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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
Prof. Edward Bbaale, Acting Deputy Vice Chancellor for Finance and Administration at Makerere University, on November 10 2026 welcomed a delegation from the International Water Association (IWA), led by Mr. Keith Robertson, the Learning and Events Director at International Water Association (IWA). Mr. Robertson, in his remarks, highlighted their visit to Makerere University as a fact-finding mission regarding the potential establishment of a new regional IWA office in Africa to support the continent in solving challenges relating to water.
The International Water Association is a leading global nonprofit organisation and knowledge hub for the water and sanitation sector. Connecting more than 10,000 individual members and 500 corporate entities across 140 plus countries, the association bridges the gap between scientific research and practical engineering to solve global water crises, improve sanitation, and secure clean water systems. Currently, IWA is evaluating potential host cities in Africa; Makerere University in Kampala is the first they have visited out of their three countries and venues earmarked.
This meeting held at Makerere Main Administrative Building, was attended by university leadership, faculty from College of Engineering, Design, Art and Technology (CEDAT), and representatives from the National Water and Sewerage Corporation (NWSC). Discussions explored possibilities of the yet to be established office bridging the gap between academic research and practical application in the water sector not only in Uganda but also on the continent.
On behalf of University Management, Prof. Edward Bbaale underscored this engagement that focused on possible Water and Sanitation advancement partnership as one that aligns well with the strategic direction of the University.
Projected Impact of a Kampala-Based IWA Office
Dr Philip Nyenje, Head of Department, Civil and Environmental Engineering (DCEE), expressed optimism about the collaboration, saying, “this is a very good opportunity for us to grow our interest in the sector of water and sanitation.”
In addition, Dr Seith Mugume, a Senior Lecturer at DCEE, noted that the regional office would unlock research and innovation opportunities in the real world for our students and also provide incentives for them to pursue projects within local research and innovation angles.
Eng. Zainab Mpakiraba, Acting Senior Manager at NWSC framed Kampala as a very unique venue for the centre and highlighted Makerere as one of the core academic partners for the regional Eastern and Southern Africa hub of the Global Sanitation Graduate School. Eng. Mpakiraba further endorsed Makerere, saying that, as a top-notch university in Uganda and in the region, when it leads on any aspect, it is able to pull most of the other universities.
Makerere’s Strategic Initiatives and Activities so far in the Area of Water
Dr Nyenje noted that his Department has a very strong base in water and sanitation, covering disciplines like water resources, environmental, structural, and highway engineering. Dr. Mugume added that they are conducting research on “modeling of water resource systems, hydrological and hydraulic modeling,” “water quality management,” and “fecal sludge management, sanitation in low-income and peri-urban areas.”
The two also mentioned that the department has introduced a “master’s in sanitation, and also a postgraduate program… a diploma in sanitation” to address growing interest in the sector.
All these strategies have been made possible through good will and funding from the Government of Uganda, strategic partnerships and International Collaborations. Ms. Mpakiraba revealed that Makerere is a core academic partner for the regional Eastern Southern Africa hub of the Global Sanitation Graduate School making it a key player in the region.
Concluding the session, Prof. Edward Bbaale reaffirmed Makerere’s ability to run this Office when established as the University has human resources in multidisciplinary research, global credibility and working relationships with many organisations and institutions on the continent and far.
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Makerere Marks 2026 International Day of Persons with Disability – Lord Mayor Balimwezo Delivers Keynote
Makerere University celebrated the 2026 International Day of Persons with Disability, with a message mobilising stakeholders to transition from policy formulation to implementation under the theme, “From Legislation to Action: Strengthening Disability Inclusion through Effective Policy Implementation in Higher Education.”
Held on November 05 2026 at Makerere University – Main Hall, the event evaluated current legal frameworks on inclusivity, identified persistent enforcement gaps, and accelerated concrete measures that can safeguard the rights and accessibility of persons with disability across Uganda.
Dr. Winifred Kabumbuli the Dean of Students at Makerere University explained the reason for the event is to create increased awareness about the rights and needs of both students and staff with disabilities on campus.
She expressed that Makerere is intentional and decisive to the implementation of inclusive policies and practices.
“We have established a disability support center. This is a one-stop center for resources and services for both students and staff with disabilities, equipped with state-of-the-art assistive devices, to assist our students and staff with disability to integrate ably into the academic and social environment.”
She also noted that the University has provided caretakers, helpers, and sign language interpreters to students with disability. These are paid a salary, accommodated, and fed, and as well access university health services.
This shows effort that Makerere University is building for all abilities.
Lord Mayor Balimwezo’s Keynote Address
Delivering the keynote, His Worship Eng. Hon. Ronald Nsubuga Balimwezo, the Lord Mayor for Kampala Capital City Authority started with a personal encounter of an accident that left him disabled. He appealed to fellow persons with disability, particularly the young people gathered at the event, to never consider themselves a burden to society. He added, “you are not a charity case. You are not less valuable because of your physical appearance. You are leaders, engineers, teachers, doctors, lawyers, entrepreneurs, artists, and public servants in the making.”
He encouraged them never to allow circumstances of birth or challenges encountered during life to determine the boundaries of their dreams. Confessing from his own situation he has had the privilege of standing on different platforms in Uganda and beyond, and his message has consistently been that persons with disability are equal, and capable of contributing to society.
To the University, Lord Mayor advised that every new building should be designed with universal accessibility in mind from the initial architectural drawings. He insisted that accessibility should never be an afterthought, requiring expensive modification.
Eng. Hon. Balimwezo encouraged management to continue strengthening partnership with development organisations and institutions committed to inclusive education. He commended partners like UNESCO, MasterCard Foundation and other partners and sincerely appreciated their contribution towards advancing inclusive education and expanding opportunities for young people with disabilities.
The Lord Mayor concluded by applauding all those that have benefited a person with a disability for he believes legacy is not how much money you have but rather how many lives you have changed. He made a call to action to each and everyone to make sure that we leave a legacy.
Chairperson of Makerere University Council represented by Rt. Hon. Daniel Fred Kidega, observed that the commemoration of this day by all persons present resonates well with Makerere’s enduring motto, ‘We build for the future.’
Building for the future means creating an inclusive university where everyone, regardless of disability, has equal opportunity to access education, participate and realise their full potential. He said we cannot genuinely claim to build for the future if members of our university community continue to encounter barriers to their full participation and learning ability.
He shared that as a globally recognised institution, Makerere will remain aligned with international commitments, particularly the UN Sustainable Development Goals, especially SDG 4 which emphasises quality of education, SDG 10 which emphasises reduction in inequalities and SDG 16 inclusive and accountability institutions.
Hon. Kidega, appreciated university management for its continued support and the commitment to advancing disability inclusion at this great University.
Checking National Progress with Inclusion
Prof. Zahara Nampewo, Deputy Dean School of Law moderated discussions on the theme. She highlighted Uganda’s efforts in legislating for persons with Disability, she said in 2008, we took a step by ratifying the UN Convention on Persons with Disabilities. That was 18 years ago. And Uganda had also earlier, two years before in 2006, enacted a law, a statute on persons with disabilities. That says a lot about us as a country, that we are committed to inclusion.
Hon. Laura Kanushu, a legislator, representing persons with disabilities in the parliament of Uganda commented that as a country, if we were to rate where we are in terms of inclusion of persons with disability, we might be at 15%, and that’s because we have not fully implemented those laws and policies.
She held tight on this opinion saying Uganda is one of those countries that is very quick to ratify international treaties and later domesticate them. Hon. Kanushu clarified that domestication requires, domesticating in the laws, domestication in terms of policies and also representation at all levels. “However, as a country, we do ratify very fast, but we never plan for implementation.”
Choose and Spread Inclusion not Sympathy
Mr. Daniel Elaju, a master’s student, shared his perspective on what true inclusion requires, emphasising that the foundation of progress lies in shared experience. He stated that, “lessons come from living with a disability, but not just living with people with disability. Because once you live with a disability, even when you are not disabled, you can be able to understand what state of life we people with disability are in.”
Daniel challenged the audience to look beyond the basics of entry because access alone is not enough they are also looking at participation. He said, “you have given me access, am I able to participate?” He questioned the adequacy of current support, asking, “Even when you have given me access to participate, is there reasonable accommodation for me to do whatever I have been given as a role.
In agreement, Ryan Hopper, Head of Physiotherapy at Hope Speaks, said when it comes to disability inclusion, especially in higher education, it is more than just putting a ramp here and making a change there. It’s more than that. It’s a change in mindset that starts with everyone.”
“So instead of being reactive to these students that are coming in and they have a disability that is calling for extra support, let us become proactive.” For someone with a disability is still deserving of love and still a human being that needs to be cared for.
Hon. Shakirah Akello, the Minister of Students with Disabilities in the Student Guild alluded to a story of the late Mr. Kapere to challenge the audience’s perception of disability and inclusion. She said, “recently, we lost a prominent comedian, Mr. Kapere.”
Kapere (real name Yokana Mbuuse) was a prominent Ugandan Comedian and Actor, born with distinctive facial features and a hearing impairment.
Hon. Akello highlighted his ability to live a full, integrated life, stating, “this gentleman got married,” and adding that he was “able to be so friendly, social, and interacted with lots of people.”
She concluded the story by emphasising his legacy: “Late Kapere was a man that was known, married with three children, and yet he had disability.” This served as a prompt for the audience to consider the broader question, “do you think without us including and supporting persons with disabilities, there can be development?” The question remains.
Makerere’s Commitment to Creating a Safer Environment for Persons with Disability
The Acting Vice Chancellor, Prof. Sarah Ssali revealed this day provides an opportunity not only to celebrate the achievements and contributions of persons with disability, but also to reflect on institutional responsibilities.
She shared a commitment on behalf of University management to support the shift from sympathy to structured transformation, and from charity to active agents in the life of persons with Disability. Dissecting the theme, Prof. Ssali encouraged us all to move beyond the mere existence of policies and legislation and demonstrate action that transforms the experiences of persons with disabilities at Makerere University, and beyond, as we have heard from the panel discussions.
Prof. Ssali concretised the Vice Chancellor’s message by highlighting that the call to make institutions and systems to work is not a call for persons with disabilities. It is a call for all of us. “As a University we reflect inclusion in the way, we teach, in the way we learn, conduct research, provide services, allocate resources, and govern the university.”
“Makerere University , remains dedicated to building an institution where excellence and inclusion reinforce each other on campus and also ensuring whatever – positive has happened in Makerere University happens in the world outside for inclusive settings,” Vice Chancellor pledged.
The commemoration ended with awards to stakeholders who have sacrificed to make a contribution to the welcome stay for persons with Disability at Makerere University and beyond.
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