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Information Literacy & Reference Management Training for THRiVE Network

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Date: 15th – 17th June 2022

Please register here to get the Zoom link for the workshop:

https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZYrdOygqTksG9Mx0s8f5VbjLHCnQzrgsBpn

About this workshop

Information Literacy forms the basis for lifelong learning and is a necessary skill for all scholars and researchers.

Information Literacy is knowing when and why you need information, where to find it, and how to evaluate, and use and communicate it in an ethical manner. Reference management tools help scholars to collect, organize, and insert citations and bibliographic references into essays, research papers, dissertations, and theses.Information literacy enables scholars and researchers to undertake their research in a more efficient, effective,and ethical manner.

This workshop is designed to provide students and researchers with intellectual, critical, and logical skills to quickly access relevant information, evaluate the information and effectively and efficiently use the information.The workshop includes hands-on activities in developing search strategies and using reference management tools.

Duration: 3 days

Trainer

  • Ms Mary Ngure, Coordinator-Information Resource Centre, icipe mngure@icipe.org

Sessions and learning outcomes

(1) Introduction to Information Literacy

This session will focus on four areas to equip participants with skills for life-long learning to become more self-directed, and assume greater control over their own learning:

  1. How to locate, evaluate, use and manage information effectivelywith emphasis on
    e-resources
  2. Using search strategies
  3. Using search engines 
  4. Evaluating information critically 

In the workshop, participants will learn to:

  • Develop an effective search strategy to access needed information
  • Evaluate reliability, relevance, authority, and accuracy of information

(2) Publishing in Credible Open Access Journals and Identifying Predatory Journals 

This session will focus on Open Access (OA publishing model) that provides free online access to research publications. Participants will learn to:

  1. Identify Credible Open access journals
  2. Use journal selection tools to identify journals to publish in
  3. Identify predatory journals

(3) Maintaining an online scholarly presence

At this session, participants will learn about the different online platforms for creating online presence. This allows scholars and researchers to increase the visibility of their publications and to network, finding potential collaborators and readers.

Participants will learn to create their accounts on:

  1. Google Scholar
  2. Academia.edu
  3. Linkedln
  4. ORCID
  5. Research Gate

(4) Reference Management and citation tools / Plagiarism Detection

At this session, participants will learn about the standalone or web-based software that enable a researcher to efficiently store lists of references and full-text articles, format citations to any citation style and create bibliographies. Correct citing and referencing helps avoid plagiarism.

In the workshop, participants will learn:

  1. What is plagiarism and how to avoid it
  2. How to generate plagiarism reports using Turnitin
  3. Use of different reference management and citation tools to cite while you write and create bibliographies with a practical on Mendeley referencing software

Participants are encouraged to download and install Mendeley referencing tool in their devices prior to the workshop.

Programme

Time (EAT)ActivityTrainer/Facilitator
Day 1: Wednesday15thJune2022
09:45 -10:00Login and connection checkICT Team
10:00 -10:10Opening RemarksTBA
10:10 -12:00Pre-Training Quiz / Self-Assessment Introduction to Information LiteracyMs Mary Ngure, Coordinator-Information Resource Centre, icipe  
12:00 -14:00Break 
14:00-15:50Publishing in Credible Open Access Journals and Identifying Predatory JournalsMs Mary Ngure
15:50-16:00Wrap up session
Day 2: Thursday 16th June 2022
09:45 -10:00Login and connection checkICT Team
10:00 -12:00Maintaining an Online Scholarly PresenceMs Mary Ngure  
12:00 -12:15General discussion
Day 3: Friday 17thJune 2022
09:45 -10:00Login and connection checkICT Team
10:00 -12:00Reference Management and Citation Tools / Plagiarism Detection / Mendeley practicalMs Mary Ngure
12:00 – 12:15Post Training Quiz / Workshop evaluation Closing RemarksMs Mary Ngure   TBA  

Pre-workshop activities

Please install Mendeley on your computer before the workshop:

  1. Download Mendeley and install on your computer (Windows, macOS or Linux):https://www.mendeley.com/downloads OR Legacy version https://www.mendeley.com/reference-management/mendeley-desktop
  2. Install Mendeley citation plugin
    To be able to cite as you write, generate citations and bibliographies and change your citation style, install the citation plug-in. From the Mendeley desktop version installed in step a) above; click on Tools>Install MS Word Plugin
  3. Install Web Importer add-on
    To import papers, web pages and other documents directly into your reference library from search engines and academic databases, download and install Web importer: https://www.mendeley.com/reference-management/web-importer

Background reading/viewing

Google Scholar library: https://scholar.google.com/intl/en/scholar/help.html#library

“Critically Evaluating Websites” VCU Libraries (6 min)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xBnlIA4x1Xk

“Plagiarism: Avoid it at all costs!” University College Dublin https://www.ucd.ie/library/elearning/plagiarism/story_html5.html

“Understanding and Avoiding Plagiarism: Types of Plagiarism”University of Guelph (3 min)

“Understanding and Avoiding Plagiarism: From Passage to Paraphrase”, University of Guelph (2 min) https://youtu.be/auUHRv1vIgw

“4 Ways to Check Your Paper for Plagiarism”, University of Guelph (2 min)

“Easy Referencing and Citation: How to use Mendeley Desktop, Web Importer and MS Word Plugin” (10 min) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H4osP8Gp3Kk

“Mendeley: How to Create a Bibliography from a Folder”, University of Guelph (2 min)
https://youtu.be/bxTTz4WIdUI

“Mendeley: How to use the Citation Plugin in Word”, University of Guelph (2 min)
https://youtu.be/t6c78uqn6EI

“Mendeley: How to Share References with Your Group”, University of Guelph (2 min) https://youtu.be/yYGCKbJlNmo

“Mendeley: How to Add References from an Online Database” University of Guelph (3 min)
http://y2u.be/aNaKFLvKrh0

Mark Wamai

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Admission Lists -Successful Appeals 2025/26

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International Admissions at makerere university

The Office of Academic Registrar, Makerere University has released the admission lists for candidates for those whose appeals have been successful for the 2025/26 Academic Year.

Kindly follow the links below to access the lists respectively:-

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UNDP and Mak Launch Daycare Centre and Multimedia Studio to Boost Gender Equality and Digital Inclusion

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Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, Mr. Ian King and H.E. Ssentamu Churchill James (Standing before Banners) are joined by officials in a group photo in the Daycare Centre, located on the Ground Floor of the Institute of Gender and Development Studies (IGDS) on 7th August 2025. Makerere University, in collaboration with UNDP Uganda launch of Daycare and Breastfeeding Centre at the Institute of Gender and Development Studies (IGDS) and state-of-the-art Multimedia Studio at the Frank Kalimuzo Central Teaching Facility, 7th August 2025, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

Makerere University, in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Uganda, has launched two transformative facilities, a Daycare and Breastfeeding Centre at the Institute of Gender and Development Studies (IGDS), and a state-of-the-art Multimedia Studio at the Frank Kalimuzo Central Teaching Facility. These facilities mark a major milestone in the University’s commitment to gender equality, student and staff welfare, and digital innovation in higher education.

A Milestone for Gender Equality: Daycare and Breastfeeding Centre

Mr. Ian King, the Ag. Resident Representative, UNDP Uganda, speaking at launch of the Daycare and Breastfeeding Centre emphasized the importance of the Gender Equality Seal (GES) initiative, funded by the European Union (EU). He applauded the Institute for being the first in Africa to participate in the GES.

Mr. King highlighted the role of the facility to mothers and some fathers in ensuring children’s safety and peace of mind for parents. He further commended the Institute for demonstrating what can be achieved through the programme. He stressed the importance of setting high standards for child care centres and making spaces safe for young parents. The Daycare centre is intended to provide a safe and nurturing environment for children and relief for mothers and fathers to focus on their work and studies.

A view of the general play and lounge area of the Daycare Centre. Makerere University, in collaboration with UNDP Uganda launch of Daycare and Breastfeeding Centre at the Institute of Gender and Development Studies (IGDS) and state-of-the-art Multimedia Studio at the Frank Kalimuzo Central Teaching Facility, 7th August 2025, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
A view of the general play and lounge area of the Daycare Centre.

Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, the Vice Chancellor, noted that the centre will be crucial in supporting breastfeeding mothers—particularly students and staff—to continue their academic and professional pursuits. Recalling a time when women were barely represented in the University Senate, he acknowledged the significant strides Makerere has made, while also noting ongoing gaps in graduate gender equity.

“The majority of graduates are women, but there are still issues of equity at the graduate level. I think there are still issues that we must solve, and one of them is helping mothers who are students and members of staff to continue with what they do, even when they have got babies to look after because that’s one of the reasons, I think, why many students drop out just because they become mothers,” he added.

Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe holds a baby as he makes his remarks at the Daycare facility. Makerere University, in collaboration with UNDP Uganda launch of Daycare and Breastfeeding Centre at the Institute of Gender and Development Studies (IGDS) and state-of-the-art Multimedia Studio at the Frank Kalimuzo Central Teaching Facility, 7th August 2025, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe holds a baby as he makes his remarks at the Daycare facility.

He acknowledged that the facility will come in handy for addressing challenges, including balancing motherhood with academic or professional responsibilities. He extended appreciation to UNDP for their long-standing partnership in transforming Makerere into a more inclusive and modern academic institution.

The Head of the Institute of Gender and Development Studies (IGDS), Prof. Sarah Ssali, in her remarks, thanked the Vice Chancellor who catered for the Daycare Centre while designing the building. Prof. Ssali highlighted that the Daycare describes Makerere University‘s history and its commitment to gender equality and inclusion. She highlighted that the University has over 20 gender policies and interventions—with some directly impacting gender equality and others improving the work ecosystem—for example, digitization, quality assurance programmes and scholarship programmes. “But this is the first that directly addresses the needs of both students and staff—mothers and fathers alike—through a shared space for child care,” she said.

Prof. Sarah Ssali (Right) welcomes officials to the Institute of Gender and Development Studies. Makerere University, in collaboration with UNDP Uganda launch of Daycare and Breastfeeding Centre at the Institute of Gender and Development Studies (IGDS) and state-of-the-art Multimedia Studio at the Frank Kalimuzo Central Teaching Facility, 7th August 2025, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Prof. Sarah Ssali (Right) welcomes officials to the Institute of Gender and Development Studies.

Ms. Donna Keirungi, a mother and alumna of the University, shared her personal journey on how challenging it is to balance both studying and childcare. She highlighted that the Daycare Centre aims to make the various policies on gender equality and women’s empowerment practical, and to support the University’s commitment to Gender Equality. The Centre aims to fulfil the University’s Strategic Plan 2020–2030’s emphasis on creating an enabling environment and work-life balance.

“The journey to establish the centre began in 2022 with support from the UNDP, including benchmarking at a well-established Daycare Centre in Parliament. The centre is open to children aged zero to five years, including those of students and staff members,” she highlighted.

Ms. Donna Keirungi leads officials on a tour of the Daycare Centre. Makerere University, in collaboration with UNDP Uganda launch of Daycare and Breastfeeding Centre at the Institute of Gender and Development Studies (IGDS) and state-of-the-art Multimedia Studio at the Frank Kalimuzo Central Teaching Facility, 7th August 2025, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Ms. Donna Keirungi leads officials on a tour of the Daycare Centre.

The Daycare Centre is unique in that it benefits all members of the University community, including single fathers and students.

H.E. Ssentamu Churchill James, the 91st Guild President, thanked UNDP and the organising committee for their efforts in making the facility a reality, describing it as a testament to the University’s commitment to gender equity, student welfare, and removing barriers for parenting students. He highlighted the importance of peace of mind for students, especially mothers, and how the facility will help them balance their roles.

Advancing Digital Transformation: New Multimedia Studio Launched

In a separate but equally impactful launch at the Frank Kalimuzo Central Teaching Facility, Mr. Ian King described the studio as a strategic milestone in the University’s vision to modernise higher education and foster flexible learning. Mr. King noted that Uganda has made significant progress in digital inclusion with over 13 million internet users. He emphasized that the facility aims to address gaps in digital skills access—with only 3% of the population currently benefiting—and promote digital inclusion in line with the pillars of the Digital Economy Scorecard.

Mr. Ian King makes his remarks prior to launching the Multimedia Studio. Makerere University, in collaboration with UNDP Uganda launch of Daycare and Breastfeeding Centre at the Institute of Gender and Development Studies (IGDS) and state-of-the-art Multimedia Studio at the Frank Kalimuzo Central Teaching Facility, 7th August 2025, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Mr. Ian King makes his remarks prior to launching the Multimedia Studio.

He also expressed confidence that the next Digital Economy Scorecard will show improved figures due to the efforts of Makerere and other universities. The digital studio will provide a dedicated space equipped with modern infrastructure to facilitate equitable access to digital skills development. He encouraged full utilization of the studio to maximise its impact on teaching, learning and skills development. He further thanked the Makerere University Management and development partners for their financial contributions that enabled the studio’s realization.

Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe expressed gratitude to the UNDP for their long-time support, especially with facilities like the Makerere University Innovation Pod (Mak UniPod). He thanked the UNDP for contributing to the modernisation of the University. The Vice Chancellor pledged to use the facility to build capacity across all disciplines and provide knowledge to a wider audience online.

Left to Right: Prof. Sarah Ssali, Prof. Paul Birevu Muyinda, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, Mr. Ian King, H.E. Ssentamu Churchill James and Ms. Annet Mpabalungi Wakabi in the Multimedia Studio. Makerere University, in collaboration with UNDP Uganda launch of Daycare and Breastfeeding Centre at the Institute of Gender and Development Studies (IGDS) and state-of-the-art Multimedia Studio at the Frank Kalimuzo Central Teaching Facility, 7th August 2025, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Left to Right: Prof. Sarah Ssali, Prof. Paul Birevu Muyinda, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, Mr. Ian King, H.E. Ssentamu Churchill James and Ms. Annet Mpabalungi Wakabi in the Multimedia Studio.

He noted that Africa’s enrolment in higher education is the lowest in the world despite having the fastest-growing population, emphasizing the importance of providing high-quality education to as many people as possible, both on-campus and online. “I’m happy that this facility looks even more diverse than ones I have seen,” he said, expressing his gratitude to UNDP. The Vice Chancellor also highlighted the impact of the UNDP’s support towards unleashing talent and fostering innovation among students. “So by bringing the UniPod, you helped us unlock so much talent, and these students can now come up with the innovations which can be commercialised and create jobs for our fast-growing populations,” said Prof. Nawangwe.

Prof. Paul Birevu Muyinda, the Director, Makerere University Institute of Open Distance and e-Learning (IODel), said that the studio brings a significant leap in content production for e-learning. He expressed gratitude to UNDP for providing the necessary equipment to compete with world-class universities. He highlighted that e-learning courses are now incorporating multimedia elements like video and sound, moving on from the text-based model.

Officials pose for a group photo shortly after the launch of the Multimedia Studio. Makerere University, in collaboration with UNDP Uganda launch of Daycare and Breastfeeding Centre at the Institute of Gender and Development Studies (IGDS) and state-of-the-art Multimedia Studio at the Frank Kalimuzo Central Teaching Facility, 7th August 2025, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Officials pose for a group photo shortly after the launch of the Multimedia Studio.

He further mentioned the preference of the younger generation for visual and interactive content, making multimedia content essential for effective teaching and learning. Prof. Muyinda explained how the new multimedia studio will allow for more authentic and context-specific e-learning content, enhancing student engagement. He emphasized that the University is focusing on four key areas: training staff on studio usage, AI literacy, online facilitation, and teaching learners how to use e-learning technology. He underscored the importance of continuous innovation and adaptation in e-learning to keep up with global standards.

Dr. Godfrey Mayende revealed that all science units can also be taught in this Multimedia Studio. He said that the studio provides the naturalness of a class setting as it gives space for students to physically sit in the studio room as the lecturer is teaching or recording a lecture.

Dr. Godfrey Mayende observes as Mr. Ian King tests the Multimedia Studio's provisions that support teaching of subjects that necessitate writing of formulae and other hand-drawn illustrations. Makerere University, in collaboration with UNDP Uganda launch of Daycare and Breastfeeding Centre at the Institute of Gender and Development Studies (IGDS) and state-of-the-art Multimedia Studio at the Frank Kalimuzo Central Teaching Facility, 7th August 2025, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Dr. Godfrey Mayende observes as Mr. Ian King tests the Multimedia Studio’s provisions that support teaching of subjects that necessitate writing of formulae and other hand-drawn illustrations.

The two facilities; Daycare Centre and Multimedia Studio, are the latest in a series of initiatives borne out of the strong partnership between Makerere University and the United Nations Development Programme, including the previously launched Mak UniPod and Gender Equality Seal for Public Institutions. The abovementioned developments offer clear demonstration that Makerere University and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) have a strong partnership focused on fostering innovation and development in Uganda and beyond.

Eve Nakyanzi
Eve Nakyanzi

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Admission List from the Re-advert under Private Sponsorship 2025/26

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The Office of Academic Registrar has released the admission list for the re-advert: Re-advert: Admission to Undergraduate Programmes 2025/2026. The admission lists are categorised under Direct Entry, Internationals and Diploma/Degree as follows:

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