General

VC Statement on the Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) Epidemic

Published

5 years ago

March 9, 2020

Mak Editor

The Vice Chancellor of Makerere University, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe. Message to Gallant Makerereans on the Coronavirus (COVID-19)

We are all aware that on 31^st December 2019, The Peoples Republic of China notified the World Health Organization (WHO) of an outbreak of a pneumonia-causing illness. The illness was later confirmed to be due to a new strain of Coronavirus, and the disease referred to as Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19). On 30^th January 2020, WHO declared this outbreak a Public Health Emergency of International Concern.

By 7^th March 2020, data from WHO indicated that globally, the number of confirmed cases were over 101,828 and over 3,483 had died. As of 7^th March 2020, the outbreak had spread to more than 80 countries worldwide including Egypt, Algeria, Nigeria, Tunisia, Senegal, South Africa, Cameroon, Morocco and Togo in Africa.

The most recent update issued by the Uganda Minister of Health on 7^th March 2020 indicated that there is no confirmed case of COVID-19 in Uganda.

The Uganda Ministry of Health has issued several regular situation updates, regular Press Statements, recommendations and guidance to prevent the importation of COVID-19 to Uganda. Among others, these include;

A Fact Sheet on what Ugandans need to know about the New Coronavirus Disease
A Poster on how COVID-19 is spread, the signs and symptoms of COVID-19 and how to prevent getting infected by COVID-19
A Travel Advisory on COVID-19 for Ugandans intending to travel, reside in and or return from COVID-19 affected countries
Press Statements on Updates about Uganda’s enhanced measures to prevent importation of Novel Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19)
Advisory on Postponement of International Meetings and Conferences
Guidance on Mass Gatherings

These resources reflect the Guidance and Recommendations from the World Health Organization (WHO) and you can refer to them for further information and guidance;

What you need to know about COVID-19 https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/downloads/2019-ncov-factsheet.pdf
WHO recommendations for international traffic in relation to COVID-19 Outbreak https://www.who.int/ith/2019-nCoV_advice_for_international_traffic-rev/en/
WHO guidance on Planning and conducting Mass Gathering in the context of COVID-19 https://www.who.int/publications-detail/key-planning-recommendations-for-mass-gatherings-in-the-context-of-the-current-covid-19-outbreak
Making workplaces COVID-19 Ready https://www.who.int/docs/default-source/coronaviruse/getting-workplace-ready-for-covid-19.pdf
Critical Preparedness, Readiness and Response actions for COVID-19 https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/technical-guidance/critical-preparedness-readiness-and-response-actions-for-covid-19

The Uganda Ministry of Health continues to emphasize the following;

Avoid hand-shaking and hugging
Avoid close contact with people who are visibly sick with flu-like symptoms (fever, cough, sneeze)
When sick with flu-like symptoms avoid going to public places, offices and public gatherings. Remain at home to avoid infecting others.
You do not need to wear medical masks if you do not have respiratory symptoms such as cough, sneezing or running nose
Don’t take self-medication such as antibiotics
Do not spit in public. Find a secluded place like toilets or pit latrines in which to spit
Delay travel to countries that currently have many patients with COVID-19. If you must travel, please follow the protective measures
Avoid travel if you have flu-like symptoms
Do not spread false rumors and misinformation. Always verify information from the Ministry of Health to avoid spreading false rumors which may cause unnecessary anxiety.
Report any suspected cases to the nearest health facility or call the toll-free line on 0800-203-033 and 0800-100-066 or Mr. Atek Kagirita 0782909153, Dr. Allan Muruta-0772460297.

Makerere University is characterized by several factors that create a unique context within which the guidance and recommendations on how to prevent COVID-19 must be implemented. Among others, these include;

Having a community of International Students, some from countries where COVID-19 has been confirmed
Many teaching staff who frequently travel to and from several countries where COVID-19 has been confirmed
Many visitors from countries where COVID-19 has been confirmed
Frequent local and international conferences and workshops
Congestion in Lecture Rooms, Libraries, Dining halls and Halls of Residence
Frequent Mass Gatherings

To fast-track the implementation of the Ministry of Health Guidance and Recommendations on preventing COVID-19 in the University, the University has instituted a committee on COVID-19 Preparedness. The responsibilities of the committee will include but not limited to;

Contextualization and implementation of Ministry of Health guidance and recommendations on preventing COVID-19
Representing the University in Ministry level deliberations on COVID-19 Preparedness
Development and implementation of the Makerere University COVID-19 Preparedness Strategy
Issuing regular updates to students and staff on the global, regional and national COVID-19 situation
Intensifying Risk Communication on COVID-19 in the University
Creation of Provisional Isolation facilities (and standby ambulance services) at the Makerere University Hospital for any identified COVID-19 suspect
Adherence to the Ministry of Health travel Advisory and Guidance on planning and conducting Mass Gatherings
Identifying the need for and advising the University on the requirement for more hand-washing and disinfection facilities in the University

Management will keep all stakeholders updated about any new developments and decisions about the COVID-19 epidemic.

Yours sincerely,

Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe
VICE CHANCELLOR

General

NTU Global Summer School – A Unique UK Experience for Students

Published

1 day ago

May 9, 2025

Mak Editor

The Nottingham Trent University (NTU) Global Summer School will run from 7 July – 1 August 2025 in the heart of England.

Why join this summer?

A diverse range of credit-bearing courses
The Global Summer School offers a variety of exciting courses, from cybersecurity to creative industries, and space science to entrepreneurship – truly something for everyone! With two distinct blocks of courses, students can either dive deeper into their passions or broaden their horizons by exploring new subjects.

Explore Courses

A truly international experience
Students will join peers from many countries across the world, creating a vibrant and multicultural learning environment that enhances the global student experience.

An exciting cultural and social programme
Beyond the classroom NTU offers a full schedule of activities, including visits to iconic UK cities, sports and evening events ensuring that students make the most of their time in the UK.

A safe and welcoming destination
Nottingham is a city renowned for its safety, having earned the prestigious Purple Flag award for its excellent night-time safety and vibrant atmosphere, ensuring your students feel at home both on and off campus.

Application Deadline: 1 June 2025

Apply Today!

Limited places available – apply soon!

Don’t miss out! This is the perfect chance for students to develop new skills, make new friends and experience the best of British culture. NTU looks forward to welcoming students this summer!

Have questions? Contact NTU here!

General

End of Semester Memo for Academic Year 2024/2025

Published

2 days ago

May 8, 2025

Mark Wamai

Africa, one of three On-Campus Halls of Residence for ladies, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda.

All Resident Students

1. Congratulatory Message

On behalf of Makerere University Management, I congratulate and thank you for the successful completion of Semester Two: 2024/2025.

2.End of the Second Semester

The second Semester holiday break will begin on 17^th May, 2025 up to Saturday 9^th August, 2025.

3. Resident Students

All resident students are expected to vacate the Halls of Residence by mid-day on Saturday, 17^th May, 2025.

4. University Property

Please hand over all University property in your possession (such as: room keys, Sports & Games equipment, College property etc) before you leave the Hall of Residence.

5. Security of personal property

Please make sure that you carry with you all your property.

Dean of Students
Makerere University

Makerere-Dean-of-Students-End-of-Academic-Year-2024-2025-MEMO Download

General

Inter-college Debate 2025 Seeks to Nurture Confident, Articulate, and Visionary Leaders

Published

4 days ago

May 6, 2025

Mak Editor

Winners of the Inter-college debates Daphine Kemigisha and Jibiril Ssekandi (School of Law) pose for a photo with debaters and the GRCs of the Debate Union. Organised by the Makerere Debating Union – a student-led initiative, the Inter-college Debate Tournament was held on 11th and 12th April 2025 with a vision to leave no student behind by nurturing a community of confident, articulate, and visionary leaders who will drive positive change in society. Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

Organised by the Makerere Debating Union – a student-led initiative, the Inter-college Debate Tournament was held on 11^th and 12^th April 2025 with a vision to leave no student behind by nurturing a community of confident, articulate, and visionary leaders who will drive positive change in society. The tournament was held in three preliminary rounds, followed by semi-finals and a grand finale.

The first round covered democracy and youth participation in politics, while the second round covered inequality and wealth distribution, and the third, the ban on export of raw materials. The semi-final round debated apprenticeship for blue-collar jobs, while the grand finale debated national budget allocations for healthcare and education. In the spirit of inclusivity, all colleges, including the Jinja Campus participated in the tournament.

One of the preliminary rounds in session at Lumumba Hall. Organised by the Makerere Debating Union – a student-led initiative, the Inter-college Debate Tournament was held on 11th and 12th April 2025 with a vision to leave no student behind by nurturing a community of confident, articulate, and visionary leaders who will drive positive change in society. Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa. — ***One of the preliminary rounds in session at Lumumba Hall.***

Commenting on the choice of topics, the organisers noted Makerere University as a bastion of academic excellence has a profound responsibility to cultivate the next generation of leaders who will shape the future of our nation. These leaders, they added, ought to be equipped with 21^st century skills of self-expression, critical thinking, and problem-solving so as to navigate the complexities of an ever-evolving world.

On the whole, Makerere Inter-college Debates were conceived as a strategic initiative to foster a culture of intellectual curiosity, creativity, and innovation. The Debating Union aims to empower the future leaders by providing a platform for students to engage in respectful discourse, articulate their thoughts, as well as develop their critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

Daphine Kemigisha submitting at the debate grand finale. Organised by the Makerere Debating Union – a student-led initiative, the Inter-college Debate Tournament was held on 11th and 12th April 2025 with a vision to leave no student behind by nurturing a community of confident, articulate, and visionary leaders who will drive positive change in society. Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa. — ***Daphine Kemigisha submitting at the debate grand finale.***

Furthermore, the Debates serve as a platform for not only honing the intellectual prowess of students but also cultivating leadership skills, teamwork, and communication abilities that are essential for success in an increasingly complex and interconnected world. It is envisaged that this initiative will have a lasting impact on the lives of students, by exposing them to debates on topical issues that can shape the mindsets of transformative leaders our nation needs.

After a thrilling two days of debate, Daphine Kemigisha and Jibril Ssekandi from the School of Law (SoL) emerged as winners of the Makerere University Inter-college Debate Tournament 2025, while Olara Emmanuel George from the College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Biosecurity (CoVAB) was the Public Speech Champion, and Namujuzi Martha Mociita from the College of Business and Management Sciences (CoBAMS) was the Poetry Champion.

Debate Winners; Daphine Kemigisha (Right) and Jibril Sekandi (Left) from the School of Law (SoL). Organised by the Makerere Debating Union – a student-led initiative, the Inter-college Debate Tournament was held on 11th and 12th April 2025 with a vision to leave no student behind by nurturing a community of confident, articulate, and visionary leaders who will drive positive change in society. Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa. — ***Debate Winners; Daphine Kemigisha (Right) and Jibril Sekandi (Left) from the School of Law (SoL).***

The 2025 Tournament was organized by Mayanja Owen and Nkalubo Oprah – 91^st Guild Representative Councils (GRCs) of the Debate Union, Akatwijuka Arthur – Chairperson Debate Union, and Debate Union Representatives from colleges. The Uganda National NGO Forum (UNNGOF) partnered with the Debate Union to deliver the 2025 edition.

Addressing students at the award ceremony, UNNGOF’s Mr. Derrick Baluuku encouraged the youth to step out of their comfort zones and think of solutions to inspire change in their communities.