Education
A job worth doing is worth doing together – Prof. Mugagga
Like the saying ‘a job worth doing is worth doing together’, the College of Education and External Studies (CEES) Principal on May 13, set out to call on his staff to put their differences a side and work together for the development of the college. The staff had gathered for a leadership and team building exercise. The Principal, Prof. Anthony Muwagga Mugagga called on the members present to work together, learn to agree to disagree and to make amends with one another so as to build a winning team. The Principal cautioned against personal conflicts, saying they are a source of stress which is dangerous to one’s health.
He emphasized that everyone is needed at Makerere if we are to succeed but hastened to add that institutions will go on without us, long after we are gone, so it is important to play our part when we can. “It is therefore important for all of us to relate well with colleagues, avoid stress and stay healthy,” Prof. Mugagga said. “I pray that during my tenure as principal, we will have more people working together for the development not only of the university but also the individuals,” he said.
The facilitator of the day, Dr. Naboth Coole, shared with the team some sources of conflict, and some tips on conflict resolution. He cited lack of respect for other people’ opinions as one of the biggest sources of conflict, an ‘I know it all attitude’, management issues such as favoritism, unfair treatment as well as perception. “We all perceive things differently, this may in many instances cause conflict,” Dr. Naboth said. Other courses of conflict identified included unfair treatment of others, poor communication, micro-management and lack of adequate training for supervisors.
Dr. Naboth advised that if we are to solve conflicts, we must identify the source of the conflict. He hastened to add that when solving a conflict, don’t pick on one individual because a conflict cannot be caused by one person. He further advised staff to be open to divergent views. “we may not agree on many things but we can agree to work for one common good,” Dr. Naboth emphasized.
Participants discussed conflict resolution measures that can be undertaken, which include identifying the source of conflict, asking the right questions, aligning the goals of the institution to the needs of the individuals in so doing people will know who is responsible for what, the when and the how. The facilitator advised that it’s important to create bridges among the different schools and departments of CEES and create one family. Addressing issues directly with people is another way of resolving conflicts.
The participants undertook a session of self-evaluation, which is one way of resolving conflicts. The participants were able to identify their strengths and weaknesses and through the open discussions, they were able to identify how their weaknesses could be a cause of conflict in their work environment. Quoting Socrates, the Prof. Mugagga emphasized that, “Life unexamined is not worth living”.
The participants took part in outdoor activities whose intension was to open our minds to the importance of working together, mentorship, empathy, sharing, strong leadership and knowing that we all have a part to play in the development of the institutions we work for.
The team building exercise was concluded in agreement that coming together is the beginning, working together is success and beautiful orchestras aren’t played alone.
Education
Mapping Research in Education: A Baseline Study on PhD Completion and Emerging Research Themes
Makerere University’s Centre for Life-Long Learning (CLL) under the College of Education and External Studies celebrated a significant milestone on January 24, 2025, as over 40 students successfully graduated with diplomas and certificates in various fields accredited by the Uganda Business and Technical Examinations Board (UBTEB).
The graduation ceremony, held at Makerere University, marked the sixth cohort to complete their academic programs at the Centre, highlighting its role in equipping individuals with the knowledge and skills necessary for professional and personal growth.
The ceremony included a moment of pride for Namagembe Saidat, who emerged as the best-performing student. She graduated with a Diploma in Secretarial Studies, achieving an outstanding CGPA of 4.86. Saidat’s accomplishment reflects the Centre’s commitment to academic excellence and nurturing top-tier professionals.
In his address, Dr. Oscar Mugula, the National Coordinator of CLL, congratulated the graduates for their resilience and hard work over the two years of study. He commended the government for revising the admission policy for diploma programs, which now requires only one principal pass instead of two. This policy adjustment, he noted, has significantly increased student enrollment and widened access to higher education opportunities.
Dr. Mugula also encouraged the graduates to register with professional bodies as technicians, emphasizing that such affiliations would enhance their employability and competitiveness in the job market.
Speaking on behalf of the Principal of the College of Education and External Studies (CEES), Dr. Harriet Nabushawo extended gratitude to the government, particularly the Ministry of Education and Sports, and UBTEB for entrusting CEES with the training of diverse education stakeholders. She further thanked Makerere University’s management for its unwavering support of the College’s activities and acknowledged the collaboration with the College of Engineering, Design, Art and Technology, which provides access to laboratories and workshops essential for student training.
Dr. Nabushawo urged the graduates to consider advancing their studies by enrolling in degree programs to further enhance their qualifications. Additionally, she shared valuable life skills and encouraged the graduates to adopt a mindset of continuous learning and self-improvement to remain relevant in a dynamic labor market.
The graduation ceremony underscored the transformative impact of lifelong learning in fostering socio-economic development and empowering individuals to achieve their full potential. The Centre for Life-Long Learning continues to play a pivotal role in bridging educational gaps and promoting inclusivity in higher education.
As the graduates embark on their professional journeys, their success serves as a testament to the dedication of CLL’s faculty and staff, as well as the vital role of Makerere University in nurturing skilled professionals equipped to contribute to national development.
Congratulations to the graduates, faculty, and all stakeholders who made this milestone possible!
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