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Mak 70th Grad PhD Citations Session 1, Part 2

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College of Natural Sciences (CoNAS)

 

NNAMUYOMBA Proscovia (Ms)

Biokinetics and modelling of pollutant accumulation in Cat fish (Clarias casonii) and Silver fish (Rastreneobola argentea) from selected aquatic ecosystems in Uganda

Ms. NNAMUYOMBA Proscovia’s study was purposely to examine the levels of pollutants (heavy metals and DDT residues) in the two fish species and to develop a model for predicting heavy metal accumulation in Cat Fish living in contaminated environments. The current experimental methods used to determine pollutant levels are laborious and expensive, which makes it hard to generate data whenever need arises. The research established that biokinetic modelling provides an alternative cost effective method of determining pollutant levels in fish living in polluted aquatic ecosystems. The model can be used to estimate long-term metal accumulation in environmental risk assessments. This study was funded by ADB and Gulu University, and was supervised by Prof. Jolocam Mbabazi and Assoc. Prof. Muhammad Ntale.

 

UWIMBABAZI Moreen (Ms)

Influence of fruit seasonality on macronutrient and energy intake and its significance on reproduction in female chimpanzees

Ms. UWIMBABAZI Moreen examined how diet-quality in terms of macronutrient content relates to the timing of reproductive events in female chimpanzees of Kibale National Park in Uganda. She found that female chimpanzees ingested more carbohydrates and lipids and reduced their foraging costs during preferred fruit abundant periods. However, they maintained stable energy intake despite the variations in diet quality through feeding behavior modifications and as such were able to breed throughout the year. The findings highlight the relevance of different food tree species in natural forest ecosystems and their significance in maintaining wild populations of chimpanzees, a specie which is threatened by forest degradation in Uganda. This study was funded by Kibale Chimpanzee Project, and was supervised by Prof. Richard Wrangham, Prof. Jessica Rothman, Assoc. Prof. Gilbert Basuta and Prof. Mnason Tweheyo.

 

WOKIYI Dennis

Solutions to Ill-posed Cauchy problem for a non-linear heat equation.,

Mr Wokiyi’s study focused on estimating the temperature distribution below the earth's surface using temperature and heat-flux measurements on the earth's surface. The study enhanced the understanding of how temperature governs a variety of the geological processes such as; formation of magmas, minerals, fossil fuels and deformation of rocks. The candidate demonstrated that the problem is uniquely solvable under a suitable choice of function spaces and showed that numerical solutions were consistent with the existing theoretical proofs. The study was funded by International Science programme – Sweden, Makerere Staff development and Eastern Africa Universities Mathematics Programme (EAUMP). Mr Wokiyi was supervised by Prof. Vladimir Kozlov and Prof. Fredrik Berntsson from Linkoping University-Sweden, Prof. John Mango and Dr. Godwin Kakuba from Makerere University.

 

College of Education and External Studies (CEES)

 

ATWEBEMBEIRE Juliet (Ms)

Management practices and quality of teaching and research in private chartered universities in Uganda 

Ms. ATWEBEMBEIRE Juliet examined the influence of management practices which included, staff participation, performance monitoring and staff development on quality of teaching and research in four private chartered universities in Uganda. Results demonstrated a significant contribution of staff development and staff participation on quality of teaching and research. There was no sufficient evidence to show that performance monitoring influences quality of teaching and research. The study recommended the development of more user-friendly methods of performance monitoring, giving of constructive feedback and rewarding staff basing on performance reviews. A model of shared governance was suggested for effective management of these universities. The study was funded by Uganda Management Institute, and supervised by Prof. John. Chrysostom  Musaazi and Assoc. Prof. Proscovia Namubiru Ssentamu.

 

AYEBARE Justin (Ms)

Internationalization of higher education and the global citizenship of graduate students at Makerere University

Ms. AYEBARE Justin investigated the effect of internationalization of higher education on the global citizenship of graduate students at Makerere University. This was due to the seemingly low levels of global citizenship amongst university graduates in the country. Using the sequential explanatory research design, the study revealed that the internationalization of academic staff, curriculum, and the student community have significant positive effect on the global citizenship of graduate students. These findings reinforced the belief that the more internationalized a university is, the more likely its graduate students would become global citizens. This study presents to university managers aspects of internationalization that greatly impinge on the global citizenship of graduate students; thus, calls for significant efforts to internationalize these, and other aspects of university operations. This study was self-funded and, and was supervised by Dr. David Onen and Dr. Euzobia Mugisha Baine.

 

KAAHWA Yuda Taddeo

Equity implications of the district quota and disabled students’ scholarships in public universities in Uganda

Mr. KAAHWA Yuda Taddeo investigated how the district quota system and disabled students’ scheme were ensuring equity at both opportunity and process of university education for the intended beneficiaries. Findings revealed that majority of students on district quota system come from low socio-economic status families, the district quota system is gender equitable, there is numerical geographical equity on district quota system; but there is geographical inequity on disabled students’ scheme. The study recommends that for students to qualify for district quota system, they should have studied both primary and secondary school in that district. The percentage of district quota should be increased from 25% to 50% of government scholarships, urban districts should be excluded from district quota, and government should establish information support services for disabled students. The study was funded by Makerere University Staff Development and was supervised by Prof. Anthony Mugagga Muwagga and Assoc. Prof. Betty Ezati.

 

LUNYOLO Olive (Ms)

Adapting Leech’s model to explore predictors of successful doctoral student completion in Makerere University

Ms. LUNYOLO Olive explored the predictors of successful doctoral student completion (SDSC) in Makerere University. She operationalized SDSC as readiness to teach at university level, creativity, and readiness to conduct research and publish. The study isolated motivation, thinking style, self-efficacy; curriculum and standards of the program of study; the supervisor and other faculty; and the culture of the college on graduate education as predictors of SDSC. SDSC is important to the student, the university and the labour market, thus stakeholders concerned with doctoral students’ issues in Makerere University should put in place strategies that enhance predictors of SDSC. The study was self-sponsored, and was supervised by Assoc. Prof. Fred Edwardus Bakkabulindi and Dr. Hilary Mukwenda Tusiime.

 

SSALI Kizza Francis

Determinants of academic staff retention in Makerere and Kyambogo Universities

Mr. SSALI Kizza Francis investigated the determinants of academic staff retention in Makerere and Kyambogo Universities. This was due to the persistent low levels of academic staff retention reported in the two universities in recent times. Using the descriptive cross-sectional survey design, gender, terms of work and work life balance were found to enhance the retention of academic staff more than their marital status, age, work experience, and interpersonal relationships. Therefore, it was concluded that certain factors were more critical than others in determining the retention of academic staff. It was, thus, recommended that the management of the two universities should engender policies that can improve the terms of work and promote optimal work-life balance amongst academic staff. The study was self-sponsored and was supervised by Dr. David Onen and Dr. Genza Gyaviira Musoke.

 

Please click the links below to navigate to the PhD Citations for the respective Sessions.

< Director’s Message | Session 1: Part1 : Part2 : Part3 | Session 2 | Session 3 | Session 4 >

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Mark Wamai

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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.

Detailed Presentations

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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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