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Mak to double scholarships for female students

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Makerere University Female Scholarship Foundation (FSF) is set to double scholarships for female students from 20 to 40 slots with a comprehensive package. This was revealed by the Acting Deputy Vice Chancellor (Finance and Administration), Prof. William Bazeyo during the FSF Resource Mobilisation Dinner which took place on 6th December 2019 at Kampala Serena Hotel, Victoria Hall.

“Starting next academic year, Makerere University will provide 40 scholarships to bright female students from socio-economically dis-advantaged backgrounds. The University has been providing 20 scholarships tagged to only tuition. Makerere University will double the scholarship slots, and also cater for both tuition and functional fees for the successful applicants. This offer will run for a period of five (5) years,” said Prof. William Bazeyo while representing the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe.

From L-R, The Director GMD-Dr. Euzobia Mugisha Baine, Acting Vice Chancellor-Prof. William Bazeyo Deputy Speaker of Parliament-Rt. Hon. Jacob Oulanyah, Mrs. Elizabeth Gabona and Mr. Cyriaco Kabagambe.

In line with the theme of the Resource Mobilisation Drive, "Drop a coin and forever change a life," the Guest of Honour, the First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Hon. Janet Kataaha Museveni contributed UGX 20 million while UGX 63million was raised in cash and pledges from individuals during the dinner.

Prior to the Friday Dinner, the Gender Mainstreaming Directorate (GMD) with support from FSF Alumni who felt the need to give back to Makerere University for giving them an opportunity to acquire university education had raised UGX 30 million.

Ms. Lucy Athieno, alumnus of FSF, Mr. Michael Niyitegeka and Ms Jane Kasumba.

The ongoing FSF Resource Mobilisation Drive targets raising 15 billion shillings to enable 500 bright female students, but from socio-economically disadvantaged backgrounds to access education at Makerere University in the next ten (10) years. The FSF Resource Mobilisation Dinner is one of the platforms highlighted in the robust fundraising strategy being implemented by Makerere University Gender Mainstreaming Directorate.

In a speech read by the Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Hon. Jacob  Oulanyah, the Minister of Education and Sports applauded Makerere University and individuals of good will for contributing generously to the Makerere University Female Scholarship Foundation aimed at empowering the girl-child through access to university education.

“Education is globally recognized as one of the factors of development therefore, Makerere University through the Female Scholarship Foundation contributes to the development of Uganda since women and girls sustain the productivity of a nation” said Hon. Kataaha Museveni.

Some of the guests that graced the occasion.

She recognized the efforts of the Government of Uganda through programmes such as the Universal Primary Education (UPE), Universal Secondary Education (USE) and Skilling Uganda aimed at increasing access to education and ensuring that the girl child attains quality education.

In total support of this noble cause, the Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Hon. Oulanyah rallied Ugandans to always help other people to live their potential. Leading by example, Rt. Hon. Oulanyah, a proud alumnus of Makerere University pledged UGX 10 million.  “I was in Makerere University many years back. Makerere University made me. It shaped me. I call upon you, to always remember that in every situation we must build for the future. We must adapt the virus of Helping Other People Live their Potential-the HPLP virus,” he remarked.

Dr. Euzobia Baine, Mr. Eric Tumwesigye and Mrs Frances Nyachwo posing for a photo with some of the FSF alumni.

Makerere University Female Scholarship Foundation (FSF) was born out of the Female Scholarship Initiative (FSI) established at Makerere University in 2001 with support from the Carnegie Corporation of New York and later in 2005 by the Government of Sweden through SIDA. The goal of FSF is to support bright female students from disadvantaged socio-economic backgrounds to access university education thus contributing to the increased female enrollment at the University.

According to the Director, Gender Mainstreaming Directorate, Dr. Euzobia Mugisha Baine, the Female Scholarship Foundation (FSF) has enabled 1,160 Ugandan women to obtain University Education at Makerere. She noted that the Resource Mobilisation dinner is one of the ways of renewing Makerere University and stakeholders’ efforts to sustain the Scholarships through mobilizing resources nationally and internationally.

Students of Performing Arts and Film entertaining the guests.

“Helping others, especially those less disadvantaged than us is one of the key virtues that defines us as human beings. We appreciate all the various partners who have supported us since 2001 and we appeal to you to donate generously for the cause of empowerment of women though university education. We pledge our commitment to utilize whichever resources we will generate and those generated for the purpose for which they have been mobilized and we shall do it with integrity and transparency,” said Dr. Baine.

She appreciated other partners such as; The Carnegie Corporation of New York, MS JD Global Education Fund, DFCU Bank, Joshua Mugyenyi Foundation, The Embassy of the People's Republic of China in Uganda and individuals of good will for their support towards the Foundation.

Some of the guests that graced the occasion.

Dr. Jessica Norah Aguti, Chairperson of the GMD Scholarship Selection Committee commended the Guest of Honor, University Management, alumni and well-wishers for honoring the invitation to the FSF Resource Mobilisation Dinner.  "With your presence, you have demonstrated that you support Makerere University's strides to support young women to access university education."

Speaking at the same function, Ms. Agnes Baluka, on behalf of the 1,160 female students who have been supported so far through the Female Scholarship Initiative (FSI) and Female Scholarship Foundation (FSF), applauded Makerere University, development partners and individuals for giving them a worthwhile gift in the form of University education that has transformed their lives and the lives of other people.

The overjoyed Ms Baluka shared that after her graduation, she embarked on a career journey in the academia that enabled her to educate her siblings, educate other female students who were struggling with fees at the Secondary and University levels as well active participation in community programmes.

From L-R, Ms. Proscovia Nabatte, Ms. Nakibombo Esther, Ms. Ritah Namisango and Ms. Kanyi Rachael representing the Public Relations Office.

Watching the FSF Video, the audience was amazed by the testimonies from some of the Scholarship beneficiaries who after their graduation have positively contributed to the transformation of communities and the well being of other people.

Important Message:  To support this noble cause, please effect payment to:  Account Name-Makerere University Female Scholarship Foundation, Account No. 01083501009628 , Bank-DFCU Bank, Makerere University Branch.

Article by:   Ritah Namisango and Esther Joy Nakibombo, Mak Public Relations Office.

 

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Vice Chancellor Updates Media on Medical Drones, Road Safety Research & Various Issues

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Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi (Centre) with Dr. Andrew Kambugu (Left) and Dr. Fredrick Oporia (Right) at the Press Briefing on 29th May 2025. Press Conference featuring Infectious Diseases Institute—the IDI Medical Drone Programme and Kampala Status Summary 2023 on Road Safety Risk Factors, conducted under the Bloomberg Philanthropies Initiative for Global Road Safety. This collaborative effort between the Johns Hopkins International Injury Research Unit and our Trauma, Injury, and Disability Unit (TRIAD) Makerere University School of Public Health (MakSPH), Senior Common Room, Main Builing, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

The Acting Vice Chancellor, Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi on Thursday 29th May, 2025 held a press conference to update members of the Media on the Infectious Diseases Institute (IDI) Medical Drone Programme, and the Kampala Status Summary 2023 on Road Safety Risk Factors, conducted under the Bloomberg Philanthropies Initiative for Global Road Safety, a collaborative effort between the Johns Hopkins International Injury Research Unit and the Trauma, Injury, and Disability (TRIAD) Unit at Makerere University School of Public Health (MakSPH). Also presented were updates on; Digital Certification of Academic Transcripts, Digital Supervision of Graduate Students, Inclusive e-Learning and Smart Classrooms, and Launch of the Artificial Intelligence (AI) Laboratory at the College of Computing and Information Sciences (CoCIS).

The event held in the Senior Common Room, Main Building, was on behalf of the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe presided over by the Acting (Ag.) DVC AA and substantive Academic Registrar, Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi. Presentations were made by Executive Director of the Infectious Diseases Institute (IDI), Dr. Andrew Kambugu and Head of the Trauma, Injuries, and Disability (TRIAD) Unit, Dr. Fredrick Oporia. Dr. Jimmy Osuret and Dr. Esther Bayiga from TRIAD supplemented Dr. Oporia’s presentation. In attendance were; the Director for ICT Support (DICTS)-Mr. Samuel Mugabi, Deputy Chief – Public Relations-Ms. Betty Kyakuwa, Deputy Chief Security Officer-Mr. Musa Mulindwa and other university officials.

The proceedings of the Press Conference follow below;

Vice Chancellors’ Press Statement

Good morning colleagues, members of the press,

It is my pleasure to welcome you to this important media briefing, where we share compelling findings from two groundbreaking studies that reflect Makerere University‘s ongoing commitment to impactful research, innovation, and community transformation.

The first is a pioneering initiative led by the Infectious Diseases Institute—the IDI Medical Drone Programme. This project explores the use of drone technology to deliver lifesaving HIV medications and test samples to hard-to-reach populations, particularly in Kalangala District and the West Nile region. The study demonstrates how drones can overcome logistical barriers, reduce costs, and enhance access to critical healthcare in some of Uganda’s most underserved communities.

The second study is the Kampala Status Summary 2023 on Road Safety Risk Factors, conducted under the Bloomberg Philanthropies Initiative for Global Road Safety. This collaborative effort between the Johns Hopkins International Injury Research Unit and our Trauma, Injury, and Disability Unit here at Makerere University presents over two years of data on vehicle speed and helmet use in Kampala. It provides vital insights into the human behaviours and systemic gaps contributing to road traffic injuries and fatalities—particularly among vulnerable road users. The study also offers evidence-based recommendations for enforcement, planning, and public health messaging aimed at making Kampala’s roads safer for all.

We are proud to support this kind of research that not only advances knowledge but also drives tangible improvements in public health and safety.

Before I invite the researchers to present their findings, allow me to briefly highlight some transformative developments in the areas of academic registry and ICT advancement here at Makerere University:

  1. Digital Certification of Academic Transcripts:
    • Alumni can now certify their transcripts digitally through the Makerere Academic Records System (Mak-ARS https://makars.mak.ac.ug/), eliminating the need for physical visits. This user-friendly platform allows access from anywhere in the world, supported by comprehensive video tutorials and public communications.
  2. Digital Supervision of Graduate Students
    • We have introduced the Research Information Management System (Mak-RIMS), piloted at the College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, to streamline the supervision of Master’s and PhD research. This initiative enhances accountability, timely feedback, and is now being rolled out university-wide to improve graduation rates.
  3. Inclusive eLearning and Smart Classrooms
    • Through support from development partners and the Government of Uganda, we are establishing multimedia studios and smart classrooms across our colleges. These state-of-the-art facilities are designed to produce professional, accessible learning content, including tools tailored for students with visual and auditory disabilities. This aligns with our goal of equitable, globally competitive education.
  4. Launch of the AI Laboratory at CoCIS:
    • The newly launched Artificial Intelligence Laboratory will spearhead the development of AI-enabled solutions tailored to Uganda’s socio-economic needs, including localized assistive eLearning tools and context-sensitive curriculum development.

These initiatives are part of our broader vision to transform Makerere University into a research-led, inclusive, and globally relevant institution.

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Prof. Aina Visits Mak, Evaluates CECAP II Progress

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Prof. Omotade Akin Aina (Left) receives the Makerere Souvenir Book from Prof. Tonny Oyana as Prof. Julius Kikooma (2nd Right) and Mr. Charles Lwanga (Right) witness. Prof. Omotade Akin Aina-Carnegie Corporation of New York meeting to discuss progress of Consolidating Early Career Academics Programme (CECAP) phase II, which focuses on fostering academic development and research among early-career academics, 23rd May 2025, Main Building, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

The Senior Program Director, Higher Education and Research in Africa, International Program, Carnegie Corporation of New York, Prof. Omotade Akin Aina on 23rd May 2025 visited Makerere University during his short trip to Kampala. Prof. Aina was received on behalf of the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe by Prof. Tony Oyana, Principal of the College of Computing and Information Sciences (CoCIS).

During his visit, Prof. Aina met with the Project Implementation Committee, representatives from the Consolidating Early Career Academics Programme (CECAP) phase I Fellowship Cohort, and current Fellows of phase II. The meeting discussed the progress of CECAP II, which focuses on fostering academic development and research among early-career academics.

Left to Ritght: Dr. Jesca Nakavuma and Prof. Julius Kikooma alongside Prof. Omotade Akin Aina during the meeting. Prof. Omotade Akin Aina-Carnegie Corporation of New York meeting to discuss progress of Consolidating Early Career Academics Programme (CECAP) phase II, which focuses on fostering academic development and research among early-career academics, 23rd May 2025, Main Building, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Left to Ritght: Dr. Jesca Nakavuma and Prof. Julius Kikooma alongside Prof. Omotade Akin Aina during the meeting.

CECAP II is being implemented by Makerere University in collaboration with four other Ugandan public universities, including; Busitema University, Gulu University, Kyambogo University and Mbarara University of Science and Technology. Prof. Mukadasi Buyinza, the Project Principal Investigator was represented at the meeting by the Director of Graduate Training, Prof. Julius Kikooma.

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Directorate of Graduate Equips Schools and Colleges with Training in Philosophy of Methods

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By Moses Lutaaya

The Directorate of Graduate Training at Makerere University has equipped several Senior ranking lecturers with expert knowledge in a Training of Trainers’ workshop on “Philosophy of Methods”.

In his remarks at the opening of a 3-day training workshop at Level4 Conference Hall – Senate Building, the Director of Graduate Training Prof. Julius Kikooma said, “The teaching of Philosophy of Methods gives all participants the fundamentals to extend knowledge to other learners, hence its importance in upholding the Makerere University values.”

Kikooma urged and challenged the participants to also attend and actively participate in the follow up of learners’ training of students, stating that the PhD students need support as the directorate continues to coordinate the curriculum of PhD by-research that was approved by the senate recently.

“To holistically implement the senate approved PhD curriculum, we are coordinating capacity building trainings of all stake holders in a structured approach with the different units of the University. Many more trainings including Training of Trainers in advanced research methods course are on the way.”

He further urged the participants to be intentional in their teaching profession and in whatever they were doing, adding “Apart from focusing on practices as teachers and researchers, we can engage in wider philosophical debates in our research areas so that we are relevant in the society and in the empowerment of PhD research students.”

 The participants for the Philosophy of Methods training were from College of Humanities and Social Sciences, College of Education and External Studies, Makerere University Business School among others.

During the same training, Dr. Dickson Kanakulya stressed the need to train senior lecturers in the Philosophy of Methods, saying, “The biggest connection is that societal problems require concrete research to find solutions. Our challenge in Africa is that we employ a short barrow approach to find solutions to problems. This cannot work. We need consistent researchers to solve problems. Lasting solutions to societal issues can only be got through training such as Philosophy of Methods, where researchers come up with new models for societal solutions.”

Prof. Julius Kikooma pose for a photo with participants and facilitators.

Dr. Kanakulya said that Makerere University remains the biggest research University in Africa and philosophy of Methods helps to come up with good research tools that produce good research outputs. “Research has shown that the higher the number of PhD researchers in any given country, the higher the levels of development of that country e.g. the USA, China etc., adding that research is not limited to only medicinal or agricultural related issues.”

He said philosophy of methods, encourages philosophical creativity in research, “It is meant to bring out philosophical generation of concepts, theories and ideas. It is meant to encourage students to question the existing philosophical assumptions and status quo in a given field of knowledge such that new philosophical concepts are created.”

 For successful rollout of government programs like the National Development Plan 4, Dr. Kanakulya said that Philosophy of Methods training needs to be integrated into such systems. “Philosophy of Methods focuses on ethical thinking aspects. For example, for a better rollout of the Parish Development Model, we need implementers to be ethical.” He added.

 Prof. Sulait Tumwiine, the associate Dean of Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research at MUBS said, “This is a discussion where new ideas are shared to guide and gauge applicability in the current knowledge diversity coupled with lots of technological development including Artificial Intelligence and Chat GPT.”

He added, “As professors of Universities, we need to understand how we leverage on what comes up so that it does not take our space, but also appreciate how we can support growth of knowledge. The Philosophy of Methods training is the answer.”

 Dr. Jim Spire Ssentongo highlighted that Philosophy uses more of the critical mind than Science. He added that philosophy is more of speculation of the mind.

“Sustainability of philosophy Education encourages us to continue training. Philosophy being the oldest discipline retained special status in the academia as a pinnacle of pursuit of knowledge. All disciplines have major elements of philosophy citing examples in the philosophy of Mathematics and Physics.

Dr. Spire added, “If you do not understand philosophy, you cannot deeply investigate anything because philosophy is the reality of understanding everything. Philosophy is the basis of understanding what knowledge is and how it is arrived at.”

Also participating in the workshop was Prof. Joseph Ntaayi from MUBS, in his remarks he said PhD students need the philosophy of methods training to understand how to best to create knowledge. He added that ontological and epistemological questions that lead to good research design methods can only be answered by this training.

Dr. Robert Kakuru, a Lecturer in the College of Humanities and Social Sciences said that the Philosophy of Methods training is needed by every graduate student as well as supervisors to critically determine the choice of methods to use in academic research. For example, “If one wants to use a questionnaire as an interview approach, one should understand, why that approach and yet without this training, the why cannot be answered.” He added.

The Philosophy of Methods training was organized by Directorate of Graduate Training with funding support from the Consortium for Advanced Research Training in Africa (CARTA).

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