General
Hon. Beti Kamya Opens First Open Impact Conference
On Friday 13th December 2019, the Minister for Kampala Capital City Authority and Metropolitan Affairs, Hon. Beti Kamya, opened the First Open Impact Conference organized by the Open University (OU), UK in partnership with Makerere University College of Education and External Studies (CEES). The two-day Conference held under the theme Extending the Frontiers of Access to Higher Education in Africa: Strategies for Leveraging Online and Distance Learning Programmes was supported by the Association of Commonwealth Universities (ACU).
Hon. Beti Kamya who represented the First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Hon. Janet Museveni could not hide her joy at presiding over the Conference, especially as the Makerere University Anthem sung by the Department of Performing Arts and Film rekindled memories of what she fondly referred to as “the best years of my life.” She graduated in 1978 with the Bachelor of Commerce in Marketing of Makerere University.
Delivering the First Lady’s remarks, Hon. Kamya noted that the first Open Impact Conference was a timely reminder to reflect on the modes of delivery of education in our respective countries especially if Sustainable Development Goal 4 (SDG4); Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all, was to be achieved.
The First Lady shared that the First Open Impact Conference came at a time when the world was experiencing emerging trends in ICT and congratulated the institutions upon successfully organizing the event. She nevertheless requested the institutions to take keen interest in the employability and entrepreneurship of graduates, noting that they should emerge as job creators not seekers.
She said that Government programmes such as Universal Primary Education (UPE) and Universal Secondary Education (USE) had led to increasing demand for Higher Education, which can only be optimally delivered through the use of ICTs. The First Lady therefore pledged the Government’s readiness to provide an enabling environment for the promotion of Open, Distance and eLearning (ODeL).
In his remarks, the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic Affairs), Dr. Umar Kakumba, who represented the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe thanked Hon. Beti Kamya for presiding over the Conference where Mak was partnering with OU to facilitate the dialogue on ODeL.
“The introduction of External Programmes for the Bachelor of Commerce and Bachelor of Education in 1991 was in response to increasing demand for Higher Education without compromising quality and affordability” remarked Dr. Kakumba as he delved into Makerere’s ODeL history.
He thanked partners such as Commonwealth of Learning, UNESCO, the Carnegie Corporation of New York, NORAD, OU, Indira Gandhi National Open University, UNISA, University of Pretoria, University of Cape Town, University of Agder, the Open University of Tanzania, University of Nairobi, University of Dar-es-Salaam, Kyambogo University, Busitema University and Nkumba university for supporting Makerere University’s rollout of ODeL.
Dr. Kakumba added that by passing the ODeL Policy in 2015, the University Council had paved way for the creation of an Institute of Open, Distance and eLearning. “Through this Institute, we shall be able to rollout ODeL programmes at Makerere University on a large scale without compromising quality.”
The Deputy Vice Chancellor noted that whereas the External Programmes had increased access to quality higher education, Uganda’s graduate enrollment still remained low compared to the region’s, hence the need to leverage ICT to boost access. “In this regard, we appreciate the enormous support we continue to enjoy from the Government of Uganda through the Ministry of Education and Sports as support to infrastructure development under projects such as the African Development Bank V Project.”
Representing OU, the Executive Dean, Faculty of Business and Law and Member of the Vice-Chancellor’s Executive, Prof. Devendra Kodwani remarked that his institution was founded in 1969 to create access to quality education without limits. “Our vision is to be open to people, places, methods and ideas… as such, more than 2million graduates have gone through The Open University.”
Prof. Kodwani shared that Africa was chosen to host the concluding event of OU’s 50year celebrations due to important partnerships with leading institutions such as Makerere University and the ACU. He added that only 12.1% of African youth as compared to 68% of their European counterparts are being educated at university level and this needs to change if Africa is to prosper.
“The growing young population of Africa will need access to quality Higher Education and the OU will be happy to work with partners in Uganda to increase this. I therefore look forward to these two days of conversations and exploring opportunities for us to collaborate and co-create an ambitious vision for learning for the next 50 years and beyond” added Prof. Kodwani.
The Director General of the Open University of Mauritius, Dr. Kaviraj Sharma Sukon shared that his institution had managed to achieve financial independence after seven years of operation. This, he added, was thanks to measures such as designing programmes in partnership with the industry, which guarantees marketability of courses and employability of graduates.
Dr. Sukon nevertheless noted that a lot of work still remains in changing the mindset of the greater population that still views ODeL as a second choice rather than the alternative mode of learning that it is. He also decried the slowdown in adaptation and exploration of emerging technologies such as augmented reality and Artificial Intelligence (AI) to evaluate how distance learners progress, especially with regard to ease of learning.
The Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic), National Open University of Nigeria, Prof. Uduma Oji Uduma shared that whereas the institution was present in all 36 Federal States, unless the ODeL system is further scaled up, it will be hard to satisfy the demands of the over 560,000 students in Nigeria’s Higher Education. “Access to Higher Education is very paramount and only ODeL can sustain the growing demand. We believe that ODeL is the way to go if we are to meet targets of the SDGs especially SDG 4.”
The Principal CEES, Prof. Fred Masagazi Masaazi in his remarks commended the Government of Uganda for the pledge to support ODeL as a means of increasing access to quality Higher Education. He thanked the teams at CEES and OU for the organizing the First Open Impact Conference and pledged his College’s readiness to host the 2020 edition of the same.
The Opening Ceremony was moderated by Dr. Charles Mbalyohere, Organising Chair, First Open Impact Conference 2019. He congratulated the organisers upon turning the initially modest idea into a successful event and wished OU 50 more years of fruitful, groundbreaking projects in the ODeL space.
Article by Public Relations Office.
General
Hands-On RIMS Training Equips Makerere University College Registrars to Power Graduate Success and Research Excellence
By Moses Lutaaya
Kampala, April 10, 2026 — College Registrars and Senior IT Technicians at Makerere University have undergone intensive, hands-on training in the Research Information Management System (RIMS), in a move aimed at strengthening graduate training, improving completion rates, and advancing the university’s research agenda.
The training, held on Friday at the CFT 2 Building, Lecture Room 4.1 Computer Lab, brought together key custodians of academic records to gain practical skills in using the system that university leadership says will transform graduate education management.
In his opening remarks, the Director of Graduate Training, Julius Kikooma, underscored the strategic importance of RIMS, linking it directly to the university’s long-standing challenges in tracking graduate students and supporting research progression.
“Graduate training is central to the research mission of this university,” Prof. Kikooma told participants. “Yet for years, we have struggled to answer simple but critical questions, where exactly are our graduate students in their academic journey, and why are many not completing on time?”
He pointed out that the issue has consistently drawn concern from top university leadership, including Council, particularly as Makerere rolls out its new five-year strategic plan. “One of the key priorities identified is improving graduate completion rates,” he said. “But we cannot improve what we cannot measure.”
Prof. Kikooma explained that unlike undergraduate programmes, graduate studies are largely research-driven and therefore more complex to monitor. “The research component of graduate programmes has not been adequately captured in any system,” he noted. “That is why it has been difficult to track progress, supervise effectively, and provide accurate reports.”
Positioning RIMS as a transformative solution, he emphasized its role in bridging this gap. “RIMS is not just a system, it is the backbone of how we are going to support graduate students and research going forward,” he said. “With it, we can track every stage, from concept development to proposal, to thesis completion in real time.”
He stressed that the system will enhance both efficiency and accountability across the university. “This is the tool that will enable us to confidently assure Council and management that we know the status of every graduate student at any given time,” he said.
However, Prof. Kikooma made it clear that the success of RIMS depends heavily on the commitment of college registrars. “You are the custodians of graduate records. You are central to this process,” he said. “If RIMS succeeds, it will be because of your efforts. If it fails, it will be because you did not play your part.”
He revealed that registrars will now form part of the steering committees overseeing the full implementation of RIMS across university units. “You are not just users of this system, you are its drivers at the college level,” he emphasized.
Calling for seriousness and full participation, Prof. Kikooma set clear expectations for the training. “No one should leave this room without knowing how to use RIMS in their daily work,” he said. “You must understand the kind of data required, the information on students, supervisors, and every stage of the research process.”
He added that incomplete data has already limited the system’s effectiveness in some units. “Graduate students are already on the system, but some of the critical information is missing,” he noted. “That gap must be closed by you.”
In his technical presentation, Juma Katongole, the Manager Information Systems, highlighted the limitations of existing systems and how RIMS is designed to address them.
“We can only produce accurate statistics for students on coursework,” he said. “But we cannot tell how many graduate students are at proposal level, concept level, or thesis level. That is a major gap.”
He explained that RIMS will provide comprehensive, real-time tracking of graduate students throughout their academic journey. “This system will enable us to produce accurate reports of which student is where,” Katongole said. “It will help us identify delays and take action.”
On the issue of prolonged completion times, he added, “With reliable data, we can see where students are getting stuck and introduce administrative or strategic measures to address those bottlenecks.”
Describing the system as a turning point, Katongole noted, “We are moving towards having valid statistical information at our fingertips, which is critical for a research-led institution.”
From the administrative perspective, Eleanor Nandutu, Senior Assistant Registrar from MISR, welcomed the initiative, describing it as a practical solution to long-standing inefficiencies.
“RIMS will ease the tracking process and help us know exactly where each student is and how long they take at each stage,” she said. “It will also help us understand where the challenges are and how to better support students.”
She emphasized that the system will improve completion rates by identifying bottlenecks early. “We shall be able to see where we are stuck and take corrective action in time,” she noted.
Addressing concerns about possible conflict of interest between supervisors and students, Nandutu clarified that the system is designed to enhance transparency, not create tension. “This is about ensuring that processes are followed and that students succeed,” she said. “It brings everyone, administrators, supervisors, and coordinators onto one platform.”
She added that the system will even improve interaction between students and supervisors. “It will make follow-ups easier and ensure timely feedback, which is critical for research progress,” she said.
As the university intensifies efforts to strengthen its research output and graduate training, the hands-on RIMS training marks a significant step toward a more efficient, transparent, and data-driven academic environment, one that leaders believe will finally address the long-standing challenge of delayed graduate completion.
Pupils, parents and authorities at Bwera Primary School in Kabale District were filled with joy as the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Makerere University, in partnership with dfcu Bank, handed over a four-classroom block to the school.
Speaking during the commissioning ceremony, one of the parents, Saison Tumukuratire, expressed gratitude for the support.
“We thank God for this gesture. Our children can now attend classes without interruptions caused by rain. Previously, whenever it rained, lessons would stop. The old building was on the verge of collapsing, had no windows, and the floor was dusty,” she said.
Uganda has made significant progress in expanding access to education through Universal Primary Education (UPE); bringing millions of children into school. However, in hard-to-reach communities, physical access and the quality of learning environments continue to shape how effectively that opportunity translates into consistent attendance and meaningful outcomes.
Bwera Primary School, a government-aided institution located in the remote and hard to reach village in Kahama Sub-County, has an enrollment of 275 pupils. For decades, the school has faced significant challenges related to access and infrastructure.
With no road access and limited infrastructure, the school has long struggled to provide a conducive environment for learning. Efforts to improve facilities have often been constrained by high transportation costs and logistical barriers; with some contractors previously declining to take on construction work due to the difficulty of accessing the site.
“The school structures are not sufficient for our learners, and we do not have a single staff house. We are deeply grateful to the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program and dfcu Bank for coming to our rescue after the school’s plight was highlighted in the media,” Edson Bikorwomuhangi, the headteacher, said.
On Wednesday, April 1, 2026, the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Makerere University and dfcu Bank officially handed over the new facilities. These include a four-classroom block equipped with 60 bench desks, a four-stance modern pit latrine, and a 10,000-litre rainwater harvesting system.
The new infrastructure is expected to significantly improve the learning environment and support better educational outcomes for the pupils.
Since 2014, Mastercard Foundation Scholars at Makerere University and alumni have contributed to communities across Uganda by constructing classrooms, providing clean water and supporting vulnerable communities.
Speaking at the event, Mr. Nelson Dumba, the Chairperson of the Scholars giveback Committee, noted that the event was not about commissioning structures, it is about celebrating impact, partnership and the power of giving back.
“As scholars we are deeply aware that we are beneficiaries of opportunity, and because we have been given a chance, we carry a responsibility to extend that opportunity to others and contribute meaningfully to the communities that shape us,” Mr. Dumba, said.
Mr. Dumba called upon the Bwera community to take ownership, protect the property, and ensure that it continues to serve generations to come.
“To the pupils of Bwera Primary, this investment is for you, use it well, take care of it and believe in your dreams. You are capable of achieving better outcomes,” Mr. Ddumba, said.
One of the central pillar of the Scholars Program is community service and giveback, grounded in the belief that leadership is best demonstrated through service to others.The Scholars Program is not only about access to education, it is about transformation and impact.
In her speech, Ms. Jolly Okumu, the Program Operation Lead of the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Makerere University, noted that through mentorship and structured engagement, Mastercard Foundation Scholars are encouraged to initiate community-driven projects, improve livelihoods, promote inclusion and foster sustainable development.
“Today is not just about handing over infrastructure, it is a celebration of partnership, shared purpose and our collective commitment to improving learning environment for young people. It reflects our belief that when institutions and communities come together, we can create lasting impact and open up greater possibilities for the next generation,” Ms Okumu, said.
Ms Okumu extended special appreciation to the Jane Goodall Institute for providing a 10,000 litre water tank and dfcu Bank for a financial contribution of UGX 20Million used to renovate two classrooms and purchase desks.
“As we officially hand over this project, we hope these improved facilities will provide a safe environment and a space conducive for learning. Our Scholars are not just beneficiaries, they are committed to building a stronger and more inclusive communities,” Ms. Okumu, noted.
Speaking on behalf of dfcu Bank, Ms Helena Mayanja, the Head of Corporate Affairs and Sustainability, noted that the giveback project reflects the Bank’s commitment to elevate education, financial literacy and health in intended communities.
“The journey to the school itself reflects the realities these children face every day. Improving infrastructure in such communities is essential to ensuring that access to education translates into real learning outcomes,” she said.
dfcu Bank has various partnerships and programs targeting vulnerable and hard to reach communities which are aimed at elevating financial literacy, health and education.
Kabale District Education Officer, Mr. Moses Tumwijukye Bwengye welcomed the development, noting that previous efforts to upgrade the school had failed due to inaccessibility.
“We thank our partners for renovating this classroom, with these projects, results are going to change because now the learning is conducive. Before contractors were unable to take on the work because of the terrain. Partnerships like this are important in unlocking development in hard-to-reach communities and improving education outcomes,” Mr. Tumwijukye, said.
Parents speak out
Evidence Tumwebaza, who has a child in Primary One noted that the infrastructures are going to help them improve the school’s sanitation.
“The tank is big and I am happy that my child will now study in a conducive environment and will have clean water for drinking,” Tumwebaza, said.
Ann Turyasima, a parent and former pupil said that the project is going to help pupils to stop carrying water from a long distance.
“These pupils have been moving from down the valley to go and fetch water for the school but now everything is here. They can now concentrate in school.”
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