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