Rev. Fr. Dr. John Bosco Ssettumba (Seated Centre), Vice Chancellor Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe (On his right), Rev. Fr. Josephat Ddungu (3rd Right), Deputy Principal(CHUSS) Dr. Eric Awich Ochen(2nd Right) join other instructors of the programme with some of the students that received certificates (standing behind) in a group photo.
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.
Vice Chancellor Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe speaking to the students.
“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.”
One of the students receives a certificate from Rev. Fr. Dr. John Bosco Ssettumba as Vice Chancellor Prof. Nawangwe(Right) looks on.
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.
The Acting Vice Chancellor, Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi on Thursday 29th May, 2025 held a press conference to update members of the Media on the Infectious Diseases Institute (IDI) Medical Drone Programme, and the Kampala Status Summary 2023 on Road Safety Risk Factors, conducted under the Bloomberg Philanthropies Initiative for Global Road Safety, a collaborative effort between the Johns Hopkins International Injury Research Unit and the Trauma, Injury, and Disability (TRIAD) Unit at Makerere University School of Public Health (MakSPH). Also presented were updates on; Digital Certification of Academic Transcripts, Digital Supervision of Graduate Students, Inclusive e-Learning and Smart Classrooms, and Launch of the Artificial Intelligence (AI) Laboratory at the College of Computing and Information Sciences (CoCIS).
The event held in the Senior Common Room, Main Building, was on behalf of the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe presided over by the Acting (Ag.) DVC AA and substantive Academic Registrar, Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi. Presentations were made by Executive Director of the Infectious Diseases Institute (IDI), Dr. Andrew Kambugu and Head of the Trauma, Injuries, and Disability (TRIAD) Unit, Dr. Fredrick Oporia. Dr. Jimmy Osuret and Dr. Esther Bayiga from TRIAD supplemented Dr. Oporia’s presentation. In attendance were; the Director for ICT Support (DICTS)-Mr. Samuel Mugabi, Deputy Chief – Public Relations-Ms. Betty Kyakuwa, Deputy Chief Security Officer-Mr. Musa Mulindwa and other university officials.
The proceedings of the Press Conference follow below;
Vice Chancellors’ Press Statement
Good morning colleagues, members of the press,
It is my pleasure to welcome you to this important media briefing, where we share compelling findings from two groundbreaking studies that reflect Makerere University‘s ongoing commitment to impactful research, innovation, and community transformation.
The first is a pioneering initiative led by the Infectious Diseases Institute—the IDI Medical Drone Programme. This project explores the use of drone technology to deliver lifesaving HIV medications and test samples to hard-to-reach populations, particularly in Kalangala District and the West Nile region. The study demonstrates how drones can overcome logistical barriers, reduce costs, and enhance access to critical healthcare in some of Uganda’s most underserved communities.
The second study is the Kampala Status Summary 2023 on Road Safety Risk Factors, conducted under the Bloomberg Philanthropies Initiative for Global Road Safety. This collaborative effort between the Johns Hopkins International Injury Research Unit and our Trauma, Injury, and Disability Unit here at Makerere University presents over two years of data on vehicle speed and helmet use in Kampala. It provides vital insights into the human behaviours and systemic gaps contributing to road traffic injuries and fatalities—particularly among vulnerable road users. The study also offers evidence-based recommendations for enforcement, planning, and public health messaging aimed at making Kampala’s roads safer for all.
We are proud to support this kind of research that not only advances knowledge but also drives tangible improvements in public health and safety.
Before I invite the researchers to present their findings, allow me to briefly highlight some transformative developments in the areas of academic registry and ICT advancement here at Makerere University:
Digital Certification of Academic Transcripts:
Alumni can now certify their transcripts digitally through the Makerere Academic Records System (Mak-ARS https://makars.mak.ac.ug/), eliminating the need for physical visits. This user-friendly platform allows access from anywhere in the world, supported by comprehensive video tutorials and public communications.
Digital Supervision of Graduate Students
We have introduced the Research Information Management System (Mak-RIMS), piloted at the College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, to streamline the supervision of Master’s and PhD research. This initiative enhances accountability, timely feedback, and is now being rolled out university-wide to improve graduation rates.
Inclusive eLearning and Smart Classrooms
Through support from development partners and the Government of Uganda, we are establishing multimedia studios and smart classrooms across our colleges. These state-of-the-art facilities are designed to produce professional, accessible learning content, including tools tailored for students with visual and auditory disabilities. This aligns with our goal of equitable, globally competitive education.
Launch of the AI Laboratory at CoCIS:
The newly launched Artificial Intelligence Laboratory will spearhead the development of AI-enabled solutions tailored to Uganda’s socio-economic needs, including localized assistive eLearning tools and context-sensitive curriculum development.
These initiatives are part of our broader vision to transform Makerere University into a research-led, inclusive, and globally relevant institution.
The Senior Program Director, Higher Education and Research in Africa, International Program, Carnegie Corporation of New York, Prof. Omotade Akin Aina on 23rd May 2025 visited Makerere University during his short trip to Kampala. Prof. Aina was received on behalf of the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe by Prof. Tony Oyana, Principal of the College of Computing and Information Sciences (CoCIS).
During his visit, Prof. Aina met with the Project Implementation Committee, representatives from the Consolidating Early Career Academics Programme (CECAP) phase I Fellowship Cohort, and current Fellows of phase II. The meeting discussed the progress of CECAP II, which focuses on fostering academic development and research among early-career academics.
Left to Ritght: Dr. Jesca Nakavuma and Prof. Julius Kikooma alongside Prof. Omotade Akin Aina during the meeting.
CECAP II is being implemented by Makerere University in collaboration with four other Ugandan public universities, including; Busitema University, Gulu University, Kyambogo University and Mbarara University of Science and Technology. Prof. Mukadasi Buyinza, the Project Principal Investigator was represented at the meeting by the Director of Graduate Training, Prof. Julius Kikooma.
The Directorate of Graduate Training at Makerere University has equipped several Senior ranking lecturers with expert knowledge in a Training of Trainers’ workshop on “Philosophy of Methods”.
In his remarks at the opening of a 3-day training workshop at Level4 Conference Hall – Senate Building, the Director of Graduate Training Prof. Julius Kikooma said, “The teaching of Philosophy of Methods gives all participants the fundamentals to extend knowledge to other learners, hence its importance in upholding the Makerere University values.”
Kikooma urged and challenged the participants to also attend and actively participate in the follow up of learners’ training of students, stating that the PhD students need support as the directorate continues to coordinate the curriculum of PhD by-research that was approved by the senate recently.
“To holistically implement the senate approved PhD curriculum, we are coordinating capacity building trainings of all stake holders in a structured approach with the different units of the University. Many more trainings including Training of Trainers in advanced research methods course are on the way.”
He further urged the participants to be intentional in their teaching profession and in whatever they were doing, adding “Apart from focusing on practices as teachers and researchers, we can engage in wider philosophical debates in our research areas so that we are relevant in the society and in the empowerment of PhD research students.”
The participants for the Philosophy of Methods training were from College of Humanities and Social Sciences, College of Education and External Studies, Makerere University Business School among others.
During the same training, Dr. Dickson Kanakulya stressed the need to train senior lecturers in the Philosophy of Methods, saying, “The biggest connection is that societal problems require concrete research to find solutions. Our challenge in Africa is that we employ a short barrow approach to find solutions to problems. This cannot work. We need consistent researchers to solve problems. Lasting solutions to societal issues can only be got through training such as Philosophy of Methods, where researchers come up with new models for societal solutions.”
Prof. Julius Kikooma pose for a photo with participants and facilitators.
Dr. Kanakulya said that Makerere University remains the biggest research University in Africa and philosophy of Methods helps to come up with good research tools that produce good research outputs. “Research has shown that the higher the number of PhD researchers in any given country, the higher the levels of development of that country e.g. the USA, China etc., adding that research is not limited to only medicinal or agricultural related issues.”
He said philosophy of methods, encourages philosophical creativity in research, “It is meant to bring out philosophical generation of concepts, theories and ideas. It is meant to encourage students to question the existing philosophical assumptions and status quo in a given field of knowledge such that new philosophical concepts are created.”
For successful rollout of government programs like the National Development Plan 4, Dr. Kanakulya said that Philosophy of Methods training needs to be integrated into such systems. “Philosophy of Methods focuses on ethical thinking aspects. For example, for a better rollout of the Parish Development Model, we need implementers to be ethical.” He added.
Prof. Sulait Tumwiine, the associate Dean of Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research at MUBS said, “This is a discussion where new ideas are shared to guide and gauge applicability in the current knowledge diversity coupled with lots of technological development including Artificial Intelligence and Chat GPT.”
He added, “As professors of Universities, we need to understand how we leverage on what comes up so that it does not take our space, but also appreciate how we can support growth of knowledge. The Philosophy of Methods training is the answer.”
Dr. Jim Spire Ssentongo highlighted that Philosophy uses more of the critical mind than Science. He added that philosophy is more of speculation of the mind.
“Sustainability of philosophy Education encourages us to continue training. Philosophy being the oldest discipline retained special status in the academia as a pinnacle of pursuit of knowledge. All disciplines have major elements of philosophy citing examples in the philosophy of Mathematics and Physics.
Dr. Spire added, “If you do not understand philosophy, you cannot deeply investigate anything because philosophy is the reality of understanding everything. Philosophy is the basis of understanding what knowledge is and how it is arrived at.”
Also participating in the workshop was Prof. Joseph Ntaayi from MUBS, in his remarks he said PhD students need the philosophy of methods training to understand how to best to create knowledge. He added that ontological and epistemological questions that lead to good research design methods can only be answered by this training.
Dr. Robert Kakuru, a Lecturer in the College of Humanities and Social Sciences said that the Philosophy of Methods training is needed by every graduate student as well as supervisors to critically determine the choice of methods to use in academic research. For example, “If one wants to use a questionnaire as an interview approach, one should understand, why that approach and yet without this training, the why cannot be answered.” He added.