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Mak Signs Collaboration Agreement with Yunus Emre Institute, Turkey

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Makerere University on Friday, 25th February, 2022 signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Yunus Emre Institute of Turkey aimed at enhancing international communication and building strong relations with Turkey.

The MoU was signed on behalf of Makerere and Yunus Emre Institute by Associate Prof. Umar Kakumba, Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic Affairs) and Dr. Abdullah Kutalmis Yalcin, Vice President Yunus Emre Institute respectively.

The Vice President Yunus Emre Institute, Dr Abdullah Kutalmis Yalcin said that all is set to have elements of the collaboration begin.

Assoc. Prof. Umar Kakumba (L) and Dr. Abdullah Kutalmis Yalcin (R) sign the MoU.
Assoc. Prof. Umar Kakumba (L) and Dr. Abdullah Kutalmis Yalcin (R) sign the MoU.

“By signing this protocol, Turkish language courses will start at Makerere University and will be taught by our Lecturer appointed from Turkey. Mr. Sezer Avci, our Lecturer appointed to teach the Turkish language courses is also here today.”

The Vice President affirmed that the Lecturer will equally guide Ugandan students on study programmes/courses in Turkey, how to apply for scholarships and internship in the country.

Article 3 of the memorandum of understanding entails areas of co-operation by both parties among which include, developing joint research, organizing joint academic, scientific and cultural events, reviewing academic curricula/programmes. Other areas of cooperation include; providing Makerere University with the usage of the cultural center of the Institute spread across 63 nations in the world, developing joint industrial approaches and entrepreneurship programmes and developing joint courses, training and summers schools.

Assoc. Prof. Umar Kakumba makes his remarks at the MoU signing ceremony.
Assoc. Prof. Umar Kakumba makes his remarks at the MoU signing ceremony.

Representing the Vice Chancellor, Associate Prof. Umar Kakumba, the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic Affairs) assured the Turkish delegation that Makerere University will provide land where to construct the institute.

” Even when you want space to and you are going to mobilize resources to build a center or institute for Turkish studies, Makerere University will be more than happy to provide land,” he remarked.

He thanked the Yunus Emre Foundation and Turkish government for their commitment to the partnership with Makerere University and Uganda in general.

Assoc. Prof. Josephine Ahikire (L), Assoc. Prof. Umar Kakumba (5th L) and officials from Makerere and the Yunus Emre Institute pose for a group photo during the ceremony.
Assoc. Prof. Josephine Ahikire (L), Assoc. Prof. Umar Kakumba (5th L) and officials from Makerere and the Yunus Emre Institute pose for a group photo during the ceremony.

As the University marks 100 years, the Principal of the College of Humanities and Social Sciences (CHUSS), Associate Prof. Josephine Ahikire said it was an achievement to have Turkish added on the foreign languages taught at Makerere University.

Dr. Levis Mugumya, the Head of Department of Linguistics, English Language Studies and Communication Skills revealed that the idea of the Makerere University-Turkey partnership began in May 2019 when a delegation from Turkey visited the Department to initiate a research and training collaboration.

Dr. Levis Mugumya,  Head, Department of Linguistics, English Language Studies and Communication Skills, CHUSS, Makerere University.
Dr. Levis Mugumya, Head, Department of Linguistics, English Language Studies and Communication Skills, CHUSS, Makerere University.

He also acknowledged the instrumental role played by Dr. Hawa Kasule in the actualization of this collaboration. “This collaboration was earlier on triggered by Dr. Hawa Kasule during her doctoral training in Turkey.”

He believes that the collaboration will provide mutual benefits to both institutions, staff, students and the public intending to study Turkish or those that have business interests in Turkey. 

Dr. Hawa Kasule, Department of Linguistics, English Language Studies and Communication Skills, CHUSS, Makerere University

Dr. Mugumya appreciated all the stakeholders including his faculty team for actively contributing to the collaboration. “We are so grateful to the Principal’s office that equally contributed to the process. The Dean of the School of Languages, Literature and Communication, thank you for your insightful ideas, I would like to thank the faculty from my department who accepted to engage in this collaboration and provide ideas towards efforts to have the MOU signed today.”

The Dean School of Languages, Literature and Communication, Dr. Saudah Namyalo appealed to the University and the Yunus Emre Institute to embrace research in Uganda’s local languages.

Dr. Saudah Namyalo, Dean, School of Languages, Literature and Communication, CHUSS, Makerere University.
Dr. Saudah Namyalo, Dean, School of Languages, Literature and Communication, CHUSS, Makerere University.

“As we venture into the learning of Turkish language, we should keep it at the fore front that learning our indigenous languages as well as undertaking research about the local languages will help cement this partnership.”

Article by Miria Niwomugisha

Mak Editor

Humanities & Social Sciences

Dr. Brian Semujju: A Bright Burning Torch Extinguished

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Left to Right: Prof. Gorretti Nassanga, Dr. John Baptist Imokola, Ms. Harriet Sebaana, Dr. Wilson Kaija, Dr. Aisha Nakiwala, Dr. Charlotte Ntulume and other colleagues lay a wreath on Dr. Brian Semujju's casket in St. Francis Chapel on 5th August 2025. Funeral service in honour of Dr. Brian Semujju-Senior Lecturer, Department of Journalism and Communication, School of Languages Literature and Communication, College of Humanities and Social Sciences (CHUSS), 5th August 2025, St. Francis Chapel, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

The Makerere University fraternity is mourning the loss of a dedicated and hardworking academic, Dr. Brian Semujju. At the time of his passing, Dr. Semujju was serving as a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Journalism and Communication, School of Languages, Literature and Communication, where he had worked for eight years. He was a prolific scholar with more than 20 publications to his name, the most recent of which was published in February 2025.

In a condolence message from the Vice Chancellor delivered by Prof. Winston Tumps Ireeta, the Acting Deputy Vice Chancellor for Finance and Administration, the University extended its heartfelt sympathies to the bereaved family. Prof. Ireeta noted that Dr. Semujju was widely known for his enthusiasm and commitment to academic research. Drawing from scripture, he offered comfort to mourners with a quote from Psalms 34:14: “The Lord is close to the broken-hearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” He also extended condolences to Dr. Semujju’s students, fellow scholars, and colleagues.

Prof. Winston Tumps Ireeta pays tribute to Dr. Semujju. Funeral service in honour of Dr. Brian Semujju-Senior Lecturer, Department of Journalism and Communication, School of Languages Literature and Communication, College of Humanities and Social Sciences (CHUSS), 5th August 2025, St. Francis Chapel, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Prof. Winston Tumps Ireeta pays tribute to Dr. Semujju.

On behalf of the College of Humanities and Social Sciences, the Principal, Prof. Helen Nambalirwa Nkabala and the Deputy Principal, Dr. Eric Awich Ochen, shared heartfelt condolences. The College Leadership acknowledged Dr. Semujju’s immense contributions and the deep void his death left in the college following his passing on 3rd August 2025. Equally commended was Dr. Semujju’s remarkable journey from Lecturer to Senior Lecturer—a clear testament to his passion and commitment to research. Dr. Semujju’s dedication to his work was described as extraordinary, and Dr. Awich Ochen confirmed that he was due for promotion to Associate Professor at the time of his death, a reflection of his unwavering pursuit of academic excellence.

Prof. Helen Nambalirwa Nkabala (Right) is joined by Dr. Eric Awich Ochen (Left) and Dr. Eve Nabulya to lay a wreath on Dr. Brian Semujju's casket. Funeral service in honour of Dr. Brian Semujju-Senior Lecturer, Department of Journalism and Communication, School of Languages Literature and Communication, College of Humanities and Social Sciences (CHUSS), 5th August 2025, St. Francis Chapel, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Prof. Helen Nambalirwa Nkabala (Right) is joined by Dr. Eric Awich Ochen (Left) and Dr. Eve Nabulya to lay a wreath on Dr. Brian Semujju’s casket.

Prof. Gorretti Nassanga delivered a message on behalf of the Head of the Department, Dr. Aisha Nakiwala, describing Dr. Semujju as a man who left behind a strong legacy of academic excellence. She traced his academic journey at Makerere University, beginning as a Master’s student in 2010, graduating in 2012, and completing his PhD in 2017—the same year he joined the Department as a Lecturer. She highlighted his significant research contributions, including publications in high-impact international journals and involvement in diverse research projects covering community media, gender and media, environmental and climate change communication, and the use of mobile phones in journalism practice. Prof. Nassanga praised his critical mind and eagerness to explore new frontiers of knowledge, adding: “Apart from his work at the Department of Journalism and Communication, he took interest in other areas like music, he composed several songs including some on how to tackle climate change.”

Prof. Gorretti Nassanga (Holding Microphone) is joined by members of the Department of Journalism and Communication to deliver their message. Funeral service in honour of Dr. Brian Semujju-Senior Lecturer, Department of Journalism and Communication, School of Languages Literature and Communication, College of Humanities and Social Sciences (CHUSS), 5th August 2025, St. Francis Chapel, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Prof. Gorretti Nassanga (Holding Microphone) is joined by members of the Department of Journalism and Communication to deliver their message.

Prof. James Kiwanuka-Tondo, Dean at the School of Journalism, Media and Communication at Uganda Christian University, and Prof. Monica Chibita both spoke about Dr. Semujju’s insatiable curiosity and commitment to his work. Prof. Chibita noted his exceptional sense of duty, as evidenced by his latest publication in February despite battling illness. She emphasized the importance of preserving his legacy: “He leaves a gap in many people’s hearts but Brian also leaves a legacy of academic excellence. As many of his mentees who are here, we all have a duty to keep this legacy alive.”

Prof. Monica Chibita (Front) and Prof. James Kiwanuka-Tondo (Left) spoke on behalf of Uganda Christian University (UCU). Funeral service in honour of Dr. Brian Semujju-Senior Lecturer, Department of Journalism and Communication, School of Languages Literature and Communication, College of Humanities and Social Sciences (CHUSS), 5th August 2025, St. Francis Chapel, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Prof. Monica Chibita (Front) and Prof. James Kiwanuka-Tondo (Left) spoke on behalf of Uganda Christian University (UCU).

Dr. Robert Kakuru, Chairperson of the Makerere University Academic Staff Association (MUASA), reflected on the collective loss felt by the academic fraternity: “As the academic fraternity we have lost a hardworking man. We have lost a man that was destined to achieve much.” He expressed appreciation to the University Management, especially the Vice Chancellor, for their support during this difficult time. Dr. Kakuru also used the occasion to promote the MUASA Social Support Fund, encouraging both new membership and mutual support among existing members.

Dr. Robert Robert Kakuru delivers his message. Funeral service in honour of Dr. Brian Semujju-Senior Lecturer, Department of Journalism and Communication, School of Languages Literature and Communication, College of Humanities and Social Sciences (CHUSS), 5th August 2025, St. Francis Chapel, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Dr. Robert Robert Kakuru delivers his message.

Representing the Fulbright Scholars where Dr. Semujju served as President of the Alumni Association, Dr. Saul Daniel Ddumba also expressed his sympathies: “He accepted to be our Fulbright President, which was another job on top of what he already had,” he said, praising Dr. Semujju’s enthusiastic spirit.

Mr. Baker Batte, one of Dr. Semujju’s earliest Master’s students, shared a memory that reflected his high standards and intolerance for mediocrity: “I think I gave him approximately 15 drafts for him to accept that my dissertation was good for submission.”

Mr. Baker Batte ( Holding Microphone) pays tribute to his former supervisor. Funeral service in honour of Dr. Brian Semujju-Senior Lecturer, Department of Journalism and Communication, School of Languages Literature and Communication, College of Humanities and Social Sciences (CHUSS), 5th August 2025, St. Francis Chapel, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Mr. Baker Batte ( Holding Microphone) pays tribute to his former supervisor.

A family representative, Dr. Semujju’s brother, spoke of his strong work ethic and obsession with quality, recounting his frequent reminder to the family: “Every time he would tell us that we cannot teach if we are not doing research.” He expressed gratitude to the Department of Journalism and Communication and the University for their support, particularly through financial assistance.

The funeral service held on 5th August 2025 at St. Francis Chapel and was presided over by the Chaplain, Rev. Canon Dr. Lydia Kitayimbwa. In her sermon, the Chaplain urged the bereaved family to turn to God for comfort, describing Him as “not distant, but… the God of Comfort.” She read from 2 Corinthians 1:3–7, reminding the congregation of God’s enduring presence in times of suffering: “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction… Our hope for you is unshaken, for we know that as you share in our sufferings, you will also share in our comfort,” she preached.

Rev. Canon Dr. Lydia Kitayimbwa leads congregants in song. Funeral service in honour of Dr. Brian Semujju-Senior Lecturer, Department of Journalism and Communication, School of Languages Literature and Communication, College of Humanities and Social Sciences (CHUSS), 5th August 2025, St. Francis Chapel, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Rev. Canon Dr. Lydia Kitayimbwa leads congregants in song.

The event was graced by several dignitaries from the Media, including the CEO of Vision Group, Mr. Don Wanyama, and the Head of Bukedde TV, Mr. Richard Kayiira.

Eve Nakyanzi
Eve Nakyanzi

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Diploma in Performing Arts Admission List 2025/26

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The Office of Academic Registrar, Makerere University has released the admission list of candidates who passed the special entry examinations for the Diploma in Performing Arts held on Saturday 17th May, 2025

The following have been admitted by the University’s Admissions Committee on Private Sponsorship for the 2025/26 Academic Year

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Special Exam Results -Diploma in Performing Arts 2025/26

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The results for the 2025/2026 special entry examination for the Diploma in Performing Arts held on Saturday 17th May, 2025. Candidates who scored a final mark of 50% and above passed the Examination and have been recommended to the university’s Admissions Committee for consideration.

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