General
Mak- Students’ Guild proposes 15% tuition increment for incoming students
On Monday 2nd July 2018, Makerere Universality Students’ Guild Special Committee presented a report; proposing a uniform and moderate 15% tuition increment for new students across all programs effective Academic Year 2018/2019.
“There should be a uniform and moderate 15% increase in tuition fees across all programmes effective 2018/19 for the next 5 years. This however means that a student who joins the University at a given fees structure that has a 15% factored in, shall continue to pay similar fees until he/she completes the Course duration. The increment of 15% should only apply to first year students (effective 2018/2019) going forward and not continuing students,” highlighted the Special Committee appointed by the Makerere University Guild Cabinet and Guild Representative Council.
The Students’ Guild Special Committee presented the report to the Chairperson of Council, Eng. Dr. Charles Wana-Etyem amidst applause from the Vice Chancellor- Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, the Ag. Deputy Vice Chancellor (Finance and Administration)-Prof. William Bazeyo, Deputy University Secretary-Mr. Yusuf Kiranda, the Academic Registrar- Mr. Alfred Masikye Namoah, Mrs Jackie Ayorekire-Manager of Revenue and Grants, Mr. Gordon Murangira-Personal Assistant to the Vice Chancellor, Ms Naomi Kiconco-Legal Officer, and Ms Ritah Namisango-Senior Public Relations Officer. Journalists from various media houses also witnessed the handover of the report.
Towards the end of the Second Semester for the Academic Year 2017/2018 (in April 2018), the Makerere University Council approved increment of tuition for new students who were scheduled to join Makerere University in the Academic Year 2018/2019. It should be noted that earlier studies indicated that the realistic unit of education in the humanities is proposed at UGX.6million and UGX.10million for science based disciplines. The Makerere University Council’s decision to increase tuition was further informed by the Visitation Committee Report which recommended to the President of the Republic of Uganda, H.E Yoweri Kaguta Museveni the need for Makerere University to charge the realistic unit cost of higher education.Considering the socio-economic conditions and the need to continue providing high quality education, the Makerere University Council approved tuition increment for incoming students by 49%.
However, the Makerere University Students’ Guild led by the Guild President, H.E Were Salim protested against Makerere University Council’s decision to increase tuition for the incoming students by 49%. During the meeting involving Makerere University Students’ Guild, the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe together with Members of the Central Management held on Wednesday 18th April 2018 in the Main Building, Senior Common Room, the student leaders requested the Makerere University Council to defer the implementation of the tuition increment by 49% to enable the Students’ Guild to make further consultations.
Subsequently, the Makerere University Students’ Guild Cabinet and the Guild Representative Council democratically constituted a special committee comprising 15 members to review the Makerere University Council decision of increasing the tuition fees of incoming students by 49% effective Academic Year 2018/2019.
Presenting the Committee’s Report on Monday 2nd July 2018, the Chairperson of the Students’ Guild Committee, Hon. Bandola Polly informed the Chairperson of Makerere University Council that the Committee studied the operations and fees structures of Universities in Uganda and East Africa. The Committee observed that Makerere University tuition fees were very low compared to other universities. This finding justified the need for Makerere University to increase tuition fees if the University was to continue providing higher quality education as well as professional services. The Universities benchmarked by the Students’ Guild Committee include: University of Nairobi, University of Rwanda, Gulu University, Kyambogo University and Uganda Christian University.
Led by the Guild President, H.E Were Salim, the following Members of the Students’ Guild Committee gracefully handed over the report:
• Hon. Bandola Polly (Chairperson)
• Hon. Kirabo Marion
• Hon. Isaac Kwagala
• Hon. Obedgiu Samuel
• Hon. Ssewalya Simon Peter
• Hon. Kamukama Frank
The report highlights that while the Visitation Committee recommended that Public Universities should charge a unit cost per program, the Committee has only considered a reasonable and moderate 15% tuition increment mainly considering our unique social-economic conditions as a country.
The report clearly indicates the need to improve students’ welfare and facilities. He therefore emphasized the initiation of a feedback framework where all matters/policies that affect students are discussed by students leaders beyond the two student representatives that sit on the University Council and its Committees.
“Today is a special day for I have witnessed the Makerere University Students’ Guild present its report to the Chairperson of Makerere University Council, Eng. Charles Wana-Etyem. I am happy that after wide consultations, the Special Students’ Guild Committee has proposed 15% tuition increment for incoming students. The Chairperson of Council is here to receive the recommendations from the Students’ Guild Committee, and he will present them to the Council for further consultation,” said the Vice Chancellor of Makerere University, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe.
The Chairperson of Council, Eng. Dr. Charles Wana-Etyem thanked the Makerere University Students’ Guild and Guild Representative Council (GRCs) for undertaking a comparative study that informed the Guild’s proposal of 15% tuition increment. He applauded the Committee for the remarkable findings and recommendations that will inform the new fees structure for undergraduate students.
Eng. Dr. Wana Etyem urged student leaders to always use dialogue when seeking for solutions to issues affecting students. He called upon the Guild Council to sensitize the incoming students on the Makerere University fees policy.
“On behalf of the Makerere University Council, I am very happy that I have received the Students’ recommendation on the 15% tuition increment and the need to improve students’ welfare and facilities. We will schedule a Council Meeting within two weeks so that we formally handle this very important matter. It is good that the students have benchmarked institutions in Uganda and East Africa and established the realistic unit cost of higher education. I have taken note of your concern to improve students’ welfare, students support services and facilities and I hope that this report will benefit all the University students,” he said.
The Guild President H.E Were Salim commended the great work done by the Committee and called upon the University Management to consider the recommendations of the report.
“This is a new era. The Vice Chancellor, Makerere University Management and Council and student leaders are going to work together for the good of Makerere University,” he said.
Article by Mak, Public Relations Office
The Deputy Vice Chancellor in charge of Academic Affairs (DVCAA), Prof. Sarah Ssali has made a strong case for good Minutes Writing, describing the process as “very important in respecting the integrity of the institution.” She made the remarks while officially opening a training workshop organised by the Makerere University Writing Centre (MakWC) for Executive and Administrative Staff on 4th August 2026.
And whereas it is important to consult long serving staff on institutional best practices, Prof. Ssali noted that good minute writing is the best way to preserve institutional memory, especially as staff come and go. She equally pointed out the importance of minutes in addressing issues of legality, as these accounts have since time immemorial been relied on to “help shape records and document the history of states”.
Away from setting the record straight, the DVCAA also stressed the importance of minutes in helping teams better prepare for their next meeting. Minutes, she noted, should help members develop an action matrix with quick turnaround times that empower the next meeting to address what was resolved.
The DVCAA equally underscored the importance of minutes in; helping institutions or their units comply with regulatory requirements, provide accountability in the event of tracking implementation of policies or programmes, and team alignment. “Minutes affect decisions and so they are good reference points for positions agreed upon by teams, especially where there was a lot of debate,” she said about the latter.
Prof. Ssali concluded by thanking executive and administrative staff present for sparing time to attend the training and urged them to uphold the highest degree of ethics and efficiency as they go about this noble task.
The Chairperson, MakWC, Prof. Fredrick Jones Muyodi in his remarks sincerely thanked the DVCAA for reiterating the importance of workshop in equipping staff to become better professionals. He, in the same breath, urged participants to do their best by putting into practice all the knowledge and skills that they acquire during the training.
Participants received specific training on Fundamentals and Roles of the Minute Taker by Mrs. Patience Mushengyezi and Minute Writing Techniques by Ms. Proscovia Nakayiki. The executive and administrative staff were equally tipped on; the Policy and Legal Environment for Minute Writing by Ms. Esther Kabinga, e-Meeting platforms by Dr. Godfrey Mayende, and Ethical and Responsible Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) by Prof. Paul Birevu Muyinda.
About MakWC
Housed under the Directorate of Research, Innovation and Partnerships (DRIP), MakWC is a pivotal centre aimed at enhancing Makerere University’s strategic goal of becoming a research-led institution by 2030. The centre provides faculty, staff and students with assistance on their papers, projects, reports, multi-modal documents and other writerly needs across disciplines.
Makerere University has officially welcomed the 2026/2027 cohort of freshers, urging them to pursue academic excellence, uphold integrity, embrace diversity and make the most of the opportunities available throughout their university journey.
The opening of Orientation Week, held at the Freedom Square on Monday, 3rd August 2026, brought together University leaders, staff and thousands of newly admitted students. Throughout the event, speakers emphasized academic discipline, personal responsibility, leadership, student welfare and the values that have defined Makerere University for over a century.
Academic Registrar Welcomes Freshers
Delivering his remarks, the Academic Registrar, Prof. Mukadasi Buyinza, congratulated the freshers upon their admission and welcomed them into Makerere University‘s long standing tradition of scholarship, research and innovation.
He reminded the students that joining Makerere University marked the beginning of a new chapter in their lives; one in which they would take full responsibility for shaping their future.
“Your arrival at Makerere marks a new chapter in your own life. This chapter is different because now you have the opportunity to determine the direction of your own story.”
Prof. Buyinza encouraged students to actively participate in academic activities, complete assignments on time and uphold integrity throughout their studies.
He cautioned against examination malpractice, forgery and other forms of academic misconduct, emphasizing that such offences could lead to dismissal from the University.
The Academic Registrar also stressed the importance of completing registration within the prescribed period, reminding students that admission remains provisional until registration requirements have been fulfilled.
“Technically, you are not yet students until you register.”
He further guided students on programme changes, registration procedures, and tuition payment requirements and urged them to carefully read the University’s Joining Instructions.
Beyond academics, Prof. Buyinza advised students to exercise financial discipline, avoid online scams and make responsible personal decisions while adjusting to university life.
Dean of Students Highlights Student Welfare
The Dean of Students, Dr. Winifred Kabumbuli, briefed freshers on accommodation, health services, feeding, spiritual welfare and leadership opportunities available at the University.
She advised students seeking off-campus accommodation to choose only accredited private hostels approved by the University.
“Please make sure you choose a hostel that is safe, comfortable and closer to campus.”
Dr. Kabumbuli also encouraged students to open medical files at the University Hospital instead of self-medicating whenever they fall ill.
“Don’t ignore illness. Don’t self-prescribe. Go for proper medical attention through the University Hospital.”
She urged students to participate in spiritual fellowship through the University’s places of worship and to embrace leadership opportunities available at class, hall and college levels.
Welcoming international students, Dr. Kabumbuli noted that Makerere University has admitted more than 800 international students from 55 countries across five continents, reaffirming the institution’s commitment to providing an inclusive learning environment.
Former Guild President Shares His Makerere Journey
Hon. Lawrence Alionzi (Dangote), inspired the freshers through his personal story, recalling how he joined Makerere University in 2019 as a young student from Arua “with an empty pocket and a bag full of dreams.”
He described Makerere as “the hill of endless possibilities” and challenged students to maximize every opportunity available during their university life.
“The answer to whether you reach the top of the hill lies in what you do between now and the day you graduate.”
Drawing lessons from his own experience, Dangote cautioned students against peer pressure, financial recklessness and online investment scams, encouraging them to choose friends wisely and remain focused on their academic goals.
“Hard work beats talent if talent does not learn to work hard.”
Academic Registrar Clarifies Registration Process
Returning to the podium, Prof. Buyinza clarified registration procedures, programme change guidelines and admission requirements.
He reminded students that failure to register within the stipulated period would result in forfeiture of admission.
“Registration is the most important step that will determine whether you become a university student or not.”
He also advised students seeking programme changes to ensure they meet the required cut-off points and available vacancies before submitting applications.
Prof. Sarah Ssali Calls for Excellence and Integrity
Closing the orientation, the Deputy Vice Chancellor in charge of Academic Affairs, Prof. Sarah Ssali, who represented the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, officially welcomed the freshers to Makerere University.
Beginning her remarks, Prof. Ssali asked students admitted to the Bachelor of Arts in Social Sciences to identify themselves before revealing that she too had studied the same programme.
Using her own experience, she reminded students that every academic programme offered by the University is valuable.
“Every course matters. Whatever you have been given, do it as if your life depends on it.”
She congratulated the incoming students, describing their admission as the beginning of a transformative journey that would prepare them to become responsible citizens and future leaders.
“Your achievement reflects your hard work, determination and potential, and we are delighted that you have chosen Makerere University as the next step in your academic journey.”
Prof. Ssali reminded students that every academic programme matters and encouraged them to pursue excellence regardless of the course they had been admitted to.
She reassured students that Makerere remains committed to providing a supportive and inclusive learning environment through academic staff, the Dean of Students’ Office, counselling services, student leaders and other support units.
She particularly encouraged students facing personal or academic challenges to seek help whenever necessary.
Prof. Ssali reaffirmed the University’s zero-tolerance policy on sexual harassment and exploitation.
“Do not suffer silently. Raise your voice. We have zero tolerance for sexual harassment and exploitation of students.”
Encouraging students to engage beyond the classroom, she urged them to participate in research, innovation, sports, leadership, community engagement and international programmes that complement academic learning.
She also called upon students to reject examination malpractice, plagiarism, violence, substance abuse and all forms of misconduct that undermine the University’s values.
“University education is not only about earning a degree; it is about developing the knowledge, character, values and competences required to make a meaningful contribution to society.”
As she concluded, Prof. Ssali challenged the freshers to think about the legacy they wished to leave behind at Makerere University.
“Pursue a life of excellence. Take ownership of your learning, build strong networks and make the most of every opportunity the University offers.”
The 2026/2027 Orientation Week continues with college based sessions that will introduce freshers to academic programmes, registration processes, student support services and university life before the commencement of the new academic year.
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