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Advisory Board for the EfD-Mak Centre-Uganda Inaugurated

Published

4 years ago

April 28, 2022

Seated: The DVCAA and Chairperson EfD-Mak Centre Uganda Advisory Board, Prof. Umar Kakumba (2nd R), Prof. Eria Hisali (R) and Prof. Edward Bbaale (L) with Members of the Advisory Board and EfD Mak Centre Secretariat during the inauguration on 14th April 2022, CoBAMS, Makerere University.

Environment for Development Initiative (EfD-Mak Centre) Uganda on 14^th April 2022 inaugurated its Advisory Board to guide the operations of the Centre.

The Board inaugurated at the Centre’s Conference Hall at Makerere University, is chaired by the Deputy Vice chancellor in charge of Academic Affairs, Assoc. Prof. Umar Kakumba.

While inaugurating the Board, the Director, EfD-Mak Centre, Prof. Edward Bbaale said everyone in Uganda has been affected by the environment hence the need for joint efforts to address environmental challenges.

Prof. Bbaale applauded the Vice Chancellor Makerere University for appointing Assoc. Prof. Umar Kakumba to be the main driver of the Advisory Board saying, this is a sign that the Centre is heading in the right direction.

“I wish to also applaud the different government entities for having entrusted us with their officers to be part of the Advisory Board, “he said.

The Advisory Board is constituted by representatives from government Ministries, Departments and agencies including the Ministry of Water and Environment (MWE), National Environment Management Authority (NEMA), National Planning Authority (NPA), Ministry of Finance Planning and Economic Development(MoFPED), Ministry of Agriculture Animal Industries and Fisheries (MAAIF), Wakiso District Local Government (DLG) Parliament, ACODE, Swedish Embassy and the College of Business and Management Sciences (CoBAMS) Makerere University.

The DVCAA and Chairperson EfD-Mak Centre Uganda Advisory Board, Prof. Umar Kakumba.

Prof. Bbaale said, the Board is aimed at helping in realizing the Centre’s missions, vision and goal and is key in providing and steering strategic direction with guidance from the strategic plan.In order to realize these, the board will sit once every Quarter but the frequency may be adjusted in case of need and urgency of the business.

He highlighted that the board will be responsible for visualizing the EfD-Mak Centre, mobilizing resources and popularizing the centre for Sustainability. It board will establish a roadmap for the centre, building from the Global hub efforts and financial support.

The Board will also play an oversight role in terms of planning and guidance in the implementation of the centre’s activities, set the agenda for each meeting and ensure that agendas and supporting materials are delivered to members in advance of meetings.

In addition, the board is responsible for checking that the Centre is aligned with the National Public Investment Management and other development strategies as well as policies and directions across government and actively participate in meetings and review of minutes, papers and other steering committee documents.

The Principal College of Business and Management Sciences, Assoc. Prof. Eria Hisali observed that since the inception of the Centre, there has been a number of achievements recorded.

“This is a center which is already vibrant and committed to doing a lot related to environment conservation and policy direction. You can continue asking for our full support now that you have a strong team led by an advisory Board.

L-R: Assistant Commissioner Ministry of Finance Dr. Mugume Koojo, Prof. Eria Hisali and Prof Edward Bbaale interacting after the inauguration.

We now have a chance to benefit from a number of senior colleagues and we look forward to exploiting you to the fullest”, he said.

Assoc. Prof. Hisali called for integration of the centre in activities related to the review of the environmental policies to enhance sustainability.

The interim Board Chair Assoc. Prof. Umar Kakumba, said the Board intends to foster the strategic objective of the Centre as a research, knowledge and innovation hub on issues to do with environmental research, environmental advocacy and environmental policy.

“As you are aware, environment is something that can never be ignored by any economy. Environmental degradation and vagaries of climate change and variability has affected the economies of the world so much in terms of agricultural food production, but also in terms of creating health disasters which have led to a lot of emerging infectious diseases and other environmental dangers.

As a Board, our role is to provide oversight, continue to grow the confidence of the international partners like the SIDA that has supported the centre to run various activities related to research, capacity building and training for governmental, local authorities and middle level officers.

Assistant Commissioner Statistics Macroeconomic Policy Department in the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, Dr. Sam Mugume Koojo (L) interacts with Prof. Umar Kakumba during the inauguration event.

We also want to show how research can create solutions and policies that can help to protect and safeguard our environment in addition to fostering institutionalization”, Dr. Kakumba explained.

Members speak out on the launch

The Deputy Director, EfD-Mak Centre Prof. Johnny Mugisha who attended virtually said, the Advisory Board was long overdue and expressed happiness that despite the challenges, it was achieved.

Wakiso District Environmental Officer Ms. Rebecca Sabaganzi observed the need to embed the Centre to the National Development Plan III and make the strategic plan measurable to holistically address issues of environment.

She implored the Centre Secretariat to integrate the private sector into their day-to-day operations saying, this will enhance quick customer responsiveness.

“As government we are slow in acting but the private sector is very first. So, including them would make a very big impact,” Sabaganzi said.

The Assistant Commissioner Statistics Macroeconomic Policy Department in the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development Dr. Sam Mugume Koojo, expressed the need to institutionalize the center in order to make it more relevant and attract government support.

The Assistant Commissioner wetlands in the Ministry of Water and Environment Stephane Mugabi, expressed the need for advocacy for sustainability if Environmental conservation and protection is to be realized.

Related Topics:ACODE advisory board CAES Centre CoBAMS DVCAA EfD MAAIF MoFPED MWE NEMA NPA Uganda

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Call for Applications: Admission to Postgraduate Programmes 2026/2027

Published

2 days ago

February 4, 2026

Mak Editor

SoL Graduands celebrate after being conferred upon their awards. 75th Graduation Ceremony, Day 1, CoCIS, CEES, CoVAB and School of Law. 13th January 2025, Freedom Square, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

The Academic Registrar, Makerere University invites applications for admission to Graduate Programmes (Postgraduate Diplomas, Masters and Doctoral Degree Programmes) for the 2026/2027 Academic Year. Applicants should have obtained at least a first or second class degree (or its equivalent) from a Chartered University at the time of completion. Applicants should also possess a Uganda Certificate of Education (or its equivalent) and a Uganda Advanced Certificate of Education (or its equivalent).

Sponsorship:

All Graduate Programmes are PRIVATELY-SPONSORED. Therefore, applicants seeking sponsorship should have their applications endorsed by their respective sponsors where applicable. Applicants should note that the various fees payable to the University indicated for the various programmes EXCLUDE functional fees, accommodation, books, research and other expenses.

Makerere-Advert-for-Graduate-Programmes-2026-2027 Download

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Simon Mungudit: Mak’s Best Performing Male Science Student & Rising Star in Petroleum Geoscience

Published

3 days ago

February 3, 2026

Hasifa Kabejja

Simon Mungudit emerged the best performing male science student this year. He is set to graduate from Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa on 24th February 2026 in the Freedom Square.

At just 24 years old, Simon Mungudit from the College of Natural Sciences (CoNAS) has etched his name in the academic history of Makerere University, having emerged as the overall best male student in the Sciences, an achievement earned through perseverance, discipline, and an unrelenting pursuit of excellence.

Mungudit is set to graduate during 76th graduation ceremony scheduled for 24^th to 27th February 2026, having attained a CGPA of 4.76 in the Bachelor of Science in Petroleum Geoscience and Production. His academic interests-Reservoir Engineering, Petrophysics, and Drilling-reflect a deep understanding of the subsurface sciences that power modern energy systems.

Early Life and Journey to Academic Excellence

Born to Mr. Owor Thomas, a Game Ranger with the Uganda Wildlife Authority at Murchison Falls National Park, and Ms. Lilly Obewun Grace of Akuru Bridge Village, Nyaravur Sub-County in Nebbi District, Mungudit’s journey to academic excellence began far from the lecture halls of Makerere. At Karuma Primary School, Mungudit scored 12 aggregates in the Primary Leaving Examinations (PLE), setting the pace for his future success. He proceeded to St. Daniel Comboni College, Nebbi, where he attained 14 aggregates in 8 subjects at O’ Level. He then joined Namilyango College, one of the best secondary schools in Uganda, where he studied Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics (PCM) and scored 19 points, results that secured him government sponsorship to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Petroleum Geoscience and Production at Makerere University.

Gratitude to his mentors and sponsors

Behind these milestones lies a story of humility, gratitude and opportunity. Mungudit credits his parents for supporting his primary and O’ Level education and expresses gratitude to TotalEnergies, which provided a full bursary for his A’ Level studies, covering tuition, upkeep, and medical care. He also acknowledges the Government of Uganda for sponsoring his university education, a factor he says motivated him to excel.

At Makerere, Mungudit thrived in an environment that blended rigorous academics with mentorship. He pays tribute to his lecturers, particularly Dr. Arthur Batte, Head, Department of Geology and Petroleum Studies, for their unwavering commitment to nurturing students and pushing them to excel.

“I always aimed to excel,” Mungudit says. “Together with a few colleagues, we formed a group and held discussions on a daily. This, coupled with a conducive study environment, prayer, and discipline, enabled us to attain excellent grades.”

Dr Arthur Batte describes Mungidit as a humble yet very intelligent student.

Achievements and Professional Experience

Beyond academics, Mungudit consistently demonstrated expertise in petroleum engineering. In 2024, he led a team that won the Reservoir Modelling Challenge, organized by the American Association of Petroleum Geologists (AAPG) Makerere University Chapter, earning prize money and a sponsored field trip to the Tilenga Project courtesy of COSL. He was First Runner-Up in the Petro Bowl competitions of 2023 and 2025, a highly competitive petroleum knowledge quiz organized by the Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE) Uganda Section. He served as a Student Officer for the SPE Makerere University Chapter in 2023, and in 2024, he chaired the Organizing Committee of the SPE Annual Students’ Technical Conference and Exhibition, helping bridge the gap between academia and industry.

His learning extended beyond the classroom. During his internship, he worked with TotalEnergies, where he applied petrophysics skills to analyze gas-while-drilling data for formation evaluation, hands-on exposure that sharpened his professional competence. At Makerere University, he mastered PetroMod 2018, a critical software tool in oil and gas exploration. After completing his studies in June 2025, Mungudit trained with the Uganda National Oil Company (UNOC), participating in the 2D seismic acquisition in the Kasurubani Block in Buliisa and Hoima districts.

Mungudit currently works as the Special Projects Coordinator for the Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE) Uganda Section Student Liaison Committee.

Future Plans

Mungudit hopes to work in the oil and gas industry in the upstream sector as a geoscientist. He also plans to pursue further studies in petroleum engineering.

From a village in Nebbi to the forefront of petroleum geoscience, Mungudit’s story is one of an opportunity seized and potential realized. It is a testament to what is possible when talent meets support, and when determination is guided by faith, mentorship, and service. As Uganda’s oil and gas sector continues to evolve, Mungudit stands as a symbol of the skilled, principled professionals poised to shape its future.

The CoNAS fraternity congratulates Mungudit on this noble achievement.

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Press Statement: Makerere 76th Graduation Ceremony

Published

1 week ago

January 28, 2026

Mak Editor

Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe (Centre) presents one of the printed batches of transcripts the Registrar College of Computing and Information Sciences (CoCIS)-Ms. Ruth Iteu Eyoku (2nd Right) as Right to Left: DVCAA-Prof. Sarah Ssali, AR-Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi and Ms. Prossy Nakayiki witness on 28th January 2026. Vice Chancellor's Press Briefing on the 76th Graduation due to be held 24th-27th February 2026 at Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

Makerere University’s 76^th graduation ceremony will be held from February 24^th – 27^th, 2026, at the Makerere University Freedom Square, starting at 8.30am. During the 76^th graduation ceremony, we shall confer degrees and award certificates to 185 PhDs, 2034 Masters, 6,043 bachelors, 137 postgraduate diplomas and 33 diplomas.

I am proud to announce that in comparison to the 75^th graduation, we have registered a 30% growth in graduate student output. This is a result of our strategic decision to prioritize graduate education per our research-led agenda.

I also wish to announce that the transcripts have been finalized and are ready for pick up. Today, I am handing over the ready transcripts to the College principals and can be picked up from respective Colleges even before the graduation ceremony.

Important to Note:

In preparation for the graduation ceremony, the University wishes to note the following:

Pre-graduation clearances
Graduands are reminded to clear all necessary payments such as tuition and all graduation
fees. It is also important to check with your College to ensure your name is on the graduation
list and all mandatory clearances with university officials have been finalized. Note and
internalize the graduation schedule (attached) to know which day you are graduating.
Securing the graduation gowns
Graduation gowns will be issued starting from 2^nd February 2026 from the University Hall (Dinning Hall), Monday to Friday, from 9am to 4pm. To collect your gown, check and ensure your name appears on the Senate Graduation list, present your student number or National ID, and proof of payment for the gown.
Security requirements
- Attendance: For each day of graduation, entrance to the graduation ground will be by invitation only. Graduands will be issued with invitation cards which permits two guests per graduand. Do not come with more than two people or they will not be allowed access to the graduation venue. Graduands are encouraged to arrive to settle at the Freedom Square by 7am on graduation day to for a seamless flow of planned activities including the necessary security checks.
- Prohibited items: Prohibited items include firearms, sharp instruments like mirrors and knives, alcohol, cell or batteries and chemicals, canned food and drinks, laptops, flashes and hard disks, radios including pocket radios, bottled drinks, cameras, large bags or any other heavy items.
- Media: All media and journalists who wish to cover the ceremony must be pre-accredited by the Makerere University Public Relations office or they will not be allowed to access the ceremony venue. The access point for accredited media personnel will be the Senate Building.
- Parking: There will be two designated parking areas; Rugby Grounds for those coming through the Eastern and Main Gate; and the second one is the Makerere University Main Grounds at Makerere College School. For VVIPs, VIPs and procession parking will be at CTF1, Directorate of Legal parking, St Francis and St Augustine parking, JICA and Senate Building.
- Access Control: To ease traffic flow and management, the University has planned three access points to the graduation venue: the School of Social Sciences, Senate Building and the University Swimming Pool.
For help and inquiries
- Starting February 2, 2026, the Academic Registrar ’s Office and Graduation Committee will set up an information tent outside the Senate Building to provide guidance and handle all inquiries pertaining to graduation.