The Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe responds to questions from journalists during the Press Conference on 7th February 2022, CTF1, Makerere University.
The University Management has received several inquiries from students and other stakeholders regarding the decision to proceed with the blended mode of teaching and learning, despite the full reopening of the economy.
Firstly, it should be noted that the decision to continue with the blended mode of teaching and learning was taken before the full reopening of the economy. Therefore, all arrangements for the first semester and subsequent approvals by Senate and Council were made against this background.
The Blended Teaching and Learning Schedule for Semester One is as follows:
TEACHING AND LEARNING (ODeL/BLENDED LEARNING) 10 WEEKS
Group 1 (Physically present on Campus) First Year Students; All Students on Health and Veterinary Science Programmes; All Architecture, Engineering and Agriculture Programmes; All Masters Students except MPH Distance and other distance graduate programmes.
Group 2 (On Open, Distance and e-Learning-ODeL) Year two; All Continuing Students and Finalists.
5 weeksSaturday 5th February to Saturday 12th March 2022.
Group 1 (On (On Open, Distance and e-Learning-ODeL) All First Year Students
Group 2 (Physically present on Campus) Year two; All Continuing Students and Finalists; All Students on Health and Veterinary Science Programmes; All Architecture, Engineering and Agriculture Programmes; All Masters Students except MPH Distance and other distance graduate programmes.
5 weeksMonday 12th March to Saturday 16th April 2022.
SEMESTER ONE EXAMINATIONS
Group 2 (Physically present on Campus) Year two; All Continuing Students and Finalists; All Students on Health and Veterinary Science Programmes; All Architecture, Engineering and Agriculture Programmes; All Masters Students except MPH Distance and other distance graduate programmes.
2 weeksMonday 18th April to Sunday 1st May 2022.
Group 1 (Physically present on Campus) First Year Students; MPH Distance and other distance graduate and undergraduate programmes
2 weeksMonday 2nd to Sunday 15th May 2022.
Semester 1 2021/2022 Calendar/Schedule
Secondly, the country is experiencing a surge in infections by the Omicron variant of COVID-19 and yet not all students and members of staff have been vaccinated. It should be further noted, that the blended teaching and learning using Open Distance and E-Learning (ODeL) policy was approved in 2015 as the most appropriate mode of teaching and learning in the modern higher education provision.
The University considers the health and safety of our students and staff as priority number one. There is nothing more valuable than life. After losing four senior members of staff to COVID we must be very cautious.
We are working out a roadmap for possible full opening of the University for face-to-face teaching and learning in the shortest possible time, hopefully by the second semester. In order to achieve this, we have made arrangements to vaccinate all students against COVID-19. Currently, only 20% of the students are vaccinated. In the meantime, we will continue with blended learning.
I therefore encourage all students to strongly desist all attempts to disrupt University activities, under the pretext of demanding full reopening of the University.
Bullying of Freshers
The University Management received reports of bullying of freshers by some continuing students. This bullying was in the form of forced jogging, physical assault and use of offensive or profane language. The same individuals also destroyed university property in an attempt to get the freshers out of their rooms.
I wish to re-affirm that Makerere University observes a zero-tolerance policy towards bullying and any other form of assault, as well as destruction of University property. This unruly behavior is a contravention of the Makerere University Students Regulations 2015, 8 (9) (b) (III) and (iv) as well as 9 (a) and (b).
Six (6) students were involved in bullying freshers, physical assault and destruction of University property. In this regard, three (3) students have been suspended, while three (3) students have received warning letters.
This morning, a group of around 20 students disrupted classes and engaged in other acts of hooliganism. I have suspended twelve (12) of those students who were identified and I will suspend all the others once they are identified.
I wish to once again re-assure all our stakeholders that the University Management will continue to enforce disciplinary measures against some students who engage in this unacceptable behavior.
Makerere University is committed to ensuring an environment that is safe and conducive for teaching and learning, research and community service. Nobody will be allowed to disrupt this environment with impunity.
The Nottingham Trent University (NTU) Global Summer School will run from 7 July – 1 August 2025 in the heart of England.
Why join this summer?
A diverse range of credit-bearing courses The Global Summer School offers a variety of exciting courses, from cybersecurity to creative industries, and space science to entrepreneurship – truly something for everyone! With two distinct blocks of courses, students can either dive deeper into their passions or broaden their horizons by exploring new subjects.
A truly international experience Students will join peers from many countries across the world, creating a vibrant and multicultural learning environment that enhances the global student experience.
An exciting cultural and social programme Beyond the classroom NTU offers a full schedule of activities, including visits to iconic UK cities, sports and evening events ensuring that students make the most of their time in the UK.
A safe and welcoming destination Nottingham is a city renowned for its safety, having earned the prestigious Purple Flag award for its excellent night-time safety and vibrant atmosphere, ensuring your students feel at home both on and off campus.
Don’t miss out! This is the perfect chance for students to develop new skills, make new friends and experience the best of British culture. NTU looks forward to welcoming students this summer!
On behalf of Makerere University Management, I congratulate and thank you for the successful completion of Semester Two: 2024/2025.
2.End of the Second Semester
The second Semester holiday break will begin on 17th May, 2025 up to Saturday 9th August, 2025.
3. Resident Students
All resident students are expected to vacate the Halls of Residence by mid-day on Saturday, 17th May, 2025.
4. University Property
Please hand over all University property in your possession (such as: room keys, Sports & Games equipment, College property etc) before you leave the Hall of Residence.
5. Security of personal property
Please make sure that you carry with you all your property.
Organised by the Makerere Debating Union – a student-led initiative, the Inter-college Debate Tournament was held on 11th and 12th April 2025 with a vision to leave no student behind by nurturing a community of confident, articulate, and visionary leaders who will drive positive change in society. The tournament was held in three preliminary rounds, followed by semi-finals and a grand finale.
The first round covered democracy and youth participation in politics, while the second round covered inequality and wealth distribution, and the third, the ban on export of raw materials. The semi-final round debated apprenticeship for blue-collar jobs, while the grand finale debated national budget allocations for healthcare and education. In the spirit of inclusivity, all colleges, including the Jinja Campus participated in the tournament.
One of the preliminary rounds in session at Lumumba Hall.
Commenting on the choice of topics, the organisers noted Makerere University as a bastion of academic excellence has a profound responsibility to cultivate the next generation of leaders who will shape the future of our nation. These leaders, they added, ought to be equipped with 21st century skills of self-expression, critical thinking, and problem-solving so as to navigate the complexities of an ever-evolving world.
On the whole, Makerere Inter-college Debates were conceived as a strategic initiative to foster a culture of intellectual curiosity, creativity, and innovation. The Debating Union aims to empower the future leaders by providing a platform for students to engage in respectful discourse, articulate their thoughts, as well as develop their critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
Daphine Kemigisha submitting at the debate grand finale.
Furthermore, the Debates serve as a platform for not only honing the intellectual prowess of students but also cultivating leadership skills, teamwork, and communication abilities that are essential for success in an increasingly complex and interconnected world. It is envisaged that this initiative will have a lasting impact on the lives of students, by exposing them to debates on topical issues that can shape the mindsets of transformative leaders our nation needs.
After a thrilling two days of debate, Daphine Kemigisha and Jibril Ssekandi from the School of Law (SoL) emerged as winners of the Makerere University Inter-college Debate Tournament 2025, while Olara Emmanuel George from the College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Biosecurity (CoVAB) was the Public Speech Champion, and Namujuzi Martha Mociita from the College of Business and Management Sciences (CoBAMS) was the Poetry Champion.
Debate Winners; Daphine Kemigisha (Right) and Jibril Sekandi (Left) from the School of Law (SoL).
The 2025 Tournament was organized by Mayanja Owen and Nkalubo Oprah – 91st Guild Representative Councils (GRCs) of the Debate Union, Akatwijuka Arthur – Chairperson Debate Union, and Debate Union Representatives from colleges. The Uganda National NGO Forum (UNNGOF) partnered with the Debate Union to deliver the 2025 edition.
Addressing students at the award ceremony, UNNGOF’s Mr. Derrick Baluuku encouraged the youth to step out of their comfort zones and think of solutions to inspire change in their communities.