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
Organised by the Makerere Debating Union – a student-led initiative, the Inter-college Debate Tournament was held on 11th and 12th April 2025 with a vision to leave no student behind by nurturing a community of confident, articulate, and visionary leaders who will drive positive change in society. The tournament was held in three preliminary rounds, followed by semi-finals and a grand finale.
The first round covered democracy and youth participation in politics, while the second round covered inequality and wealth distribution, and the third, the ban on export of raw materials. The semi-final round debated apprenticeship for blue-collar jobs, while the grand finale debated national budget allocations for healthcare and education. In the spirit of inclusivity, all colleges, including the Jinja Campus participated in the tournament.
Commenting on the choice of topics, the organisers noted Makerere University as a bastion of academic excellence has a profound responsibility to cultivate the next generation of leaders who will shape the future of our nation. These leaders, they added, ought to be equipped with 21st century skills of self-expression, critical thinking, and problem-solving so as to navigate the complexities of an ever-evolving world.
On the whole, Makerere Inter-college Debates were conceived as a strategic initiative to foster a culture of intellectual curiosity, creativity, and innovation. The Debating Union aims to empower the future leaders by providing a platform for students to engage in respectful discourse, articulate their thoughts, as well as develop their critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
Furthermore, the Debates serve as a platform for not only honing the intellectual prowess of students but also cultivating leadership skills, teamwork, and communication abilities that are essential for success in an increasingly complex and interconnected world. It is envisaged that this initiative will have a lasting impact on the lives of students, by exposing them to debates on topical issues that can shape the mindsets of transformative leaders our nation needs.
After a thrilling two days of debate, Daphine Kemigisha and Jibril Ssekandi from the School of Law (SoL) emerged as winners of the Makerere University Inter-college Debate Tournament 2025, while Olara Emmanuel George from the College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Biosecurity (CoVAB) was the Public Speech Champion, and Namujuzi Martha Mociita from the College of Business and Management Sciences (CoBAMS) was the Poetry Champion.
The 2025 Tournament was organized by Mayanja Owen and Nkalubo Oprah – 91st Guild Representative Councils (GRCs) of the Debate Union, Akatwijuka Arthur – Chairperson Debate Union, and Debate Union Representatives from colleges. The Uganda National NGO Forum (UNNGOF) partnered with the Debate Union to deliver the 2025 edition.
Addressing students at the award ceremony, UNNGOF’s Mr. Derrick Baluuku encouraged the youth to step out of their comfort zones and think of solutions to inspire change in their communities.
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