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Mak Students Showcase Amazing Innovations at CoBAMS Expo

Published

7 years ago

October 15, 2018

Mark Wamai

An aerial photo of the Main Library (Left) and College of Business and Management Sciences (CoBAMS)-Right, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda

Students from Makerere University College of Business and Management Sciences (CoBAMS) have showcased their amazing innovations at the Third Annual Entrepreneurship Expo. The Colorful exhibition took on Friday, 12th October 2018 in the Makerere University Freedom Square. Among the many ideas showcased were the five top innovations that won awards. These included:

1.   Alpha Investment Limited; producers of fuel from plastics, won the Vice Chancellor’s award of UGX1,000,000/=
2.   Green Way Innovation; recyclers of waste materials to make paper, won the Principal’s award of UGX700,0000/=
3.   Polypavers; manufacturers of pavers from polythene bags, won the Dean’s award of UGX500,000/=
4.   Flora Investments; makers of powdered cakes, and
5.   Becova Natural Oil

The Third Annual Entrepreneurship Expo was organized by the Department of Marketing and Management, CoBAMS under the theme: Unlocking Students’ Potential. According to Dr. Peter Turyakira the Department Head, the Third Annual Entrepreneurship Expo was aimed at enhancing entrepreneurship skills among university students.

“The Expo is showcasing some of the students’ innovative ideas. This is done to inspire and encourage the entrepreneurial spirit on campus. We are convinced that if young graduates are entrepreneurially oriented, they can be able to build startups and create employment opportunities,” he said.

According to Dr. Turyakira, this year, both undergraduate and graduate students participated in the Expo. Vision Group was the main sponsor with others including; Post Bank Uganda, Uganda Revenue Authority, Pride Microfinance Limited, Uganda Industrial Research Institute, United Bank of Africa, Eistein Rising Uganda and Business Development Service Providers Network.

The day’s Guest of Honor was Vision Group’s Deputy Managing Director/Chief Finance Officer, Mr. Gervase Ndyanabo, who advised students to work hard towards the success and growth of their business ideas. He appealed to the business community to render both financial and inspirational support to students.

On behalf Vision Group, Mr. Ndyanabo promised to continue supporting students in the world of entrepreneurship.

Representing the Principal Dr. Eria Hisali, the Dean, School of Business Dr. Umar Kakumba said that initiatives such as the Entrepreneurship Expo bridge the gap between theories that are being taught at the University and the world of business.

He urged students to take advantage of the Entrepreneurship and Innovation Center that has been established by the College through the Department of Marketing and Management to nurture and grow their business ideas.

“The Entrepreneurship and Innovation Center will provide mentorship and space for young people to start and nurture business ideas. It will also give us more flexibility in doing other activities such as research and outreach as well as raising financial resources for our activities,” he stated.

He recognized the effort of the Department of Marketing and Management in organizing the Annual Entrepreneurship Expo when he said, “through entrepreneurship, we are able to have a blended learning and students have the opportunity and ideas to create jobs for the nation.”

Article by: Rachael Kanyi and Esther Joyce Nakibombo, Communication Volunteers Mak Public Relations Office.

General

Mak Hosts NCHE Competence-Based Education Standards Validation Meeting

Published

2 hours ago

January 23, 2026

Mark Wamai

Prof. Mary Okwakol (Centre) with Prof. Sarah Ssali and other leaders of Higher Education Institutions after the CBE minimum standards validation meeting on 23rd January 2026. National Council for Higher Education (NCHE) validation meeting of the draft minimum standards for implementing Competence-Based Education (CBE) in Higher Education Institutions, Yusuf Lule Central Teaching Facility Auditorium, 23rd January 2026, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

Makerere University on 23^rd January 2026 hosted the National Council for Higher Education (NCHE) validation meeting of the draft minimum standards for implementing Competence-Based Education (CBE) in Higher Education Institutions. The meeting held in the Yusuf Lule Central Teaching Facility Auditorium brought together Vice Chancellors, Rectors, Principals and Academic Registrars from Higher Education Institutions in Uganda.

Prof. Sarah Ssali. National Council for Higher Education (NCHE) validation meeting of the draft minimum standards for implementing Competence-Based Education (CBE) in Higher Education Institutions, Yusuf Lule Central Teaching Facility Auditorium, 23rd January 2026, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa. — ***Prof. Sarah Ssali.***

Hosted by the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe represented by the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic Affairs), Prof. Sarah Ssali, the meeting followed institutional input into the draft minimum standards and was aimed at validating them prior to their formal adoption by the NCHE Council at their next meeting in February 2026. The minimum standards cover nine areas namely; 1) Curriculum Design, 2) Teaching and Learning Approaches, 3) Assessment, 4) Faculty Training and Support, 5) Student Support Services, 6) Quality Assurance Systems, 7) Industry and Community Linkages, 8) Monitoring and Evaluation, and 9) Gender and Equity Mainstreaming.

Prof. Mary Okwakol (Left) and Dr. Vincent Ssembatya listen to feedback from leaders. National Council for Higher Education (NCHE) validation meeting of the draft minimum standards for implementing Competence-Based Education (CBE) in Higher Education Institutions, Yusuf Lule Central Teaching Facility Auditorium, 23rd January 2026, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa. — ***Prof. Mary Okwakol (Left) and Dr. Vincent Ssembatya listen to feedback from leaders.***

Following feedback into presentations by the various leaders present, a motion to adopt the draft minimum standards, with institutional input incorporated, was moved by Bugema University, seconded by UMCAT School of Journalism and Mass Communication, and unanimously supported by institutions present.

Prof. Mary Okwakol. National Council for Higher Education (NCHE) validation meeting of the draft minimum standards for implementing Competence-Based Education (CBE) in Higher Education Institutions, Yusuf Lule Central Teaching Facility Auditorium, 23rd January 2026, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa. — ***Prof. Mary Okwakol.***

At the conclusion of the meeting, Prof. Sarah Ssali appreciated NCHE for choosing Makerere to host the landmark event, reiterating that the University greatly respects each and every Higher Education Institution and regards them as partners and collaborators in the quest to improve Uganda’s Higher Education sector.

Part of the audience that attended the validation meeting. National Council for Higher Education (NCHE) validation meeting of the draft minimum standards for implementing Competence-Based Education (CBE) in Higher Education Institutions, Yusuf Lule Central Teaching Facility Auditorium, 23rd January 2026, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa. — ***Part of the audience that attended the validation meeting.***

The Executive Director NCHE, Prof. Mary Okwakol reassured leaders present that all the pertinent issues raised for input into the draft minimum standards would be incorporated, and urged those with pressing issues to submit them before month’s end. She reiterated NCHE’s readiness to continue lobbying Government for the resources required by Higher Education Institutions, particularly Public Universities, to implement Competence-Based Education (CBE).

General

Press Release: Semester II Set to Start 10th Feb, 76th Graduation Dates Confirmed

Published

3 days ago

January 20, 2026

Mak Editor

An older photo of the Main Building, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda as seen from across the Freedom Square. Date taken: 22nd October 2012. Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

Kampala, Uganda – 20^th January 2026 – Makerere University has postponed its opening date for Semester Two of Academic Year 2025/2026 from the earlier communicated 24^th January 2026 to 10^th February 2026.

This adjustment is in response to the Ministry of Education and Sports directive to all Schools and Education Institutions to postpone re-opening until 10^th February 2026. Consequently, Semester Two at Makerere University will now run from 10^th February 2026 until 6^th June 2026. Attached is the detailed Calendar for Semester Two 2025/2026.

Confirmed dates for the 76^th Graduation Ceremony

Makerere University also wishes to inform the general public that Makerere’s 76^th Graduation Ceremony will be held from Tuesday 24^th February 2026 to Friday 27^th February 2026.

Specifics including the graduation schedules and standard operating procedures for participants will be communicated officially in due course.

Please see downloads for the statement, Ministry directive and revised calendar.

Makerere-Press-Release-Semester-2-Opening-Postponed-20thJan2026 Download

Ministry-of-Education-and-Sports-Directive-16thJan2026 Download

Makerere-Semester-2-Revised-Academic-Calendar Download

General

Call for applications: E-JUST TICAD8 African MSc. Scholarships

Published

1 week ago

January 13, 2026

Mak Editor

E-JUST Fall 2026 International Admissions (M.Sc. TICAD8 Scholarships). Courtesy Photo.

The Egypt-Japan University of Science and Technology (E-JUST) TICAD8 African Scholarship for STI is available for all African (Non-Egyptian) students who wish to obtain their M.Sc. degree in the programs of Faculty of Engineering (FoE), Basic and Applied Science (BAS), Computer Science and Information Technology (CSIT), Faculty of International Business and Humanities (FIBH) and Heritage Science (HS).

Please note that interested applicants have to apply through E-JUST’ website (online application system). Applications will only be accepted via E-JUST’s website (online application system).

Interested applicants must complete and submit their application forms before February 15, 2026. The applicant will receive an automatic confirmation e-mail as proof of successful submission of the application.

Important Links:

For information about admission requirements: https://www.ejust.edu.eg/international-pg

For information about the available scholarships: https://www.ejust.edu.eg/international-scholarships

For information about the required documents: https://www.ejust.edu.eg/international-documents

For any inquiries, please contact the Regional and International Affairs (RIA) Office: international.affairs@ejust.edu.eg