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Mak-Tsinghua Partnership to Establish Public Safety Lab

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A delegation from Tsinghua University’s Institute of Public Safety Research (IPSR) on Tuesday, 18th December 2018 met the Vice Chancellor, Members of Management together with representatives from the Uganda Police Force (UPF) and Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) and held discussions on the proposed establishment of a Public Safety Laboratory at Makerere University. The delegation led by Prof. Chen Jianguo also consisted of Prof. Pang Wenjun and Prof. Zhang Tengbin. They were accompanied by Ambassador Henry Mayega, Uganda’s Deputy Head of Mission in the Peoples Republic of China.

In his remarks, the Vice Chancellor Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe shared that the Tsinghua delegation was on a five-day; 17th to 21st December 2018, return visit to Makerere, following his visit to China earlier this month.

“I would like to thank Prof. Jianguo for the warm reception accorded to the Makerere delegation during our recent visit and tour of the Hefei Institute for Public Safety Research. I also thank Ambassador Mayega for receiving us in China and accompanying us throughout our stay in China. Ambassador Mayega is not only an alumnus but also our very own ambassador who is very enthusiastic about creating opportunities for Makerere in China, especially with Tsinghua, Asia’s top university” remarked the Vice Chancellor.

Ambassador Henry Mayega-Uganda's Deputy Head of Mission in China (L) and Tsinghua's Prof. Chen Jianguo at the joint meeting to discuss public safety, management, research and establishment of a Lab at Mak

Prof. Nawangwe informed the visiting delegation that Makerere is a comprehensive University whose research output is ranked among the top five institutions in Africa. “Our students excel internationally and we probably have the largest number of collaborations in Africa, over a hundred of them being active, and as many as thirty with institutions in the USA, particularly in the fields of health and HIV/AIDS.”

The Vice Chancellor further noted that Makerere and Uganda had a lot to learn from the expertise developed by IPSR over the decade, especially in the area of public safety and emergency management technology and research. He therefore reiterated the University’s commitment to work with Tsinghua University to jointly establish a Public Safety Laboratory at Makerere. This, he envisaged, could serve as a Central National Laboratory for Ugandan Government agencies in the area of public safety management and research.

In his remarks, Prof. Jianguo thanked the Vice Chancellor and all present for the warm reception accorded to his delegation. He shared that Tsinghua; founded in 1911, is a comprehensive University with a special focus on Engineering and Technology.

Tshinghua University's Prof. Chen Jianguo makes his presentation at the meeting

“Tsinghua and the Chinese Government are very good friends and in 2003, we helped to establish the China National Emergency Response Platform, with more than two hundred and fifty City-level platforms extended to several areas such as public safety management, public transport management, environment safety management and early warning systems for natural disaster management” shared Prof. Jianguo.

He noted that Uganda, just like China is developing rapidly, which presents more challenges for public safety. “We therefore need technology to solve these challenges and support public safety management efforts by Government” added Prof. Jianguo.

A presentation by the Tsinghua delegation showed that the IPSR was founded in 2003 with four focus areas namely; education of public safety students, academic research, provision of services to governments, enterprises and stakeholders, and being the Chinese Government’s Public Safety Think Tank.

Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe (R) hands over a souvenir Mak tie to Prof. Chen Jianguo at the conclusion of the talks at Makerere University, Kampala Uganda

Tsinghua University has more than fifty profitable companies, the largest being the Unisplendour Corporation Limited (UNIS) worth approximately US$50billion. IPSR is the Chinese National base for public safety, science and technology development. The Institute has provided Smart solutions such as the; Ecuador 911 Emergency Management System, Angola Public Safety Management, Macao Command Centre, Singapore Intelligent Video Monitoring System among others.

In the reactions that followed the presentation, UPF’s Commissioner of Planning CP Henry Tumwesigye thanked Tsinghua University for the presentation. He noted that although the Force has various capabilities in the areas of public safety management, there was still need to develop an integrated approach that synchronises all the various operations. He therefore hoped that collaborations with Makerere University and partners such as Tsinghua would go a long way in helping to unpack and repackage the Force’s various solutions.

The KCCA representative Mr. Henry Kizito expressed his privilege at attending the meeting and noted that the Mak-Tsinghua partnership would benefit the proposed Kampala Smart City Project. In September 2018, the former KCCA Executive Director Mrs. Jennifer Musisi signed two major pacts with the World Smart Sustainable Cities Organization (WeGO) at the Seoul Digital Summit in South Korea. WeGO’s mission is to promote and facilitate the transformation of cities to Smart Sustainable Cities worldwide.

The Tsinghua delegation accompanied by Amb. Henry Mayega (3rd L) with DICTS staff during their tour of the NOC. 4th Right is the Director DICTS-Mr. Samuel Paul Mugabi while 6th Right is Mak Principal PRO-Ms. Ritah Namisango

The Tsinghua delegation also toured the Directorate for ICT Support (DICTS) Network Operating Centre at the College of Computing and Information Sciences (CoCIS) and the Main Library. The delegation is also scheduled to visit the; Ministry of Health’s Emergency Response Centre, College of Humanities and Social Sciences (CHUSS), College of Computing and Information Sciences (CoCIS), College of Engineering, Design Art and Technology (CEDAT), School of Public Health (MakSPH) and the UPF Emergency Response Facility.

Article by Public Relations Office

Mark Wamai

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Call for Applications: Admission to Postgraduate Programmes 2026/2027

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SoL Graduands celebrate after being conferred upon their awards. 75th Graduation Ceremony, Day 1, CoCIS, CEES, CoVAB and School of Law. 13th January 2025, Freedom Square, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

The Academic Registrar, Makerere University invites applications for admission to Graduate Programmes (Postgraduate Diplomas, Masters and Doctoral Degree Programmes) for the 2026/2027 Academic Year. Applicants should have obtained at least a first or second class degree (or its equivalent) from a Chartered University at the time of completion. Applicants should also possess a Uganda Certificate of Education (or its equivalent) and a Uganda Advanced Certificate of Education (or its equivalent).

Sponsorship:

All Graduate Programmes are PRIVATELY-SPONSORED. Therefore, applicants seeking sponsorship should have their applications endorsed by their respective sponsors where applicable. Applicants should note that the various fees payable to the University indicated for the various programmes EXCLUDE functional fees, accommodation, books, research and other expenses.

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Simon Mungudit: Mak’s Best Performing Male Science Student & Rising Star in Petroleum Geoscience

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Simon Mungudit emerged the best performing male science student this year. He is set to graduate from Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa on 24th February 2026 in the Freedom Square.

At just 24 years old, Simon Mungudit from the College of Natural Sciences (CoNAS) has etched his name in the academic history of Makerere University, having emerged as the overall best male student in the Sciences, an achievement earned through perseverance, discipline, and an unrelenting pursuit of excellence.

Mungudit is set to graduate during 76th graduation ceremony scheduled for 24th to 27th February 2026, having attained a CGPA of 4.76 in the Bachelor of Science in Petroleum Geoscience and Production. His academic interests-Reservoir Engineering, Petrophysics, and Drilling-reflect a deep understanding of the subsurface sciences that power modern energy systems.

Early Life and Journey to Academic Excellence

Born to Mr. Owor Thomas, a Game Ranger with the Uganda Wildlife Authority at Murchison Falls National Park, and Ms. Lilly Obewun Grace of Akuru Bridge Village, Nyaravur Sub-County in Nebbi District, Mungudit’s journey to academic excellence began far from the lecture halls of Makerere. At Karuma Primary School, Mungudit scored 12 aggregates in the Primary Leaving Examinations (PLE), setting the pace for his future success. He proceeded to St. Daniel Comboni College, Nebbi, where he attained 14 aggregates in 8 subjects at O’ Level. He then joined Namilyango College, one of the best secondary schools in Uganda, where he studied Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics (PCM) and scored 19 points, results that secured him government sponsorship to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Petroleum Geoscience and Production at Makerere University.

Gratitude to his mentors and sponsors

Behind these milestones lies a story of humility, gratitude and opportunity. Mungudit credits his parents for supporting his primary and O’ Level education and expresses gratitude to TotalEnergies, which provided a full bursary for his A’ Level studies, covering tuition, upkeep, and medical care. He also acknowledges the Government of Uganda for sponsoring his university education, a factor he says motivated him to excel.

At Makerere, Mungudit thrived in an environment that blended rigorous academics with mentorship. He pays tribute to his lecturers, particularly Dr. Arthur Batte, Head, Department of Geology and Petroleum Studies, for their unwavering commitment to nurturing students and pushing them to excel.

“I always aimed to excel,” Mungudit says. “Together with a few colleagues, we formed a group and held discussions on a daily. This, coupled with a conducive study environment, prayer, and discipline, enabled us to attain excellent grades.”

Dr Arthur Batte describes Mungidit as a humble yet very intelligent student.

Achievements and Professional Experience

Beyond academics, Mungudit consistently demonstrated expertise in petroleum engineering. In 2024, he led a team that won the Reservoir Modelling Challenge, organized by the American Association of Petroleum Geologists (AAPG) Makerere University Chapter, earning prize money and a sponsored field trip to the Tilenga Project courtesy of COSL. He was First Runner-Up in the Petro Bowl competitions of 2023 and 2025, a highly competitive petroleum knowledge quiz organized by the Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE) Uganda Section. He served as a Student Officer for the SPE Makerere University Chapter in 2023, and in 2024, he chaired the Organizing Committee of the SPE Annual Students’ Technical Conference and Exhibition, helping bridge the gap between academia and industry.

His learning extended beyond the classroom. During his internship, he worked with TotalEnergies, where he applied petrophysics skills to analyze gas-while-drilling data for formation evaluation, hands-on exposure that sharpened his professional competence. At Makerere University, he mastered PetroMod 2018, a critical software tool in oil and gas exploration. After completing his studies in June 2025, Mungudit trained with the Uganda National Oil Company (UNOC), participating in the 2D seismic acquisition in the Kasurubani Block in Buliisa and Hoima districts.

Mungudit currently works as the Special Projects Coordinator for the Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE) Uganda Section Student Liaison Committee.

Future Plans

Mungudit hopes to work in the oil and gas industry in the upstream sector as a geoscientist. He also plans to pursue further studies in petroleum engineering.

From a village in Nebbi to the forefront of petroleum geoscience, Mungudit’s story is one of an opportunity seized and potential realized. It is a testament to what is possible when talent meets support, and when determination is guided by faith, mentorship, and service. As Uganda’s oil and gas sector continues to evolve, Mungudit stands as a symbol of the skilled, principled professionals poised to shape its future.

The CoNAS fraternity congratulates Mungudit on this noble achievement.

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Hasifa Kabejja

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Press Statement: Makerere 76th Graduation Ceremony

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Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe (Centre) presents one of the printed batches of transcripts the Registrar College of Computing and Information Sciences (CoCIS)-Ms. Ruth Iteu Eyoku (2nd Right) as Right to Left: DVCAA-Prof. Sarah Ssali, AR-Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi and Ms. Prossy Nakayiki witness on 28th January 2026. Vice Chancellor's Press Briefing on the 76th Graduation due to be held 24th-27th February 2026 at Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

Makerere University’s 76th graduation ceremony will be held from February 24th – 27th, 2026, at the Makerere University Freedom Square, starting at 8.30am. During the 76th graduation ceremony, we shall confer degrees and award certificates to 185 PhDs, 2034 Masters, 6,043 bachelors, 137 postgraduate diplomas and 33 diplomas.

I am proud to announce that in comparison to the 75th graduation, we have registered a 30% growth in graduate student output. This is a result of our strategic decision to prioritize graduate education per our research-led agenda.

I also wish to announce that the transcripts have been finalized and are ready for pick up. Today, I am handing over the ready transcripts to the College principals and can be picked up from respective Colleges even before the graduation ceremony.

Important to Note:

In preparation for the graduation ceremony, the University wishes to note the following:

  1. Pre-graduation clearances
    Graduands are reminded to clear all necessary payments such as tuition and all graduation
    fees. It is also important to check with your College to ensure your name is on the graduation
    list and all mandatory clearances with university officials have been finalized. Note and
    internalize the graduation schedule (attached) to know which day you are graduating.
  2. Securing the graduation gowns
    Graduation gowns will be issued starting from 2nd February 2026 from the University Hall (Dinning Hall), Monday to Friday, from 9am to 4pm. To collect your gown, check and ensure your name appears on the Senate Graduation list, present your student number or National ID, and proof of payment for the gown.
  3. Security requirements
    • Attendance: For each day of graduation, entrance to the graduation ground will be by invitation only. Graduands will be issued with invitation cards which permits two guests per graduand. Do not come with more than two people or they will not be allowed access to the graduation venue. Graduands are encouraged to arrive to settle at the Freedom Square by 7am on graduation day to for a seamless flow of planned activities including the necessary security checks.
    • Prohibited items: Prohibited items include firearms, sharp instruments like mirrors and knives, alcohol, cell or batteries and chemicals, canned food and drinks, laptops, flashes and hard disks, radios including pocket radios, bottled drinks, cameras, large bags or any other heavy items.
    • Media: All media and journalists who wish to cover the ceremony must be pre-accredited by the Makerere University Public Relations office or they will not be allowed to access the ceremony venue. The access point for accredited media personnel will be the Senate Building.
    • Parking: There will be two designated parking areas; Rugby Grounds for those coming through the Eastern and Main Gate; and the second one is the Makerere University Main Grounds at Makerere College School. For VVIPs, VIPs and procession parking will be at CTF1, Directorate of Legal parking, St Francis and St Augustine parking, JICA and Senate Building.
    • Access Control: To ease traffic flow and management, the University has planned three access points to the graduation venue: the School of Social Sciences, Senate Building and the University Swimming Pool.
  4. For help and inquiries
    • Starting February 2, 2026, the Academic Registrar ’s Office and Graduation Committee will set up an information tent outside the Senate Building to provide guidance and handle all inquiries pertaining to graduation.


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