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Mak-NUCD HAKUNA MATATA: Choreographies and Sounds of Unity

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Way back in 2010, it was time for the Norwegian University College of Dance (NUCD) to internationalize its programs and expose students to cultures unique to those in Norway. NUCD wanted to learn more about the origins of music and dance and Africa was definitely the destination. Hopes to connect with Africa were raised when NUCD met Dr. Sylvia Nannyonga-Tamusuza, who had come from Uganda to visit Norway. Sylvia introduced NUCD to the Department of Performing Arts and Film (PAF), igniting collaboration with Makerere University and partnership with PAF. Since then, NUCD has never left the gates of Makerere!!!

The Ambassador of Norway to Uganda, H.E. Susan Eckey (in black) with Prof. Ann Kristin Norum (in pink), Dr. Sylvia Nannyonga-Tamusuza (in blue), Mak and NUCD students. Amb. Eckey visited the rehearsing teams on Monday, 1st April 2019 at the Bamboo House, Makerere University Guest House, Kampala Uganda

In 2011, the first group of students from Norway came to Makerere, which crystallized the North/South and South/North mutual collaboration. What started as an adventure, a small sprout began to grow; indeed, everything grows so easily in a land on the equator.

Fast forward to 2019 and the NUCD-PAF marriage has through the years moved to another level. It is time to bring the community to Makerere University. Every year, Makerere University opens its gates to performing arts groups, potential students, parents and the general audience to present snapshot of what is happening at PAF and the progress of the collaboration. On this special day, the Makerere University Freedom Square is the meeting space for music, drama and film exhibitions and dance festival. The Dance Festival is a dialogue between the community artists, PAF and NUCD students. Potential students also receive information regarding admission into the Performing Arts and Film programs.

Mak and NUCD students stretch during rehearsals ahead of the HAKUNA MATATA Production on Saturday, 6th April 2019, Freedom Square, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda

So come this Saturday, 6th April 2019, from 2:00pm to 6:00pm, “HAKUNA MATATA”  “No worries”, this year's production, this hard work is told through choreographies and sounds of unity; we do not give up, we scrub and wash together when needed.

Please see Downloads for details

For more on HAKUNA MATATA or the Mak-NCD Collaboration please contact:

Dr. Sylvia A. Nannyonga-Tamusuza           Professor Ann Kristin Norum
Associate Professor of Music                      Rector
Chair, Performing Arts and Film                 Norwegian University College of Dance

Mob: +256-777-495212                            Mob: +256-773-780541
Mail: ethnomusic[at]gmail.com                      Email: ann.k.norum[at]ndh.no

 

Mark Wamai

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Mak Hosts NCHE Competence-Based Education Standards Validation Meeting

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Prof. Mary Okwakol (Centre) with Prof. Sarah Ssali and other leaders of Higher Education Institutions after the CBE minimum standards validation meeting on 23rd January 2026. National Council for Higher Education (NCHE) validation meeting of the draft minimum standards for implementing Competence-Based Education (CBE) in Higher Education Institutions, Yusuf Lule Central Teaching Facility Auditorium, 23rd January 2026, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

Makerere University on 23rd January 2026 hosted the National Council for Higher Education (NCHE) validation meeting of the draft minimum standards for implementing Competence-Based Education (CBE) in Higher Education Institutions. The meeting held in the Yusuf Lule Central Teaching Facility Auditorium brought together Vice Chancellors, Rectors, Principals and Academic Registrars from Higher Education Institutions in Uganda.

Prof. Sarah Ssali. National Council for Higher Education (NCHE) validation meeting of the draft minimum standards for implementing Competence-Based Education (CBE) in Higher Education Institutions, Yusuf Lule Central Teaching Facility Auditorium, 23rd January 2026, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Prof. Sarah Ssali.

Hosted by the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe represented by the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic Affairs), Prof. Sarah Ssali, the meeting followed institutional input into the draft minimum standards and was aimed at validating them prior to their formal adoption by the NCHE Council at their next meeting in February 2026. The minimum standards cover nine areas namely; 1) Curriculum Design, 2) Teaching and Learning Approaches, 3) Assessment, 4) Faculty Training and Support, 5) Student Support Services, 6) Quality Assurance Systems, 7) Industry and Community Linkages, 8) Monitoring and Evaluation, and 9) Gender and Equity Mainstreaming.

Prof. Mary Okwakol (Left) and Dr. Vincent Ssembatya listen to feedback from leaders. National Council for Higher Education (NCHE) validation meeting of the draft minimum standards for implementing Competence-Based Education (CBE) in Higher Education Institutions, Yusuf Lule Central Teaching Facility Auditorium, 23rd January 2026, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Prof. Mary Okwakol (Left) and Dr. Vincent Ssembatya listen to feedback from leaders.

Following feedback into presentations by the various leaders present, a motion to adopt the draft minimum standards, with institutional input incorporated, was moved by Bugema University, seconded by UMCAT School of Journalism and Mass Communication, and unanimously supported by institutions present.

Prof. Mary Okwakol. National Council for Higher Education (NCHE) validation meeting of the draft minimum standards for implementing Competence-Based Education (CBE) in Higher Education Institutions, Yusuf Lule Central Teaching Facility Auditorium, 23rd January 2026, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Prof. Mary Okwakol.

At the conclusion of the meeting, Prof. Sarah Ssali appreciated NCHE for choosing Makerere to host the landmark event, reiterating that the University greatly respects each and every Higher Education Institution and regards them as partners and collaborators in the quest to improve Uganda’s Higher Education sector.

Part of the audience that attended the validation meeting. National Council for Higher Education (NCHE) validation meeting of the draft minimum standards for implementing Competence-Based Education (CBE) in Higher Education Institutions, Yusuf Lule Central Teaching Facility Auditorium, 23rd January 2026, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Part of the audience that attended the validation meeting.

The Executive Director NCHE, Prof. Mary Okwakol reassured leaders present that all the pertinent issues raised for input into the draft minimum standards would be incorporated, and urged those with pressing issues to submit them before month’s end. She reiterated NCHE’s readiness to continue lobbying Government for the resources required by Higher Education Institutions, particularly Public Universities, to implement Competence-Based Education (CBE).

Mark Wamai

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Press Release: Semester II Set to Start 10th Feb, 76th Graduation Dates Confirmed

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An older photo of the Main Building, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda as seen from across the Freedom Square. Date taken: 22nd October 2012. Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

Kampala, Uganda – 20th January 2026Makerere University has postponed its opening date for Semester Two of Academic Year 2025/2026 from the earlier communicated 24th January 2026 to 10th February 2026.

This adjustment is in response to the Ministry of Education and Sports directive to all Schools and Education Institutions to postpone re-opening until 10th February 2026. Consequently, Semester Two at Makerere University will now run from 10th February 2026 until 6th June 2026. Attached is the detailed Calendar for Semester Two 2025/2026.

Confirmed dates for the 76th Graduation Ceremony

Makerere University also wishes to inform the general public that Makerere’s 76th Graduation Ceremony will be held from Tuesday 24th February 2026 to Friday 27th February 2026.

Specifics including the graduation schedules and standard operating procedures for participants will be communicated officially in due course.

Please see downloads for the statement, Ministry directive and revised calendar.

Mak Editor

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Call for applications: E-JUST TICAD8 African MSc. Scholarships

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E-JUST Fall 2026 International Admissions (M.Sc. TICAD8 Scholarships). Courtesy Photo.

The Egypt-Japan University of Science and Technology (E-JUST) TICAD8 African Scholarship for STI is available for all African (Non-Egyptian) students who wish to obtain their M.Sc. degree in the programs of Faculty of Engineering (FoE), Basic and Applied Science (BAS), Computer Science and Information Technology (CSIT), Faculty of International Business and Humanities (FIBH) and Heritage Science (HS).

Please note that interested applicants have to apply through E-JUST’ website (online application system). Applications will only be accepted via E-JUST’s website (online application system).

Interested applicants must complete and submit their application forms before February 15, 2026. The applicant will receive an automatic confirmation e-mail as proof of successful submission of the application.

Important Links:

For information about admission requirements: https://www.ejust.edu.eg/international-pg

For information about the available scholarships: https://www.ejust.edu.eg/international-scholarships

For information about the required documents: https://www.ejust.edu.eg/international-documents

For any inquiries, please contact the Regional and International Affairs (RIA) Office: international.affairs@ejust.edu.eg

Mak Editor

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