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Humanities & Social Sciences

Mak New hires trained on varsity policies, curriculum development & implementation

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New employees across colleges of Makerere University were on 7th December 2022 equipped with information and tools on how to succeed on the job at Makerere University.

The main objectives were to update the new hires in terms of the policies and to help them know the core business of curriculum development and implementation and to make sure that they are effective teachers.

The third new hires workshop held in the Yusuf Lule Auditorium a was organized by CHUSS Centre of Excellence in Research, Teaching and Learning (CERTL). The College of Humanities and Social Sciences (CHUSS), received a grant from the Mellon Foundation of New York for the establishment of the center to explore and develop mechanisms of strengthening and promoting teaching and learning in the humanities and social sciences.

Principal CAES Assoc. Prof. Gorettie Nabanoga speaking on behalf of the DVC AA.
Principal CAES Assoc. Prof. Gorettie Nabanoga speaking on behalf of the DVC AA.

The third new hires training was facilitated by panelists from university Directorates,  prominent  alumni  and former  staff working outside Makerere University including Prof. Aaron Mushengyezi, the Vice Chancellor Uganda Christian University (UCU) Mukono. The workshop was officially opened by the Deputy Vice Chancellor in charge of Academic Affairs (DVCAA) represented by the Principal, College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences Assoc. Prof. Gorettie Nabanoga.

The  DVC AA appreciated  all those  involved in this noble task of orienting new staff noting that the importance of employee orientation in many organizations is often understated. The new hires workshop according to the DVCAA was in line with the mandate of the university in ensuring that teaching and learning is effective and secondly, it was timely for new hires to be aware of the changes brought by COVID in the way teaching and learning is conducted.

“Orientation serves to assist new employees with the tools and information they need to succeed in the job. It establishes the stage for human resource processes and company policy in the organization. An effective employee orientation program like this one will make a notable difference in how swiftly a new employee becomes prolific with other long-term impressions on the organization”, Part of the speech read

The DVC commended all those who have put aside their commitments to come and provide the new recruits with the tools and information they require to serve the university.

“Orientation encourages employee confidence and helps the new employee adapt faster to the job; Contributes to a more effective, productive workforce; Improves employee retention; and. Promotes communication between the supervisor and the new employee. Without an adequate, skilled and well-motivated workforce operating within a sound human resource management programme, development is not possible, “he added.

The  DVC AA  congratulated and welcomed the new hires for successfully joining Makerere noting that the University has many opportunities but, like any other higher education institution, there are challenges including; the academic student -staff ratio, inadequate funding, staff welfare issues, and infrastructural challenges and challenges  related to managing relationships, training and ddevelopment, talent retention, diversity in the workplace, embracing  inevitable change as well as employee health and well-being.

Besides the Policy Framework, Financial Sustainability and Infrastructure Support, the the DVCAA reported that the new Strategic Plan (2020/21-2030/31) considers Human resource as   the foundation of the University’s success.

He pledged the University commitment to have an integrated and innovative people-centered services that foster attraction, retention and development of an engaged, rewarded, motivated, healthy and effective workforce supporting the strategic direction of the University.

The objectives under Human Resource Development according to the Deputy Vice Chancellor include; to attract, recruit and retain quality Human Resource to support the mission of the University; to create an enabling environment for optimal performance of staff in service delivery; and to increase the capacity of teaching staff to deliver using modern pedagogy, including use of Online, Distance and e-Learning (ODEL) technologies.

“The university has continued to lobby government and succeeded on welfare where salaries for staff were more than doubled by the target period. Appraisal tools were developed and are being used and staff development programmes, including sabbaticals, were instituted.  The academic staff-student ratio was decreased which is within acceptable levels internationally and we continue to pursue our goal of becoming research led- a move to focus more on graduate training” he added.

He reminded recruits that Makerere is an equal opportunity institution that embraces diversity in order to achieve maximum potential without discrimination. He implored them to commit to the university’s core values including accountability and upholding ethos that meet the expectations of the different stakeholders

Principal CAES Assoc. Prof. Gorettie Nabanoga during one of the discussions.
Principal CAES Assoc. Prof. Gorettie Nabanoga during one of the discussions.

The DVC AA also implored employees to uphold Professionalism and adopt work ethics that demonstrate competence and capacity to generate results to the expected institutional, national, international and discipline specific standards.

“We also cherish integrity and upholding ethical values that will ensure that you do the right thing in all circumstances and maintaining the value of honesty, trust and responsibility in all your actions.

You are expected to have respect for fellow staff and students and that you will conduct yourselves with due regard and consideration for the rights of others and ensure acknowledgement, attention and good judgement in dealings with all our stakeholders”, he added

He applauded CHUSS and CERTL for this initiative and asked the Director and his team to continue using it to improve teaching and learning.  As management, we also pledge our continued support to the center.

Panelists Mrs. Florence Mushegyezi, Dr. Euzobia Baine, Dr. Cyprian Misinde, Mr. Julius Lebo representing the Acting Director Human Resources and Prof. Patrick Mangeni representing CHUSS Deputy Principal.
Panelists Mrs. Florence Mushegyezi, Dr. Euzobia Baine, Dr. Cyprian Misinde, Mr. Julius Lebo representing the Acting Director Human Resources and Prof. Patrick Mangeni representing CHUSS Deputy Principal.

Session one on Makerere University academic and other policies brought together a panel of experts including Patience Mushyengyezi representing the Academic Registrar who spoke on academic policies. The Director Quality Assurance Dr. Cyprian Misinde presented on Quality Assurance policy while the Mr. Julius Lebo who represented the Acting Director Ssanyu Lawrence deliberated on the Human resources policy and the Director Gender Mainstreaming Dr. Baine Euzobia presented the Gender mainstreaming policy and the Sexual Harassment policy.

Session two of the training was on working at a university and focused on privileges and academic responsibilities with advise from panelists: Prof. Paul Birevu Muyinda, Prof. Anthony Muwagga Mugagga, Prof. Florence Kyoheirwe Muhanguzi and Dr. James Taabu  Busimba.

Panel 2: Dr. Taabu Busimba of UCU, Prof. Florence Kyoheirwe, Principal CEES Prof. Anthony Mugagga, Dr. Paul Birevu Muyinda and the session moderator Dr. Florence Ebila.
Panel 2: Dr. Taabu Busimba of UCU, Prof. Florence Kyoheirwe, Principal CEES Prof. Anthony Mugagga, Dr. Paul Birevu Muyinda and the session moderator Dr. Florence Ebila.

Aspects covered in session two included: Managing relationship with colleagues, Heads of Departments, Deans and Principals, Academics and senate Academics and peers, Academics and support staff, preparation to teach and Sexual Harrassment and Teaching that as the elephant in the room .

The training was also graced by Vice Chancellor Uganda Christian University Mukono Prof. Aaron Mushengyezi. In his keynote address titled: From Teaching Assistant to Vice Chancellor: The academic and professional journey of Makerere academic. Prof.  Mushengyezi advised new hires that it is alright to start small as a Teaching Assistant and progress step by step, but always endeavor to publish and aim at professorship as the goal.

Prof. Aaron Mushengyezi presenting his keynote address.
Prof. Aaron Mushengyezi presenting his keynote address.

Mushengyezi described Makerere as a place full of opportunities and privileges for employees to tap into saying, working as an academic requires hard work and commitment but, a sacrifice worth making.

He advised new employees to define the philosophy of their leadership, lead to make a difference and serve beyond self-saying, sometimes they have to make sacrifices of their leisure and use creativity to make things work.

The professor also urged employees  to pursue dreams beyond the university obligations, engage in community work, join good networks, support just courses, stand for the good of the institution,   be sober minded, and to always put God first.

“Professorship is our dream us academicians, we all dream to be professors. Position yourself, find out what you are good at and use it as an opener for you. When there is always an opportunity for you, go for it. The biggest problem is our mindset change. Always be focused and deal with mindsets.

 Join good networks of winners and associate with people who are innovative because you learn from them. Find a good mentor with mentorship skills that you admire.  Lastly live to make a change in the community and God will bless you”, he advised.

The Director CERTL Prof. Andrew Ellias State told new hires that they are expected to communicate with students very well and to remember that culture and emotions affect communication hence the need to check their teaching effectiveness.

CERTL Director Prof. Andrew Ellias State.
CERTL Director Prof. Andrew Ellias State.

 “Students will also remember you because of your unique teaching techniques and you need to ask and evaluate yourself if you doing the right thing. Promote effective learning by encouraging students to deal with challenges in class and bring out the ideas and also debates. Do not prejudge. Engage students in active learning. ”, Prof. State advised

From the day’s discussion State asked new hires to pick positive professional relationships on reason that they are going to be in a community with other scholars, colleagues and are also going to teach multiple classes, serve on other committees, have family and also squeeze in time for scholarship.

“Take time and talk to others If the opportunity presents and involve those in and out of your department. On top of that, be kind, patient for the interests of others, don’t be selfish. Develop a reputation for acting with integrity and trying to understand your colleagues’ perspectives and avoid departmental factions.

Support networks, seek out mentoring in your profession line. Attend conferences, tell colleagues what your research interests are, where you want to specialize in. Take out colleagues for coffee and tea in case you have something to discuss”, State advised.

Prof. State also advised employees never to give up when their   articles for publication get nasty comments but instead marry their science, for better or worse, pursue their passions and make sure they are good and also learn to say no and not to be afraid to change directions.

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Jane Anyango

General

Diploma in Performing Arts Admission List 2025/26

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The Office of Academic Registrar, Makerere University has released the admission list of candidates who passed the special entry examinations for the Diploma in Performing Arts held on Saturday 17th May, 2025

The following have been admitted by the University’s Admissions Committee on Private Sponsorship for the 2025/26 Academic Year

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Special Exam Results -Diploma in Performing Arts 2025/26

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The results for the 2025/2026 special entry examination for the Diploma in Performing Arts held on Saturday 17th May, 2025. Candidates who scored a final mark of 50% and above passed the Examination and have been recommended to the university’s Admissions Committee for consideration.

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Humanities & Social Sciences

CHUSS Graduate Symposium Showcases Research and Fosters Collaboration

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Some of the PhD Students in the audience. College of Humanities and Social Sciences (CHUSS) 2025 Graduate Symposium, Day 2, 20th June 2025, Main Hall, Main Building, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

By Atwenda Nancy. E

Makerere University, June 20, 2025 — The College of Humanities and Social Sciences (CHUSS) is holding its 2025 Graduate Symposium from June 19 – 21, 2025, bringing together scholars, mentors, and graduate students in a spirited exchange of ideas, research, and academic collaboration.

The symposium, hosted at Makerere University, has provided a dynamic platform for PhD students to present their ongoing research, while also strengthening ties with sister universities and celebrating the achievements of the CHUSS Graduate School in nurturing the next generation of scholars.

Dr. Edgar Fred Nabutanyi delivers the keynoted address. College of Humanities and Social Sciences (CHUSS) 2025 Graduate Symposium, Day 2, 20th June 2025, Main Hall, Main Building, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Dr. Edgar Fred Nabutanyi delivers the keynoted address.

In his keynote address, Dr. Edgar Fred Nabutanyi welcomed participants and acknowledged the contributions of speakers from the previous day’s sessions, including Prof. Eric Awich Ochen (Deputy Principal, CHUSS), Dr. Peter Wekesa, and Dr. Zaid Sekito, among others. He emphasized that the symposium was not just a showcase of academic work, but a strategic platform to build partnerships and attract research funding.

“Generations must prepare for the next generation,” Dr. Nabutanyi noted, reflecting on life after PhD and the evolving role of Makerere University as a research-intensive institution. He praised department heads for their role in ensuring timely completion of graduate programmes and reiterated the college’s commitment to research excellence.

Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi delivers the Vice Chancellor's remarks. College of Humanities and Social Sciences (CHUSS) 2025 Graduate Symposium, Day 2, 20th June 2025, Main Hall, Main Building, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi delivers the Vice Chancellor’s remarks.

The event was officially opened by Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi, the Acting Deputy Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, who represented the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe. In his remarks, Prof. Buyinza highlighted the importance of research that is impactful and relevant to society.

“Research is unimportant unless it is relevant,” he stated. “If one conducts research that doesn’t benefit society, it becomes a waste of resources.” He urged graduate students to approach their academic work with purpose, noting that Makerere is not a “PhD factory” but a hub for innovation, with over 300 active PhD students registered.

Prof. Helen Nambalirwa Nkabala addresses the symposium. College of Humanities and Social Sciences (CHUSS) 2025 Graduate Symposium, Day 2, 20th June 2025, Main Hall, Main Building, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Prof. Helen Nambalirwa Nkabala addresses the symposium.

Prof. Helen Nambalirwa Nkabala, Principal of CHUSS, underscored the College’s intentional approach to graduate success. “You are in the mind of an excellent mind,” she said, encouraging students to continue striving for excellence and leadership in their respective fields. The 2025 CHUSS Graduate Symposium served as both a celebration of academic progress and a call to action for scholars to engage in meaningful research that addresses the needs of communities and contributes to national and global development.

The Writer is an Intern in the Public Relations Office, Makerere University

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