General
Strengthen Career Services at Makerere – University staff urged
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.
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.
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.
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, 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.
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.
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.
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 Program–Makerere University
The Director of Makerere University Jinja Campus, Associate Professor Ronald Kakungulu-Mayambala, has urged students to familiarise themselves with the Safeguarding policy aimed at creating a safer and more inclusive learning environment.
Speaking during the safeguarding policy sensitization meeting held today Tuesday, April 15, 2025 at the Civil Service College, Jinja, Prof. Kakungulu-Mayambala, emphasized the importance of awareness and adherence to the policy, which seeks to protect students, staff, and other stakeholders from all forms of abuse, harassment, exploitation, and discrimination.
“As Management we want every student to enjoy their stay at the University without being tormented and that can only happen, if students know their rights by reading about different policies on our website. You are meant to be living in a safe environment. We do not want anybody’s dream to be shattered or somebody to drop out from University,” Prof. Kakungulu-Mayambala, said.
In his speech, Prof. Kakungulu-Mayambala, also called upon students who have complaints but do not know the reporting lines, to approach staff safeguarding champions to make sure that they live in a safe environment.
Addressing guests, Emmanuel Muchake, the Guild Administrator at Jinja Campus, pointed out that the launch of the safeguarding policy is timely because as a University, without creating a conducive environment for teaching and learning, they will not have students graduate.
On Friday, April 4,2025, the Third Deputy Prime Minister and Minister without Portfolio, Right Honourable Lukia Isanga Nakadama, officially launched the Safeguarding Policy and commended Makerere University for crafting a policy that lays out the University’s framework for embedding viable safeguarding measures into its ethos and all institutional activities and processes to: Identify, detect, and act swiftly on safeguarding risks.
The Safeguarding Policy was developed in response to the growing need for institutions of higher learning to implement proactive measures that address concerns related to student welfare, mental health, gender-based violence, and power imbalances in academic settings.
Some of potential safeguarding risks in Institutions of higher learning include emotional distress, Sexual Exploitation, Abuse and Harassment (SEAH); material loss, financial exploitation, discrimination and neglect, unfair and illegitimate response to civic engagements, cyber security/threats, psychological and emotional harm, substance abuse and physical assault. Discrimination and neglect which are often high risks for students with disabilities and international students.
The safeguarding policy sensitization meeting in Jinja Campus brought together students and staff in a meaningful dialogue on safeguarding issues affecting learning.
The event was graced by Dr. Rodney Rugyema, from the Dean of Students Office, who emphasized the University’s commitment to the well-being of all its members. In his remarks, he highlighted the importance of safeguarding policies in preventing abuse, harassment, exploitation, and other forms of misconduct within the Jinja Campus community.
“Safeguarding is not a one-time action, but a continuous culture of care and accountability. We all have a role to play in ensuring a safe and respectful space for learning and growth,” Dr Rugyema, said.
The sensitization session covered key topics including; recognizing signs of abuse, understanding reporting procedures on the MakSafeSpace and fostering mutual respect among peers.
Participants were encouraged to actively engage and reflect on their roles in upholding safety standards both on and off campus.
Students who attended the sensitization welcomed the initiative, with many expressing optimism that the policy would improve campus safety and encourage victims to come forward without fear of retaliation.
“We have seen issues go unreported in the past because students didn’t know where to turn. This policy provides clarity and assurance that the university is taking these matters seriously,” noted, a third-year student.
The University plans to conduct a series of sensitization workshops and distribute printed copies of the policy to ensure that every member of the campus community is well-informed. This initiative is part of Makerere University‘s broader strategy to reinforce its values of integrity, respect, and protection for all.
The Safeguarding Sensitization Meeting concluded with a collective pledge to uphold safety, dignity, and mutual respect within the University community.
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