General
Farmer, not Hunter Mentality Key to National Transformation
Following his delivery of the keynote address at the first-ever Symposium on National Transformation held on 30th March 2023, Makerere University on Monday 3rd April 2023 once again hosted Professor Vincent Anigbogu for an in-depth presentation to Top Management. Held in the Council Room, Frank Kalimuzo Central Teaching Facility, the interaction was graced by the Chairperson of Council, Mrs. Lorna Magara and later, the Presidential Advisor-Special Duties, Mr. Odrek Rwabwogo.
A holder of a PhD in Analytical Chemistry, Professor Anigbogu taught his specialization for over twenty years at four different universities in the USA before returning to Lagos, Nigeria in 2006 to pursue his passion, “the development of leaders with leadership and management competencies necessary for the transformation of Africa.” As Director General of the Institute of National Transformation (INT), he, together with his wife and partner, Mrs. Peggy Anigbogu has established training centres in Ivory Coast, Kenya, Rwanda, South Africa, and London, UK.
“Everyone that goes through the Institute of National Transformation in Uganda today is passionate about Uganda; they actually give their lives to build Uganda. Is that the typical attitude?” Professor Anigbogu paused to ask before clarifying “It has to be taught, and we teach it (at INT).”
He emphasized that it is only individuals who are passionate about Uganda that will transform the nation into ‘The Pearl of Africa’s Crown’, as stated by the third stanza of the National Anthem. Further unpacking the anthem, Professor Anigbogu could not help but appreciate how rich and embodying it is of Uganda’s vision.
Professor Anigbogu therefore urged all faculty in the room to make it their responsibility to teach students values such as Godliness, Unity, Hard work, Peace and Friendship as espoused by the National Anthem. “If you are to talk about changing education and you don’t understand national transformation, you will not be useful.”
Turning to Vision 2040 that aspires to create “A transformed Ugandan society from a peasant to a modern and prosperous country within 30 years”, Professor Anigbogu stressed that it is Makerere’s responsibility to provide holistic education that produces graduates who are passionate enough to build the nation. “Who is producing the Presidents? Who is producing the Members of Parliament?” he questioned to illustrate his point.
He further emphasized the need for Makerere to go beyond the first level of knowledge generation to producing graduates that are contextually in tune with both national and global trends. On one hand, they ought to be appraised of their personal responsibility in the national development agenda, while on the other hand, they ought to be equipped to weather storms from global trends.
Citing the Global Trends 2025 report produced by the National Intelligence Council USA, Professor Anigbogu noted that the current rise of China, India and other nations, the shift of wealth and economic power from West to East, and rapid population growth among others were predicted close to twenty years ago. “Of what value is education that’s not given in the context of anticipated challenges and opportunities?” he asked.
To achieve the much-anticipated national transformation, Professor Anigbogu noted that it was important for Makerere to produce graduates with the farmer rather than the hunter mentality. He explained that whereas we are all essentially hunters at birth – selfishly craving attention and loudly demanding that all our needs are instantly met, it was important for institutions such as Makerere to mould us into farmers – who are selfless, patient nurturers that regard every opportunity (seed), not as an answer to their immediate need (food) but as holding great potential for the future (a forest).
He noted that whereas lot of what Makerere is doing is good, the day’s interaction was aimed at reflecting on but how it could be done better, so as to have greater impact. He nevertheless concluded that this could only be achieved with a major shift in the way we conduct business.
Sharing his experience as a farmer that processes and markets his products, Mr. Odrek Rwabwogo outlined four interventions that should be undertaken in order to sail through the post-COVID headwinds. Firstly, he noted that venturing into international markets ought not to done blindly, but rather informed by market research conducted by trade representatives.
Secondly, he underscored the need to comply with market standards, which some countries employ as non-tariff trade barriers. Thirdly was the need for the necessary infrastructure to support both present and future investments as well as bring costs of utilities further down. And fourthly, the need for export credit funding to de-risk entry of Ugandan products into foreign markets.
These four interventions, he said, are hinged on research, and the private sector is keen to connect with Makerere University and tap into the resources and expertise herein to generate it. He reiterated that scientists and scientific findings have a strong advocate in the person of the President and Makerere partnering with the private sector would go a long way in amplifying both parties’ critical role of working with Government to reduce poverty.
Following the presentations and interactive discussions, the Vice Chancellor Professor Barnabas Nawangwe thanked Professor Anigbogu for sparing time to share great insights with the Makerere Top Management. He observed that some of the pertinent issues touched on needed further deliberation and expressed the University Management’s readiness to go into a retreat and deepen the conversation.
Furthermore, he observed the need to continue the conversation on the central role of the private sector and academia in national transformation. “In addition to initiatives such as setting up incubation hubs and reviving the Makerere University Private Sector Forum, we shall find a framework through which to continue this discussion until the next annual symposium on national transformation.”
Concluding the day’s discussion, the Chairperson of Council Mrs. Lorna Magara admitted that although Makerere continues to produce a lot of research, there was need for increased engagements with Government and the private sector to increase uptake and utilization of findings.
“We want to invite the private sector to come and see what Makerere is doing in the different colleges… creating that framework that will cause the engagement is already in the offing and once it is fully setup and operationalized we will inform faculty of the opportunities that are available” shared Mrs. Magara.
She prayed that the day’s presentations would stir up the staff to continuously reflect on how their teaching and research roles can propel the economy of Uganda forward and achieve national transformation.
General
Still Standing, Still Serving: St. Augustine Chapel Celebrates 85-Year Milestone at Makerere University
As Makerere University marked 85 years of St. Augustine Chapel on April 12, 2026, the historic sanctuary came alive with voices of praise drawing not only students and clergy, but the community and generations of alumni who returned to honor a space that shaped their faith and memories. From nostalgic reunions to heartfelt thanksgiving, the milestone became more than a commemoration; it was a powerful homecoming of a community bound by eight and a half decades of spiritual nourishment.
Under the resonant theme, “Our hearts are restless until they rest in you, O Lord,” the thanksgiving Mass was led by His Grace, Paul Ssemogerere, Archbishop of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Kampala, who served as chief celebrant. His presence lent solemn weight to the occasion, as worshippers filled Makerere’s Freedom Square in a deeply moving celebration that blended reverence, reflection, and renewed devotion, echoing the enduring spiritual heartbeat of Makerere University.
Hailing the legacy of St. Augustine Chapel, Maj. (Rtd) Jessica Alupo praised the students’ centre as a cradle of leadership that has helped steer the nation’s development. Speaking as the Vice President, the chief guest and proud alumna of Makerere University, she reflected on the chapel’s enduring influence since 1941, describing it as a rare space where intellect meets faith, questions meet prayer, and the pursuit of knowledge is illuminated by the gospel. Her remarks, underscored the chapel’s profound role in shaping generations of thinkers and servant leaders grounded in faith and service to their nation.
On his part, the Archbishop, His Grace, Paul Ssemogerere delivered a heartfelt reflection during his homily, reminding the congregation that true education shapes not only the intellect but also the heart. He praised St. Augustine Chapel for faithfully advancing that mission over 85 years, serving as a sacred space where students prayed before exams, sought guidance in uncertainty, and encountered Christ through the sacraments. Quietly yet profoundly, he noted, the chapel has not only formed scholars, but men and women of character and purpose. Highlighting the Church’s presence within Makerere University as a profound gift, he reaffirmed the harmony between faith and reason, and called for the chapel to remain a lasting refuge and guiding light for generations to come.
The event also served as a high-impact fundraising drive for the expansion of the Students’ Centre, aimed at creating much-needed space for growing student activities and services.
Appealing to the congregation, Rev. Fr. Josephat Ddungu, the chaplain, underscored the urgency and importance of investing in both the spiritual and social life of the student community. He emphasized that the expansion is not merely infrastructural, but foundational to nurturing holistic student development.
He recalled the vision of Msgr. Lawrence Kanyike, who during his tenure laid significant groundwork for St. Augustine’s Chaplaincy and long advocated for its expansion in response to growing student needs. With rising enrolment and increasing demand for services, the call for a larger, more functional student centre has become increasingly compelling.
Once completed, the extension is expected to stand as a landmark contribution in the Chaplaincy’s 85-year legacy. It will accommodate a wide range of student-focused programmes, including fellowship meetings, Bible study groups, prayer gatherings, mentorship and counselling services, leadership development, Sunday school, choir rehearsals, care groups, gym facilities, improved sanitation, administrative offices, quiet study areas, student clubs and movements, as well as outreach initiatives connecting students with surrounding communities.
Fr. Ddungu announced that the project target stands at Uganda Shillings Two billion only. He added that so far, UGX 164,673,650 has been raised in cash and banked funds, while pending pledges amount to UGX 85 million, bringing the combined total to Uganda Shillings 250,426,650.
“In Makerere, we build for the future. Those who came before us built for the future, and their future is our present. Now it is our responsibility to build for those who will come after us,” he said.
The Vice President, on behalf of the President delivered a contribution of Uganda Shillings 30 million who she said, also requested the Bill of Quantities of the project to facilitate continued government support toward its completion.
The Vice Chancellor of Makerere University, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, who contributed to the fundraiser, commended the Catholic community for its steadfast commitment to students’ spiritual welfare and its role in shaping servant leaders. He pledged continued support from the University Management to ensure this expansion of the Student center becomes a reality. From Senior Management, Prof. Sarah Ssali, Deputy Vice Chancellor, Academic Affairs and Dr. Winifred Kabumbuli, the Dean of Students, in their respective capacities, contributed to the fundraising effort too, reinforcing the collective commitment to the project’s success.
As the fundraising gathers momentum, the appeal remains clear and urgent, that every contribution brings the vision closer to completion. Built on the legacy of those who came before and sustained by the commitment of the present generation, the new Students’ Centre is poised to become a lasting beacon of spiritual grounding, intellectual growth, and communal transformation for decades to come.
If you wish to contribute via mobile money, below are the details of the recipient.
MTN: +256 (0)787888490, Airtel: +256 (0) 756851181 (Josephat Ddungu)
General
Hands-On RIMS Training Equips Makerere University College Registrars to Power Graduate Success and Research Excellence
By Moses Lutaaya
Kampala, April 10, 2026 — College Registrars and Senior IT Technicians at Makerere University have undergone intensive, hands-on training in the Research Information Management System (RIMS), in a move aimed at strengthening graduate training, improving completion rates, and advancing the university’s research agenda.
The training, held on Friday at the CFT 2 Building, Lecture Room 4.1 Computer Lab, brought together key custodians of academic records to gain practical skills in using the system that university leadership says will transform graduate education management.
In his opening remarks, the Director of Graduate Training, Julius Kikooma, underscored the strategic importance of RIMS, linking it directly to the university’s long-standing challenges in tracking graduate students and supporting research progression.
“Graduate training is central to the research mission of this university,” Prof. Kikooma told participants. “Yet for years, we have struggled to answer simple but critical questions, where exactly are our graduate students in their academic journey, and why are many not completing on time?”
He pointed out that the issue has consistently drawn concern from top university leadership, including Council, particularly as Makerere rolls out its new five-year strategic plan. “One of the key priorities identified is improving graduate completion rates,” he said. “But we cannot improve what we cannot measure.”
Prof. Kikooma explained that unlike undergraduate programmes, graduate studies are largely research-driven and therefore more complex to monitor. “The research component of graduate programmes has not been adequately captured in any system,” he noted. “That is why it has been difficult to track progress, supervise effectively, and provide accurate reports.”
Positioning RIMS as a transformative solution, he emphasized its role in bridging this gap. “RIMS is not just a system, it is the backbone of how we are going to support graduate students and research going forward,” he said. “With it, we can track every stage, from concept development to proposal, to thesis completion in real time.”
He stressed that the system will enhance both efficiency and accountability across the university. “This is the tool that will enable us to confidently assure Council and management that we know the status of every graduate student at any given time,” he said.
However, Prof. Kikooma made it clear that the success of RIMS depends heavily on the commitment of college registrars. “You are the custodians of graduate records. You are central to this process,” he said. “If RIMS succeeds, it will be because of your efforts. If it fails, it will be because you did not play your part.”
He revealed that registrars will now form part of the steering committees overseeing the full implementation of RIMS across university units. “You are not just users of this system, you are its drivers at the college level,” he emphasized.
Calling for seriousness and full participation, Prof. Kikooma set clear expectations for the training. “No one should leave this room without knowing how to use RIMS in their daily work,” he said. “You must understand the kind of data required, the information on students, supervisors, and every stage of the research process.”
He added that incomplete data has already limited the system’s effectiveness in some units. “Graduate students are already on the system, but some of the critical information is missing,” he noted. “That gap must be closed by you.”
In his technical presentation, Juma Katongole, the Manager Information Systems, highlighted the limitations of existing systems and how RIMS is designed to address them.
“We can only produce accurate statistics for students on coursework,” he said. “But we cannot tell how many graduate students are at proposal level, concept level, or thesis level. That is a major gap.”
He explained that RIMS will provide comprehensive, real-time tracking of graduate students throughout their academic journey. “This system will enable us to produce accurate reports of which student is where,” Katongole said. “It will help us identify delays and take action.”
On the issue of prolonged completion times, he added, “With reliable data, we can see where students are getting stuck and introduce administrative or strategic measures to address those bottlenecks.”
Describing the system as a turning point, Katongole noted, “We are moving towards having valid statistical information at our fingertips, which is critical for a research-led institution.”
From the administrative perspective, Eleanor Nandutu, Senior Assistant Registrar from MISR, welcomed the initiative, describing it as a practical solution to long-standing inefficiencies.
“RIMS will ease the tracking process and help us know exactly where each student is and how long they take at each stage,” she said. “It will also help us understand where the challenges are and how to better support students.”
She emphasized that the system will improve completion rates by identifying bottlenecks early. “We shall be able to see where we are stuck and take corrective action in time,” she noted.
Addressing concerns about possible conflict of interest between supervisors and students, Nandutu clarified that the system is designed to enhance transparency, not create tension. “This is about ensuring that processes are followed and that students succeed,” she said. “It brings everyone, administrators, supervisors, and coordinators onto one platform.”
She added that the system will even improve interaction between students and supervisors. “It will make follow-ups easier and ensure timely feedback, which is critical for research progress,” she said.
As the university intensifies efforts to strengthen its research output and graduate training, the hands-on RIMS training marks a significant step toward a more efficient, transparent, and data-driven academic environment, one that leaders believe will finally address the long-standing challenge of delayed graduate completion.
-
Law1 day agoPre-Entry Examination for Admission to the Bachelor of Laws for 2026/2027 AY
-
Health17 hours agoCourse Announcement: Certificate in Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (CWASH) – 2026
-
General2 weeks agoMastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Makerere University Celebrates the Last Cohort of Phase One Graduates
-
Agriculture & Environment2 weeks agoCPUg Project Equips Waste Management Personnel with Essential Skills
-
Veterinary & Biosecurity2 weeks agoFrom Classroom to Cattle Farms: Makerere Unleashes 100+ Job Creators in Bold Skills Revolution