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