General
Tottori Students Successfully Complete Overseas Practical Education Program in Uganda
“I applaud Makerere University and Tottori University for signing the MoU that has enabled the exchange of knowledge and ideas between staff and students from both institutions. This has given students an opportunity to study, research and experience new things,” said the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic Affairs)-DVCAA, Dr. Umar Kakumba in a speech read by Dr. Gorreti Nabanoga.
Dr. Gorreti Nabanoga, an Associate Professor and Deputy Principal of the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES) represented Dr. Umar Kakumba at the closing ceremony of the three-week Practical Education Program in Uganda held on Thursday, 21st March 2019 at Makerere University.
The DVCAA urged the Fifteen (15) students from Tottori University who participated in the Practical Education Program in Uganda to share their findings and knowledge with fellow students when they return to Japan.
Dr. Kakumba said that the Program will help students examine different professions and skills in agriculture, veterinary medicine, engineering, health and social sciences fields and how they have influenced social and economic transformation in Uganda. “Tottori students will learn from our people and the Ugandans will also learn from them” he added.
Tottori University signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Makerere University for the delivery of the Tottori University overseas Practical Education Program in Uganda with an aim of fostering students’ global competence skills development and facilitating the building of networks with developing and emerging nations.
In line with the vision of Fostering Global Citizenship, the program was designed to expose Japanese students to the outside world.
The Fifteen (15) students spent three weeks understanding the social-economic conditions and cultural context in which development processes are taking place. They attended special lectures organised by Makerere University, the Embassy of Japan in Uganda and Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and participated in guided-field excursions to various establishments across the country.
Through this program, Japanese students learn about the different aspects of life in the host country such as the education system, health system, the culture, forests and nature conservation, transport, agricultural systems, refugees, economy as well as visiting tourist attractions in the host country.
The Students carried out research and presented findings on topics of interest namely:
• Problems of refugees in Uganda
• Education in Uganda
• Causes of poverty in Uganda
• Agricultural practices in Uganda
• Ecosystem and nature conservation
• Traffic system in Uganda
• Forest degradation among others
Presenting findings on forest degradation, one of the students from Japan, Mr. Tomoki Kinugasa reported that Uganda’s forest cover had greatly decreased due to the usage of a lot of wood to make charcoal in addition to illegal logging. He said that to save forests, people should start using electricity to cook and government should enact strict laws to end logging.
The students were also concerned that people in various parts of the Uganda had built houses in wetlands thus affecting the ecosystem of the country. “Many activities are happening in the wetlands diverting water flows and flooding low-lying areas.”
They also shared that the narrow city roads lead to a lot of traffic jam by motorists, bodaboda riders and cyclists. Additionally, there is no space for pedestrians to move freely on the roads. Bodaboda riders go against the traffic lights and therefore easily cause accidents.
Ms. Martha Muwanguzi, the Head International Relations Office said that the student and staff exchange was fundamental in internationalizing Makerere University. Without the exchanges, internationalization will remain on paper and the benefits will be minimal to both institutions.
She also expressed Makerere University’s gratitude to Tottori University for the fully funded scholarships that had been awarded to students for Masters and PhD programs in Japan. A similar program for Makerere University students and staff to visit Japan was recommended so as to promote the exchange for the mutual benefit of both institutions.
Written by: Esther Joyce Nakibombo, Volunteer-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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