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Mental Health in an Unequal World – World Mental Health Day 2021

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We take care of our hair, brush our teeth, take a bathe, go to hospital when we are sick but we often ignore seeking mental health services. When having psychological challenges, emotional pains, growth needs, relationship challenges we want to bury them under the sand. Mental health has often been stigmatized in spite of its usefulness in driving the body. It is even harder for the children, people living in rural areas, the physically impaired, the poor, the old to receive mental health services.

Makerere University Counselling and Guidance Centre has endeavored to address challenges of stigma, discrimination, lack of awareness and access by the Makerere University Community. You can access counselling services physically at the Counselling and Guidance Centre on Mary Stuart Road opposite Mary Stuart Hall or virtually via the UniCare App.

The mind and body are connected. In fact, the body functions better with a healthy mind. Yet the mind is often neglected. The statement Mens sana in corpore sano “A healthy mind in a health body” summarizes all that must be done to ensure that individuals have optimal physical and mental health to reap the benefits of mental health fitness which include increased productivity, creativity, optimism, increase in focus and memory, increase in processing speed and ability to develop new and productive habits.

Finally, let each one of us promote mental health by starting with themselves. Don’t fear to seek for help because normal people like you and me are the ones who are meant to receive mental health services. Emotional, psychological breakdown is normal. Mental illness is like any other illnesses that we take to health facilities to treat. Support those with mental health challenges instead of judging and discriminating them. Teach others about mental health. Finally, do all that you can to ensure mental health hygiene. Just like flue or Covid-19, mental health good or bad is contagious. If one of us is not okay and is not supported they will contaminate and affect others. Taking care of others, being concerned about others mental health is being concerned about ours too. When there is good mental health in the community everyone benefits and so we are happy and thrive. Happy mental health day.

Henry Nsubuga
Manager, Counselling and Guidance Centre,
Plot 106, Mary Stuart Road (Opposite Mary Stuart Hall),
Makerere University
Email: henry.nsubuga[at]mak.ac.ug
Tel: +256-772-558022

Mark Wamai

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Makerere Convocation to Host a CEOs/Investors’ Round Table Summit 2025

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Makerere University Convocation (MUC) CEOs/Investors’ Round Table Summit on Tuesday, 2nd September 2025, 8:00AM-12:00PM, Convocation Grounds. Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

By Elvis Lubanga

Kampala, Uganda – Makerere University Convocation (MUC) is set to host the CEOs/Investors’ Round Table Summit on Tuesday, 2nd September 2025, bringing together a distinguished assembly of leaders and stakeholders.

The half-day summit will convene CEOs, investors, entrepreneurs, policymakers, researchers, innovators, and development partners to engage in meaningful dialogue, foster collaboration, and explore investment opportunities that can unlock the potential of Uganda’s next generation of talent. Running under the theme: “Exploring the Opportunities for Entrepreneurship, Innovation and Value Creation for Accelerated Socio-Economic Integration and Development of Sub-Saharan Africa,” the event reflects Makerere University’s ambition to position itself as a hub of knowledge, innovation, and transformation.

The Rt. Hon. Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja will officiate as the Chief Guest, while Dr. Peter Kimbowa, CEO of the CEO Summit Uganda, will deliver the keynote address. Their participation underscores the importance of the summit in strengthening linkages between academia, industry, and government, and in advancing Uganda’s broader socio-economic transformation agenda.

Professor Barnabas Nawangwe, Vice Chancellor of Makerere University, will welcome the invited participants and highlighted the university’s determination to work collaboratively with partners to shape impactful solutions for Uganda and the region.

“We want to work with you to see how, together, we can move our country and continent forward. I invited all of you CEOs to Makerere so that we can brainstorm on what we can do to transform our nation and Africa at large,” Prof. Nawangwe remarked.

According to Ms. Grace Cherotich Ruto, Chief Convener of the summit and Vice Chairperson of the Makerere University Convocation, this will be the first event of its kind. She noted that the summit seeks to foster mentorship, internships, and employment linkages as a means of bridging the gap between industry and academia, while positioning Convocation as a driver of socio-economic transformation.

A key highlight of the summit will be the unveiling of the Makerere University Convocation’s Massive Transformation Purpose, a bold framework that converts five critical takeaways into independent working teams with clear Terms of Reference, objectives, data-driven activities, and measurable outcomes. The plan institutionalizes vision, distributes ownership, and ensures sustainability through quarterly reporting, evidence-based impact, and global benchmarking. The five teams—From Ivory Tower to Impact Tower, Diaspora Dividend vs. Brain Drain, Intergenerational Knowledge Bridges, AI & Future of Learning, and From Convocation to Covenant—are designed to commercialize research, harness diaspora capital, institutionalize mentorship, drive digital transformation, and sustain alumni–faculty–student engagement through a covenant model. Collectively, they transform Convocation from a ceremonial event into a movement of accountability, innovation, and sustainable socio-economic impact for Uganda and Africa.

The summit has already attracted wide endorsement from leading companies and agencies, demonstrating its timeliness and relevance.

Mr. Eugene Too, General Manager at Haco Industries, affirmed the company’s support, stating:

“Haco Industries endorses the Makerere University CEOs Forum. We believe the Summit’s objectives align with our broader goals of creating impact in education, supporting internships, job placement, and mentorship programs in Sub-Saharan Africa. We are proud to be associated with the Summit at Makerere University Convocation.”

Eng. Shaft Mukwaya, Secretary to the Equal Opportunities Commission of Uganda, commended the Convocation’s role in promoting inclusivity:

“Makerere University Convocation has proven to be a steadfast ally in achieving our mission of pursuing an inclusive society in which no one is left behind. We are honoured to be associated with this summit.”

Roofings Uganda has equally expressed strong endorsement, noting that the event aligns closely with their corporate vision:

“At Roofings, we are privileged to endorse the Makerere University Convocation CEOs/Investors’ Summit and call upon all invited guests to be part of this noble cause. Makerere University is a valued partner in nurturing talent and fostering innovation, which aligns closely with our vision of being an accelerator for a sustainable Africa. As sponsors, we are honoured to be associated with this summit that brings together leaders, investors, and visionaries to shape inclusive growth and development.”

With its broad stakeholder support, clear strategic framework, and focus on outcomes, the Makerere University Convocation’s CEOs/Investors’ Round Table Summit is positioned as a landmark event. It will provide a unique platform for academia, industry, and government to converge in pursuit of sustainable growth, innovation, and socio-economic development, not only for Uganda but for the entire Sub-Saharan African region.

Mak Editor

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Change of Course/Programme for Undergraduate Admissions 2025/2026

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The Office of the Academic Registrar, Makerere University has released lists for the recommended for change of course/ programme for Degree/Diploma Scheme and Direct entry for Private/Government sponsored students for the Academic Year 2025/2026.

The lists released can be accessed by following the respective links below:

Elias Tuhereze

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Makerere Signs Open MoU with London School of Economics and Political Science

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Seated Left to Right: Dr. Richard Newfarmer, Dr. Jonathan Leape, Dr. Sarah Sewanyana, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, Prof. Ibrahim Mike Okumu and Prof. James Wokadala with other officials (Standing) after the MoU signing on 27th August 2025. Makerere University, through the College of Business and Management Sciences (CoBAMS) and the Economic Policy Research Centre (EPRC), has signed an open Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE), 27th August 2025, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

Makerere University, through the College of Business and Management Sciences (CoBAMS) and the Economic Policy Research Centre (EPRC), has signed an open Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE). This MoU is one of several initiatives aimed at strengthening the university’s global collaborations and research partnerships.

In his remarks, Vice Chancellor Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe highlighted Makerere’s recent centenary celebrations as a testament to its long and influential history in Africa. He reaffirmed the university’s commitment to serious, research-driven collaboration, noting Makerere’s aspiration to become a leading student-centered research university that develops solutions to regional challenges.

Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe makes his remarks ahead of the MoU signing. Makerere University, through the College of Business and Management Sciences (CoBAMS) and the Economic Policy Research Centre (EPRC), has signed an open Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE), 27th August 2025, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe makes his remarks ahead of the MoU signing.

Prof. Nawangwe emphasized that Makerere’s research addresses critical issues such as widespread poverty, high youth unemployment, the devastating effects of climate change on agriculture, rapid population growth, and political interference in production. These challenges, he explained, call for climate-resilient agriculture, stronger health systems to address emerging diseases, and more inclusive governance. He further observed that Africa’s ambitious goal of producing one million PhDs in the next decade remains constrained by inadequate supervision capacity across the continent, stressing that collaborations like this MoU are key to bridging that gap.

EPRC Executive Director, Dr. Sarah Sewanyana, described the signing as particularly significant for EPRC and its Board of Directors as they embark on a new five-year strategic plan (2025/26–2029/30). She explained that the plan strongly emphasizes strategic collaborations, with this partnership serving as a prime example of leveraging collective strengths to deepen impact. She underscored EPRC’s role in advancing evidence-based policymaking for national development, aligning with Uganda’s National Development Plan IV.

The partners show off the signed MoU. Makerere University, through the College of Business and Management Sciences (CoBAMS) and the Economic Policy Research Centre (EPRC), has signed an open Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE), 27th August 2025, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
The partners show off the signed MoU.

Prof. James Wokadala, Acting Principal of CoBAMS, emphasized that the collaboration seeks to preserve and expand vital human knowledge while strengthening partnerships between academic institutions and global research networks. He noted that these networks are instrumental in advising legal and policy professionals, as well as aligning research agendas with both national and corporate priorities. He expressed pride in the extensive efforts of the School of Economics that have expanded these activities in recent years. He pointed to significant accomplishments that have been achieved in collaboration with IGC, including hosting a 2025 high-level international conference on mobile money payment systems, which positioned Makerere University as a thought leader on critical African economic issues. He also celebrated the successful bid by the School of Economics to host the ‘Africa Meeting of the Econometric Society’ in 2027, further demonstrating its contribution to impactful scholarship and policy influence.

The Acting Principal further emphasized that the new partnership with LSE will build on these achievements, offering immense benefits such as expanding capacity-building opportunities for faculty and students, especially in research and Public Infrastructure Management (PIM). The collaboration will also provide platforms for knowledge dissemination and policy dialogue, while addressing pressing socio-economic and health challenges. Ultimately, he said, formalisation of the partnership amplifies CoBAMS’ commitment to excellence in teaching, research, and innovation.

Speaking on behalf of LSE’s International Growth Centre (IGC), Executive Director Dr. Jonathan Leape expressed delight at formalizing the long-standing collaboration with Makerere and EPRC. He highlighted current joint projects, including research on the impact of the 2020 gender-based vaccine program on women’s skills and learning, studies on reforms in STEM education, and investigations into barriers limiting business growth for entrepreneurs. He stressed that the core mission is to bring researchers and policymakers together to address pressing policy challenges with robust, reliable evidence and innovative solutions.

Prof. Nawangwe presents a souvenir Mak Necktie to Dr. Jonathan Leape. Makerere University, through the College of Business and Management Sciences (CoBAMS) and the Economic Policy Research Centre (EPRC), has signed an open Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE), 27th August 2025, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Prof. Nawangwe presents a souvenir Mak Necktie to Dr. Jonathan Leape.

The event, held on 27th August 2025, was attended by several dignitaries including Dr. Richard Newfarmer, Country Director for Uganda and Rwanda (IGC); Dr. Nhial Kuch, Senior Country Economist (IGC); and Mary Teddy Nakyejwe, IGC Programme Officer. Also present were the Director of Research, Dr. Ibrahim Kasirye and other members of EPRC leadership.

Eve Nakyanzi
Eve Nakyanzi

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