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292 Mastercard Foundation Scholars Graduate at Mak 73rd Graduation

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By Bernard Buteera

It was pomp and fanfare as the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program (MCFSP) at Makerere University celebrated the graduation of its highest number of Scholars, during the 73rd Graduation ceremony at Makerere University. The Program held a grand celebration on 17th February 2023 at Imperial Royale Hotel in Kampala for the 292 Scholars who completed their academic programmes in 2022. This brings the total number of MCFSP alumni to 788.

Rt. Hon. Daniel Fred Kidega, the Chairperson of the MCFSP Advisory Board and Vice Chairperson of Makerere University Council who presided over the ceremony called upon the graduates to be humble, honest, hardworking and focused in order to achieve their goals. “Humility will open doors for you on top your academic credentials” Rt. Hon. Kidega remarked.

The Chief Guest, Rt. Hon. Daniel Fred Kidega addressing guests at the ceremony.
The Chief Guest, Rt. Hon. Daniel Fred Kidega addressing guests at the ceremony.

He further appealed to the graduates to strategically redesign their career journeys with a focus on five Ps- purpose, people, performance, practice and partnerships.

“There are many things that will make you succeed in life but critical among them is focus; if you go everywhere and follow everyone, you will end up nowhere” Rt. Hon. Kidega counseled.

He reminded Scholars that education was a powerful weapon which they can use to change the world. “As Mastercard Foundation Scholars, this is the opportunity for you to change the world; make all the years of education and empowerment count by transforming your communities, country and the continent of Africa.” Rt. Hon. Kidega remarked.

Prof. Umar Kakumba addressing the guests at the ceremony.
Prof. Umar Kakumba addressing the guests at the ceremony.

 The Vice Chancellor Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, in a speech read for him by the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic Affairs), Prof. Umar Kakumba, applauded the Mastercard Foundation for the support it renders to young people not only in Uganda and Makerere University, but also all over the world.

“I applaud the support of the Mastercard Foundation that has enabled over 1,000 young people to realize their education dreams at Makerere University, as well as other young people across the world through other partner universities” Prof. Nawangwe remarked.

A Cross-section of Mastercard Foundation Scholars pose for a group photograph with officials during the event.
A Cross-section of Mastercard Foundation Scholars pose for a group photograph with officials during the event.

Prof. Nawangwe, called upon the graduates to make good use of the knowledge and skills they acquired through their respective academic programmes to transform the world.

“You have been equipped with the relevant skillset and determination to make a real difference in a world that is in desperate need of young, energetic and innovative change agents. As you transition into the world of work, seek to remain responsible and compassionate leaders committed to social and economic transformation.” Prof. Nawangwe urged.

Some of the Scholars who graduated with First Class Honours Degrees pose for a group photograph with their academic excellence awards.
Some of the Scholars who graduated with First Class Honours Degrees pose for a group photograph with their academic excellence awards.

On his part, as the Chairperson of the MCFSP Steering Committee, Prof. Umar Kakumba, urged graduates to tap into the various opportunities that the Scholars Program presents to them both during and after their University.

“The Scholars Program is uniquely designed to provide the Scholars with holistic support which includes Mentorship and career guidance, Entrepreneurship, Psychosocial support, Counseling and social support services, as well as experiential learning through volunteerism, Graduate internship opportunities, and job placements through its network of partners. I urge our graduates to make use of these opportunities” Prof. Kakumba remarked.

The Country Director, Mastercard Foundation – Uganda, Mr. Adrian Bukenya noted the partnership with Makerere University since 2013 has been outstanding.

Mr. Adrian Bukenya, the Country Director, Mastercard Foundation addressing the gathering.
Mr. Adrian Bukenya, the Country Director, Mastercard Foundation addressing the gathering.

”Mastercard Foundation is proud of the partnership with Makerere University, which began with the Scholars Program in 2013, that has educated and empowered over 1,000 young people to study at Makerere University.” Mr. Bukenya said.

Mr. Bukenya pointed out that the Foundation was happy to support young  people beyond the Scholars Program, to ensure that every young person transitions to dignified and fulfilling work.

”As a Foundation we want a world where young people are included and are thriving and their leadership and contributions matter; a future where young people are driving transformative change and achieving their full potential.” Mr. Bukenya said.

Prof. Justine Namaalwa addressing the gathering.
Prof. Justine Namaalwa addressing the gathering.

Prof. Justine Namaalwa, the Program Coordinator, Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Makerere University, informed the gathering that the graduation celebration was not mere merrymaking, but a moment of tangible accountability to the stakeholders of the Scholars Program.

“This day is an opportunity for us to congratulate 292 Scholars (243 Females and 49 Males) upon successfully completing their undergraduate studies, reflect on their journey as they pursued their degree programs, and a great moment to provide tangible accountability to our partner- Mastercard Foundation.” Prof. Namaalwa remarked.

Prof. Namaalwa further revealed that the Scholars excellent academic performance during the 73rd graduation ceremony was clear testimony that there is no correlation between academic brilliance and economic barriers.

“Economic barriers have no correlation with brilliance. All that the youth in economically constrained environments need is an opportunity to access education and they shall be able to contribute to transforming society,” Prof. Namaalwa summed up.

Scholars' representatives; Mr. Ngobi Ambrose, Ms. Juliet Namukhula and Ms. Ajok Mary Valentino making their remarks.
Scholars’ representatives; Mr. Ngobi Ambrose, Ms. Juliet Namukhula and Ms. Ajok Mary Valentino making their remarks.

Speaking on behalf of their fellow Scholars, the three representatives; Mr. Ngobi Ambrose, Ms. Juliet Namukhula and Ms. Ajok Mary Valentino, expressed gratitude to Mastercard Foundation and Makerere University for the visionary partnership, which had enabled them to attain university education. They called upon their fellow Scholars to continue with the values of Mastercard Foundation, especially the spirit of giving back to the community.

Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Makerere University graduated 292 Scholars out of which 14 attained First Class honours in their respective academic programmes.

This brings the total number of graduates to 788, which is 76% of the 1,032 Scholars who were recruited on the Program.

Bernard Buteera is the Communications Officer, Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Makerere University.

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Vice Chancellor Updates Media on Medical Drones, Road Safety Research & Various Issues

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Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi (Centre) with Dr. Andrew Kambugu (Left) and Dr. Fredrick Oporia (Right) at the Press Briefing on 29th May 2025. Press Conference featuring Infectious Diseases Institute—the IDI Medical Drone Programme and 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 (TRIAD) Makerere University School of Public Health (MakSPH), Senior Common Room, Main Builing, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

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:

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.

Detailed Presentations

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Prof. Aina Visits Mak, Evaluates CECAP II Progress

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Prof. Omotade Akin Aina (Left) receives the Makerere Souvenir Book from Prof. Tonny Oyana as Prof. Julius Kikooma (2nd Right) and Mr. Charles Lwanga (Right) witness. Prof. Omotade Akin Aina-Carnegie Corporation of New York meeting to discuss progress of Consolidating Early Career Academics Programme (CECAP) phase II, which focuses on fostering academic development and research among early-career academics, 23rd May 2025, Main Building, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

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. Prof. Omotade Akin Aina-Carnegie Corporation of New York meeting to discuss progress of Consolidating Early Career Academics Programme (CECAP) phase II, which focuses on fostering academic development and research among early-career academics, 23rd May 2025, Main Building, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
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.

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Directorate of Graduate Equips Schools and Colleges with Training in Philosophy of Methods

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By Moses Lutaaya

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.

The Philosophy of Methods training was organized by Directorate of Graduate Training with funding support from the Consortium for Advanced Research Training in Africa (CARTA).

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