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.
The Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe on 20th April 2026 inaugurated the Second Makerere University Health User Committee (Mak-HUC). The Committee was established by the Vice Chancellor in 2022 as part of his strategic mandate to strengthen and oversee the University Hospital services delivery.
Chaired by Dr. Allen Kabagenyi from the College of Business and Management Sciences (CoBAMS), Mak-HUC has as its members; Prof. Josaphat K. Byamugisha-Director Makerere University Health Services (MakHS) and Dr. Daniel Ronald Ruhweza-Department of Law and Jurisprudence, School of Law.
Other members include; Dr. Arthur Kwizera-Department of Anaesthesia and Critical Care, College of Health Sciences (CHS) and Makerere University Academic Staff Association (MUASA) Representative, Dr. Lillian Tukahirwa-Makerere University Administrative Staff Association (MASA) Representative, Mr. Godfrey Othieno- National Union of Educational Institutions (NUEI) Representative, and as Secretariat, Ms. Kevin M. Nabiryo-Directorate of Human Resources.
The 2nd Mak-HUC has been appointed for a period of four years effective 1st January 2026 with a mandate to: Guide, monitor and oversee delivery of health services by MakHS; Represent the interests and concerns of staff and students that use MakHS; Advise on alignment with sustainable health financing and insurance models; Strengthen systems for fraud prevention, digital transformation and access to specialized treatment, among other responsibilities.
The 1st Mak-HUC was chaired by Dr. Allen Kabagenyi and had as members; Prof. Josaphat Byamugisha, Dr. Fred Mayambala, Dr. Zahara Nampewo, Mr. Othieno Godfrey, Mr. Apunyo Paul Okiria and Ms. Ikiriza Racheal. Milestones during the first era included; Outpatient Department visits growth from 4,802 (2022) to 7,388 (Nov 2025) for staff and 14,641 (2022) to 19,069 (Nov 2025) for students.
Others milestones included; Commissioning of a fully equipped Operating Theatre, Establishment of a modern Imaging Hub, Development of a fully functional Audiology Unit, Expansion of the Temporal Bone Laboratory, Launch of the Olink Proteomics Platform and Enhancement of the Dental Unit with 32 dental chairs and experienced personnel.
Related article: https://news.mak.ac.ug/2025/12/three-years-of-impact-makerere-university-health-user-committee-presents-status-report/
By Gerald Ochwo
On Monday, 20th April 2026, the Academic Registrar, Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi and his Senior Management Team (SMT) convened to witness the official handover of office within the Senate Division. The ceremony, attended by representatives from the Directorate of Internal Audit, marked an important moment of transition and continuity in the University’s academic administration. The outgoing Deputy Academic Registrar in charge of the Senate Division, Mrs. Patience Mushengyezi, formally handed over office to Ms. Gladys Khamili, who assumes the role in an acting capacity.
In his remarks, Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi underscored the significance of the transition, situating it within a broader institutional context. He observed that the Department of the Academic Registrar has, over the years, experienced a steady wave of retirements, particularly among senior staff. He noted that this trend is expected to continue, with a considerable number of experienced personnel due to retire within the next two years.
While acknowledging the institutional gaps created by these departures, he reassured staff that the University is actively addressing the situation to ensure the continued efficiency of the Department.
“You will agree with me that the Department has, over the years, witnessed the retirement of many senior colleagues. Their departure leaves behind a significant institutional gap. However, the University is fully aware and will address it through targeted recruitment,” he stated.
In her detailed handover report, which she delivered verbatim, Mrs. Patience Mushengyezi reflected on her tenure with gratitude and a deep sense of fulfillment. She paid tribute to the Vice-Chancellor, in his capacity as Chairperson of the University Senate, for his steadfast guidance and support throughout her service. She also expressed sincere appreciation to the Academic Registrar, Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi, for his pragmatic and results-oriented leadership.
“I remain deeply grateful for the support from the Vice-Chancellor and all members of Senate for the trust they accorded me. I equally thank the Academic Registrar, Prof. Buyinza, for his results-oriented approach to administration. His support enabled us to achieve remarkable progress under the DARP (Digitalization of Academic Records and Processes) Project, including the successful digitalization of Senate minutes, some dating as far back as the 1990s, which are now easily retrievable,” she noted.
Her remarks painted a picture of dedication, progress, and institutional strengthening, leaving behind a legacy that will continue to benefit the University.
In her acceptance remarks, Ms. Gladys Khamili expressed heartfelt appreciation to the Academic Registrar for the confidence placed in her. She acknowledged the weight of responsibility that comes with the role and pledged her commitment to upholding the standards and gains established by her predecessor.
She paid glowing tribute to Mrs. Mushengyezi’s exceptional service, noting that her impact within the Senate Division is both profound and enduring.
“I am truly honored by the trust bestowed upon me. I am committed to building on the strong foundation laid by Mrs. Mushengyezi, whose remarkable contribution and dedication will continue to inspire us all,” she said.
The ceremony not only marked the end of a distinguished era in the Department of the Academic Registrar, but also the beginning of a new phase, underscored by continuity, renewal, and a shared commitment to excellence in academic administration at Makerere University.
Gerald Ochwo is the Liaison and Communication Officer, Office of the Academic Registrar
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