General
“Be Good Mak Brand Ambassadors” DVCFA Urges International Students
On Friday 25th February 2022, the Vice Chancellor Professor Barnabas Nawangwe represented by the Acting Deputy Vice Chancellor (Finance and Administration), Professor Henry Alinaitwe welcomed international students to Makerere University in an afternoon ceremony held in the Senate Conference Hall. In attendance were the Dean of Students, Mrs. Winifred Kabumbuli, Ms. Martha Muwanguzi, Head of International Office, Dr. Hellen Namawejje , One of the Coordinators of the KFW-funded EAC scholarship programme, Ms. Joyce Nyiramahoro who represented Mr. Charles Ssentongo the Deputy Registrar in charge of Undergraduate Admissions and Records, Dr. Josaphat Byamugisha, the University Hospital Director; Ms. Rose Nalwanga from the Counselling and Guidance Centre, Mr. Yunusu Musisi the Systems Administrator, Directorate for ICT Support (DICTS) and Presidents of the various Students’ Associations. A big number of both postgraduate and undergraduate international students attended the function.
In her speech, Ms. Muwanguzi welcomed the new students to the oldest and premier university in the region, where they will be rewarded not only with the best education and world class qualifications but will be enriched with the cultural diversity and experience. She applauded the students for taking courage to study in a foreign country with a different culture to what they are used. She pledged support of the International office towards their wellbeing throughout their stay at the university.
Students on full time programmes as well as short term students from partner and non-partner universities, who visit for one or two semesters made up the congregation. She informed the students that Makerere University will be celebrating 100 years of its existence this year and celebrations have already started in various departments and Colleges. An example was the International Conference on Gender Studies in Africa (ICGSA – 2022) organised by the School of Gender and Women Studies, College of Humanities and Social Sciences (CHUSS). Activities such as the Cultural Gala, a football match and others are planned for international students as they will be informed. She called upon the students to participate in the activities when the schedules are finalised.
Professor Alinaitwe who represented the Vice Chancellor welcomed the new students to Makerere University. He recognized the different nationalities represented at the function and called upon them to be good brand ambassadors of Makerere. He shared his story as an international student decades ago as reassurance that he clearly understands what it means to be in their state. He studied his Bachelors degree at Makerere University, moved to the University of Sydney, Australia for his Masters degree, then did a Licentiate degree at the University of Rafrand in the United Kingdom and his Doctorate at the University of Lund, Sweden.
The Deputy Vice Chancellor said that Makerere University is a hospitable environment, a place of behavioural change and development. He urged the students to make use of the library and its facilities. Furthermore, he stressed the importance of avoiding bad company, involving oneself in heavy drinking as these habits will lead them astray and make them forget their reason for joining Makerere.
He emphasized the need for students to consult with their leaders in the Associations, at the Department as well as the religious leaders. He called upon the students to participate in university activities whenever called upon. He wished them a nice stay and encouraged them to enjoy the nice weather and landscape of Uganda.
In her welcome remarks, Mrs. Winfred Kabumbuli reassured the students that she was their mother away from their homes, and it is therefore her duty was to see that all children are well looked after and catered for. “The Office of the Dean of Students supports students’ welfare and it is for both national and international students.”
She encouraged them to join student activities and even present themselves for leadership positions in the Colleges and at the Student’s Guild. The Dean of Students urged them not fear because they are internationals but embrace the diversity at campus.
“Make friends for guidance and also for comfort. There are social services such as the Chapels for the Anglican and Catholic Community, as well as the Mosque for the Muslims. Many churches off campus for other denominations are also within easy reach for students to commune with others” said Mrs. Kabumbuli.
Ms. Nyiramahoro who represented the Deputy Registrar in charge of Undergraduate Admissions and Records congratulated the students upon being admitted to this great institution and urged them to use their time wisely.
“First and foremost, make sure that you have a valid admission letter, pay your university dues and register with the Department. Registration is key. If this is not done, then you will not be a bonafide student of the university and therefore will not graduate at the end” cautioned Ms. Nyiramahoro.
She emphasised the University policy of attendance of all lectures as well as doing coursework and tests. “If your attendance is below 75%, then you will not be allowed to sit university examinations. Make sure you do all the tests and coursework because they all contribute to your final result.”
In her remarks, Dr. Hellen Namawejje shared her experience as an international student at Dar es Salaam University, Tanzania. She noted that excellence is a must for graduate students and ought to be observed at all levels.
“A graduate student is a mature person and therefore a high standard is expected in his/her work presented to the lecturers. Research is very crucial at this stage and a lot of commitment is needed and must be given to your studies. Graduate students must be close to their supervisors and make sure that their research is well coordinated. You need to know your head of department and lecturers as well” said Dr. Namawejje.
She encouraged the graduate students to visit the Directorate of Research and Graduate Training (DRGT) offices on Level Four of the Senate Building for guidance at all stages of study.
Ms. Rose Nalwanga from the Guidance and Counseling Centre (CGC) welcomed the students and informed them of the psychosocial support services CGC offers. She reassured the students that there are male and female counselors to attend to their challenges at whatever stage.
“Some students get addicted to drugs, some are lost in relationships and do not study, some lose close relatives like parents, siblings; some engage in business and forget what brought them here. If you face any of the above challenges and even those not mentioned, please seek counseling anytime” she added.
Dr. Josephat Byamugisha welcomed the students to the great institution and shared the services offered at the Hospital such as Covid 19 vaccination, Hepatitis B Vaccination, Yellow Fever Vaccination, Sexual and Reproductive health services, Eye care services, Covid 19 certificates, among others. He emphasized that prevention is better than cure and that all the above services are free to students provided they are fully registered with the University.
Many international students reported after the orientation in the Colleges had been done and so missed important information. It was at this point that Mr. Yunusu Musisi from DICTS demonstrated to the students how to; register as a new student, create Makerere University E-Learning Environment (MUELE) and email accounts, use MakAir and Eudoroam, access the MUELE app on Playstore, make use of the University knowledge base https://www.answers.mak.ac.ug/, access WiFi which can only be done through University emails. He cautioned students against opening suspicious links and websites as well as creating social media accounts using the university email.
The following Association Presidents introduced themselves to the students and encouraged those without associations to join them in the international student activities. They included;
- Misboa Noori – Leader of Indian Students
- Noah Mesfin – Leader of Eritrean Students
- Nayad Abdoul Hamid – Leader of Comorian Students
- Atrisius Rweyemeng – Leader of Tanzanian students
- Oginga Gideon – Leader of Kenyan Students
- Deng Baak Kuoi – Leader of South Sudanese Students
- Noumechi Tietche Rochel – Leader of Cameroonian Students
Peter Muamchi also briefly addressed the students and informed them that the Constitution for the International Students Association was in draft form pending completion and forwarding to the Dean of Students and Head International Office for review and discussion.
The meeting ended with a group photo outside Senate Building.
Article by Mak International Office
Makerere University has made a notable advance by officially launching the implementation of its Mentorship Policy. This initiative aims to strengthen support and guidance for students, fostering personal and academic growth within the university community. This was announced on Thursday, 13 November 2025, by Prof. Sarah Ssali, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Academic Affairs, in her remarks delivered by the Dean of Students, Dr. Winfred Kabumbuli, during the annual workshop for mentors of the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program, held at the Fairway Hotel.
Prof. Ssali praised the university’s mentors for their outstanding work in supporting students.
“I am pleased to join my fellow mentors at this crucial capacity-building workshop organised under the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Makerere University. It is important to recognise and commend your unwavering dedication to the holistic development of our Scholars. Your roles in mentorship, safeguarding, and fostering inclusion are essential, and together, we must continue to advance these efforts for the benefit of our Scholars,” asserted Prof. Ssali.
Prof. Ssali expressed her enthusiasm, noting that mentorship closely aligns with the shared mission: ensuring that all Makerere University students feel safe, thrive, and achieve their academic and personal goals.
“Our efforts in student affairs are incomplete unless we provide our students with the mentorship, guidance, and support they need to develop into responsible global citizens. Safeguarding, mentorship, and inclusion are not just programmatic themes; they are values that define the Makerere University community we seek to build,” Prof. Ssali remarked.
Prof. Ssali further praised the University Council and Management for adopting key policies, the Mentorship Policy 2025 and the Safeguarding Policy 2024, which are essential for the well-being of students and staff at Makerere University.
“I wish to commend the University Council and Management for approving and implementing the Makerere University Career Guidance and Mentorship Policy (2025) and the Safeguarding Policy (2024). These policies provide structure and accountability to our work, helping us strengthen systems that protect and support our students and staff,” Prof. Ssali noted.
Speaking in her role as the Dean of Students, Dr. Kabumbuli highlighted the importance of Mentorship, inclusion, and safeguarding as the critical areas in managing student affairs at Makerere University.
“Safeguarding reminds us of our duty to create and maintain a learning environment where every student feels safe, respected, and valued. Career guidance and mentorship remind us that academic excellence must go hand in hand with personal growth, discipline, and preparation for life after university. Inclusive mentorship compels us to extend our support to every learner, including those with disabilities, those from refugee backgrounds, young mothers, and international students, ensuring that no one is left behind,” Dr. Kabumbuli asserted.
Dr. Kabumbuli urged the mentors to reaffirm their shared commitment to a student-centred approach, one that recognises the human dignity, potential, and diversity of every Scholar. She encouraged the mentors to continue exemplifying the values of integrity, professionalism, and compassion that embody the spirit of Makerere.
On behalf of the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program and the Africa Climate Collaborative, Program Director Prof. Justine Namaalwa shared exciting news with the Program mentors about the recent recruitment of 191 undergraduate scholars and 41 graduate students. She highlighted the importance of providing mentorship and guidance to these scholars, who come from diverse backgrounds and possess various strengths and challenges. Prof. Namaalwa encouraged everyone to actively support these students as they embark on their academic journeys.
“We were excited to welcome 191 undergraduate and 41 master’s Scholars to the Programme this academic year. These talented individuals hail from diverse backgrounds and bring immense potential, and they need your active support and mentorship,” Prof. Namaalwa remarked.
Prof. Namaalwa further requested that, as the University continues to recruit more mentors, it’s essential to recognise that effective mentorship goes beyond mere knowledge sharing. It involves actively listening, empathizing with the mentees, and empowering them to forge their own unique paths.
”Together, we can create a supportive environment that fosters growth and success for all our Scholars and students of Makerere University.” Prof. Namaalwa pointed.
The Annual Mentors’ Workshop, which was attended by over 70 mentors from different units of the University and others from other organisations, featured a range of activities designed to enhance mentors’ skills and understanding. Mr. Musa Mwambu from Light for the World, a partner of the Mastercard Foundation, led a valuable training session focused on inclusion, equipping participants with essential insights. Additionally, Mr Apollo Mulondo from the Refugee Law Project provided an in-depth training session designed to empower mentors to support students with refugee status effectively. The workshop also included opportunities for mentors to hear firsthand from young individuals, including a student with disabilities and two safeguarding champions, enriching their understanding and commitment to inclusive mentorship.
The writer is the Principal Communications Officer for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Makerere University.
General
Makerere University Writing Centre trains first cohort of staff on professional minute writing
By Christopher Kaahwa and Ritah Namisango
On 6th November 2025, the Makerere University Writing Centre (MakWC) held a training workshop aimed at enhancing professional writing skills among University staff.
Focusing on official documentation and record keeping, the training, hosted at the School of Business Conference Hall, attracted participants from different University units, including Assistant Administrative Officers and Assistant Academic Registrars. This marked the first cohort of trainees to benefit from the program, which covered topics such as the fundamentals and responsibilities of a minute taker, writing techniques, policy and legal considerations, e-meeting platforms, and the ethical use of Artificial Intelligence (AI).
In her opening remarks, Mrs. Patience Rubabinda Mushengyezi, the Deputy Academic Registrar, who represented the Academic Registrar, Professor Buyinza Mukadasi, commended the Writing Centre for championing the growth of writing skills across the University. “I want to thank the team from the Writing Centre for considering the Academic Registrar’s Department. Writing is central to everything that we do – from keeping accurate minutes to communicating decisions. This training will greatly improve our writing skills,” she said.
Mrs. Mushengyezi emphasized that official records, especially minutes, must be accurate, ethical, and well-structured. She reminded participants that minutes are not mere summaries, but legal and public documents that can serve as evidence in administrative or legal matters. “When we write minutes, we must remember they represent official proceedings and can be used in courts of law. This calls for professionalism, clarity, and ethical responsibility in your daily work,” she stated.
Speaking during the workshop, Professor Fredrick Jones Muyodi, the Team Leader, Makerere University Writing Centre (MakWC), explained that the Centre is pivoted to support the University’s strategic goal of becoming a research-led institution by 2030. Established and institutionalized in 2025 by the University Senate and Council, the Centre operates under the Directorate of Research, Innovations, and Partnerships (DRIP).
Professor Muyodi shared that the Centre has developed a comprehensive training and mentorship program to build writing skills across the University and beyond. The program will involve experts and mentors experienced in writing, collaborative research, and publication. It will use a hybrid approach, combining traditional teaching with online learning, case studies, and hands-on practice.
He also revealed that the Centre will offer short courses, lasting up to two weeks, in key areas such as academic, technical and scientific writing, editing and proofreading, policy brief and report writing, writing for community engagement, professional writing for administrators, and publishing. “These courses will strengthen the writing capacity of both staff and students while promoting research translation and effective communication,” he said.
On behalf of the Writing Center, Professor Ronald Bisaso commended the support from the Directorate of Human Resource and the Academic Registrar’ department for the identification of capacity development gaps, that provided the basis for the choice of topics and training facilitators.
During her presentation on the Fundamentals and Roles of a Minute Taker, Mrs. Mushengyezi underscored the importance of understanding institutional structures and governing frameworks before taking on the role of writing minutes. She explained that Makerere University’s governance system – from the University Council and Senate down to College Boards and departmental committees, operates under clear mandates, which minute writers must understand to accurately record proceedings.
She noted that effective minute writing begins with proper preparation, which includes knowing the committee composition, consulting the Chairperson about meeting details, and ensuring members receive timely notices and agendas. She advised participants to differentiate between regular, special, and emergency meetings, as each requires a unique approach to documentation. Drawing from experience, she encouraged participants to arrive early for meetings, verify meeting logistics, and carry official record books to ensure accuracy. “A well-prepared minute writer, not only captures discussions accurately, but also upholds the credibility of the meeting,” she remarked.
Mrs. Proscovia Nakayiki, Acting Deputy Academic Registrar (Examinations and Transcripts), led a session on Writing Techniques. During the session, she emphasized that minutes are vital for accountability, serve as a record for future reference, and inform those who missed meetings. “Well-written minutes should tell a clear, flowing story that remains meaningful even years later,” she said.
Ms. Nakayiki stressed that minute writing requires preparation and structure. She advised secretaries to be familiar with the meeting type and agenda, list all attendees and absentees, clearly summarize discussions, and outline action points. She also encouraged the use of templates, testing of recording devices beforehand, and remaining attentive during meetings to capture key decisions accurately.
Presenting on Policy and Legal Frameworks for Minute Writing, Ms. Esther Kabinga, Principal Legal Officer discussed the laws and policies that govern record keeping in Uganda. She noted that minutes are crucial for transparency and accountability, citing laws such as the Companies Act (2012), Public Finance Management Act (2015), and Access to Information Act. She also referenced some of Makerere University policies, including the Record Keeping Policy, Academic Records Management Policy (2022), and Communications Policy (2013). “Proper documentation protects both the institution and the individuals involved in decision-making,” she emphasized.
Discussing the Ethical and Responsible Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI), Prof. Paul Birevu Muyinda, Director of the Institute of Open, Distance and e-Learning, noted that AI has become part of everyday life. He commended Makerere University for adopting an official AI policy that promotes its ethical, inclusive, and responsible use in teaching, research, administration, and innovation. He urged participants to use AI as a supportive tool, combining it with human judgment and creativity while writing.
Building on to the aforementioned presentation, Dr. Godfrey Mayende, the Head, Department of Distance Learning and Deputy Director at the Institute of Open, Distance and eLearning, highlighted the role of digital platforms such as Zoom, Microsoft Teams, Google Meet, and WebEx in improving meeting efficiency and documentation. He pointed out that these platforms provide useful features like recording, transcription, and chat functions that make meetings more interactive and inclusive. “Familiarity with these tools enhances accountability and ensures that discussions are well-documented and easy to retrieve,” he advised.
Writers: Ritah Namisango is a Principal Communication Officer at Makerere University. Christopher Kaahwa contributed to this article as a Volunteer. Christopher Kaahwa is a Graduate of Makerere University-Bachelor of Journalism and Communication.
-
General2 weeks agoMakerere University Writing Centre trains first cohort of staff on professional minute writing
-
General1 week agoCall For Applications: Mak-BSSR Postdoc, PhD, Master’s Fellowship-level Training
-
General2 weeks agoMeet Sedrick Nuwagaba, a Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program Alumni Contributing to Uganda’s Oil & Gas Industry
-
Research5 days agoMakerere University and Ministry of Public Service Study Reveals Impact of Salary Enhancement on Teacher Performance in Uganda
-
Innovation2 weeks agoGovernment of Uganda reaffirms commitment to AI-Driven Innovation in Health and Development