General
Katikkiro Visits Main Building Site, Expresses Solidarity
A delegation from Buganda Kingdom led by the Second Deputy Katikkiro and Minister for Finance and Economic Planning-Owek. Robert Waggwa Nsibirwa on Thursday 1st October, 2020 paid a courtesy call on the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe to express the Kingdom’s solidarity and sympathies following the fire incident that ravaged the Main Building on 20th September 2020. The Deputy Katikkiro was accompanied by Buganda Minister for Youth, Sports and Recreation-Owek. Dr. Prosperous Nankindu Kavuma and Buganda Minister for Information, Cabinet, Lukiiko, Protocol and Kingdom Spokesperson-Owek. Noah Kiyimba. Also present to receive the delegation was the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic Affairs)-Dr. Umar Kakumba.
In his remarks, the Vice Chancellor welcomed and thanked the delegation for not only sending messages of support when they heard about the fire incident but also taking time visit Makerere University and express their solidarity. He noted that there has been an outpouring of messages of sympathy and support from alumni and friends of Makerere University from all over the world ever since the shocking news of the fire broke early on that Sunday morning.
This, he noted, was a reaffirmation that “Makerere is possibly the most international University in the world owing to two factors i) if we consider the number of Memoranda of Understanding signed with most major institutions in the world and ii) that our staff do research and publish with researchers and academics in other institutions around the world more than any other university.”
Prof. Nawangwe shared that as a result of this support, a number of individuals and institutions have already sent in their contributions either to help restore the iconic Main Building or ensure business continuity for the affected departments. He informed the delegation that earlier in the day, the University Management had unveiled two bank accounts and an MTN MoMo Pay merchant code through which contributions to the restoration may be sent. The Vice Chancellor concluded by announcing that the official fundraising drive would be held at a later date.
In her brief remarks prior to inviting the Deputy Katikiro, Dr. Nankindu Kavuma shared that as an alumna and researcher who resided in Africa Hall and Quarry flats respectively, the news of the fire outbreak was both unbelievable and sad. She nevertheless reassured that the spirit of Buganda in donating the land on which the University was built is still alive and that the Kingdom remains committed to working with Makerere to nurture other Universities.
In his personal remarks prior to reading the Katikkiro’s message, Owek. Waggwa Nsibirwa said Buganda Kingdom’s contribution to Makerere has been well documented beyond the land donations in 1922 at the start of the Technical School and in 1949 when the institution became a College affiliated to the University College of London. He added that century-old collaboration between the two institutions can only grow stronger.
“Many of us serving in the Buganda Kingdom Government are alumni of Makerere University” remarked the Deputy Katikkiro before adding “I used to reside in University Hall while I did my Bachelor of Statistics and I returned for my second degree (Master of Arts) in Economic Policy and Planning.”
He added that as members of alumni, they were personally touched when they saw that the iconic Ivory Tower had been gutted by fire. However, this only served to strengthen their resolve. “We shall rise again and have an even more iconic Main Building.”
The Katikkiro’s Message of Solidarity noted that the gutting of the Ivory Tower was one of the saddest occurrences in Makerere’s 98 year old history and conveyed his personal and Kingdom’s sympathies to the Vice Chancellor, academic and non-academic staff, students, alumni and Government of Uganda upon this most tragic incident.
“I trust that the government will support management to establish the cause of the fire, and more importantly, to restore the Ivory Tower to its original state and appearance” concluded Owek. Charles Peter Mayiga’s message.
The delegation then proceeded to the Main Building site, where they somberly observed the gutted Ivory Tower before once again reassuring the Management of Buganda Kingdom’s willingness to support efforts to restore the iconic Main Administration Building.
Article by Public Relations Office
Today, Monday 18th May 2026, most students will begin their End of Semester Two Examinations, and they have been encouraged to remain confident and calm during the examination season.
Data from the University Counselling and Guidance Centre shows that even the best-prepared students experience anxiety, pressure, fear of failure, sleep difficulties and emotional exhaustion during examinations.
Addressing students during a pre-examination mental health workshop organised by the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Makerere University on 15th May 2026, Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi, Academic Registrar, reminded students that their mental health is far more important than any grade.
“This workshop comes at the right time. I encourage all students to understand that your worth is not defined by a single examination or grade. Examinations are only one part of your educational journey. What matters equally is your ability to remain healthy, focused, ethical and hopeful throughout the process,” Prof Buyinza, said.
Prof. Buyinza shared practical tips to help students avoid fatigue and excessive stress during this period.
“Prepare a realistic reading timetable and avoid last-minute cramming. Take short breaks while studying to allow your mind to recover and improve concentration. Get adequate sleep and avoid excessive consumption of caffeine and energy drinks,” he noted.
During the session, he also encouraged students to engage in light physical activity, stretching or short walks to refresh their minds and reduce tension.
“Maintain a positive mindset and avoid comparing yourself excessively with others. Stay connected with supportive friends, family members, mentors or counsellors whenever you feel overwhelmed,” Prof. Buyinza advised.
He reaffirmed the University’s commitment to supporting students not only academically, but also in their mental and psychosocial wellbeing, encouraging learners to seek help from counsellors, lecturers, mentors, peers, family members and available support systems whenever necessary.
Speaking at the event, Ms. Prossy Nakayiki, the Deputy Academic Registrar in charge of Examinations and Transcripts warned students against examination malpractice and urged them to uphold academic integrity.
“Anxiety should never push anyone into examination malpractice, do not enter an examination room with a smart watch, phone or any hidden paper commonly known as bullets. Preparation, honesty, rest and self-belief remain the best approaches to success,” Ms. Nakayiki, said.
She also advised students who had not yet printed their examination cards to do so early, noting that delays at the last minute could cause unnecessary panic and disorganisation.
In her presentation about the reality of examination stress and coping strategies, Connie Evelyn Kharono, a Counselling Psychologist at the Counselling and Guidance Center, called upon students to adopt the 5, 4,3,2,1 Ground technique before an exam or intense study session.
The 5, 4,3,2,1 ground technique, is one of the easiest mindfulness strategies designed for managing stress and anxiety, as it can be done almost anywhere and at any time. You name 5 things you can see, 4 you can touch, 3 you can hear, 2 you can smell and 1 you can taste.
She advised students to focus on what they can control.
“You can control your study schedule, your sleep and how kindly you speak yourself. You cannot control the exact questions that will be on the paper, so channel your energy only into the preparations you can influence,” Ms Kharono, said.
Ms Kharono encouraged students to maintain a regular sleep schedule and ensure that they are eating balanced meals and staying hydrated.
Ms Christine Nimusiima, a senior Psycho-Social Officer at the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Makerere University, called upon the students to practise positive self-talk and maintain a healthy mindset.
“During this examination season, avoid comparing your revision progress or predicted grades with your peers. Your only competition is who you were yesterday. Take a deep breath, trust in the work you have done and remember that you have the resilience to succeed. Best of luck with your preparations,” Ms. Nimusiima said.
By Dr. Racheal Ddungu Mugabi
The Alliance for African Partnership, Africa Office, today received a delegation from the University of Bergen (UiB)’s Division of Research and Innovation. The visiting team comprised Kristin Svartveit, Vivil Valvik Haraldsen, and Emmanuel Ovon Babatunde.
The delegation was officially introduced by Prof. Sylvia Tamale Tamusuza, Head, Grants Administration and Management Support Unit (GAMSU), together with Dr. Ronald Semyalo (Makerere University coordinator for UiB)
The visit aimed to strengthen institutional collaboration and promote research excellence through international partnerships. The key objectives of the meeting included:
- UiB team sharing information and experiences on enhancing success in EU grant acquisition and management.
- UiB application support process for Postdoc fellowships at Bergen up to a period of 2 years
- AAP Africa Office providing insights into the AAP consortium programs and activities in order to foster collaboration between the AAP consortium and UiB.
The engagement provided an important platform for knowledge exchange, networking, and exploring opportunities for future collaborative research initiatives between Makerere University, the AAP consortium, and the University of Bergen.
The Author is the Director of the AAP Africa Office
-
General1 week agoBachelor of Laws Pre-Entry Examination Results 2026/2027
-
General2 weeks agoMature Age Admission List – Government Sponsorship 2026/27
-
General6 days agoCall for Research Support Applications from Master’s Students who have Completed their First Year of Taught Classes at Makerere University
-
Sports2 weeks agoMaking Waves: The Rise of the Mak Sharks and Makerere University’s Aquatic Legacy
-
General2 weeks agoNotice: Medical Review Exercise for Persons with Disability 2026/2027