General
KCCA Gives Makerere University a Fresh Look and Feel
On 31st October 2018, the Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) Executive Director Mrs. Jennifer Semakula Musisi handed over to Makerere University, the infrastructure projects KCCA has been working on. Officially received by the Makerere University Vice Chancellor Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, the infrastructure projects include:
- A newly reconstructed and beautified main gate; serviced by several lanes and regulated by traffic lights
- A three storied modern administrative and class room block at Makerere College School
- Nine (9) resurfaced roads (3.5kilometres long) with inbuilt drainages
- Resurfaced car parking lots around University Hall, Mary Stuart Hall, Lumumba Hall, Mitchel Hall, Livingstone Hall and the College of Engineering, Design, Art and Technology (CEDAT)
- Paved walkways and street lighting
- Pedestrian crossings regulated by traffic lights to keep students safe from the speeding cars and motorbikes
- A perimeter wall that runs from Jjunju road to Sir Apollo Kaggwa road junction to enhance safety at the University
- Newly erected retaining walls at the School of Law and Makerere College School
- A Renovated Makerere University Hospital building and resurfaced parking lot
- A resurfaced tennis court at Africa Hall
In November 2016, Kampala Capital City Authority signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Makerere University to construct and renovate the specified infrastructure within the University. The project worth UGX6.9billion came as a compensation for a section of Makerere University land that was annexed by KCCA while expanding the Makerere University Hill Road.
The colorful handover ceremony held on Wednesday, 31st October 2018 at the Makerere University Mosque Grounds started with an opening prayer led by Imam Ahmed Ssentongo. The Vice Chancellor applauded KCCA for transforming Makerere University. He thanked the KCCA Executive Director for accepting the proposal to compensate Makerere University through infrastructural development.
Prof. Nawangwe commended KCCA for giving a massive facelift to the Makerere University Main Gate. The well-constructed, wider and redesigned main entrance has been beautified to bring out the value and magnificence of the face of Makerere University. The road to the main gate has also been widened to six lanes and fitted with traffic lights to regulate traffic flow. Exquisitely done, the Makerere University Hill Road has also added value to Makerere University image and brand.
“This is our landmark as we celebrate 100years. This is the best gate I have seen among the universities around the world. The roads and the drainage have impeccably been done, as also have the walkways and street lighting, for enhanced safety of motorists, cyclists and pedestrians,” he said.
On behalf of Makerere University Council, Dr. Sarah Ssali thanked KCCA for changing Makerere University. She appreciated the tremendous contribution from the Ministry of Education and Sports and Government of Uganda towards Makerere University developments.
The Executive Director of Kampala City Authority Dr. Jennifer Semakula Musisi, urged the Makerere University Management and community to instigate the spirit of self-initiative among students and staff. According to her, the University community is capable of developing and transforming the institution as long as they are assured of accountability and transparency.
“I am sure that if staff, students and alumni of this great institution are mobilized and motivated, they can positively contribute to the history of this great University. In KCCA we have the best engineers and architects coming from this institution and they are doing tremendous work. You are the hub of knowledge with experts in different areas of life. Together with the students, they can change Makerere University for the better,” she said.
She encouraged Ugandans to support transformative work when she said, “one of the lessons I have learnt as the Executive Director of KCCA, is that Ugandans have the capacity to transform this country. When implementing this project, we did not get the technical team from outside the country. If we all move in the same direction, we shall progress and develop.”
She thanked Stirling Civil Engineering Limited and Kiru Company Limited, the two companies that have been undertaking the project for the job well done. Dr. Semakula Musisi also thanked the KCCA team, Makerere University Council and Management, Makerere College School and the technical team for ensuring that the project ends successfully.
His Lordship Dr. Emanuel Sserunjogi, the Mayor of Kawempe Division said that Makerere University is responsible for proper maintenance of the city through utilizing the biggest students’ army. “the University is well known for its achievements, therefore the responsibility to keep its prestige and legacy lies with us the leaders,” he stated.
The team toured some of the projects such as the University Hospital, the Makerere College School administrative and classroom block, the Vice Chancellor Lodge and some of the roads that were renovated and constructed under the KCCA –Mak Partnership.
“In modern medicine, there is what we call a healing environment where patients heal faster due to the environment in which they are receiving treatment. We appreciate the new look of the hospital that has attracted more collaborations and partnerships,” said Dr. Josaphat Byamugisha, the Director Makerere University Hospital.
The Director of Estates and Works Eng. Christina Kakeeto thanked KCCA and the construction companies for the quality work done. She also thanked the Makerere University community for the patience exhibited throughout the project.
On behalf of students, Mr. Kato Martin, the Guild Information Minister thanked KCCA and Makerere University Management for lighting up the university to enhance security.
The handover ceremony was witnessed by Members of Council, University Management, Imam Ahmed Ssentongo, Kampala Capital Authority (KCCA) representatives; supervisors of the project, key partners, students, media and well-wishers.
Article by Nabatte Proscovia; 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
-
General1 week agoBachelor of Laws Pre-Entry Examination Results 2026/2027
-
General2 weeks agoMature Age Admission List – Government Sponsorship 2026/27
-
General6 days agoCall for Research Support Applications from Master’s Students who have Completed their First Year of Taught Classes at Makerere University
-
Sports2 weeks agoMaking Waves: The Rise of the Mak Sharks and Makerere University’s Aquatic Legacy
-
General2 weeks agoNotice: Medical Review Exercise for Persons with Disability 2026/2027