General
Mak Chair Council Launches ARIS Development
The Chairperson of Council, Mrs. Lorna Magara on Thursday 6th May, 2021 launched the development of an in-house Academic Records Information System (MakARIS) aimed at ensuring full control by the University of its academic processes and records. The launch follows a resolution by the University Council at its 151st meeting, and undergirds four overarching goals of the Makerere University Strategic Plan 2020-2030.
The four goals are: A research-led University responding to National, Regional and Global development challenges; Innovations in Teaching and Learning that respond to the changing environment; An engaged University with enhanced partnerships with industry, the community and international institutions; and A professionally governed, equitable, inclusive and gender mainstreamed institution.
The Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe in his welcome remarks thanked the Chairperson and Members of Council for the resolution that paved way for the development of MakARIS. He thanked Acting (Ag.) Deputy Vice Chancellor (Finance and Administration), Dr. Josephine Nabukenya for accepting to chair the Steering Committee that will spearhead the development of MakARIS.
“I believe that all processes in the University should be digitized and effected on an integrated system. I therefore thank the Acting DVCFA who since her appointment has ensured that IT-dependent systems are implemented promptly” remarked the Vice Chancellor.
Prof. Nawangwe’s appointment of Dr. Nabukenya as Chairperson MakARIS Steering Committee was based on her vast experience as Associate Professor of Information Systems, developer of IT polices and leadership of various research projects.
In her acceptance remarks, Dr. Nabukenya noted that Makerere University has the requisite capacity to develop a fully integrated Information System and introduced her committee members. These are;
- Dr. Umar Kakumba – Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic Affairs)
- Mr. Hudson Musoke – Ag. Director Legal Affairs
- Mr. Yusuf Kiranda – Ag. University Secretary
- Mr. Alfred Namoah Masikye – Academic Registrar
- Dr. Vincent Ssembatya – Director Quality Assurance Directorate (QAD)
- Mr. Samuel Mugabi – Director Directorate for ICT Support (DICTS)
- Prof. Henry Alinaitwe – Principal College of Engineering, Design, Art and Technology (CEDAT)
- Assoc. Prof. Josephine Ahikire – Principal College of Humanities and Social Sciences (CHUSS)
- Mr. Silas Ngabirano – Assistant Commissioner ICT, Ministry of ICT and National Guidance
Also introduced were members of the technical team consisting of Software Engineers, System Integration Specialists, Systems Analysts, Enterprise Architects, Programmers and Research Assistants. The technical team made up of staff from the School of Computing and Informatics Technology (CIT) and DICTS.
The Ag. DVCFA shared that the development will be carried out within a period of 6 months and is justified by; Reduction of costs as there will no recurring license fees, Accommodation of user stakes (students, banks and other stakeholders to be consulted) and Ownership (the system will be owned by Makerere University).
Furthermore, the development is justified by; Customization (the system will be customizable to meet emerging needs), Reduced security risks on institutional data, and Improved service provision to various users. The MakARIS enterprise architecture will ensure that all process and systems that feed into the management of student records will be integrated so as to cater for both present and future requirements.
“It gives me so much pleasure to be able to participate in this launch, which is at the heart of what Council has always desired to do” remarked the Chairperson Mrs. Magara as she commended the Steering Committee for the presentation and planned activities.
She noted that once fully developed, the system will provide an enriching environment for the University to draw out and utilize the vast potential that exists within the various colleges. The Chairperson added that efficiency and effectiveness are key elements of Information Systems, short of which, they are as good as dead.
“Automation will greatly improve information flow, alleviate the frustrations that many have experienced in the past and as a result, holdups will be history” said Mrs. Magara.
She applauded the University Management and technical team for the efforts taken to develop the system so far and pledged Council’s support in the form of any policies that will need to be enacted to ensure that the system is implemented. Mrs. Magara concluded her remarks by challenging University units to look beyond solving institutional challenges to helping Government Ministries, Departments and Agencies tackle national needs.
The Makerere University Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe has today, Friday, 26th June 2026 handed over the CCE (Complex) Hall of Residence Site to National Enterprise Corporation (NEC) Managing Director and CEO, Lieutenant General James Mugira for renovation and overhaul works. The UGX 12billion Government of Uganda-funded works, expected to be completed within a year, are the fourth project to be undertaken by NEC. They were preceded by; construction of the University Perimeter Wall, Renovation of Lumumba Hall, and Renovation of Mary Stuart Hall.
NEC’s Record Lauded
Prof. Nawangwe in his remarks at the handover ceremony lauded these projects. “The quality of work done by NEC makes us proud because we can finally say that we have Ugandans who can do the things, which we previously depended on foreigners to do.” He therefore thanked the Government of Uganda for fully funding the projects and the First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Hon. Janet Museveni, whose visit set the renovation projects in motion.
The Vice Chancellor added that as the Alma mater for most members of both the Contractor and Project Management Teams, this was a moment of great pride as their expertise and skills have saved the country billions of taxpayers’ money. “Thank you for being patriotic”, he commended.
Prof. Nawangwe concluded by noting that CCE Hall, by virtue of its location, provides a first impression of Makerere University as a whole. He therefore urged the contractor to ensure that upon renovation, CCE Hall would create a memorable and lasting first impression, exceeding even that of the renovated Mary Stuart Hall.
A Project Fueled by Nostalgia
Speaking of impressions, Lt. Gen. Mugira, with nostalgia recalled that close to 42 years ago, he not only attended his first lectures in Hall 1 of the CCE Complex but also, on a more personal note added, “my wife was a resident, and so I have every motivation to put in a lot of effort and make sure that I deliver more than was done with Mary Stuart and Lumumba.”
He therefore extended heartfelt appreciation to his Alma mater Makerere University for the trust and confidence bestowed in NEC, which underscored their ability to deliver. “Trust is earned through performance, through integrity and consistency, and your decision to engage us motivates us to work even harder to exceed your expectations.”
In his remarks, the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Finance and Administration) Prof. Henry Alinaitwe reechoed the need to ensure that the project is executed with adherence to the cost, quality, specifications and safety related issues as earlier shared by the Acting (Ag.) Chief Engineer of Estates and Works, Eng. Ezra Sekadde.
“NEC has already demonstrated this (with previous projects), and that is why we have all the confidence that you can deliver this project within 12 months” remarked Prof. Alinaitwe. He equally lauded the Project Management Team (PMT) led by Arch. Dr. Kenneth Ssemwogerere whose supervision ensures timely project completion.
Relatedly, Arch. Dr. Semwogerere was on 25th June 2026, the eve of the handover, promoted to the rank of Associate Professor, a milestone Prof. Alinaitwe attributed to his track record as Head of PMT. He therefore, on a light note, urged him to keep up the good work as this could equally contribute to his promotion to the rank of full Professor.
Also present at the handover ceremony was the Principal, College of Education and External Studies (CEES) Prof. Anthony Mugagga, whose unit will be greatly affected by the renovations. He nevertheless welcomed and reiterated his full support for the project, noting that just as renovation of Lumumba and Mary Stuart Halls had resulted in many alumni revisiting, the CCE Complex would upon renovation attract former residents and teaching professionals to give back or forge new partnerships.
Student Welfare at the Forefront
On her part, the Dean of Students Dr. Winifred Kabumbuli lauded the renovations of Halls of Residence as a clear demonstration of Government’s dedication to the improvement of student welfare, and creating an environment conducive for nurturing responsible citizens who can contribute to national development. She pledged her Office’s and the Student Leadership’s readiness to ensure that the renovated facilities used responsibly for the benefit of future generations.
As a resident of the recently renovated Mary Stuart Hall, 92nd Guild President H.E. Kadondi Gracious could not help but appreciate how impactful the renovation of CCE Hall would be to student welfare. “The female students will be very excited (to occupy CCE Hall) but the male students will be left complaining – so we shall be expecting more renovations, not just for the female but also the male students,” she amiably concluded.
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