General
1st Joint Christian Fellowship Outlines Theme for 2020
The First Makerere University Joint Staff Christian Fellowship for the year 2020 was held on Thursday 30th January 2020 in what has now become it’s home; the St. Francis Students' Centre Upper Hall. Welcoming the brethren, the Chairperson Steering Committee, Dr. Chris Tuhirirwe noted that it is always a joy for brothers and sisters in Christ to meet together, share in the Word and break bread. He also encouraged his audience to always invite someone for the fellowship.
“As the Steering Committee we have prayerfully come up with a programme for the year with our theme based on Luke 10:2 which reads The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field” shared Dr. Tuhirirwe.
He added that Christians have the primary responsibility of evangelising Makerere University, by talking to the students, colleagues and leadership in line with the theme.
“What have you done as a Christian?” challenged Dr. Tuhirirwe, before adding “My prayer is that as workers in this University, we shall on top of doing our work, reach out to staff, students and the general public with the message of salvation.”
The Chairperson grievingly added that the Prophetic voice was absent in the University and urged brethren to stand up for the truth at their colleges and various workstations. “We have a big task as staff who know the Lord to make a difference in this University. We can transform this institution by making sure that the voice of those who know the Lord is heard.”
He concluded his remarks by outlining various subthemes for the proceeding months namely;
• February – A Christian Life with a Testimony
• March – We Are the Salt and Light of the Earth
• April – Prayer and Intercession
• May – Understanding Your Calling
• June – Called to Fulfil the Great Commission
• July – Keeping sin out of Your Life
• August – The Power of Corporate Prayer
• September – Prayer and Intercession
• October – Being a Prophetic Voice
• November – Perceiving God as He is
• December – Prayer and Intercession
Sharing the word of the day, the host and Chaplain St. Francis Chapel, Rev. Can. Onesimus Asiimwe commended the Steering Committee for displaying marks of good leadership by outlining to the brethren where we are coming from, where we are and where we are headed.
“Now we have a sense of direction and a strategy. A good leader looks behind and knows there are people following as he/she leads. It is also good to hear you have done spiritual mapping” commended the Chaplain.
Rev. Can. Asiimwe also commended the choice of theme, noting that it is applicable to Makerere University. “You can win somebody for the Kingdom without going too far. It takes me 20 minutes to walk from the Chapel to the Chaplain’s residence, not that it’s far, but I always intentionally interact with the young people I meet. And as the Lord is my, I have led many to Christ along that path.”
Quoting Acts 1:4, the Chaplain emphasized that it takes God’s Power to do God’s Work. He reminded brethren that they can never be effectual witnesses in their own strength or power. “To be a witness to Jesus is to be a martyr traditionally, according to the root Greek word. Eleven of the twelve Apostles were martyred for their faith. And so you need God’s power; you need to be prayerful and equipped with His Word.”
The book of John 12:1-12 shares an account of Lazarus who was raised from the dead and as such, became the centre of attraction for Jesus Christ’s deliverance power in Bethany his hometown. Rev. Can. Asiimwe therefore urged brethren to be mindful of the anointing upon them so as to attract people to Christ.
“The crowds came not only to see Jesus but Lazarus as well; he stole the show. His life was a moving gospel. You need to be attractive and show Jesus to the people who come to your office. Are you a role model? Our young people are looking for role models; what an opportunity! Let us preach the gospel in works and in words” challenged the Chaplain.
He wound up the day’s sermon by quoting two famous men; St. Francis of Assisi and Edmund Burke.
“Preach the Gospel at all times. When necessary, use words.” St. Francis of Assisi.
“The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing.” Edmund Burke
“Do not fear to witness because you are going to be persecuted. It is time to take Makerere for Jesus” concluded the Chaplain and thereafter, inviting the brethren to lunch.
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Makerere University on 23rd January 2026 hosted the National Council for Higher Education (NCHE) validation meeting of the draft minimum standards for implementing Competence-Based Education (CBE) in Higher Education Institutions. The meeting held in the Yusuf Lule Central Teaching Facility Auditorium brought together Vice Chancellors, Rectors, Principals and Academic Registrars from Higher Education Institutions in Uganda.
Hosted by the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe represented by the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic Affairs), Prof. Sarah Ssali, the meeting followed institutional input into the draft minimum standards and was aimed at validating them prior to their formal adoption by the NCHE Council at their next meeting in February 2026. The minimum standards cover nine areas namely; 1) Curriculum Design, 2) Teaching and Learning Approaches, 3) Assessment, 4) Faculty Training and Support, 5) Student Support Services, 6) Quality Assurance Systems, 7) Industry and Community Linkages, 8) Monitoring and Evaluation, and 9) Gender and Equity Mainstreaming.
Following feedback into presentations by the various leaders present, a motion to adopt the draft minimum standards, with institutional input incorporated, was moved by Bugema University, seconded by UMCAT School of Journalism and Mass Communication, and unanimously supported by institutions present.
At the conclusion of the meeting, Prof. Sarah Ssali appreciated NCHE for choosing Makerere to host the landmark event, reiterating that the University greatly respects each and every Higher Education Institution and regards them as partners and collaborators in the quest to improve Uganda’s Higher Education sector.
The Executive Director NCHE, Prof. Mary Okwakol reassured leaders present that all the pertinent issues raised for input into the draft minimum standards would be incorporated, and urged those with pressing issues to submit them before month’s end. She reiterated NCHE’s readiness to continue lobbying Government for the resources required by Higher Education Institutions, particularly Public Universities, to implement Competence-Based Education (CBE).
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