The Head International Office, Ms. Martha Muwanguzi (C) with International Students and Association Heads after the orientation on 25th February 2022, Senate Building, Makerere University.
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.
Some of the international students who attended the meeting.
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. Joyce Nyiramahoro(Standing)
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.
[L-R] Mrs. Winfred Kabumbuli and Ms. Rose Nalwanga
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.
Kampala, Uganda – Makerere University Convocation (MUC) is set to host the CEOs/Investors’ Round Table Summit on Tuesday, 2nd September 2025, bringing together a distinguished assembly of leaders and stakeholders.
The half-day summit will convene CEOs, investors, entrepreneurs, policymakers, researchers, innovators, and development partners to engage in meaningful dialogue, foster collaboration, and explore investment opportunities that can unlock the potential of Uganda’s next generation of talent. Running under the theme: “Exploring the Opportunities for Entrepreneurship, Innovation and Value Creation for Accelerated Socio-Economic Integration and Development of Sub-Saharan Africa,” the event reflects Makerere University’s ambition to position itself as a hub of knowledge, innovation, and transformation.
The Rt. Hon. Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja will officiate as the Chief Guest, while Dr. Peter Kimbowa, CEO of the CEO Summit Uganda, will deliver the keynote address. Their participation underscores the importance of the summit in strengthening linkages between academia, industry, and government, and in advancing Uganda’s broader socio-economic transformation agenda.
Professor Barnabas Nawangwe, Vice Chancellor of Makerere University, will welcome the invited participants and highlighted the university’s determination to work collaboratively with partners to shape impactful solutions for Uganda and the region.
“We want to work with you to see how, together, we can move our country and continent forward. I invited all of you CEOs to Makerere so that we can brainstorm on what we can do to transform our nation and Africa at large,” Prof. Nawangwe remarked.
According to Ms. Grace Cherotich Ruto, Chief Convener of the summit and Vice Chairperson of the Makerere University Convocation, this will be the first event of its kind. She noted that the summit seeks to foster mentorship, internships, and employment linkages as a means of bridging the gap between industry and academia, while positioning Convocation as a driver of socio-economic transformation.
A key highlight of the summit will be the unveiling of the Makerere University Convocation’s Massive Transformation Purpose, a bold framework that converts five critical takeaways into independent working teams with clear Terms of Reference, objectives, data-driven activities, and measurable outcomes. The plan institutionalizes vision, distributes ownership, and ensures sustainability through quarterly reporting, evidence-based impact, and global benchmarking. The five teams—From Ivory Tower to Impact Tower, Diaspora Dividend vs. Brain Drain, Intergenerational Knowledge Bridges, AI & Future of Learning, and From Convocation to Covenant—are designed to commercialize research, harness diaspora capital, institutionalize mentorship, drive digital transformation, and sustain alumni–faculty–student engagement through a covenant model. Collectively, they transform Convocation from a ceremonial event into a movement of accountability, innovation, and sustainable socio-economic impact for Uganda and Africa.
The summit has already attracted wide endorsement from leading companies and agencies, demonstrating its timeliness and relevance.
Mr. Eugene Too, General Manager at Haco Industries, affirmed the company’s support, stating:
“Haco Industries endorses the Makerere University CEOs Forum. We believe the Summit’s objectives align with our broader goals of creating impact in education, supporting internships, job placement, and mentorship programs in Sub-Saharan Africa. We are proud to be associated with the Summit at Makerere University Convocation.”
Eng. Shaft Mukwaya, Secretary to the Equal Opportunities Commission of Uganda, commended the Convocation’s role in promoting inclusivity:
“Makerere University Convocation has proven to be a steadfast ally in achieving our mission of pursuing an inclusive society in which no one is left behind. We are honoured to be associated with this summit.”
Roofings Uganda has equally expressed strong endorsement, noting that the event aligns closely with their corporate vision:
“At Roofings, we are privileged to endorse the Makerere University Convocation CEOs/Investors’ Summit and call upon all invited guests to be part of this noble cause. Makerere University is a valued partner in nurturing talent and fostering innovation, which aligns closely with our vision of being an accelerator for a sustainable Africa. As sponsors, we are honoured to be associated with this summit that brings together leaders, investors, and visionaries to shape inclusive growth and development.”
With its broad stakeholder support, clear strategic framework, and focus on outcomes, the Makerere University Convocation’s CEOs/Investors’ Round Table Summit is positioned as a landmark event. It will provide a unique platform for academia, industry, and government to converge in pursuit of sustainable growth, innovation, and socio-economic development, not only for Uganda but for the entire Sub-Saharan African region.
The Office of the Academic Registrar,Makerere University has released lists for the recommended for change of course/ programme for Degree/Diploma Scheme and Direct entry for Private/Government sponsored students for the Academic Year 2025/2026.
The lists released can be accessed by following the respective links below:
Makerere University, through the College of Business and Management Sciences (CoBAMS) and the Economic Policy Research Centre (EPRC), has signed an open Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE). This MoU is one of several initiatives aimed at strengthening the university’s global collaborations and research partnerships.
In his remarks, Vice Chancellor Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe highlighted Makerere’s recent centenary celebrations as a testament to its long and influential history in Africa. He reaffirmed the university’s commitment to serious, research-driven collaboration, noting Makerere’s aspiration to become a leading student-centered research university that develops solutions to regional challenges.
Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe makes his remarks ahead of the MoU signing.
Prof. Nawangwe emphasized that Makerere’s research addresses critical issues such as widespread poverty, high youth unemployment, the devastating effects of climate change on agriculture, rapid population growth, and political interference in production. These challenges, he explained, call for climate-resilient agriculture, stronger health systems to address emerging diseases, and more inclusive governance. He further observed that Africa’s ambitious goal of producing one million PhDs in the next decade remains constrained by inadequate supervision capacity across the continent, stressing that collaborations like this MoU are key to bridging that gap.
EPRC Executive Director, Dr. Sarah Sewanyana, described the signing as particularly significant for EPRC and its Board of Directors as they embark on a new five-year strategic plan (2025/26–2029/30). She explained that the plan strongly emphasizes strategic collaborations, with this partnership serving as a prime example of leveraging collective strengths to deepen impact. She underscored EPRC’s role in advancing evidence-based policymaking for national development, aligning with Uganda’s National Development Plan IV.
The partners show off the signed MoU.
Prof. James Wokadala, Acting Principal of CoBAMS, emphasized that the collaboration seeks to preserve and expand vital human knowledge while strengthening partnerships between academic institutions and global research networks. He noted that these networks are instrumental in advising legal and policy professionals, as well as aligning research agendas with both national and corporate priorities. He expressed pride in the extensive efforts of the School of Economics that have expanded these activities in recent years. He pointed to significant accomplishments that have been achieved in collaboration with IGC, including hosting a 2025 high-level international conference on mobile money payment systems, which positioned Makerere University as a thought leader on critical African economic issues. He also celebrated the successful bid by the School of Economics to host the ‘Africa Meeting of the Econometric Society’ in 2027, further demonstrating its contribution to impactful scholarship and policy influence.
The Acting Principal further emphasized that the new partnership with LSE will build on these achievements, offering immense benefits such as expanding capacity-building opportunities for faculty and students, especially in research and Public Infrastructure Management (PIM). The collaboration will also provide platforms for knowledge dissemination and policy dialogue, while addressing pressing socio-economic and health challenges. Ultimately, he said, formalisation of the partnership amplifies CoBAMS’ commitment to excellence in teaching, research, and innovation.
Speaking on behalf of LSE’s International Growth Centre (IGC), Executive Director Dr. Jonathan Leape expressed delight at formalizing the long-standing collaboration with Makerere and EPRC. He highlighted current joint projects, including research on the impact of the 2020 gender-based vaccine program on women’s skills and learning, studies on reforms in STEM education, and investigations into barriers limiting business growth for entrepreneurs. He stressed that the core mission is to bring researchers and policymakers together to address pressing policy challenges with robust, reliable evidence and innovative solutions.
Prof. Nawangwe presents a souvenir Mak Necktie to Dr. Jonathan Leape.
The event, held on 27th August 2025, was attended by several dignitaries including Dr. Richard Newfarmer, Country Director for Uganda and Rwanda (IGC); Dr. Nhial Kuch, Senior Country Economist (IGC); and Mary Teddy Nakyejwe, IGC Programme Officer. Also present were the Director of Research, Dr. Ibrahim Kasirye and other members of EPRC leadership.