General
‘Say No to sexual harassment’, Mak Administrators advise freshers
The Acting Director of Makerere University Gender and Mainstreaming, Dr. Euzobia Mugisha Baine has urged the incoming students to openly defy the sexual harassment vice and stand strong for their academic rights. This was during the Makerere University Freshers’ Orientation Meeting held on 6th August 2018 to welcome the new students for the Academic year 2018/2019.
Speaking to thousands of freshers in the Makerere University Freedom Square, Dr. Mugisha Baine encouraged students to acquaint themselves with the Makerere University Policy and Regulations against Sexual Harassment.
“The Policy clearly defines sexual harassment and provides its various forms. It provides details on whom you should contact and where to go in case you are harassed. Please let someone know right away in case a person is engaging you in actions that you don’t feel comfortable with. The University appointed the Sexual Harassment Committee, some of the members are placed at the respective colleges, don’t hesitate to contact them,” she said.
Dr. Baine, encouraged the freshers to join the Students Anti-Sexual Harassment Body dubbed Team No Sexual Harassment at Makerere University that was put in place to fight against sexual harassment among students and staff.
“This is a proactive platform where students actively engage in creating awareness, sensitizing fellow students on the Makerere University Policy and Regulations against Sexual Harassment as well as fighting against sexual harassment actions. we all have equal opportunities to be the best we can be, therefore we have the responsibility to implement the sexual harassment policy,” she explained.
At the beginning of each academic year, Makerere University organizes the Students Orientation Meeting which presents an opportunity to the University Administration to interact with new students. During the orientation meeting, students are given a comprehensive package that appeals to their academic and social wellbeing. The Management and staff interact with students in order to provide relevant information and knowledge crucial to students’ stay at the University.
During the Orientation Meeting, the Makerere University Academic Registrar Mr. Alfred Namoah Masikye, congratulated the freshers upon joining the Uganda’s oldest institution of Higher Learning. In a special way, he welcomed the international students to Makerere University, the epitome of knowledge and academic excellence in Africa.
“On behalf of Makerere University Community, it brings me great joy to welcome you to Makerere University. We are proud you chose to pursue your university education with us and we are excited to help you nurture your academic strength, encourage your personal growth and inspire your creativity. As students you are the cornerstone of our campus community and our partners in advancing Makerere University’s stature as a preeminent world class research driven university,” he said.
He urged students to immensely engage in the university academic activities and develop life-long passion for learning. According to the Academic Registrar, developing a culture of studying, consultation as well as engaging in the academic activities of the University will not only enable the students achieve their academic goals but also provide a platform to attain good grades.
“You have the best professors and lecturers please use them. At Makerere University, we commit ourselves to upholding the values we cherish as an academic institution, and to fostering an atmosphere that is respectful, supportive and welcoming to all. The diversity of our backgrounds, talents and perspectives will continue to enrich us all as we live and learn together,” he said.
The Deputy Registrar, Undergraduate Admissions and Records Mr. Charles Ssentongo, advised freshers to always make right decisions, manage their freedom, time and relations. He called upon students to always refer to the University rules and regulations for guidance. Mr. Ssentongo also cautioned students against examination malpractices. He also alerted them on the rampant conmen and con-women around the University.
“Beware of conmen and con-women who use tricks in order to take valuables from you. Do not entrust any one with your tuition. Personally pay your tuition in the bank,” he said.
The Dean of Students Mr. Cyriaco Kabagambe encouraged freshers to read, understand and strictly follow the rules and regulations governing the University. “We have rules and regulations you must observe. These regulations apply to all students of Makerere University,” he vividly said. In addition, the Dean also encouraged students to register so that they can fully be recognized as Makerere University students.
Reiterating the importance of registration, the Director, Makerere University Health Services, Dr. Josephat K. Byamugisha called upon the new students to register with the University Hospital in order to access medical services. He also advised students to take care of their health by proper exercising.
Sharing the simple rule of life, the Manager-Counselling and Guidance Centre, Mr. Henry Nsubuga said, “to succeed in academics, you need to be physically and mentally healthy. You cannot settle down and read if something is disturbing you. Counselling will enable you get support and empowerment from other people.”
Representing Ms. Deborah Nalule-Makerere University Acting Bursar, Mr. Walter Odoch encouraged students to pay the University dues on time. He appealed to students to keep all the bank slips and receipts for every payment they make at the university and warned them students against betting tuition.
The Principal Public Relations Officer Ms. Ritah Namisango called upon students to attend the 3rd FISU World University Netball Championship that is scheduled to take place on 17th to 21 September 2018. “We call upon you to turn up in big numbers in September 2018, to cheer Team Uganda (The Mighty Cranes),” she remarked.
The Makerere University Chief Security Officer, ACP Enock Abaine encouraged students to maintain self-discipline and avoid committing crimes. He also tipped students on matters of security when he said, “be cautious and alert. Make use of wardens and police in case you sense danger. Let us work together to create an environment that will support your stay at Makerere University.”
Representing the University Librarian, Dr. Ruth Nalumaga advised students to register with the Makerere University Library and the College Libraries.
On behalf of the 84th Makerere University Guild, H.E Papa Were Salim- the Guild President welcomed the new students to the great and legendary Makerere University. He urged students to take their academic studies seriously and encouraged them to fully participate in the Guild activities. The Guild President also advised the students to always contact the Guild Office for guidance on different aspects including life at campus.
Article by Esther Joyce Nakibombo and Rachael Kanyi, Volunteers Mak Public Relations Office.
Makerere University, through the College of Business and Management Sciences (CoBAMS) and the Economic Policy Research Centre (EPRC), has signed an open Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE). This MoU is one of several initiatives aimed at strengthening the university’s global collaborations and research partnerships.
In his remarks, Vice Chancellor Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe highlighted Makerere’s recent centenary celebrations as a testament to its long and influential history in Africa. He reaffirmed the university’s commitment to serious, research-driven collaboration, noting Makerere’s aspiration to become a leading student-centered research university that develops solutions to regional challenges.
Prof. Nawangwe emphasized that Makerere’s research addresses critical issues such as widespread poverty, high youth unemployment, the devastating effects of climate change on agriculture, rapid population growth, and political interference in production. These challenges, he explained, call for climate-resilient agriculture, stronger health systems to address emerging diseases, and more inclusive governance. He further observed that Africa’s ambitious goal of producing one million PhDs in the next decade remains constrained by inadequate supervision capacity across the continent, stressing that collaborations like this MoU are key to bridging that gap.
EPRC Executive Director, Dr. Sarah Sewanyana, described the signing as particularly significant for EPRC and its Board of Directors as they embark on a new five-year strategic plan (2025/26–2029/30). She explained that the plan strongly emphasizes strategic collaborations, with this partnership serving as a prime example of leveraging collective strengths to deepen impact. She underscored EPRC’s role in advancing evidence-based policymaking for national development, aligning with Uganda’s National Development Plan IV.
Prof. James Wokadala, Acting Principal of CoBAMS, emphasized that the collaboration seeks to preserve and expand vital human knowledge while strengthening partnerships between academic institutions and global research networks. He noted that these networks are instrumental in advising legal and policy professionals, as well as aligning research agendas with both national and corporate priorities. He expressed pride in the extensive efforts of the School of Economics that have expanded these activities in recent years. He pointed to significant accomplishments that have been achieved in collaboration with IGC, including hosting a 2025 high-level international conference on mobile money payment systems, which positioned Makerere University as a thought leader on critical African economic issues. He also celebrated the successful bid by the School of Economics to host the ‘Africa Meeting of the Econometric Society’ in 2027, further demonstrating its contribution to impactful scholarship and policy influence.
The Acting Principal further emphasized that the new partnership with LSE will build on these achievements, offering immense benefits such as expanding capacity-building opportunities for faculty and students, especially in research and Public Infrastructure Management (PIM). The collaboration will also provide platforms for knowledge dissemination and policy dialogue, while addressing pressing socio-economic and health challenges. Ultimately, he said, formalisation of the partnership amplifies CoBAMS’ commitment to excellence in teaching, research, and innovation.
Speaking on behalf of LSE’s International Growth Centre (IGC), Executive Director Dr. Jonathan Leape expressed delight at formalizing the long-standing collaboration with Makerere and EPRC. He highlighted current joint projects, including research on the impact of the 2020 gender-based vaccine program on women’s skills and learning, studies on reforms in STEM education, and investigations into barriers limiting business growth for entrepreneurs. He stressed that the core mission is to bring researchers and policymakers together to address pressing policy challenges with robust, reliable evidence and innovative solutions.
The event, held on 27th August 2025, was attended by several dignitaries including Dr. Richard Newfarmer, Country Director for Uganda and Rwanda (IGC); Dr. Nhial Kuch, Senior Country Economist (IGC); and Mary Teddy Nakyejwe, IGC Programme Officer. Also present were the Director of Research, Dr. Ibrahim Kasirye and other members of EPRC leadership.
Makerere University has hosted a delegation from the Ghent University Association, led by Prof. Mieke Van Herreweghe, Vice Rector of Ghent University. The delegation included representatives from Howest University and Hogent University of Applied Sciences.
Vice Chancellor Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe welcomed the team and highlighted Makerere University’s commitment to addressing the pressing challenges in the region. These include climate change, which continues to hinder investment, and Uganda’s rapidly growing population that has surged from 5 million in the late 1940s to nearly 50 million currently, creating socio-economic challenges such as high youth unemployment.
He emphasized that Makerere’s research agenda focuses on understanding the fast-growing population, tackling health challenges, advancing governance and human rights, and fostering peace through initiatives such as the Rotary Peace Center—the only one of its kind on the African continent. Research at Makerere also seeks to provide solutions to youth unemployment in one of the world’s youngest nations.
The Vice Chancellor further noted that Makerere University teaches and conducts research across a wide spectrum of disciplines, organized into colleges including Agriculture, Business and Management, Computing, Education and External Studies, Engineering and Technology, Health Sciences, Humanities and Social Sciences, Natural Sciences, and Veterinary Medicine. The university also hosts over 60 specialized research centers, among them Centers of Excellence such as the Regional Centre for Crop Improvement, which works to enhance food security, manage pests and diseases, and improve agricultural productivity. Another key institution is the Infectious Diseases Institute, which leads research on HIV/AIDS. With these initiatives, he added, Makerere continues to expand its research footprint while strengthening global partnerships.
Prof. Van Herreweghe provided an overview of Ghent University, founded in 1817 and ranked among the top 100 universities globally for decades. With its motto “Dare to think,” Ghent University has built a strong international reputation. It also holds the distinction of being the only Belgian, and currently the only European, university with a campus in South Korea. Established in 2014, the campus offers bachelor’s programs in applied biotechnology.
She highlighted Ghent’s joint PhD programs, which are structured as sandwich programs to support African universities. Under this arrangement, PhD candidates spend two years funded at Ghent University and another two years at their home university (such as Makerere), with joint supervision from both institutions. These programs, she noted, are a strategic way of fostering international collaboration.
During the visit, Ghent University signed a Student Exchange Agreement with Makerere University to complement the existing Memorandum of Understanding. The agreement will pave the way for more joint initiatives and strengthen collaboration in the years ahead.
The delegation also included Mr. Lieven Theys, International Coordinator for Business Management at Howest University, who explained that Howest clusters its programs into three key domains: Design and Technology, Human Well-being and Health, and Business and Organization. Dr. Robin Stevens represented Hogent University of Applied Sciences, which runs programs across nine schools including Business and Management, Computer Sciences, Biosciences, Industrial Technology, Teacher Training, and Healthcare.
The visit, held on 27th August 2025, was attended by Makerere University officials and members of various colleges, among them Prof. Winston Tumps Ireeta, the Acting Deputy Vice Chancellor (Finance and Administration) and Principal of the College of Natural Sciences (CoNAS), Prof. Tonny Oyana-Principal College of Computing and Information Sciences (CoCIS), Prof. Moses Musinguzi-Principal College of Engineering, Design, Art and Technology (CEDAT), Prof. Julius Kikooma-Director Graduate Training, Assoc. Prof. Yazidhi Bamutaze-Deputy Principal College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES), Assoc. Prof. James Wokadala-Deputy Principal College of Business and Management Sciences (CoBAMS), Assoc. Prof. Richard Idro-Deputy Principal College of Health Sciences, and Dr. Cathy Mbidde, Manager of the Makerere University Innovation Pod (Mak UniPod).
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