Connect with us

General

DICTS Workshop Urges Staff to Use Social Media as a Marketing Tool

Published

on

The Makerere University Directorate of Information and Communication Technology Support (DICTS) held a social media workshop to equip Makerere University staff with skills and knowledge on how to use social media as an enabler of effective communication, eLearning and cyber-crime prevention. The workshop took place on 13th February 2020 in the College of Engineering, Design, Art and Technology (CEDAT) Conference Hall.

According to the Director DICTS, Mr. Samuel Paul Mugabi, the workshop was aimed at discussing ways through which Makerere University staff can embrace the professional usage of social media tools to improve the Institution’s online brand, boost its visibility as well as harmonise the use of social media as a learning tool.

“Social media has evolved from a chat application to a social economic issue that can be used as a marketing tool for institutions. It is important to tap into social media’s potential of enabling effective communication, education, marketing and governance,” said Mr. Mugabi.

He noted that with over 3.5billion users, social media is a key enabler of Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) thus contributing to the attainment of Sustainable Development Goal 4 (SDG 4) which is aimed at “ensuring inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all.”

The Principal Public Relations Officer, Ms. Ritah Namisango delivers her presentation on the "Mak Communication Policy and Social Media" on 13th February 2020.

In a presentation on “Makerere University Communication Policy and Social Media”, the Principal Public Relations Officer, Ms. Ritah Namisango urged participants to ensure that the messages disseminated on institutional social media platforms and websites protect the University’s brand. She called upon the audience to use multiple channels of communication so as to enhance the visibility of Makerere and promote advances in teaching, learning, research and innovations.

Makerere University’s social media platforms should be used to communicate institutional messages in line with the vision, mission, and core values. Institutional communication should be in line with the Mak Communication Policy to provide a pro-active approach to information management and dissemination, strengthen the University’s image and build good will among the stakeholders,” said Ms. Namisango.

Defining social media as an enabler of teaching and learning, Assoc. Prof. Paul Birevu Muyinda, the Deputy Principal College of Education and External Studies (CEES) said that social media applications such as WhatsApp and Facebook, promote student-student and student-teacher interaction. He added that these also motivate lonely distance learners, create a sense of belonging and support learning anytime.

“Social media fosters positive relationship between the lecturers and students. It should be recalled that interacting using social media is less formal and it creates a friendly environment between the students and faculty members. It is such interactions that will motivate the students and encourage effective learning,” said Assoc. Prof. Muyinda.

The Deputy Principal CEES, Assoc. Prof. Paul Birevu Muyinda delivers his presentation on Social Media Enabled Teaching and Learning

He added that social networking allows users to add value to the content they are accessing. This, he noted, leads to a seamless exchange of information building a robust body of knowledge that is sometimes called collective intelligence.

Taking the audience through social media threats, risks and security, the Director Cyber-Crime Department, Uganda Police Force, Mr. Haguma Jimmy said many people have fallen victims of social media orchestrated threats, theft and crime in Uganda. He said that the Uganda Police Force has registered several cases related to cybercrime such as cyber rape, loss of funds to conmen and online investment clubs, hackers, sim card swaps among others.

He called upon Ugandans to acquaint themselves with the laws that govern social media and also adopt the best social media practices. 

“Uganda has a number of laws that regulate social media, read them so that you know your position while using social media. Do not open any emails from untrusted sources, lock your laptop or phone whenever you are away and purchase anti-virus software. Read your company’s privacy policy to understand under what circumstances you should or should not let a stranger into the building and set strong passwords,” said Mr. Haguma.

The Director DICTS, Mr. Samuel Paul Mugabi (Centre in coat) poses for a group photo with members of his team after the Workshop on Social Media as an enabler of effective communication, eLearning and cyber-crime prevention on 13th February 2020, CEDAT, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda.

Mr. Hussein K. Isingoma, Ag. Commissioner Forensics and Risk Advisory, Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development urged digital marketers and social media managers to acquaint themselves with soft skills so as to manage relationships effectively.

“A combination of soft skills and technical skills is at a center of career success. Success depends on the mastery of soft skills which include time management, discipline, conflict resolution, acknowledging colleague’s effort among others” said Mr. Isingoma.

The workshop was moderated by Mr. Yunusu Musisi, Acting End User Support Manager, DICTS.

Article by: Esther Joy Nakibombo Volunteer Mak Public Relations Office

 

Mark Wamai

Continue Reading

General

Undergraduate Admissions List: Mop-up/Appeals 2025/2026

Published

on

The Office of Academic Registrar, Makerere University has released lists of Successful appeals and supplementary lists. Below is a list arising from appeals of Government Sponsored candidates who have been admitted:

Mak Editor

Continue Reading

General

Makerere University, DFCU Bank Sign MoU to Advance Innovation, Student Leadership and Research

Published

on

Officials from Makerere University and DFCU Bank pose for a group photo at the Main Building Entrance after the MoU signing ceremony on 4th July 2025. Makerere University and DFCU Bank Limited sign a three-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) designed to enhance academic excellence, advance research and innovation capabilities, and provide crucial student support services through key activities; Annual Tumusiime Muteile Lecture, MakRun and Student activities, 4th July 2025, Council Room, Main Building, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

By Eve Nakyanzi and Atwenda Nancy

Makerere University and DFCU Bank have today signed a three-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to bolster innovation, student leadership, research and community impact initiatives.

The collaboration which will see the equipping of the Disability Support center for students living with disabilities through the MAK run and more leadership trainings for students will begin this July.

“The MoU will strengthen research collaborations across sectors like agriculture and health and it will also support the Mutebile Centre to assist private sector growth, which is crucial in lifting Africa out of poverty,” said Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, the Vice Chancellor.

Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe (R) flanked by Mr. Charles Mudiwa (L) makes his remarks at the MoU signing ceremony. Makerere University and DFCU Bank Limited sign a three-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) designed to enhance academic excellence, advance research and innovation capabilities, and provide crucial student support services through key activities; Annual Tumusiime Muteile Lecture, MakRun and Student activities, 4th July 2025, Council Room, Main Building, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe (R) flanked by Mr. Charles Mudiwa (L) makes his remarks at the MoU signing ceremony.

Speaking during the event, Mr. Charles M. Mudiwa, the DFCU Bank Chief Executive Officer, welcomed the move, noting its alignment with the bank’s mission to transform lives and support national development through four pillars: funding, financial inclusion, enterprise development, and vocational education.

“This MoU crowns years of effort and shared intent between our institutions,” he stated.
Mr. Mudiwa highlighted the bank’s commitment to skilling youth through internships, curriculum development, and support for innovation hubs and centres of excellence at the university.
“We consume the graduates of Makerere. In our most recent graduate intake of 87, 60% were Makerere alumni. The bank allocates around 30 internship positions annually to equip young people with the skills necessary for future roles within the institution,” Mr. Mudiwa, noted.

Representing the student body, Guild President His Excellency, Sentamu Churchill James, commended the partnership as a timely intervention that will empower youth, support SMEs, and expand internship and leadership development opportunities.

Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe (2nd L) presents a framed portrait of the Main Building to Mr. Charles Mudiwa (C) as L-R: University Secretary-Mr. Yusuf Kiranda, 91st Guild President-H.E. Ssentamu Churchill James and Acting Deputy Vice Chancellor (Finance and Administration)-Prof. Winston Tumps Ireeta witness. Makerere University and DFCU Bank Limited sign a three-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) designed to enhance academic excellence, advance research and innovation capabilities, and provide crucial student support services through key activities; Annual Tumusiime Muteile Lecture, MakRun and Student activities, 4th July 2025, Council Room, Main Building, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe (2nd L) presents a framed portrait of the Main Building to Mr. Charles Mudiwa (C) as L-R: University Secretary-Mr. Yusuf Kiranda, 91st Guild President-H.E. Ssentamu Churchill James and Acting Deputy Vice Chancellor (Finance and Administration)-Prof. Winston Tumps Ireeta witness.

“Students are the heartbeat of the university. This collaboration will empower youth and strengthen their role in national development,” His Excellency Ssentamu, said.

About MAK RUN 2025

The Makerere Run 2025 (#MakRun2025), hosted by the Makerere University Endowment Fund (MAKEF) on 17th August 2025, returns for its fifth edition as Kampala’s premier charity marathon, uniting 8,000+ runners—students, alumni, corporate teams, and elite athletes—to tackle the city’s iconic hills under the theme “Run the Hills for the Future.” This landmark event combines competitive racing with transformative impact, channeling proceeds to strengthen Makerere University’s community programs while offering unmatched branding opportunities for partners through Kampala’s largest university-led sporting spectacle.

The Mak Run, scheduled this year for August 17th, is a flagship initiative that mobilizes students, staff, alumni, and partners to raise funds for projects such as the Disability Support Unit and the Student Centre.

The Writers are Interns in the Public Relations Office, Makerere University

Mak Editor

Continue Reading

General

Diploma in Performing Arts Admission List 2025/26

Published

on

The Office of Academic Registrar, Makerere University has released the admission list of candidates who passed the special entry examinations for the Diploma in Performing Arts held on Saturday 17th May, 2025

The following have been admitted by the University’s Admissions Committee on Private Sponsorship for the 2025/26 Academic Year

Mak Editor

Continue Reading

Trending