General
Mak freshers orientation: students tipped on safety and health
At the beginning of each academic year, Makerere University organizes the Students Orientation Meeting which presents an opportunity to the University Administration to interact with new students. According to the Deputy Registrar, Undergraduate Admissions and Records Mr. Charles Ssentongo, during this meeting, students are given a comprehensive package that appeals to their academic and social wellbeing.
“They also receive relevant information and knowledge crucial to their stay at the university,” he mentioned.
The Freshers Orientation Meeting of the academic year 2019/2020 that was held on 5th August 2019, provided a glance to students of the youth related health issues such as sexual reproductive health; HIV/AIDs testing and counseling, health education, Vaccination/immunization among others. According to Dr. Josephat Byamugisha-the Director of Makerere University Hospital; a healthy body leads to a healthy mind. He therefore, urged students to take their health seriously and avoid circumstances that can affect their performances.
“Always ensure that you are in a clean environment. Be mindful of the health status of the relationships you are engaging in, take protective and preventative health measures, carry out regular health checkups; and engage in regular sports activities to stay both physically and mentally healthy,” he said.
He encouraged students to register with the university hospital in order to access health services.
According to Gene Tunney, to enjoy the glow of good health, one must exercise. The Head of Sports and Recreation Department Ms. Peninah Kabenge; therefore, called upon all freshers to join university sports activities to create and maintain close-knit human bonds and a social support network that will keep their bodies fresh and active. She rallied students to participate in the MakRun 2019 on 15th September 2019 to contribute to the construction of the Mak Student’s Centre.
In the same spirit, the Principal Public Relations Officer Ms. Ritah Namisango urged students to visit the various worshiping places found within the University to seek spiritual healing. She also encouraged students to actively participate in university programmes such as debates, exhibitions, seminars, competitions, community outreach, career guidance fairs, public lectures and sports.
Mr. Henry Nsubuga who is the Manager-Counselling and Guidance Centre also encouraged students to fully utilize the counseling and guidance services provided at the center to get solutions to challenges that may affect their studies.
The Freshers Orientation 2019, held in the Makerere University Freedom square on Monday 5th August, was attended by both national and international students. The Academic Registrar Mr. Alfred Namoah-Masikye, congratulated the freshers upon joining Uganda’s oldest institution of Higher Learning. In a special way, he welcomed the international students to Makerere University, the epitome of knowledge and academic excellence in Africa.
“On behalf of Makerere University Community, it brings me great joy to welcome you to Makerere University. we are proud you chose to pursue your university education with us, and we are excited to help nurture your academic strengths, encourage your personal growth and inspire your creativity,” he said.
“You have passed through different stages of your education and entered into a new level where you will be held accountable for all your actions. Therefore, what you will learn here will be necessary tools needed throughout your life. Learning at Makerere University extends far beyond the classroom and I encourage you to be full participants in the free and open exchange of ideas and viewpoints that characterizes our university,” he added.
At the Orientation, the Dean of Students, Mr.Cyriaco Kabagambe briefed the students on the University rules and regulations. He urged the students to take their studies seriously and encouraged them to engage in other productive activities in order to maximally benefit from their stay.
“We have so many activities going on at this institution, which include; sports, research and innovations, and religious activities. So many students have greatly benefited from these activities and I therefore, implore you to fully utilize them,” he said.
Representing the University Bursar, Mr. Everist. Bainomugisha, the Manager Accounts and Reporting Mr. Lubowa Javiira Sebiina advised the new students to enroll on AIMS (Academic Integrated Management System), generate a Payment Registration Number (PRN) and pay tuition on time. He called upon them to be aware of conmen and desist from gambling.
“Fees payment is due on your arrival at the university. Approach your college bursars to help you generate a PRN. You cannot make any payments without a PRN and endeavor to personally bank your tuition,” he said.
Reiterating the importance of registering, Dr. Ruth Nalumaga the Deputy University Librarian called upon students to register with the Makerere University Library and the College Libraries to be able to access Library services. Furthermore, she urged them to attend the Library orientation.
The Acting Director of Makerere University Gender and Mainstreaming, Dr. Euzobia Mugisha Baine urged the incoming students to openly defy the sexual harassment vice and stand strong for their academic rights.
She encouraged students to acquaint themselves with the Makerere University Policy and Regulations against Sexual Harassment when she said, “the Policy clearly defines sexual harassment and provides its various forms. It provides details on whom you should contact and where to go in case you are harassed. Please let someone know right away in case a person is engaging you in actions that you don’t feel comfortable with. The University appointed the Sexual Harassment Committee, some of the members are placed at the respective colleges, don’t hesitate to contact them.”
On behalf of the 85th Makerere University Guild, H.E Kateregga Julius, the Guild President tasked students to be cautious of conmen and encouraged them to participate in the Guild activities. He also advised them to always contact the Guild Office for assistance and guidance on different aspects.
The Chief Security Officer, Assistant Commissioner of Police Achaye Phillip cautioned students to be mindful of the company they keep. “Avoid strangers in your residences, they could survey and steal your valuables,” he said. He further warned them to abstain from unlawful activities like practicing and mobilizing strikes, demonstrations and riots.
Article by Nakibombo Esther Joyce- Volunteer, Mak Public Relations Office
On the evening of Friday, 13th February 2026, the Scholars of Mastercard Foundation embraced the new semester with enthusiasm and celebration, showcasing their rich cultural diversity at the annual cultural dinner. This event not only fostered a sense of community but also highlighted the importance of cultural exchange and understanding among the scholars. The purpose of the cultural dinner is to foster unity in diversity within the Scholars community and to enable young people to appreciate and respect each other’s cultural differences.
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars community at Makerere University is a vibrant tapestry of countries, cultures, and backgrounds. In recognition of this richness, the Program team has proposed organising an annual cultural dinner to kick off each new semester. This event aims to achieve several important objectives:
- Promote mutual understanding and cross-cultural appreciation among Scholars.
- Celebrate and highlight the unique cultural identities within our community.
- Encourage confidence and creativity through a dynamic talent showcase.
- Foster a sense of unity and excitement as we embark on the new academic semester together.
During the event, the Scholars proudly showcased their diverse cultures through a vibrant display of traditional attire, engaging dances, delectable dishes, and meaningful expressions in their native languages. The event showcased a rich tapestry of cultures, including the Baganda from Central Uganda; the Banyankore, Bakiga, Batooro, and Banyoro from Western Uganda; the Acholi from the North; the Karamojong from the Northeast; and the Basoga and Bagisu from the Eastern region, among many other indigenous tribes in Uganda. Additionally, attendees enjoyed cultural performances from South Sudan, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo, celebrating the unique heritage of each community.
The event also featured a vibrant showcase of cultural attire, accompanied by traditional songs and dances. Attendees enjoyed cultural dress modelling, engaging performances, art displays, and interactive quizzes, culminating in exciting prizes awarded to outstanding performers. This diverse array of activities contributed to a rich celebration of creativity and cultural exchange.
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Makerere University is committed to fostering holistic development, community building, and leadership among Scholars. At the start of each semester, the Program Team hosts a cultural dinner to reconnect the Scholars community, share key Program updates, and create an inclusive space to strengthen belonging and engagement. The cultural dinner is a critical platform for raising awareness of the need to appreciate and respect cultural diversity.
Bernard Buteera is the Principal Communications Officer for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Makerere University.
More Photos from the Dinner
The degree of attentiveness was at its peak in the Yusuf Lule Central Teaching Facility (CTF) Auditorium as Ms. Janet Nabukeera addressed support staff during a Safeguarding and Inclusion training. Her words were firm, direct and reflective. Ms. Nabukeera, the Deputy Human Resource Officer in charge of Performance and Payroll, emphasized that a negative attitude in the workplace creates a toxic environment where colleagues feel hesitant to collaborate or share ideas.
“Avoid unnecessary confrontations with colleagues because jealousy and anger destroy more than they build. When you hold grudges at work, you slowly burden your own heart and mind. Stress can take a toll on your health and productivity. Safeguard yourself by choosing peace, love yourself first and extend that same grace and respect to others.” Ms Nabukeera, cautioned.
The training attracted over 300 Support Staff Members, including Security Personnel, Cleaners, Hall Attendants, Administrative Assistants, Librarians, and Laboratory Support Teams from across the University.
In his remarks, Dr. Rodney Rugyema, the Acting Principal Warden, urged staff to have a positive attitude towards their jobs and encouraged them to ensure that students, fellow staff and visitor’s feel safe, respected and protected.
“You are the eyes and ears of the University, while you may not deliver lectures, you are often the first to notice when something is wrong. So you have to promote an environment free from bullying, discrimination, neglect and intimidation. You have to ensure secure hostels, well-lit walkways, functioning locks and safe laboratory environments,” Dr Rugyema, said.
Makerere University has a duty of care to do no harm and promote the wellbeing of all students, staff, and other University community stakeholders. It seeks to enhance the learning environment to make it more secure, inclusive, and ethically sound for all stakeholders.
The Makerere University Safeguarding Policy lays out the University’s framework for embedding viable safeguarding measures into its ethos and all institutional activities and processes to: Identify, detect, and swiftly act on safeguarding risks; prevent the occurrence of harm; provide mechanisms for reporting all allegations or incidents that have occurred; respond appropriately to all reported incidences; and, continuously monitor, evaluate and learn from practices and experiences of managing safeguarding concerns.
“Safeguarding is not only for lecturers or University Management, it is everyone’s responsibility, If you have someone mistreating you, or you come across any risk, do not suffer in silence report through the MakSafeSpace,” Dr Rugyema, said.
The MakSafeSpace is the e-reporting platform complimenting the other University traditional reporting channels. It is an inclusive platform that provides for confidential modes of reporting safeguarding risks and incidences.
As the session concluded, there was a renewed understanding among participants that safeguarding is a collective duty. From the security guard at the gate to the cleaner in the Hall of Residence, it was clear that every staff member contributes to creating a safe and respectful learning environment.
To involve and create opportunities for students and staff members with disabilities, Light for the World Uganda trained the support staff to become inclusion champions.
Mr. Musa Mwambu, the Disability Inclusion Advisor at Light for the World Uganda, called upon staff to remove barriers limiting the full participation of students and colleagues with disabilities, in line with the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.
“Just like any other person, people with disabilities have the right to education, health, and protection. Society has the duty to remove barriers that block participation. When barriers are removed, disability no longer limits opportunity,” Mr. Mwambu noted.
Drawing from his own lived experience as a person with a disability, he shared how access to the right support systems enables him to communicate effectively and perform daily tasks.
“It is about putting the right conditions in place to participate fully in society. We need multi-stakeholder collaboration to remove barriers and achieve an inclusive society,” he said.
Justine Namuddu, the Support Staff representative on the Makerere University Council, thanked the organizers for the insightful workshop. She reminded fellow staff that Makerere University is a home for everyone and urged them to take care of it.
“Fellow members, as you carry out your duties, ensure that you observe both emotional and intellectual safety. Before sharing information, first verify whether it is true. Safety is being at peace with yourself and with others,” Namuddu emphasized.
She also encouraged younger staff members to take advantage of educational opportunities provided by the University, noting that those who wish to continue with their studies may apply for tuition waivers.
The training concluded with reminders on professionalism and accountability. Staff were encouraged to consistently use the Biometric Attendance Management System to capture attendance accurately. With biometric clock-in devices installed at reception areas across the Main and Satellite campuses, the Directorate of Human Resources can monitor attendance in real time, while staff can keep track of hours worked.
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