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
A Legacy That Still Speaks: Announcing the 2025 Emmanuel Tumusime Mutebile Annual Public Lecture
Makerere University in partnership with the Embassy of Sweden in Uganda and UNFPA in Uganda hosted the “Strides for Change” Activism walk and official unveiling of the 2025 edition of the 16 Days of Activism campaign on Monday 24th November, 2025.
The event was graced by Heads of Diplomatic Missions from Sweden, Australia, Ireland and Germany alongside representatives from UNFPA and UN Women. The dignitaries were received on behalf of Makerere University by the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe represented by the Dean of Students, Dr. Winifred Kabumbuli together with the Chief Gender Mainstreaming Officer, Dr. Euzobia Mugisha Baine.
“Makerere University remains dedicated to creating a safe, inclusive environment and promoting gender equality. Each of us has a role in building a society free from violence,” read the Vice Chancellor’s message.
Present to ensure that the students’ voice was heard loud and clear were members of the 91st Students Guild led by their President H.E. Churchill James Ssentamu. The “Strides for Change” walk that commenced at the CCE roundabout was led by the Heads of Diplomatic Missions and members of Management was at Mary Stuart Hall handed over to the Student leaders who carried the banner all the way to the Impis Rugby Grounds for the rest of the activities.
Of significant importance was the announcement of Makerere University‘s Dr. Jimmy Spire Ssentongo and Dr. Amon Ashaba Mwiine among sixteen (16) male changes chosen to champion the fight against gender-based violence.
General
Strengthening South-South Academic Partnerships: Makerere University and Binary University Chart a Strategic Path for Innovation, Entrepreneurship and Women’s Leadership
A New Chapter in Uganda–Malaysia Higher Education Collaboration
Makerere University has started preliminary discussions with Binary University of Management and Entrepreneurship (Malaysia) to deepen its global partnerships through high-level engagements, aimed at fostering innovation-driven education, entrepreneurship, and women’s leadership. Chaired by the Deputy Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, Prof. Sarah Ssali, the meeting explored a structured framework for collaboration that responds to Uganda’s urgent need for skills development, job creation, and industry-aligned learning.
This emerging partnership reflects a shared vision: to move beyond traditional academic models towards a practical, industry-integrated, and entrepreneurship-focused education system that equips graduates with real-world skills and global competitiveness.
Responding to Uganda’s Employment Challenge Through Entrepreneurship
“While chairing the meeting, Prof. Sarah Ssali noted that Makerere University and other Universities, together, currently graduate over 35,000 students annually, yet the private sector creates only about 700 new jobs per year. With an expanding population and intense job competition, where a single vacancy can attract over 4,000 applicants, the urgency for alternative employment pathways is clear.
Makerere’s Innovation Hub and Centre for Entrepreneurship have become critical pillars in addressing this challenge. Through platforms such as the Innovation Expo, now in its third edition and featuring over 600 student exhibitions, the university continues to nurture problem-solvers, innovators, and job creators. This ecosystem aligns strongly with Binary University’s entrepreneurial philosophy, making the Centre for Entrepreneurship a natural anchor point for collaboration.
Binary University’s Industry Specialist Professional (ISP) Model
Binary University brings a unique global model that directly integrates industry practitioners into the classroom. Its Industry Specialist Professional (ISP) programme, operational since 1999, ensures students graduate with skills tailored to specific industry needs. Industry experts with decades of practical experience teach across disciplines such as: Artificial Intelligence and Data Analytics, Oil and Gas, Renewable Energy, Engineering, Film and Media Production to mention but a few.
“ With over 10,500 practising entrepreneurs in its ecosystem in Malaysia, Binary offers students direct mentorship and exposure to active business environments, ensuring graduates are not only employable but also entrepreneurial.” Tan Sri Dato Professor Joseph Adaikalam, the Executive Chairman and Founder, Binary University of Management and Entrepreneurship, noted.
Key Areas of Proposed Collaboration
The discussions outlined a structured and scalable partnership model anchored on the following areas:
1. Dual and Joint Degree Programmes
- 2+2 Joint Bachelor’s Degrees in specialised fields through an International Department structure.
- 1+1 Joint Master’s Programmes including: MBA for Engineers, Renewable Energy MBA and Semiconductor MBA
- Dual award systems to ensure international recognition and student mobility.
2. PhD and Staff Development Programmes
- Winter/Summer PhD models in Renewable Energy and Waste Management
- Nominated students to benefit from 50% tuition waivers
- PhD pathways tailored for academic staff development
3. Executive Development Programmes (EDPs)
High-impact, short-term programmes targeting senior leaders, featuring joint certification with a focus on AI for CEOs, Global Issues & Entrepreneurship. These EDPs are designed to empower leaders with strategic insight into global trends, innovation, and entrepreneurship.
Placing Women’s Leadership at the Centre
A key pillar of the proposed collaboration is engagement with Malaysia’s Centre for Women’s Leadership (CWL), which focuses on empowering women through entrepreneurship and gender compliance mechanisms.
Puan Sri Datin, Prof. Dr. Rohini Devi, the co-founder and Vice Chairman, Binary University, highlighted the unique opportunities this partnership presents for a Joint women’s leadership training initiative, feminist academic exchanges, gender-responsive entrepreneurship models and an initiative to strengthen Makerere’s Institute of Gender Studies as a regional hub.
This aligns with Malaysia’s progressive gender compliance policies for public funding and women’s leadership development, a model that holds strong relevance for African institutions.
Learning from Regional and Global Best Practices
The meeting underscored valuable lessons from global contexts, including Nigeria’s model, where every graduate leaves with a practical vocational skill, Zambia’s Winter-Summer academic model with tuition waivers, Malaysia’s government investment in higher education and entrepreneurship
These case studies reinforce the need for practical skills as survival tools while graduates transition into formal employment or entrepreneurship.
A Win-Win Partnership for the Future
This collaboration is envisioned as a mutually beneficial model that complements Makerere’s academic strengths while leveraging Binary’s industry-driven approach. It will enhance student mobility, staff exchange, joint research, innovation transfer, and entrepreneurship development, all while maintaining strong quality assurance mechanisms.
As Makerere University continues to reimagine higher education in a rapidly changing world, this partnership signals a transformative shift towards globally competitive, innovation-led, and socially responsive learning systems.
With optimism and strategic intent, both institutions commit to open dialogue, structured implementation, and long-term impact. The Makerere-Binary partnership stands as a powerful example of how South-South collaboration can redefine education, accelerate entrepreneurship, and empower future leaders, especially women, for Africa’s development trajectory.
Caroline Kainomugisha is the Communications Officer, Advancement Office, Makerere University.
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