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Hon. Janet Kataaha Museveni Inaugurates New Makerere University Council

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On Thursday 2nd February, 2023, the First lady and Honourable Minister of Education and Sports (MoES) hosted the Incoming and Outgoing Members of the Makerere University Council at the State House in Nakasero. 

The purpose of the meeting was to bid farewell and congratulate the outgoing University Council and inaugurate the new Members. 

Officials present in the meeting were Hon. John Chrysestom Muyingo, the State Minister for Higher Education, Hon. Monica Musenero, Minister for Science, Technology and Innovation, the Permanent Secretary, MoES, Ms Ketty Lamaro, the Director for Higher Education, Dr Jane Egau and all members of the incoming and outgoing Makerere University Council. 

In his remarks, the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe thanked the Hon. Minister of Education and Sports for presiding over the inauguration ceremony of the new Council of Makerere University. He noted that the inauguration was the first of its kind in the history of our great University, moreover on the grounds of the State House. 

Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe making his remarks during the meeting at State House, Nakasero.
Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe making his remarks during the meeting at State House, Nakasero.

Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe noted, “Since 2016, the number of undergraduate programmes has been reduced from 250 to 82. We have also begun the strategy of the gradual decrease in undergraduate enrolment and gradual increase in graduate enrolment in fulfilment of our new strategic plan.” 

He added, “The total enrolment currently stands at 31,000 students, 5,200 of whom are graduate students, representing 16.7%. Our strategy is to reach a ratio of 30%.” 

The Chair Council, Mrs. Lorna Magara, while addressing the meeting, noted, “The University’s current Strategic Plan, finalized in 2019, establishes Makerere to be a research-led university with a research and innovations agenda responsive to the National Development Plans and, therefore, the national development needs and priorities.

“To be a research-led University, therefore, requires that we run on two rails: on the one hand, be the knowledge hub and on the other serve the needs of society.” Mrs. Lorna Magara said. 

Mrs. Lorna Magara addressing the meeting at State House, Nakasero.
Mrs. Lorna Magara addressing the meeting at State House, Nakasero.

The Chair Council pledged to foster an environment that supports efficiency to deliver the much-needed outcomes from the teaching, learning, research, and innovation mandates of the University through a number of priorities that will be the focus of the new University Council namely; 

  1. Completion of the restructuring process. 
  2. Digitalization of University business processes.
  3. Improved and enhanced student services.
  4. Continuous streamlining of the research and innovations agenda to meet national development needs and priorities. 

In a light moment, Hon. John Muyingo noted, “I am a proud alumnus of Makerere. However, I didn’t know the value of leadership that lies in the hands of women.” 

Hon. J.C. Muyingo addresses the meeting before he invites the First Lady to speak.
Hon. J.C. Muyingo addresses the meeting before he invites the First Lady to speak.

“In the entire history of Makerere, we have had only one female Council Chair, one female Director of Higher Education, and one female Permanent Secretary of MoES. The trajectory of peace in Makerere must be attributed to these great women.” Hon. Muyingo added before inviting the First lady to address the meeting. 

Hon. Janet Kataaha Museveni thanked the outgoing Council members for their service to not only Makerere but also Uganda and congratulated the new council members upon their appointments. 

The First Lady urged the new University Council to begin their term with renewed inspiration by taking a stand to reaffirm the position of Makerere in Uganda, and to improve her competitiveness among other Universities. She noted that the graduates of Makerere need to be distinguished and unique in character as Makerereans leaving a mark nationally and globally wherever they go. 

The First Lady, Hon. Janet Kataaha Museveni listens to the Vice Chancellor’s remarks.
The First Lady, Hon. Janet Kataaha Museveni listens to the Vice Chancellor’s remarks.

“The students of Makerere ought to emulate the example of Joseph who exercised self-control and fled sexual perversity from Portifah’s wife in order to flee from sexual perversions, HIV/AIDs and corruption,” the First Lady noted. 

“I, therefore, challenge the new Council to join me in a campaign dubbed, ‘Makerere says no to HIV/AIDS and Corruption.’ Together, we need to strive to build the character of the student body of Makerere University,” she reiterated. 

Hon. Janet Kataaha Museveni inaugurates the New Makerere University Council.
Hon. Janet Kataaha Museveni inaugurates the New Makerere University Council.

Furthermore, Hon. Janet Kataaha Museveni acknowledged that the Ministry is aware of the need to invest in human capital development across all universities as a precursor to achieving the goals of the Third National Development Plan. She therefore reaffirmed the Ministry’s willingness to continue ensuring the availability of support for higher education. 

Lastly, The First Lady declared the New Makerere University Council inaugurated and congratulated Mrs. Lorna Magara and Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe upon their respective re-appointments as Chair Council and Vice Chancellor, noting that the move was a show of great confidence in their leadership towards lifting Makerere to greater heights in her next century.

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Office of the Academic Registrar Lauded for Groundbreaking Achievements In Digitalization

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Mr. Charles Ssentongo (5th Left), together with Office of the Academic Registrar staff members are joined by Dr. Dickson Kalungi (4th Right) and MUST Registrars for a group photo in front of the Senate Building on 25th March 2025.

By Gerald Ochwo

On 25th March 2025, a delegation of Registrars from Mbarara University of Science and Technology (MUST) undertook a benchmarking exercise at Makerere University, with a specific focus on the latter’s pioneering efforts in academic records digitalization. The delegation, led by Dr. Dickson Kalungi, Ag. Deputy Academic Registrar was received by Mr. Charles Ssentongo, Deputy Academic Registrar in charge of Admissions and Records Division, who represented the Academic Registrar (AR), Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi.

The visit was prompted by Makerere University‘s trailblazing achievements in digitalizing academic records, as exemplified by the Digitalization of Academic Records Project (DARP). This initiative has been instrumental in creating a centralized, digital one stop repository of all University’s academic records, thereby enhancing the efficiency, accuracy, and security of academic records management.

In his welcoming remarks, Mr. Ssentongo conveyed the Academic Registrar’s message and highlighted Makerere University‘s efforts to digitalize all its processes and records. He further noted that the university is intentional about creating a digital ecosystem that makes academic records retrieval easy and efficient.

As a university, we are now intentional with the digitalization of all our processes including, digitization of our manual records that date as way back as the inception of Makerere University. Currently, the DARP project as gone as far as creating a one stop center for both Academic document verification and certification, whereby our former graduates, will only need to access the online verification and certification portal and submit their documents without necessarily having to travel many physical distances to Makerere University” Mr. Ssentongo remarked.

Registrars from MAK and MUST pose for a group photo after the meeting. Left is article author Gerald Ochwo.
Registrars from MAK and MUST pose for a group photo after the meeting. Left is article author Gerald Ochwo.

In his appreciation remarks, the MUST head of delegation, Dr. Dickson Kalungi, thanked the Academic Registrar for honoring their request to come and learn from the best practices that exist at Makerere University and particularly commended the Department for the great steps and strides made in pioneering modern Academic records storage management systems.

“I want to sincerely thank the Office of the Academic Registrar for sparing time and organizing this meeting. As a University, we have embarked on a transformative change drive whereby we intend to automate all our registry processes including, the management of Academic Records. The DARP project at Makerere University, has been one project where we draw a number of lessons and we are eager to go and implement some of the best practices we have observed here today”

Conclusion

The benchmarking exercise undertaken by Mbarara University of Science and Technology demonstrates the significance of Makerere University and particularly, the Office of the Academic Registrar’s achievements in academic records digitalization. The DARP project serves as a model for other institutions to follow, highlighting the importance of investing in digital solutions to enhance the efficiency, accuracy, and security of academic records management. It further demonstrates the university’s commitment to sharing knowledge and best practices with other institutions. Makerere University‘s efforts in digitalizing academic records have set a high standard for other universities to emulate, and the DARP project is a shining example of innovation and excellence in academic records management.

Gerald Ochwo is the Liaison Officer, Office of the Academic Registrar

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Press Release: Launch of #MakRun2025

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Makerere University officially launches the 5th Edition of the Makerere University Marathon #MakRun2025, 27th March 2025, Main Hall, Main Building, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

27th March 2025

LAUNCH OF THE 5TH EDITION OF THE MAKERERE UNIVERSITY MARATHON (#MakRun2025)

Makerere University is pleased to announce the launch of the 5th edition of the Makerere
University Marathon, also known as #MakRun2025, under the theme “Run the Hills for the Future” which is scheduled to take place on 17th August 2025.

The MakRun2025 is targeting 10,000 participants drawn from the university community, corporate entities, sports enthusiasts, and the general public. Proceeds from this year’s marathon will go towards further equipping the Makerere University Disability Support Unit and strengthening the Makerere University Endowment Fund.

Speaking as the Guest of Honour, the Minister for Sports, Hon. Peter Ogwang, emphasized the unifying power of sports, stating that the “#MakRun2025 is not only about physical endurance it is a uniting force that brings people together from all walks of life, driving us towards a common goal, advancing education and inclusivity for all.”

As part of the launch event, Makerere University officially handed over assistive equipment to the Disability Support Unit, procured from proceeds of the #MakRun2024. The equipment includes:

  • Focus Blue 40 Braille Display – 5th Generation for the Visually Impaired
  • Everest D5 Braille Embosser
  • DUXBURY Braille Transcription Software
  • And other essential assistive tools to support students living with disabilities.

The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, reaffirmed the importance of this annual event, stating that “This event has become one of the most significant social and community engagement activities in our university calendar, bringing together students, staff, alumni, corporate partners, and members of the wider public for a good cause.”

In his remarks, the Ag. Chairperson of the Makerere University Endowment Fund, Mr. Barnabas Tumusingize, highlighted the growth of the initiative: “What started as a small university event has now evolved into a major attraction. To professionalize the event, we are incorporating race timing chips, cash prizes for winners, among other enhancements, with a vision of making it a regionally recognized major race by 2027.”

We call upon all members of the Makerere University community and the general public to participate and support this noble cause.

For media inquiries, please contact:

Tuhirirwe Karane
Communications Officer
Makerere University Endowment Fund
+256 414 660 416/+256 703 647496

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Call For Abstracts: Global Symposium on Insects for Food, Feed & Food Security in Africa

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Some of the speakers lined up for the Global Symposium on Insects for Food, Feed, and Food Security in Africa, 5th–6th June 2025, Onomo Hotel, Nakasero, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

Makerere University, in collaboration with Michigan State University, invites researchers, development actors, regulators, and practitioners to submit abstracts for the Global Symposium on Insects for Food, Feed, and Food Security in Africa.

The symposium will be held from 5th–6th June 2025 at Onomo Hotel in Kampala, under the theme: Advancing the role of insects in African farming systems for feed, food, and food security. The symposium aims to share knowledge and experiences in advancing the use of insects as a solution to Africa’s food, feed, and food security challenges. Contributions on the following sub-themes are welcome.

  1. Insects as animal feed for sustainable livestock production livelihoods
  2. Insects for human food and food security, including indigenous insect food systems
  3. Insects for improved soil health and crop production
  4. Commercialization of insect farming and products, including regulation and standardization

Important Dates:
Abstract Submission Deadline: 18th April 2025
Feedback to Participants: 2nd May 2025

Registration Fee:  Participants will be required to pay a fee of USD 45, which will cover meals and venue costs. Limited scholarship slots are available for students and farmers. Please note that participants are responsible for their transportation and accommodation.

Submission Guidelines: Abstracts should align with the symposium themes and must be submitted by the deadline. Further details on submission formats and requirements will be provided upon request.

For further information about the symposium and Abstract submission, please refer to the contact below.

Dr. Amulen Deborah Ruth (PhD)
Makerere University
College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Biosecurity
Department of Livestock Industrial Resources
P.O. Box 7062, Kampala
Phone: +256 782 315 636

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