[Seated L-R] Dr. Ruth Nalumaga, Col. Santurino Tumuranzye, Prof. Byamugisha, Prof. Andrew Ellias State and others in a group photo with the students undergoing orientation at Mak library on 15th October 2021.
A total of 73 cadets recently admitted for the Bachelor of Defense Studies of Makerere have today, 15th October 2021 undergone orientation at the University Main Library.
According to the Head of Team and UPDF Head Academics Col. Santurino Tumuranzye, Uganda Military Academy (UMA), Kabamba, an affiliate institution of Makerere University under the School of Social Sciences has made it a tradition for all cadets admitted for the programme to undergo orientation on the use of library services before embarking on their studies. Introducing the students to the Library staff, Col Tumuranzye, on behalf of Uganda Peoples Defence Forces appreciated Makerere University for the support rendered towards professionalizing the Army. He specifically thanked the University Librarian, Prof. Helen M. Byamugisha and the Dean, School of Social Sciences, Dr Andrew Ellias State for always being supportive with the orientation.
University Librarian Prof. Byamugisha
Led by University Librarian Prof. Byamugisha, Makerere University Main Library staff including, Deputy University Librarian Dr Ruth Nalumaga, Mr. Patrick Sekikome and Ms Caroline Kobusingye have sensitized the students on a number of issues including catalogue and database searching strategies.
Deputy University Librarian Dr Ruth Nalumaga .
Addressing the students, Prof. Byamugisha emphasized the importance of the library as a critical source of information. She pointed out that Makerere University Main Library was one of the biggest on the African Continent, with all sorts of information materials required for various programmes.
In his remarks, the Dean, School of Social Sciences, Dr Andrew Ellias State appreciated the leadership of Makerere University Main Library for tirelessly supporting the School with the orientation programme. He cautioned the students to make good use of the library in the course of their studies. “The library is the most important institution at the University that cannot be avoided. The University allows you to think and generate knowledge. You cannot claim to have done resourceful research without visiting the library,” he stated.
Following the training, the students were taken on a tour of the University Library.
About the Bachelor of Defence Studies
The Bachelor of Defence Studies of Makerere University is an interdisciplinary programme with courses broadly from Political Science. The three-year programme introduced in 2019 is in line with the East African Community Defense Protocol signed by governments to improve on the training of cadets in the region. The programme is also intended to professionalize the army.
Hosted under the School of Social Sciences at Makerere University, the programme is taught by staff from the Department of Political Science and Public Administration, as well as other Units within the Social Sciences. The programme is strictly taught at Uganda Military Academy, Kabamba but the students attain a degree of Makerere University.
The Office of Academic Registrar, Makerere University has released lists of Successful appeals and supplementary lists. Below is a list arising from appeals of Government Sponsored candidates who have been admitted:
Makerere University and DFCU Bank have today signed a three-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to bolster innovation, student leadership, research and community impact initiatives.
The collaboration which will see the equipping of the Disability Support center for students living with disabilities through the MAK run and more leadership trainings for students will begin this July.
“The MoU will strengthen research collaborations across sectors like agriculture and health and it will also support the Mutebile Centre to assist private sector growth, which is crucial in lifting Africa out of poverty,” said Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, the Vice Chancellor.
Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe (R) flanked by Mr. Charles Mudiwa (L) makes his remarks at the MoU signing ceremony.
Speaking during the event, Mr. Charles M. Mudiwa, the DFCU Bank Chief Executive Officer, welcomed the move, noting its alignment with the bank’s mission to transform lives and support national development through four pillars: funding, financial inclusion, enterprise development, and vocational education.
“This MoU crowns years of effort and shared intent between our institutions,” he stated. Mr. Mudiwa highlighted the bank’s commitment to skilling youth through internships, curriculum development, and support for innovation hubs and centres of excellence at the university. “We consume the graduates of Makerere. In our most recent graduate intake of 87, 60% were Makerere alumni. The bank allocates around 30 internship positions annually to equip young people with the skills necessary for future roles within the institution,” Mr. Mudiwa, noted.
Representing the student body, Guild President His Excellency, Sentamu Churchill James, commended the partnership as a timely intervention that will empower youth, support SMEs, and expand internship and leadership development opportunities.
Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe (2nd L) presents a framed portrait of the Main Building to Mr. Charles Mudiwa (C) as L-R: University Secretary-Mr. Yusuf Kiranda, 91st Guild President-H.E. Ssentamu Churchill James and Acting Deputy Vice Chancellor (Finance and Administration)-Prof. Winston Tumps Ireeta witness.
“Students are the heartbeat of the university. This collaboration will empower youth and strengthen their role in national development,” His Excellency Ssentamu, said.
About MAK RUN 2025
The Makerere Run 2025 (#MakRun2025), hosted by the Makerere University Endowment Fund (MAKEF) on 17th August 2025, returns for its fifth edition as Kampala’s premier charity marathon, uniting 8,000+ runners—students, alumni, corporate teams, and elite athletes—to tackle the city’s iconic hills under the theme “Run the Hills for the Future.” This landmark event combines competitive racing with transformative impact, channeling proceeds to strengthen Makerere University’s community programs while offering unmatched branding opportunities for partners through Kampala’s largest university-led sporting spectacle.
The Mak Run, scheduled this year for August 17th, is a flagship initiative that mobilizes students, staff, alumni, and partners to raise funds for projects such as the Disability Support Unit and the Student Centre.