General
5th LEAP Conference: youth tipped on 4IR entrepreneurial skills
On 30th August 2019, Makerere University hosted the 5th LEAP Conference. Held at CTF 2 Auditorium, College of Business and Management Sciences, the conference engaged students from various universities in Uganda in an inspirational conversation and debate on enhancing entrepreneurship skills among youth.
The LEAP Conference is a students’ initiative designed to highlight the experiences of global leaders who have taken a leap of confidence and driven change throughout the world. Every year, students from all respective Universities in Uganda participate in this unforgettable event, which empowers them to explore thought-provoking topics and participate in both interactive workshops and networking activities.
According to Mr. Dennis Aguma the Founder of LEAP-Uganda, through Conference engagements and workshops, students are primed to become the next generation of game changers, ready to fight off the discomfort that might have held them back from setting the world ablaze.
The 5th LEAP Conference (2019) was officially opened by Dr. Peter Ngategize, the National Coordinator of Private Sector Development Unit (MOFPED). This year’s Conference was organized by Makerere University College of Business and Management Sciences (CoBAMS) together with the National Association of Student Enterprises (nase), and the Innovation Village under the theme; Entrepreneurial Bridging: The Youth in the 4th Industrial Revolution.
Remising on the day’s theme, Dr. Ngategize urged students to streamline their entrepreneurship ideas to meet the demands of the 4th industrial revolution era. He advised students to work hard towards the success and growth of their business ideas.
“Be creative and innovative, discover your passion, and attain basic training in order to get skills. With the ever changing world, we also need to be rational in business idea development and with the 4th industrial revolution, we expect an idea that accommodates changes such as technology,” he said.
According to Dr. Ngategize any successful entrepreneur knows that taking risks and exploring new opportunities are often accompanied by a feeling of uncertainty. Drawing from his own experience, he explained to students how welcoming discomfort with open arms has allowed him to achieve his goals and make an impact on the world.
“That feeling of discomfort can make or break you; success can depend on how you handle it. In order to drive change and make an impact on the world around us, we cannot avoid discomfort; we have to embrace it,” he said.
He condemned the spirit of extravagance which has sprouted among the youth and guided them on how to make good use of their money by spending it profitably through setting income generating activities.
Representing the keynote Speaker, Hon Frank Tumwebaze- the Minister of Information and Communication Technology and National Guidance, Mr. Ocero Michael-the Assistant Commissioner Information Technology recognized the role of entrepreneurship and innovation in creating a knowledge based economy in a competitive world. He appreciated the skills and agility of the young entrepreneurs and advised them to move beyond invention to practical solutions that alleviate societal problems.
“The value of your creation will be measured from the extent of its useful impact,” he said.
Mr. Ocero applauded the President of the Republic of Uganda H.E Yoweri Kaguta Museveni for being open to multidisciplinary governance and also, for supporting the ecosystem for ICT Research, Innovation Development, Translation and Commercialization.
He called upon all academic institutions to strategies in promoting key skills required for competency including cognitive, technical problem solving, creativity, work ethics and managerial skills for entrepreneurs. In the same spirit, he urged entrepreneurs to be cognizant of the unique needs of the population, diverse languages and ethical concerns in Uganda.
The Dean School of Business, Dr. Godfrey Akilenge urged Makerere University students to take advantage of the Entrepreneurship and Innovation Center that has been established by the College through the Department of Marketing and Management to nurture and grow their business ideas.
“The Entrepreneurship and Innovation Center provides mentorship and space for young people to start and nurture business ideas. It also gives us more flexibility in doing other activities such as research and outreach as well as raising financial resources for our activities,” he stated.
Dr. Peter K. Turyakira, the Head of Department Marketing and Management revealed that the LEAP Conference is one way of preparing the entrepreneurship students for the forthcoming Makerere Entrepreneurship Expo.
He thanked the organizers for extending an opportunity to Makerere University to host the 5th LEAP Conference and encouraged students to make good use of the knowledge attained in the conference to develop business ideas.
The function was further enriched by a Panel discussion on the Congruence between Incubation and Entrepreneurship Education. The panel discussants included;
- Ms. Rose Tuwine a founder of Echo stoves which was started with the aim of conserving the environment currently employing over 200 workers.
- Lyne Tukei the Public Relations Officer of Xente Tech, a mobile App that can be used to buy products and commodities online, make bill payments among others.
- Ms. Nansuuna of Tukole a company building a community of service providers, through training them and later recommends them to other companies for jobs.
Article by Kanyi Rachael, 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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