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Synthesis Report: RUFORUM Webinar 11 – Assessing Opportunities and Challenges of Online Learning

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African universities have been discussing and proposing much greater uptake of online learning in the recent decades. Perceived threats to jobs, lack of skills and exposure, and traditional perceptions of the role of a lecturer as the best mechanism for knowledge sharing and facilitating learning were some of the factors discouraging uptake. This is notwithstanding improvements in the quality, accessibility and affordability of ICTs to support online teaching and learning. The low investment by universities in providing the infrastructure, policies and the training necessary to support blended learning, has confounded the situation. However, the advent of COVID-19 has revolutionized thinking on the Higher Education space worldwide. The COVID-19 Pandemic and the instituted measures to limit its spread, has brought with it many changes, challenges and opportunities across the entire education value chain across nations. In Africa, universities are finding ways to keep their students academically engaged despite the closure of classrooms, libraries, laboratories and other teaching and learning facilities. Today, the establishment of Learning Management Systems such as Microsoft Teams, Zoom, and Improved Skype, Google Classroom and Google Hangouts, among others, in universities can favor continued access to teaching and learning, while still maintaining some opportunities for physical contact. However, the majority of students still have no access to good internet signal and data, computers or smart phones in order to take advantage of such online learning and teaching facilities. At national level, many countries need to review their policies, regulations, resource allocation, and human and infrastructural capacities in order to address the emerging challenges, take advantage of the rising opportunities and support the required transformation in the education sector.

This report covers points of action and emerging issues from Webinar 11 organized by RUFORUM on African Universities in post COVID-19: assessing the opportunities and challenges of online learning held on 16th September, 2020.

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Mark Wamai

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Makerere University Inaugurates 2nd Health User Committee

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Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe (C) with L-R: Ms. Kevin Nabiryo, Mr. Godfrey Othieno, Dr. Allen Kabagenyi, Dr. Daniel Ruhweza, Dr. Lillian Tukahirwa and Prof. Josaphat Byamugisha after the inauguration on 20th April 2026. Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe inaugurates Second Makerere University Health User Committee (Mak-HUC) chaired by Dr. Allen Kabagenyi, 20th April 2026, Main Building, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

The Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe on 20th April 2026 inaugurated the Second Makerere University Health User Committee (Mak-HUC). The Committee was established by the Vice Chancellor in 2022 as part of his strategic mandate to strengthen and oversee the University Hospital services delivery.

Chaired by Dr. Allen Kabagenyi from the College of Business and Management Sciences (CoBAMS), Mak-HUC has as its members; Prof. Josaphat K. Byamugisha-Director Makerere University Health Services (MakHS) and Dr. Daniel Ronald Ruhweza-Department of Law and Jurisprudence, School of Law.

Other members include; Dr. Arthur Kwizera-Department of Anaesthesia and Critical Care, College of Health Sciences (CHS) and Makerere University Academic Staff Association (MUASA) Representative, Dr. Lillian Tukahirwa-Makerere University Administrative Staff Association (MASA) Representative, Mr. Godfrey Othieno- National Union of Educational Institutions (NUEI) Representative, and as Secretariat, Ms. Kevin M. Nabiryo-Directorate of Human Resources.

Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe inaugurates Second Makerere University Health User Committee (Mak-HUC) chaired by Dr. Allen Kabagenyi, 20th April 2026, Main Building, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe (C) interacts with members of the 2nd Mak-HUC.

The 2nd Mak-HUC has been appointed for a period of four years effective 1st January 2026 with a mandate to: Guide, monitor and oversee delivery of health services by MakHS; Represent the interests and concerns of staff and students that use MakHS; Advise on alignment with sustainable health financing and insurance models; Strengthen systems for fraud prevention, digital transformation and access to specialized treatment, among other responsibilities.

The 1st Mak-HUC was chaired by Dr. Allen Kabagenyi and had as members; Prof. Josaphat Byamugisha, Dr. Fred Mayambala, Dr. Zahara Nampewo, Mr. Othieno Godfrey, Mr. Apunyo Paul Okiria and Ms. Ikiriza Racheal. Milestones during the first era included; Outpatient Department visits growth from 4,802 (2022) to 7,388 (Nov 2025) for staff and 14,641 (2022) to 19,069 (Nov 2025) for students.

Others milestones included; Commissioning of a fully equipped Operating Theatre, Establishment of a modern Imaging Hub, Development of a fully functional Audiology Unit, Expansion of the Temporal Bone Laboratory, Launch of the Olink Proteomics Platform and Enhancement of the Dental Unit with 32 dental chairs and experienced personnel.

Related article: https://news.mak.ac.ug/2025/12/three-years-of-impact-makerere-university-health-user-committee-presents-status-report/

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Makerere University Employment Opportunities: Academic, Administrative and Support Staff

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Participants pose for a group photo on Day Two of the staff induction ceremony for new recruits on 16th May 2025. Makerere University day two of induction exercise spearheaded by the Directorate of Human Resources for newly appointed staff, whose tenures commenced in the 2024/2025 financial year, 16th May 2025, School of Public Health (MakSPH) Auditorium, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

Makerere University invites applications from suitably qualified candidates for various academic, administrative, and support staff positions.

Detailed job profiles and the application link can be found at:
http://ehrms.mak.ac.ug/recruitment/jobs.

All applications must be submitted electronically via the Makerere University Electronic Human
Resource Management System through the above link (ehrms). Applicants will be required to
provide the necessary information on the ehrms and attach the following documents:

  1. An application letter clearly stating the job applied for and duly signed by the applicant.
  2. An up-to-date curriculum vitae. The curriculum must also state the names and addresses of
    at least three referees.
  3. Copies of academic certificates and transcripts.
  4. A minimum of three recommendation letters duly signed by the referees.

The application should be addressed to:

The Chief Human Resource Officer
Makerere University
P.O. Box 7062
Kampala

Closing Date: 04th May 2026, 17:00HRS E.A.T

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End of a Distinguished Era as Mrs. Patience Mushengyezi Hands-Over Senate Division Office

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The Academic Registrar-Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi (R) witnesses as Mrs. Patience Mushengyezi (L) officially hands over office to Ms. Gladys Khamili on 20th April 2026. Academic Registrar, Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi and his Senior Management Team (SMT) witness the official handover of office of Deputy Academic Registrar in charge of the Senate Division, from Mrs. Patience Mushengyezi to Ms. Gladys Khamili, who assumes the role in an acting capacity, 20th April 2026, Senate Building, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

By Gerald Ochwo

On Monday, 20th April 2026, the Academic Registrar, Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi and his Senior Management Team (SMT) convened to witness the official handover of office within the Senate Division. The ceremony, attended by representatives from the Directorate of Internal Audit, marked an important moment of transition and continuity in the University’s academic administration. The outgoing Deputy Academic Registrar in charge of the Senate Division, Mrs. Patience Mushengyezi, formally handed over office to Ms. Gladys Khamili, who assumes the role in an acting capacity.

In his remarks, Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi underscored the significance of the transition, situating it within a broader institutional context. He observed that the Department of the Academic Registrar has, over the years, experienced a steady wave of retirements, particularly among senior staff. He noted that this trend is expected to continue, with a considerable number of experienced personnel due to retire within the next two years.

While acknowledging the institutional gaps created by these departures, he reassured staff that the University is actively addressing the situation to ensure the continued efficiency of the Department.

“You will agree with me that the Department has, over the years, witnessed the retirement of many senior colleagues. Their departure leaves behind a significant institutional gap. However, the University is fully aware and will address it through targeted recruitment,” he stated.

In her detailed handover report, which she delivered verbatim, Mrs. Patience Mushengyezi reflected on her tenure with gratitude and a deep sense of fulfillment. She paid tribute to the Vice-Chancellor, in his capacity as Chairperson of the University Senate, for his steadfast guidance and support throughout her service. She also expressed sincere appreciation to the Academic Registrar, Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi, for his pragmatic and results-oriented leadership.

Academic Registrar, Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi and his Senior Management Team (SMT) witness the official handover of office of Deputy Academic Registrar in charge of the Senate Division, from Mrs. Patience Mushengyezi to Ms. Gladys Khamili, who assumes the role in an acting capacity, 20th April 2026, Senate Building, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Ms. Gladys Khamili.

Academic Registrar, Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi and his Senior Management Team (SMT) witness the official handover of office of Deputy Academic Registrar in charge of the Senate Division, from Mrs. Patience Mushengyezi to Ms. Gladys Khamili, who assumes the role in an acting capacity, 20th April 2026, Senate Building, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Members of the Academic Registrar’s Senior Management Team witness the handover.

I remain deeply grateful for the support from the Vice-Chancellor and all members of Senate for the trust they accorded me. I equally thank the Academic Registrar, Prof. Buyinza, for his results-oriented approach to administration. His support enabled us to achieve remarkable progress under the DARP (Digitalization of Academic Records and Processes) Project, including the successful digitalization of Senate minutes, some dating as far back as the 1990s, which are now easily retrievable,” she noted.

Her remarks painted a picture of dedication, progress, and institutional strengthening, leaving behind a legacy that will continue to benefit the University.

In her acceptance remarks, Ms. Gladys Khamili expressed heartfelt appreciation to the Academic Registrar for the confidence placed in her. She acknowledged the weight of responsibility that comes with the role and pledged her commitment to upholding the standards and gains established by her predecessor.

She paid glowing tribute to Mrs. Mushengyezi’s exceptional service, noting that her impact within the Senate Division is both profound and enduring.

Academic Registrar, Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi and his Senior Management Team (SMT) witness the official handover of office of Deputy Academic Registrar in charge of the Senate Division, from Mrs. Patience Mushengyezi to Ms. Gladys Khamili, who assumes the role in an acting capacity, 20th April 2026, Senate Building, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Ms Khamili paid glowing tribute to Mrs. Mushengyezi’s exceptional service.

“I am truly honored by the trust bestowed upon me. I am committed to building on the strong foundation laid by Mrs. Mushengyezi, whose remarkable contribution and dedication will continue to inspire us all,” she said.

The ceremony not only marked the end of a distinguished era in the Department of the Academic Registrar, but also the beginning of a new phase, underscored by continuity, renewal, and a shared commitment to excellence in academic administration at Makerere University.

Gerald Ochwo is the Liaison and Communication Officer, Office of the Academic Registrar

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