General
Mak International Office holds Orientation for new students for the Academic Year 2022/2023
On Friday 28th October 2022, the Head International Office, Ms Martha Muwanguzi welcomed new international students to Makerere University, a premier institution on the African continent for Academic Year 2022/2023.
The Acting Deputy Vice Chancellor Finance and Administration, Prof. Henry Alinaitwe thanked Ms Muwanguzi, the Dean of Students-Mrs Winifred Kabumbuli and student leaders for mobilizing new students for orientation as well as providing them with information and guidance as they pursue their studies in Uganda. Prof. Alinaitwe remarked that he was once an international student when he studied for his masters degree in Australia and his PhD studies in the United Kingdom. Prof. Alinaitwe urged the students to settle down without having divided attention so that they can perform well. “Always look for information and seek guidance from the relevant offices. I thank the University officials who have gathered here to speak to the new students. I encourage the international students to listen attentively to the presentations. Welcome to Makerere University. I wish you a successful and rewarding stay at the University.”
In her remarks, the Dean of Students Mrs Winifred Kabumbuli said the world is a global village and the enrolment of international students at Makerere University enriches our experience and environment. She pointed out that each student is attached to a Hall of Residence and urged the new students even those staying off campus to register with the Halls of Residence they are attached to as well as the University Hospital. There are recreation grounds for sports with a Sports Tutor; places of worship such as the University mosque near the Main Gate, the Anglican and Catholic Chapels for divine intervention and uplifting. Other denominations places of worship are located in town and easily accessible. Noting that there is a tendency of feeling lonely and homesick when you are away from your families and friends for a long time, the Dean of Students advised the students to make use of the Guidance and Counseling Centre. She informed the international students that the Department also provides immigration support for students passes and renewal of expired visas. The Dean of Students advised students to focus on their studies and to desist from engaging in strikes. “If you want to succeed, focus on your studies. Do not involve yourself with bad groups. Do not engage in strikes because this will lead expulsion from the university,” she said. Mrs. Kabumbuli encouraged students to stand for leadership positions at the different levels while at the University.
In the same spirit, the Deputy Registrar Undergraduate Admissions and Records, Mr. Charles Ssentongo congratulated them upon their admission into the University as it celebrates 100 years of existence (1922-2022). He advised them to pay tuition and functional fees.
Emphasizing the need for registration, Mr. Ssentongo reminded the students to follow the registration time table and requirements. “When you register, your name and details are captured in the University system. So, registration is very central and one of the requirements for you to become a recognized student of Makerere University.” He advised students to go straight to the bank and pay the university tuition and functional fees. He cautioned them to be alert to avoid conmen and women who may take advantage of them and swindle money from them. In case of doubts, visit the Dean of Students Office or the International Office for assistance. He strongly advised the students to make sure that the names appearing on their Admission letters are the same as those on their academic documents at the time of registration.
Mr. Ssentongo disclosed to the students that any forgery detected would lead to automatic disqualification and cancellation of admission. “Everyone is supposed to read and understand the University policies, rules and regulations which will guide their studies. Poor performance and bad behaviors towards fellow students or members of staff will result into dismissal from the University.” He concluded his remarks by thanking the Head International Office Ms Muwanguzi for organizing the orientation meeting which is very important at the start of their studies at the university.
The Senior Assistant Registrar, Ms Joyce Nyiramahoro welcomed the new students and advised them to have insurance for the duration of their studies. “Make sure you have a valid visa and avoid staying illegally in Uganda. Register with the College, the University Library (both Main and College Libraries),” she said.
The Gender Officers from the Gender Main Streaming Directorate sensitized the new students on the university’s Anti Sexual Harassment Policy. “No student or member of staff should be harassed or intimidated by a fellow student or a member of staff. Such incidents or challenges should be reported to the Gender Mainstreaming Directorate, Senate Building Level 4 or to the International Office or to Principals of Colleges.”
The End User Support Officer from the Directorate of ICT Support, Mr. Arthur Opio welcomed the students and demonstrated to them the procedures followed to connect to the University ICT systems. “The first interaction will be with one’s admission letter and then visit the link: https://myportal.mak.ac.ug. You can only access the link after you have paid 60% of your tuition. You start by creating an email address so that you connect to MakAir and access the E-Learning platform (MUELE). Hotspots are located in different places on campus and can get communications and lecture notes from the lecturers,” he said. He cautioned the students against downloading links and attachments from unknown sources. He informed them of space in the College of Humanities and Social Sciences (CHUSS) where they can go for help regarding ICT support. College Registrars can also be approached for more assistance regarding registration and online classes.
The Manager Guidance and Counseling, Mr. Henry Nsubuga said that for one to perform well in their studies, he or she needs a clear and perfect mental health. “Since you will be far away from your families and friends, it is inevitable that loneliness will set in and you might feel upset and regret why you are here. Try to be focused but above all, get friends to walk with during this journey that you have started. You cannot manage alone, have someone to lean on. You can lean on the Guidance and Counseling Centre, your religious place of worship and even course mates for guidance,” he said. He encouraged the students to utilize the Counselling and Guidance Centre. “You need to grow not only in academics but also personal improvements in other areas of life. Tragedy can set in anytime and therefore counseling is very important when it happens. No one is immune. We will counsel you and you get better mental health and so urged students to use their services.”
Ending the session, Ms Muwanguzi introduced the student leaders who would assist the new international students with information needs and provision guidance to the right offices and personnel while on campus.
Written by: Ms Martha Muwanguzi, Head-International Office, Makerere University
During the afternoon of September 21, 2026, Makerere University played host to regional discussions as students, academics, and government officials gathered to commemorate the International Day of Peace under the theme “Investing in Regional Peace and Trade for Shared Prosperity”.
The event organised by the Makerere University 92nd Guild Security Ministry in partnership with the Global Peace Guild, served as the official launch of the East African Peace and Trade Law Moot Court Competition. The idea was conceived as an annual event where the youth across East Africa will gather to deliberate on the nexus between regional peace and trade in fostering regional integration.
Acting Vice Chancellor (VC) of Makerere University Prof. Anthony Muwagga Mugagga graced the event, welcomed the distinguished guests and set a reflective tone for the day.
Reminiscing about his old days the VC noted, “lecturers were the ones who used to come and talk about politics, economics, and law but somehow, somewhere, things never went well”. He appreciated the Students’ Guild, and all who were involved in organising the celebration and launch for a good job done.
Prof. Mugagga further encouraged students to look beyond the classroom, urging them to engage in critical debates in different sectors while emphasising that peace is a prerequisite for all development.
People anchor Trade – Keynote address
Representing the guest of honor who was the Minister of State for East African Community Affairs Hon. James Magode Ikuya, Dr. Andrew Musiime – Commissioner for Political Affairs, delivered a keynote address.
His entry was that you cannot talk about trade and not talk about people. Trade is done by people, and therefore as a Ministry, they facilitate free movement of people.
Dr. Musiime provided a comprehensive breakdown of the East African Community (EAC) as an intergovernmental organisation.
“So it is an intergovernmental organisation. Therefore, the governments remain with their constitution, the governments remain with their sovereignty, the governments remain with their national boundaries, the governments remain with their national laws, Musiime explained.”
He mentioned that the East African Community is anchored on the four pillars for integration that is the Customs Union, the Common Market, the Political Federation and Monetary Union.
Dr. Musiime equally challenged the students to move beyond theory, urging them to research the EAC treaty and actively participate in regional integration.
In a gesture of togetherness, he told the distinguished guests that the Ministry operates an open door policy for students and those interested in engaging can apply for opportunities across the Ministry’s various departments.
From UPE to the Halls of Parliament
The event also featured inspiring remarks from the National Female Youth Member of Parliament, Hon. Mercy Kanyesigye. Reflecting on her own journey from Universal Primary Education (UPE) to the halls of Parliament, she delivered a powerful message on peace and security.
In agreement with Prof. Muggaga, she linked the day’s theme to the practical realities of trade, noting that sustainable trade can not exist without peace.
“This moot competition is therefore not just academic exercise. It’s a training ground for the next generation of East African traders, lawyers, negotiators, judges, policy makers who will defend the spirit of our East African common market and our custom union”, Kanyesigye told the attendees.
92nd Guild Calls for Embracing Dialogue
Hon. Denis Mabirizi, the Minister of Security for the Makerere University 92nd Guild, underscored the event’s purpose by highlighting that peace is the foundation for justice, opportunity, and cooperation. He then called upon the student community to reject violence and intolerance, urging them to use dialogue and established leadership structures to address their concerns.
Mabirizi also emphasized that universities are not just centers of academic excellence, but places where the leaders of tomorrow are shaped.
“Universities are not only centers of academic excellence, they are also places where future leaders are shaped. The conversations we have, the values we promote, and the decisions we make today will influence the kind of society we create tomorrow. Peace begins with each one of us, Mabirizi noted.”
The Global Peace Guild Initiative
Mr. Joseph Micheal Tenywa, the founder and President of the Global Peace Guild, shared the vision behind the organization. He explained that the Global Peace Guild was born out of a desire to involve young people in the promotion of peace, trade, and regional integration.
“Global Peace Guild is an initiative born out of a desire to have young people get involved into the promotion of peace, trade, and regional integration.”
He reminded the audience that regional integration would only become a reality when young people actively participate in the market and hold policy makers accountable.
“As we commemorate the International Day of Peace, it’s an invitation for young people to get involved, not only in ensuring that there is no violence, but that we also put in place the conditions that take our strength, and these are our economic provisions, we call it trade.”
The launch of the East African Peace and Trade Law Moot Court Competition marks a significant milestone for the student community as it brings together academic rigor with a focus on regional policy.
International Day of Peace is observed globally on September 21, 2026, under the unified United Nations theme: “Invest in Peace – For Everyone, Everywhere, Every Day”. The day emphasizes that achieving lasting peace requires continuous local action, shared civic responsibility, and strategic conflict mitigation to ensure long-term regional development.
Makerere University has urged female students admitted under the Makerere University Council Tuition and Functional Fees Waiver Scholarship for the 2026/27 academic year to take the opportunity seriously, focus on their academic performance, and stay alert about their personal safety.
The message was delivered during an orientation for the scholarship beneficiaries at the Senate Conference Hall, where officials from the Gender Mainstreaming Directorate welcomed the students and shared guidance on academic success, security, mentorship, and responsible social conduct.
The Chief Gender Mainstreaming Officer cautions students on safety and self-reliance
Dr. Euzobia Mugisha Baine, Chief Gender Mainstreaming Officer, congratulated the students on receiving the scholarship and urged them not to take it for granted.
She advised them to seek information from the relevant university offices instead of relying on assumptions or what fellow students tell them, and to keep records of official communication whenever they raise concerns or follow up on university matters.
Dr. Baine said students should take responsibility for their own security, warning them not to trust strangers easily and urging them to be careful about where they go and who they interact with.
She also reminded them that strong academic performance is required to keep the scholarship, and encouraged them to ask for help early whenever they face academic, social, or other challenges instead of waiting until the situation becomes harder to manage.
Students urged to aim for first-class results
The officers welcomed the students and encouraged them to put their studies first, urging them to aim for first-class academic results during their time at Makerere.
They advised them to use the academic support available to them, including help from course mates and any tutorials or mentoring offered within their colleges, and not to hesitate to seek assistance when they have concerns about their results or coursework.
The GMD team also spoke to scholars about personal safety, cautioning students against accepting help from strangers, including with luggage or transport, and referred to a recent incident in which a student’s belongings were stolen. She urged them to stay alert as they settled into university life.
Focus on academic foundations and safe social conduct
Other speakers, including Ms. Susan Mbabazi, who is the Principal Gender Officer, Ms. Abilat Lozirah, and Cynthia Ayaa Kamaketch emphasised the need to build a strong academic foundation from the start of the semester. They encouraged students to attend lectures regularly, read beyond classroom notes, use university resources such as internet access and the library, and develop steady study habits instead of waiting until exams are near.
They also warned students to be careful when meeting people they do not know well, advising them to hold academic discussions and social meetings in open, public spaces such as Freedom Square rather than in private rooms.
The students were also encouraged to seek mentorship from university staff and others who could guide them in their academic and career development, and to identify a mentor before leaving the orientation.
The orientation also pointed students to key university services and locations they should know, including the university health facilities, the Makerere Police Post, the Counselling and Guidance Centre, and places of worship on campus.
Speakers reminded the students that the scholarship gives them a chance to pursue their education at Makerere University, and that keeping it depends on their discipline, academic performance, and willingness to seek support when needed.
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