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Prof. Nawangwe Commissions state-of-the-art Fire Detection & Protection System for Senate Building

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By Bernard Buteera

On Monday afternoon the 13th of March 2023, the Vice Chancellor of Makerere University, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, commissioned the state-of-the-art fire detection and protection system for Senate Building, one of the buildings that houses the academic documents and records for the University.

In a speech read for him by the Deputy Vice Chancellor, Academic Affairs, Prof. Umar Kakumba, the Vice Chancellor thanked all the key partners; Mastercard Foundation and the Government Uganda, through the Makerere University Research and Innovations Fund (Mak-RIF), for funding the project to completion.

The Vice Chancellor pointed out that, learning from the horrific incident when the Main Building was gutted by fire in September 2020, the University could not risk having another sensitive building like Senate not to have fire detection and protection system.

Prof. Umar Kakumba,during the launch of the fire detection and protection equipment.
Prof. Umar Kakumba,during the launch of the fire detection and protection equipment.

“I would like to thank the Government of Uganda, through Mak-RIF and our partner Mastercard Foundation, for funding such an important project in the University. This fire detection and protection system is very essential for our institution in order to protect the lives of our stakeholders and our academic records.” Prof. Nawangwe noted. 

Prof. Nawangwe further thanked Mrs. Patience Mushengyezi and the entire committee that steered the project right from phase 1 to completion.

“I would like to thank Mrs. Patience Mushengyezi, the PI and her team for the thoughtfulness and for the passion that came through during the proposal writing. The University Management can have strong proposals, but it doesn’t have a strong team to support in implementation, then all the good proposals would go to waste.” Prof. Nawangwe remarked.

On his part, Prof. Kakumba, thanked the University Management for supporting the first phase of the project through Mak-RIF.

Mrs. Patience Mushengyezi (Left) showing Prof. Umar Kakumba (2nd Right) Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi (2nd Left) and Prof. Justine Namaalwa (Right) some of the equipment that has been installed.
Mrs. Patience Mushengyezi (Left) showing Prof. Umar Kakumba (2nd Right) Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi (2nd Left) and Prof. Justine Namaalwa (Right) some of the equipment that has been installed.

“I would like to appreciate my Colleagues in Management for delivering the first phase of the proposal for digitization of our records under Mak-RIF. Digitization of our academic records is very critical to the institution.” Prof. Kakumba noted.

Prof. Kakumba also thanked Mastercard Foundation for the recovery support, which supported in the second phase of the project, which was the installation of fire detection and protection system.

“When our building got burnt, the first partner to extend a hand of support was the Mastercard Foundation, for which we are very grateful. Mastercard Foundation has supported Makerere University in many other projects, and we thank them very much.” He remarked.

Prof. Kakumba called upon the Estates Department and all other stakeholders, to ensure that the fire detection system is well maintained and serviced for effective and efficient use of the system.

Officials witness a demonstration of the fire hydrant by the service provider.
Officials witness a demonstration of the fire hydrant by the service provider.

The Deputy Vice Chancellor, Finance and Administration, Prof. Henry Alinaitwe, thanked the University Management, the Government of Uganda, the Academic Registrar’s Department, and the Mastercard Foundation for making the project possible.

“We all know what happened when the main building got burnt, it was a reflection that we could have done better. I hope that the people who have installed the equipment will give us manuals and offer training to staff on safe evacuation in case of any fire alerts with a fire exit plan in every room.” Prof. Alinaitwe remarked.

“I would like to join my colleagues to thank Mastercard Foundation for funding this project and many others in the University. Mastercard Foundation is here to catalyze us, we should look at this project as an example, so that we replicate it in other buildings across the university with our own resources.” Prof. Alinaitwe remarked.

Prof. Henry Alinaitwe, the DVC F&A addressing the gathering during the launch.
Prof. Henry Alinaitwe, the DVC F&A addressing the gathering during the launch.

Prof. Alinaitwe acknowledged the need for the University Management to enhance the issue of access control beyond the archives rooms in the Senate Building to other facilities at the University.

“We need to install CCTV cameras across all the facilities in the university, and be able to use them all the time.” Prof. Alinaitwe noted.

The Academic Registrar, Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi thanked members of the University Administration for always gracing events that celebrate achievements, such as the completion of the Fire detection and protection system.

Academic Registrar, Prof. Buyinza addressing the gathering.
Academic Registrar, Prof. Buyinza addressing the gathering.

“It feels good when you’re part of a progressive agenda. I wasn’t really in stewardship when the project started, but I have heard good things about it. I would also wish to convey our regards to Mastercard Foundation for enabling us to progress towards the achievement of our vision and dreams.” Prof. Buyinza remarked.

Prof. Buyinza further thanked the Digitizing Academic Records and Processes (DARP) Committee led by Mrs. Patience Mushengyezi for the job well done.

“I sincerely thank my colleague, Mrs. Patience Mushengyezi and her team, for having a heart for the institution, serving beyond self, and the visionary leadership you’ve offered to your team.” Prof. Buyinza pointed out.

On her part, the Principal Investigator (PI) of the project, Mrs. Patience Mushengyezi, thanked the University Management, Mak-RIF and Mastercard Foundation for the tremendous support rendered to the project.

“It gives me great pleasure that we are commissioning the Fire Protection and Detection System for Senate Building, including the banks housed in this building. This is a dream come true!” Mrs. Mushengyezi remarked.

Mrs. Mushengyezi, the PI of the project during the launch.
Mrs. Mushengyezi, the PI of the project during the launch.

Mrs. Mushengyezi informed the gathering that the project was mainly funded by Mak-RIF under the Government of Uganda for the first phase, which was mainly digitizing the academic records, and Mastercard Foundation which supported the second phase of the project, which was the fire detection and protection system.

“This project was a multiphase process; the first phase was to prepare for system and digitization of our records, and the second phase was mainly the installation of fire detection and protection system. We are very grateful to Mak-RIF and Mastercard Foundation for funding the project to completion” Mrs. Mushengyezi informed the gathering.

The DARP project was implemented in collaboration with East African School of Library and Information Sciences (EASLIS), College of Computing and Information Sciences (CoCIS), Directorate for ICT Support (DICTS) and the College of Education and External Studies (CEES).

Bernard Buteera, is the Communications & Web Officer of Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Makerere University.

Mak Editor

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Advert: Admission to Postgraduate Programmes 2024/2025

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The Academic Registrar, Makerere University invites applications for admission to Graduate Programmes (Postgraduate Diplomas,  Masters and Doctoral Degree Programmes) for the 2024/2025 Academic Year. Applicants should have obtained at least a first or second class degree (or its equivalent) from a Chartered University at the time of completion. Applicants should also possess a Uganda Certificate of Education (or its equivalent) and a Uganda Advanced Certificate of Education (or its equivalent).

Sponsorship:

All Graduate Programmes are PRIVATELY-SPONSORED. Therefore applicants seeking sponsorship should have their applications endorsed by their respective sponsors where applicable.  Applicants should note that the various fees payable to the University indicated for the various programmes EXCLUDE functional fees, accommodation,  books, research and other expenses.

PhD Degrees by Research Only:

All Colleges offer PhD degrees by Research. Applicants for PhD by research should have a Master’s degree in a field relevant to their area of fmther studies and should have obtained at least a first or second class degree (or its equivalent) from a Chartered University at the time of completion. Applicants for the PhDs by Research will be required to submit on-line applications and also submit four copies of the concept note in Office No. 410, Level 4, Senate Building.

How to Apply:

  1.  Visit the Makerere University’s  Admissions URL https://apply.mak.ac. ug
  2. Sign up using full name, e-mail and Mobile No.  Please note that your name must be similar to the one on your suppmting  academic documents for your application to be considered valid.
  3.  A password will be sent to both your e-mail and mobile number.
  4. The system will prompt you to change the password to the one you can easily remember.
  5. To fill a form (all form sections must be filled) the applicant clicks on the APPLY NOW button (for first time applicants) or MY PORTAL button (for renewal of application)   displayed on the appropriate scheme i.e. Taught PhDs, Masters & Postgrad Diplomas OR PhD by Research.
  6. All academic  transcripts/certificates  and passport photos should be scanned and uploaded on the system.
  7. You can access the referees’ form by following the following link:
    https://rgt.mak.ac.ug/sites/default/files/file-attachments/Referee-Letter-of-Recommendation-forAdmission-to-Graduate-Programme.pdf. These should be filled, scanned and uploaded.
  8.  Obtain a payment Reference No. by clicking on “Pay for Form” button
  9. Make payments at any of the banks used by Uganda Revenue Authority. Application fee is UGX 50,000 (East African applicants) or  UGX 151,500 (International Applicants). For International applicants, application fees can be transferred either by EFT or any other means in UGX to a designated URA collection account in Bank of Uganda as follows:

Account Name: UGANDA REVENUE AUTHORITY COLLECTIONS
Account No: 003410158000002
Swift Code: UGBAUGKAU
Bank Name: BANK OF UGANDA
Bank Address: KAMPALA, UGANDA
Currency: UGANDA SHILLINGS

  1. The closing date was extended to Friday, 30th May, 2024.
  2. All Applicants for Master of Laws (LLM) will do a Graduate Admission Test (GAT) consisting of an oral Interview and written test on dates and other requirements to be conm1Unicated by the School.
  3. All  Applicants  for  Master  of  Business  Administration  (College  of  Business  and  Management Sciences and Makerere University Business School) will do a GMAT test on dates to be communicated by College of Business and Management Sciences and Makerere University Business School respectively.
  4. In addition to the general admission requirements, applicants for Master of Public Infrastructure Management (MPIM) must have “Proven professional experience of at least 2 years at managerial/supervisory  level or policy-decision making position in a government, parastatal organ, international  organisation  or non-governmental  organisation” Applicants should attach a 2- page short CV and referee recommendations.

Further details of tuition fees and the available programmes open for admission can be accessed from the document below:

Mak Editor

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University of Zululand Delegation Visits Makerere for Benchmarking and Collaboration

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Delegation from the University of Zululand, South Africa, led by Professor Byron A. Brown, the Deputy Vice Chancellor for Engagement and Transformation, two-day benchmarking mission focused on Africanising education and strengthening research collaboration, 28th-29th April 2025, Main Building, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

A delegation from the University of Zululand in South Africa, led by Professor Byron A. Brown, the Deputy Vice Chancellor for Engagement and Transformation, is visiting Makerere University on a two-day benchmarking mission focused on Africanising education and strengthening research collaboration.

During their visit, the delegation held discussions with the Vice Chancellor, Professor Barnabas Nawangwe; the Ag. Deputy Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, Professor Buyinza Mukadasi; the Ag. Deputy Vice Chancellor for Finance and Administration, Professor Winston Tumps Ireeta; Professor Sarah Ssali, the Director of the ARUA Centre of Excellence in Notions of Identity and the Director of Research, Innovation and Partnerships, Dr. Robert Wamala.

Professor Barnabas Nawangwe receives a traditional Zulu spear and shield from the University of Zululand. Delegation from the University of Zululand, South Africa, led by Professor Byron A. Brown, the Deputy Vice Chancellor for Engagement and Transformation, two-day benchmarking mission focused on Africanising education and strengthening research collaboration, 28th-29th April 2025, Main Building, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Professor Barnabas Nawangwe receives a traditional Zulu spear and shield from the University of Zululand.

The discussions explored opportunities for integrating African perspectives and knowledge systems into university curricula, enhancing research networks across the continent, and fostering partnerships that empower African institutions to contribute meaningfully to global scholarship. Both institutions reaffirmed their commitment to the decolonisation of education and the promotion of African-led research initiatives.

In a symbolic and heartfelt gesture, the University of Zululand delegation presented a traditional Zulu spear and shield to Professor Nawangwe. The gift was accompanied by a message of solidarity and encouragement—to equip him in the ongoing struggle for the decolonisation of the curriculum at African universities. Professor Brown explained that the spear and shield represent the resilience, courage, and determination needed to reclaim African narratives in education.

Professor Barnabas Nawangwe presents a Mak Souvenir Book to Professor Byron A. Brown as other officials witness. Delegation from the University of Zululand, South Africa, led by Professor Byron A. Brown, the Deputy Vice Chancellor for Engagement and Transformation, two-day benchmarking mission focused on Africanising education and strengthening research collaboration, 28th-29th April 2025, Main Building, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Professor Barnabas Nawangwe presents a Mak Souvenir Book to Professor Byron A. Brown as other officials witness.

Receiving the gift, Professor Nawangwe expressed his deep gratitude and reiterated Makerere University‘s commitment to championing African-centered scholarship and knowledge production. He noted that true transformation of African education must involve redefining curricula to reflect the continent’s histories, values, and aspirations. In return, he presented to Prof. Brown a book with the history of Makerere University.

The two-day mission is expected to pave the way for stronger collaboration between Makerere University and the University of Zululand, including joint research projects, faculty and student exchanges, and shared initiatives aimed at promoting Africanisation in higher education.

Betty Kyakuwa
Betty Kyakuwa

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ARIPO, URSB Visit Mak, Discuss IP & Patenting

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The Vice Chancellor-Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe (Centre) with officials from ARIPO and URSB and Members of Top Management. Officials from the African Regional Intellectual Property Organization (ARIPO) and the Uganda Registration Services Bureau (URSB) visit Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa and discuss with Top Management ways in which the three institutions can collaborate in the areas of intellectual property (IP) and patenting, 28th April 2025.

A team of officials from the African Regional Intellectual Property Organization (ARIPO) and the Uganda Registration Services Bureau (URSB) today visited Makerere University and, together with the University’s top management, discussed ways in which the three institutions can collaborate in the areas of intellectual property (IP) and patenting. During the discussions, ARIPO called for the institutionalization of IP courses across various levels of the curriculum, with the aim of enhancing awareness, fostering innovation, and equipping students and researchers with the knowledge and skills necessary to protect and commercialize their intellectual property. The teams also held training seminars with staff of the university.

Betty Kyakuwa
Betty Kyakuwa

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