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
Makerere University on Thursday 15th May, 2025 embarked on a two-day induction exercise spearheaded by the Directorate of Human Resources for newly appointed staff, whose tenures commenced in the 2024/2025 financial year. Held in the Senate Conference Hall, day one of the induction was presided over by the Acting (Ag.) Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic Affairs)-DVCAA, Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi, who represented the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe.
Warmly welcoming the new staff, Prof. Buyinza congratulated the ladies and gentlemen upon choosing Makerere University as the workplace for embarking on their next phase of professional growth, self-discovery, and personal development.
“You are joining a century-old institution with a distinguished history and a deeply rooted culture of academic excellence” Prof. Buyinza remarked. “For over 100 years, Makerere has nurtured the intellectual talents of young people and contributed meaningfully to the development of society across the globe,” he added.
The Ag. DVCAA nevertheless tipped that although the onboarding process might overwhelm staff with a lot of information, it is all meant to enable them better understand their roles, the benefits due them, and the unique opportunities that come with working in a world-class institution. Prof. Buyinza therefore encouraged new staff to contribute to the attainment of Makerere’s Mission, connect with the vibrant community they are now part of, enjoy the beautiful greenery the campus affords, and take advantage of professional development as well as well-being promoting programmes.
“At Makerere University, the well-being, safety, and professional growth of our staff are priorities. We are committed to walking this journey with you, and to building an institution that is not only a place of work but a place of inspiration and belonging” Prof. Buyinza reassured.
In his welcome remarks, the Chief Human Resources Officer, Mr. Deus Tayari Mujuni congratulated the new staff upon successfully completing the rigorous process the resulted into their respective appointments. He equally thanked the Vice Chancellor for endorsing the induction ceremony with not only budgetary support but also his representation.
Reiterating the need to appreciate the culture, politics and dynamics of the institution that they are now part of, Mr. Mujuni tasked new staff to take time and appreciate the University Vision, Mission and Objectives, and ensure that they adhere to them. He equally urged new staff to read and understand the various university policies and where in doubt, consult the relevant offices.
Ultimately, he urged staff in the fulfilment of their duties and responsibilities not to disregard their individual goals. “You have aspirations that you must achieve as an individual and I encourage you not to neglect them.”
The University Council as the supreme governing body of the university is also the policy making body, whose Appointments Board oversees the appointment, promotion, removal from service, and discipline of all university staff and officers. The representative of Staff with Disabilities on University Council, Mr. Amon Muteganda Kabahima who chaired the session on University Governance equally congratulated new staff.
“You underwent a tough process full of various competitive stages and we are sure that we have the right people for the various jobs” he commended.
Addressing aspects of University Governance and the key Offices, the University Secretary and Secretary to Council, Mr. Yusuf Kiranda guided that the policies and regulations that govern the institution are broad, numerous, and as such cannot adequately be covered over the two-day induction. He nevertheless encouraged staff to visit the University Policies website and appraise themselves with the details, not only for avoidance of breaching them but also building a culture voluntary compliance.
Mr. Kiranda equally encouraged staff not to ascribe importance and respect to colleagues based on rank and titles but seek to esteem each and every member of staff as an important and vital contributor to the fulfilment of the University’s Vision and Mission.
“We are all equally important in this university; the person whose services the university does not require, it does not hire. As long as you are here, you are required” he explained.
The University Secretary equally called upon staff to familiarize themselves with the law that establishes and governs public universities; the Universities and Other Tertiary Institutions Act (UOTIA). In his presentation, he singled out section twenty-four (24) that outlines the objectives of a public university in Uganda, as well as sections 30 to 32 that prescribe various offices’ responsibilities.
Mr. Kiranda equally encouraged staff to read the Human Resources Manual, Policy and Regulations against Sexual Harassment (PRASH), the Safeguarding Policy, among others. He concluded by reiterating the need for staff to read and appreciate the policies that directly address their welfare and steer clear of negative narratives and discourse, particularly those that seek to weaponize discourse. Other topics to be covered during the two-day induction include; the University Strategic Plan, Financing, Research-led Agenda, Institutional Communication and Public Relations and the Makerere University Retirement Benefits Scheme (MURBS). Topics to be covered on day two include; Legal Instruments, The Collegiate System, Human Resources Management and Functions, as well as Policies on Gender Equality and Sexual Harassment. Others include; Academic Issues, Quality Assurance, Procurement, Audit, and Library Resources.
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