Natural Sciences
73rd Graduation Ceremony – CoNAS Presents 275 students
The Vice Chancellor of the University of London, Prof. Wendy Thomson has emphasized the role of higher education in shaping individuals and societies. “Makerere University and the University of London have tens of thousands of talented graduates now contributing to social and economic development and tackling global challenges both at home and around the world, in areas that include education, health, law, business, technology and a range of fields critical to sustainable development,” she noted while delivering her Commencement Lecture on the first day of the 73rd graduation ceremony, 13th February 2023. Citing the UN Declaration of Human Rights of 1948 that proclaimed the right to education, directed to the full development of the human personality, the strengthening of respect for human rights, the promotion of global citizenship, and sustenance of the global commons, Prof. Thomson said strengthening higher education would greatly transform nation states across the globe. “The University of London is scoping deeper engagement with the African Research Universities Alliance (ARUA) in its mission to expand doctoral education and build research capacity to address key challenges including health, education, climate, natural resources and deep social and economic questions of equality and sustainability. We know that graduates of ARUA institutions – including our own graduates across Africa are key to long-term sustainable development,” she said.
Visiting Uganda and Makerere for the first time, Prof. Thomson noted that it was a great opportunity for the two Universities to renew their historical ties and strengthen collaboration. “At a time when Makerere has reached its centenary, this is a splendid opportunity for both institutions to reflect upon our special relationship and look to a future collaboration,” she said. The relationship between the two institutions dates back to 1949 when Makerere became a university college affiliated to the University College of London. With the establishment of the University of East Africa on 29th June 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.
Prof. Thomson congratulated the graduands upon the ‘very important milestone’ given the challenges placed on study and health care services during the pandemic. “I would also like to express my recognition and respect to your family and friends who have supported you through your studies to reach this joyful moment. I have a daughter who has just begun university in England, and I appreciate the financial and emotional calls that are made on parents and families during a university education.”
Graduation statistics
Three Colleges presented students for the award of degrees and diplomas on the first day of the 73rd graduation ceremony of Makerere University. These include; the College of Natural Sciences (CoNAS), the College of Health Sciences (CHS) and the School of Law. CoNAS presented 275 graduands, 84 female and 192 male. Of these, 7 graduated with PhDs (3 female, 4 male), 38 with MSc (7 female, 31 male) and 130 with BSc (74 female, 156 male). The PhD graduates include; Dr Samuel Ojelel, Head, Department of Plant Sciences, Microbiology and Biotechnology; Kajumba Pamella Katalihwa (Department of Physics), Mukalazi Hebert (Department of Mathematics), Nayebare Gumoteyo Jacintha (Department of Geology and Petroleum Studies); Okello Alex (Department of Physics); Kimuli Philly Ivan; and Nankinga Loy (Department of Mathematics).
A total of 13,209 students will be awarded degrees and diplomas of Makerere University during the 73rd graduation ceremony that ends on Friday, 17th February 2023. Of these, 6803 (52%) are female and 6406 (48%) male.
Remarks by the First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports
In her remarks, the Minister of Education and Sports. Hon. Janet Kataaha Museveni who attended the ceremony virtually congratulated the graduands and appreciated the parents and guardians for the sacrifices made to ensure their children acquire quality education. She equally appreciated the faculty of Makerere for committing time to educate the students. The Minister applauded the University Council for the new strategy that seeks to increase graduate students at Makerere and pledged more government support towards research. She challenged the incoming members of Council and the University Management to work out plans to equip students with skills to fight moral decadency in society, focusing on the fight against HIV/AIDS and corruption. “Each individual life has a purpose and if that purpose is not discovered, life becomes meaningless. Do what it takes to prepare students with integrity and humility to enable them fulfil God’s given purpose,” she advised. She urged the graduands to use the skills acquired at the University to develop the country.
Remarks by the Chancellor
The Chancellor, Prof. Ezra Suruma congratulated the students for successfully completing their respective programmes of study and research. “One of my favorite quotations is from the Gospel of John chapter 17. Jesus is praying to God and He says: I have brought you glory on earth by finishing the work you gave me to do.” (John17:4)NIV. This implies that finishing the task God has given us to do brings glory to God and to us. So by accomplishing what brought you to Makerere University, you have brought glory to God, to your parents, to your supporters and to your country.”
He paid special tribute to members of staff for the excellent work done to prepare the graduands. “Despite the severe challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic to both staff and students, they persevered and today marks your successful victory over all these challenges. The university leadership and teachers as well as the graduands deserve our gratitude for a job very well done.” He also appreciated the parents, guardians and sponsors for supporting the students.
Prof. Suruma thanked the First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Hon. Janet Kataaha Museveni for the unwavering support to the University. “At a time when the national budget is very tight you have ensured that Makerere University continues to receive the financial support it needs to maintain and even surpass its record of excellence in education and research. We appreciate you for being exemplary as a mother, a guardian and a true champion of morality in Uganda’s education sector. Together with His Excellency President Yoweri Kaguta Tibuhaburwa Museveni you have persistently supported Makerere University in particular and the Education Sector in general. We thank you very much for taking the time to celebrate Makerere University’s 73rd Graduation Ceremony with us.”
The Chancellor thanked the University Council, under the Chairmanship of Mrs. Lorna Magara for putting in place the right policies and controls to guide and steer the Institution. He commended the University Management under the leadership of Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe for ensuring that the policies are successfully implemented.
He encouraged the graduands to remain hopeful even in the midst of affliction. “Worry and anxiety come to all of us, although they don’t improve anything. But faith and trust in God has worked miracles for me. I sincerely encourage you to trust in God. The God who has enabled you to survive COVID and to complete your programme here at Makerere is alive and real.”
Remarks by the Vice Chancellor
The Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe appreciated the President of the Republic of Uganda, H.E Yoweri Kaguta Tibuhaburwa Museveni and First Lady, Hon. Janet Kataaha Museveni for the support that led to the creation of the Research and Innovations Fund (Mak-RIF) in the 2019/2020 financial year with initial funding of UGX 30 Billion. “The Research and Innovation Fund has transformed Makerere tremendously, with very many innovations in agriculture and food security, health, engineering, education, and the social sciences that are already changing the lives of our people. Beyond the 826 grants issued by Makerere University Research and Innovations Fund to date, we have taken a strategic decision to use part of the funding to support PhD research grants. This is in line with Government efforts to develop Uganda’s knowledge economy. We are hopeful that this will help unlock the potential of Makerere to substantively contribute to national development,” he said. He also appreciated the President for the generous contribution of UGX 800 million towards the year-long Mak@100 celebrations. He equally applauded the development partners whose generous support has trained the majority of PhDs, as well as a number of Masters and Post-docs. “I commend the Government and People of Sweden for the biggest staff development programme in the history of Makerere University. Sida support to Makerere University came to an end in June 2022 with more than 500 (staff at Makerere University and other Public Universities) obtaining PhDs and more than 1,000 obtaining Masters’ degrees. We are in consultation with the Swedish Embassy to explore alternative ways of research collaboration.”
The Vice Chancellor appreciated the MasterCard Foundation for the e-Learning Initiative aimed at addressing the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on teaching and learning and therefore enhancing Makerere University’s resilience to future disruptions in teaching, learning and research. “I would like to thank the other stakeholders who are providing scholarships to enable bright, but economically disadvantaged students to attain education at Makerere. These include the Madhvani Foundation, the Government of Uganda through the Higher Education Students Financing Board, the Embassy of China, the Chinese Chamber of Commerce, Government Ministries, State House, NORAD and many others. I thank the Higher Education Students’ Financing Board for the award of loans to students’ for both undergraduate degree and diploma programmes. The Board has so far supported a total of 1,853 learners at Makerere University since 2014 and this year, a total of 114 Students Loan beneficiaries are graduating.”
Regarding infrastructure development, the Vice Chancellor said plans were in high gear to renovate halls of residence starting with Lumumba and Mary Stuart. “We commend His Excellency, the President for his strategic engagements with the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development to provide the required funding for the renovation of all Halls of Residence and Schools of Medicine.”
Prof. Nawangwe urged the graduands to be proud and good Ambassadors of the Alma Mater and to put to good use the knowledge acquired to transform their communities and country at large.
Natural Sciences
Makerere University Benchmarks Leading Institutions to Strengthen Geology Curriculum Review
Uganda’s mineral sector holds significant potential to drive economic transformation through increased mineral exploration, responsible extraction, value addition and investment. Realizing this potential, however, requires a highly skilled geoscience workforce equipped with the technical knowledge, practical competencies and professional skills needed to meet the evolving demands of the mineral industry.
Recognizing the critical role of skilled human resources in the sustainable development of the mineral sector, Makerere University is undertaking a comprehensive review of its geology programmes under the project titled “Strengthening Uganda’s Mineral Sector through Labour-Market Aligned Curricula Reforms: A Comprehensive Review of BSc/MSc/PhD Geology Curricula and Development of Industry-Aligned Short Courses at Makerere University (Mak-SDMU).”
The review seeks to ensure that Makerere University’s geology programmes remain responsive to the evolving needs of Uganda’s mineral sector while keeping pace with emerging trends and developments in the global geoscience profession. The exercise is being undertaken under the Sustainable Development of the Mineral Sector in Uganda (SDMU) programme, funded by the Government of the Federal Republic of Germany and the European Union through the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), in partnership with Uganda’s Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development (MEMD).
Benchmarking for Industry-Responsive Geoscience Education
As part of the curriculum review process, staff from Makerere University’s Department of Geology and Petroleum Studies, together with a representative from the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development (MEMD), undertook a benchmarking exercise at leading geoscience and mining education institutions in the region. The team visited Copperbelt University (CBU) in Kitwe, Zambia, and the Zimbabwe School of Mines (ZSM) in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe, to gain insights into approaches that could strengthen the relevance and quality of Makerere University’s geology programmes.
Makerere University was represented by Dr. Arthur Batte, Dr. Denis Mutebi, Principal Investigator of the Mak-SDMU project, and Dr. Joan Nakajjigo, while Mr. Kevin Byamugisha represented MEMD. Mr Byamugisha’s participation provided an opportunity to explore the role of government in strengthening geoscience and mining education through policy support, industry engagement, strategic partnerships and resource mobilisation.
The benchmarking exercise provided an opportunity for the team to examine best practices in curriculum design and delivery, competency-based and practical training, industry engagement, infrastructure development, technology integration and professional skills development. The team also explored the role of professional short courses and institutional partnerships in supporting high-quality geoscience and mining education.
At Copperbelt University, the team toured microscopy, metallurgy, analytical and environmental laboratories, as well as the mineral processing laboratory. The team also interacted with Dr. Gabriel Ziwa, Head of the Department of Geology and representative of the Dean of the School of Mines and Mineral Sciences, to gain insights into the university’s approach to geoscience and mining training.
At the Zimbabwe School of Mines, the team visited mineral processing, metallurgy, gemology and analytical laboratories. They also observed practical training in gemstone cutting and polishing and examined rock pulverisation facilities. These engagements provided valuable insights into how practical training, mineral value addition and industry-oriented skills can be integrated into geoscience education.
The lessons and best practices drawn from the benchmarking exercise are expected to inform the ongoing review of the geology programmes, helping to strengthen their quality, relevance and competitiveness. The exercise will also contribute to ensuring that graduates acquire the technical, practical and professional competencies required to respond effectively to the evolving needs of Uganda’s mineral sector and the wider geoscience profession.
Lessons to Inform Makerere University’s Curriculum Review
The benchmarking exercise provided several lessons with direct relevance to the ongoing review of the geology programmes.
1. Strengthening Government-Industry-University Partnerships
The benchmarking exercise highlighted the importance of strong collaboration among universities, government and industry in developing relevant geoscience and mining programmes. Such partnerships support curriculum development, research, industrial training, equipment acquisition, scholarships, guest lectures and graduate employability. Continuous engagement with industry also enables universities to respond to changing labour-market and sector needs.
2. Aligning Training with the Mineral Value Chain
The visits demonstrated the need for geoscience training to extend beyond theoretical knowledge to cover the entire mineral value chain, including exploration, extraction, processing, value addition and environmental management. Areas such as gemstone identification, lapidary and mineral processing can equip graduates with practical skills relevant to both employment and entrepreneurship.
3. Emphasizing Competency-Based and Practical Training
The benchmarked institutions place strong emphasis on practical learning, fieldwork and laboratory-based training. Practical activities are linked to clearly defined learning outcomes and competencies, enabling students to graduate with demonstrable technical skills alongside theoretical knowledge. This provides an important lesson for strengthening practical and competency-based approaches within Makerere’s revised curricula.
4. Strengthening Industrial Training and Workplace Exposure
Structured and extended industrial exposure was identified as an important component of geoscience and mining education. Industrial training enables students to apply classroom knowledge to real-world operations, develop professional competencies, strengthen research skills and gain a better understanding of workplace expectations. These practices provide useful insights for enhancing Makerere’s existing industrial attachment programmes.
5. Investing in Modern Training Infrastructure
The benchmarking visits demonstrated the importance of well-equipped laboratories, field equipment and specialized analytical facilities in delivering effective geoscience and mining education. The facilities visited at CBU and ZSM provide useful benchmarks for assessing Makerere’s infrastructure requirements and identifying opportunities for industry partnerships in equipment acquisition, maintenance and shared utilization.
6. Integrating Digital Technologies and Industry-Standard Software
The exercise highlighted the growing role of digital technologies in contemporary geoscience and mining practice. Technologies such as Laboratory Information Management Systems, 3D geological modelling, mine-planning software and drone-based surveying and mapping can strengthen students’ preparedness for the modern workplace. Their progressive integration into the curriculum will therefore be important in enhancing graduates’ digital and technical competencies.
7. Expanding Professional Short Courses and Micro-Credentials
The institutions visited demonstrated how professional short courses can respond quickly to emerging skills gaps within the mining and mineral sector. Makerere could leverage this approach to develop flexible, demand-driven training for mining companies, artisanal and small-scale miners, professionals and other stakeholders. Such programmes could also strengthen industry engagement, support continuing professional development and create additional revenue opportunities for the University.
8. Strengthening Staff Capacity and Specialization
Effective implementation of a modern geology curriculum requires adequate academic expertise across key areas of geoscience and mining. The benchmarking findings therefore underscore the need for strategic staff development, recruitment and specialization. An assessment of existing staff competencies against the proposed curriculum will help identify expertise gaps and inform targeted capacity-building initiatives.
9. Aligning Academic Training with Professional Competencies
The benchmarking exercise emphasized the importance of ensuring that university training reflects the competencies expected by employers and professional bodies. The curriculum review should therefore take into account professional standards, industry requirements and pathways towards professional recognition to improve graduates’ preparedness for employment and professional practice.
10. Promoting Interdisciplinary Geoscience and Mining Education
The integration of related disciplines within closely connected academic structures creates opportunities for interdisciplinary teaching, research and innovation. Strengthening linkages among geology, mining engineering, metallurgy, environmental sciences, geomatics and mineral processing could promote the shared use of specialised facilities, foster multidisciplinary research and support the development of joint professional training programmes at Makerere University. This integrated approach would enhance collaboration across disciplines and contribute to more holistic and industry-responsive geoscience and mining education.
More about the curriculum review exercise: https://news.mak.ac.ug/2026/06/makerere-university-to-revamp-geology-curricula-to-bridge-critical-skills-gap-in-ugandas-mineral-sector/
Report shared by Dr Denis Mutebi, Principal Investigator of the Mak-SDMU project
Natural Sciences
Enhancing Experiential Learning: ZPEB Uganda Donates Well Control System Demonstration Model to Mak’s Department of Geology & Petroleum Studies
ZPEB Uganda Co. Limited has donated a Well Control System Demonstration Model to the Department of Geology and Petroleum Studies at Makerere University, a contribution expected to significantly enhance practical training, research, and industry-oriented learning in petroleum geoscience and drilling engineering.
The equipment was officially handed over to Makerere University at a ceremony held on 5th August 2026 at Onomo Hotel Kampala. The event was attended by Makerere University Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, alongside representatives from the Department of Geology and Petroleum Studies led by the Head, Dr John Mary Kiberu.
The Well Control System Demonstration Model is an advanced educational training tool designed to provide students with practical understanding of well control principles, equipment operation, and safety procedures applied during drilling operations. Although it is not intended for field deployment, the model offers a realistic representation of the systems and processes used in the prevention and management of well control incidents, including blowouts, enabling students to acquire practical experience within a safe learning environment.
The equipment will significantly enhance students’ understanding of well control systems by providing practical demonstrations of pressure management techniques and strengthening their competencies in kick detection, well control procedures, drilling safety, and emergency response.
By integrating practical demonstrations into petroleum education, the model will contribute to the development of highly skilled graduates equipped with the technical knowledge and practical capabilities required to support Uganda’s emerging oil and gas industry.
ZPEB Uganda Co. Limited, the donor of the equipment, is the Ugandan subsidiary of Zhongyuan Petroleum Exploration Bureau (ZPEB), a globally recognized Chinese drilling contractor with extensive expertise in oil and gas exploration, drilling, cementing, and engineering services. The company has been actively involved in supporting petroleum exploration and development activities in Uganda while contributing to capacity building within the country’s oil and gas sector.
The Department of Geology and Petroleum Studies at Makerere University continues to play a pivotal role in developing professionals who contribute to the sustainable exploration and management of natural resources. Through its undergraduate and postgraduate programmes, the Department equips students with comprehensive knowledge and practical skills in geology, petroleum systems, exploration methods, reservoir characterization, and production technologies.
Natural Sciences
CoNAS Orientation: First Year Students Urged to Lay Strong Foundation for Academic & Professional Success
First Year students admitted to the College of Natural Sciences (CoNAS) at Makerere University for the Academic Year 2026/2027 have been encouraged to remain focused on their studies, embrace the opportunities available at the University, and lay a strong foundation for successful academic and professional careers.
The call was made during the orientation ceremony held on 5th August 2026 at the College premises. The session introduced the students to university life and policies, academic expectations, support services, and the diverse opportunities available within the College and University, helping them make a smooth transition from secondary school to higher education.
The orientation was attended by the College Management led by the Principal, Prof. Winston Tumps Ireeta, the Deputy Principal, Prof. Juma Kasozi, Deans, Heads of Departments, academic staff, and representatives from various University administrative units.
Welcoming the students, the Principal, Prof. Winston Tumps Ireeta, congratulated them on securing admission to one of Uganda’s leading science colleges and encouraged them to take full advantage of the opportunities available at the University.
“CoNAS is internationally recognized for excellence in teaching, research, and innovation. Supported by highly qualified academic staff, 95 per cent of whom are PhD holders, the College provides high-quality education, equipping students with the knowledge, skills, and global perspectives needed to excel in an increasingly competitive world.”
Prof. Ireeta urged the students to approach university life with discipline and commitment from the outset, encouraging them to attend lectures consistently and develop effective study habits that would enable them to excel academically. While acknowledging that university life presents many social opportunities, he advised the students to maintain a healthy balance between academics and extracurricular activities.
The Deputy Principal, Prof. Juma Kasozi, challenged the students to take personal responsibility for their learning and professional development. He encouraged them to cultivate a culture of discipline, curiosity, and continuous learning, emphasizing that academic success is achieved through consistent effort rather than last-minute preparation.
He equally advised the students to attend all lectures, actively participate in all academic activities, and develop strong computer and statistical skills – competencies that are increasingly vital for success across scientific disciplines and in today’s evolving workplace.
He also urged the students to uphold academic integrity, manage their time effectively, and seek guidance whenever they encounter academic or personal challenges.
The Deans introduced students to the departments and academic programmes within their respective Schools, explaining programme structures, academic expectations, career prospects, and the support systems available to facilitate student success. They encouraged the students to take advantage of the mentorship opportunities offered by academic staff.
Addressing the students, the Acting Dean, School of Biosciences, also Head of the Department of Zoology, Entomology and Fisheries Sciences, Dr. Godfrey Kawooya Kubiriza, encouraged the students to embrace the programmes to which they were admitted, noting that each programme offers unique opportunities for learning, research, innovation, and career growth. “Success depends more on commitment, dedication, and hard work than on the title of one’s degree programme.” Dr. Kubiriza reminded the students that, while university life provides greater freedom and independence, it also requires a strong sense of responsibility, self-discipline, and effective time management to achieve academic success.
The Dean of the School of Physical Sciences, Prof. David Ssevviiri, underscored the critical role that science graduates play in driving national development through research, innovation, and technological advancement. He encouraged students to maximize the opportunities available within the School and urged them to adopt a finalist mindset from their very first semester by setting high academic standards and remaining committed to excellence throughout their academic journey.
Ms. Barbra Akello and Mr. Ivan Ocen shared practical insights on strategies for achieving a good CGPA. They encouraged students to take personal responsibility for their academic success by embracing self-directed excellence, setting clear academic goals, and developing effective study habits from the beginning of their university journey. They advised students to actively engage with lecturers, seek academic guidance whenever necessary, and build supportive study networks. They emphasized that consistent effort, early preparation, discipline, and a focused approach to learning are key foundations for attaining good grades and succeeding at the university.
Students also received comprehensive guidance on academic procedures and University regulations from representatives of the College Registrar’s Office, Ms. Hellen Mirembe and Ms. Hasifa Mukyala. They explained key processes relating to admission, registration, enrolment, progression requirements, examinations, academic appeals, and withdrawal procedures, while emphasizing the importance of honesty, integrity, and compliance with the University regulations. The students were also sensistized on the library services and fees payment policy.
The Deputy Director of the Institute of Open, Distance and e-Learning (IODeL), Dr. Godfrey Mayende, introduced students to the University’s digital learning environment. He demonstrated how students can effectively utilize the Makerere University Electronic Learning Environment (MUELE) to access course materials, submit assignments, and interact with lecturers. He also encouraged responsible and ethical use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools to support learning while observing the University’s academic integrity policies.
Representatives from the Gender Mainstreaming Directorate, the Counseling and Guidance Centre, and the Emerging Leaders’ Programme introduced students to institutional support services aimed at fostering academic success, personal growth, and wellbeing. They emphasized the availability of guidance, mentorship, and leadership development opportunities to help students effectively navigate university life and make informed decisions throughout their academic journey.
Photos of the orientation ceremony: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1eGEb6tAYcr15qQHIuV-Imgclu9sueOk7?usp=sharing
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