East African Court of Justice celebrates 21st Anniversary: Delegation visits Makerere University to engage academia on promoting Justice in the East African integration agenda
Vice Chancellor Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe (7th Right) franked by Hon. Justice Nestor Kayobera (on his Left) - Judge President of East African Court of Justice (EACJ), Hon. Lady Justice Sauda Mjasiri (on his Right) -Vice President EACJ together with some members of Uganda Judiciary and university management pose for a group photo after a meeting with university management at Frank Kalimuzo Building on 30th Nov 2022.
On 30th November 2022, the Vice Chancellor hosted a high powered delegation from the East African Court of Justice to celebrate the 21st Anniversary of the Court focusing on engaging the academia in promoting Justice in the East African community integration agenda.
The President of the East African Court of Justice, Hon. Justice Nestor Kayobera led the delegation consisting of Hon. Lady Justice Sauda Mjasiri- Vice President East African Court of Justice, Hon. Justice Yohane Masara- Principal Judge East African Court of Justice, Hon. Justice Dr. Charles Nyawello- Deputy Principal Judge East African Court of Justice, several other officials from the East African Court of Justice and members of Uganda’s judiciary.
The Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe received the high powered delegation amidst lively performances and entertainment by Makerere University students from the Department of Performing Arts and Film (PAF).
Welcoming the Justices, the Vice Chancellor commended the delegation for ensuring that this historic visit and interaction with the academia happens during Makerere University’s centennial year (1922-2022).
[L-R]Hon. Justice Nestor Kayobera, Vice Chancellor Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe and Hon. Lady Justice Sauda Mjasiri during the meeting with University Management
Starting his presentation, Prof. Nawangwe highlighted the evolution of the institution from a technical school with only 14 day students. In 1949, it became a University College affiliated to the University College of London, offering courses leading to the general degrees of its then mother institution. With the establishment of the University of East Africa in June 29, 1963, the special relationship with the University of London came to a close and degrees of the University of East Africa were instituted. On July 1, 1970, Makerere became an independent national university of the Republic of Uganda, offering undergraduate and postgraduate courses leading to its own awards. In 2011, the University transformed from a Faculty based institution to a Collegiate University with ten (10) colleges.
The gist of the Vice Chancellor’s presentation centered on Makerere University’s community based approach. He pointed out that in addition to training students, Makerere University is focused on solving development challenges facing the communities, the country, East Africa and the world in general.
Principal Judge Hon. Justice Yohane Masara [Left], one of the justices on the First Instance Division receive souvenirs from Prof. Nawangwe. Prof. Nawangwe presented souvenirs to all the members of the delegation at the meeting.
The Vice Chancellor underscored that the University exists to transform communities through identification of development challenges and coming up with tangible solutions. In line with national and global challenges, Makerere University will continue to work with partners to provide solutions to the following challenges: Rapid population growth, Youth unemployment, Climate Change, Food Insecurity, Emerging Diseases, and Conflict.
As Makerere University continues to celebrate 100 years of existence, Prof. Nawangwe emphasized that engagement of the academia to find solutions to the problems affecting communities is one of the best approaches that has enabled Makerere University to remain relevant. To qualify this statement, Prof. Nawangwe mentioned that Makerere University is one of the leading research institutions on HIV/AIDS in Uganda. Makerere University is credited for its role in the development of the Nevirapine drug that prevents mother to child transmission of HIV/AIDS as well as breakthroughs in research in Tuberculosis and Malaria. To address the transportation challenge, the staff and students of Makerere University working with other partners came up with the electric vehicle innovation (Kiira EV) that provided a vision for the development of the Kayoola Electric Vehicle under the Kiira Motors Corporation. Working with the local sector, Makerere University staff and students developed the first indigenous diesel engine made fully from local materials. He also mentioned the strides in crop improvement namely sweet potatoes, tomatoes, soybean, sorghum, millet, and among others that are drought resistant and high yielding. He revealed that during the Covid-19 pandemic, the Government of Uganda funded Makerere University staff and researchers who came up with research outputs and innovations to curb the spread of Covid-19.
President Judge Hon. Kayobera present Rules of the East Africa Court of Justice to Prof. Nawangwe
Responding to the Vice Chancellor’s presentation, Hon. Justice Nestor Kayobera applauded Makerere University for not only offering education, but also solving problems affecting society through conducting research and innovations. Hon. Justice Kayobera congratulated Makerere University upon its centennial celebrations. He was pleased to note that the East African Court of Justice was celebrating its 21st anniversary at Makerere University-a renowned alma mater for notable alumni across the globe.
“Today, 30th November 2022 is an extraordinary day. Today is the 21st anniversary of the East African Court of Justice (EACJ) and the East African Community (EAC). We are honoured to celebrate our anniversary at Makerere University as this great institution continues to celebrate 100 years of existence. As we celebrate 21 years, we have dedicated 40 days of practicing Justice in Uganda, hosting joint conferences, delivering judgements, visiting partners and celebrating with Makerere University,” he remarked.
Members of the delegation browse through Uganda Agus and Munno Newspapers at the University Library.
Noting that most of the members of the delegation were proud alumni of Makerere University, the President Judge Hon. Kayobera saluted the institution for its great contribution in legal training, capacity building and practice.
“We thank the University for giving unto us great Judges in the Court of Justice of the East Africa, because almost all of the judges in today’s delegation are alumni of the Makerere University School of Law,” he said.
The Judge President disclosed to the University Management that their visit to Uganda, is among the objectives of the EAC treaty, of implementing the principle of social justice and community engagement.
An exhibitor explains how an aquaculture farm monitoring system works to the delegation.
“We are demystifying the practice of Judges sitting in their chambers. So, apart from issuing judgements, do the judges interact with the communities? This will not remove your independence,” he stated.
“The EACJ delegation has been in Uganda 26th October 2022. We are integrating the community. We are using facilities of our colleagues in Uganda, their boardrooms and chambers. The staff from EACJ are here, we have visited places and we are dealing with cases. We are focused on ensuring human dignity in the chambers,” he said.
Giving a vote of thanks, Prof. Anthony Mugagga Muwagga, Principal of Makerere University College of Education and External Studies (Mak CEES) appreciated the delegation coming up with the idea of engaging the academia in promoting justice and the rule of law.
After an informative engagement with the University Management, the Vice Chancellor led the delegation to exhibition stalls where university staff and students showcased research outputs and innovations under the Makerere University Research and Innovations Fund (MakRIF).
The delegation toured Makerere University Library with particular interest in the Law Section. The University Librarian, Dr. Helen Byamugisha highlighted the central role of the University Library in teaching, learning and research.
Ag. Deputy Vice Chancellor (Finance and Administration), Prof. Henry Alinaitwe speaking at a meeting where the delegation interacted with students at the School of Law.
The delegation then moved to Makerere University School of Law to interact with the leadership, staff and students. The Ag. Principal-School of Law, Dr. Ronald Naluwairo received the delegation accompanied by the Ag. Deputy Vice Chancellor (Finance and Administration), Prof. Henry Alinaitwe.
Commenting on the visit of the delegation from the East African Court of Justice to Makerere University, Dr. Zahara Nampewo, the Ag. Deputy Principal of the School of Law who moderated the proceedings at the several places that the delegation visited said: “The interaction with the different stakeholders at Makerere University reminds us that we all have a cardinal duty to promote the rule of law.”
List of research and innovations showcased by Makerere University Research and Innovations Fund (Mak-RIF) at the exhibition:
Makerere University is participating in the New Vision Education Expo 2023 to strengthen its niche as the leading provider of education services.
The three-day New Vision Expo (Friday 27th January 2023 to Sunday 29th January 2023) at the Uganda Institute of Information and Communications Technology (UICT) Nakawa brings on board players in the education and business fields to forge partnerships to improve the quality and outcomes of education in Uganda.
Makerere University seeks to maximally utilize the three days to ensure that the participants at the Education Expo gain a deeper understanding of its 100 year journey of providing excellent services to humanity through academic programmes, services offered and ongoing efforts aimed at producing employable graduates as well as entrepreneurs.
Ms Joyce Muhanguzi, has a one-on-one session with visitors to the Makerere University exhibition space.
The Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe highlights that Makerere University values stakeholder engagements and partnerships. “The New Vision Expo 2023 presents Makerere University with an opportunity to enhance stakeholder engagements. It is about consolidating the relationships with schools, prospective students and parents, and partners in the education sector. I applaud the CEO of Vision Group-Mr. Don Wanyama for coming up with the Education Expo.”
To respond to the information needs of stakeholders, Makerere University has lined up a team of experienced staff from the Department of the Academic Registrar, the Admissions Office, Public Relations Office, Career Guidance experts as well as the Institute of Open Distance and e-Learning (IODeL) under the College of Education and External Studies (CEES).
According to the Principal PRO of Makerere University Ms. Ritah Namisango, the Education Expo provides a platform to reach out to the clients that Makerere University exists to serve. “You must be in touch with your prospective parents, students as well as schools and partners that continue to recommend you as the leading university in the region. Makerere University has celebrated 100 years of excellent service to humanity (1922-2022). So, as we continue to promote the academic programmes, innovations and services that we offer, we are ready to listen, interact and learn from respective stakeholders about what they expect from the University as we embark on the next 100 years.”
Ms. Ritah Namisango (L) and Ms. Joyce Muhanguzi interact with members of the public.
The New Vision Expo 2023 is happening at an opportune (holiday) time, which accords the students, parents and guardians quality time to visit the exhibition and interact with experts in the education sector.
In addition, Makerere University has recently advertised its academic programmes and it is preparing to receive students for the Academic year 2023/2024. Sharing her experience about the interaction with participants who visited the Makerere University exhibition space, Ms Joyce Muhanguzi, Senior Assistant Registrar in the Department of the Academic Registrar noted that most of the prospective students and parents wanted to know about the academic programmes, the subject combinations that students should study to qualify to apply for the respective academic programmes, and the available admission avenues i.e. government sponsorship, private sponsorship, diploma entry, direct entry, national merit, talented sports entry and district quota programme).
Mr. Dennis Kibuuka (L) has a one-on-one session with a visitor to the Makerere University exhibition space.
Ms Joyce Muhanguzi and Mr. Dennis Kibuuka’s interaction focused on students who expressed their desire to join Makerere University in the coming years, and needed a case by case approach to their information needs, career guidance and linkages to Professors and Administrative staff in the respective Colleges at Makerere University.
The prospective students and parents also disclosed that in addition to the information on the Makerere University website, they welcome interactive and friendly approaches such as the New Vision Education Expo where they are presented with a golden opportunity to interact with Makerere University officials face-to-face.
At the New Vision Education Expo 2023, Makerere University joins other exhibitors that include; Government agencies, NGOs, Telecom companies, Banks, Insurance companies, Kindergartens/Daycare Centres, Primary and Secondary schools, Ugandan and Kenyan Universities, International schools, Study Abroad Agencies, Vocational institutions, Scholastic materials suppliers and SME service providers.
The 73rd Graduation Ceremony of Makerere University will be held from Monday 13th to Friday 17th February 2023 following the schedule below:
Monday, 13th February, 2023 College of Health Sciences (CHS) College of Natural Sciences (CoNAS) School of Law (SoL)
Tuesday, 14th February, 2023 College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES) College of Education and External Studies (CEES)
Wednesday, 15th February, 2023 College of Business and Management Sciences (CoBAMS) College of Computing and Information Sciences (CoCIS) College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Bio-security (CoVAB)
The program aims to improve graduates’ skills by placing them into selected partner industries for skills gain, facilitating the process and supervising placed interns. Graduates will be placed in their areas of study accordingly.
Time frame
The phased recruitment and placement will start from 1st December 2022 for a period of three months. Recent university graduates and those awaiting graduation should apply for this opportunity.
Eligibility
The project mainly focuses on university graduates from Makerere University (Mak), Makerere University Business School (MUBS) and Kyambogo University (KYU) who have undertaken the following courses
Bachelor of Entrepreneurship and Small Business Mgt.
Bachelor of Business Computing
Bachelor of Office and Information Mgt.
They should not be employed anywhere and should have gone through the traditional internship placement required by their respective universities.
How Students join
Interested university graduates shall submit an online application and contact the designated university contact or focal persons. Successful applicants will be required to complete the three (3) months internship pgoram uninterrupted to fully benefit from the program. Apply here: https://bit.ly/HEST2022
How companies participate
A company interested in hosting interns under the program can fill out an internship acceptance form and forward it to the internship placement officer.
Contacts of University focal persons
Makerere University (Mak) Dr. Christine Amito Tel: +256-771-321384 Email: amitoxtine@gmail.com
Makerere University Business School (MUBS) Ms. Christine Nantambi Tel: +256-772-654454/+256-703-878277 Email: cnantambi@mubs.ac.ug
Kyambogo University (KYU) Ms. Nandugwa Harriet Tel: +256-786030640 Email: hnandugwa@kyu.ac.ug
Contacts of IEED Project Team
Makerere University School of Public Health (MakSPH) Ms. Mary Kaakyo, IEED Project Coordinator Email: mkaakyo@musph.ac.ug Tel: +256-706-960075
Makerere University School of Statistics and Planning (MakSSP) Ms. Afazali Zabibu, HEST Study Coordinator Email: zabibu.afazali@gmail.com Tel: +256-779-912365/+256-705-587072