General
Mak graduate students advised on network development and research skill enhancement
The Director of Research and Graduate Training, Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi has appealed to Makerere University Graduate students to develop their networks and heighten their research skills. This was during the Makerere University Graduate Student’s Orientation that was held on 24th August 2018 in the Big Lab 2 of Makerere University College of Computing and Information Sciences. Over 3000 students were admitted at Makerere University on the graduate programme for the academic year 2018/2019.
Prof. Buyinza welcomed the students to Makerere University, one of the leading universities in the world and urged them to remain focused and committed to their dreams. He also advised students to work hard and make effective use of the support services available at the University.
“We want you to realise your academic and personal potential, develop and widen your networks, have new interests, tastes and preferences and focus on improving your research skills. As a University, we pledge to create an intellectually and socially vibrant environment for you. We are also ready to provide the resources to ensure that you achieve your dreams,” he said.
“In you, I see vibrant young people with a lot of energy and enthusiasm. I hope that you shall use the energy to your best for the benefit of yourselves and humanity,” he added.
Taking the students through the Makerere University graduate training process, the Deputy Director for Research and Graduate Training Prof. David Okello Owiny called upon students to account for their tuition by demanding for the expected services from the University.
He strongly encouraged the students to register and also advised them to pay the university dues on time. “please register, because this is the only proof that you are students here. Even if you attend your classes, do your research as well as exams, you will not graduate if you never registered,” he said.
Representing the Makerere University Bursar Ms. Deborah Nalule, the Manager, Grants and Revenue; Mrs. Jackie Keirungi Ayorekire informed the students about the Academic Information Management System (AIMS), a new systems portal that supports students to enrol, register, pay tuition and access their results online.
She also reminded the international students to pay their tuition in Ugandan currency when she said, “It is a policy from Makerere University Council that tuition must be paid in Ugandan currency. Please take note of that.”
Mrs. Muwanguzi Martha Ngobi, Head of Makerere University International Relations Office urged the international students to always seek help from the Office. “the International office is happy to be the reference point for all your queries both academically and socially in liaison with other administrative units within the University. We will do our best to support you during you stay. We want your experience at Makerere University to be a positive one both academically and personally,” she stated.
The Manager-Counselling and Guidance Centre, Makerere University, Mr. Henry Nsubuga encouraged students to fully utilize the counselling and guidance services provided at the centre to free their mind of any problem that will stop them from achieving their academic goals
Representing the University Librarian, Dr. Ruth Nalumaga advised students to register with the Makerere University Library and the College Libraries in order to access services.
Mr. Yunusu Musisi from the Directorate for ICT Support (DICTS) urged students to acquire Makerere University email addresses to access the E-Learning platforms such as Makerere University E-Learning Environment (MUELE).
Article by Nakibombo Esther Joyce and Kanyi Rachael, Volunteers- Mak Public Relations Office
General
Prof. Nawangwe urges young people to take up leadership in innovation for the transformation of Africa
By the Program Communication Team
On Sunday, February 2, 2025, Makerere University hosted the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Council Representatives meeting, which brings together young people from around 45 partner universities of the Mastercard Foundation.
During the event, Vice Chancellor Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe urged young people to prepare for leadership roles in innovation, especially starting with their communities, if they wish to see the positive transformation they desire in Africa.
“I urge you to connect and network with your peers and discuss how you can form inter-university teams to innovate solutions that will address the development challenges in our communities for the transformation of the African continent.” Prof. Nawangwe remarked.
Prof. Nawangwe applauded the Mastercard Foundation for its partnership with Makerere University and Uganda in general, which has uplifting effects on many young people.
“Makerere University and Uganda have made remarkable strides in providing Higher Education to Young People, thanks to the generous support of the Mastercard Foundation, which has contributed significantly to educating the next generation of African leaders. Through valuable initiatives and partnerships, such as the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program, Makerere University is poised to continue educating young individuals who will significantly impact Uganda’s and Africa’s economic growth.” Prof. Nawangwe noted.
The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Nawangwe, further urged young people to seize the opportunities the Mastercard Foundation and other like-minded development partners presented to improve their lives and communities.
“The Mastercard Foundation has given you the platform and opportunity to be leaders and beacons of change. Embrace this responsibility with courage. Let the core values of the Scholars Program—humility, listening, kindness and respect, co-creation, and impact—guide your actions,” Prof. Nawangwe emphasized.
While speaking at the same event, the Program Director of the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Makerere University, Prof. Justine Namaalwa, enumerated high-level achievements the Program had accomplished for the last decade at Makerere University. She pointed out that in terms of scholarship enrolment, the Program had recruited 1,032 Scholars, of which 76% were Females, 7% were Internationals, 4% were Refugees, and about 1% were Youth with Disabilities.
Prof. Namaalwa further pointed out other post-graduation achievements, including a 94% completion rate of the total number of Scholars enrolled in the Scholars Program. She pointed out that between 2018 and 2025, the Program had graduated 964 Scholars, of which 37% were employed, mainly in the private sector.
Prof. Namaalwa revealed that beyond the Scholars Program, the Mastercard Foundation had put other initiatives supporting the university in numerous ways. She pointed out other initiatives such as the e-learning initiative, a COVID-19 Response measure to ensure continuity of Teaching and Learning at Makerere University and the Climate Resilience and Sustainability Collaborative: Makerere University, in collaboration with the University of Ghana, the University of Cape Town, and the University of Cambridge, is implementing a new initiative that addresses one of the world’s most significant challenges in recent times—climate change.
Prof. Namaalwa revealed that the Research Collaborative would provide opportunities for MSc and PhD scholarships to African students and encourage young people to enrol as graduate students starting in the academic year 2025/2026.
The event was punctuated with fireside chats, during which young people had an opportunity to discuss a number of topical issues related to entrepreneurship and Transformative leadership. Thereafter, the visiting students were taken on a guided tour around Makerere University.
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Council comprises student leaders from partner Universities. Each Partner University has one Council Representative. They represent the needs of Scholars and work with the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program teams at each institution, the Mastercard Foundation, and Alumni.
On Monday 3rd February 2025, the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe handed over three (3) university buses to the respective leadership in the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES), the College of Health Sciences (CHS), and the College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Biosecurity (CoVAB).
The new buses mark a significant improvement in mobility and learning for Makerere University students and staff, furthering the institution’s commitment to practical education and community service.
Speaking at the handover ceremony held at the University’s Freedom Square, Prof. Nawangwe highlighted the significance of the new buses in enhancing teaching and learning. “These buses will play a crucial role in improving students’ practical learning experiences by ensuring reliable transportation for fieldwork and community outreach,” he said.
Prof. Nawangwe expressed gratitude to the Parliament and the Government of Uganda for providing the resources for the new buses, emphasizing their importance in replacing the old fleet, which frequently breaks down. The new 2023 model buses, with a 67-seater capacity, were secured at a cost of UGX 626million each and are expected to save the university significant maintenance costs and improve the learning experience for students.
Principals from the respective colleges expressed their appreciation for the new buses. Prof. Frank Norbert Mwiine, Principal of CoVAB, emphasized the importance of the buses for practical training at locations such as Lake Mburo National Park. Associate Prof. Gorettie Nabanoga, Principal of CAES, and Associate Prof. Bruce Kirenga, Principal of CHS, highlighted the buses’ role in facilitating community engagement and outreach.
He explained that the decision to purchase Isuzu buses instead of those manufactured by Kiira Motors Corporation (KMC) a Makerere University partner, was based on prior engagement with the former, as well as the need to utilize the allocated funds promptly within the Financial Year, which couldn’t be accomplished at KMC due to their high demand.
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