Computing & IS
CoCIS Non-Teaching staff skilled on Performance Management & Appraisal, PR & Team Building
Over 50 Non-Teaching staff from the College of Computing and Information Sciences (CoCIS) were on 12th May 2023 retooled on different aspects including Performance Management and Appraisal, Public Relations, Customer care, Team building and Communication.
The training which brought together administrative, support and contract staff was officially opened by the Principal CoCIS and closed by the Ag. Director, Directorate of Human Resources Makerere University, Mr Lawrence Sanyu.
It was facilitated by officials from the Makerere University Directorate of Human Resources and the Public Relations office. Facilitators included the Ag. Manager Performance Management and Appraisal Mr Deus Tayari Mujuni, the Technical person in charge of the e-HRMS system Mr Joshua Muhumuza, the Ag. Manager Staff Development, Welfare and Retirement Benefits Division Mr Julius Lebo and the University’s Principal Public Relations Officer Ms Ritah Namisango.
The appraisal is a must for staff to benefit from the University – Ag. Director HR
The Ag. Director, Directorate of Human Resources Makerere University, Mr Lawrence Sanyu commended the college management for organising the training. Mr Sanyu told staff that although they had qualifications at the time of recruitment, they have to be retooled and evaluated to ascertain whether the reasons for which they were employed are still being realised.
“We are doing appraisal not to punish anyone, but to evaluate and see whether we are still meeting the organisational objectives.” The Ag. Director said adding that appraisals are not only meant for confirmation, promotion and contract renewals.
“If you do not appraise yourself, it affects all the benefits you are supposed to get from the university including salary. The reasons why people are not doing these appraisals could be they are doing something different from what they were recruited to do”, Mr Sanyu explained.
He implored staff, to update their information on the portal saying, the appraisals are now done online and that the portal has been kept open because the online systems have just been introduced so that everyone can participate.
The Ag. Director stressed the importance of good customer care service especially, the care of students on the grounds that they are the reason the university exists. Mr. Sanyu told staff that every job in the university is related to students whether one is a cleaner, a custodian or a lecturer.
“You are very important in your capacity and without you, the university suffers. And since you are critical, you must make sure you do your work as expected and be happy you are in that position.”, Mr Sanyu advised and urged staff to desist from despising their jobs on the reason that the same jobs earn them fees for their children and food on their tables.
Sanyu emphasised teamwork as a cornerstone to achieving organisational goals saying, the reason staff should work together is not that they like one another but to work towards the University’s main goal.
Uphold the Basic Values and Ethics-CoCIS Principal
In his opening address, the Principal CoCIS Prof. Tonny Oyana implored staff to uphold basic values and work ethics.
“You must be dedicated to your work. A good worker has ethics and discipline. When someone gives you money, s(h)e expects a return on that investment. As workers, you are expected to exhibit traditional and basic values such as good time management, respect for colleagues and those in authority”. Prof. Oyana stated
Describing values as critical in making a working environment conducive, Prof. Oyana reminded staff that Africans have some traditional values, some of them very basic such as being polite, greeting and welcoming people.
“The thing that separates us from other animals is intelligence and conscience. The greeting is the basic entry point for a conversation and a way to relate”, the Principal explained and cautioned workers who come and leave early and those that cannot perform beyond their expectations.
Prof. Oyana pledged to make sure that the welfare of staff is taken care of and later led the meeting into a discussion about what was not going on well in the college for collective feedback and solutions.
Aspects of the training
Performance Management and Appraisal important
The Ag. Manager Performance Management and Appraisal Mr. Deus Tayari Mujuni presented on the aspect of Performance Management and Appraisal wherein he handled different aspects including Performance Management, Goal setting, the role of the Appraiser and Appraisee and the importance of Performance Appraisal.
Mr Mujuni told staff that the performance appraisal cycle starts with a plan in December of the calendar year based on the mission, vision and strategic objectives and goals.
In addition to measuring and improving the performance of employees and increasing their future potential and value to the university, Mr Mujuni said staff performance appraisal helps individuals learn how well they are doing over a period of time.
“It facilitates promotion decisions and makes it easier to ensure that vacant positions are filled by most capable individuals”.
Makerere University according to Mr Mujuni uses the Performance Appraisal key tool for deciding employee promotion, determining transfers, making termination decisions and identifying training needs.
It is also used to identify skills and competence deficits, provide employee feedback, and, determine reward allocation.
“Whatever the college achieves, it cascades to the school, department and the individual. Every person has a contribution to the achievement of the college and university strategic goals. Every morning, you must have a plan and at the end of the year you contribute to the plan of the college and university.” Mujuni said.
The Technical person in charge of the e-HRMS Mr. Joshua Muhumuza conducted the practical session on filling the Performance Appraisal tool,
The detailed presentation is linked. Performance Appraisal
Every University Employee Contributes to the Image of the University – Mak Publicist
Presenting on Public Relations, International Relations, and Effective Customer Care services, the Principal Public Relations Officer at Makerere University, Ms Ritah Namisango emphasised that the primary stakeholder in the university is the student.
Overall, Namisango emphasised that every university employee has a role to play when it comes to Public relations and effective customer care.
“The way you dress and appear, your attitude and behaviour towards students, colleagues, those in authority and visitors are what makes the image of this university”, Ms Namisango said.
Namisango handled different aspects including customer care, challenges faced in Public Relations, Customer care and how to overcome them, the importance of good Public relations, and customer care services in an organisation.
Namisango cautioned staff against idle talk and gossiping and always to seek guidance from relevant offices in case they face challenges. She also asked staff to support the PR and Communication offices, especially by providing information for university reports, websites and profiles.
For details see linked presentation. PR Interpersonal Relations and Customer Care
Be in the solution department and NOT the Problem Department – Julius Lebo
Presenting on Team Building and Effective Communication, the Ag. Manager Staff Development, Welfare and Retirement Benefits Division Mr Julius Lebo explained that effective team building and communication is about building consensus for the institution’s good.
“Even if you disagree, continue working. We enjoy being in the problem department but we should be in the solution department to help the institution move forward.”, Mr. Lebo advised.
He called upon the staff to work collaborative as a team no matter whether they are friends or not for the good of the university.
“Disagree to agree and focus on your work. I do not have to like you to work with you. Liking is a bonus. It is not under any law to like anyone. Focus on what brought you to the university”, Mr Lebo advised.
The link to Mr Lebo’s Presentation: Effective Teamwork and Communication
Computing & IS
Makerere Launches Scholarly Guide, Calls for Increased Research, Publication and Innovation in Africa
VC Emphasizes Research as Key to Africa’s Global Integration
Makerere University Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, has urged universities across Africa to invest in research, publication, and innovation as a pathway to greater participation in the global knowledge economy.
Speaking at the launch of From Records to Publication: A Guide to Academic Authorship, edited by Prof. Elisam Magara of the East African School of Library and Information Sciences, Prof. Nawangwe highlighted Africa’s low contribution to global scholarship. “Although Africa accounts for 15 percent of the world’s population, it produces only 3 percent of global research publications,” he said.
“There are historical reasons for this,” the Vice Chancellor continued, referencing centuries of slavery and colonialism. “You cannot brush away 600 years of subjugation. And we Africans have not even written enough about that. If we want to move Africa back into the global community, we must invest in research, publication, and innovation.”
He cited China as an example, noting how the country’s investment in research and education has translated into economic and global influence. “When we say China is the factor of the world, it is not that people just wake up and begin making things. They invest in education, in publication, in research. If we want to transform Africa, we must do the same.”
Prof. Nawangwe highlighted Makerere’s progress, revealing that annual peer-reviewed publications have grown from about 500 a decade ago, to 700, and now exceed 2,000. He acknowledged that the university still trails South African institutions, partly because they operate numerous local journals that absorb significant volumes of research. “We are not fully utilising the brand of Makerere University Press,” he said, pledging support to strengthen the press and scale up journal production.
He also reaffirmed the university’s strategy to reduce excessive undergraduate enrolment and expand graduate training to boost research output. “Let us create time for professors to do research and supervise more graduate students,” he said.
Commending Professor Magara and his team for producing the authorship guide, Prof. Nawangwe described the book as an essential handbook for Master’s and PhD students, early-career researchers, and universities across the region striving to become research-led. “This is at the heart of the university. If we invest in research and publication, we secure our future,” he said.
Book Recommended as Mandatory Guide by College Principal
Makerere University’s Principal of the College of Computing and Information Sciences, Prof. Tonny Oyana, called for the newly launched volume to be adopted as a mandatory guide for graduate students and newly appointed lecturers. “This is not a bad book for our first-year PhD students to start with,” he said. “Even those who are hired as junior lecturers still need mentorship. If I were the Vice Chancellor, I would put this book as required reading for every new hire.”
Prof. Oyana reflected on his personal contribution to the book, revealing that administrative responsibilities nearly forced him to withdraw. “Because of the work that I do, I was about to give up,” he admitted. “But Professor Magara was persistent. He came back to me and gave me more time.”
He credited a PhD student, Caroline Ilako, for assisting with library research and literature reviews, saying, “She did a wonderful job. We went back and forth through revisions, but finally we produced the work.”
On the quality of the book, Prof. Oyana said, “When you pick up a book, look at how it is laid out. The quick judgment tells you about the quality. This is well put together. We are beginning to show quality comparable to Western presses.”
He also challenged traditional notions of “publish or perish,” noting, “As scholarship evolves, those who evaluate scholarship must also adjust. Impact, innovation, and tangible products are increasingly valued alongside journal articles.”
Editor Highlights Research-Based Approach
Prof. Elisam Magara, the book’s editor, explained that the guide is designed to support scholars from the moment they conceive a research idea to the point their work is published and read. “I looked at the books we were using and asked myself: which kind of book can truly guide students? We needed a clear guide from the time a scholar thinks of writing up to the time the book is read,” he said.
He detailed the rigorous editorial process that began in 2022, including international calls for contributions, peer review of abstracts, writeshops for feedback, and multiple rounds of chapter reviews. “Don’t write and keep,” he advised. “Your book must have impact. It must reach the public and be used.”
Prof. Magara also acknowledged the sabbatical granted by the Vice-Chancellor, which enabled him to balance teaching and editorial responsibilities. “This book is meant not just for Makerere but for scholars across the region and beyond,” he said.
Mak Press Outlines Rigorous Publishing Process
Dr. Isaac Tibasima, representing the Managing Director of Makerere University Press, explained the publication pathway. “Once you bring your manuscript to the press, we take it through evaluation, external peer review, revisions, copy-editing, typesetting, and pre-press review before printing,” he said.
He also highlighted the press’s efforts to strengthen college-based journals. “We will not run the journals, but they will be published under the imprint of Makerere University. If we produce consistent issues, we can then move toward global indexing,” Dr. Tibasima said.
All new journals and articles now carry Digital Object Identifiers (DOIs) to enhance discoverability, while past publications are being retroactively assigned DOIs. “We are not there yet, but we are moving there, and we are intentional about getting there,” he added.
School Leaders Celebrate Scholarship and Mentorship
In welcome remarks, Dr. Sarah Kaddu, Dean of the School, said, “This event is a celebration of scholarship, intellectual discipline, and the journey of knowledge creation. This book speaks directly to one of the most critical challenges facing scholars—transforming research records into publishable work.”
Dr. Sylvia Namujuzi, Head of the Department of Records and Archives Management, added, “This book is timely. It responds to real challenges faced by early-career researchers, postgraduate students, and even seasoned academics—questions of structure, authorship ethics, citation, collaboration, and navigating the publication ecosystem.”
She concluded: “Well-managed records are not endpoints; they are the beginning of inquiry, reflection, and publication. This guide demonstrates that pathway.”
Book Outline
- Introduction: Publication Journey. (Prof. Elisam Magara)
PART I: Foundations of Academic Authorship.
- Conceptual Foundations of Academic Authorship
Elisam Magara and Joseph Kiplangat.
- Archives as a Source of Information for Academic Writing
David Luyombya, Sylivia Namujuzi and Francis Ekwaro
- The place of Oral History in Contemporary Writing
Elisam Magara, James Nkanshah-Obrempong and Nthan Nzyoka Joshua
- Managing Ethical Dilemmas in Academic Writing
Maria Tsvere, Tsitsi Kanonge and Joselin Chigwada
- The Role of Copyright and Neighbouring Rights in Protecting Works of Authors and Publishers in Uganda
Ronald Kakungulu Mayambala
PART II: Managing the Publication Process
- A Manuscript: From Inception to Publication
Sarah Mirembe Kyankya
- Managing Co-Authorship in Academic Writing
Gankhanani Moffat Moyo
- Managing Illustrations and Visual Artworks in Academic Writing
Bob Magara Rutatugirwa
- Tapping into Open Access Platforms for Gainful Authorship
George Muganga
- Managing the Costs in Academic Authorship
Aloysius Rukundo
- The Important Translation in Publication
Monica Mweseli
- Citations and Referencing in Academic Writing
Clement Lutaaya Nabutto, Namujuzi Sylivia, and Daviv Luyombya, Makerere University
- Referencing Management Software In Academic Writing
Odeke Moses Osamai and Constant Okello-Obura
- Compliance with International Bibliographic Control Standards in Academic Authorship
Elisam Magara and Dniel Osinde
PART III: Secondary Services in Academic Writing
- Journal Impact Factor and its Role when Submitting a Publication Article
Tonny J. Oyana and Caroline Ilako
- Managing Mentorship Programmes for Scholarly Writing
Diyoshak Rhoda Danladi and Elisam Magara
Report by
Jane Anyango, Principal Communication Officer CoCIS
Ritah Atukwatse, Journalism and Communication Student (2nd Year)
Fred Kanwagi, Journalism and Communication Student (3rd Year)
Computing & IS
Makerere University and SoonPay Sign Landmark MoU to Champion Blockchain Innovation and Financial Inclusion Across Africa
On Saturday 6th December 2025, Makerere University entered into a ground-breaking partnership with the U.S.-based fintech company SoonPay, marking a major breakthrough in Uganda’s push to integrate emerging technologies into research, innovations, higher education and national development.
The Memorandum of Understanding was signed by the Vice Chancellor of Makerere University, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe and Mr. Frantz Morency, Chief Executive Officer of SoonPay L.L.C, during the Makerere University Financial Innovation Day, a high-energy event that brought together over 800 students, faculty, industry partners, and technology leaders.
The MoU institutionalizes the collaboration of Makerere University through the Makerere University Technology and Innovation Centre and SoonPay LLC. The signing ceremony was witnessed by Dr. Cathy Ikiror Mbidde-Manager of Makerere University Technology and Innovation Centre and Ms. Vuyani Jones-Blockchain Infrastructure Manager.
Organized by the Makerere University Technology and Innovation Centre (MUTIC) in partnership with SoonPay, the event ran under the theme “Innovation and Financial Inclusion for a Secure Future.” It featured keynote speeches, panel discussions, live demonstrations, and the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that will usher in a new era of blockchain training, research, and innovation at Uganda’s premier university.
The event was supported by several partners, including the National Social Security Fund (NSSF), the Uganda Blockchain Association, the National Planning Authority (NPA), Prudential Uganda, and other technology and financial sector stakeholders.
A Strategic Partnership to Transform Africa’s Digital Landscape
The newly signed MoU between Makerere University and SoonPay is expected to unlock a broad set of opportunities for students and academic staff. These include blockchain education and certification, joint research projects, internships and apprenticeships, the development of new financial inclusion tools, and the integration of emerging technologies into existing academic programs.
SoonPay’s entry into Uganda is part of a larger vision to expand blockchain-driven solutions across Africa—a continent its executives say has historically been excluded from global technological revolutions.
Impressed by the overwhelming numbers of students who filled the Yusuf Lule Central Teaching Facility Auditorium to the brim, the Vice Chancellor, said: “Dear students, by choosing to stay on campus, on a Saturday, and after completing your examinations, you have demonstrated your willingness to learn and embrace the blockchain technology as well as emerging technologies in general.”
Stating that blockchain technology is the future for Africa, the Vice Chancellor challenged the students to take charge of Africa’s digital transformation.
“You are the people to emancipate Africa from marginalization,” he declared. “What will liberate our continent is not politics—we have done too much of that. It is education, research, innovation, and technology.”
Prof. Nawangwe delivered a sweeping historical reflection, tracing Africa’s technological setbacks to the destruction of its civilization over several centuries.
“For 400 years, Africans were taken away as slaves. For another 200 years before that, our lands, knowledge systems, and technologies were disrupted,” he said. “This represents around 600 years of destruction and marginalization of African civilization.”
He urged students not to miss the opportunity that modern technologies such as blockchain and artificial intelligence present.
“We are lucky to be living in an era where Africa is free,” the Vice Chancellor said. “My hope is that we do not wait another 600 years to take advantage of this freedom. The most important resource we have is not minerals; it is human resources—you, the youth.”
Prof. Nawangwe reminded students that Makerere’s reputation as the “intellectual capital of Africa” places immense responsibility on their shoulders.
“You are among the very few Ugandans privileged to study at Makerere University. University graduates are not supposed to wait for jobs—you are the ones expected to create them,” he said.
Why Blockchain? Transparency, efficiency, and global competitiveness
The Vice Chancellor highlighted the transformative potential of blockchain technology, especially in improving financial systems—a sector he described as the backbone of any modern economy.
“Without efficient financial systems, nothing else works,” he said. “Blockchain offers transparency, reduces fraud, and minimizes corruption. If applied properly, it could transform how we manage finances, education, and even our natural resources, including the oil that Uganda is about to exploit.”
He added that Makerere’s students are already demonstrating global competitiveness in innovation, winning international competitions and creating products across multiple disciplines.
“The brains are here,” he said. “What we need is exposure to opportunities and technologies that will help you turn your ideas into impactful solutions.”
In a passionate keynote address, SoonPay CEO, Mr. Frantz Morency underscored why his company chose Uganda as its launchpad for blockchain adoption in Africa.
“As the Professor said, we have been excluded for more than 400 years,” he stated. “Even though we’re an American company, we know our roots. Look around the SoonPay team—you will see yourselves. We chose Uganda intentionally.”
Mr. Morency pointed to Africa’s dismal participation in the global blockchain economy. “In the U.S., blockchain generates $2.6 billion—61.7 percent of the world’s share. The rest of the world generates $1.6 billion. And Africa, just $14 million, or 0.33 percent,” he said. “That is unacceptable.”
He attributed the gap not to a lack of interest among young Africans, but to a lack of opportunity. “You want to learn—what you lacked was opportunity,” he said. “With the support of Professor Nawangwe, Dr. Cathy Ikiror Mbidde, and Dr. Margaret Nagwovuma, SoonPay wants to bridge that gap in education, technology, and economic opportunity.”
Mr. Morency also shared his personal journey, connecting his Haitian background to the aspirations of African youth.
“Many of you may see me as ‘the guy in the green suit,’ but I come from a small island—Haiti,” he said. “My mother never finished first grade; my father never finished second grade. What they gave me was integrity, work ethic, and the determination to seize opportunities when they came.”
He urged students not to seek opportunities abroad out of desperation, but to build meaningful careers in Africa. “Africa does not need to lose its talent. Why can’t you build here? Why can’t businesses, innovation, and prosperity thrive here?” he said. “Educate yourselves. Build. Create. Grow.”
A milestone for Makerere and Africa
Dr. Cathy Ikiror Mbidde, Head of the Makerere University Technology and Innovation Centre (MUTIC), described the event as a “major milestone” in the institution’s evolution.
“We are here to witness one of the key emerging technologies and to reflect on how universities can embrace such milestones,” she said. “Everyone has a role to play in transforming our lives through research, ideas, and projects.”
She thanked SoonPay for choosing Makerere University, noting that students had been “instrumental” in pushing for blockchain education.
“You have been constantly asking questions, pushing us, and showing deep curiosity about blockchain. Today, we finally have answers,” she told the students.
Beyond the speeches, the event showcased SoonPay’s blockchain infrastructure, student-led innovations, and a roadmap for integrating digital finance tools into university programs. Partners such as NSSF emphasized the importance of preparing young people for a digital future.
With the MoU now in force, Makerere University is positioning itself as a regional hub for blockchain education, research, and innovation. The partnership with SoonPay aims not only to train students but to shape Uganda’s—and Africa’s—next generation of tech leaders.
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