General
Gender Mainstreaming Directorate Tips Students on Personal Branding
“Change your mindset and stop giving reasons, which reasons don’t put food on the table. This world has two types of people; the result people and the reason people. Which one are you?” Daniel Choudry asked his audience. “The reason people will give all excuses as to why they can’t do or achieve something and end up blaming everything around them including their parents, but can’t blame themselves. The result people are those who have an “I CAN” internal dialogue and see the opportunities and possibilities in everything,” he further explained.
On Thursday, 18th April 2019, 100 students gathered in the Senate Conference Room to participate in a workshop on how to get jobs and handle life after campus. The session was organized by Gender Mainstreaming Directorate (GMD), Makerere University as part of their program of training the scholarship beneficiaries.
The Guest Speaker and Director of the Daniel Choudry Sales Institute Mr. Daniel Choudry advised the students to always have a unique identity that makes them stand out in the job market by building a personal brand.
Giving the opening remarks, the Director Gender Mainstreaming Directorate (GMD), Dr. Euzobia Mugisha Baine thanked Daniel Choudry for accepting to pass on life changing tips and advised the students to take note of every single word. She called upon the students to adopt some life principles such as integrity, patience, trust and faithfulness which may not be taught in class but are essential for any employer before he/she entrusts anyone with his/her business. Dr. Euzobia also urged the students to develop an attitude of hard work if they are to become successful.
“I know that you all want to be successful people in this country but what are you doing to achieve this? Your performance decides which position you should be; schedule yourselves and know where you are to be at any given time. Take advantage of the free time you have by doing productive things that will result in good fruits,” said Dr. Euzobia
She called for teamwork among students while at their places of work and advised them to develop passion to learn what they don’t know as well as being flexible in all situations and jobs.
“Have one thing in you that will always make you stand out and that one thing will always qualify you for a job. The bosses in those companies are looking for one unique element in you that others may not have. Always strive to build a personal brand and that brand will take you where you want to reach; have a good identity and people will look for you,” advised Mr. Choudry as he started out.
He further encouraged the students to have personal ambitions, belief and trust in even before others see the potential in them.
“There is no such a thing as a man who was born great, instead, they were just once like you and with positive mindsets, aggressiveness, good attitude and belief and trust in themselves, they stretched to be productive and became what we see and admire in them now,” remarked Daniel, citing examples such as the President H.E. Yoweri Kaguta Museveni and the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe.
He advised them to make good use of all networking opportunities as it helps them generate new knowledge and ideas from people who have succeeded in life. Networking, he added, also helps to create new friends and pave way for job opportunities.
Mr. Choudry further called upon the students to be persistent. He shared an example of a scientist who made the bulb but failed 99 times and only succeeded on the 100th try. He continued and encouraged them to take all the little steps that come their way other than seating back waiting for the bigger opportunities.
“It’s always better to start with the small opportunities. Sometimes you have to first get some experience for before you actually get there. Pay the price and you will get where you want to be. You can’t seat home and spend every single day watching television and doing nothing and then expect to compete for a job market with someone who has been gaining some experience elsewhere. Remember we are all competing for the same piece of cake,” he illustrated.
He condemned the act of pride, ego, attitude and foolishness exposed by the youth which characters don’t draw responsible people towards them but instead pushes them away, reminding them that only the humble succeed in life.
“Showing off prominent body features doesn’t portray sense in you, be a woman of virtue and dignity and avoid hopeless relationships. When you look smart, you attract people; being a slayer takes you nowhere but simply indicates the level of your unseriousness. To the men, it’s useless to look hot or handsome when your pocket is penniless. Don’t objectify women. If you don’t mean to be with her, don’t mess with her emotions; you need people to like you because if they don’t then they won’t give you opportunities,” Daniel advised.
He amused the audience when he stated that bosses in the job field don’t recruit based on impressive papers but rather based on the person’s ability. Here he clearly illustrated that first class degrees are not what employers are looking for as there are many people with good papers but can’t justify their performance by producing good results in their job placements.
Mr. Pade Brian from Daniel Choudry Sales Institute additionally advised students to develop hunger for jobs if they are to enter into the competitive job market. He also advised them not to undermine any job that comes their way as long as it’s a clean job.
He echoed that a degree is just a stepping stone in one’s job and tipped the students on the A life principles namely: Accept who you are; Adopt what you are; Advance what you have achieved for a better level of life; and Attitude, passion and skill in combination.
Mr. Pade also advised them to avail themselves for volunteering opportunities that come their way and avoid priotizing money at the top of everything.
“Most of you mind about money, but money comes at a certain time. Sometimes you have to volunteer as it’s through those volunteering opportunities that you will be able to get job connections that will lead you to where the money is,” advised Pade.
Ms. Justine Nakanwagi a Mak alumni thanked the Directorate for organizing the life changing seminars as they impact a lot on students’ careers. She revealed that she was once a student sponsored by Mak Gender Mainstreaming Directorate and out of similar life changing seminars, she was able to get in touch with Daniel Choudry Sales Institute and was later employed as a Senior Sales Associate.
She advised her fellow youth to have the passion to doing things they have never done and to develop goals and work hard to see that they are all fulfilled.
Article by Rachael Kanyi, Volunteer, Mak Public Relations Office
General
Makerere University Writing Centre holds second training workshop: Roots for standard University-wide templates in minute writing
By Chris Kaahwa and Ritah Namisango
Makerere University Writing Center (MakWC) has intensified efforts to improve the quality, consistency, and accuracy of official records across the institution.
In pursuit of this agenda, MakWC has lined up a series of writing training workshops targeting University staff in the various units. On 13th November 2025, 27 members of staff participated in the second training workshop, which highlighted the need for development of standardized templates, to guide the documentation processes within the University. This builds on the workshop for the first cohort where 24 members of staff were trained on 6th November 2025.
With over 50 members of staff so far trained, MakWC is building both the individual and institutional capacity in writing minutes, record keeping and presentation of official records.
Addressing the participants, Professor Fredrick Jones Muyodi, Team Leader, MakWC, described the Center as a transformative initiative committed to enhancing academic and scholarly writing, and publication capacities across the University. He shared that the Center continues to support faculty, staff, and students through mentorship and training on various forms of writing, including theses, dissertations, publications, project proposals and grants.
Noting the urge for professional development, Professor Muyodi acknowledged staff from the Department of the Academic Registrar, administrative units, colleges, and Makerere University Jinja Campus for embracing continuous learning. He highlighted the Centre’s deliberate plan to continuously use a comprehensive training and mentorship model, bringing on board specialists and mentors with extensive experience in writing, collaborative research, and publication to guide and support participants.
The Academic Registrar of Makerere University, Professor Buyinza Mukadasi represented by Mrs. Patience Rubabinda Mushengyezi, applauded the Writing Center for continuously providing practical support to staff who handle official documents and sensitive academic information. “This is the kind of support we all need in the various units. Many of us will benefit from this workshop,” she said.
Stressing the need for standardized templates and ethical writing practices, Mrs. Mushengyezi noted that minutes are important documents that must be accurate, confidential, and easy to reference. “Many of us handle sensitive information. A standard template will help us keep our records consistent and professional across all units,” she stated.
Mrs. Mushengyezi encouraged staff to take the training seriously pointing out that proper minute writing and documentation contributes to professional and institutional credibility. She tasked staff involved in writing minutes as well as documentation of university proceedings to ensure that official records conform to the Universities and Other Tertiary Institutions Act.
Guiding participants through the Roles of a Minute Taker, Mrs. Mushengyezi pointed out the different types of meetings, which included; Regular, Special, and Emergency, and urged them to have a solid understanding of the University’s operational framework in order to record such meetings accurately.
During a session on legal compliance, Ms. Esther Kabinga, Principal Legal Officer, explained that adherence to policies and regulations, which govern minutes writing, upholds the integrity of records and decision making process of institutions. “In addition”, she said, “Accuracy and objectivity, completeness and clarity, timeliness and confidentiality, compliance with organizational policies and procedure,” are among the key considerations that the staff should comply with while writing minutes.
She guided participants to desist from including personal opinions in writing minutes, stressing that in accurate or incomplete documentation may expose institutions and individuals to legal risks. “Proper documentation protects both the University and the decision-makers,” she said.
To ensure consistency across academic and administrative units, Ms. Prossie Nakayiki, Acting Deputy Academic Registrar (Examinations and Transcripts) advocated for the adoption of University-wide standardized templates. She explained that standard templates promote a uniform and consistent writing culture. She called upon participants to use simple, clear and official language while avoiding abbreviations and unnecessary jargons. She emphasized that each minute should accurately record the resolution made, indicate the person responsible for follow-up actions, and provide clear timeline for implementation. “Good minutes, reflect not just what was discussed, but also the discipline, clarity, and accountability of the institution,” she added.
In a virtual presentation, Professor Paul Birevu Muyinda, Director of the Institute of Open, Distance and e-Learning (IODeL) sensitized the participants on the Ethical and Responsible Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Underscoring AI’s growing transformative role in teaching, learning, research, and administration, Professor Muyinda urged participants to integrate AI tools into their daily work, and to conform to the University’s approved AI policy.
Supporting his submission, Dr. Godfrey Mayende, Head of the Department of Open and Distance Learning (ODL) and Deputy Director of IODeL, highlighted how AI and Online platforms provide automated accuracy, faster turnaround in work efficiency, and better accountability in writing and recording minutes.
He guided participants on preparing effectively for virtual meetings, including confirming the agenda, setting platform options (recording, captions, cohost), and preparing consent scripts.
Closing the workshop, Professor Ronald Bisaso, Assistant Team Leader, MakWC commended staff for their active participation, as well as, the facilitators for sharing the knowledge and expertise.
“As the Writing Center, we are profoundly honored that we started with a team entrusted with essential duties of this great institution. Standardizing minute writing is the next step toward improving the credibility and accountability of our academic records,” he concluded.
Makerere University has made a notable advance by officially launching the implementation of its Mentorship Policy. This initiative aims to strengthen support and guidance for students, fostering personal and academic growth within the university community. This was announced on Thursday, 13 November 2025, by Prof. Sarah Ssali, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Academic Affairs, in her remarks delivered by the Dean of Students, Dr. Winfred Kabumbuli, during the annual workshop for mentors of the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program, held at the Fairway Hotel.
Prof. Ssali praised the university’s mentors for their outstanding work in supporting students.
“I am pleased to join my fellow mentors at this crucial capacity-building workshop organised under the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Makerere University. It is important to recognise and commend your unwavering dedication to the holistic development of our Scholars. Your roles in mentorship, safeguarding, and fostering inclusion are essential, and together, we must continue to advance these efforts for the benefit of our Scholars,” asserted Prof. Ssali.
Prof. Ssali expressed her enthusiasm, noting that mentorship closely aligns with the shared mission: ensuring that all Makerere University students feel safe, thrive, and achieve their academic and personal goals.
“Our efforts in student affairs are incomplete unless we provide our students with the mentorship, guidance, and support they need to develop into responsible global citizens. Safeguarding, mentorship, and inclusion are not just programmatic themes; they are values that define the Makerere University community we seek to build,” Prof. Ssali remarked.
Prof. Ssali further praised the University Council and Management for adopting key policies, the Mentorship Policy 2025 and the Safeguarding Policy 2024, which are essential for the well-being of students and staff at Makerere University.
“I wish to commend the University Council and Management for approving and implementing the Makerere University Career Guidance and Mentorship Policy (2025) and the Safeguarding Policy (2024). These policies provide structure and accountability to our work, helping us strengthen systems that protect and support our students and staff,” Prof. Ssali noted.
Speaking in her role as the Dean of Students, Dr. Kabumbuli highlighted the importance of Mentorship, inclusion, and safeguarding as the critical areas in managing student affairs at Makerere University.
“Safeguarding reminds us of our duty to create and maintain a learning environment where every student feels safe, respected, and valued. Career guidance and mentorship remind us that academic excellence must go hand in hand with personal growth, discipline, and preparation for life after university. Inclusive mentorship compels us to extend our support to every learner, including those with disabilities, those from refugee backgrounds, young mothers, and international students, ensuring that no one is left behind,” Dr. Kabumbuli asserted.
Dr. Kabumbuli urged the mentors to reaffirm their shared commitment to a student-centred approach, one that recognises the human dignity, potential, and diversity of every Scholar. She encouraged the mentors to continue exemplifying the values of integrity, professionalism, and compassion that embody the spirit of Makerere.
On behalf of the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program and the Africa Climate Collaborative, Program Director Prof. Justine Namaalwa shared exciting news with the Program mentors about the recent recruitment of 191 undergraduate scholars and 41 graduate students. She highlighted the importance of providing mentorship and guidance to these scholars, who come from diverse backgrounds and possess various strengths and challenges. Prof. Namaalwa encouraged everyone to actively support these students as they embark on their academic journeys.
“We were excited to welcome 191 undergraduate and 41 master’s Scholars to the Programme this academic year. These talented individuals hail from diverse backgrounds and bring immense potential, and they need your active support and mentorship,” Prof. Namaalwa remarked.
Prof. Namaalwa further requested that, as the University continues to recruit more mentors, it’s essential to recognise that effective mentorship goes beyond mere knowledge sharing. It involves actively listening, empathizing with the mentees, and empowering them to forge their own unique paths.
”Together, we can create a supportive environment that fosters growth and success for all our Scholars and students of Makerere University.” Prof. Namaalwa pointed.
The Annual Mentors’ Workshop, which was attended by over 70 mentors from different units of the University and others from other organisations, featured a range of activities designed to enhance mentors’ skills and understanding. Mr. Musa Mwambu from Light for the World, a partner of the Mastercard Foundation, led a valuable training session focused on inclusion, equipping participants with essential insights. Additionally, Mr Apollo Mulondo from the Refugee Law Project provided an in-depth training session designed to empower mentors to support students with refugee status effectively. The workshop also included opportunities for mentors to hear firsthand from young individuals, including a student with disabilities and two safeguarding champions, enriching their understanding and commitment to inclusive mentorship.
The writer is the Principal Communications Officer for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Makerere University.
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