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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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NTU Global Summer School – A Unique UK Experience for Students

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NTU Global Summer School 2025

The Nottingham Trent University (NTU) Global Summer School will run from 7 July – 1 August 2025 in the heart of England.

Why join this summer?

A diverse range of credit-bearing courses
The Global Summer School offers a variety of exciting courses, from cybersecurity to creative industries, and space science to entrepreneurship – truly something for everyone! With two distinct blocks of courses, students can either dive deeper into their passions or broaden their horizons by exploring new subjects.

Explore Courses

A truly international experience
Students will join peers from many countries across the world, creating a vibrant and multicultural learning environment that enhances the global student experience.

An exciting cultural and social programme
Beyond the classroom NTU offers a full schedule of activities, including visits to iconic UK cities, sports and evening events ensuring that students make the most of their time in the UK.

A safe and welcoming destination
Nottingham is a city renowned for its safety, having earned the prestigious Purple Flag award for its excellent night-time safety and vibrant atmosphere, ensuring your students feel at home both on and off campus.

Application Deadline: 1 June 2025

Apply Today!

Limited places available – apply soon!

Don’t miss out! This is the perfect chance for students to develop new skills, make new friends and experience the best of British culture. NTU looks forward to welcoming students this summer!

Have questions? Contact NTU here! 

Mak Editor

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End of Semester Memo for Academic Year 2024/2025

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Africa, one of three On-Campus Halls of Residence for ladies, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda.

All Resident Students

1. Congratulatory Message

On behalf of Makerere University Management, I congratulate and thank you for the successful completion of Semester Two: 2024/2025.

2.End of the Second Semester

The second Semester holiday break will begin on 17th May, 2025 up to Saturday 9th August, 2025.

3. Resident Students

All resident students are expected to vacate the Halls of Residence by mid-day on Saturday, 17th May, 2025.

4. University Property

Please hand over all University property in your possession (such as: room keys, Sports & Games equipment, College property etc) before you leave the Hall of Residence.

5. Security of personal property

Please make sure that you carry with you all your property.

Dean of Students
Makerere University

Mark Wamai

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Inter-college Debate 2025 Seeks to Nurture Confident, Articulate, and Visionary Leaders

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Winners of the Inter-college debates Daphine Kemigisha and Jibiril Ssekandi (School of Law) pose for a photo with debaters and the GRCs of the Debate Union. Organised by the Makerere Debating Union – a student-led initiative, the Inter-college Debate Tournament was held on 11th and 12th April 2025 with a vision to leave no student behind by nurturing a community of confident, articulate, and visionary leaders who will drive positive change in society. Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

Organised by the Makerere Debating Union – a student-led initiative, the Inter-college Debate Tournament was held on 11th and 12th April 2025 with a vision to leave no student behind by nurturing a community of confident, articulate, and visionary leaders who will drive positive change in society. The tournament was held in three preliminary rounds, followed by semi-finals and a grand finale.

The first round covered democracy and youth participation in politics, while the second round covered inequality and wealth distribution, and the third, the ban on export of raw materials. The semi-final round debated apprenticeship for blue-collar jobs, while the grand finale debated national budget allocations for healthcare and education. In the spirit of inclusivity, all colleges, including the Jinja Campus participated in the tournament.

One of the preliminary rounds in session at Lumumba Hall. Organised by the Makerere Debating Union – a student-led initiative, the Inter-college Debate Tournament was held on 11th and 12th April 2025 with a vision to leave no student behind by nurturing a community of confident, articulate, and visionary leaders who will drive positive change in society. Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
One of the preliminary rounds in session at Lumumba Hall.

Commenting on the choice of topics, the organisers noted Makerere University as a bastion of academic excellence has a profound responsibility to cultivate the next generation of leaders who will shape the future of our nation. These leaders, they added, ought to be equipped with 21st century skills of self-expression, critical thinking, and problem-solving so as to navigate the complexities of an ever-evolving world.

On the whole, Makerere Inter-college Debates were conceived as a strategic initiative to foster a culture of intellectual curiosity, creativity, and innovation. The Debating Union aims to empower the future leaders by providing a platform for students to engage in respectful discourse, articulate their thoughts, as well as develop their critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

Daphine Kemigisha submitting at the debate grand finale. Organised by the Makerere Debating Union – a student-led initiative, the Inter-college Debate Tournament was held on 11th and 12th April 2025 with a vision to leave no student behind by nurturing a community of confident, articulate, and visionary leaders who will drive positive change in society. Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Daphine Kemigisha submitting at the debate grand finale.

Furthermore, the Debates serve as a platform for not only honing the intellectual prowess of students but also cultivating leadership skills, teamwork, and communication abilities that are essential for success in an increasingly complex and interconnected world. It is envisaged that this initiative will have a lasting impact on the lives of students, by exposing them to debates on topical issues that can shape the mindsets of transformative leaders our nation needs.

After a thrilling two days of debate, Daphine Kemigisha and Jibril Ssekandi from the School of Law (SoL) emerged as winners of the Makerere University Inter-college Debate Tournament 2025, while Olara Emmanuel George from the College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Biosecurity (CoVAB) was the Public Speech Champion, and Namujuzi Martha Mociita from the College of Business and Management Sciences (CoBAMS) was the Poetry Champion.

Debate Winners; Daphine Kemigisha (Right) and Jibril Sekandi (Left) from the School of Law (SoL). Organised by the Makerere Debating Union – a student-led initiative, the Inter-college Debate Tournament was held on 11th and 12th April 2025 with a vision to leave no student behind by nurturing a community of confident, articulate, and visionary leaders who will drive positive change in society. Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Debate Winners; Daphine Kemigisha (Right) and Jibril Sekandi (Left) from the School of Law (SoL).

The 2025 Tournament was organized by Mayanja Owen and Nkalubo Oprah – 91st Guild Representative Councils (GRCs) of the Debate Union, Akatwijuka Arthur – Chairperson Debate Union, and Debate Union Representatives from colleges. The Uganda National NGO Forum (UNNGOF) partnered with the Debate Union to deliver the 2025 edition.

Addressing students at the award ceremony, UNNGOF’s Mr. Derrick Baluuku encouraged the youth to step out of their comfort zones and think of solutions to inspire change in their communities.

Mak Editor

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