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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

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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

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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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