General
Buzzibwera SSS Students Visit Makerere University for Career Guidance
It was a moment of joy for Advanced level students from Buzzibwera Senior Secondary School to visit Makerere University, an institution that they would love to join to pursue higher education studies.
On 28th February 2022 at 8:30 am, Advanced level students from Buzzibwera Senior Secondary School visited Makerere University for career guidance, gaining a deeper understanding about the admission process, and to have an experience of life at campus!
The students accompanied by their Career and Guidance teachers Ms. Rachael Nakazinga and Ms. Florence Namugga were received by Ms. Ritah Namisango, the Principal Public Relations Officer of Makerere University.
Welcoming the students, Ms. Namisango informed the students that they were visiting Makerere University at a time when this great institution was celebrating 100 years of existence (1922-2022). “Your educational tour/visit is very special to us. You are our prospective students. This University started in 1922 with only 14 students. It continued to grow because secondary schools would teach students who would enroll at the University. I take note that you are Advanced level students, who are on a journey that will soon lead you to universities.”
Ms. Namisango informed the students that the University administration would be very happy if they joined Makerere University. She advised the students to work towards getting the best grades.
“To join Makerere University, you must excel. Your teachers will do their part, but you need to double the efforts to do your part so that you excel. I advise you dear students to focus on your studies, participate in debates, group discussions and seminars,actively engage the respective subject teachers, and be disciplined,” she said.
In line with the students’ desire to have an experience of life at campus, Ms. Namisango conducted a tour focusing on key University spaces and facilities including Makerere University Central Teaching Facility 1 that houses the University Administration and lecture spaces, the Senate Building, Freedom Square, the Main Library and among others.
According to Ms. Rachael Nakazinga, the Career and Guidance teacher, the education visit to Makerere University provides exposure to the students and provokes them to worker harder with raised and focused ambitions.
Ms. Namisango then led the students to Makerere University Senate Conference Hall for the Career Guidance session. The students were blessed to receive an informative education tutorial from Mr. Charles Ssentongo, the Deputy Registrar (Undergraduate Admissions and Records) under the Department of the Academic Registrar.
Mr. Ssentongo emphasized the need for students and teachers to understand the subject combinations and the courses/academic programme that one can pursue at Makerere University.
“If you desire to be an engineer, a teacher, computer scientist, medical doctor, a nurse, an entrepreneur, a business analyst, the subject combination is very essential. The subject combination determines the academic programme that you will pursue at the University. When you undertake that particular programme, study and excel, you can then become the person you desire to be with respect to career options.”
During the highly interactive session, each student mentioned his or her subject combination. The students were also requested to mention three (3) choices following the order of preference of what they would like to become in future. This exercise revealed to Mr. Ssentongo that students needed further grounding on aligning subject combinations to the academic programmes that they would like to pursue as well as their dream jobs/career paths. After an in-depth and interactive session on subject combinations, Mr. Ssentongo then highlighted the weighting system for the respective academic programmes/courses that the prospective students preferred, admission criteria and the avenues including Government sponsorship on National Merit, the private sponsorship scheme as well as the district quota.
Mr. Ssentongo informed the students that he is a living example of a student who studied from a middle range school (not those very powerful schools that you always mention), but he worked hard and joined Makerere University.
“We have students who studied from ‘middle range’ schools, excelled and joined Makerere University. I am one of them,” said Mr. Ssentongo.
He added: “You just need to be focused and have a dream that you can execute using your ability and having interest in what you want to do at the University. Some academic programmes like engineering require talents, so you must have the talent. Then the personality, can your personality handle your particular dream job/career. We have seen people with personalities that cannot take them where they want.”
“For example you may want to be a midwife but when your personality cannot handle a pregnant woman; you want to become a lawyer, but you don’t want to talk during discussions at school; you may want to be a teacher, but you are very shy and you do not want to talk to people.” Ssentongo said.
Responding to a request from one of the students to explain the district quota entry scheme further, Ms. Namisango revealed that to qualify you must have been born in that particular district and also studied your Advanced level from that district. “For example, if you are studying at Buzzibwera S.S.S, to qualify for the district quota, you should have been born in Luwero and studied your Advanced level in one of the schools located in Luwero District.”
To inspire the students further, Ms. Namisango invited Mr. Alex Mugalu-a student of Makerere University who has recently completed a Bachelor of Journalism and Communication (a four-year study programme) to share his experiences.
“Like the previous speakers namely Mr. Ssentongo and Ms. Namisango, my message is simple. If you work hard, convince your brain and mind that you should join Makerere University, develop a positive attitude towards education, you will make it. I studied my Advanced level from Kololo High School and I joined Makerere University to pursue a Bachelor of Journalism and Communication. It is one of those academic programmes in the humanities, where you are required to have good grades to get an admission letter,” he said.
Mr. Mugalu also recalled the vivid memories when while in Advanced level (S.5 and S.6) at Kololo High School, he would walk through the Makerere University campus via the swimming pool, and he would assure himself (talking to himself) that he would one day make it and study at Makerere University. Living true to his dream, he joined Makerere University, he has completed the Bachelor of Journalism and Communication, he is looking forward to his graduation.
Giving a vote of thanks, Ms. Agnes Nabatyanga-a Senior Six student appreciated Mr. Ssentongo and Ms. Namisango for sharing with them the right information as they pursue their dream of joining Makerere University. On behalf of the students, Ms. Nabatyanga said they were not only pleased that they were able to be at Makerere University, but had received knowledge crucial in choosing academic programmes, developing a positive attitude and determining their destiny. She appealed to the Almighty God to bless Makerere University and to grant the students from Buzzibwera S.S.S the required wisdom so that they excel and join Makerere University.
Written by: Mak Public Relations Office
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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