General
Nyabyeya Forestry College Hands Over 10hectares to Enhance Mak’s Practical Forestry Training
Nyabyeya Forest College (NFC) in Masindi has handed over ten (10) hectares of land to Makerere University to enhance practical forestry training. The land provided will be used for establishment of a training plantation forest which will help in enhancing practical training and research.
This follows a Memorandum of Understanding signed between the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES) and Nyabyeya Forestry College on 3rd July 2018.
The land was handed over by the Principal NFC Mr. Godfrey Akubonabona to the Vice Chancellor Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe on his maiden visit to NFC on 15th August 2018. The MoU between CAES and NFC was operationalised on the same day.
The hand over was witnessed by NFC staff including the Deputy Principal, Mr. Kisakye Richard, the Academic Registrar Mr. Swaib Gwanyi, the Assistant Academic Registrar Mr. Ambrose Ahimbisibwe and the Plantation Manager, Mr. Geofrey Sebahutu among others.
The Vice Chancellor was accompanied by the Director Legal Affairs Mr. Henry Mwebe, the Principal CAES Prof. Bernard Bashaasha, his deputy Dr. Gorettie Nabanoga, the Dean School of Forestry, Environmental and Geographical Sciences Prof. Mnason Tweheyo, Deans and Heads of units from CAES.
Prof. Nawangwe described Nyabyeya Forestry College as a centre of excellence in training foresters and appreciated the college for the excellent work it has been doing to train Makerere University students.
“I must commend those who have been resilient to keep this place in difficult times. I also commend the Principal Nyabyeya Forest College for the transformations during his two years in office,” Nawangwe commended.
The Vice Chancellor noted that Mak and NFC provide the biggest opportunity in the country as the only university and college training foresters.
The Professor decried the declining forest cover in the country noting that unlike the past where permission would be sought to even cut a tree one owned in his or her land, today cutting of trees is not regulated leading to the disappearance forestry cover.
Citing Kenya as an example of an organized country where cutting a tree for charcoal is not allowed, Nawangwe implored educational institutions including Mak and NFC to take on the responsibility to ensure these standards come back.
“Government expects a lot from us the educational institutions. The most absurd thing is that someone from government should advise Makerere what to do. We can do a lot of research and that is extremely important.
The reason forests are disappearing is that we are producing very fast. Uganda is still among the fastest growing populations in Africa and therefore we must research into alternative ways of keeping our forests,” Nawangwe said.
The Vice Chancellor emphasized the importance of more practical training and learner-centered approach in promoting entrepreneurship and churning out graduates that can compete on the world market.
He observed that with two forests at their disposal, the two institutions can work together not only to do research and promote practical training but also generate resources to supplement government efforts.
“NFC has the land and expertise. Makerere has expertise. We should identify what we can do jointly so that we are able to relieve government from the burden of paying staff salaries.
There is a shortage of avocados on the world market. Israel with its problems is the biggest exporter of avocados to Europe but they can only supply one season. This is one thing we can look at, say if we plant 100 acres, we would be the biggest suppliers in East Africa”. Nawangwe advised.
The Professor thanked NFC for the support given to Makerere over the past 40 years and advised the two institutions to take advantage of the capacity built to offer sabbaticals and staff exchanges so that the relationship is mutually beneficial.
Nawangwe further implored the two institutions to take on responsibility of advising Government on matters of policy. He noted that since the 1998 Act, everyone in the country can do whatever they want irrespective of the repercussions.
“The Great lakes region is the worst affected. The Water war will begin from here, there is high population, climate change, all forms of degradation and we are heading for disaster.
We are the people who have the knowledge to avert these problems. You need to do research in these areas and give proper policy guidance to our government,” Nawangwe said.
The Principal CAES, Prof. Bernard Bashaasha said NFC and CAES have been enjoying an informal relationship for over 35years. Bashaasha expressed happiness that they were at Nyabyeya to consummate the marriage.
“The collaboration has been going on not properly anchored and I am happy that this is happening .
The MoU has three critical elements; facilities, recess term and staff exchange but we are here to add another aspect of the relationship of having land,” Bashaasha reported.
Prof. Bashaasha was optimistic that with the acquisition and improvement of the existing facilities at NFC, forestry students would be able to spend more time on practical training.
“If we utilise the 10hectares of land well, we can train environmentalists and conservation managers and also make money. Environmental issues are important, climate change is here with us, when you see global patterns, that makes training in environmental conservation very important,” the CAES Principal stated.
The Dean School of Forestry, Environmental and Geographical Sciences Prof. Mnason Tweheyo explained that as the most needy and user unit they labored to undertake the curriculum review to remove redundancies and duplications and ultimately found that Nyabyeya Forest College was the most practical area for training foresters.
Prof. Tweheyo said, since 1973 NFC has been training Makerere students undertaking forestry and related programs every year during recess term including use of the college facilities, staff exchange and collaborative research.
Tweheyo said at one time both institutions benefited from NORAD support. From 1973 to 1975, NORAD supported NFC and Makerere University to establish the Faculty of Forestry and Nature Conservation.
“Before, we used to time when NFC students were out and would bring Makerere students here. This year 2018, more than 400 students from 1st to 4th year have passed through NFC.
NFC offered space where Makerere can build a hostel to accommodate 45 students. In addition there is land identified next to the hostel allocated to Makerere that can be used to expand accommodation for staff and students.” The Dean said.
Prof. Tweheyo explained that for a long time stakeholders have been complaining about forestry graduates being more theoretical than practical. He said with the acquisition of the 10 hectares of land from NFC, the university will be in position to offer the best training in Africa.
“NFC sits on a Forest reserve. Those who work in forest reserves do not get titles but certificates. So NFC gave us user rights for training students.
We thought this would be very important and we shall be able to collect data from day one when the trees are planted, conduct research as well as training,” he said.
Prof. Tweheyo said the school will not plant indigenous trees but look at different species for recommendation to the industry.
“We shall use it for demonstration whereby students visit once a month, and rely on student labour as this is important for them to gain practical skills. Mak and NFC will do research together,” the don added.
“For the first 2 years, one hectare can consume 3million shillings. The next 2-6 years a hectare will consume 2million. 6-12 years, a hectare requires 2million and from 12-18 years a hectare will consume 1 million shillings” the Dean said.
Prof. Tweheyo pledged that school had earmarked 4million Uganda Shillings to kickstart the process and called upon the college and the university to lend a helping hand to make the project a success. The Dean also underscored the role played by Budongo Conservation Forest (BCF) in accommodating and training Makerere University staff and students although this association was yet to be formalised.
He said BCF by virtue of its being a tropical forest has attracted researchers from across the globe. He was optimistic that the BCF would become the Biological field station for Makerere since many of her units including CAES, the College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Biosecurity (CoVAB) and the College of Natural Sciences (CoNAS) stand to benefit.
The Deputy Principal Dr. Gorettie Nabanoga thanked the Dean for articulating the issues affecting Forestry training. She observed that the field of forestry training has taken a turnaround, requiring modern and state-of-the-art equipment as opposed to the obsolete machines.
She also echoed the need to promote retooling of teaching staff in forestry so that what is given to students meets the current employers and stakeholders expectations.
Nabanoga proposed the need for Makerere and NFC to look at both long and quick maturing tree species so as to project the resources to be generated for the university and college. She also encouraged the two institutions to be gender sensitive during the enrolment of students and recruitment of staff in forestry.
The Deputy Principal thanked the Vice Chancellor for honouring the invitation to grace the occasion.
“We have never had the Vice Chancellor visiting this college. Pulling you out of the university Main Building to the forest is a signal that forestry training and natural resource management is dear to your heart,” Nabanoga said.
The day’s major events included, meeting between Mak and NFC staff punctuated by brief remarks, launching the implementation of the Mak- CAES & NFC MoU, exchange of appreciation gifts, touring NFC facilities, tree planting at the allocated site to signify the handover of the land and finally the visit to Budongo Conservation Field Station.
Report Compiled by
Jane Anyango,
Principal Communication Officer, CAES
The Senior Program Director, Higher Education and Research in Africa, International Program, Carnegie Corporation of New York, Prof. Omotade Akin Aina on 23rd May 2025 visited Makerere University during his short trip to Kampala. Prof. Aina was received on behalf of the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe by Prof. Tony Oyana, Principal of the College of Computing and Information Sciences (CoCIS).
During his visit, Prof. Aina met with the Project Implementation Committee, representatives from the Consolidating Early Career Academics Programme (CECAP) phase I Fellowship Cohort, and current Fellows of phase II. The meeting discussed the progress of CECAP II, which focuses on fostering academic development and research among early-career academics.
CECAP II is being implemented by Makerere University in collaboration with four other Ugandan public universities, including; Busitema University, Gulu University, Kyambogo University and Mbarara University of Science and Technology. Prof. Mukadasi Buyinza, the Project Principal Investigator was represented at the meeting by the Director of Graduate Training, Prof. Julius Kikooma.
By Moses Lutaaya
The Directorate of Graduate Training at Makerere University has equipped several Senior ranking lecturers with expert knowledge in a Training of Trainers’ workshop on “Philosophy of Methods”.
In his remarks at the opening of a 3-day training workshop at Level4 Conference Hall – Senate Building, the Director of Graduate Training Prof. Julius Kikooma said, “The teaching of Philosophy of Methods gives all participants the fundamentals to extend knowledge to other learners, hence its importance in upholding the Makerere University values.”
Kikooma urged and challenged the participants to also attend and actively participate in the follow up of learners’ training of students, stating that the PhD students need support as the directorate continues to coordinate the curriculum of PhD by-research that was approved by the senate recently.
“To holistically implement the senate approved PhD curriculum, we are coordinating capacity building trainings of all stake holders in a structured approach with the different units of the University. Many more trainings including Training of Trainers in advanced research methods course are on the way.”
He further urged the participants to be intentional in their teaching profession and in whatever they were doing, adding “Apart from focusing on practices as teachers and researchers, we can engage in wider philosophical debates in our research areas so that we are relevant in the society and in the empowerment of PhD research students.”
The participants for the Philosophy of Methods training were from College of Humanities and Social Sciences, College of Education and External Studies, Makerere University Business School among others.
During the same training, Dr. Dickson Kanakulya stressed the need to train senior lecturers in the Philosophy of Methods, saying, “The biggest connection is that societal problems require concrete research to find solutions. Our challenge in Africa is that we employ a short barrow approach to find solutions to problems. This cannot work. We need consistent researchers to solve problems. Lasting solutions to societal issues can only be got through training such as Philosophy of Methods, where researchers come up with new models for societal solutions.”
Dr. Kanakulya said that Makerere University remains the biggest research University in Africa and philosophy of Methods helps to come up with good research tools that produce good research outputs. “Research has shown that the higher the number of PhD researchers in any given country, the higher the levels of development of that country e.g. the USA, China etc., adding that research is not limited to only medicinal or agricultural related issues.”
He said philosophy of methods, encourages philosophical creativity in research, “It is meant to bring out philosophical generation of concepts, theories and ideas. It is meant to encourage students to question the existing philosophical assumptions and status quo in a given field of knowledge such that new philosophical concepts are created.”
For successful rollout of government programs like the National Development Plan 4, Dr. Kanakulya said that Philosophy of Methods training needs to be integrated into such systems. “Philosophy of Methods focuses on ethical thinking aspects. For example, for a better rollout of the Parish Development Model, we need implementers to be ethical.” He added.
Prof. Sulait Tumwiine, the associate Dean of Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research at MUBS said, “This is a discussion where new ideas are shared to guide and gauge applicability in the current knowledge diversity coupled with lots of technological development including Artificial Intelligence and Chat GPT.”
He added, “As professors of Universities, we need to understand how we leverage on what comes up so that it does not take our space, but also appreciate how we can support growth of knowledge. The Philosophy of Methods training is the answer.”
Dr. Jim Spire Ssentongo highlighted that Philosophy uses more of the critical mind than Science. He added that philosophy is more of speculation of the mind.
“Sustainability of philosophy Education encourages us to continue training. Philosophy being the oldest discipline retained special status in the academia as a pinnacle of pursuit of knowledge. All disciplines have major elements of philosophy citing examples in the philosophy of Mathematics and Physics.
Dr. Spire added, “If you do not understand philosophy, you cannot deeply investigate anything because philosophy is the reality of understanding everything. Philosophy is the basis of understanding what knowledge is and how it is arrived at.”
Also participating in the workshop was Prof. Joseph Ntaayi from MUBS, in his remarks he said PhD students need the philosophy of methods training to understand how to best to create knowledge. He added that ontological and epistemological questions that lead to good research design methods can only be answered by this training.
Dr. Robert Kakuru, a Lecturer in the College of Humanities and Social Sciences said that the Philosophy of Methods training is needed by every graduate student as well as supervisors to critically determine the choice of methods to use in academic research. For example, “If one wants to use a questionnaire as an interview approach, one should understand, why that approach and yet without this training, the why cannot be answered.” He added.
The Philosophy of Methods training was organized by Directorate of Graduate Training with funding support from the Consortium for Advanced Research Training in Africa (CARTA).
16th May 2025 started on a high note as over 100 newly appointed staff at Makerere University convened to participate in the second day of the Induction workshop organized by the Directorate of Human Resources.
The Chief Human Resources Officer, Mr. Deus Tayari Mujuni highlighted that Makerere University presents staff with enormous opportunities for career and professional growth, research, partnerships, and valuable networks in the respective fields.
Re-affirming the statement from the Chief Human Resources Officer, the Acting Deputy Vice Chancellor (Finance and Administration), Prof. Winston Tumps Ireeta who joined the University service in 2001 testified that the institution has presented him with opportunities for growth in the academia, research and leadership. He served as the Head of the Department of Physics for nine years, where he rose through the ranks from Lecturer, Senior Lecturer, to Associate Professor. Additionally, he has served as a Member of Council, and the University Senate. Currently, he is the substantive Principal of the College of Natural Sciences.
Prof. Ireeta congratulated the new staff upon joining Makerere University, which he described as a merit-based institution. “I can confirm that the recruitment process is based on merit. It is highly competitive and every step is followed to recruit the best candidate,” he said.
The second day of the Induction workshop featured the following topics: Legal instruments, the collegiate system, human resources management, the electronic human resource management system (ehrms), understanding the human resource functions, policies on gender equality, the policy and regulations against sexual harassment, academic policies, the Safeguarding policy, the procurement function, the audit function, and library resources.
The induction workshop presented the newly appointed staff with a golden opportunity to understand the evolution of Makerere University from a faculty-based to a collegiate system. Established in 1922 as a humble technical school with 14 male students, Makerere has evolved into one of the leading universities in the world. It boasts of a student population of over 35,000 and hundreds of thousands of alumni spread across the globe.
Chairing the session on the collegiate system, Dr. Ronald Bisaso, the Deputy Principal of the College of Education and External Studies (CEES), described Makerere University as an intelligent organization that presents staff with career growth and excellence in life. Dr. Bisaso joined the university service in 2008 with a substantive appointment as Assistant Lecturer, and has risen through the academic ranks up to Associate Professor. He has also served as an academic leader; formerly as Dean and currently Deputy Principal. Reflecting on his impactful journey since 2008, he referred to Makerere University as the land of possibilities. As the new staff begin tapping into this rewarding resource, he advised them to maximally utilize their potential to contribute to the growth of Makerere University.
Dr. Bisaso informed the participants that Prof. Ireeta who witnessed the transition from the faculty- based system, was the best university leader, member of staff and alumnus of Makerere University to present the operations and functions of the collegiate system.
Presenting the collegiate system to the newly appointed staff, Prof. Ireeta highlighted that the collegiate system kicked off in 2011. The strategic decision was informed by the continuous growth of Makerere University and the need to enhance service delivery to students, staff, alumni and society.
Prof. Ireeta pointed out that the university has nine (9) colleges, two (2) stand-alone schools and two (2) institutes. The Colleges include: Agricultural and Environmental Sciences; Business and Management Sciences; Computing and Information Sciences; Education and External Studies; Engineering, Design, Art and Technology; Health Sciences; Humanities and Social Sciences; Natural Sciences; and Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Biosecurity. The stand-alone schools include: School of Law, and the School of Public Health. He also mentioned the two (2) institutes namely: Makerere University Institute of Social Research (MISR) and the Institute of Gender and Development Studies (IGDS). Prof. Ireeta advised the new staff to visit the Makerere University website (https://mak.ac.ug) to acquaint themselves with in-depth information about the institution, the respective colleges and units.
Focusing on the operations of the collegiate system, he outlined the reporting hierarchy that ensures a smooth and harmonious relationship among the colleges and the central administration. He explained that the College Principals report to the Vice Chancellor. In addition, College work plans, budgets, procurement plans and among others, are presented and approved by the mandated offices at the Centre.
Prof. Ireeta urged the new staff to respect the reporting hierarchy with special reference to the Immediate Supervisor mentioned in the appointment letter. He encouraged the newly appointed staff to utilize the following offices at the Colleges: Office of the Principal, School Deans, Heads of Departments, College Bursar, College Registrar, College Communication Office, College Procurement Office, College Librarian, and among others.
Responding to a participant who expressed the desire to join a SACCO, Prof. Ireeta who acknowledged being a member of one of the SACCOS in the University, advised the members of staff to study the different SACCOS within the administrative units, and, at the respective colleges and make informed decisions. “With time, you will learn about the different SACCOS within the University. It is important that you listen to what each SACCO has to offer including the laws available to safeguard your savings. After thorough scrutiny, you will make a personal decision on whether to join a particular SACCO,” he said.
Tackling the legal instruments, the session Chair, Dr. Zahara Nampewo, who is the Deputy Principal of the School of Law, and the Presenter, Ms. Sumaiyah Nanyondo, the Chief Legal Officer discussed the relevant provisions of the laws and policies governing the University. These included: The Universities and Other Tertiary Institutions Act, Employment Act, Human Resources Manual (as amended 2009), and the Uganda Public Service Standing Orders. In addition, Ms. Nanyondo referred staff to the Makerere University policies website (https://policies.mak.ac.ug) to access and read the specific policies in detail.
The Chair for the academic policies session, Dr. Muhammad Kiggundu-Musoke, who is the Head, Department of Humanities and Language Education at CEES informed the participants that he joined the University service in 1999. Dr. Kiggundu-Musoke who shared his focus on becoming a Professor, mentioned that Makerere University had enabled him to serve as the PRO of Makerere University Academic Staff Association (MUASA), the Chairperson of MUASA, Acting Manager, Communication and International Relations at Makerere University. Currently, serving as Head of Department, he looks forward to more leadership opportunities. Dr. Kiggundu-Musoke implored new staff to understand their roles and serve diligently, emphasizing that leadership demands vision, integrity and alignment with the core functions of teaching and learning, research and community engagements.
On the first day of the Induction Workshop (15th May 2025), the Secretary to Council, Mr. Yusuf Kiranda sensitized the new staff on the role of the University Council-the supreme governing body of the university. Consequently, on day two, Mrs. Patience Rubabinda Mushengyezi, the Deputy Academic Registrar (Senate) briefed the new staff about the University Senate-the chief academic organ of the university. She stated that the University Senate plays a pivotal role in the formulation of academic policies. She explained that the Department of the Academic Registrar performs functions of great value to the university. She noted that academic policies are implemented through school committees, college academic boards and designated academic leaders. Mrs. Mushengyezi rallied staff to actively participate in the implementation of academic policies. “The academic policies guide and shape the academic journey of the students at the university. Let us do our best to implement them,” she stated.
Inspiring the new staff, Mrs. Mushengyezi revealed that she joined the university service in 1998 as a part-time Lecturer. Makerere University has presented her with room to serve in the different offices under the Department of the Academic Registrar, and, widened her spectrum to the field of research, where she has been in position to serve as a Principal Investigator on some of the research projects.
As a Principal Investigator she led a team of University staff, which contributed to a collection of organized archives of university records from 1922 to 2009. Through the Digitalization of Academic Records and Processes (DARP) project, Mrs. Mushengyezi and her research team, significantly contributed to the digitization agenda of the University.
Delivering a special message to the Administrative staff, Mrs. Mushengyezi re-echoed that her story is testimony that when you focus, you can become a researcher, grant writer and principal investigator.
In the strategic plan, Makerere University commits to gender equality, a process which involves engendering its processes and operations. The session was chaired by Prof. Sarah Ssali, the Acting Director of the Institute of Gender and Development Studies (IGDS). Prof. Ssali who joined the university service in 2003 as a Lecturer has risen up to the rank of Professor. She has served as the Dean of the School of Women and Gender Studies, a Member of Senate and Council, and a Member of the Appointments Board. She acknowledged Makerere University for its contribution to building her profile, which has presented her with international recognition and appointments on national and internationally recognized boards. “The University has nurtured me to be a teacher, researcher and professor. I have been nominated to serve on international bodies/organs because of Makerere University,” she remarked.
At the institutional level, Makerere University established the School of Women and Gender Studies, and the Gender Mainstreaming Directorate to champion the gender equality agenda. Prof. Ssali informed the new staff that Makerere University is undertaking several programmes to conform to the international standards embodied in the gender equality seal.
In her presentation, the Chief-Gender Mainstreaming, Dr. Euzobia Mugisha-Baine highlighted some of the historical issues that dictated the need for gender mainstreaming. She reported that Makerere started with 14 male students. This continued up 1945 when the first female students joined the institution. In addition, its founding motto was, “Let us be Men.” With time, the motto changed to the more inclusive, “We Build for the Future.” Dr. Mugisha-Baine pointed out that the Gender Mainstreaming Directorate will continue to work with the University leadership, government, ministries and stakeholders to implement policies and programmes that advance gender equality.
The policy and regulations against sexual harassment featured prominently as different University leaders on 15th and 16th May 2025, underscored the aspect of zero-tolerance. The following leaders and members of staff amplified the voices against zero tolerance: The Ag. Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic Affairs)-Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi, the University Secretary-Mr. Yusuf Kiranda, the Chief Human Resources Officer-Mr. Deus Tayari Mujuni, the Chief Legal Officer-Ms Sumaiyah Nanyondo, the Ag. Deputy Vice Chancellor (Finance and Administration), Prof. Winston Tumps Ireeta, Prof. Sarah Ssali and Dr. Euzobia Mugisha-Baine.
During the induction workshop, the Chief Human Resources Officer, Mr. Mujuni presented an overview of human resources management, structure and functions. He explained the human resource management function at the centre, unit levels and at the Colleges. He implored staff at the Colleges and Unit Levels to always consult the respective human resource officers.
On the aspect of digitalization, Mr. Joshua Muhumuza demonstrated the electronic Human Resource Management System (ehrms), a platform available to staff, supervisors and the Directorate of Human Resources, to execute their human resource functions, roles and expectations.
Feeding into the aforementioned presentations, the session chair, Mr. Julius Lebo called upon the four (4) line managers in the Directorate of Human Resources to brief the new staff on the specialized tasks in their dockets. Ms. Josephine Nalweyiso presented the staff development, welfare and retirement benefits. Ms. Mavis Kansiime presented the employment systems, guidelines, policies and implementation. Ms. Lawrence Sanyu tackled records and information management while Ms. Janet Nabukeera focused on performance management, the payroll and the appraisal system.
On ensuring that Makerere University continues to be a safe space for students, staff and stakeholders, the Deputy Dean of Students, Dr. Rodney Rugyema flanked by Ms Carol Kasujja, the Senior Communication Officer (Safeguarding) presented the Makerere University Safeguarding Policy. They requested staff to report safeguarding risks and incidents such as harassment, a case of unsafe situation, torture, through the MakSafeSpace-the online reporting system, https://safespace.mak.ac.ug.
Emphasizing the collective responsibility for everyone (staff and students) to safeguarding, he appealed to the newly appointed staff to work with the Safeguarding Champions, who are members of staff in the respective Units, to report safeguarding incidents to the Offices highlighted in the policy for immediate action/response. He underscored the need to read the safeguarding policy to appreciate the language and terms when handling such cases/incidents. For instance a member of staff or student who has overcome a safeguarding challenge is referred to as a survivor, and not a victim. He tasked the newly appointed staff to access and read the safeguarding policy, https://policies.mak.ac.ug/policy/safegaurding-policy.
The Principal Legal Officer, Ms. Naome Kiconco Ochieng chaired the sessions on procurement and audit functions of the University. The Deputy Chief, Procurement and Disposal Unit, Mr. Paul Agaba informed the new staff that the procurement process should be planned and participatory, with each Unit within the University expected to have a procurement plan for each financial year. He appealed to the Colleges and Administrative Units to follow the procurement plans and submit the requisitions early to avoid delays. He also emphasized the need to involve the Unit procurement offices and accountants so that all the required documents are received and attached on the procurement requests.
The Chief Internal Auditor, Mr. Patrick Akonyet explained that the audit function focuses on the proper utilization of university funds and resources. He stated the need to account for funds, and resources as well as executing tasks and duties within the set timelines. Presenting the audit areas of focus, he outlined the need for compliance with the Law, Memoranda of Understanding, policies and procedures, and best practices. In the area of performance, he indicated interest in directional achievement of objectives, ethical issues, budget performance, award process and project closure. He sensitized the new staff about their role in the audit process. He requested staff to provide all audit information on time, provide explanation to audit queries, provide supporting documents required for audit, and volunteer information on control weaknesses.
In a session chaired by Dr. Julius Kikooma, the Ag. Director of Graduate Training, the University Librarian, Dr. Ruth Nalumaga rallied staff to utilize the library services for research, reading, access to print and electronic resources. She pointed out some of the physical spaces in the Main Library designated for members of staff. She called upon staff to access the library online via https://mulib.mak.ac.ug.
The end of the presentations set the pace for the closing ceremony. The Acting Deputy Vice Chancellor (Finance and Administration), Prof. Ireeta represented by Prof. Helen Nambalirwa Nkabala reiterated that staff are the most important asset for Makerere University. The Deputy Vice Chancellor (Finance and Administration) assured staff of the University Management’s total support and cooperation in the execution of their work. He urged staff to be pragmatic and to always be part of the team that provides solutions to challenges. He commended the Chief Human Resources Officer and his team for inducting the newly appointed staff.
On her part, Prof. Helen Nambalirwa Nkabala, the Principal of the College of Humanities and Social Sciences (CHUSS) who has served Makerere University for 21 years said: “Makerere University has given us the best. The institution has nurtured us and availed us with numerous opportunities to shine.”
The closing ceremony climaxed with the award of certificates to staff who successfully completed the two-day induction workshop (15th and 16th May 2025).
Ms. Ritah Namisango who joined the university service in May 2006 as an Administrative Assistant in the Office of the Vice Chancellor, and has over the years, served in the capacity of Public Relations Officer, Communication Officer, Senior Public Relations Officer, and Principal Public Relations Officer moderated the proceedings of the two-day induction workshop.
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