Makerere University Assistant lecturers have been advised to support students’ academic activities and ensure that students successfully meet the desired academic progress. This was during the 6th Pedagogical Skills Training held on 2nd November 2018 in the Quality Assurance Tele-Presence Center, Senate Building.
The three-day Training that started on 31st October and ended on 2nd November 2018 is part of the ongoing training that is organized by the Directorate of Human Resources to equip Makerere University Assistant Lecturers with skills and techniques that will enhance their teaching ability and improve the quality of teaching at Makerere University.
The 6th Pedagogical Skills Training was attended by 35 Assistant lecturers from the College of Engineering, Design Art and Technology (CEDAT) and the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES).
In an interactive session on students’ support, Dr. Stella Amero urged Assistant Lecturers to always develop a mutual academic relationship with their students. According to her, the kind of relationship a teacher develops with students provides a better teaching/learning environment.
“It is good to understand the learners, appreciate them and their backgrounds. We should have a student’s-teacher relationship to improve on our teaching/learning environment. The relationship you have with your student will definitely impact their lives. Teaching is like mothering, so don’t neglect your students,” said.
She however, encouraged lecturers to remain professional and ethical while interacting with students.
Reiterating the issue professionalism, Dr. David Onen, a Coordinator at the East African School of Higher Education Studies and Development urged the Assistant Lecturers to adhere to job ethics and professional guidelines for better service delivery.
“Your relationship with students should be in line with your area of profession. Do not cross boundaries. Be ethical and have self-respect,” said Dr. Onen.
The 6th Pedagogical Training was officially closed by the Deputy Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs Dr. Ernest Okello Ogwang on 2nd November 2018. Dr. Okello Ogwang commended the program as a rich training with informative content to lecturers and teachers.
“I am sure you have leant many things in the past three days to help you in your work of teaching. You have been given an opportunity for self-evaluation which should help you enhance your skills when conducting lectures or practical sessions,” he said.
Representing the Director of Human Resources Mr. Andrew Abunyang, the Manger Staff, Development and Retirement Benefits Mrs. Dora Senoga Zake, appreciated the facilitators for building a strong practical foundation for lecturers and teachers. She applauded the organizers for the successful workshop.
“To participants thank you for accepting to attend this workshop. We sincerely hope that it has been worthwhile for you and will have a positive impact in your work,” he stated.
On behalf of participants, Mrs. Amanda Ngabirano, an Assistant Lecturer at the Department of Architecture and Physical Planning, CEDAT, thanked Makerere University Management and the Directorate of Human Resources for helping Assistant lecturers realize the need to review their teaching skills. In a special way she appreciated the facilitators for the educational, knowledgeable, and extraordinary training sessions.
“We are blessed to be facilitated by the best people. The training was so educative and has enabled us to recognize our call as teachers; equipped us with the capacity to take our students through their academic journey in a manner that will help them succeed in their careers. We are very positive that with this training, we shall take the University at greater heights. And, we pledge to take forward the knowledge gained to improve our career and ensure quality education at Institutions of Higher Learning,” she said.
The Dean of the East African School of Higher Education Studies and Development Dr. Ronald Bisaso urged participants to take the Pedagogical Skills Training seriously and encouraged them to put into practice what they would have learnt during the three days training.
Some of the topics that were discussed during the three days training include;
Higher education (its environment and dynamics)
Learning theories, style and changing philosophy of learning
Curriculum design and development, modes and practices
Learning goals and learning outcomes
Pedagogical Design
Technology for improved training and learning
Student support
Article by Kanyi Rachael-Volunteer; Mak Public Relations Office
In a vibrant celebration of youth leadership and African unity, Makerere University hosted the Second Annual Guild Leaders’ Summit, an event that brought together high-profile dignitaries, student leaders, and international partners for a powerful dialogue on the future of the continent. The summit, organized by the Guild Presidents Leadership Academy, served as a rallying point for East Africa’s young leaders to confront Africa’s most urgent challenges—on their own terms and with their own solutions.
A Warm Welcome and Reflections on Makerere’s Legacy
The Vice Chancellor, Professor Barnabas Nawangwe, welcomed the distinguished guests, who included Former President Uhuru Kenyatta of Kenya, Uganda’s Vice President H.E. Jessica Alupo, former Prime Minister Rt. Hon. Ruhakana Rugunda, Justice Simon Byabakama, Hon. Mathew Rukikaire, and European Union Deputy Ambassador Mr. Guillaume Chartrain, among others.
In his address, Prof. Nawangwe reflected on Makerere’s deep historical ties to East Africa’s liberation and development movements. He reminded the audience that Makerere University has been a crucible for the continent’s leadership, stating:
“Jomo Kenyatta was the first person to receive a degree from Makerere when, in 1963, he was awarded an honorary doctorate by then Chancellor Julius Nyerere. All freedom fighters in East Africa studied at Makerere.”
H.E. Uhuru Kenyatta is received upon arrival at Makerere University by the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe.
Building on this rich history, Prof. Nawangwe affirmed the university’s current mission to tackle pressing continental issues. “Today,” he said, “Makerere is committed to addressing Africa’s challenges—climate change, disease, poverty, food security, conflict resolution, and economic development. But we cannot do this alone.”
He echoed sentiments later shared by the keynote speaker, stressing that Africa must no longer depend on external interventions:
“Foreign agencies will not solve all Africa’s problems. It is our young people who must step forward and lead the change.”
Uhuru Kenyatta: “You Are the Last Line of Defence”
In a keynote address that resonated deeply with the students and delegates in attendance, Former President Uhuru Kenyatta issued a bold and urgent call to action for Africa’s youth.
“No one is coming to save us,” Kenyatta declared. “You are the last line of defence in the battle to rescue the heart and soul of Africa.”
H.E. Uhuru Kenyatta (2nd Right) poses for a group photo during the courtesy call on the Vice Chancellor with Left to Right: Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, Ms. Sarah Kagingo and Guild President-H.E. Churchill James Ssentamu.
Positioning today’s youth as the heirs of the continent’s freedom fighters, Kenyatta described the current moment as a new “independence era”—not of political liberation, but of economic and intellectual sovereignty. He urged students to think critically about intra-African trade, which currently accounts for less than 2.5% of global commerce, and to advocate for the removal of internal barriers to trade, innovation, and mobility.
“You are the freedom fighters of this generation,” he said. “Universities must be incubators of change, and students must be the trustees of tomorrow’s Africa.”
Pan-Africanism, Leadership, and Action
Uganda’s Vice President H.E. Jessica Alupo encouraged students to take up the mantle of Pan-Africanism with unwavering commitment. She acknowledged that while the rhetoric of African unity is inspiring, real progress demands more than words:
Left to Right: The Vice President-H.E. Jessica Alupo, Prime Minister Emeritus-Hon. Dr. Ruhakana Rugunda, Hon. Matthew Rukikaire and other dignitaries follow proceedings.
“You must embrace the spirit of Pan-Africanism. But it is easy to say these words—the challenge lies in collective implementation.”
She emphasized the importance of action-oriented leadership and urged the youth to harness their creativity, energy, and education for the benefit of the continent.
European Union’s Message: Leadership with Integrity
Representing Team Europe, the EU Deputy Ambassador to Uganda, Mr. Guillaume Chartrain, gave a passionate speech on the values of authentic leadership, integrity, and inclusive development. He praised Makerere University as a space where “intellectual ambition meets civic responsibility” and emphasized that leadership is not about prestige, but purpose:
“Be a leader because of what you want to be—not because of what you want to have,” he said.
Citing former Makerere alumni such as Julius Nyerere and Wangari Maathai, Chartrain called on students to model courage, resilience, and humility:
“True leadership emerges in moments of loss—when resilience, not triumph, becomes the measure of one’s character.”
The EU, he said, remains committed to supporting youth through programs like Erasmus+, the EU Youth Sounding Board, and partnerships with organizations like Faraja Africa Foundation and Restless Development. These initiatives empower youth not as symbols, but as active participants in shaping policy and governance.
The Legacy Continues
Throughout the summit, speakers highlighted the importance of legacy and long-term impact. They challenged young leaders to think not just about the present, but about the systems and institutions they will leave behind. In the words of Former President Kenyatta:
“Leadership is not about the next election. It’s about the next generation.”
The summit ended on a high note, with students invigorated and inspired to lead with purpose. As global support grows less predictable and Africa stands at a crossroads, the message from Makerere was clear: the future of the continent is in the hands of its youth. And as the Guild Leaders’ Summit demonstrated, they are ready.
The Office of Academic Registrar, Makerere University has released lists of Diploma holders admitted under the Government Sponsorship Scheme for the Academic Year 2025/2026.
Under the Diploma Holders Government Sponsorship Scheme admission does not exceed 5% of the intake capacity to the respective Degree Programme.
The list can be accessed by following the link below:
Are you a researcher or student working in protein-related research, structural biology, or bioinformatics?
The African Center of Excellence in Bioinformatics and Data Intensive Sciences (ACE) Uganda with support from Google DeepMind, invites researchers and students seeking to integrate AlphaFold into their work to apply for the AlphaFold Workshop to be held at the Infectious Diseases Institute, Makerere University-Kampala, Uganda from 16th to 20th June 2025.