General
Mak Wins best Energy Management Practices Service Sector (Universities) Award
On 31st August 2018, Makerere University received the Best Energy and Management Practices Service Sector (Universities) Award in recognition of undertaking a number of energy management techniques and strategies that have significantly contributed to efficient utilization of energy.
Organized by the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development in partnership with GIZ, Promotion of Renewable Energy and Energy Efficient Programme (PREEEP), the Energy Management Awards (EMAs) 2018 held at Pearl of Africa Hotel, attracted a total of 27 large and media scale enterprises including Universities.
Eng. Simon M. Kalanzi from the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development said that the Energy Management Awards (EMAs) 2018 aimed at promoting responsiveness on energy management among energy intensive facilities as well as helping consumers understand the value of excellence in energy efficiency and conservation. Eng. Kalanzi revealed that a technical committee of Seven (7) members identified by the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development evaluated the Expression of Interest and informed those who qualified to participate in the Awards.
What stood out for Makerere University?
According to Eng. Christina Kakeeto, the Estates and Works Department submitted a number of energy management practices undertaken by Makerere University. The practices illustrated how the institution embarked on various practices aimed at reducing high energy consumption.
“Two years back, we could switch on and off the street lights manually. But this act was both time and energy consuming. We had to go light by light to ensure that they are either switched on or off,” she explained.
Eng. Kakeeto explained that Makerere University introduced the automated street lighting system that has enabled the institution to automatically switch on and off the lights at specific time intervals. She highlighted that the University installed low consuming security lights around campus.
“Previously, we had high energy consuming security lights of 250 watts per light. However, using the phased approach, we have replaced these lights with a number of lower consuming fittings of 56watt flood lights, 108watt flood lights, 125watt sodium lights and 150 watt LED Security lights,” she mentioned.
The Assistant Estates Manager Mr. Darius Muwanguzi said that the Estates and Works Department has carried out regular energy audits with the involvement of user units especially those with high consuming energy records in order to come up with energy saving opportunities as well as recommendations on the best energy management practices.
“Working with other partners, we have also staged various campaigns to create awareness and sensitize our fellow staff and students on how we can reduce high consumption of energy in the University. We believe that energy conservation can reduce on our expenditure,” he said.
In his congratulatory remarks, the Vice Chancellor of Makerere University Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe applauded the team in Estates and Works Department for implementing innovative energy management practices that have been recognized by the Government through the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development. The Vice Chancellor pledged to continue championing the implementation of best energy management practices in the University.
The Makerere University Award was received by the Director of Estates and Works, Eng. Christina Kakeeto in the company of Mr. Darius Muwanguzi – Assistant Estates Manager, Dr. Florence Nakayiwa- Director Planning and Development Department; Mr. Yusuf Kiranda- Deputy University Secretary; Mr. Paul Sabakaaki-Manager in charge of the Electrical Section, Estates and Works Department, Ms. Caroline Namutosi-Civil Engineer, Estates and Works Department; Ms. Ritah Namisango-Principal Public Relations Officer; Mr. Gordon Murangira-Personal Assistant to the Vice Chancellor and Ms. Proscovia Nabatte- Assistant Communication Officer.
Article by: Mak Public Relations Office
Today, Monday 18th May 2026, most students will begin their End of Semester Two Examinations, and they have been encouraged to remain confident and calm during the examination season.
Data from the University Counselling and Guidance Centre shows that even the best-prepared students experience anxiety, pressure, fear of failure, sleep difficulties and emotional exhaustion during examinations.
Addressing students during a pre-examination mental health workshop organised by the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Makerere University on 15th May 2026, Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi, Academic Registrar, reminded students that their mental health is far more important than any grade.
“This workshop comes at the right time. I encourage all students to understand that your worth is not defined by a single examination or grade. Examinations are only one part of your educational journey. What matters equally is your ability to remain healthy, focused, ethical and hopeful throughout the process,” Prof Buyinza, said.
Prof. Buyinza shared practical tips to help students avoid fatigue and excessive stress during this period.
“Prepare a realistic reading timetable and avoid last-minute cramming. Take short breaks while studying to allow your mind to recover and improve concentration. Get adequate sleep and avoid excessive consumption of caffeine and energy drinks,” he noted.
During the session, he also encouraged students to engage in light physical activity, stretching or short walks to refresh their minds and reduce tension.
“Maintain a positive mindset and avoid comparing yourself excessively with others. Stay connected with supportive friends, family members, mentors or counsellors whenever you feel overwhelmed,” Prof. Buyinza advised.
He reaffirmed the University’s commitment to supporting students not only academically, but also in their mental and psychosocial wellbeing, encouraging learners to seek help from counsellors, lecturers, mentors, peers, family members and available support systems whenever necessary.
Speaking at the event, Ms. Prossy Nakayiki, the Deputy Academic Registrar in charge of Examinations and Transcripts warned students against examination malpractice and urged them to uphold academic integrity.
“Anxiety should never push anyone into examination malpractice, do not enter an examination room with a smart watch, phone or any hidden paper commonly known as bullets. Preparation, honesty, rest and self-belief remain the best approaches to success,” Ms. Nakayiki, said.
She also advised students who had not yet printed their examination cards to do so early, noting that delays at the last minute could cause unnecessary panic and disorganisation.
In her presentation about the reality of examination stress and coping strategies, Connie Evelyn Kharono, a Counselling Psychologist at the Counselling and Guidance Center, called upon students to adopt the 5, 4,3,2,1 Ground technique before an exam or intense study session.
The 5, 4,3,2,1 ground technique, is one of the easiest mindfulness strategies designed for managing stress and anxiety, as it can be done almost anywhere and at any time. You name 5 things you can see, 4 you can touch, 3 you can hear, 2 you can smell and 1 you can taste.
She advised students to focus on what they can control.
“You can control your study schedule, your sleep and how kindly you speak yourself. You cannot control the exact questions that will be on the paper, so channel your energy only into the preparations you can influence,” Ms Kharono, said.
Ms Kharono encouraged students to maintain a regular sleep schedule and ensure that they are eating balanced meals and staying hydrated.
Ms Christine Nimusiima, a senior Psycho-Social Officer at the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Makerere University, called upon the students to practise positive self-talk and maintain a healthy mindset.
“During this examination season, avoid comparing your revision progress or predicted grades with your peers. Your only competition is who you were yesterday. Take a deep breath, trust in the work you have done and remember that you have the resilience to succeed. Best of luck with your preparations,” Ms. Nimusiima said.
By Dr. Racheal Ddungu Mugabi
The Alliance for African Partnership, Africa Office, today received a delegation from the University of Bergen (UiB)’s Division of Research and Innovation. The visiting team comprised Kristin Svartveit, Vivil Valvik Haraldsen, and Emmanuel Ovon Babatunde.
The delegation was officially introduced by Prof. Sylvia Antonia Nakimera Nannyonga-Tamusuza, Head, Grants Administration and Management Support Unit (GAMSU), together with Dr. Ronald Semyalo (Makerere University coordinator for UiB)
The visit aimed to strengthen institutional collaboration and promote research excellence through international partnerships. The key objectives of the meeting included:
- UiB team sharing information and experiences on enhancing success in EU grant acquisition and management.
- UiB application support process for Postdoc fellowships at Bergen up to a period of 2 years
- AAP Africa Office providing insights into the AAP consortium programs and activities in order to foster collaboration between the AAP consortium and UiB.
The engagement provided an important platform for knowledge exchange, networking, and exploring opportunities for future collaborative research initiatives between Makerere University, the AAP consortium, and the University of Bergen.
The Author is the Director of the AAP Africa Office
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