General
Prof. Bazeyo shares experience with international students
“Many years ago, I was in your shoes. I was getting ready to leave my home country, my family, and my friends, to go for my studies at the National University in Singapore. I could not imagine how life would be in a new country with new people, living a different culture. I was both excited, and terrified at the same time. But guess what, this one of my best experiences ever. I have absolutely no regrets, and I am sure that you won't have any either,” said Prof. William Bazeyo, the Acting Deputy Vice Chancellor for Finance and Administration
Prof. Bazeyo was speaking to over 200 full-term, Short-term and Exchange international students for academic year 2019/2020; at their Orientation Meeting on 16th August 2019 organized by Makerere University International Relations Office. According to Prof. Bazeyo, leaving one’s home is the strongest decisions someone has ever made. He therefore encouraged the students to fully utilize the time they are to spend at Makerere University and Uganda at large to fulfil their academic objectives.
“Make the absolute most of your time spent here to embrace the culture, learn as much as you can, focus on your classes, get to know new people and never waste an opportunity to try something that will broaden your horizons,” he said.
He called upon students to embrace the students-management open door policy that allows students to interact freely with Makerere University Management. Addressing over 200 students in the Senior Common Room- Makerere University Main Building, Prof. William Bazeyo said students should be free to meet any member of the University Management in case they need help.
“You are entitled to see any person from the University leadership. We are here for you and we are meant to serve you. Call me, send me a text. You can even WhatsApp me in case you need help. Do not hesitate to approach any office for support. We want you to fulfil your academic objectives but also enjoy the social benefits of studying at Makerere University,” he said.
The Acting Manager for Communication and International RelationsDr. Muhammad Kiggundu Musoke congratulated students upon joining Makerere University, Uganda’s oldest institution of Higher Learning. He assured them of the institution’s commitment to being an inclusive and welcoming place for all international students.
“We cannot fulfill our mission to produce the highest caliber of research and solve problems of global significance without attracting the best talent in the world. To meet those goals, we envision an increase in the number of international students,” he said.
The Senior Administrative Assistant (International Relations), Ms. Martha Muwanguzi, advised students to utilize the help of the students’ leaders and the International Office during their stay at the University.
“The International Office is the reference point for all your queries both academically and socially in liaison with other administrative units within the University, therefore feel free to approach us anytime. Do not be afraid to engage in discussions with fellow students or share your perspective about your lectures,” said Ms. Muwanguzi.
The Senior Assistant Registrar, Ms. Joyce Muhanguzi, appealed to international students to take their studies seriously and advised them to register with the University Library to be able to acquire reading materials.
“Your path as a future leader starts now, engage in constructive intellectual debates, leadership activities, research and innovations. If you stay on this path, there is no doubt that you will become a model citizen who will develop life impacting solutions that will change your community,” said Ms. Muhanguzi.
Students were taken through the procedures of enrolling on AIMS (Academic Integrated Management System) by Mr. Yunusu Musisi from the Directorate of ICT Support (DICTS).
Article by Mak Public Relations Office
Organised by the Makerere Debating Union – a student-led initiative, the Inter-college Debate Tournament was held on 11th and 12th April 2025 with a vision to leave no student behind by nurturing a community of confident, articulate, and visionary leaders who will drive positive change in society. The tournament was held in three preliminary rounds, followed by semi-finals and a grand finale.
The first round covered democracy and youth participation in politics, while the second round covered inequality and wealth distribution, and the third, the ban on export of raw materials. The semi-final round debated apprenticeship for blue-collar jobs, while the grand finale debated national budget allocations for healthcare and education. In the spirit of inclusivity, all colleges, including the Jinja Campus participated in the tournament.
Commenting on the choice of topics, the organisers noted Makerere University as a bastion of academic excellence has a profound responsibility to cultivate the next generation of leaders who will shape the future of our nation. These leaders, they added, ought to be equipped with 21st century skills of self-expression, critical thinking, and problem-solving so as to navigate the complexities of an ever-evolving world.
On the whole, Makerere Inter-college Debates were conceived as a strategic initiative to foster a culture of intellectual curiosity, creativity, and innovation. The Debating Union aims to empower the future leaders by providing a platform for students to engage in respectful discourse, articulate their thoughts, as well as develop their critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
Furthermore, the Debates serve as a platform for not only honing the intellectual prowess of students but also cultivating leadership skills, teamwork, and communication abilities that are essential for success in an increasingly complex and interconnected world. It is envisaged that this initiative will have a lasting impact on the lives of students, by exposing them to debates on topical issues that can shape the mindsets of transformative leaders our nation needs.
After a thrilling two days of debate, Daphine Kemigisha and Jibril Ssekandi from the School of Law (SoL) emerged as winners of the Makerere University Inter-college Debate Tournament 2025, while Olara Emmanuel George from the College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Biosecurity (CoVAB) was the Public Speech Champion, and Namujuzi Martha Mociita from the College of Business and Management Sciences (CoBAMS) was the Poetry Champion.
The 2025 Tournament was organized by Mayanja Owen and Nkalubo Oprah – 91st Guild Representative Councils (GRCs) of the Debate Union, Akatwijuka Arthur – Chairperson Debate Union, and Debate Union Representatives from colleges. The Uganda National NGO Forum (UNNGOF) partnered with the Debate Union to deliver the 2025 edition.
Addressing students at the award ceremony, UNNGOF’s Mr. Derrick Baluuku encouraged the youth to step out of their comfort zones and think of solutions to inspire change in their communities.
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