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Makerere Introduces Mindset Education Course

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Most underdeveloped countries are facing challenges such as political instability, corruption, poor economic performance, soaring debts, climate vulnerability, etc. all of which are consequences of the inappropriate mindset of the citizens.

Like any other society that has the desire to grow and develop, Ugandans are seeking change in all aspects of life be it social, political, or economic development.

In order to establish a change in people’s attitudes, perceptions, or beliefs, Mind Education has been identified as the remedy to this problem.

Mindset is a set of attitudes or self-perceptions or beliefs people hold about themselves and their abilities. Mindset determines how individuals or groups behave and how they respond to challenging situations. For example, when people believe that the government is responsible for providing them with jobs in order to get a source of income, they are less likely to make an effort to initiate ideas that help them get out of poverty. 

Makerere University through the School of Psychology under the College of Humanities and Social Sciences has introduced Mind Education as a cross cutting course in the university curriculum.

This was revealed by the Vice Chancellor Makerere University Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe during the media briefing held on 23rd March, 2023.

Mind Education according to the Vice Chancellor  aims at teaching young people skills on how to respond to the challenges in their everyday lives and to turn challenges into opportunities, building strong minds.

Prof. Nawangwe expressed optimism that the concept of Mind Education will ultimately develop the value of positive thinking that will generate positive attitudes towards work, personal lives and all the other aspects of people’s lives.

“The School of Psychology has developed a course that will be taught to all students admitted to the University, across all academic units on a modular basis. This course will be examined and the results will be included on the academic transcript as an audited course”, Nawangwe told journalists adding that:

“Ultimately, we expect this course to promote positive thinking that will generate positive attitudes towards work, build strong minds that will allow our students to overcome life challenges, enhance self-discipline, and inculcate social relationships that nurture respect, compassion, love, and commitment that result in a more fulfilling life,”

Nawangwe also addressed media on several issues pertaining to the university trajectory towards becoming a research led- university. He said the university will gradually reduce the enrolment of undergraduate students and enhance the enrolment of Graduate students who engage in research.

Acknowledging that students and staff vary in terms of risks and exposure, the Vice Chancellor expressed the university’s commitment to strengthening the safety and well-being of staff and students as one of the pathways to realising the strategic vision 2020-2030.

The Dean of Students, Academic Registrar, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, DVCAA Umar Kakumba and University Secretary Yusuf Kiranda during the press briefing at Makerere

To enhance the safety and wellbeing of staff and students, Professor Nawangwe said the university has instituted mechanisms including policies, guidelines and their implementation frameworks. This include development of Makerere University safeguarding policy, mainstreaming career guidance and mentorship services, strengthening the  media publicity , accreditation of hostels to monitor students welfare and  establishment and operationalisation of  the disability support centre.

The Vice Chancellor also reported that an innovation hub has been established to provide support mechanisms for commercialisation of innovations towards sustainable industrialisation. UGX 2.7 billion has been earmarked from the Mak-RIF for commercialising Innovative projects and 40 projects are already going through the process of Property Management to commercialise.

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Jane Anyango

Humanities & Social Sciences

Dr. Brian Semujju: A Bright Burning Torch Extinguished

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Left to Right: Prof. Gorretti Nassanga, Dr. John Baptist Imokola, Ms. Harriet Sebaana, Dr. Wilson Kaija, Dr. Aisha Nakiwala, Dr. Charlotte Ntulume and other colleagues lay a wreath on Dr. Brian Semujju's casket in St. Francis Chapel on 5th August 2025. Funeral service in honour of Dr. Brian Semujju-Senior Lecturer, Department of Journalism and Communication, School of Languages Literature and Communication, College of Humanities and Social Sciences (CHUSS), 5th August 2025, St. Francis Chapel, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

The Makerere University fraternity is mourning the loss of a dedicated and hardworking academic, Dr. Brian Semujju. At the time of his passing, Dr. Semujju was serving as a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Journalism and Communication, School of Languages, Literature and Communication, where he had worked for eight years. He was a prolific scholar with more than 20 publications to his name, the most recent of which was published in February 2025.

In a condolence message from the Vice Chancellor delivered by Prof. Winston Tumps Ireeta, the Acting Deputy Vice Chancellor for Finance and Administration, the University extended its heartfelt sympathies to the bereaved family. Prof. Ireeta noted that Dr. Semujju was widely known for his enthusiasm and commitment to academic research. Drawing from scripture, he offered comfort to mourners with a quote from Psalms 34:14: “The Lord is close to the broken-hearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” He also extended condolences to Dr. Semujju’s students, fellow scholars, and colleagues.

Prof. Winston Tumps Ireeta pays tribute to Dr. Semujju. Funeral service in honour of Dr. Brian Semujju-Senior Lecturer, Department of Journalism and Communication, School of Languages Literature and Communication, College of Humanities and Social Sciences (CHUSS), 5th August 2025, St. Francis Chapel, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Prof. Winston Tumps Ireeta pays tribute to Dr. Semujju.

On behalf of the College of Humanities and Social Sciences, the Principal, Prof. Helen Nambalirwa Nkabala and the Deputy Principal, Dr. Eric Awich Ochen, shared heartfelt condolences. The College Leadership acknowledged Dr. Semujju’s immense contributions and the deep void his death left in the college following his passing on 3rd August 2025. Equally commended was Dr. Semujju’s remarkable journey from Lecturer to Senior Lecturer—a clear testament to his passion and commitment to research. Dr. Semujju’s dedication to his work was described as extraordinary, and Dr. Awich Ochen confirmed that he was due for promotion to Associate Professor at the time of his death, a reflection of his unwavering pursuit of academic excellence.

Prof. Helen Nambalirwa Nkabala (Right) is joined by Dr. Eric Awich Ochen (Left) and Dr. Eve Nabulya to lay a wreath on Dr. Brian Semujju's casket. Funeral service in honour of Dr. Brian Semujju-Senior Lecturer, Department of Journalism and Communication, School of Languages Literature and Communication, College of Humanities and Social Sciences (CHUSS), 5th August 2025, St. Francis Chapel, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Prof. Helen Nambalirwa Nkabala (Right) is joined by Dr. Eric Awich Ochen (Left) and Dr. Eve Nabulya to lay a wreath on Dr. Brian Semujju’s casket.

Prof. Gorretti Nassanga delivered a message on behalf of the Head of the Department, Dr. Aisha Nakiwala, describing Dr. Semujju as a man who left behind a strong legacy of academic excellence. She traced his academic journey at Makerere University, beginning as a Master’s student in 2010, graduating in 2012, and completing his PhD in 2017—the same year he joined the Department as a Lecturer. She highlighted his significant research contributions, including publications in high-impact international journals and involvement in diverse research projects covering community media, gender and media, environmental and climate change communication, and the use of mobile phones in journalism practice. Prof. Nassanga praised his critical mind and eagerness to explore new frontiers of knowledge, adding: “Apart from his work at the Department of Journalism and Communication, he took interest in other areas like music, he composed several songs including some on how to tackle climate change.”

Prof. Gorretti Nassanga (Holding Microphone) is joined by members of the Department of Journalism and Communication to deliver their message. Funeral service in honour of Dr. Brian Semujju-Senior Lecturer, Department of Journalism and Communication, School of Languages Literature and Communication, College of Humanities and Social Sciences (CHUSS), 5th August 2025, St. Francis Chapel, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Prof. Gorretti Nassanga (Holding Microphone) is joined by members of the Department of Journalism and Communication to deliver their message.

Prof. James Kiwanuka-Tondo, Dean at the School of Journalism, Media and Communication at Uganda Christian University, and Prof. Monica Chibita both spoke about Dr. Semujju’s insatiable curiosity and commitment to his work. Prof. Chibita noted his exceptional sense of duty, as evidenced by his latest publication in February despite battling illness. She emphasized the importance of preserving his legacy: “He leaves a gap in many people’s hearts but Brian also leaves a legacy of academic excellence. As many of his mentees who are here, we all have a duty to keep this legacy alive.”

Prof. Monica Chibita (Front) and Prof. James Kiwanuka-Tondo (Left) spoke on behalf of Uganda Christian University (UCU). Funeral service in honour of Dr. Brian Semujju-Senior Lecturer, Department of Journalism and Communication, School of Languages Literature and Communication, College of Humanities and Social Sciences (CHUSS), 5th August 2025, St. Francis Chapel, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Prof. Monica Chibita (Front) and Prof. James Kiwanuka-Tondo (Left) spoke on behalf of Uganda Christian University (UCU).

Dr. Robert Kakuru, Chairperson of the Makerere University Academic Staff Association (MUASA), reflected on the collective loss felt by the academic fraternity: “As the academic fraternity we have lost a hardworking man. We have lost a man that was destined to achieve much.” He expressed appreciation to the University Management, especially the Vice Chancellor, for their support during this difficult time. Dr. Kakuru also used the occasion to promote the MUASA Social Support Fund, encouraging both new membership and mutual support among existing members.

Dr. Robert Robert Kakuru delivers his message. Funeral service in honour of Dr. Brian Semujju-Senior Lecturer, Department of Journalism and Communication, School of Languages Literature and Communication, College of Humanities and Social Sciences (CHUSS), 5th August 2025, St. Francis Chapel, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Dr. Robert Robert Kakuru delivers his message.

Representing the Fulbright Scholars where Dr. Semujju served as President of the Alumni Association, Dr. Saul Daniel Ddumba also expressed his sympathies: “He accepted to be our Fulbright President, which was another job on top of what he already had,” he said, praising Dr. Semujju’s enthusiastic spirit.

Mr. Baker Batte, one of Dr. Semujju’s earliest Master’s students, shared a memory that reflected his high standards and intolerance for mediocrity: “I think I gave him approximately 15 drafts for him to accept that my dissertation was good for submission.”

Mr. Baker Batte ( Holding Microphone) pays tribute to his former supervisor. Funeral service in honour of Dr. Brian Semujju-Senior Lecturer, Department of Journalism and Communication, School of Languages Literature and Communication, College of Humanities and Social Sciences (CHUSS), 5th August 2025, St. Francis Chapel, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Mr. Baker Batte ( Holding Microphone) pays tribute to his former supervisor.

A family representative, Dr. Semujju’s brother, spoke of his strong work ethic and obsession with quality, recounting his frequent reminder to the family: “Every time he would tell us that we cannot teach if we are not doing research.” He expressed gratitude to the Department of Journalism and Communication and the University for their support, particularly through financial assistance.

The funeral service held on 5th August 2025 at St. Francis Chapel and was presided over by the Chaplain, Rev. Canon Dr. Lydia Kitayimbwa. In her sermon, the Chaplain urged the bereaved family to turn to God for comfort, describing Him as “not distant, but… the God of Comfort.” She read from 2 Corinthians 1:3–7, reminding the congregation of God’s enduring presence in times of suffering: “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction… Our hope for you is unshaken, for we know that as you share in our sufferings, you will also share in our comfort,” she preached.

Rev. Canon Dr. Lydia Kitayimbwa leads congregants in song. Funeral service in honour of Dr. Brian Semujju-Senior Lecturer, Department of Journalism and Communication, School of Languages Literature and Communication, College of Humanities and Social Sciences (CHUSS), 5th August 2025, St. Francis Chapel, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Rev. Canon Dr. Lydia Kitayimbwa leads congregants in song.

The event was graced by several dignitaries from the Media, including the CEO of Vision Group, Mr. Don Wanyama, and the Head of Bukedde TV, Mr. Richard Kayiira.

Eve Nakyanzi
Eve Nakyanzi

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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

Mak Editor

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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.

Mak Editor

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