General
Mak graduates encouraged to write and publish their scholarly work
On 23rd August 2019, the Directorate of Research and Graduate Training organized an orientation for masters, Ph.D. (Doctor of Philosophy) and postgraduate diploma students for the Academic Year 2019/2020. Held in Big Lab 2 of Makerere University College of Computing and Information Sciences, the well-attended meeting enabled new students to have an enormous interaction with Makerere University leadership.
During the meeting, students were encouraged to write and publish their scholarly work. According to the Director of Research and Graduate Training Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi, students should let the world know of their robust ideas through writing and publishing.
He recognized the impact of scholars on community development through research, writing and publishing. According to Prof. Buyinza, notable developments and societal transformations are a result of published research that is accessed and used by people to make the world a better place.
“Through research and writing the world has been able to innovate and develop impactful ideas that have transformed societies. Many students have made meaningful contributions to people’s understanding of the past and the present,” he said.
Prof. Buyinza also advised students to participate in research seminars to enhance their skills and knowledge in writing. “Graduate seminars are vital. They guide you on how to approach research questions, write proposals and how to discuss your points right. Endeavor to attend them. Also through these seminars, you are able to meet prominent scholars and writers and share meaningful ideas,” he said.
In an address on Makerere University Graduate Academic Processes, Regulations and Policies, the Deputy Director for Research and Graduate Training Assoc. Prof. David Okello Owiny urged students to read, understand and strictly follow the rules and regulations governing the University. “We have rules and regulations you must observe. These regulations apply to all students of Makerere University,” he vividly said.
Dr. David Kiwanga from the Directorate for ICT Support (DICTS) urged students to enroll on the Academic Information Management System (AIMS), under the students’ portal to access results online, pay tuition and register. He encouraged students to make use of the internet kiosks and acquire Makerere University email addresses to access the Makerere University E-Learning Environment (MUELE).
The Manager, Grants and Revenue; Mrs. Jackie Keirungi Ayorekire sensitized students on the importance of timely payment of University dues. She also advised them to always generate a Payment Reference Number (PRN) before depositing their tuition in the bank. “Fees payment is due on your arrival at the university and endeavors to personally bank your tuition,” she said.
The Manager Counselling and Guidance Centre, Makerere University Mr. Henry Nsubuga informed students about the Center’s dedication towards nurturing students into responsible citizens. He encouraged students to fully utilize the counseling and guidance services provided at the Centre to free their minds of any problem that will hinder their academic excellence.
Representing the University Librarian, Dr. Hellen Byamugisha, Ms. Nabbosa Rachael called upon students to register with the Makerere University Library and the College Libraries in order to access reading materials.
On matters of security, ASP. Nixon Okello, the Chief Security Officer of Makerere University, briefed students on the safety precautions and encouraged then to report criminal cases.
Article by Esther Joy Nakibombo, Volunteer Mak Public Relations Office
By Moses Lutaaya
The Directorate of Graduate Training (DGT) has in collaboration with Centre for Teaching and Learning completed the training of the first cohort of Graduate Supervisors.
Participants were academic staff from two colleges namely, College of Engineering, Art and Design (CEDAT) and the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES).
The three-day training that took place at the Telepresence Centre, Senate Building ended on Friday 20thJune 2025.
In his closing remarks to the participants, the Director of Graduate Training Prof. Julius Kikooma said, “This is the first cohort we are working together with the Center for Teaching and Learning to put together continuous professional development Program so that we are able to enforce the new teaching and learning policy.”
He said that before lecturers are allocated students for supervision, they must first go through this form of formal teaching and learning training to equip them thoroughly with certification required of supervision of graduate students.
“We are coming up with process to ensure that the certificates earned by participants allow you to supervise graduate students. This is the direction of the university and we must ensure that such trainings are concluded and completed successfully by all participants”, Prof. Kikooma.
“We can only have you certified upon completing all the exercises in the training process. This is when you will be eligible to receive the work load for supervision”, He added.
“This training of Supervisors is going to be continuous so that all academic staff in colleges and schools are equipped. This first cohort is going to be our building block to the future trainings in the colleges.”
With such capacity building trainings, Prof. Kikooma said that the university is on the right path to achieving its targets in the new strategic plan of increasing the number of graduate students while progressively reducing the under graduate students.
He further hinted that, “We are in the process of writing a curriculum on this, which will be presented for approval before it is rolled out.”
He echoed all participants to share the knowledge they have acquired adding, “Share all you have learnt, do not keep it. Be open minded, have proper communication channels and the sky will be the limit for you.”
Dr. Robinah N. Kulabako, The Head of Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at CEDAT welcomed the training adding, “This training is very pertinent. I have had the opportunity to supervise Masters and PhD students for over 15 years and I must say that the need to be subjected to this training cannot be over emphasized because there is need to learn, unlearn and relearn many aspects involved in the supervision process.”
She added, “We are moving towards knowledge-based supervision rather than experience-based supervision. This means we must be informed and equipped to be able to advise, guide and mentor to be able to lead a successful supervision journey for both supervisor and supervisee.”
Dr. Andrew Gilbert Were – a lecturer at CEDAT and a participant said, “It is important that all supervisors of graduate students receive this certification from Makerere University through a systematic training process that enables them to attain diverse skills to facilitate learning of graduate students from diverse cultures and with unique set of circumstances.”
“This training is long overdue. In fact, it was an oversight that we could be allowed to supervise students without undergoing supervisors’ training.”
Dr. Dorothy Ssebowa, The Director Centre for Teaching and Learning support- CEES said, “The training this time round has had a mix of early career professionals including Lecturers, Supervisors and Professors share experiences. We have learnt a lot more from experienced supervisors who have shared practices on how they have done supervision over the years.”
“The knowledge and experience-based approaches have made this collaboration very active, interactive and learner centered which has resulted into a collaborative learning from the interdisciplinarity of staff from CEDAT and CAES. The issue now is to continue with professional development across all levels.” She added.
The Makerere University Directorate of Graduate Training (DGT) in collaboration with the Centre for Teaching and Learning completed the training of the first cohort of Graduate Supervisors. This activity was supported by the iCARTA – Institutionalization of Advanced Research Training in Africa, a NORHED II Project at Makerere University.
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