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
The Chairperson and Members of the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) Board of the Higher Education Council on Tuesday 29th July 2025 paid a courtesy visit to Makerere University following the 5th Meeting of the IGAD Universities Forum held in Kampala from 28th to 29th July. The delegation was received by the Acting Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic Affairs), Prof. Edward Bbaale in the presence of Dr. Muhammad Kiggundu Musoke, Makerere University’s representative to IGAD.
In his welcome remarks, Prof. Bbaale on behalf of the Vice Chancellor and the University Management thanked the delegation for including a visit to Makerere on their Kampala itinerary, “It is an honour and privilege to host you here today,” he remarked. He equally thanked Dr. Kiggundu Musoke for representing the University on IGAD and facilitating the visit.
Prof. Bbaale acknowledged that IGAD continues to play a critical role in fostering regional cooperation, peacebuilding, and sustainable development in the Greater Horn of Africa. “The inclusion of higher education in IGAD’s strategic priorities speaks volumes about the importance you attach to knowledge, skills, and research as tools for transforming societies,” he supplemented.
The Acting DVCAA reiterated that Makerere University takes great pride in her IGAD membership, as well as the collaborative research partnerships, capacity-building initiatives, and policy dialogues that seek to harmonise and strengthen higher education in the region undertaken therein. He equally lauded the participation of regional Vice Chancellors and Senior Academic Leaders in IGAD’s activities, “Your presence affirms our collective resolve to build stronger institutions and knowledge systems that respond to the developmental needs of our communities.”
He noted that Makerere in pursuit of her strategic research-led agenda takes cognizance of the importance of partnerships at regional and international levels and urged the leaders present to nurture them. “We need to build a strong academic and research network so that we have seamless flow staff and students on the African continent,” adding that “We hope this visit will further deepen the bonds between our institutions and inspire new opportunities for collaboration in teaching, research, innovation, and regional integration.”
Dr. Kebede Kassa Tsegaye, the IGAD Senior Coordinator of Education, Science, Technology and Innovation Program expressed delight at visiting Makerere, noting that the University and Republic of Uganda are strategic and extremely valuable partners of the regional body.
In her remarks, Dr. Victoria Anib Majur the Head, IGAD Health and Social Development Division thanked Makerere and other regional universities for promoting mobility among learners by endorsing the implementation of the IGAD Regional Qualifications Framework (IGADQF). “It is our pleasure that your institution and all other partner institutions in the region are joining IGAD in fulfilling the mission of regional integration through skills development and through qualifications.”
She reiterated IGAD’s commitment to push for; excellence in education, inclusivity of gender and persons with disabilities, and promotion of skills that will prepare learners, especially refugees, returnees, and those from host communities in the IGAD region for the marketplace. The IGAD Secretariat is hosted by the Republic of Djibouti and region covers the host country-Djibouti, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Kenya, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan and Uganda.
General
Directorate of Graduate Training Concludes Training of Trainers in Advanced Research Methods
The National Enterprise Corporation (NEC) has successfully delivered yet another milestone project to Makerere University with the handover of a fully refurbished Mary Stuart Hall. The renovation, which cost UGX 10.5 billion, began on 26th July 2024 and was completed exactly a year later, on 25th July 2025.
Mary Stuart Hall is one of three major projects entrusted to NEC by the university, the others being the renovation of Lumumba Hall and the construction of a perimeter wall. These developments follow a presidential directive to renovate all halls of residence at Makerere University, aimed at enhancing student welfare and improving living conditions on campus.
Speaking at the event, Vice Chancellor Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe commended NEC for their exceptional work. “I must thank NEC for the job well done,” he said, adding that “this facility looks better than some hotels.” He also expressed gratitude to the First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Mama Janet Museveni, whom he credited as the driving force behind the renovations. He urged students and stakeholders to take care of the newly renovated facility: “Let us try to maintain the facility the way it has been handed over.” The Vice Chancellor emphasized that the purpose of these renovations is to foster an environment conducive for leadership development.
Prof. Anthony Muwagga Mugagga, Principal of the College of Education and External Studies (CEES), represented the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Finance and Administration). He commended the Vice Chancellor for fulfilling his campaign promise to transform university infrastructure and expressed appreciation to the Government for the financial support. “I can report from what I’ve seen, that there is value for money,” he stated. Prof. Muwagga further encouraged student leaders to promote responsible behaviour that protects and preserves university property for future generations.
Lieutenant General James Mugira, Managing Director of NEC, emphasized the significance of the project, describing the refurbished building as a symbol of “female empowerment and liberation.” He applauded the university leadership for their trust and confidence and reaffirmed NEC’s commitment to quality and timely project delivery. He highlighted the role of proper accommodation in fostering health, safety, academic performance, and social interaction among students. “A healthy mind, in a healthy body,” he said, adding that good housing promotes “safe and hygienic living and physical and mental health.” He also underscored the importance of regular maintenance to preserve the facility and avoid expensive renovations.
Mr. Simon Kizito, Deputy University Secretary equally extended appreciation to the President, the Ministry of Education and Sports, and the Directorate of Estates and Works for their role in the project’s success. He thanked the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development for ensuring that the necessary funds were released on times.
Representing the Dean of Students’ Office, Dr. Rodney Rugyema hailed the project as a significant milestone in enhancing student welfare. He revealed that Mary Stuart Hall will accommodate 521 students and includes facilities for persons with disabilities, such as lifts and ramps. He pledged to uphold the standards and purpose of the hall.
Guild President H.E. Ssentamu Churchill James expressed his gratitude to NEC and the university administration, particularly applauding the Vice Chancellor’s for his hands-on approach and consistent involvement in the university’s affairs.
The Hall Chairlady Ms. Anthea Ampaire described the reopening as a landmark moment, calling Mary Stuart Hall “a beacon of hope and a sanctuary for students.” She highlighted the importance of providing spaces that empower women and support their academic journeys.
Dr. Kenneth Ssemwogerere, Head of the Department of Architecture at the College of Engineering, Design, Art and Technology (CEDAT) who led the Project Management Team, noted that the renovation was a collaborative effort involving both students and staff. He commended all involved for their dedication.
Following this successful handover, NEC is set to begin renovation works on the Centre for Continuing Education (CCE) Hall commonly referred to as Complex Hall, as it continues to implement the presidential directive to revamp student accommodation across public universities.
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