to those experiencing anxiety or other forms of distress linked to the pressure of examinations. Student leaders have similarly been active in organizing welfare activities such as communal meals, devotional gatherings, and motivational talks to sustain morale across the student community.

Manager of the Makerere University Counselling and Guidance Centre, Mr. Henry Nsubuga addresses international students during a mental health awareness campaign. Mental Health Awareness Campaign organized by the International Students Union in partnership with the Counselling and Guidance Centre, International Office and Office of the Dean of Students, 12th April 2024, Senate Conference Hall, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda, East Africa.
Manager of the Makerere University Counselling and Guidance Centre, Mr. Henry Nsubuga addresses international students during a mental health awareness campaign.

International students studying at Makerere under various exchange and bilateral agreements have also been fully integrated into the examination process. The International Office worked to ensure that these students were aware of all relevant regulations, that their results would be properly transmitted to their home institutions, and that any unique logistical needs they may have had were addressed in a timely and sensitive manner. Makerere‘s growing profile as a destination for regional and international students makes this kind of inclusive administration increasingly important.

Upholding the Integrity of the Examination Process

Academic integrity remains one of the most sacred principles at Makerere University. The institution has, over its century long history, produced graduates who go on to serve in the highest echelons of government, civil society, academia, and industry, not only in Uganda but across East Africa and the broader global community. The credibility of a Makerere degree is therefore inseparable from the integrity with which its examinations are conducted. To this end, trained invigilators are deployed at every examination venue, and supervisory visits by senior academic officers are carried out throughout the examination period.

Students found in possession of unauthorized materials, communicating with fellow candidates without permission, or engaging in any other form of misconduct face serious disciplinary consequences, including cancellation of their papers, suspension from the university, or permanent expulsion in the most severe cases. These measures are not intended to intimidate but rather to protect the integrity of each student’s genuine academic effort and safeguard the reputation of the qualifications they earn.

It is worth noting that the vast majority of Makerere students approach their examinations with complete honesty and a genuine desire to succeed on the strength of their own preparation. The university’s integrity framework is designed not to cast suspicion on the student body as a whole, but to create a level playing field in which every student’s results accurately reflect their own knowledge, effort, and intellectual ability. The culture of academic integrity is something that Makerere actively cultivates through orientation programmes, faculty mentorship, and ongoing student engagement on the values that underpin the university’s academic mission.

A Legacy of Excellence in Focus

Makerere University was established in 1922 as a technical school and has grown over the decades into a comprehensive research university offering programmes at the undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral levels across virtually every field of human knowledge. Today, with an enrollment of tens of thousands of students drawn from Uganda and across Africa, the university occupies a unique and irreplaceable role in the intellectual, social, and economic development of the region. Each examination season is therefore not merely a bureaucratic academic exercise but a living expression of this legacy of excellence.

The University Council, Senate, and Vice Chancellor have collectively reiterated their commitment to ensuring that the assessment process is not only rigorous and fair but also supportive of student welfare. Plans are already in place for timely marking and moderation of scripts, with results expected to be released within the stipulated periods as outlined in the academic calendar, allowing students to plan ahead for the subsequent semester or, for those completing their programmes, for graduation and the next chapter of their lives.

A red-carpet photo moment of CHS alumni at the 2026 dinner. Makerere University College of Health Sciences celebrates 100 years of training health professionals, 6th March 2026, Nile Hall, Hotel Africana, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
A red-carpet photo moment of CHS alumni at the 2026 dinner.

Alumni of Makerere University, many of whom occupy positions of influence in Uganda and beyond, frequently look back on their examination experiences as formative moments that shaped their professional discipline, their capacity for sustained effort, and their ability to perform under pressure. The lessons learned in the examination hall, they often say, extend far beyond the academic content being tested. They speak to the development of character, persistence, and the kind of intellectual confidence that only comes from having genuinely mastered a body of knowledge. In this sense, the examinations of Semester Two 2026 are not merely an ending but a beginning for each of the thousands of students who sit them.

Looking Ahead: Results, Graduation, and Beyond

Once the examination period concludes, attention will swiftly turn to the processes of marking, moderation, and results release. The university’s academic staff are expected to adhere to strict timelines in the submission of marked scripts and the entry of results into the university’s academic management system. External examiners, drawn from other universities and professional bodies, play an important role in moderating the standards of assessment across programmes, ensuring that Makerere‘s results are benchmarked against regional and international norms.

For students who are completing their final year of study, the conclusion of Semester Two examinations sets in motion the graduation process. Makerere University‘s graduation ceremonies are among the most celebrated events in Uganda’s annual calendar, attended by families, dignitaries, government officials, and members of the public who gather to witness the conferment of degrees upon a new generation of graduates. The graduation ceremony is a moment of immense pride for the university, for the families who have supported their children through years of study, and above all for the graduates themselves who cross the stage having earned their qualifications through genuine effort and dedication.

PhD Graduand-Dr. Harriet Aber (centre) poses with family members during Makerere University’s 76th Graduation Ceremony on February 25, 2026. Makerere University School of Public Health Communications Office, Graduation Profiles Series, 76th Graduation Ceremony, Dr. Harriet Aber Odonga, “Substance Use among Children in Mbale, Uganda: Health System Landscape and Support Structures,” Kampala Uganda, East Africa."
PhD Graduand-Dr. Harriet Aber (centre) poses with family members during Makerere University’s 76th Graduation Ceremony on February 25, 2026.

Students who do not achieve the required grades in one or more papers will have access to the university’s retake and supplementary examination provisions, which are designed to give genuine learners a fair opportunity to demonstrate competence without being permanently disadvantaged by a single poor performance. The university’s academic regulations provide clear and transparent guidelines on eligibility for retakes, the conditions under which supplementary examinations may be granted, and the procedures for lodging appeals. These provisions reflect Makerere’s understanding that the journey of learning is rarely linear and that fairness requires the system to accommodate the full range of student circumstances.

A Message of Encouragement

To every student sitting examinations at Makerere University this season, the message from the university community is one of solidarity and encouragement. The journey through university is not always easy, but it is invariably worthwhile. Every late night spent studying, every difficult concept wrestled into understanding, and every assignment completed under pressure has been preparation for exactly this moment. The examination hall is where months of intellectual labor are given form and voice, and every student carries within them the capacity to rise to the occasion.

The university’s academic and administrative staff, from the Vice Chancellor and the Deans down to the examination room invigilators and the groundskeepers who ensure the campus is clean and welcoming each morning, are all invested in the success of every student. Makerere is not merely a place of learning; it is a community built on mutual commitment to the advancement of knowledge and the development of human potential. Every student who walks into an examination venue this season walks in as a representative of that community and carries with them the hopes of their family, their region, and their country.

As Makerere University proceeds through its Semester Two examination period, the entire institution stands united behind its students. From the academic staff who prepared and marked the papers, to the support staff who maintained the examination venues, to the administration that coordinated the logistics and upheld the rules, everyone is working together toward a single goal: providing every student with the fairest possible opportunity to demonstrate what they know and what they are capable of achieving. Makerere University remains, as it has always been, a place where minds are shaped, potential is realized, and futures are built.

The Writer is a Volunteer in the Public Relations Office, Makerere University and the Mak Sharks PRO | Est. 2014

Philemon Akoragye.
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Makerere University Newsletter Jan-Mar 2026

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Cover Page of the Makerere University Newsletter Jan-Mar 2026. Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

The activities of the first quarter of 2026 depict Makerere University not just as a place of learning but as a dynamic space where ideas, ambition, and opportunity shape the future.

This edition highlights a university in motion. The Career Fair 2026 stood out as a powerful moment of reflection and discovery. Under the theme “Machine vs. Man,” students were challenged to rethink their place in a rapidly evolving world shaped by artificial intelligence. What emerged was not fear, but clarity a recognition that the future belongs to those who are adaptable, innovative, and willing to learn continuously. Beyond the discussions, the fair created meaningful connections, opening pathways to careers, further study, and entrepreneurship.

The launch of the Open, Distance and eLearning (ODeL) initiative is a practical step toward inclusive and accessible education. By embracing digital transformation, Makerere is expanding learning beyond physical classrooms and positioning itself as a leader in flexible, technology-driven education. This shift reflects a broader commitment to ensuring that quality education reaches more learners, within Uganda and beyond.

This issue also celebrates the people behind the progress. From staff committing wholeheartedly to the student community they serve to student leaders navigating complex challenges, the stories this quarter demonstrate the personal resilience, creativity, and purpose that drive the institutional transformation at the Hill.

Eunice Rukundo,
Deputy Chief, Public Relations.

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How to deal with Examination Fever

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The Academic Registrar-Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi and other officials pose with students for a group photo after the pre-examination mental health workshop on 15th May 2026. Pre-End of Semester Two Examinations 2026/2026 mental health workshop organised by the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program, 15th May 2026, Yusuf Lule Central Teaching Facility Auditorium, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

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.

Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi. Pre-End of Semester Two Examinations 2026/2026 mental health workshop organised by the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program, 15th May 2026, Yusuf Lule Central Teaching Facility Auditorium, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi.

“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.

Ms. Prossy Nakayiki. Pre-End of Semester Two Examinations 2026/2026 mental health workshop organised by the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program, 15th May 2026, Yusuf Lule Central Teaching Facility Auditorium, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Ms. Prossy Nakayiki.

 “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.

Ms. Connie Evelyn Kharono. Pre-End of Semester Two Examinations 2026/2026 mental health workshop organised by the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program, 15th May 2026, Yusuf Lule Central Teaching Facility Auditorium, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Ms. Connie Evelyn Kharono.

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.

Students participate during the workshop. Pre-End of Semester Two Examinations 2026/2026 mental health workshop organised by the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program, 15th May 2026, Yusuf Lule Central Teaching Facility Auditorium, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Students participate during the workshop.

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.

Part of the audience at the workshop. Pre-End of Semester Two Examinations 2026/2026 mental health workshop organised by the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program, 15th May 2026, Yusuf Lule Central Teaching Facility Auditorium, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Part of the audience at the workshop.

“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.

Carol Kasujja
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