Education
Prof. Muwagga Mugagga takes over as Principal CEES
Prof. Fred Masagazi Masaazi, on February 11, 2022, handed over the office of Principal College of Education and External Studies (CEES) after serving for 9 years. Prof. Masagazi handed over office to Prof. Anthony Muwagga Mugagga at a ceremony attended by Deans, HoDs, Directors and Human Resources Directorate representatives and officials from Internal Audit. Prof Masagazi has led CEES for two terms from 2013 to 2021.
Prof. Masagazi congratulated Prof. Mugagga upon being appointed Principal and also thanked his Deputy Principal, Assoc. Prof. Paul Muyinda Birevu, for his continued support during their service to the college.
Prof. Masagazi appreciated all the Deans, HoDs, administrative heads, staff and students of the college for the support accorded him during his tenure. He advised the incoming Principal on certain aspects such as financial budgeting, which has to be done well before the budget call, accountability which has to be done quarterly and audited by the office of the Auditor General. He also advised Prof. Mugagga to see to the regularization of employment for contract staff and stop-gap measure staff. Prof. Masagazi told the incoming Principal that he had started on the process of reviewing the college establishment, and asked him to follow this up with management.
During his tenure, Prof. Masagazi registered several achievements which include;
- Promoting and maintaining Team work and a peaceful co-existence among staff. This has enabled the college to contribute to the university’s core business of teaching and learning, research and knowledge transfer partnerships
- Facilities. The college acquired extra teaching space and offices which includes former Lumumba kitchen, CCE dining hall, a flat housing the officer of the registrar and Bursar
- Research dissemination: Mak-RIF has supported a lot of research in the college. This the Prof. hoped would continue because it builds the junior researchers’ capacity to undertake research and write grant proposals
- Institute of Distance and e-learning: The institute was operationalized and Dr. Mayende appointed as its director. The team has been involved in e-learning trainings for staff and students of the university especially during the Covid-19 outbreak which necessitated on-line teaching. The Principal appreciated the Director for a job well-done.
- Staff promotions: A number of staff have been promoted since 2017.
- Renovations of facilities: Some buildings we painted.
- The college made a request to university management for a new building and face lift for other buildings.
- The annual Senteza Kajubi lecture, which has been organized twice, has given CEES prominence in discussing the challenges affecting the education sectors well as solutions.
All these great achievements were however not realized without challenges. Prof. Masagazi noted that that the government had cut the university budget by 40% which has greatly affected budget realization. He said the cuts had affected teaching practice and forced the college to only prioritize teaching and learning activities, ignoring the support functions. The college is also dealing with the issue of under-staffing in some administrative and academic units which creates work overload for the existing staff. The college is facing a challenge of obsolete ICT facilities. The outgoing Principal said the Directorate of ICT had been notified of the state of affairs.
The college has got some of the oldest buildings in the university, some as old as 100 years. This calls for renovation. Because of the increase in student numbers, the college is in need of new buildings to house more lecture space and offices. The college offers external courses such as Bachelor of Commerce External and Bachelor of Sciences External which need to be streamlined, the outgoing Principal advised.
The incoming Principal was informed about the student leadership whose activities are funded by the college, however, their needs are usually higher than the allocations, which needs to be discussed with the student leaders in an effort to find harmony.
Prof. Masagazi’s parting advice included the college’s need to consolidate the achievements and continued provision of leadership on matters of education in the region. He called on all staff to contribute to the university’s strategic plan of transforming the university into a research-led institution. This will be done through writing/winning grants, publishing, supervision of graduate research and establishment of a grants office. He called for the continuation of the college’s seminar series and dissemination conferences. Building a long lasting relationship with the Ministry of Education is of utmost importance. Prof. Masagazi called for the implementation of the Principal’s publication award and organization of the alumni day. He too decried the low representation of females in management of the college. He advised on the streamlining of centres so that they can generate some income for the college. He called on IoDEL to continue fostering the use of online- teaching and learning in the college.
In his acceptance speech, Prof. Mugagga thanked God for his mercy and elevating him to the position of Principal. Reflecting on the day’s sermon 1Kings:11 in which God abandoned King Solomon when he sinned, Dr. Mugagga pledged not to abandon God, lest God forsakes him. He thanked the outgoing Principal for mentoring him and the staff of the college for supporting him, saying he will continue to learn a lot from them.
To Assoc. Prof. Muyinda, with whom he contested for the position, Prof. Mugagga called for his support for the growth of the college and the institution at large. Prof. Mugagga expressed readiness to work with Assoc. Prof. Muyinda to ensure that the College of Education and External Studies continues to be a leader in e-learning and teacher education/training.
On matters of human resources, the new Principal noted that the college has a high staff down pyramid, characterized by many assistant lecturers and very few senior lecturers, a situation he called on the Director HR to review. The Ministry of Education has reviewed the curriculum at all levels of education which calls for the college to reposition herself to meet the needs of learners but also to provide psychosocial support to both students and parents, Prof. Mugagga said. “Many children have stayed out of school due to early pregnancies, so we need to start supporting them,” he said. He called on the Institute of Distance and e-learning to intensify its efforts in teaching because with the 2019 teacher education policy, more people are bound to undertake distance learning. Prof. Mugagga intends to grow the Centre for Lifelong learning to a commercial enterprise, which can generate funds for the college. He also wants the Centre for Teaching and Learning Support to take a central role in soliciting for profitable projects for teacher education.
Responding to the gender inequality in leadership of the college, Prof. Mugagga pledged to support more women to lead the college. He also pledged to continue to be both a Principal and a Professor who will continue to engage in the academic affairs of the college through supervision of graduate research.
Prof. Mugagga prayed for God’s mercy and guidance and called for the support of all the staff, saying “If I go wrong please correct me”.
The Director Human Resources represented by Mr. Deus Tayari Mujuni and the Director Internal Audit, Mr. Walter Yorac Nono also congratulated the new Principal and wished him smooth sailing in his new position.
Makerere University’s Centre for Life-Long Learning (CLL) under the College of Education and External Studies celebrated a significant milestone on January 24, 2025, as over 40 students successfully graduated with diplomas and certificates in various fields accredited by the Uganda Business and Technical Examinations Board (UBTEB).
The graduation ceremony, held at Makerere University, marked the sixth cohort to complete their academic programs at the Centre, highlighting its role in equipping individuals with the knowledge and skills necessary for professional and personal growth.
The ceremony included a moment of pride for Namagembe Saidat, who emerged as the best-performing student. She graduated with a Diploma in Secretarial Studies, achieving an outstanding CGPA of 4.86. Saidat’s accomplishment reflects the Centre’s commitment to academic excellence and nurturing top-tier professionals.
In his address, Dr. Oscar Mugula, the National Coordinator of CLL, congratulated the graduates for their resilience and hard work over the two years of study. He commended the government for revising the admission policy for diploma programs, which now requires only one principal pass instead of two. This policy adjustment, he noted, has significantly increased student enrollment and widened access to higher education opportunities.
Dr. Mugula also encouraged the graduates to register with professional bodies as technicians, emphasizing that such affiliations would enhance their employability and competitiveness in the job market.
Speaking on behalf of the Principal of the College of Education and External Studies (CEES), Dr. Harriet Nabushawo extended gratitude to the government, particularly the Ministry of Education and Sports, and UBTEB for entrusting CEES with the training of diverse education stakeholders. She further thanked Makerere University’s management for its unwavering support of the College’s activities and acknowledged the collaboration with the College of Engineering, Design, Art and Technology, which provides access to laboratories and workshops essential for student training.
Dr. Nabushawo urged the graduates to consider advancing their studies by enrolling in degree programs to further enhance their qualifications. Additionally, she shared valuable life skills and encouraged the graduates to adopt a mindset of continuous learning and self-improvement to remain relevant in a dynamic labor market.
The graduation ceremony underscored the transformative impact of lifelong learning in fostering socio-economic development and empowering individuals to achieve their full potential. The Centre for Life-Long Learning continues to play a pivotal role in bridging educational gaps and promoting inclusivity in higher education.
As the graduates embark on their professional journeys, their success serves as a testament to the dedication of CLL’s faculty and staff, as well as the vital role of Makerere University in nurturing skilled professionals equipped to contribute to national development.
Congratulations to the graduates, faculty, and all stakeholders who made this milestone possible!
By Jude Ssempebwa
On Saturday 11th January, 2025, a huge delegation from the College of Education and External Studies crossed the Equator to attend Dr Joseph Kimoga’s priestly silver jubilee celebrations at his parents’ home in Baja, Bukulula Parish, Masaka Diocese.
Dr Kimoga is an Associate Professor at the East African School of Higher Education Studies and Development, College of Education and External Studies, Makerere University.
The delegation included the College Principal, Professor Anthony M. Mugagga, the College Bursar, Mr Stephen Kayima, the School Dean, Dr. Jude Ssempebwa, Prof. F. E. K. Bakkabulindi, Dr Sr Justine Namaganda, Dr Peter M. Ssenkusu, other staff of the College, and dozens of present and past students of the College. These joined thousands of Dr Kimoga’s relatives, friends, colleagues and well-wishers in a colorful service of mass, which was followed by a sumptuous luncheon, live music, dance, presentation of gifts, and merrymaking.
The service, which was led by Dr Kimoga, was graced by the Chairperson of the Uganda Episcopal Conference, Rt. Rev. Joseph Anthony Zziwa, Bishop of Kiyinda-Mityana Diocese; the Kalungu East Member of Parliament, Honorable Francis Katongole Katabazi; hundreds of priests, including the Parish Priest of Bukulula Parish; and hundreds of religious sisters and brothers.
In his homily, Fr Godfrey Mukibi humorously chronicled Dr Kimoga’s educational and priestly journey and achievements, highlighting God’s exceptional blessings upon him. Fr Mukibi emphasized that Dr Kimoga’s stellar success as a seminarian and as a priest even if he was not accepted at the first minor seminary to which he applied bears proof that God does not necessarily choose those that people see as able.
“God enables those He chooses,” he said before going on to analogize Dr. Kimoga’s unlikely priestly selection with that of Moses, Joshua, Paul and other biblical characters.
Fr Mukibi commended Dr Kimoga for being meticulous and personable and congratulated him upon reaching his priestly silver jubilee. He also thanked Dr Kimoga’s parents for grooming him in civility, orderliness and a very strong work ethic.
In his address, Bishop Zziwa delivered Pope Francis’ congratulatory message to Dr. Kimoga. The message was signed for the Holy Father by Archbishop Luigi Bianco, the Apostolic Nuncio to Uganda.
After the service, Prof. Mugagga congratulated Dr Kimoga upon reaching his priestly silver jubilee. He thanked him specially for showing an example of the ideal Roman Catholic priest in the course of his work at Makerere University and wished him good luck in the years that will lead to his priestly golden jubilee. Prof. Mugagga requested the Uganda Episcopal Conference to deploy more clergy in the various higher education institutions in the country. He explained that young adults in the institutions critically need the counsel and example of the clergy but there aren’t enough clergy men and women in the institutions.
Carol Kasujja Adii and Ritah Namisango
The excitement was palpable as hundreds of graduands and parents flocked Makerere University Freedom Square for the first session of the colourful graduation ceremony on Monday 13th January 2025.
The Chancellor, Hon. Dr. Crispus Kiyonga will confer degrees and present diplomas to a total of 13,658 graduands during the 75th graduation ceremony of Makerere University that runs until Friday 17th January 2025.
On each day, after the Chancellor has dissolved the congregation, the best researchers, best teachers and excelling students in the company of their parents or guardians proceed to Makerere University Convocation gardens for a luncheon.
The Makerere University Convocation Graduation luncheon brings on board invited staff and alumni as well as keynote speakers from the government, private and business sector to witness the presentation of the Vice Chancellor’s Research Excellence Awards to the best University researchers and students.
Some of the dignitaries present for the first luncheon included: The Chancellor-Hon. Dr. Crispus Kiyonga, the Chairperson of Council-Mrs. Lorna Magara, the commencement Speaker-Vice of the University of South Africa, Prof. LenkaBula Puleng, Secretary of the Education Service Commission-Dr. Asuman Lukwago, among others.
Welcoming the dignitaries, the Chairperson of the Convocation, Mr. George Turyamureeba congratulated the best students accompanied by their parents upon this academic milestone, and encouraged them to join the Convocation (the Alumni and Staff association) in order to tap into mentorship opportunities as well as professional networks.
The day one of the 75th Graduation Ceremony featured graduates from the College of Education and External Studies, College of Computing and Information Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Biosecurity, and the School of Law. The best 30 students per College are invited to the University Convocation with their parents to celebrate their academic success, and to listen to inspirational speeches from personalities who are acknowledged for utilizing their knowledge, skills, professions or talent to cause a positive difference in the lives of other people.
In his earlier address to the congregation in the Freedom Square, the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, stated that the meritorious award presented to researchers was in recognition of their prolific publication record and outstanding contribution to Makerere University’s scholarly excellence.
This being his maiden graduation ceremony as Chancellor of Makerere University, the Vice Chancellor congratulated Hon. Dr. Crispus Kiyonga, an alumnus of Makerere University upon his appointment and installation by H.E President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni.
Prof. Nawangwe reiterated the readiness of the University Council and Management to implement the good ideas and strategies aimed at scaling Makerere University to greater heights.
Making reference to the commencement speech delivered by Prof. LenkBula Puleng, Prof. Nawangwe emphasized the need for graduates to always remember the speaker’s focus on what should be done to emancipate Africa from poverty.
Prof. Nawangwe thus called upon all the researchers who were recognized to use the awards as an inspiration to carry out more research that addresses the needs of the African continent.
During the event, the Chancellor, Hon. Dr. Crispus Kiyonga, noted that Africa is still trapped in poverty and lags behind because the continent is not integrated.
According to Dr. Kiyonga, although Africa lags behind, African Universities have to collaborate to address continent-wide challenges, enhance research capacity, foster knowledge sharing, and ultimately contribute more effectively to the development of Africa by tackling issues such as poverty.
Chancellor Kiyonga rallied universities in Africa to intensify collaborations in order to spur research and development.
“Makerere University researchers need to know what is happening in the University of South Africa, check out how they teach and exchange staff and students. If we get together as Universities, we will move fast,” Hon. Dr. Kiyonga noted.
The Chancellor equally called upon the graduates to be innovative and find solutions to address societal challenges. He reminded the graduates that people would judge them by asking what they did during their time.
“Our children are going abroad for work; this is a curse. If most of them leave, who will develop the Nation? Let us come together because the future of Africa is embedded in integration,” Hon. Dr. Kiyonga said.
To ensure that the message on integration of Africa remains on the agenda, Hon. Dr. Kiyonga informed the University leadership, staff, alumni and invited guests, that when provided with platforms to speak, he will always advocate for the integration of Africa.
“As the Makerere University Convocation brings us together, we must uphold the slogan, ‘We build for the future’ not just for Makerere’s future, or Uganda’s future, but for Africa’s future,” Dr. Kiyonga said.
Inspired by the good initiatives of the Makerere University Convocation headed by Mr. George Turyamureeba, Hon. Dr. Kiyonga-a 1978 graduate of the Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery of Makerere University pledged to pay all his convocation dues.
Presenting the keynote speech, Dr. Asuman Lukwago-Secretary of the Education Service Commission congratulated all the graduates on their academic achievements. Dr. Lukwago called upon all fresh graduates to live responsibly so as to achieve their full potential.
Sharing his personal experience on taking on unpaid employment after completing his studies at the Medical school, Dr. Lukwago urged the graduates who have accumulated knowledge, not to remain idle as they wait for employment.
“Many of you are focusing on looking for payment and it is true you need to be paid, but suppose you get a non-paid employment? My first assignment was on a volunteer basis, but my Professor encouraged me to take it on. He said: ‘Among the people whom you will be teaching will be sons and daughters of Ministers. If you teach them well, they will recommend you’ and that is how my name went into boardrooms,” Dr Lukwago narrated.
He encouraged the graduates to focus on their future noting that life feels long and hard when someone is suffering but is short and enjoyable when one achieves his or her target.
“You have been good students at the University level, but you have to be good citizens who can contribute to the growth of our Country’s economy. Analyze and unpack the four-acre model, a modern type of farming,” Dr Lukwago guided.
The Four-Acre Model advocates for diversified farming, where farmers allocate one acre to coffee, another to fruits, the third to pasture for dairy, and the fourth to food crops.
Why the convocation is important:
The Chairperson of Makerere University Convocation, Mr. George Turyamureeba explained that the association brings on board alumni and staff of Makerere University.
The mission of the convocation is to mobilise members and well-wishers to support the welfare and progress of Makerere University and to participate in the enhancement and improvement of intellectual and material wellbeing of the university community.
Mr. Turyamureeba pointed out that for one to qualify as a Member of Makerere University convocation, he or she pays an annual subscription of UGX 50,000/=. A member of the Makerere University Convocation benefits in form of: Career Development and Job opportunities, Alumni networking and social capital, Career guidance and mentorship programs, Financial support and scholarships.
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