General
85th Guild President Swears In, Assures Gallant Makerereans of Quality Service Delivery
On Wednesday, 27th March 2019, hundreds of people including Makerere University Administrators, students and parents and well-wishers gathered in Makerere University Main Hall to witness the swearing in ceremony of their beloved Guild President-elect H.E. Kateregga Julius commonly known as KJ.
Presided over by the Acting Vice Chancellor Dr. Eria Hisali, Dean of Students-Mr. Cyriaco Kabagambe, Deputy Dean of Students-Mr. Stephen Kateega and Chaplain of St. Francis Rev. Onesimus Asiimwe the ceremony was also witnessed by Members of the 84th Guild cabinet led by outgoing President H.E. Papa Were Salim.
“Our voice as students can only be heard if our leaders choose to stand, I have come as a leader to stand with you, the door of my office will always be open to you the students such that I get to know the issues affecting you,” said H.E Kateregga Julius.
Amidst applause and a chorus of cheers from the audience, H.E. Kateregga Julius (KJ) took his oath and promised to balance the mighty hill of the great intellectuals with good governance.
H.E. Kateregga a second year Bachelor of Arts with Education student assured his peers of equality and diligent service in the 85th Guild cabinet. He thanked students who chose to look beyond money for change by putting all their trust in him as one with the vision and solutions to possibly end all challenges experienced by the students.
“I am glad that you chose to believe in me, now here I am, I am ready to stand by you my fellow students, I will stand for what you believe in because what you believe in is what I believe in and what I believe in is my mandate,” he noted.
In a special way, H.E. Kateregga congratulated his Guild Representatives (GRCs) upon their success and advised them to cooperate with him if they are to bring Makerere to the next level of leadership. Here he emphasized the need for hard work among his Cabinet members and echoed that he sees different capabilities in every GRC. He also urged them to be faithful to their fellow students and serve as they pledged during their campaigns.
“We have started a race and as team leader, my aim is to ensure that by the time I leave, I can still stand before the mighty Makerereans and they listen to me when I talk. I see different capabilities in each and every GRC, let’s be critical, know why you were elected and serve faithfully and diligently. Pay attention to what we ought to, look beyond the privileges and be the voice of students,” advised H.E. Kateregga
He thanked everyone who stood by him during the hard times of his campaigns and in a very special way, recognized the presence of his beloved mother Ms. Lovinsa Nabunya and thanked her for all the prayers that brought him victory.
The Guild President-elect echoed that students and Administrators of Makerere University have a big debt to the nation as they are the un-gazetted Parliament of Uganda and urged them to always stand and emphasize what Makerere represents in this nation.
The Acting Vice Chancellor Dr. Eria Hisali congratulated H.E Kateregga Julius (KJ) and His Cabinet upon their successful election. He applauded the outgoing cabinet for all that they have done in their tenure.
He called for good relationship between the Students’ Guild and the University Management emphasizing that a good relationship between two parties always leads to good service delivery to the beneficiaries.
Dr. Hisali challenged H.E. Kateregga to hold his team accountable by bringing feedback to the Guild Council, indicating that this will be a good sign of service delivery and representation at the respective Colleges and Halls of Residence.
He advised the Guild President to take advantage of the University Management’s open-door policy to consult the Administration as it’s always ready and available to help each time there is a need.
He encouraged the Guild leadership to uphold and maintain the good reputation of the University in all their endeavors and called upon students to participate in the forthcoming MakRun where the University is soliciting money to construct a Students’ Centre.
The Dean of Students Mr. Cyriaco Kabagambe assured the Students Guild Council of an induction, where they will have a full week of training as a way of preparing them to run their respective offices.
Mr. Kabagambe thanked the Chairman Electoral Commission and his team for the great work done as the elections were free and fair and no case of violence was registered this time round.
The Chairperson Electoral Commission Mr. Ssekinde Faizo revealed that the election process was successful as they witnessed free and fair elections. He congratulated the winners of the elections and thanked students for participating in the Electoral process.
The outgoing Guild President H.E. Papa Were Salim congratulated H.E. Kateregga Julius and his cabinet upon being elected as the 85th Guild President and Guild Council of Makerere University for the year 2019/2020. He noted that it had been a great honor for him to serve as the 84th Guild President of the mighty Hill with a mighty University.
He advised H.E. Kateregga to know his mandate as a student leader and observe it, as it will always direct him in line with his vision as leader of the 85th Guild Cabinet.
“It’s a big struggle but the most important thing is remember your mandate, know whom you are serving and what they want for they are the reason you are seating in that capacity as Student Guild President,” advised the 84th Guild President.
H.E Papa Were extended his sincere thanks to the fraternity of the gallant Makerereans who collaborated with his cabinet and in a special way, thanked the University Management for the support extended to the 84th Guild Leadership.
The ceremony was overseen by the outgoing 84th Guild Speaker Rt. Hon. Isaac Kwagala who congratulated the new cabinet upon their success in the political journey and urged them to serve the gallant Makerereans with great faithfulness by practicing principals of democracy. He also urged the incoming 85th Guild President to always remember why the students entrusted him with that position.
“In your campaigns you pledged to balance the hill, please balance it by serving the students who entrusted you with that responsibility faithfully and diligently so that they will continue looking up to you even when you leave these great gates,” Kwagala advised.
He further praised the outgoing Guild Cabinet for the achievements registered during their tenure and requested the incoming cabinet to accomplish all that they had set out to achieve.
Article by Rachael Kanyi, Volunteer, Mak Public Relations Office
Business & Management
Mak and ACCA Career Workshop: Students tipped on success, professionalism and the future of accountancy
On Tuesday 1st April 2025, over600 students from the College of Business and Management Sciences convened at Makerere University Yusuf Lule Central Teaching Facility Auditorium to participate in the Career workshop that provided an invaluable platform for students to engage with industry leaders, gain insights into career prospects and professional development within the accounting and finance sectors.
Organized by the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) in Uganda in partnership with Makerere University Department of Accounting and Finance, School of Business under the College of Business and Management Sciences, the Career workshop also presented a platform to celebrate the academic achievements of the ten (10) Bachelor of Commerce students who graduated with First Class degrees-Honours Division during the Makerere University 75th Graduation ceremony held in January 2025.
Prior to the workshop, the Dean, School of Business, Dr. Godfrey Akileng in an interview with the College’s Communication Office, disclosed that celebrating the academic achievements of the students who obtained First Class degrees would inspire the current students to excel. In addition, Dr. Akileng noted that the presence of graduates who excelled at the Career workshop would lead to networking and peer mentorship possibilities with the current students.
During the Career workshop, speakers from Makerere University and ACCA Uganda re-affirmed their commitment to equipping graduates with the knowledge, skills and tools needed to excel in a rapidly evolving job market.
To understand the future of accountancy, students listened to presentations featuring the relevance of the accounting and finance in today’s job market by Dr. Eric Nzibonera; Insights on the collaboration with ACCA by Ms Charlotte Kukunda; Discussion of the global career opportunities in accounting and how ACCA supports professional development by Ms Jackie Mbabazi; and a keynote speech titled, An exploration of the skills and trends shaping the future of the accounting and finance industries in the 21st Century by Mr. Robert Busuulwa.
In his address, the Principal of the College of Business and Management Sciences, Prof. Edward Bbaale acknowledged the School of Business for proritising career talks and mentorship sessions for students.
“To the students, the Career workshop presents you with a chance to envision your career, and what you want to be, or what you want to study,” he said.
The Principal underscored the critical importance of bridging the gap between the academia and industry. He highlighted the instrumental role of partnerships, particularly the collaboration between Makerere University and ACCA in equipping students with globally competitive skills and certifications.
Prof. Bbaale emphasized that in the 21st century, this interface isn’t merely an option but “a necessity,” echoing the sentiments of both the keynote speaker, Mr. Robert Busuulwa, and ACCA partners.
He advised students to visualise themselves as “global candidates” and pursue their careers with diligence and passion, taking the lessons from the workshop seriously and seeking continuous professional development. Prof. Bbaale stressed the significance of “building oneself, moulding oneself” through education, training, and experience, advocating for a focus on human capital development over immediate financial gain.
He emphasized the importance of “volunteering to work” in orderto gain experience and build a professional network. He reaffirmed the College’s commitment to strengthening collaborations to ensure graduates are academically competent and well-prepared to navigate the evolving job market.
Dr. Eric Nzibonera, the Head, Department of Accounting and Finance at the College of Business and Management Sciences highlighted the significance of career guidance events for University students. He explained that career workshops provide a valuable opportunity for students to “make a choice about a particular career,” a privilege he noted was not always available to students in the past. Dr. Nzibonera believed the workshop was a chance for students to learn from experienced professionals, guiding them towards informed decisions about their future careers.
Convinced that the workshop presented a golden opportunity to students to learn from experienced professionals, Dr. Nzibonera called upon students to leverage such moments to listen to the respective presenters, prepare to ask questions on professionalism, accreditation and career paths.
Focusing on the relevance of accounting and finance in today’s job market, Dr. Nzibonera reiterated that the accounting profession is very central in the day to day lives of individuals. “Inall realms of business, in whatever you do, you need some scheme or some kind of accounting that works,” he remarked. He noted that this underlines the universal applicability of financial literacy, whether pursuing careers directly related to the field.
The Country Manager, ACCA Uganda, Ms Charlotte Kukunda informed the students who turned up in big numbers, that the Career workshop was anchored in the programmes and activities that Makerere University and ACCA Uganda agreed to undertake when both entities signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in July 2022.
Ms Kukunda affirmed that ACCA Uganda values its strategic partnership with Makerere University, which has been mutually beneficial and fruitful. To expound this argument, Ms Kukunda highlighted the achievements which included: 660 students enrolled for ACCA programme, curriculum reviews of Makerere University accounting programmes, re-accreditation of the Bachelor of Commerce Accounting in June 2022, annual recognition of best accounting students since 2022, tutor capacity building workshops conducted at the College, lecturers granted access to the Education Hub, and hosting of three student career workshops annually.
She outlined the areas of collaboration with Makerere University as follows: accreditation of accounting programmes, co-development of teaching programmes that align and support the University edge resources and professional insights, employability through supporting students’ career and skills development, access to ACCA member networks to support Makerere University guest lectures/panels/conference speakers, and faculty skills development support in their teaching, learning and assessment.
The Country Manager said the Career workshop is planned, deliberate and intentional because ACCA classifies Makerere University students as strategic business leaders who are being nurtured, trained and prepared to drive the economy. She clarified that the ACCA programme is not limited to only students studying accounting. According to Ms Kukunda, the ACCA programme embraces a broader range of disciplines and positions students for global competitiveness.
Ms. Kukunda encouraged students to explore the information resources on the ACCA website to tap into the opportunities that will enhance their financial acumen. She urged students to perceive themselves as global citizens. “When you perceive yourself as that, you are the right candidate for pursuing these globally accredited qualifications,” she said. She reinforced the value of connections and valuable networks with industry professionals, assuring students that their future is filled with potential and opportunities.
Feeding into Ms Kukunda’s presentation, Ms Jackie Mbabazi, the Business Relationship Manager at ACCA Uganda highlighted the significance of the ACCA qualification in shaping future leaders. She affirmed that ACCA is “a forward-thinking qualification” connected to vital sectors and stakeholders globally.
Ms. Mbabazi emphasized the global reach of the ACCA. “We are present in 180 countries. As you plan your professional journey, consider the ACCA qualification that is going to make you professional. Technology has enabled us to work beyond borders. Having globally recognized qualifications such as ACCA positions you to work globally,” she elaborated.
Ms. Mbabazi further pointed out the “forward-thinking qualification” attributes of ACCA. These include: Empowering individuals to be digitally relevant, creating ethical and trusted professionals, global recognition, professionals who add value, access to the most up to date syllabus on the market, and continuous learning for trainees as well as access to the global employability platform.
She also discussed the importance of adapting to technological advancements, stating, “You need to adapt and make sure technology is at the heart of what you are doing.”
Ms. Mbabazi articulated that ethics is at the centre of the ACCA programme. “ACCA programmes uphold ethics in building professionals. I urge you to avoid any form of fraud,” she emphasized.
The captivating presentations from the College of Business and Management Sciences and ACCA Uganda set the pace for the students to listen to a powerful keynote speech. Dr. Martin Bakundana introduced the keynote speaker, Mr. Robert Busuulwa, the founder and Managing Partner of Forvis Mazars in Uganda with over 30 years of tested and proven experience.
Mr. Robert Busuulwa’s keynote speech embodied words of wisdom and lived experiences that require an individual to be responsible for his or her destiny.
He guided the students that being successful is a personal choice and commitment. “If you want to be successful, dedicate time and study success,” he advised.
“When you plan to do something, focus and concentrate. Pursue your ambitions and career aspirations with determination and confidence,” he added.
He castigated the popular phrase where individuals believe that it is the government responsible for their success and development. That statements calling upon the government to “assist” individuals should be discarded. “True liberation is about understanding who you are, your strengths and weakness, and what you can do as an individual to leverage your strength,” he stated.
He emphasized the importance of acquiring relevant skills, urging students to consider what they needed to demonstrate to future employers, particularly in light of evolving trends such as AI, robotics, and big data. “What are the skills that you are expected to demonstrate?” he asked, reflecting on the broadening scope of skills in the field.
Using lively examples, the keynote speaker informed the audience that he had to create time to be at Makerere University on 1st April 2025 to speak to the students. He reported that he manages a very tight schedule, but if you want and value something, you work towards it, and ensure it is a possibility.
“I am here because I created time and convinced myself that I should join you today. I love mentorship and interacting with people. I love being here. I have to return to society, what it has given me through qualifications, life and experiences. Through this career workshop, I am exactly doing that,” he said.
Mr. Busuulwa shared anecdotes from his academic journey and connecting with young minds poised for the future. He reinforced the notion that the landscape of accounting has changed dramatically, moving from traditional number-crunching to roles involving Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) factors, financial crime, and IT consulting.
Mr. Busuulwa mentioned that with the trends in the accounting profession, students and practitioners are presented with diverse career paths.
Mr. Busuulwa encouraged students to understand and appreciate their potential. “Every one of you here has the potential. I urge you to believe in your capabilities,” he said. He cautioned students and young people in general against limiting beliefs. Citing the power of thinking and its effects on the choices that individuals make, he stated, “If you think you can’t do it, you will not.”
He inspired students to actively shape their careers, stressing the need for adaptability and continuous learning. He appealed to the students to always empower their minds and souls with positive statements such as “Whatever it is, I am going to be successful,” he remarked.
The Career workshop moderated by Ms Sylvia Namujjuzi, Assistant Lecturer at the College of Business and Management Sciences assisted by Mr. Jonathan Basalirwa, a third year student, ended on a high note with presentation of awards of excellence to the best ten (10) First Class Honours Division graduates, and a networking session involving the respective speakers and students.
The Principal thanked the Dean, School of Business- Dr. Godfrey Akileng, Dr. Eric Nzibonera, Ms Sylvia Namujjuzi, Mr. John Ogema, the Makerere University Accountancy Bureau, and the team from ACCA Uganda for organizing the Career workshop 2025.
The discussions involving Makerere University staff namely Prof. Edward Bbaale, Dr. Eric Nzibonera, ACCA Uganda-Ms Charlotte Kukunda and Ms Jackie Mbabazi, and the Keynote Speaker Mr. Robert Busuulwa emphasized the necessity of bridging the gap between academic training and real-world skills.
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