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Mak PhD Forum to Spur Completion Rates

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World over, the role of a university has been expanding from teaching to research, innovation and outreach activities owing to the need for the contribution of Universities towards national and global development agenda. In Uganda, university graduate students have played a significant role in generating research outputs to drive national development. Despite the high enrolment of graduate students at Makerere University, completion rates have remained unsatisfactory. 

Unlike the undergraduates, the graduate students seemed to receive less attention in terms of activity financing and supervision. This leaves the graduate students to face a lonely, more challenging and longtime and frustrating study journey.

The Directorate of Research and Graduate Training (DRGT) in conjunction with the PhD Forum at Makerere University (PF@MAK) together with the Association of Ugandan-German Alumni (AUGA), with support from the DAAD Regional Office for Africa has organized a 2-day workshop on “Enhancing graduate completion rates and relevant research output at Makerere University. The first workshop had over 50 Ph.D. students participating.Dr. Robert Wamala, Deputy Director DRGT motivate PhD Fellows

The workshop is running from Thursday 5th to Friday 6th March 2020 at the Senate Conference Hall. This workshop is targeting current graduate scholars. The workshop is designed to contribute to capacity building of graduate students and create enhanced completion rates through sharing the knowledge and skills; create capacity to provide peer support to graduates students; create network and collaboration of researchers for peer support, and cultivate the culture of supervision and mentorship in research development and dissemination. 

At the opening ceremony, the Director of Research and Graduate Training Prof. Mukadasi Buyinza decried the low completion rates despite the increasing doctoral enrollment. Prof. Buyinza reiterated that the situation has been compounded by the low motivation of staff, limited research facilities, and students based self-help projects.

These workshops will enable the PhD students to reflect on their PhD journey, learn from their peers, and engage with the supervisors and programme administrators. It is expected that upon completion of the workshops, DRGT shall be in position to map out the enablers/drivers of fast completion and the limiting factors as we strive to improve the Doctoral training landscape at Makerere.

Mak PhD Fellows pose for a photo with Director DRGT Prof. Mukadasi Buyinza and his Deputy Dr. Robert Wamala (both in a necktie) at the opening of the 2-day workshop (5th - 6th March 2020) at Senate Building.

About AUGA

There are about 1,400 DAAD Alumni in Uganda who were funded either in Germany or the Africa region who today successfully serve in the academic, business and political spheres. Many of them are ideal contacts for anyone interested in pursuing higher education studies or research in Germany. The Alumni have joined together to form the “Association of Ugandan-German Alumni” (AUGA).

About PF@MAk

The PhD scholars at Makerere University have a forum that brings together PhD fellows to actively provide each other with mutual academic support, producing timely high-quality research through networking, peer-reviewing, sharing funding opportunities and timely study completion. There are currently about 400 PhD students

Elias Tuhereze

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Celebrating Women in Science at Makerere University

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A female student conducts an experiement in one of the Science Labs, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda

Today, on the International Day of Women and Girls in Science, we celebrate the incredible women scientists at Makerere University who are driving innovation, advancing research, and shaping the future of science in Uganda and beyond.

Your dedication, resilience, and groundbreaking contributions continue to inspire generations. As you break barriers and push the frontiers of knowledge, remember that your work is not only transforming communities but also paving the way for more young women to embrace science.

We honor your achievements and reaffirm our commitment to fostering an inclusive and supportive environment where women in science can thrive. Keep leading, innovating, and inspiring!

Happy International Day of Women and Girls in Science!

Mak Editor

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91st Electoral Commission Promises a free and fair Electoral Process

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By Nickson Maberi

The swearing-in-ceremony for the 91st Students’ Guild Electoral Commission was held on Friday 31st January 2025.  Mr. Joseph Murungi, a commissioner from the College of Health Sciences (CHS) was unanimously chosen as the chairperson of the commision.

Mr. Murungi thanked the good Lord and students for entrusting him with the position and promised to deliver a free and fair electoral process and head a commission that is impartial.

The Dean of Students, Dr. Winifred Kabumbuli urged the new commission to execute its duties in line with the Guild statute and Constitution.

“You must execute your duties in line with the Guild statute and Constitution, anything outside that is invalid. I wish you the best and I am looking forward to working with you,” she said.

Ms. Ruth Iteu, the Head of the Online voting team, urged the commission to avoid being caught on the wrong side of the law as it will lead to severe consequences.

Rev. Fr. Josephat Ddungu, the Chaplain of Makerere University St. Augustine Chapel said they will continue to pray for the commission to have a peaceful and successful.

“The Electoral Commission is a very important body and the success of the electoral process depends on you. Please concentrate on doing what is right before the Lord. As your spiritual leaders, our duty is to pray. We are therefore praying for you to have a peaceful and successful election,” he said.

Administrator who urged the commission to always do the right at the right time.

Mr.  Nickson Maberi encouraged the new commission to follow the law and avoid tarnishing the image of the university.

Mr. Joseph Murungi, Commissioner from the College of Health Sciences (CHS) swearing in as Chairperson of the Electoral Commission for the 91st Guild Elections.

“Makerere University elections attract national attention. Please follow the law and be people of integrity to avoid tarnishing the image of the university,” he guided.

Mr. Aston Tayebwa from the College of Natural Sciences was elected as the commission’s General Secretary while Ms Sharon Nyonyozi from the College of Humanities and Social Sciences was elected as the commission’s Vice Chairperson.

Other commissioners include: Mr. Ijoot William from the College of Engineering, Design, Art and Technology (CEDAT), Mr. Ntambi Moses from the College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Biosecurity (COVAB), Mr. Perez William Mwesigwa from the School of Law (SoL), Alyosius Mutagubya from the College of Computing and Information Science (CoCIS) and Mr. Mugisha Hamidu from the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES).

Mak Editor

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KobWeb: RENU’s Community Magazine – 2024 Edition

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Cover page of KobWeb: RENU's Community Magazine, 2024 Edition. Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

The Research and Education Network for Uganda (RENU) is a community-driven, non-profit organization with a major focus on nurturing collaboration among member institutions (i.e. research and education institutions), and global partners. Founded in 2006, RENU has grown from a small National Research and Education Network (NREN) that focused on just connectivity needs of universities and research organisations, to a fast-growing specialized ICT solutions provider for the entire Research and Education (R&E) community including schools, colleges, other tertiary institutions, hospitals, and their end users. RENU is located at House No. 31, The Edge, Makerere University and on Plot 6B, Mabua Road, Kololo, Kampala.

Highlights from the 2024 Edition featuring Makerere:

  • Universities Launch Global Coalition to Support Refugee Education at Scale
    • 16 universities from across the globe have come together to improve and increase access to higher education for refugees and their communities, where they reside. Universities based in Africa, Europe, and North America formed the Global University Academy (GUA) following a workshop hosted by the University of Oslo in June 2024.
    • The GUA is currently looking into the possibility to pilot the initiative in Uganda. Key partners in this work are Makerere University and Gulu University, who are already actively engaged in providing access to higher education for refugees, and the Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) Uganda.
  • Advancing Child Welfare The AfriChild Centre’s Inter-University Programme
    • The Inter-University Programme, spearheaded by the Centre of Excellence for the Study of the African Child (AfriChild Centre), is a landmark initiative focused on equipping researchers with the essential skills needed to conduct high-quality child-focused research. The success of the Inter-University Programme is built on the strong partnerships the AfriChild Centre has established with universities including Makerere University.
  • Liberate your Mind from the Present and Dream Big to Provide Meaningful ICT Solutions for Research and Education!
    • At the 2024 RENU ICT Directors Forum, Dr. Francis F. “Tusu” Tusubira, the Chief Guest, delivered an electrifying address urging ICT leaders to dream beyond the present and shape the future of research and education. Reflecting on his time at Makerere University, he shared his philosophy of granting autonomy to team members and supporting them unconditionally. “Allow your team to make decisions and mistakes, especially in the current environment, which presents opportunities for learning. Protect them when they make mistakes. Once you do this, your team will build your dream.”
  • Advancing Open Science and Open Access in Africa, with a Focus on Uganda
    • Open Science and Open Access have emerged as transformative movements in the global academic and research community. Their principles—sharing knowledge freely, fostering collaboration, and driving practical solutions to societal challenges—are especially resonant in Africa, where equitable access to resources and innovative solutions are essential for sustainable development. Institutions like Makerere University are driving Open Science efforts by encouraging researchers to adopt open frameworks.

Visit RENU to download full edition

Mark Wamai

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