Connect with us

General

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

Published

on

We are all aware that on 31st 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 30th January 2020, WHO declared this outbreak a Public Health Emergency of International Concern.

By 7th 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 7th 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 7th 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;

  1. A Fact Sheet on what Ugandans need to know about the New Coronavirus Disease
  2. A Poster on how COVID-19 is spread, the signs and symptoms of COVID-19 and how to prevent getting infected by COVID-19
  3. A Travel Advisory on COVID-19 for Ugandans intending to travel, reside in and or return from COVID-19 affected countries
  4. Press Statements on Updates about Uganda’s enhanced measures to prevent importation of Novel Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19)
  5. Advisory on Postponement of International Meetings and Conferences
  6. 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;

  1. What you need to know about COVID-19 https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/downloads/2019-ncov-factsheet.pdf
  2. WHO recommendations for international traffic in relation to COVID-19 Outbreak https://www.who.int/ith/2019-nCoV_advice_for_international_traffic-rev/en/
  3. 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
  4. Making workplaces COVID-19 Ready https://www.who.int/docs/default-source/coronaviruse/getting-workplace-ready-for-covid-19.pdf
  5. 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;

  1. Avoid hand-shaking and hugging
  2. Avoid close contact with people who are visibly sick with flu-like symptoms (fever, cough, sneeze)
  3. When sick with flu-like symptoms avoid going to public places, offices and public gatherings. Remain at home to avoid infecting others.
  4. You do not need to wear medical masks if you do not have respiratory symptoms such as cough, sneezing or running nose
  5. Don’t take self-medication such as antibiotics
  6. Do not spit in public. Find a secluded place like toilets or pit latrines in which to spit
  7. Delay travel to countries that currently have many patients with COVID-19. If you must travel, please follow the protective measures
  8. Avoid travel if you have flu-like symptoms
  9. 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.
  10. 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;

  1. Having a community of International Students, some from countries where COVID-19 has been confirmed
  2. Many teaching staff who frequently travel to and from several countries where COVID-19 has been confirmed
  3. Many visitors from countries where COVID-19 has been confirmed
  4. Frequent local and international conferences and workshops
  5. Congestion in Lecture Rooms, Libraries, Dining halls and Halls of Residence
  6. 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;

  1. Contextualization and implementation of Ministry of Health guidance and recommendations on preventing COVID-19
  2. Representing the University in Ministry level deliberations on COVID-19 Preparedness
  3. Development and implementation of the Makerere University COVID-19 Preparedness Strategy
  4. Issuing regular updates to students and staff on the global, regional and national COVID-19 situation
  5. Intensifying Risk Communication on COVID-19 in the University
  6. Creation of Provisional Isolation facilities (and standby ambulance services) at the Makerere University Hospital for any identified COVID-19 suspect
  7. Adherence to the Ministry of Health travel Advisory and Guidance on planning and conducting Mass Gatherings
  8. 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

Mak Editor

Continue Reading

General

Applications for Admission to Undergraduate Programmes 2025/26 AY

Published

on

The Academic Registrar, Makerere University invites applications from Ugandan, East African, and international applicants for the undergraduate programmes under the private sponsorship scheme for the 2025/2026 Academic Year for ‘A’ Level Leavers Only.

Each applicant should:

Have the Uganda Certificate of Education (UCE) with at least five (5) passes, or its equivalent and at least two (2) principal passes at Uganda Advanced Certificate of Education (UACE) obtained at the same sitting. For day programmes only candidates who sat A’ Level in 2024, 2023 and 2022 are eligible to apply. For evening, afternoon, and external programmes, a candidate is not restricted on the year of sitting A’ Level. Detailed information on the weighting system can be accessed by following this link.

Other relevant information can be obtained from UNDERGRADUATE ADMISSIONS OFFICE, LEVEL 3, SENATE BUILDING OR CAN BE found on the University Website https://www.mak.ac.ug. Effective Wednesday 16th April 2025. 

A non-refundable application fee of shs.50,000/= for Ugandans, East African and S. Sudan applicants or $75 or equivalent for internationals  plus bank charges should be paid in any of the banks used by Uganda Revenue Authority.                                           

 Candidates who hold grades X, Y, Z, 7 and 9 of ‘O’Level results should not apply because they are not eligible for admission. Below are the availble courses including respective fees structure.

How to submit your application                                            

  1. Applicants should access the Institution’s Admissions URL https://apply.mak.ac.ug/
  2. Sign up by clicking on the REGISTER NOW. Use your full name, e-mail and Mobile No.  Please note that your name must be similar to the one on your supporting academic documents for your application to be considered valid.
  3. A password will be sent to you on your mobile phone and email.                                      
  4. The system will prompt you to change the password to the one you can easily remember.
  5. To fill an application form, click on the APPLY NOW button displayed on the appropriate running scheme.                                              
  6. Obtain a payment reference number by clicking on “Pay for Form” Button
  7. Make a payment at any of the banks used by Uganda Revenue Authority                                            

MOBILE MONEY PAYMENT STEPS:                                                 

  1. Dial *272*6# on either MTN or Airtel                                                             
  2. Select option 3-Admission                                                     
  3. Select option 3-Pay Fees
  4. Enter reference number obtained from Application portal 
  5. Details of Application form will be confirmed                                                              
  6. Enter PIN to confirm payment                                                            

The closing date for receiving applications to undergraduate programmes shall be Tuesday 20th May 2025.                                                           

WARNING:                                                             

  1. Applicants are strongly warned against presenting forged or other people’s academic documents to support their applications for admission.  The consequences, if discovered, are very grave indeed.
  2. Do not buy any other documents not originating from the Academic Registrar’s Office.  Those who buy them do so at their own risk. 
  3. The Academic Registrar has not appointed any agent to act on his behalf to solicit for additional funds other than the application fee stated above.    
  4. Applicants are advised to use the right programme names and codes. the university will not be responsible for any wrong information entered in the system by applicants.                                               

Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi
ACADEMIC REGISTRAR

Mak Editor

Continue Reading

General

Embrace the Safeguarding Policy- Makerere Jinja Campus Students urged

Published

on

Makerere University Jinja Campus safeguarding policy sensitization meeting for students, staff and stakeholders by the Office of the Dean of Students, 15th April 2025 at the Civil Service College, Jinja, Uganda, East Africa.

The Director of Makerere University Jinja Campus, Associate Professor Ronald Kakungulu-Mayambala, has urged students to familiarise themselves with the Safeguarding policy aimed at creating a safer and more inclusive learning environment.

Speaking during the safeguarding policy sensitization meeting held today Tuesday, April 15, 2025 at the Civil Service College, Jinja, Prof. Kakungulu-Mayambala, emphasized the importance of awareness and adherence to the policy, which seeks to protect students, staff, and other stakeholders from all forms of abuse, harassment, exploitation, and discrimination.

“As Management we want every student to enjoy their stay at the University without being tormented and that can only happen, if students know their rights by reading about different policies on our website. You are meant to be living in a safe environment. We do not want anybody’s dream to be shattered or somebody to drop out from University,” Prof. Kakungulu-Mayambala, said.

Prof. Ronald Kakungulu-Mayambala, the Director Makerere University Jinja Campus. Makerere University Jinja Campus safeguarding policy sensitization meeting for students, staff and stakeholders by the Office of the Dean of Students, 15th April 2025 at the Civil Service College, Jinja, Uganda, East Africa.
Prof. Ronald Kakungulu-Mayambala, the Director Makerere University Jinja Campus.

In his speech, Prof. Kakungulu-Mayambala, also called upon students who have complaints but do not know the reporting lines, to approach staff safeguarding champions to make sure that they live in a safe environment.

Addressing guests, Emmanuel Muchake, the Guild Administrator at Jinja Campus, pointed out that the launch of the safeguarding policy is timely because as a University, without creating a conducive environment for teaching and learning, they will not have students graduate.

On Friday, April 4,2025, the Third Deputy Prime Minister and Minister without Portfolio, Right Honourable Lukia Isanga Nakadama, officially launched the Safeguarding Policy and commended Makerere University for crafting a policy that lays out the University’s framework for embedding viable safeguarding measures into its ethos and all institutional activities and processes to: Identify, detect, and act swiftly on safeguarding risks.

The Safeguarding Policy was developed in response to the growing need for institutions of higher learning to implement proactive measures that address concerns related to student welfare, mental health, gender-based violence, and power imbalances in academic settings.

Mr. Emmanuel Muchake addressing guests. Makerere University Jinja Campus safeguarding policy sensitization meeting for students, staff and stakeholders by the Office of the Dean of Students, 15th April 2025 at the Civil Service College, Jinja, Uganda, East Africa.
Mr. Emmanuel Muchake addressing guests.

Some of potential safeguarding risks in Institutions of higher learning include emotional distress, Sexual Exploitation, Abuse and Harassment (SEAH); material loss, financial exploitation, discrimination and neglect, unfair and illegitimate response to civic engagements, cyber security/threats, psychological and emotional harm, substance abuse and physical assault. Discrimination and neglect which are often high risks for students with disabilities and international students.

The safeguarding policy sensitization meeting in Jinja Campus brought together students and staff in a meaningful dialogue on safeguarding issues affecting learning.

The event was graced by Dr. Rodney Rugyema, from the Dean of Students Office, who emphasized the University’s commitment to the well-being of all its members. In his remarks, he highlighted the importance of safeguarding policies in preventing abuse, harassment, exploitation, and other forms of misconduct within the Jinja Campus community.

“Safeguarding is not a one-time action, but a continuous culture of care and accountability. We all have a role to play in ensuring a safe and respectful space for learning and growth,” Dr Rugyema, said.

Dr. Rodney Rugyema (Left) and Prof. Ronald Kakungulu-Mayambala (Right) during the sensitization. Makerere University Jinja Campus safeguarding policy sensitization meeting for students, staff and stakeholders by the Office of the Dean of Students, 15th April 2025 at the Civil Service College, Jinja, Uganda, East Africa.
Dr. Rodney Rugyema (Left) and Prof. Ronald Kakungulu-Mayambala (Right) during the sensitization.

The sensitization session covered key topics including; recognizing signs of abuse, understanding reporting procedures on the MakSafeSpace and fostering mutual respect among peers.

Participants were encouraged to actively engage and reflect on their roles in upholding safety standards both on and off campus.

Students who attended the sensitization welcomed the initiative, with many expressing optimism that the policy would improve campus safety and encourage victims to come forward without fear of retaliation.

“We have seen issues go unreported in the past because students didn’t know where to turn. This policy provides clarity and assurance that the university is taking these matters seriously,” noted, a third-year student.

The University plans to conduct a series of sensitization workshops and distribute printed copies of the policy to ensure that every member of the campus community is well-informed. This initiative is part of Makerere University‘s broader strategy to reinforce its values of integrity, respect, and protection for all.

The Safeguarding Sensitization Meeting concluded with a collective pledge to uphold safety, dignity, and mutual respect within the University community.

Carol Kasujja
Carol Kasujja Adii

Continue Reading

General

Government Sponsorship Undergraduate Admission Lists 2025/26

Published

on

The Office of the Academic Registrar, Makerere University has released admission lists for Government sponsored students for the Academic Year 2025/2026. The Office has also released Cut Off Points for Government Admissions.

Below are lists of candidates admitted to the respective courses tenable at Makerere University and Makerere University Business School:

Mak Editor

Continue Reading

Trending