General
Maths teachers urged to adopt modern methods of teaching to enhance students’ abilities
The Director for Education Standards in the Ministry of Education and Sports Dr. Kedress Turyagyenda, has urged mathematics teachers and trainers to adopt the recently developed technologies of teaching to enhance students’ abilities of learning mathematics. This was at the closing ceremony of the 10 days residential training of primary and secondary Mathematics teachers from Uganda, Rwanda, Kenya and Tanzania; held on 11th January 2019 at Makerere University.
The 10-day residential course that officially kicked off on 2nd and ended on 11th January 2019, was conducted by the African Institute for Mathematical Sciences (AIMSSEC). Organized and funded by Dr. Margaret Babirye Lwebuga Project in partnership with Makerere University, the training will be followed by a 3-months distance learning course that will introduce participants to a teaching methodology that prepares young people with the knowledge, understanding and skills needed to thrive in the 21st century.
The training will also support and empower teachers who are working in remote rural areas and schools in disadvantaged communities, and give them free teaching resources that they can share with other teachers.
Representing Mr. Alex Kakooza, the Permanent Secretary Ministry of Education and Sports, Dr. Kedress Turyagyenda encouraged teachers to identify and understand the potential gaps that exist in the field of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) for their students to understand the modern mathematical context.
“Pupils should be given the opportunities to apply skills, knowledge and understanding from the programmes of study of other subjects. With the modern skills, knowledge and equipment you have obtained through this program, go back and be practical. Apply the principal of excellence. Whatever your task is at work, do it with all your heart and be faithful to your work,” she said.
She commended the teachers for dedicating their time to not only develop their professions but also change the lives of million pupils in the region. “Technology is evolving so fast, we therefore need to equip ourselves with the needed knowledge and skill to meet the required 21st century demands. In life there is need to learn, unlearn and relearn. Science and technologies are the key pillars of our education system and the purpose is to give every child these pillars,” she said.
She commended Dr. Margaret Babirye Lwebuga, Dr. Marjorie Batchelor and the families when she said, “through your generous support, you are professionally developing the mathematics sector of Uganda and the region.”
In the same spirit, she appreciated the trainers for dedicating their life and finances to impact millions of children by training their teachers.
Dr. Turyagyenda acknowledged the government’s efforts to improve the science teaching and learning environment in the country.
“The vision of Ministry of Education and Sports is to provide Quality and appropriate Education and Sports services, for all. It is against this vision that Uganda became the first country to implement Universal Primary Education and Universal Secondary Education. We believe that every child matter and can survive if given a suitable environment where he/she is appreciated and given equal opportunities,” said the Director
According to the Chancellor of Makerere University Prof. Ezra Suruma, a solid foundation in mathematics is an essential skill for students. To him, Mathematics is the ‘queen of science and the language of nature’.
“ On many occasions, mathematics as a subject has been considered to be very difficult. I would say, mathematics is an essential subject everyone in school must take,” he said.
“Nevertheless, mathematics is so essential to other disciplines such as economics, social sciences, and humanities hence being called ‘the universal language’. As a Professor of Economics, I have interfaced with so many areas in my field that need the mathematical knowledge,” the Chancellor added.
He thanked participants for dedicating time to attend the intensive residential course and also appreciated the trainers for investing in an African child. “When engaging in such programs we should also be sure that the multiplier effect of training trainers is very important,” he stated.
Toni Beardon, the Founder and Chairperson of the African Institute for Mathematical Sciences (AIMSSEC) expressed the team’s commitment to eradicate poverty by providing better education services to African children.
Participants were presented with certificates of completion of the course. On the same occasion Dr. Margaret Babirye Lwebuga was honored for her tremendous support towards the development Uganda’s education sector.
In an exclusive interview with the Makerere University Public Relations team, the Head, Department of Agricultural and Bio Systems Engineering at Makerere University Prof. Noble Banadda, spoke about Dr. Margaret Babirye Lwebuga as an exceptional lady with a generous heart. Through her profession path as a mathematics teacher, Dr. Margaret Babirye Lwebuga has embarked on improving the quality of teaching and learning of mathematics in Uganda and East Africa at large.
On behalf of the participants Ms. Mirembe Agnes a secondary school Mathematics teacher thanked Dr. Margaret Babirye Lwebuga and the team from the African Institute for Mathematical Sciences (AIMSSEC) for the constructive knowledge. According to Ms. Mirembe, participants were introduced to ways of improving the quality of teaching mathematics, developing the pedagogical training for mathematics learners and ways of accessing modern teaching equipment.
“All participants have been enrolled to AIMSSEC platforms to access modern teaching equipment and software to teach mathematics in an interesting way. We promise to put what you have taught us into practice,” she said.
AIMSSEC is the Schools Enrichment Centre (SEC) of AIMS (African Institute for Mathematical Sciences) established in 2003 in Muizenberg, South Africa as part of the AIMS Network. The objective of AIMSSEC is to play a key role in the extension of educational opportunities for disadvantaged communities in Africa and to raise standards by improving the quality of the teaching and learning of mathematics.
Article by Mak Public Relations Office.
On 20th August 2026, Makerere University welcomed another cohort of 258 recipients of the prestigious Mastercard Foundation scholarship for the 2026/2027 academic year with pomp and fanfare. The colourful Scholarship Award Ceremony was presided over by the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, who was represented by Prof. Ibrahim Mike Okumu, the Dean of the School of Economics and the Chairperson of the Scholars Selection sub-committee of the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Makerere University.
While addressing the gathering, Prof. Nawangwe reminded the Scholars that the scholarship was both an honour and a responsibility, and that they ought to make the most of it to improve their lives and communities.
“Now that you have stepped through the gates of Makerere University, remember that a scholarship is both an award and a responsibility. You have been chosen because we believe in your potential to lead, innovate, and serve. Makerere University offers you world-class academic resources, mentorship, and networks—but the impact you make with these resources will depend on your discipline, integrity, and vision,” Prof. Nawangwe remarked.
A Call for Responsible Living
The Vice Chancellor further urged the new recruits to embrace university life responsibly and form lasting bonds that will support future networks.
“I encourage you to engage fully and responsibly in University life, build lasting bonds with your peers, and, equally important, keep your home communities close to your heart. Let the knowledge and skills you gain here become the seed for innovative solutions to the challenges facing your communities, our country, Uganda, and the African continent.” Prof Nawangwe emphasised.
Prof. Nawangwe further expressed his gratitude to the Mastercard Foundation for recognising Makerere University as a worthy partner and pledged to continue supporting all the Mastercard Foundation’s initiatives at Makerere University.
Leadership starts with self
Mr. Adrian Bukenya, the Senior Director of the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program globally and the Country Director for Uganda, urged Scholars to embrace leadership, particularly through self-leadership. He emphasised that the Scholars Program is fundamentally a leadership development program.
“The Scholars Program offers more than just a scholarship; it is a leadership development Program. I encourage you, Scholars, to embrace leadership, and leadership starts with leading yourself, then your community, your country and the continent,” Mr. Bukenya emphasised.
Mr. Bukenya expressed his gratitude to the Management of Makerere University for partnering with the Mastercard Foundation on various initiatives. He emphasised that the Foundation is committed to continuing this partnership to educate young people and nurture the next generation of leaders on the African continent.
Selection Process Highlights
On his part, the Chairperson of the Scholars Selection Committee, represented by Mr Charles Ssentongo, the Deputy Academic Registrar responsible for Undergraduate admissions, congratulated all the Scholars who had made it through a very competitive and watertight selection process. To illustrate how tight the selection process had been, he shared compelling statistics that clearly demonstrated its competitiveness.
“We received 3,664 Applications for the Scholarship; 2,904 Undergraduates and 760 master’s students. Of these scholarship applicants, 1,440 Undergraduates and 280 Master’s students were admitted to Makerere University on private sponsorship, and they were all eligible for the Scholarship,” Mr Ssentongo pointed out.
Mr Ssentongo informed the attentive audience that one of the biggest challenges the Committee faced was the very high number of applicants, while the number of scholarships available was always very small. Mr Ssentongo then highlighted further statistics that characterised the tedious selection process.
“For the Undergraduates, 650 applicants were shortlisted for interviews, while 58 Master’s applicants were also shortlisted. Of these, 245 undergraduates and 13 Master’s students were selected for the final award,” Mr Ssentongo highlighted.
Celebrating A Diverse Cohort
The Program Director of the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Makerere, Prof. Justine Namaalwa, used the occasion to highlight achievements made in the years gone by.
“Today, we are overjoyed to have successfully recruited 258 Cohort 9 Scholars—bringing us to the mark of 546 Scholars, 54.6% of the target recruitment of 1,000 Scholars under Phase II of the Program. To date, a total of 1,596 Scholars have been recruited since 2013, when the Scholars Program started at Makerere University,” Prof. Namaalwa announced.
Prof. Namaalwa showcased the diversity created by the Scholars Program, highlighting the arrival of international students from across the African continent at Makerere University through the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program.
“For Cohort 9 Scholars, it’s time to celebrate our diversity in the Program. Let me call out the nationalities represented in the room: Lesotho (1 Scholar), Malawi (1 Scholar), Ghana (1 Scholar), D.R. Congo (13 Scholars), Cameroon (7 Scholars), Burundi (3 Scholars), Rwanda (10 Scholars), South Sudan (40 Scholars) and Tanzania (1 Scholar).” Prof. Namaalwa revealed.
Scholars Speak Out
Nathan Tamba, an international student from Cameroon, conveyed his enthusiasm regarding the opportunities afforded by the scholarship, particularly the prospect of pursuing his studies at Makerere University, recognised as one of the leading institutions on the continent.
“On behalf of my fellow scholars, I would like to express our gratitude to Makerere University and the Mastercard Foundation for awarding us this scholarship. It has given me the opportunity to study at this prestigious university and to experience Uganda for the first time.” Tamba remarked.
Tamba, clearly delighted like his fellow scholars, committed to using the scholarship opportunity to gain knowledge and skills he will use to benefit himself and his community.
The function was punctuated by entertainment from the Makerere University Choir, networking, and plenty of joyous celebration.
Bernard Buteera is Principal Communications Officer for the Scholars Program at Makerere University.
-
General4 days agoUndergraduate Admission Lists 2026/2027
-
General2 weeks agoCall For Applications: ACT-PREP 15 PhD and 10 Postdoctoral Research Fellowships
-
General6 days ago72 Makerere University Students Admitted to 2026 Millennium Fellowship
-
General1 week agoMakerere jumps 200 positions in latest global rankings
-
Computing & IS1 week agoCall For Applications: Mak-AI PhD Fellowship