General
CAES’ New Students Advised to Work Hard and Guard Against Hooliganism
The Principal, College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES), Makerere University on Wednesday, 8th August 2018 advised the new students admitted under the college to work hard so that they can be retained as academics.
“We all worked hard to attain these positions; you also need to work hard such that you can remain with us, but all this calls for no retake“ he said.
The Principal was speaking during the orientation of new students admitted to study under the college in its different departments and schools. Held in the Biology Laboratory, the college-based orientation was attended by over 600 undergraduate students.
Members of staff including management and administrative staff addressed students on number aspects including academics, discipline, security, financial management, health among others.
Every academic year, first year students are oriented first at the university level and then at college and departmental levels on university policies, general conduct as well as dos and don’ts of the university.
Speaker after speaker welcomed students to CAES describing it as the best science college in the university which they should be proud of.
“It is one of the best, largest and most diverse colleges because it offers the largest number of disciplines. Our strength is in diverse areas like soil science, agronomy, crop science, agricultural economics, extension and innovation, food science and nutrition, and agricultural engineering among others,“ explained the Principal Bernard Bashaasha.
During the orientation the students were informed about the university processes, requirements and rules for registration as a key requirement for recognition in the university, fees payment, library access, pass marks and penalties for non compliance with the academic conduct which includes suspension and dismissal from the university.
The 2018/2019 first year students were also cautioned against anti-social behavior including theft, drunkenness, fighting, exchange of sex for marks, involvement in strikes, disrespect of fellow students based on background, forging documents and bad company saying this tarnishes the image of the university.
The students were also advised to desist from changing courses without expert advice, follow the right channels in addressing their problems, always read notice boards, be mature and responsible, be innovative, and have the self drive to read on their own.
Prof. Bashaasha in his submission re-echoed the fact that the university is facing competition from other private Universities. He nevertheless challenged the students not to fear the competition but work towards beating it and retaining the position of Makerere as number one in Africa.
He however advised them to always focus on what brought them to the university and utilize the available student leadership and other available resources like the bio-technology lab, food technology and business incubation centre, animal science and forestry among others.
On a special note, Bashaasha advised the students to always visit the available worship centers and meet with the religious leaders for special counselling if the university has not solved their problems and advised them to avoid getting into trouble by avoiding places like nightclubs and bars or else retakes awaited them. He also called upon the students especially the girls to dress appropriately in respect of themselves, the staff and fellow students.
Bashaasha advised the freshers to always take part in the inter-hall and inter-university games in addition to academics so as to refresh their minds and perform better.
The college, he said, has got nine centres which they must utilize well in order to make the most of their stay at the university. These include the; Continuing Agricultural Education Centre (CAEC), Centre of Excellence in Waste Management, Centre for Climate Change Research and Innovation (MUCCRI), Food Technology and Business Incubation Centre (FTBIC), Regional Centre for Crop Improvement (MaRCCI), Agricultural Resources Research Centre among others.
The Team leader Finance Mrs. Baguma congratulated the female students upon having been admitted in a science-based college CAES on merit given the fact that many female students drop out of school.
“For the years I have spent in Makerere, it is my first time to see a female College President. In the past women were considered to always be lagging behind but for you, you are special. Don’t lead to the downfall of CAES. You should be knowledgeable about the university policies and don’t be misguided as far as finance issues are concerned.
Don’t lead yourself to actions that will put you in trouble. Don’t think you will fall in love with lecturers to award you marks but work hard to progress in your careers” she advised.
The college registrar Mr. Edward Obura advised the students who applied for tuition loans not to be overly dependent on them if they are to meet the university’s fees payment deadlines.
“There is limited stock for loans, but since you are required to pay 60% of the tuition you must try outside the box such that you can get registered on time“ he said.
The college custodian Mr. Isaac Obuli Egesa advised the freshers to take advantage of his office so as to ensure safe custody of their property.
“I oversee opening and closing times of this college and look out for those who might be moving with harmful gadgets. I will not allow them, since am the shock absorber for all the staff and students in the college”.
He added, “We are an environmental college, irresponsible littering will not be allowed because we have to leave by the name of our college, “he said.
Story compiled by;
Agnes Nankebe Nantambi,
Intern, Communication Office, CAES
General
Makerere University Leaders Call for Excellence in Research and Supervision as Academic Staff and PhD Students Receive Certificates
By Moses Lutaaya
Kampala, 15 December 2025 — Makerere University on Monday held a reflective and inspiring Certificate Award Ceremony at the CTF 2 Auditorium , Yusuf Lule to award academic staff who completed the Graduate Supervision and Mentorship Course and PhD Students who successfully undertook the University’s compulsory cross-cutting doctoral courses. The event was presided over by the Deputy Vice Chancellor – Academic Affairs, Prof. Sarah Ssali.
The ceremony honored the efforts and achievements of 58 academic staff members, 39 men and 19 women from various colleges including CEDAT, CAES, CEES, COVAB and COBAMS, who completed a rigorous three-week Graduate Supervision and Mentorship programme.
Additionally, PhD students were recognized for completing cross-cutting courses in Philosophy of Methods, Scholarly Writing and Communication, and Advanced Research Methods.
In her keynote remarks, Prof. Sarah Ssali, the Deputy Vice Chancellor–Academic Affairs, delivered a message of encouragement and renewed commitment to research excellence at Makerere University.
“It is both an honor and a privilege to be here today to celebrate a significant academic milestone, the completion of the PhD Cross-Cutting Courses by our students and the award of Supervision Certificates to our academic staff.”
“Your completion of this course is not just a personal achievement, but a critical contribution to strengthening the research and mentoring capacity of Makerere University.”
To the PhD students, Prof. Ssali offered warm congratulations and encouragement. “These courses have equipped you with essential tools to conduct high-quality, ethical research and to engage with complex academic questions. This achievement reflects your hard work, intellectual growth, and commitment to excellence.”
She reaffirmed Makerere University’s commitment to research advancement. “As a University, we remain deeply committed to fostering a culture of research excellence. We will continue to invest in both our students and our staff, ensuring that we uphold the highest standards in research and academic supervision.”
The Director of Graduate Training, Prof. Julius Kikooma, challenged the PhD students to approach research with urgency, intentionality, and a clear sense of purpose.
“Completing the crosscutting courses in Philosophy of Methods, Advanced Research Methods, and Scholarly Writing and Communication has not been an easy task. However, the certificate alone is not the end goal. Don’t simply compile these certificates. Make them meaningful.”
Prof. Kikooma emphasized that the value of the courses lies in applying the knowledge gained. “These certificates give you the foundation knowledge. The question now is: Can we see the application of that knowledge in your different fields?”
He further urged doctoral students to begin producing serious academic work now, not at the end of their studies. “If you are becoming someone to be listened to, start now. It means the course is becoming useful. Write about issues that speak to societal challenges. Produce thinking pieces. Produce better outputs. “Look for low-lying fruits that can make your PhD journey more exciting and impactful.”
Prof. Kikooma also reminded students that while the PhD journey is shared by the academic community, its weight is uniquely felt by the candidates. “Your PhD journey is ours as a group. But you feel the heat. Speak to us so we understand your challenges. “You cannot be here for more than three years. Why are some of you still here? Is the journey heavy? How can we support you to complete it?” He asked.
He encouraged students to build thought leadership through the PhD Forum, adding that the forum is a strong voice for the students. A PhD is automatic leadership in the knowledge domain. Why doesn’t the PhD Forum come up with periodic writings that reflect what communities are experiencing? Start now so that by the time you finish the course, you hit the ground running.”
The Ag. Director of the Centre for Teaching and Learning Support (CTLS), Dr. Dorothy Ssebowa Kyagaba, gave a message to the academic staff who completed the Graduate Supervision and Mentorship Course, speaking with admiration for their dedication and high level of engagement.
“I congratulate all the academic staff who have completed the three-week Graduate Supervision and Mentorship Course. Your commitment, hard work, and enthusiasm have been evident throughout the training.”
She described the course as a cornerstone of Makerere’s commitment to strengthening graduate supervision. “This course is a key component in Makerere University’s drive to strengthen the quality of graduate training, research supervision, innovation, and strategic partnerships.”
She highlighted the thematic richness of the training; covering Knowledge Production Perspectives, Supervisory styles, Supervisory meetings and conversation skills, Research Ethics, Intercultural supervision and diversity, Scholarly writing and feedback as well as Examination processes and Doctoral Viva. She expressed gratitude to the Directorate of Graduate Training led by Prof. Kikooma, and to Prof. Ssali for providing leadership that advances graduate training across Makerere University.
General
Makerere University Hosts EU Delegation to Review Institutional Engagement in EU Cooperation Programmes
Makerere University today hosted a delegation of members from the European Union (EU) for a high-level engagement aimed at reviewing the University’s involvement in EU cooperation programmes. The meeting focused on the linkages between the Erasmus+ Programme, Makerere University’s internationalization strategy, and the related institutional management and coordination structures.
The delegation was received by Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic Affairs) Professor Sarah Ssali, provided an overview of how EU cooperation programmes are coordinated across different offices within the University. She highlighted Makerere’s integrated institutional approach to managing EU-funded initiatives, emphasizing collaboration among academic units, administrative offices, and support departments to ensure effective implementation and sustainability of projects.
Prof. Sylivia Antonia Nakimera Nanyonga-Tamusuza presented an overview of how grants are handled at Makerere University, with particular emphasis on the role of the Grants Management and Support (GAMSU) Office. She explained that the office provides end-to-end support for externally funded projects, including proposal development, grant negotiation, compliance, financial accountability, reporting, and capacity building for project teams. The GAMSU Office plays a critical role in ensuring transparency, efficiency, and compliance with donor requirements, including those of the European Union.
The University Secretary, Mr. Yusuf Kiranda, addressed the meeting and outlined how the University’s resources are managed to support academic programmes and international cooperation initiatives. He further explained the role of the Office of the University Secretary in supporting students, including policy oversight, governance, student welfare, administrative coordination, and ensuring that institutional systems effectively support teaching, research, and international partnerships.
Ms. Betty Nabisubi from the International Relations Office (IRO) provided a comprehensive overview of how Erasmus+ programmes are coordinated within her office. She explained that the IRO supports Erasmus students and staff from the time they arrive at Makerere University until their departure. This includes orientation, immigration support, accommodation guidance, academic coordination, cultural integration, and continuous student support. She also highlighted additional services offered by the office, such as partnership development, mobility coordination, and facilitation of international collaborations.
Following the institutional presentations, project representatives were allocated 30 minutes for structured discussions with EU project contact persons. The session began with short presentations focusing on project results, impact, and sustainability, followed by an interactive discussion and question-and-answer session. The representatives presented their projects clearly and confidently, demonstrating strong outcomes and long-term impact aligned with both Makerere University and EU cooperation objectives.
Overall, the engagement was highly productive and fruitful, providing a valuable platform for knowledge sharing, reflection on best practices, and strengthening collaboration between Makerere University and the European Union. The discussions reaffirmed Makerere University’s commitment to effective internationalization, accountable project management, and sustained partnerships under EU cooperation programmes.
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