Connect with us

General

Universities Discuss Technology Supported Examinations for Higher Education Institutions

Published

on

On 17th December, 2021, scores of Ugandan Universities educators and policy makers held a virtual workshop themed ‘Navigating technology-supported examinations for higher education institutions’ due to the prevailing effects of the Covid 19 pandemic.

The half day event that was organized by Makerere University College of Education and External studies (CEES) and College of Computing and Information Sciences (COCIS) under their consortium for ‘Enhancing the quality and internationalization of study programmes through mobile transformative pedagogy (EQIP)’, brought together over 40 policy makers, educators, instructional designers, development partners and students from different universities in Uganda including Makerere, Kyambogo, Uganda Christian University (UCU), Islamic University in Uganda (IUIU) and Busitema University to discuss how the modalities of online examinations can be managed and sustained in higher education institutions amidst the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Covid-19 pandemic has affected every sector. Institutions of Higher learning were forced to adopt online assessment. A number of institutions attempted to administer high-stake examinations using technology-platforms available to them. However, the move to online exams necessitated a quick transition to ensure that the exams produced valid, reliable and fair results. While students required having devices, stable and secure internet connectivity, the educators required a transition in examination design.  Makerere and Uganda Christian University were the first to manage online assessments in Uganda

Prof. Paul Muyinda a Makerere University senator opened the workshop and reminded the audience that the EQIP project aims at a transformative pedagogy for students to excel in learning and post education.

“We have to move with modern times, if the banking sector has transformed, the education sector has to also embrace the emergency of new learners not only technology. Time has changed and so methods of doing things, the education sector should be able to fit in the 21st century,” added Prof Muyinda.

He also urged Lecturers to always confront challenges with innovative solutions which the EQIP project is doing.

The Uganda Christian University (UCU) Deputy Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, Rev. Dr. John Kitayimbwa, showcased a systematic approach the institution has adopted to manage online assessment. He quoted the Hoffman foundation 2020 report that indicated that half the biggest companies in America were created in periods of market crush and crises saying that managing at a time of crisis is like shooting at a moving target as you are ought to adjust.

The Uganda Christian University (UCU) has focused on equipping its students with knowledge and skills of finding and using information but not remembering facts, it has prepared its students to remember, evaluate, analyze and apply knowledge. All this added to a strong online examination software that ensures full virtual supervision during the examination.

The UCU online assessment portal is designed to prevent copying as it secures the question paper through disabling copy-paste keys as any candidate attempting to do so is thrown out of the examination room after three warnings. Screen sharing and printing is also not permitted by this system and it randomly takes pictures of the candidate as they sit the examination.

Rev. Kitayimbwa added that the institution is designing an authentication and authorization platform that will focus on ruling out illegitimate persons from sitting examinations for students through live video conferencing and remote picturing for examiners to keep track of any activity and movements of students.

He ended by urging educators to embrace adaptability as only the adaptable will win this game but not the strongest or the most intelligent.

Makerere University ’s Online Learning expert Dr. Godfrey Mayende briefed the audience on how Makerere University has transitioned to online examinations. The ‘Constructive Alignment’ model that focuses on how and when learners shall learn and how learning shall be measured has been adopted at the Ivory tower.

This model is embedded into the Makerere University E-learning system (MUELE) and can identify early adopters amongst learners and these are used to support their fellow learners after thorough capacity building from the online assessment team of the university. The university also conducts trainings for facilitators, examiners and students on online assessment modalities. The educators have greatly catered for the visually impaired students through developing transcriptions

Dr. Mayende further said that the university has successfully engaged Mastercard Foundation to aid in the program and it promised to assist with top notch servers to boost online learning at Makerere University .

All the educators and other stakeholders that attended this workshop in one voice urged government and regulators to engage telecom companies on Zero rating Institutions’ online learning systems so that full inclusion of students regardless of financial capabilities is ensured. The EQIP project is a joint partnership among Makerere University , Norwegian Agency for international Cooperation, University of Rwanda and University of Adger Norway.

Betty Kyakuwa
Betty Kyakuwa

Continue Reading

General

Makerere University Fees Waiver for 40 First Year Female Students 2025/2026

Published

on

Makerere University Tuition and Functional Fees Waiver is a Scholarship Scheme that was initiated by Makerere University Gender Mainstreaming Directorate and was approved by the Makerere University Council in December 2010. The Scheme supports bright female students from disadvantaged socio-economic backgrounds to access education at Makerere University. The University waives off tuition and functional fees for the duration of the study of the beneficiaries of the scheme. With effect from 2021/2022 academic year, the Scheme has offered waiver of tuition and functional fees for 40 female students joining the University who meet the criteria. All Programmes in the Colleges at Makerere University Main Campus and at Makerere University Jinja Campus are eligible for this Scholarship support. These scholarships are administered by the Gender Mainstreaming Directorate, Makerere University. Persons with disabilities are highly encouraged to apply.

ELIGIBILITY

Scholarship applicants should meet the following criteria:

  1. Should be female of Ugandan Nationality
  2. Should be a first-year student admitted at Makerere University Main Campus and Jinja Campus for the academic year 2025/2026 under the Direct Entry Scheme.
  3. Should be from a genuinely disadvantaged socio-economic background.
  4. Those not admitted on Uganda Government sponsorship to any public university.
  5. Those who do not hold any other scholarship e.g. District Scholarship
  6. Must be willing to participate in a selection process as shall be determined by the Gender Mainstreaming Directorate Scholarship Committee.

THE SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION FORM SUBMITTED SHALL BE DEEMED COMPLETE ONCE IT CONTAINS THE FOLLOWING ATTACHMENTS;

  1. Copies of ‘O’ and ‘A’ level academic documents.
  2. One Passport size photograph.
  3. A Copy of the applicant’s birth certificate.
  4. Incase of deceased parent (s), a copy of death certificate(s)
  5. A hand drawn physical map of an applicant’s home/residence with clear directions of how to get to that home or residence from the nearest main road (indicate approximate distances in kilometres).
  6. A copy of the admission letter to Makerere University.

The scholarship covers only tuition and functional fees. The applicant must be able to pay for their feeding, accommodation and other learning necessities required by the University for the duration of the study period.

Interested and eligible applicants can pick application forms free of charge from the Gender Mainstreaming Directorate, Senate Building, Level 4, Room 402 OR download a copy from the Makerere University Website: https://mak.ac.ug/

You can also access more information on our X handle @MakerereGMD

For more information or inquiries, please contact us using the following contacts:

Office Mobile Numbers: +256702960616 / +256781866728
Email Address: director.gendermainstreaming@mak.ac.ug

The Application deadline is Monday, 8th August 2025 at 5:00pm.

Euzobia Mugisha Baine (PhD)
Chief Gender Mainstreaming Officer

Mak Editor

Continue Reading

General

Korean Language Courses-Semester

Published

on

Students walk into the Arts Quadrangle, College of Humanities and Social Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

Centre for Language and Communication Services (CLCS), College of Humanities and Social Sciences (CHUSS) Makerere University in collaboration with the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) invite applications for Korean Language Classes for students and members of the public.

Courses by Level

  • Beginner
  • Elementary
  • Intermediate
  • Online
  • TOPIK

Instructor: Wongo Yoon wongoyoon@gmail.com

Registration is open, you can register to join the class at any time.

Registration:

To register, call the Centre for Language and Communication Services (CLCS): +256 756 12 8046 / +256 775 424704

Fee: UGX 80,000 a semester

For more information Whatsapp: +256 790 505658 (Yoon) / +256 757 710511 (Mariam)

See downloads for Class Timetable

The Korean Corner is located on the 2nd floor of the Main Library at Makerere University.

Mak Editor

Continue Reading

General

NCBA Commits UGX 1.45 Billion to Makerere Marathon, Pledges Five-Year Support for Inclusive Education

Published

on

Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe (C) flanked by Dr. Maggie Kigozi (R) and Mr. Mark Muyobo (L) on 9th July 2025 at Makerere University. Makerere University Endowment Fund (MakEF)’s flagship initiative – the Makerere University Marathon unveiling of NCBA Bank Uganda as Platinum Sponsor with UGX 1.45 Billion over five years, 9th July 2025, Kampala, East Africa.

By Eve Nakyanzi and Atwenda Nancy

Makerere University has officially unveiled NCBA Bank Uganda as the platinum sponsor for the 2025 Makerere University Marathon (#MakRun2025), marking a significant milestone in the institution’s journey toward inclusive and sustainable student support. The partnership was formally announced during a colourful event held at the university, attended by the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, Dr. Maggie Kigozi, Chairperson of the Makerere University Endowment Fund, and NCBA Bank Uganda CEO, Mr. Mark Muyobo.

NCBA Bank Uganda’s UGX 1.45 billion sponsorship over the next five years is the largest corporate contribution to the Makerere Marathon to date. It underscores the bank’s commitment to supporting quality education, community development, and equity.  Mr. Muyobo said that, “We are driven by the desire to leave every community better than we found it”. He added that the goal is to empower disadvantaged students to live without limitations, describing this initiative as a bold stride toward establishing a world-class international marathon.

Left to Right: Mr. Mark Muyobo, Dr. Maggie Kigozi and Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe pose for a photo at the Main Building entrance. Makerere University Endowment Fund (MakEF)’s flagship initiative – the Makerere University Marathon unveiling of NCBA Bank Uganda as Platinum Sponsor with UGX 1.45 Billion over five years, 9th July 2025, Kampala, East Africa.
Left to Right: Mr. Mark Muyobo, Dr. Maggie Kigozi and Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe pose for a photo at the Main Building entrance.

“This is more than just a sponsorship, it is a strategic partnership built on shared values,” Dr. Kigozi remarked. “With this support, we are positioned to establish a fully equipped Disability Support Unit and a sustainable pool of funds to assist economically disadvantaged students.”

The marathon, slated under the theme “Run the Hills for the Future,” seeks to unify students, alumni, corporate entities, and professional athletes in pursuit of a common cause. At its core, the MakRun2025 promotes active lifestyles, social inclusion, and a sense of communal responsibility.

“It’s not just a race,” Prof. Nawangwe emphasized. “It is a movement to break barriers, change lives, and build a resilient, inclusive university.”

Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe poses with the #MakRun2025 photo frame. Makerere University Endowment Fund (MakEF)’s flagship initiative – the Makerere University Marathon unveiling of NCBA Bank Uganda as Platinum Sponsor with UGX 1.45 Billion over five years, 9th July 2025, Kampala, East Africa.
Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe poses with the #MakRun2025 photo frame.

The marathon’s broader impact includes fundraising for students living with disabilities and those facing financial hardship, contributing directly to the university’s Endowment Fund.

A major highlight of the event is the introduction of a full 42.2-kilometer marathon—bringing international standards to the annual run. Organizers have promised a professional, accredited experience with traffic-free routes and ample support for runners.

“This edition will elevate the MakRun into a world-class event,” said Mr. Muyobo. “We are proud to support Makerere University in realizing its dream of a globally recognized marathon that reflects Uganda’s commitment to education and inclusivity.”

Beyond the race itself, the event will feature a vibrant line-up of activities, including music, drama, and games for all age groups. It is designed to foster a festival-like atmosphere that welcomes every member of the community.

Makerere University Endowment Fund (MakEF)’s flagship initiative – the Makerere University Marathon unveiling of NCBA Bank Uganda as Platinum Sponsor with UGX 1.45 Billion over five years, 9th July 2025, Kampala, East Africa.
Officials pose with runners in the Freedom Square.

Organizers and university leaders have extended an open invitation to students, staff, alumni, corporate partners, and Kampala residents to participate, cheer, or donate to the cause.

“Every step taken is a step towards hope for a student,” Dr. Kigozi stated. “Together, we are building a Makerere that cares, includes, and uplifts.”

The partnership is expected to significantly enhance the university’s ability to support underprivileged students and improve campus infrastructure for students with disabilities. It also sets the tone for future collaborations that align with the values of compassion, excellence, and innovation. The fifth edition of the MakRun is scheduled to take place on August 17th, 2025.

The Writers are Interns in the Public Relations Office, Makerere University

Mak Editor

Continue Reading

Trending