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.
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
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