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Mak GMD Honours Ms. Frances Nyachwo’s Distinguished Service

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“Good management is when you start something and give space to others to run it, and then see it operating further than you left it. I believe that it is not good to start something, see it succeed and then wish yourself to be the only one running it, because as you retire, what you started perishes,” remarked Ms Frances Nyachwo, Outgoing Deputy Director, Gender Mainstreaming Directorate.

In line with that philosophy, Ms. Frances Nyachwo shared a testimony with the audience. She said: “When I realized that I was remaining with four years to retire, I thought of leaving the Gender Mainstreaming Directorate (GMD) functioning more than it was when I was in office. I did all it took to see that the Directorate gets a Director before I retire. I thank God, today as I am retiring, I can say that all that we have worked for all those years with the other staff of the Directorate will multiply even more.That is what good management is all about. It is just like running in a relay format, you let others take it further than you can.”

Ms. Nyachwo made the revelation during a dinner organized by Makerere University Gender Mainstreaming Directorate (GMD) in honour of her distinguished service. She was accompanied by her daughter and two sons as well as other close family members. This being a very special moment, the former Head of the Gender Mainstreaming Division, Ms Evelyn Nyakoojo also attended the colourful occasion. The farewell dinner was held on 4th May 2022 at Makerere University Guest House.

Ms Nyachwo joined the Directorate on 6th October 2003 as a Senior Assistant Registrar. At that time, the Directorate was still a Division under the Department of Academic Registrar. She has therefore seen it evolve from a Division into an independent Directorate. Listening to her remarks, it has been a journey of hard work by a number of women and men who were committed to the cause of gender mainstreaming.

Reflecting on the 18 years and 9 months she spent while serving Makerere University, Ms. Nyachwo confessed that the time she spent at the Gender Mainstreaming Directorate granted her a deep experience that impacted her as well as her family positively.

‘’Because of Makerere University, the livelihood of my family was assured. Through the opportunities they granted me, I was able to pay fees for my relatives and other people. I am very grateful to Makerere and the Gender Mainstreaming Directorate for offering me such a good job. I am indeed grateful.”

Ms. Nyachwo also reminisced the cordial working relationship with members of staff. She applauded them for making her working experience remarkable and successful.

“Looking back on my years at the Directorate, I have no regrets, only learning experiences that made me a better person. I was mentored by both my seniors and juniors and a number of you have added a brick to me, I have been lucky enough to have what I call the best job.I am glad that I am retiring with great memories,” she said.

Ms. Frances Nyachwo (L) flanked by Ms Evelyn Nyakoojo (R) addresses the audience
Ms. Frances Nyachwo (L) flanked by Ms Evelyn Nyakoojo (R) addresses the audience

Ms. Nyachwo was delighted that the Directorate had not shut its doors on her, but rather accorded her an open invitation to always drop by. She expressed readiness to continue working with the Directorate when consulted. “I am not saying farewell; I am just glad I have been given an open invitation to always pass by. I will welcome all opportunities that you will offer,” she remarked.

She advised her children to keep in touch and continue respecting the members of staff who in addition to being colleagues, have been very kind and supportive during her service to Makerere University.

“To you my children, when you meet these people whom I have spent 18 years and 9 months with, please don’t just bypass them, rather introduce yourself and say hello to them. Besides most of you have grown up seeing these faces each time you came to my office. In this world, no one knows tomorrow, an opportunity may come from them or their children and vice versa,” Ms. Nyachwo guided.

Another strong pillar in the life journey of the Gender Mainstreaming function, Ms Evelyn Nyakoojo commended the Directorate for recognizing the valuable contribution of staff. She requested the team at the Directorate to organize such special events for every member of staff who retires. Ms. Nyakoojo who served as Head of Unit when the Directorate was still at the level of a Division informed the audience that she has been in touch with Ms. Nyachwo and other University staff even after retirement. She also thanked the team at the Directorate for always leaving the door open for her.

Ms. Nyakoojo applauded Ms. Frances Nyachwo for being a strong and determined lady who stood out with resilience in her work ethics. “She risked her life for others, and condemned what was wrong until it was put right, thank you Frances.”

Ms. Frances Nyachwo (Third from Right) with Ms Evelyn Nyakoojo (Third from Left), colleagues from GMD and members of her family
Ms. Frances Nyachwo (Third from Right) with Ms Evelyn Nyakoojo (Third from Left), colleagues from GMD and members of her family

Left – Right: Ms. Evelyn Nyakoojo, former Head of the Gender Mainstreaming Division, Ms. Frances Nyachwo and Dr. Euzobia Mugisha Baine
Left – Right: Ms. Evelyn Nyakoojo, former Head of the Gender Mainstreaming Division, Ms. Frances Nyachwo and Dr. Euzobia Mugisha Baine

On behalf of the Directorate and the entire team that has been working with Ms. Frances Nyachwo, the Director, Dr. Euzobia Mugisha-Baine described her as a woman of valor and integrity. She saluted Ms. Nyachwo for being intelligent, hardworking and passionate about her work with ability and capability to maintain relationships with co-workers. She pointed out that Ms. Nyachwo was a skillful person in teamwork and team building.

“Frances Nyachwo participated in nurturing of the Directorate. We thank you for the commitment and tireless efforts. The dedicated service that you rendered to the Directorate and the University at large,” she said.

To demonstrate their gratitude, the Directorate presented a Galaxy A52s 5G phone to Ms. Frances Nyachwo.

Ms. Frances Nyachwo handing over to Dr. Euzobia Mugisha-Baine as staff from the Directorate and Family members applaud
Ms. Frances Nyachwo handing over to Dr. Euzobia Mugisha-Baine as staff from the Directorate and Family members applaud

The Senior Gender Officer at the Directorate, Mr. Eric Tumwesigye noted that Ms. Frances Nyachwo trained, groomed and brought many people on board and also encouraged them to take on higher positions.

“On behalf of my colleagues at the Directorate, we wish to thank you for the energy, zeal and intelligence you exhibited when working with us. We really learnt a lot while working with you,” he mentioned.

Mr. Tumwesigye exalted Ms. Nyachwo for being resilient. “It is because of your resilience and determination that enabled you to stand out. There are things we do that put our personal lives at risk yet it is for the benefit of the majority. Ms. Frances Nyachwo, you endured various turbulence and here we are benefitting from your toil, thanks for all your endeavors, we shall forever remember your positive contribution to the Directorate,” he stated.

Mr. Eric Tumwesigye, Senior Gender Officer speaking on behalf of GMD Staff
Mr. Eric Tumwesigye, Senior Gender Officer speaking on behalf of GMD Staff

Filled with joy, Mr. Tumwesigye pointed out that Ms. Nyachwo was the first person who extended an invitation to him for an opportunity to work with the Directorate, which was then a Division under the Department of the Academic Registrar.

“It is interesting when elders provide young ones with shoulders and not thorns. Frances, you put your shoulders out for a young man. I have now served in the Directorate for close to 17 years and my life will never be the same. For the person I have become, it is all because of people like you. Thanks for believing in me, I am extremely grateful. It is my prayer that one day, I sit in that chair and someone also says thank you to me,” he said.

Speaking on behalf of the family, Ms. Dahlia Onyango Nyapendi, noted that her Mum is a real copy of the virtuous woman that the Bible talks about in the book of Proverbs and noted that despite her busy schedule, she always spared time for her family and talked to them through guidance and counselling.

Ms. Dahlia Onyango Nyapendi, Frances’ daughter speaks about her Mum
Ms. Dahlia Onyango Nyapendi, Frances’ daughter speaks about her Mum

She also disclosed that her mother has always been her role model. “I grew up looking at my mother as my model. I have learnt most of the things that I do from her. I am assertive and courageous. I am proud of that,” she said.

 GMD staff and members of Ms. Frances Nyachwo's family enjoying the dinner
GMD staff and members of Ms. Frances Nyachwo’s family enjoying the dinner

Story by: Mak Gender Mainstreaming Directorate

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Pre-entry Exam Results for Bachelor of Laws 2025/2026

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The office of the Academic Registrar has released the results for Bachelor of Laws Pre-Entry Examination 2025/2026 held on Saturday 12th April, 2025.

Candidates who scored 50% and above passed the examination and have been recommended to the Admissions Committee for consideration.

Those who are not satisfied with their results may appeal within two weeks from the date of the release of results.

The list includes the different categories of applicants namely: A-level, Diploma Holders, Degree Holders and Mature-Age:

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Makerere Team Excels at Olympia Debate Tournament held in Nairobi

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Makerere University team receiving their Certificate of Participation. Olympia Debate Society, Nairobi Kenya, East Africa.

The Makerere University team comprising Ms. Apili Esther Cynthia from Makerere University Business School (MUBS) and Mr. Muhwezi Joshua Lawel from Makerere University School of Law (SoL) emerged 2nd at the Olympia Invitational Debate Tournament held 18th to 20th April in Nairobi, Kenya.

Ms. Apili was recognised as best female speaker/debator at the tournament and 3rd best open speaker while partner Mr. Muhwezi was recognised as 4th best open speaker.

This year, Makerere University was represented by two teams: Team A: Kemigisha Daphine, SoL; Nakalanzi Melody, College of Humanities & Social Sciences (CHUSS); Team B: Muhwezi Joshua Lawel, SoL; Apili Esther Cynthia, MUBS.

The Olympia Invitational Debate Tournament organised by the Olympia Debate Society is an exclusive Invitational Round Robin Tournament that invites outstanding universities in the debate circuit in Africa bringing together the best speakers on the continent.

The tournament, like all University debate competitions, takes the format of the British Parliamentary format which is also used at the World Universities Debate Championship (WUDC).

Strathmore University (Kenya) was the overall winner of the tournament, African Leadership Institute (Rwanda) was ranked in 3rd position while the University of Nairobi was ranked in 4th position.  

In her words, Ms. Apili describes herself as a passionate peace and conflict resolution advocate. She notes that, ‘debate has been a great learning experience emotionally, mentally and argumentation maturity but also a motivation to reading and research’. She views her participation in the Olympia Debate Tournament ‘as a privilege and great moment as a female speaker, and partnering with brilliant Lawel Joshua Muhwezi who has made significant strides in the debate space. Cynthia added, ‘being an invitational tournament with a straight break to finals that recognizes vibrant speakers within the East African region, getting to do the tournament was fulfilling’.

Zaam Ssali

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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! 

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