General
Vice Chancellor urges MCF Scholars to be Responsible Leaders
The Vice Chancellor of Makerere University Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, urged Scholars of Mastercard Foundation (MCF) to strive to become responsible leaders and not leaders of riots. He said this while addressing the 53 Cohort Six Scholars during their Scholarship Award Ceremony held on 12th March 2021 in the Central Teaching Facility 2 (CTF2) Auditorium, Makerere University.
“Mastercard Foundation and Makerere University are training you to become the next generation of leaders who will champion transformative change in your communities and the African continent.” Prof. Nawangwe said.
Prof. Nawangwe pointed out that every year Makerere University loses over 1000 students who drop out due to lack of tuition and functional fees. He therefore called upon the Scholars to count themselves lucky for having received the prestigious Mastercard Foundation Scholarship, which will enable them to attain quality university education at Makerere University.
Prof. Nawangwe further pointed out that out of the two million pupils who join primary schools every year only 90,000 make it to University, of which Makerere University admits only 10,000 students. He encouraged Mastercard Foundation Scholars to stay focused on their studies and be honest when dealing with others and/or transacting any business. He further advised them to make the best of the Scholarship they received by concentrating on their studies and associating with the right people who will add value to their academic and social life.
Prof. Umar Kakumba, the Chairperson of the MCF Steering Committee highlighted that the Scholars Program was uniquely designed to provide Scholars with academic curricular that is relevant to the job market. He added that the program also provides extra support in terms of mentorship, counseling and psychosocial support services, as well as experiential learning through volunteerism, internships and social entrepreneurship; and connections to jobs and internship opportunities through its network of partners.
Prof. Kakumba thanked the MCF Selection Committee and the Secretariat of the Scholars Program for recruiting the Cohort Six Scholars amidst the COVID-19 challenges.
Dr. Muhammad Ntale, the Chairperson of the Selection Committee informed the guests that the Scholars Program had recruited 1,032 Scholars since its inception in 2014. He added that this was a remarkable achievement because they had exceeded the earlier target of recruiting 1000 students.
Dr. Justine Namaalwa, the Program Coordinator, thanked the University Management for the unwavering support they had given to the Scholars Program, which enabled the Program to operate smoothly in the University. She urged Cohort Six Scholars to make the best of the opportunity that was offered to them by Mastercard Foundation.
“I would like to urge you Cohort Six Scholars to tap into the various opportunities that the Program presents to you during your stay at the University. You will realize that unlike other University students, you are going to enjoy a number of benefits and extra skills training opportunities.” Dr. Namaalwa pointed out.
Dr. Namaalwa thanked Mastercard Foundation in championing the education of the girl child in the higher education sector. She pointed out that out of the 1,032 students so far recruited on the Program, 780 were girls, which represented 76% of the Scholarships. She called upon other organizations to emulate Mastercard Foundation in educating the young people, because it was the only way to achieve meaningful change in Uganda and the African continent.
Makerere University on Thursday 15th May, 2025 embarked on a two-day induction exercise spearheaded by the Directorate of Human Resources for newly appointed staff, whose tenures commenced in the 2024/2025 financial year. Held in the Senate Conference Hall, day one of the induction was presided over by the Acting (Ag.) Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic Affairs)-DVCAA, Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi, who represented the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe.
Warmly welcoming the new staff, Prof. Buyinza congratulated the ladies and gentlemen upon choosing Makerere University as the workplace for embarking on their next phase of professional growth, self-discovery, and personal development.
“You are joining a century-old institution with a distinguished history and a deeply rooted culture of academic excellence” Prof. Buyinza remarked. “For over 100 years, Makerere has nurtured the intellectual talents of young people and contributed meaningfully to the development of society across the globe,” he added.
The Ag. DVCAA nevertheless tipped that although the onboarding process might overwhelm staff with a lot of information, it is all meant to enable them better understand their roles, the benefits due them, and the unique opportunities that come with working in a world-class institution. Prof. Buyinza therefore encouraged new staff to contribute to the attainment of Makerere’s Mission, connect with the vibrant community they are now part of, enjoy the beautiful greenery the campus affords, and take advantage of professional development as well as well-being promoting programmes.
“At Makerere University, the well-being, safety, and professional growth of our staff are priorities. We are committed to walking this journey with you, and to building an institution that is not only a place of work but a place of inspiration and belonging” Prof. Buyinza reassured.
In his welcome remarks, the Chief Human Resources Officer, Mr. Deus Tayari Mujuni congratulated the new staff upon successfully completing the rigorous process the resulted into their respective appointments. He equally thanked the Vice Chancellor for endorsing the induction ceremony with not only budgetary support but also his representation.
Reiterating the need to appreciate the culture, politics and dynamics of the institution that they are now part of, Mr. Mujuni tasked new staff to take time and appreciate the University Vision, Mission and Objectives, and ensure that they adhere to them. He equally urged new staff to read and understand the various university policies and where in doubt, consult the relevant offices.
Ultimately, he urged staff in the fulfilment of their duties and responsibilities not to disregard their individual goals. “You have aspirations that you must achieve as an individual and I encourage you not to neglect them.”
The University Council as the supreme governing body of the university is also the policy making body, whose Appointments Board oversees the appointment, promotion, removal from service, and discipline of all university staff and officers. The representative of Staff with Disabilities on University Council, Mr. Amon Muteganda Kabahima who chaired the session on University Governance equally congratulated new staff.
“You underwent a tough process full of various competitive stages and we are sure that we have the right people for the various jobs” he commended.
Addressing aspects of University Governance and the key Offices, the University Secretary and Secretary to Council, Mr. Yusuf Kiranda guided that the policies and regulations that govern the institution are broad, numerous, and as such cannot adequately be covered over the two-day induction. He nevertheless encouraged staff to visit the University Policies website and appraise themselves with the details, not only for avoidance of breaching them but also building a culture voluntary compliance.
Mr. Kiranda equally encouraged staff not to ascribe importance and respect to colleagues based on rank and titles but seek to esteem each and every member of staff as an important and vital contributor to the fulfilment of the University’s Vision and Mission.
“We are all equally important in this university; the person whose services the university does not require, it does not hire. As long as you are here, you are required” he explained.
The University Secretary equally called upon staff to familiarize themselves with the law that establishes and governs public universities; the Universities and Other Tertiary Institutions Act (UOTIA). In his presentation, he singled out section twenty-four (24) that outlines the objectives of a public university in Uganda, as well as sections 30 to 32 that prescribe various offices’ responsibilities.
Mr. Kiranda equally encouraged staff to read the Human Resources Manual, Policy and Regulations against Sexual Harassment (PRASH), the Safeguarding Policy, among others. He concluded by reiterating the need for staff to read and appreciate the policies that directly address their welfare and steer clear of negative narratives and discourse, particularly those that seek to weaponize discourse. Other topics to be covered during the two-day induction include; the University Strategic Plan, Financing, Research-led Agenda, Institutional Communication and Public Relations and the Makerere University Retirement Benefits Scheme (MURBS). Topics to be covered on day two include; Legal Instruments, The Collegiate System, Human Resources Management and Functions, as well as Policies on Gender Equality and Sexual Harassment. Others include; Academic Issues, Quality Assurance, Procurement, Audit, and Library Resources.
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