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Mak Wins best Energy Management Practices Service Sector (Universities) Award

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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.

The Best Energy and Management Practices Service Sector (Universities) Award received by Makerere University

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.

L-R;  Mr. Darius Muwanguzi, Mr. Paul  Sabakaaki, Ms. Caroline Namutosi,Eng. Christina Kakeeto, Ms. Ritah Namisango, Mr. Gordon Murangira, Mr. Yusuf Kiranda, and  Dr. Florence Nakayiwa.

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
 

Proscovia Nabatte

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Celebrating Women in Science at Makerere University

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A female student conducts an experiement in one of the Science Labs, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda

Today, on the International Day of Women and Girls in Science, we celebrate the incredible women scientists at Makerere University who are driving innovation, advancing research, and shaping the future of science in Uganda and beyond.

Your dedication, resilience, and groundbreaking contributions continue to inspire generations. As you break barriers and push the frontiers of knowledge, remember that your work is not only transforming communities but also paving the way for more young women to embrace science.

We honor your achievements and reaffirm our commitment to fostering an inclusive and supportive environment where women in science can thrive. Keep leading, innovating, and inspiring!

Happy International Day of Women and Girls in Science!

Mak Editor

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91st Electoral Commission Promises a free and fair Electoral Process

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By Nickson Maberi

The swearing-in-ceremony for the 91st Students’ Guild Electoral Commission was held on Friday 31st January 2025.  Mr. Joseph Murungi, a commissioner from the College of Health Sciences (CHS) was unanimously chosen as the chairperson of the commision.

Mr. Murungi thanked the good Lord and students for entrusting him with the position and promised to deliver a free and fair electoral process and head a commission that is impartial.

The Dean of Students, Dr. Winifred Kabumbuli urged the new commission to execute its duties in line with the Guild statute and Constitution.

“You must execute your duties in line with the Guild statute and Constitution, anything outside that is invalid. I wish you the best and I am looking forward to working with you,” she said.

Ms. Ruth Iteu, the Head of the Online voting team, urged the commission to avoid being caught on the wrong side of the law as it will lead to severe consequences.

Rev. Fr. Josephat Ddungu, the Chaplain of Makerere University St. Augustine Chapel said they will continue to pray for the commission to have a peaceful and successful.

“The Electoral Commission is a very important body and the success of the electoral process depends on you. Please concentrate on doing what is right before the Lord. As your spiritual leaders, our duty is to pray. We are therefore praying for you to have a peaceful and successful election,” he said.

Administrator who urged the commission to always do the right at the right time.

Mr.  Nickson Maberi encouraged the new commission to follow the law and avoid tarnishing the image of the university.

Mr. Joseph Murungi, Commissioner from the College of Health Sciences (CHS) swearing in as Chairperson of the Electoral Commission for the 91st Guild Elections.

“Makerere University elections attract national attention. Please follow the law and be people of integrity to avoid tarnishing the image of the university,” he guided.

Mr. Aston Tayebwa from the College of Natural Sciences was elected as the commission’s General Secretary while Ms Sharon Nyonyozi from the College of Humanities and Social Sciences was elected as the commission’s Vice Chairperson.

Other commissioners include: Mr. Ijoot William from the College of Engineering, Design, Art and Technology (CEDAT), Mr. Ntambi Moses from the College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Biosecurity (COVAB), Mr. Perez William Mwesigwa from the School of Law (SoL), Alyosius Mutagubya from the College of Computing and Information Science (CoCIS) and Mr. Mugisha Hamidu from the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES).

Mak Editor

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KobWeb: RENU’s Community Magazine – 2024 Edition

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Cover page of KobWeb: RENU's Community Magazine, 2024 Edition. Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

The Research and Education Network for Uganda (RENU) is a community-driven, non-profit organization with a major focus on nurturing collaboration among member institutions (i.e. research and education institutions), and global partners. Founded in 2006, RENU has grown from a small National Research and Education Network (NREN) that focused on just connectivity needs of universities and research organisations, to a fast-growing specialized ICT solutions provider for the entire Research and Education (R&E) community including schools, colleges, other tertiary institutions, hospitals, and their end users. RENU is located at House No. 31, The Edge, Makerere University and on Plot 6B, Mabua Road, Kololo, Kampala.

Highlights from the 2024 Edition featuring Makerere:

  • Universities Launch Global Coalition to Support Refugee Education at Scale
    • 16 universities from across the globe have come together to improve and increase access to higher education for refugees and their communities, where they reside. Universities based in Africa, Europe, and North America formed the Global University Academy (GUA) following a workshop hosted by the University of Oslo in June 2024.
    • The GUA is currently looking into the possibility to pilot the initiative in Uganda. Key partners in this work are Makerere University and Gulu University, who are already actively engaged in providing access to higher education for refugees, and the Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) Uganda.
  • Advancing Child Welfare The AfriChild Centre’s Inter-University Programme
    • The Inter-University Programme, spearheaded by the Centre of Excellence for the Study of the African Child (AfriChild Centre), is a landmark initiative focused on equipping researchers with the essential skills needed to conduct high-quality child-focused research. The success of the Inter-University Programme is built on the strong partnerships the AfriChild Centre has established with universities including Makerere University.
  • Liberate your Mind from the Present and Dream Big to Provide Meaningful ICT Solutions for Research and Education!
    • At the 2024 RENU ICT Directors Forum, Dr. Francis F. “Tusu” Tusubira, the Chief Guest, delivered an electrifying address urging ICT leaders to dream beyond the present and shape the future of research and education. Reflecting on his time at Makerere University, he shared his philosophy of granting autonomy to team members and supporting them unconditionally. “Allow your team to make decisions and mistakes, especially in the current environment, which presents opportunities for learning. Protect them when they make mistakes. Once you do this, your team will build your dream.”
  • Advancing Open Science and Open Access in Africa, with a Focus on Uganda
    • Open Science and Open Access have emerged as transformative movements in the global academic and research community. Their principles—sharing knowledge freely, fostering collaboration, and driving practical solutions to societal challenges—are especially resonant in Africa, where equitable access to resources and innovative solutions are essential for sustainable development. Institutions like Makerere University are driving Open Science efforts by encouraging researchers to adopt open frameworks.

Visit RENU to download full edition

Mark Wamai

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