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Strengthen Career Services at Makerere – University staff urged

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There is urgent need to come up with a framework paper, which will be translated into a policy that can guide the provision of robust career services at Makerere University. This consensus was reached by a stakeholders’ meeting convened by the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic Affairs), Professor Umar Kakumba on Thursday 17th March 2022.

The meeting aimed at generating ideas on strengthening career services brought on board over 70 participants who included Members of Management, College Principals, Deans of Schools, Heads of Departments, Directors of Units, College Principal Communications Officers and Web Administrators, Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program (MCFSP) staff, Counseling and Guidance Center (CGC) staff, as well as the Public Relations Office of the University.

The Ag. DVCFA and Principal College of Engineering, Design, Art and Technology (CEDAT)-Prof. Henry Alinaitwe (R) with stakeholders from his college.
The Ag. DVCFA and Principal College of Engineering, Design, Art and Technology (CEDAT)-Prof. Henry Alinaitwe (R) with stakeholders from his college.

In his opening remarks, Prof. Kakumba thanked all the Stakeholders who responded to his invitation geared at strengthening Career Services at Makerere University. Sharing his observations, he said that whereas Colleges and Schools were engaged in organizing various sessions on career services, there was need to align and formalize these activities at institutional level.

Prof. Kakumba emphasized that it was high time that the university made a deliberate effort to offer career services so that students can right from the onset have a sense of what their professional lives would entail.

Some of the stakeholders who took part in the meeting.
Some of the stakeholders who took part in the meeting.

He informed the participants that in his capacity as Chairperson of the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program Steering Committee, he had taken note of the strong mentorship program developed for Scholars, which he would like to see emulated and implemented across the entire University.

“All our students need mentorship and career guidance right from the beginning of their academic Programs. In addition to the one week of orientation and the several career sessions at the different colleges or unit levels, we need to do more. We are therefore convening here today to harmonise those efforts,” Prof. Kakumba pointed out.

Dr. Justine Namaalwa, Program Coordinator, Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Makerere University.
Dr. Justine Namaalwa, Program Coordinator, Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Makerere University.

The Program Coordinator, Dr. Justine Namaalwa informed participants that the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Makerere University prides itself in supporting and cascading good practices across the entire University. She pledged the Scholars Program’s unwavering support for Career Services at the University. She shared that whereas the Scholars Program had supported about three Career Fairs for the entire University, the attendances had been low due to competing activities. Her interactions with some of the students had revealed that whereas they were keenly interested in the career fairs, their primary obligation was to attend lecturers held at the same time.

Dr. Namaalwa pointed out a number of initiatives the Scholars Program had come up with in order to build capacity of the Scholars, such as the mentorship Program, Summer Leadership camp, Summer School, Monthly capacity building workshops and trainings. She urged the University leadership and staff to adopt such programs whenever resources permit.

Mr. Henry Nsubuga, Manager Counselling and Guidance Centre, Makerere University.
Mr. Henry Nsubuga, Manager Counselling and Guidance Centre, Makerere University.

Mr. Henry Nsubuga, the Manager Counseling and Guidance Centre, informed the participants that over time, the Centre has reached out to and worked with different units that offer career services to students. That notwithstanding, the services offered were inadequate due to limited resources and staffing for such a critical service at the University.

He also observed that whereas different units were involved in the provision of career guidance services, there was no proper planning for career services across different colleges. Furthermore, there was weak linkage between the University and prospective employers who could offer employment and internships to graduates of the University.

The Principal College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Biosecurity (CoVAB), Prof. Frank Mwine (Back to camera L) with stakeholders from his college who included the Guild Speaker Rt. Hon. Gatuya Mucyo (2nd R). In the background are stakeholders from the College of Health Sciences (CHS) led by the Principal Prof. Damalie Nakanjako. Also present were Prof. Moses Joloba and Guild President H.E. Shamim Nambassa.
The Principal College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Biosecurity (CoVAB), Prof. Frank Mwine (Back to camera L) with stakeholders from his college who included the Guild Speaker Rt. Hon. Gatuya Mucyo (2nd R). In the background are stakeholders from the College of Health Sciences (CHS) led by the Principal Prof. Damalie Nakanjako. Also present were Prof. Moses Joloba and Guild President H.E. Shamim Nambassa.

Mr. Nsubuga called upon all stakeholders across different Colleges to support the annual career day, which is a good platform for the students to meet with the industry and private sector, in order to get some career guidance before they transition to the world of work.

Another section of stakeholders listens to proceedings during the meeting.
Another section of stakeholders listens to proceedings during the meeting.

The Facilitator, Dr. Betty Ezati, former Dean School of Education, highlighted the importance of career services. She singled out four major advantages that career services offer to the students;

  • Enhance authentic learning and build knowledge of the world of work and oneself.
  • Help students develop their career identity and in turn support learning.
  • When students understand where the degree might take them, the relevance of the learning becomes clearer, and engagement with the curriculum is strengthened.
  • Strengthen learners’ capacity to navigate careers and the world of work, including how to obtain work and advance in careers.

Dr. Ezati called upon all stakeholders at the university to reflect on the issue of career services across the different colleges and Schools and come up with an institutionalized approach embedded within the University calendar.

Dr. Betty Ezati, College of Education and External Studies (CEES) was the day's facilitator.
Dr. Betty Ezati, College of Education and External Studies (CEES) was the day’s facilitator.

From the highly interactive group discussions, it was evident that although career services were being offered, there was need to better the game by coming up with a planned and deliberate approach. The stakeholders highlighted the need to incorporate the Annual Career Fair/Day within the University calendar and budget. The participants also emphasized the need to budget and allocate realistic resources to career services.

The Stakeholders meeting was organized by Counseling and Guidance Centre of the University with support from Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program.

By: Bernard Buteera, Communications & Web Officer, MCF Scholars ProgramMakerere University

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Vice Chancellor Updates Media on Medical Drones, Road Safety Research & Various Issues

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Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi (Centre) with Dr. Andrew Kambugu (Left) and Dr. Fredrick Oporia (Right) at the Press Briefing on 29th May 2025. Press Conference featuring Infectious Diseases Institute—the IDI Medical Drone Programme and Kampala Status Summary 2023 on Road Safety Risk Factors, conducted under the Bloomberg Philanthropies Initiative for Global Road Safety. This collaborative effort between the Johns Hopkins International Injury Research Unit and our Trauma, Injury, and Disability Unit (TRIAD) Makerere University School of Public Health (MakSPH), Senior Common Room, Main Builing, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

The Acting Vice Chancellor, Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi on Thursday 29th May, 2025 held a press conference to update members of the Media on the Infectious Diseases Institute (IDI) Medical Drone Programme, and the Kampala Status Summary 2023 on Road Safety Risk Factors, conducted under the Bloomberg Philanthropies Initiative for Global Road Safety, a collaborative effort between the Johns Hopkins International Injury Research Unit and the Trauma, Injury, and Disability (TRIAD) Unit at Makerere University School of Public Health (MakSPH). Also presented were updates on; Digital Certification of Academic Transcripts, Digital Supervision of Graduate Students, Inclusive e-Learning and Smart Classrooms, and Launch of the Artificial Intelligence (AI) Laboratory at the College of Computing and Information Sciences (CoCIS).

The event held in the Senior Common Room, Main Building, was on behalf of the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe presided over by the Acting (Ag.) DVC AA and substantive Academic Registrar, Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi. Presentations were made by Executive Director of the Infectious Diseases Institute (IDI), Dr. Andrew Kambugu and Head of the Trauma, Injuries, and Disability (TRIAD) Unit, Dr. Fredrick Oporia. Dr. Jimmy Osuret and Dr. Esther Bayiga from TRIAD supplemented Dr. Oporia’s presentation. In attendance were; the Director for ICT Support (DICTS)-Mr. Samuel Mugabi, Deputy Chief – Public Relations-Ms. Betty Kyakuwa, Deputy Chief Security Officer-Mr. Musa Mulindwa and other university officials.

The proceedings of the Press Conference follow below;

Vice Chancellors’ Press Statement

Good morning colleagues, members of the press,

It is my pleasure to welcome you to this important media briefing, where we share compelling findings from two groundbreaking studies that reflect Makerere University‘s ongoing commitment to impactful research, innovation, and community transformation.

The first is a pioneering initiative led by the Infectious Diseases Institute—the IDI Medical Drone Programme. This project explores the use of drone technology to deliver lifesaving HIV medications and test samples to hard-to-reach populations, particularly in Kalangala District and the West Nile region. The study demonstrates how drones can overcome logistical barriers, reduce costs, and enhance access to critical healthcare in some of Uganda’s most underserved communities.

The second study is the Kampala Status Summary 2023 on Road Safety Risk Factors, conducted under the Bloomberg Philanthropies Initiative for Global Road Safety. This collaborative effort between the Johns Hopkins International Injury Research Unit and our Trauma, Injury, and Disability Unit here at Makerere University presents over two years of data on vehicle speed and helmet use in Kampala. It provides vital insights into the human behaviours and systemic gaps contributing to road traffic injuries and fatalities—particularly among vulnerable road users. The study also offers evidence-based recommendations for enforcement, planning, and public health messaging aimed at making Kampala’s roads safer for all.

We are proud to support this kind of research that not only advances knowledge but also drives tangible improvements in public health and safety.

Before I invite the researchers to present their findings, allow me to briefly highlight some transformative developments in the areas of academic registry and ICT advancement here at Makerere University:

  1. Digital Certification of Academic Transcripts:
    • Alumni can now certify their transcripts digitally through the Makerere Academic Records System (Mak-ARS https://makars.mak.ac.ug/), eliminating the need for physical visits. This user-friendly platform allows access from anywhere in the world, supported by comprehensive video tutorials and public communications.
  2. Digital Supervision of Graduate Students
    • We have introduced the Research Information Management System (Mak-RIMS), piloted at the College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, to streamline the supervision of Master’s and PhD research. This initiative enhances accountability, timely feedback, and is now being rolled out university-wide to improve graduation rates.
  3. Inclusive eLearning and Smart Classrooms
    • Through support from development partners and the Government of Uganda, we are establishing multimedia studios and smart classrooms across our colleges. These state-of-the-art facilities are designed to produce professional, accessible learning content, including tools tailored for students with visual and auditory disabilities. This aligns with our goal of equitable, globally competitive education.
  4. Launch of the AI Laboratory at CoCIS:
    • The newly launched Artificial Intelligence Laboratory will spearhead the development of AI-enabled solutions tailored to Uganda’s socio-economic needs, including localized assistive eLearning tools and context-sensitive curriculum development.

These initiatives are part of our broader vision to transform Makerere University into a research-led, inclusive, and globally relevant institution.

Detailed Presentations

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Prof. Aina Visits Mak, Evaluates CECAP II Progress

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Prof. Omotade Akin Aina (Left) receives the Makerere Souvenir Book from Prof. Tonny Oyana as Prof. Julius Kikooma (2nd Right) and Mr. Charles Lwanga (Right) witness. Prof. Omotade Akin Aina-Carnegie Corporation of New York meeting to discuss progress of Consolidating Early Career Academics Programme (CECAP) phase II, which focuses on fostering academic development and research among early-career academics, 23rd May 2025, Main Building, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

The Senior Program Director, Higher Education and Research in Africa, International Program, Carnegie Corporation of New York, Prof. Omotade Akin Aina on 23rd May 2025 visited Makerere University during his short trip to Kampala. Prof. Aina was received on behalf of the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe by Prof. Tony Oyana, Principal of the College of Computing and Information Sciences (CoCIS).

During his visit, Prof. Aina met with the Project Implementation Committee, representatives from the Consolidating Early Career Academics Programme (CECAP) phase I Fellowship Cohort, and current Fellows of phase II. The meeting discussed the progress of CECAP II, which focuses on fostering academic development and research among early-career academics.

Left to Ritght: Dr. Jesca Nakavuma and Prof. Julius Kikooma alongside Prof. Omotade Akin Aina during the meeting. Prof. Omotade Akin Aina-Carnegie Corporation of New York meeting to discuss progress of Consolidating Early Career Academics Programme (CECAP) phase II, which focuses on fostering academic development and research among early-career academics, 23rd May 2025, Main Building, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Left to Ritght: Dr. Jesca Nakavuma and Prof. Julius Kikooma alongside Prof. Omotade Akin Aina during the meeting.

CECAP II is being implemented by Makerere University in collaboration with four other Ugandan public universities, including; Busitema University, Gulu University, Kyambogo University and Mbarara University of Science and Technology. Prof. Mukadasi Buyinza, the Project Principal Investigator was represented at the meeting by the Director of Graduate Training, Prof. Julius Kikooma.

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Directorate of Graduate Equips Schools and Colleges with Training in Philosophy of Methods

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By Moses Lutaaya

The Directorate of Graduate Training at Makerere University has equipped several Senior ranking lecturers with expert knowledge in a Training of Trainers’ workshop on “Philosophy of Methods”.

In his remarks at the opening of a 3-day training workshop at Level4 Conference Hall – Senate Building, the Director of Graduate Training Prof. Julius Kikooma said, “The teaching of Philosophy of Methods gives all participants the fundamentals to extend knowledge to other learners, hence its importance in upholding the Makerere University values.”

Kikooma urged and challenged the participants to also attend and actively participate in the follow up of learners’ training of students, stating that the PhD students need support as the directorate continues to coordinate the curriculum of PhD by-research that was approved by the senate recently.

“To holistically implement the senate approved PhD curriculum, we are coordinating capacity building trainings of all stake holders in a structured approach with the different units of the University. Many more trainings including Training of Trainers in advanced research methods course are on the way.”

He further urged the participants to be intentional in their teaching profession and in whatever they were doing, adding “Apart from focusing on practices as teachers and researchers, we can engage in wider philosophical debates in our research areas so that we are relevant in the society and in the empowerment of PhD research students.”

 The participants for the Philosophy of Methods training were from College of Humanities and Social Sciences, College of Education and External Studies, Makerere University Business School among others.

During the same training, Dr. Dickson Kanakulya stressed the need to train senior lecturers in the Philosophy of Methods, saying, “The biggest connection is that societal problems require concrete research to find solutions. Our challenge in Africa is that we employ a short barrow approach to find solutions to problems. This cannot work. We need consistent researchers to solve problems. Lasting solutions to societal issues can only be got through training such as Philosophy of Methods, where researchers come up with new models for societal solutions.”

Prof. Julius Kikooma pose for a photo with participants and facilitators.

Dr. Kanakulya said that Makerere University remains the biggest research University in Africa and philosophy of Methods helps to come up with good research tools that produce good research outputs. “Research has shown that the higher the number of PhD researchers in any given country, the higher the levels of development of that country e.g. the USA, China etc., adding that research is not limited to only medicinal or agricultural related issues.”

He said philosophy of methods, encourages philosophical creativity in research, “It is meant to bring out philosophical generation of concepts, theories and ideas. It is meant to encourage students to question the existing philosophical assumptions and status quo in a given field of knowledge such that new philosophical concepts are created.”

 For successful rollout of government programs like the National Development Plan 4, Dr. Kanakulya said that Philosophy of Methods training needs to be integrated into such systems. “Philosophy of Methods focuses on ethical thinking aspects. For example, for a better rollout of the Parish Development Model, we need implementers to be ethical.” He added.

 Prof. Sulait Tumwiine, the associate Dean of Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research at MUBS said, “This is a discussion where new ideas are shared to guide and gauge applicability in the current knowledge diversity coupled with lots of technological development including Artificial Intelligence and Chat GPT.”

He added, “As professors of Universities, we need to understand how we leverage on what comes up so that it does not take our space, but also appreciate how we can support growth of knowledge. The Philosophy of Methods training is the answer.”

 Dr. Jim Spire Ssentongo highlighted that Philosophy uses more of the critical mind than Science. He added that philosophy is more of speculation of the mind.

“Sustainability of philosophy Education encourages us to continue training. Philosophy being the oldest discipline retained special status in the academia as a pinnacle of pursuit of knowledge. All disciplines have major elements of philosophy citing examples in the philosophy of Mathematics and Physics.

Dr. Spire added, “If you do not understand philosophy, you cannot deeply investigate anything because philosophy is the reality of understanding everything. Philosophy is the basis of understanding what knowledge is and how it is arrived at.”

Also participating in the workshop was Prof. Joseph Ntaayi from MUBS, in his remarks he said PhD students need the philosophy of methods training to understand how to best to create knowledge. He added that ontological and epistemological questions that lead to good research design methods can only be answered by this training.

Dr. Robert Kakuru, a Lecturer in the College of Humanities and Social Sciences said that the Philosophy of Methods training is needed by every graduate student as well as supervisors to critically determine the choice of methods to use in academic research. For example, “If one wants to use a questionnaire as an interview approach, one should understand, why that approach and yet without this training, the why cannot be answered.” He added.

The Philosophy of Methods training was organized by Directorate of Graduate Training with funding support from the Consortium for Advanced Research Training in Africa (CARTA).

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