General
Guild EC 2021 & 86th Guild Speaker Applauded for Delivering Petition-Free Election
The Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic Affairs)-DVCAA, Prof. Umar Kakumba, has this afternoon presented trophies to the Guild Electoral Commission (EC) 2021 and the 86th Guild Speaker, in recognition of their contribution and efforts that delivered a Petition-Free Election.
In her remarks, the Dean of Students, Mrs. Winifred Kabumbuli thanked the DVCAA for accepting to present trophies to the outgoing Guild Electoral Commission 2021, for their outstanding performance, the first of its kind in a long time at Makerere. She noted that the team’s efforts were exemplary to the University community, most especially the students. She emphasized how proud she was of the team’s performance and noted that the brief ceremony was in fulfillment of the DVCAA’s recommendation that outstanding performance should be acknowledged and appreciated. Members of the team that received trophies included;
- Mr. William Kananga, Chairperson
- Ms. Angel Kampi, 86th Guild Speaker
- Ms. Tracy Kirabo, Vice Chairperson
- Mr. Martin Wambona, Commissioner for Finance
- Mr. Saad Ddumba, Public Relations Officer
The DVCAA in response thanked the Dean of Students for her passion and vigour towards nurturing and instilling a great sense of responsibility amongst the young leaders. He noted that managing student affairs is never easy, especially since the students emerge from different backgrounds. He observed that the University is a point of congregation for students from all walks of life originating from close to a thousand secondary schools across the entire country. This congregation, he noted, is characterised by varying behaviour, cultural orientation and aspirations.
Prof. Kakumba therefore applauded the outgoing Guild Electoral Commission 2021 and the 86th Guild Speaker for exemplifying good leadership. He paid tribute to the tem for their focus and pointed out that leadership is about thoughtful decisions and that any leader should never suffer from indecision. He stated that every decision whether good or bad is a learning experience.
Echoing the Dean of Students, the DVCAA further applauded the team for being exemplary. He informed them that the University Council had infact commended the Students’ Affairs Committee headed by Dr. Hellen N. Nkabala and the student leadership for effectively and successfully managing the student guild electoral process. Prof. Kakumba concluded that together, the Dean of Students, Students’ Affairs Committee and the Guild Electoral Commission 2021 had indeed left an indelible mark. He therefore commended the Dean of Students organising the award ceremony despite several competing interests.
In his acceptance speech, the Chairperson, Mr. William Kananga thanked the DVCAA and the Dean of Students for appreciating their efforts. He noted that the team neither had any clashes nor intrigue during the guild electoral process. He said that his team followed the law and guidelines, received a lot of goodwill to deliver a successful election.
He was also happy to inform the DVCAA and the Dean of Students that the entire team of the Guild Electoral Commission 2021 and the 86th Guild Speaker would be graduating this May, which was a rarity with student leaders.
The DVCAA congratulated the team upon achieving such matching their exemplary leadership with good academic performance.
Written by: Doreen Tazwaire, Personal Assistant, Office of the DVCAA
Today, Monday 18th May 2026, most students will begin their End of Semester Two Examinations, and they have been encouraged to remain confident and calm during the examination season.
Data from the University Counselling and Guidance Centre shows that even the best-prepared students experience anxiety, pressure, fear of failure, sleep difficulties and emotional exhaustion during examinations.
Addressing students during a pre-examination mental health workshop organised by the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Makerere University on 15th May 2026, Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi, Academic Registrar, reminded students that their mental health is far more important than any grade.
“This workshop comes at the right time. I encourage all students to understand that your worth is not defined by a single examination or grade. Examinations are only one part of your educational journey. What matters equally is your ability to remain healthy, focused, ethical and hopeful throughout the process,” Prof Buyinza, said.
Prof. Buyinza shared practical tips to help students avoid fatigue and excessive stress during this period.
“Prepare a realistic reading timetable and avoid last-minute cramming. Take short breaks while studying to allow your mind to recover and improve concentration. Get adequate sleep and avoid excessive consumption of caffeine and energy drinks,” he noted.
During the session, he also encouraged students to engage in light physical activity, stretching or short walks to refresh their minds and reduce tension.
“Maintain a positive mindset and avoid comparing yourself excessively with others. Stay connected with supportive friends, family members, mentors or counsellors whenever you feel overwhelmed,” Prof. Buyinza advised.
He reaffirmed the University’s commitment to supporting students not only academically, but also in their mental and psychosocial wellbeing, encouraging learners to seek help from counsellors, lecturers, mentors, peers, family members and available support systems whenever necessary.
Speaking at the event, Ms. Prossy Nakayiki, the Deputy Academic Registrar in charge of Examinations and Transcripts warned students against examination malpractice and urged them to uphold academic integrity.
“Anxiety should never push anyone into examination malpractice, do not enter an examination room with a smart watch, phone or any hidden paper commonly known as bullets. Preparation, honesty, rest and self-belief remain the best approaches to success,” Ms. Nakayiki, said.
She also advised students who had not yet printed their examination cards to do so early, noting that delays at the last minute could cause unnecessary panic and disorganisation.
In her presentation about the reality of examination stress and coping strategies, Connie Evelyn Kharono, a Counselling Psychologist at the Counselling and Guidance Center, called upon students to adopt the 5, 4,3,2,1 Ground technique before an exam or intense study session.
The 5, 4,3,2,1 ground technique, is one of the easiest mindfulness strategies designed for managing stress and anxiety, as it can be done almost anywhere and at any time. You name 5 things you can see, 4 you can touch, 3 you can hear, 2 you can smell and 1 you can taste.
She advised students to focus on what they can control.
“You can control your study schedule, your sleep and how kindly you speak yourself. You cannot control the exact questions that will be on the paper, so channel your energy only into the preparations you can influence,” Ms Kharono, said.
Ms Kharono encouraged students to maintain a regular sleep schedule and ensure that they are eating balanced meals and staying hydrated.
Ms Christine Nimusiima, a senior Psycho-Social Officer at the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Makerere University, called upon the students to practise positive self-talk and maintain a healthy mindset.
“During this examination season, avoid comparing your revision progress or predicted grades with your peers. Your only competition is who you were yesterday. Take a deep breath, trust in the work you have done and remember that you have the resilience to succeed. Best of luck with your preparations,” Ms. Nimusiima said.
By Dr. Racheal Ddungu Mugabi
The Alliance for African Partnership, Africa Office, today received a delegation from the University of Bergen (UiB)’s Division of Research and Innovation. The visiting team comprised Kristin Svartveit, Vivil Valvik Haraldsen, and Emmanuel Ovon Babatunde.
The delegation was officially introduced by Prof. Sylvia Antonia Nakimera Nannyonga-Tamusuza, Head, Grants Administration and Management Support Unit (GAMSU), together with Dr. Ronald Semyalo (Makerere University coordinator for UiB)
The visit aimed to strengthen institutional collaboration and promote research excellence through international partnerships. The key objectives of the meeting included:
- UiB team sharing information and experiences on enhancing success in EU grant acquisition and management.
- UiB application support process for Postdoc fellowships at Bergen up to a period of 2 years
- AAP Africa Office providing insights into the AAP consortium programs and activities in order to foster collaboration between the AAP consortium and UiB.
The engagement provided an important platform for knowledge exchange, networking, and exploring opportunities for future collaborative research initiatives between Makerere University, the AAP consortium, and the University of Bergen.
The Author is the Director of the AAP Africa Office
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