General
AR Department Refresher Seminar Builds Teamwork and Social Cohesion for Improved Service Delivery
Members of Staff from the Department of the Academic Registrar (AR) at Makerere University have been urged to build strong teamwork with social cohesion in order to improve on service delivery. This was at the Departmental Refresher Seminar held on 14th and 15th March 2019 at Hotel Africana; to develop a deeper understanding and appreciation of roles and responsibilities as well as aligning the Department to suit the Collegiate system.
The two-day Seminar was officially opened by the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic Affairs), Dr. Umar Kakumba under the theme: Institutional Cohesion and team work for improved service delivery.
According to the Deputy Registrar (Undergraduate Admissions and Records Division) Mr. Charles Ssentongo, the Seminar was geared towards helping staff appreciate the theme through;
- Harmonizing Departmental operations under the Collegiate system
- Enhancing the working relationship between Departmental staff and other members of staff (Academic, Administrative and Support) in the university
- Re-orienting staff who were appointed to act as College Registrars into the roles and responsibilities of the Department of the Academic Registrar
Dr. Umar Kakumba applauded the leadership of the Academic Registrar’s Department for the thoughtful decision to bring the team together to discuss and reflect on their Unit specific and departmental responsibilities as well as their allegiance to the university.
Re-echoing the seminar theme, Dr. Kakumba said that team building and social cohesion are important factors in driving the institution’s goal and objectives. “As a scholar of organizational behavior, I am happy to mention that the theme blends harmoniously well with the pertinent factors of institutionalizing the university,” he said.
According to Dr. Kakumba, organizations are built on four (4) core blocks of; Vision, mission, goal and people. Institutions work towards achieving their goals and aspirations. To achieve this, they develop a vision with achievable objectives; a mission that captures the institution’s identity; and a goal that provides an explanation for the institution’s existence.
“Institutions are built on human systems, not on walls, or blocks. Without the human side enterprise, you cannot go anywhere. The people you employ must be nourished like babies. Seminars, workshops, conferences, retreats, are very critical in feeding the human enterprise,” he stated.
The Academic Registrar, Mr. Alfred Namoah Masikye thanked members of staff for the great work they are doing for the university and the Department. He encouraged them to always exercise the highest level of integrity when performing their daily duties. In the Same spirit, he applauded the team that developed the Departmental Strategic plan of 2020-230
He described the Department of Academic Registrar as a sensitive place dealing with student academic records. He therefore urged staff to perform their work diligently to the satisfaction of both the employer (government, university) and the client (students, parents, sponsors and investors).
“As the Department, we have registered success in the mandate that we are supposed to perform because of your hard work. I appreciate your commitment to your roles and obligations. I believe that we can do better. We are holding this Refresher Seminar to improve further,” he said.
He advised staff to love and appreciate their jobs when he said, “Makerere University has nurtured us. We have been able to educate our children and care for our wellbeing. Let us value the jobs that we have and perform to our best.”
The Facilitator, Mrs Alice Mubiru advised participants to always focus on applying for jobs that suit their interests and abilities. “If you want to excel at your work, it is important to do a job in line with your interest and ability.”
The Refresher Seminar was an interactive session with participants sharing knowledge, professional experiences and enhancing individual capacity development.
Participants were able to reflect on the importance of the various policies that are critical in the execution of the mandate of the Department of the Academic Registrar.
In a presentation, the Deputy Registrar (Senate Division), Mrs. Patience Rubabinda Mushengyezi encouraged members of staff to read and understand the University policies that govern their respective roles.
“The Department has a policy on admissions, registration, students’ loads, policies on withdrawal and policies on retakes. Since we are dealing with students, we need to be familiar with these policies to avoid mistakes. These policies help us to interpret the University mandate, goals and objectives. The policies help us to enforce university rules,” she emphasized.
Discussing the role of the Department of Academic Registrar in enhancing public relations at Makerere University; the Principal Public Relations Officer Ms. Ritah Namisango urged staff to always have a sense of belonging to Makerere University.
She asked staff to guard against actions that tarnish the university image and reputation and advised them on the proper and professional use of communication platforms while sending a formal communication on behalf of the University.
“Poor customer care, missing marks, not responding to complaints in time, students and staff strikes, students who have satisfied requirements missing on the Graduation list, are some of the actions that have negatively impact the University’s reputation among its publics,” she mentioned.
In a presentation on Customer care, Ms. Namisango highlighted the need to train University staff on customer care. According to her, customer care is a vital element of institution-client relationship and can strongly impact the operations of the institution and its image.
“We should serve our clients (students, fellow staff, partners, investors, parents) with a positive attitude and humility. The way we handle them either strengthens or weakens our reputation, builds or destroys our image and promotes or negatively affects the Makerere University brand,” she said.
“Remember that our actions; whether individual or departmental, will impact the university. Excellent customer care service leads to a wonderful Public Relations Strategy. Always remember to treat people well. Be kind to your customers so that they appreciate your services,” she added.
To develop a deep understanding and appreciation of the mandate of the Academic Registrar, the participants listened to unit specific presentations from the following Divisions/Sections:
- Undergraduate Admissions and Records by Deputy Registrar, Mr. Charles Ssentong
- Examinations and Transcripts by Deputy Registrar, Mr. Tom. L. Otim
- Certificates, Ceremonies and Publications, Ms. Dorothy Kabanda
- Experiences, Work Load and Expectations at the College level, Dr. Alfred Tingo
- Application avenues, processes and requirements for application, Ms. Hellen Ssali
- The Role of the Central Office by Mr. Thomas Baguma
- Available Systems in the ICT Division and demonstrations of AIMS, Ms. Ruth Iteu
- Budgeting and accounts procedures in Accounts Division, Ms. Maria N. Kigonvu
In the wrap up session, the members emphasized the need to review the Structure of the Department of the Academic Registrar; recruit Registrars at the School level for enhanced delivery at the College level; lobby for increased financial resources allotted to the Department; hold a Training in Public Relations and Customer Care; budget for Annual Capacity building programmes among other proposals.
Article by: Proscovia Nabatte, Mak Public Relations office
General
Makerere University and Xiangtan University Advance Strategic Partnership in Chemical Engineering
Makerere University and Xiangtan University are set to update their close to 20-year academic partnership, with a new focus on launching a joint Master’s degree program in Chemical Engineering and expanding student and staff exchange initiatives.
The commitment was reaffirmed during a recent visit by a delegation from Xiangtan University to Makerere University headed by Professor Dingyu Ou, in the company of Mr. Tang Fei and Professor Gilbert Gumshabe, the Chinese and Ugandan Directors of the Confucius Institute at Makerere University respectively.
While addressing the delegation, Professor Nawangwe highlighted that this initiative is part of a broader strategy to diversify academic offerings and contribute to national development through training in Chemical Engineering. Through this new initiative, the University will better prepare graduates for the petrochemical industry and support the country’s industrial growth.
The Vice Chancellor appreciated that the proposed collaboration aims to address Uganda’s growing need for industrial expertise, particularly as the country develops its petroleum sector. The two universities here are working toward a 1+2 training model, which will enable Makerere students to gain practical experience and access advanced laboratory facilities at Xiangtan University.
Professor Nawangwe further reiterated that “our relationship with the people of China, not just for Makerere but also for a big part of Uganda, has been opened wider by the establishment of the Confucius Institute, considering that many other collaborations like one being discussed now have come through this collaboration.”
The head of the Xiangtan delegation, Professor Dingyu Ou, expressed appreciation for the meeting, and acknowledged the history between the institutions. “As mentioned, we have a very long relationship and a very stable friendship between our two universities.”
Professor Ou extended appreciation for the support provided to the Confucius Institute at Makerere, the care shown to his colleagues, and looked forward to the successful start of the Chemical Engineering collaboration.
Assuring the delegation of Makerere’s readiness for the collaboration, Ms. Hawa Ndagire Kajumba the Lead, Partnerships and Stakeholder Engagement, Makerere University Advancement Office, aligned with the Vice Chancellor’s emphasis of University goal to have both theory and practice imparted to the students.
She said “the curriculum of the university and Uganda as a whole is moving towards competence-based education training to ensure students are equipped to demonstrate those skills in the actual field, particularly regarding petroleum exploration.”
Ms. Ndagire Kajumba also emphasised a shift in strategy for the partnership office, saying, “we are moving away from just signing MOUs that collect dust, and moving towards those that are more collaborative to benefit our faculty and students, just like this one.”
Professor Gilbert Kumushabe aligned his remarks with those of the Vice Chancellor and Ms. Ndagire Kajumba, and described the method used at Xiangtan University as “actually competence-based teaching.”
Based on his recent visit, Prof. Gumoshabe shared that students in China are divided into groups with dedicated teachers to perform practical, hands-on work beyond the theoretical lecturers. He expressed gladness that the same was being adopted for the Ugandan context.
Both institutions are now working to finalise the specific agreements for the joint degree and exchange programs. Beyond academic training, the collaboration will advance cultural and professional exchange.
Makerere University on October 8, 2026 commemorated Nkrumah Day with a Public Lecture at the Yusuf Lule Central Teaching Facility Auditorium. The Lecture gathered students, academics, historians and distinguished guests to discuss Kwame Nkrumah’s contribution and its relevance to Africa.
Organised by Nkrumah Hall under the theme “Leadership, Self-Reliance and Transformation: Reimagining Nkrumah’s Vision for the 21st Century African Youth,” the lecture explored how Nkrumah’s ideals of Pan-Africanism, self-reliance and African unity can guide the continent beyond political independence.
Endorsing Nkrumah’s Vision of Investing in Africa
The First Deputy Prime Minister and Chancellor of Makerere University, Rt. Hon. Dr. Crispus Walter Kiyonga, was the chief guest.
In remarks delivered on his behalf by Dr. Charles Kahigiriza, Dr. Kiyonga said the day was a moment to reflect on Nkrumah’s views on Pan-Africanism and the lessons on self-reliance still held for Africa today and emphasised the importance of keeping Africa’s young talent at home (in Africa).
He then discussed ways of encouraging young people to achieve Nkrumah’s vision, pointing out that Africa is losing skilled people to brain drain as many go abroad to work.
He encouraged young Africans to stay and contribute to the continent’s growth, describing Africa’s potential as a promising asset.
Transformation Requires Discipline
The keynote address was delivered by Prof. Gerald Karyeija, a political analyst and Head of Quality Assurance at the Uganda Management Institute (UMI).
He discussed Nkrumah’s role in championing Pan-Africanism and the formation of the African Union. He acknowledged that “his legacy was also very complex” due to a number of challenges.
Regarding leadership, the professor argued, “leadership does not begin with the title. It begins with responsibility,” adding that “leadership is not only about power, privilege, entitlement, or status. It’s about service. It’s about stewardship.”
He encouraged attendees to emulate Nkrumah by using their knowledge and power for good.
“Don’t get the intellectual power from Makerere to become evil,” he cautioned, stressing that transformation requires discipline.
Universities Turn Knowledge into Action
Associate Professor Gorettie Nabanoga, the Acting Deputy Vice Chancellor for Finance and Administration, represented Professor Barnabas Nawangwe, the Vice Chancellor of Makerere University.
She aligned herself with the previous speakers and urged participants to move beyond simply celebrating Kwame Nkrumah’s memory and begin implementing his vision.
She called for practical action, urging the mobilisation of Pan-Africanism beyond slogans. “Perhaps the Pan-Africanism of this generation must therefore move from solidarity to capacity, from rhetoric to institutions, from potential to production, and from aspirations to implementation,” she said.
On the role of universities, she reiterated that Makerere University is a hub for innovation rather than just a degree-granting institution.
“We are building for the future when we develop people who can think critically, when we generate knowledge, when we challenge perceived knowledge and wisdom, and when we innovate,” she said.
Addressing the students present, she said, “You are not simply the leaders of tomorrow; you are citizens of Africa today. The opportunity you enjoy at Makerere University comes with responsibility.”
Dr. Winifred Kabumbuli, the Dean of Students at Makerere University, set the tone at the 2026 Nkrumah Day Public Lecture.
She revealed that this lecture organised under Nkrumah Hall highlights its significance as a symbol of Makerere University‘s commitment to Pan-Africanism. “The name Nkrumah Hall has stood the test of time and sounds like a horn beautifully over the African continent and beyond,” she said.
She elaborated on the lecture’s theme of leadership, self-reliance and transformation, noting its alignment with the university’s mission to nurture future leaders.
Direction of Pan-Africanism
During a panel discussion, speakers questioned how far Africa has come. Associate Professor Zahara Napeewo, Deputy Dean of the School of Law at Makerere University, stated that the continent was still lagging behind the progress Nkrumah would have wanted.
She shared that while educational institutions provide knowledge, they must go further and encourage graduates to become problem-solvers who can create employment for themselves rather than wait to be employed.
Dr. Zaid Sekitto, a Lecturer in the Department of History, Archaeology and Heritage Studies at Makerere, added that the structures of colonialism that Nkrumah fought against were still in place. “They must be addressed”, he said, or Africa would remain trapped in colonialism and lose sight of Nkrumah’s vision.
The Youth and the Unfinished Struggle
The students also had an opportunity to share their perspectives on the unfinished struggle for Pan-Africanism.
Nkrumah Hall Chairperson Joseph Sekabira noted that the Africa Nkrumah fought for was not the Africa that exists today.
He urged young people to take up leadership now rather than wait until they were older.
Mark Kwikiriza, a final-year Bachelor of Arts in Music student and resident of Nkrumah Hall, said Nkrumah’s legacy remained relevant because the problems he faced in Ghana were similar to those society faces today.
He recommended that society could rejuvenate the spirit of “Osagyefo,” the title meaning “redeemer” by which Nkrumah was known.
Honouring 13 Years of Service
The event also recognised Mr. John Kamya for his 13 years of outstanding service as Warden of Nkrumah Hall, a position he held from 2007 to 2020.
He received an appreciation award presented by the Chief Guest’s representative in the presence of the Hall Chairperson and other dignitaries.
In his acceptance remarks, Mr. Kamya noted that the 2018 visit to the Hall by Kwame Nkrumah’s daughter, Ms. Samia Yaba Nkrumah, was one of the fondest memories of his time in office. He thanked Makerere for the opportunity to serve the University community and its stakeholders.
At the peak, the event concluded with tree planting and cake-cutting activity in front of Nkrumah Hall. The audience was left contemplating one message of Kwame Nkrumah’s vision of a united, self-reliant Africa, freed first in the mind, that remains unfinished and in the words of some speakers, has been handed to the current generation as a task to accomplish.
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