General
Tackling unemployment: Archdiocese of Kampala partners with Mak to train female entrepreneurs
By Ritah Namisango
The escalating levels of unemployment among the youth and graduates in Uganda are of great concern to the Government, civil society and other institutions such as religious organizations. In order to contribute to efforts aimed at addressing the challenge, the Archdiocese of Kampala and Makerere University are jointly implementing a youth employability collaborative programme to equip youth, students and graduates with entrepreneurship skills.
The programme that kicked off with 97 female students was conducted from 29 th July 2022 to 2nd October 2022 based on the theme: “From COVID-Socio-Economic Anxiety to STEP-Youth Training Entrepreneurship in Post COVID times.” The students who were selected from the ten (10) colleges at Makerere University were trained by experts in STEP (Student, Training for Entrepreneurial Promotion) from the Department of Philosophy under the College of Humanities and Social Sciences; and the College of Education and External Studies.
The joint partnership trained and equipped participants with knowledge and skills that have unlocked their entrepreneurial potential and abilities. The students are members of the St. Augustine Catholic Community at Makerere University.
Addressing the audience that convened on 18th October 2022 to witness the award of certificates to the budding entrepreneurs, the Vice Chancellor – Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe congratulated the female students upon acquiring 21st century skills relevant to both their career and life journey.
“I applaud Dr. Ferdinand Kasozi, Senior Lecturer in the Department of Philosophy at Makerere University for championing the cause of turning students into entrepreneurs. I am happy that the trainers and partners started with female students. I appeal to the female students to look up to the greatest women who have succeeded in life, for example, Marie Curie, the greatest woman who conquered the world of chemistry. It is pleasing to note that most of you have created jobs, while others are ready to start their own companies. Beyond academic qualifications, entrepreneurship skills are the best gift that the youth could ever secure, which makes us proud of this partnership between Makerere University and the Archdiocese of Kampala,” he said.
Marie Curie was the first woman to be awarded a place in the Pantheon for her own achievements. Marie Curie’s life as a scientist was one which flourished because of her ability to observe, deduce and predict. She is also arguably the first woman to make such a significant contribution to science.
Reflecting on the high levels of unemployment among youth and graduates in Uganda, Prof. Nawangwe noted that whereas universities continue to churn out graduates, the jobs have remained very few.
“Many of our youths and students who have graduated are unemployed due to lack of jobs. Guided by the Makerere University ten-year strategic plan, we are focusing on training entrepreneurs who will be job creators rather than job seekers. I am therefore pleased that Makerere University and the Archdiocese of Kampala are training young people so that by the time they leave the university, they are ready to create jobs or start companies,” he stated.
Impressed by the initiative to build a critical mass of student entrepreneurs, the Vice Chancellor committed to link both trainers and trainees under this programme to the Makerere University-United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) innovations hub. This linkage, he said, would serve as a platform to source additional funding, support as well as mentorship in creating jobs and start-ups.
“I told Dr. Ferdinand Kasozi, the member of staff leading the training team that we can connect this programme to the Innovation hub at Makerere University. I am glad that the Chaplain of St. Augustine Catholic Community, Rev. Fr. Josephat Ddungu and Centenary Bank are already on board. We can enhance these good efforts by reaching out to the innovations hub to support the student entrepreneurs.”
The Archbishop His Grace Paul Ssemogerere expressed his commitment to work with Makerere University to transform the lives of the youth, students and graduates. Rev. Fr. Dr. John Bosco Ssettumba, the Officer in-charge of Formal education at Kampala Archdiocese represented the Archbishop. The Archbishop rallied Ugandans and stakeholders to come up with solutions to address the challenge of unemployment that stifles livelihoods. “One of our biggest problems in Africa is the high levels of unemployment of young people including graduates. There are many problems arising from unemployment of young people. Some have become demoralised and restless, some end up on the streets, others resort to drugs, while some are forced to engage in criminal activities. Therefore, we should be concerned and work together to create a positive difference by skilling young people to become entrepreneurs.”
He commended the training team at Makerere University for partnering with the Archdiocese of Kampala and St. Augustine Catholic Community to come up with this initiative that is focused on training employable graduates. “I am happy that the student entrepreneurs have gone through a phase of self-discovery, understanding the environment, markets and opportunities in their communities, acquired experience and skills and are ready to lead the transformation.”
His Grace Ssemogerere called upon the student entrepreneurs to go forth and light a candle in the world of unemployment. “Go and take Makerere University to the community by being resourceful. I encourage you to add on other skills namely; communication, leadership and team work. May the good Lord bless you,” he said.
Congratulating the entrepreneurship trainees, the Deputy Principal of the College of Humanities and Social Sciences (CHUSS), Dr. Eric Awich Ochen advised the beneficiaries to take Makerere University to the people/communities. Dr. Awich Ochen informed the audience that he has been involved in initiatives that instill a culture of working with the communities in the youth and students. He pointed out community engagements in Luuka District – Eastern Uganda and Gulu – Northern Uganda where social labs were initiated for students to work in the local community settings. The students did not only encourage parents to take their children to school, but also participated in the cause of giving back to community. He appealed to Makerere University students to use every opportunity to share the knowledge acquired at the University with the communities in order to make a positive difference in the
lives of other people. “I am delighted that through this programme of skilling young people, Makerere University is giving back to the community.”
Dr Jimmy Spire Ssentongo, Head Department of Philosophy thanked Dr Kasozi for his devotion to uplifting the public face and self-worth of female students in and beyond the Philosophy Department.
Focusing on the continuity of the entrepreneurship programme, one of the trainers, Dr. Josephine Najjemba, a Lecturer in the College of Education and External Studies (CEES) appreciated the Archbishop of Kampala Archdiocese and the Vice Chancellor for their commitment towards the success of the partnership. She stated that the trainers’ interactions with the Archbishop and Vice Chancellor have energised them to double their efforts in order to groom, empower and motivate more youth and students.
The trainers included: Dr. Ferdinand Kasozi, Dr. Badru Musisi, Ms. Dorcas Nambi, Mr.Alex Byamukama, Dr. Rebecca and Dr. Josephine Najjemba. Dr Dickson Kanakulya Lecturer in the Philosophy Dept. was the Master of Ceremonies.
General
Makerere University Set to Develop Curriculum to Transform Graduate Supervision and Mentorship
By Moses Lutaaya
KAMPALA – Makerere University is set to develop a curriculum for a specialized Certificate Course in Supervision and Mentoring for Graduate Training and Higher Education Management, in a move aimed at professionalizing graduate supervision and strengthening the capacity of academic staff to deliver quality postgraduate education.
The proposed programme will equip academic staff with advanced competencies in graduate-level teaching, research supervision, mentorship, and higher education management, while supporting the University’s agenda of improving the quality and relevance of graduate training.
The curriculum development process was discussed during a Stakeholders’ Curriculum Development Consultation Workshop held on Thursday, 18th June 2026 at the Senate Building Telepresence Hall, Makerere University.
The workshop, organized by the Directorate of Graduate Training in collaboration with the Centre for Teaching and Learning Support (CTLS), brought together curriculum specialists, academic staff, and higher education stakeholders to review and enrich the proposed curriculum before it proceeds through the University approval processes.
Participants included 11 lecturers from the College of Engineering, Design, Art and Technology (CEDAT), 3 from the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES), 2 from the College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Bio-security (CoVAB), 1 from the College of Humanities and Social Sciences (CHUSS), 4 from the College of Education and External Studies (CEES), among others.
The National Curriculum Development Centre (NCDC) was represented by Dr. Patrice Ssembirige, Deputy Executive Director in charge of Curriculum Review and Instructional Materials Development. The Centre for Teaching and Learning team was led by Dr. Dorothy Ssebowa, while Dr. Stephen Wandera coordinated the workshop.
Addressing participants, Prof. Julius Kikooma, Director Graduate Training at Makerere University, said the curriculum development initiative is central to strengthening graduate education and ensuring that academic staff are adequately prepared to support postgraduate learners.
Prof. Kikooma noted that Makerere University is targeting an increase in graduate student enrolment to 50 percent of the total student population, but emphasized that this ambition must be matched with investment in the capacity of academic staff who supervise and mentor students.
“We can get many graduate students, but if the people supporting them do not have the right tools and preparation, we will still have challenges,” Prof. Kikooma said.
He explained that the initiative responds to University policies requiring academic staff teaching graduate students to undergo pedagogical training, while those supervising graduate research must undergo specialized preparation in supervision and mentoring.
Prof. Kikooma said graduate supervision requires deliberate preparation because supervisors play a central role in shaping research quality, student success, and the overall effectiveness of postgraduate programmes.
He further emphasized Makerere University’s responsibility as a leading institution in the region.
“We have a double expectation. We must support the country to achieve its aspirations in national development, but we also have an expectation from other institutions to support them in building graduate training capacity. In that sense, we are a trainer of trainers,” he said.
Speaking on behalf of the National Curriculum Development Centre (NCDC), Dr. Patrice Ssembirige commended Makerere University for adopting a consultative and inclusive approach to curriculum development.
He noted that education systems globally are undergoing significant transformation, requiring continuous curriculum review and alignment with emerging needs.
“Education systems globally are undergoing significant transformation, and in Uganda, NCDC has been leading and spearheading the implementation of the competency-based curriculum,” Dr. Ssembirige said.
He explained that NCDC has developed competency-based curriculum frameworks at primary and lower secondary levels and is currently advancing reforms at upper secondary level, which feeds into higher education institutions.
Dr. Ssembirige said the new curriculum presents an opportunity to align graduate training with global trends, Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), international best practices, and national development priorities.
“As we develop this curriculum, we need to align with global trends, SDGs and international best practices. We also need to undertake comparative analysis because curriculum reforms are taking place across East African Community states,” he noted.
He encouraged developers to ensure that the programme follows competency-based principles and equips participants with relevant 21st-century skills.
“Since we are talking about competency-based curriculum, we must be cognizant of the principles of competency-based education and ensure that we develop skills that fit the demands of the 21st century,” he added.
Dr. Dorothy Ssebowa, Director of the Centre for Teaching and Learning Support at Makerere University, said the initiative marks an important step in strengthening professional development for academic staff involved in graduate education.
She noted that effective supervision requires more than disciplinary expertise, but also skills in mentorship, communication, research guidance, ethics, assessment, and student support.
“The quality of graduate education depends on the quality of mentorship and supervision we provide. This curriculum will strengthen the capacity of academic staff to guide graduate students effectively, improve research outcomes, and uphold the standards expected of a leading university,” Dr. Ssebowa said.
She added that the Centre for Teaching and Learning will continue working with the Directorate of Graduate Training, academic colleges, curriculum specialists, and regulators to ensure the programme remains relevant and impactful.
During the workshop, stakeholders reviewed the proposed curriculum structure, course content, competency areas, assessment strategies, quality assurance mechanisms, and alignment with national and international standards.
Once finalized, the programme is expected to strengthen graduate supervision at Makerere University and serve as a model for professional development across higher education institutions in Uganda and beyond.
General
Revised Advertisement for Positions of Principal and Deputy Principal at Makerere University
The Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, has called for strengthened graduate training and research systems, urging a significant scale-up in the production of Masters and PhD graduates to meet Uganda’s and Africa’s growing knowledge and development needs.
The call was made during an engagement with the College of Health Sciences leadership, where the Vice Chancellor underscored the strategic importance of research-intensive colleges in advancing the university’s mission and contributing to national transformation.
The Vice Chancellor noted that while the College of Health Sciences continues to make a substantial contribution to the university’s research output and remains one of the most productive units, there is need to further strengthen systems that support graduate training, supervision, and timely completion of studies.
He emphasized the need to increase postgraduate enrolment, with a target of raising graduate participation to 40 percent. According to him, expanding graduate training is essential for building a critical mass of highly skilled researchers capable of addressing Uganda’s and Africa’s development challenges.
Improving Completion Rates and Supervision
The Vice Chancellor highlighted concerns over graduate completion rates, noting that delays in supervision and academic support continue to affect timely graduation across many institutions.
He called for stronger supervision systems, improved mentorship, and more structured academic support to ensure that students complete their programmes within the stipulated timeframes.
“Completion of graduate programmes must be prioritized through effective supervision and structured academic support systems,” the Vice Chancellor emphasized.
Strengthening Research Output
The Vice Chancellor also stressed the need to enhance research productivity and visibility through increased publications, improved citation impact, and expanded access to competitive research funding.
He encouraged deeper collaboration among researchers, including co-supervision arrangements with international scholars and strengthened partnerships with other universities to enhance research quality and global competitiveness.
Investment in Infrastructure
The College Deputy Principal, Prof. Richard Iwa Idro, shared with the VC some of the college’s challenges which included low staffing levels at both academic and administrative levels, inadequate infrastructure and high staff turnover among others.
The Vice Chancellor reaffirmed the University’s commitment to improving infrastructure for teaching and research within the College of Health Sciences. He noted that ongoing and planned developments are aimed at strengthening PhD training environments and supporting advanced research activities.
He further emphasized the importance of expanding academic staffing and leveraging expertise from both active and retired scholars, including the appointment of honorary professors to support mentorship and research development.
Academic Accountability and Innovation
The Vice Chancellor reminded professors and associate professors of their responsibility to deliver inaugural lectures within stipulated timelines as part of academic accountability and recognition of scholarly contribution.
He also encouraged researchers to translate their work into innovation and practical solutions that contribute to Uganda’s socio-economic transformation, noting that research must go beyond publication to deliver real-world impact.
The Vice Chancellor reiterated that strengthening graduate training and research is central to achieving national development goals and enhancing Uganda’s competitiveness in the global knowledge economy.
He emphasized that sustained investment in Masters and PhD training, combined with stronger research systems, will be critical in producing the next generation of scholars, innovators, and leaders required to drive sustainable development.
The Vice Chancellor was accompanied by the Academic Registrar, Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi, the Director DRIP, Prof. Robert Wamala, Prof. Edward Bbaale, who represented the Deputy VC in charge of Academic Affairs, Prof. Fredrick Muyodi, the Director of the Writing Centre, Dr. Margaret Nagwovuma, the Deputy Director of Makerere University Technology and Innovation Centre, Prof. William Tayeebwa, the Manager of Makerere Press and Prof. Kikooma Julius, the Director of Graduate Training. The officials shared with staff how staff can benefit from their offices.
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