South African High Commissioner, H.E Lulama Xingwana - The Chief Guest with other guests after the community service at Makerere University Primary School.
On the 14th of July, 2023, Makerere University in collaboration with the South African High Commission kicked off commemoration of the Nelson Mandela International day with a community service at the Makerere University Primary School. On this day, we honored and celebrated Nelson Mandela’s 67 years of service of selfless service. In so doing, members of the society converged at Makerere University Primary School and conducted a community service for 67 minutes, each minute reflecting the aforementioned 67 years.
The event which started at 9:00am at the Makerere University Primary School begun with a band led by the pupils who welcomed the delegates with a marching procession. Present at the venue were the South African High Commissioner, H.E Lulama Xingwana, the Vice Chancellor of Makerere University, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe and the Headmistress, Makerere University Primary School, Ms. Nabirye Juliet. Also in attendance were a number of partners to the South African High Commission namely, Stanbic Bank Uganda, Tree Adoption Uganda, Gustro Book Centre, Multichoice Uganda Limited and MTN Uganda Limited.
The team of guests that turned up for the event were welcomed with a quick march by the primary school pupils.
After the band march and welcome, the primary school pupils assembled for an address from the school’s visitors. The Headmistress warmly welcomed the delegates to the school and ushered in the start of the community service. Secondly the assembly was addressed by the Vice Chancellor of Makerere University, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe who encouraged the pupils to work hard, be disciplined and read their books so that they can join Makerere University and reach heights as great as becoming Vice Chancellors like him.
All assembled then listened to H.E Lulama Xingwana who was very happy to meet the pupils. She started off by introducing them to who Nelson Mandela was and thanked them for singing the South African National Anthem very well.
H.E Lulama Xingwana planting a tree as part of the community service activity.
After the school assembly, the visitors and guests planted fruit trees around the school compound. The fruit trees included mangoes, avocados, guavas and oranges. The trees were planted by the following parties; the South African High Commissioner, the Vice Chancellor, COO Stanbic Bank Uganda, KCCA (Kampala Capital City Authority) Administrator, a representative from Multichoice Uganda and lastly the Headmistress of the host school.
The Vice Chancellor Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe planting a mango fruit tree.
The delegates present proceeded to clean the school compound by sweeping, engaging in proper garbage disposal and later painting of the classrooms and pavements along the walkways of the school. The 67 minutes of community service were culminated by session speeches from the various partners present and the school administration.
In her speech, the Headmistress said, “I thank God for the grace and opportunity He has given us to receive you in our school and choosing us as an activity ground for commemorating Nelson Mandela Day. Makerere University Primary School is beautiful in that we have all it takes to make a good school and also have the opportunity to grow because we are accessible, have space, and at the same time connected to Makerere University as an institution of higher learning.
The Headmistress Mrs. Nabirye Juliet delivering her speech.
She further noted, “I would like to thank the Vice Chancellor for the support he always extends to the school through the School of Education and the Estates and Works Department. The School Management Committee has done well in terms of managing the school and Estates Department has contributed tremendously by providing us firewood and recently, it fenced the school with wire mesh and barbed wire. We are really grateful to have you.”
The Vice Chancellor and the South African High Commissioner painting one of the classrooms as part of the community service activities
The various organizations present donated a number of items which were received by the chief guests and the school administration. Among the donations rendered were; 70 trees by Tree Adoption Uganda, Gustro Book Centre which donated 2 boxes of children’s books and primary school textbooks. MTN Uganda donated yellow T-shirts, Coca Cola Uganda limited donated cartons of soda for the pupils, Plascon Uganda donated Paint, and the South African High Commission donated 10 garbage bins, cleaning materials, scholastic items, 100 kilograms of rice to staff, to mention but a few.
Headmistress Mrs. Nabirye Juliet Makerere University Primary school receiving a donation of dustbins from the South African High Commission.
In a strategic move to enhance academic leadership and institutional efficiency, Makerere University conducted a comprehensive capacity-building and retooling workshop for all Heads of Department (HoDs) on August 5, 2025. The workshop, held at the Senate Conference Hall, brought together HoDs from various academic units to deepen their understanding of university academic policies, graduate training guidelines, and intellectual property management.
The training was organized under the office of the Deputy Vice Chancellor, Academic Affairs. The session aimed at aligning departmental leadership with the University’s strategic goals, policies, and operational frameworks, particularly in relation to graduate education and research governance.
Opening the workshop, Prof. Buyinza Bukadasi, Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic Affairs), underscored the importance of strong departmental leadership in driving the University’s vision:
Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi makes his remarks.
“The Head of Department is not merely an administrator; they are the academic engine of their unit. By equipping our HoDs with up-to-date policy knowledge, research management skills, and leadership tools, we are investing in the core structures that sustain academic excellence and innovation at Makerere.”
Emphasis on Graduate Policy and Structured PhD Training
Dr. Julius Kikooma, Director of the Directorate of Graduate Training (DGT), led an engaging presentation on the Makerere University Graduate Policies, Guidelines, and Procedures. His session unpacked critical updates in the revised 2024 Graduate Handbook, including:
Removal of provisional admission for PhD by Research.
A structured PhD framework requiring a minimum of three years and 40 credit units.
Strengthened supervision standards and doctoral mentorship structures.
Cohort-based admissions to improve program coherence and tracking.
Integration of cross-cutting courses such as Scholarly Writing, Advanced Research Methods, and Teaching Assistantship into PhD training.
The new framework, supported by the Research Information Management System (RIMS), enhances monitoring of student progress and ensures timely completion of graduate programs. Dr. Kikooma emphasized the importance of departmental roles in guiding and supporting students, noting that departments serve as the primary disciplinary homes for graduate students and are key in fostering research cultures.
A section of HoDs listens to the DVCAA make his address.
Understanding and Applying Intellectual Property Policies
The session also featured a detailed presentation on the Makerere University Intellectual Property Management Policy (2008, as amended), delivered by Counsel Esther Kabinga, Ag. Manager of the Intellectual Property Management Office (IPMO). Participants were guided through the obligations and rights related to IP created by staff, students, and visitors.
The presentation highlighted:
Ownership structures for IP generated at the University.
Procedures for disclosing, protecting, and commercializing IP.
Roles of departments in supporting creators and liaising with IPMO.
Revenue-sharing mechanisms and the inclusion of IP outputs in staff promotion criteria.
Counsel Kabinga encouraged HoDs to promote awareness of IP rights and responsibilities within their units, especially given the increasing volume of research outputs and innovations emerging from the University.
Strategic Alignment with the University’s Research Agenda
The workshop is part of broader efforts to implement the Makerere University Research Agenda 2025/26 – 2029/30, which prioritizes talent development, research visibility, and knowledge transfer. According to Dr. Robert Wamala, Director of the Directorate of Research, Innovation and Partnerships (DRIP), strengthening administrative and academic capacity at departmental level is critical for sustaining Makerere’s status as a leading research institution.
Dr. Robert Wamala makes his presentation.
The Research Agenda also supports the operationalization of structures like the IP Management Committee and GAMSU (Grants Administration and Support Unit), both of which are instrumental in streamlining research support services.
The training reaffirmed Makerere University‘s commitment to continuous professional development and the strategic empowerment of academic leaders. With a renewed understanding of policies and tools, Heads of Department are now better equipped to foster academic excellence, supervise graduate research, and steward innovation at the departmental level.
The Office of Academic Registrar, Makerere University has released the admission lists for candidates for those whose appeals have been successful for the 2025/26 Academic Year.
Kindly follow the links below to access the lists respectively:-
Makerere University, in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Uganda, has launched two transformative facilities, a Daycare and Breastfeeding Centre at the Institute of Gender and Development Studies (IGDS), and a state-of-the-art Multimedia Studio at the Frank Kalimuzo Central Teaching Facility. These facilities mark a major milestone in the University’s commitment to gender equality, student and staff welfare, and digital innovation in higher education.
A Milestone for Gender Equality: Daycare and Breastfeeding Centre
Mr. Ian King, the Ag. Resident Representative, UNDP Uganda, speaking at launch of the Daycare and Breastfeeding Centre emphasized the importance of the Gender Equality Seal (GES) initiative, funded by the European Union (EU). He applauded the Institute for being the first in Africa to participate in the GES.
Mr. King highlighted the role of the facility to mothers and some fathers in ensuring children’s safety and peace of mind for parents. He further commended the Institute for demonstrating what can be achieved through the programme. He stressed the importance of setting high standards for child care centres and making spaces safe for young parents. The Daycare centre is intended to provide a safe and nurturing environment for children and relief for mothers and fathers to focus on their work and studies.
A view of the general play and lounge area of the Daycare Centre.
Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, the Vice Chancellor, noted that the centre will be crucial in supporting breastfeeding mothers—particularly students and staff—to continue their academic and professional pursuits. Recalling a time when women were barely represented in the University Senate, he acknowledged the significant strides Makerere has made, while also noting ongoing gaps in graduate gender equity.
“The majority of graduates are women, but there are still issues of equity at the graduate level. I think there are still issues that we must solve, and one of them is helping mothers who are students and members of staff to continue with what they do, even when they have got babies to look after because that’s one of the reasons, I think, why many students drop out just because they become mothers,” he added.
Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe holds a baby as he makes his remarks at the Daycare facility.
He acknowledged that the facility will come in handy for addressing challenges, including balancing motherhood with academic or professional responsibilities. He extended appreciation to UNDP for their long-standing partnership in transforming Makerere into a more inclusive and modern academic institution.
The Head of the Institute of Gender and Development Studies (IGDS), Prof. Sarah Ssali, in her remarks, thanked the Vice Chancellor who catered for the Daycare Centre while designing the building. Prof. Ssali highlighted that the Daycare describes Makerere University‘s history and its commitment to gender equality and inclusion. She highlighted that the University has over 20 gender policies and interventions—with some directly impacting gender equality and others improving the work ecosystem—for example, digitization, quality assurance programmes and scholarship programmes. “But this is the first that directly addresses the needs of both students and staff—mothers and fathers alike—through a shared space for child care,” she said.
Prof. Sarah Ssali (Right) welcomes officials to the Institute of Gender and Development Studies.
Ms. Donna Keirungi, a mother and alumna of the University, shared her personal journey on how challenging it is to balance both studying and childcare. She highlighted that the Daycare Centre aims to make the various policies on gender equality and women’s empowerment practical, and to support the University’s commitment to Gender Equality. The Centre aims to fulfil the University’s Strategic Plan 2020–2030’s emphasis on creating an enabling environment and work-life balance.
“The journey to establish the centre began in 2022 with support from the UNDP, including benchmarking at a well-established Daycare Centre in Parliament. The centre is open to children aged zero to five years, including those of students and staff members,” she highlighted.
Ms. Donna Keirungi leads officials on a tour of the Daycare Centre.
The Daycare Centre is unique in that it benefits all members of the University community, including single fathers and students.
H.E. Ssentamu Churchill James, the 91st Guild President, thanked UNDP and the organising committee for their efforts in making the facility a reality, describing it as a testament to the University’s commitment to gender equity, student welfare, and removing barriers for parenting students. He highlighted the importance of peace of mind for students, especially mothers, and how the facility will help them balance their roles.
Advancing Digital Transformation: New Multimedia Studio Launched
In a separate but equally impactful launch at the Frank Kalimuzo Central Teaching Facility, Mr. Ian King described the studio as a strategic milestone in the University’s vision to modernise higher education and foster flexible learning. Mr. King noted that Uganda has made significant progress in digital inclusion with over 13 million internet users. He emphasized that the facility aims to address gaps in digital skills access—with only 3% of the population currently benefiting—and promote digital inclusion in line with the pillars of the Digital Economy Scorecard.
Mr. Ian King makes his remarks prior to launching the Multimedia Studio.
He also expressed confidence that the next Digital Economy Scorecard will show improved figures due to the efforts of Makerere and other universities. The digital studio will provide a dedicated space equipped with modern infrastructure to facilitate equitable access to digital skills development. He encouraged full utilization of the studio to maximise its impact on teaching, learning and skills development. He further thanked the Makerere University Management and development partners for their financial contributions that enabled the studio’s realization.
Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe expressed gratitude to the UNDP for their long-time support, especially with facilities like the Makerere University Innovation Pod (Mak UniPod). He thanked the UNDP for contributing to the modernisation of the University. The Vice Chancellor pledged to use the facility to build capacity across all disciplines and provide knowledge to a wider audience online.
Left to Right: Prof. Sarah Ssali, Prof. Paul Birevu Muyinda, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, Mr. Ian King, H.E. Ssentamu Churchill James and Ms. Annet Mpabalungi Wakabi in the Multimedia Studio.
He noted that Africa’s enrolment in higher education is the lowest in the world despite having the fastest-growing population, emphasizing the importance of providing high-quality education to as many people as possible, both on-campus and online. “I’m happy that this facility looks even more diverse than ones I have seen,” he said, expressing his gratitude to UNDP. The Vice Chancellor also highlighted the impact of the UNDP’s support towards unleashing talent and fostering innovation among students. “So by bringing the UniPod, you helped us unlock so much talent, and these students can now come up with the innovations which can be commercialised and create jobs for our fast-growing populations,” said Prof. Nawangwe.
Prof. Paul Birevu Muyinda, the Director, Makerere University Institute of Open Distance and e-Learning (IODel), said that the studio brings a significant leap in content production for e-learning. He expressed gratitude to UNDP for providing the necessary equipment to compete with world-class universities. He highlighted that e-learning courses are now incorporating multimedia elements like video and sound, moving on from the text-based model.
Officials pose for a group photo shortly after the launch of the Multimedia Studio.
He further mentioned the preference of the younger generation for visual and interactive content, making multimedia content essential for effective teaching and learning. Prof. Muyinda explained how the new multimedia studio will allow for more authentic and context-specific e-learning content, enhancing student engagement. He emphasized that the University is focusing on four key areas: training staff on studio usage, AI literacy, online facilitation, and teaching learners how to use e-learning technology. He underscored the importance of continuous innovation and adaptation in e-learning to keep up with global standards.
Dr. Godfrey Mayende revealed that all science units can also be taught in this Multimedia Studio. He said that the studio provides the naturalness of a class setting as it gives space for students to physically sit in the studio room as the lecturer is teaching or recording a lecture.
Dr. Godfrey Mayende observes as Mr. Ian King tests the Multimedia Studio’s provisions that support teaching of subjects that necessitate writing of formulae and other hand-drawn illustrations.
The two facilities; Daycare Centre and Multimedia Studio, are the latest in a series of initiatives borne out of the strong partnership between Makerere University and the United Nations Development Programme, including the previously launched Mak UniPod and Gender Equality Seal for Public Institutions. The abovementioned developments offer clear demonstration that Makerere University and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) have a strong partnership focused on fostering innovation and development in Uganda and beyond.