General
Makerere University’s International Graduates Celebrate Victory
By Kevin Githuku
On Saturday, 25th February 2023, a section of the 73rd Makerere University’s international graduates celebrated their milestone at SS Hotel, in Makerere Kikoni. The event was graced by senior administrators from the University, alumni, recent graduates, student leaders among others, all from different nationalities.
This came two weeks after Makerere University had officially conducted its 73rd graduation ceremony. The students graduated with Bachelors and others Postgraduate degrees in various fields.
The event celebrated the tremendous efforts made by graduates at all capacities which include education, leadership, transition, among others.
This particular group beat all odds in their time, having managed to balance their academics and a well organised system of leadership. The cohort, together with a few continuing international students, happened to have been the pioneers of the formation of the official international students’ association known as Makerere University International Students Union (MUISU).
They also led a team that fronted their demands on equal representation in the Students’ Guild council, which saw international students granted two Guild Councillor Representatives, male and female, and a docket created for them under the Ministry of International Students’ Affairs. This is different from the former system that had international students represented under the Ministry of External Affairs in the guild council, which according to them did not address their issues to the core.
The team also managed to come up with a set of regulations which would formerly be referred to as a constitution, to guide the association, with a well-structured system of leadership that sees them united and meets their most desired needs.
The Officer-in-Charge of the International Students Office, Ms. Martha Muwanguzi appreciated the excellent organisation exhibited by the students through their leadership, social life and academics. She also emphasized on the importance of giving back to the community, and urged all graduates to emulate such values back in their different home countries.
The outgoing chairperson of the International Students’ Union, Deng Baak, from South Sudan, who graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Human Nutrition, called upon international leaders to balance their academics and leadership as well as maintain unity as international students.
“As a leader, you must balance between your academics and leadership. Leaders should also work together, consult, and serve the people that you are representing. We should all maintain unity and keep in touch.”
Duncan Bosire a Kenyan national, who graduated with a Masters degree in Public Infrastructure Management, encouraged the continuing students to serve and give back to the community while studying.
“You feel great when you serve and give back to the community. I encourage you to serve in churches, rotaract, and other leadership positions. As you serve, you are gaining more skills and experience in everything that you do.”
Soumaya Abdou Salam, a Comorian national who graduated with a Masters degree in Food Science and Technology says she advanced her education to support the food production industry in Comoros.
“Most of the food back at home is imported, we don’t process, we don’t package. The food section in Comoros is too low. I decided to study this course to help my people”.
Kamaleu Tania Ingrid, a Cameroonian who just graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Dental Laboratory Technology talked about how Makerere has helped her grow personally.
“I’m just really grateful for Makerere in the sense that I have grown. From where I came, to where I am right now, I believe there was growth. My stay in Makerere has given me friends, connections.”
Generally, the students were grateful to the institution for granting them an opportunity to advance their education, gain skills and knowledge that will help them develop their nations.
Makerere University on Thursday 15th May, 2025 embarked on a two-day induction exercise spearheaded by the Directorate of Human Resources for newly appointed staff, whose tenures commenced in the 2024/2025 financial year. Held in the Senate Conference Hall, day one of the induction was presided over by the Acting (Ag.) Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic Affairs)-DVCAA, Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi, who represented the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe.
Warmly welcoming the new staff, Prof. Buyinza congratulated the ladies and gentlemen upon choosing Makerere University as the workplace for embarking on their next phase of professional growth, self-discovery, and personal development.
“You are joining a century-old institution with a distinguished history and a deeply rooted culture of academic excellence” Prof. Buyinza remarked. “For over 100 years, Makerere has nurtured the intellectual talents of young people and contributed meaningfully to the development of society across the globe,” he added.
The Ag. DVCAA nevertheless tipped that although the onboarding process might overwhelm staff with a lot of information, it is all meant to enable them better understand their roles, the benefits due them, and the unique opportunities that come with working in a world-class institution. Prof. Buyinza therefore encouraged new staff to contribute to the attainment of Makerere’s Mission, connect with the vibrant community they are now part of, enjoy the beautiful greenery the campus affords, and take advantage of professional development as well as well-being promoting programmes.
“At Makerere University, the well-being, safety, and professional growth of our staff are priorities. We are committed to walking this journey with you, and to building an institution that is not only a place of work but a place of inspiration and belonging” Prof. Buyinza reassured.
In his welcome remarks, the Chief Human Resources Officer, Mr. Deus Tayari Mujuni congratulated the new staff upon successfully completing the rigorous process the resulted into their respective appointments. He equally thanked the Vice Chancellor for endorsing the induction ceremony with not only budgetary support but also his representation.
Reiterating the need to appreciate the culture, politics and dynamics of the institution that they are now part of, Mr. Mujuni tasked new staff to take time and appreciate the University Vision, Mission and Objectives, and ensure that they adhere to them. He equally urged new staff to read and understand the various university policies and where in doubt, consult the relevant offices.
Ultimately, he urged staff in the fulfilment of their duties and responsibilities not to disregard their individual goals. “You have aspirations that you must achieve as an individual and I encourage you not to neglect them.”
The University Council as the supreme governing body of the university is also the policy making body, whose Appointments Board oversees the appointment, promotion, removal from service, and discipline of all university staff and officers. The representative of Staff with Disabilities on University Council, Mr. Amon Muteganda Kabahima who chaired the session on University Governance equally congratulated new staff.
“You underwent a tough process full of various competitive stages and we are sure that we have the right people for the various jobs” he commended.
Addressing aspects of University Governance and the key Offices, the University Secretary and Secretary to Council, Mr. Yusuf Kiranda guided that the policies and regulations that govern the institution are broad, numerous, and as such cannot adequately be covered over the two-day induction. He nevertheless encouraged staff to visit the University Policies website and appraise themselves with the details, not only for avoidance of breaching them but also building a culture voluntary compliance.
Mr. Kiranda equally encouraged staff not to ascribe importance and respect to colleagues based on rank and titles but seek to esteem each and every member of staff as an important and vital contributor to the fulfilment of the University’s Vision and Mission.
“We are all equally important in this university; the person whose services the university does not require, it does not hire. As long as you are here, you are required” he explained.
The University Secretary equally called upon staff to familiarize themselves with the law that establishes and governs public universities; the Universities and Other Tertiary Institutions Act (UOTIA). In his presentation, he singled out section twenty-four (24) that outlines the objectives of a public university in Uganda, as well as sections 30 to 32 that prescribe various offices’ responsibilities.
Mr. Kiranda equally encouraged staff to read the Human Resources Manual, Policy and Regulations against Sexual Harassment (PRASH), the Safeguarding Policy, among others. He concluded by reiterating the need for staff to read and appreciate the policies that directly address their welfare and steer clear of negative narratives and discourse, particularly those that seek to weaponize discourse. Other topics to be covered during the two-day induction include; the University Strategic Plan, Financing, Research-led Agenda, Institutional Communication and Public Relations and the Makerere University Retirement Benefits Scheme (MURBS). Topics to be covered on day two include; Legal Instruments, The Collegiate System, Human Resources Management and Functions, as well as Policies on Gender Equality and Sexual Harassment. Others include; Academic Issues, Quality Assurance, Procurement, Audit, and Library Resources.
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