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.
The Nottingham Trent University (NTU) Global Summer School will run from 7 July – 1 August 2025 in the heart of England.
Why join this summer?
A diverse range of credit-bearing courses The Global Summer School offers a variety of exciting courses, from cybersecurity to creative industries, and space science to entrepreneurship – truly something for everyone! With two distinct blocks of courses, students can either dive deeper into their passions or broaden their horizons by exploring new subjects.
A truly international experience Students will join peers from many countries across the world, creating a vibrant and multicultural learning environment that enhances the global student experience.
An exciting cultural and social programme Beyond the classroom NTU offers a full schedule of activities, including visits to iconic UK cities, sports and evening events ensuring that students make the most of their time in the UK.
A safe and welcoming destination Nottingham is a city renowned for its safety, having earned the prestigious Purple Flag award for its excellent night-time safety and vibrant atmosphere, ensuring your students feel at home both on and off campus.
Don’t miss out! This is the perfect chance for students to develop new skills, make new friends and experience the best of British culture. NTU looks forward to welcoming students this summer!
On behalf of Makerere University Management, I congratulate and thank you for the successful completion of Semester Two: 2024/2025.
2.End of the Second Semester
The second Semester holiday break will begin on 17th May, 2025 up to Saturday 9th August, 2025.
3. Resident Students
All resident students are expected to vacate the Halls of Residence by mid-day on Saturday, 17th May, 2025.
4. University Property
Please hand over all University property in your possession (such as: room keys, Sports & Games equipment, College property etc) before you leave the Hall of Residence.
5. Security of personal property
Please make sure that you carry with you all your property.
Organised by the Makerere Debating Union – a student-led initiative, the Inter-college Debate Tournament was held on 11th and 12th April 2025 with a vision to leave no student behind by nurturing a community of confident, articulate, and visionary leaders who will drive positive change in society. The tournament was held in three preliminary rounds, followed by semi-finals and a grand finale.
The first round covered democracy and youth participation in politics, while the second round covered inequality and wealth distribution, and the third, the ban on export of raw materials. The semi-final round debated apprenticeship for blue-collar jobs, while the grand finale debated national budget allocations for healthcare and education. In the spirit of inclusivity, all colleges, including the Jinja Campus participated in the tournament.
One of the preliminary rounds in session at Lumumba Hall.
Commenting on the choice of topics, the organisers noted Makerere University as a bastion of academic excellence has a profound responsibility to cultivate the next generation of leaders who will shape the future of our nation. These leaders, they added, ought to be equipped with 21st century skills of self-expression, critical thinking, and problem-solving so as to navigate the complexities of an ever-evolving world.
On the whole, Makerere Inter-college Debates were conceived as a strategic initiative to foster a culture of intellectual curiosity, creativity, and innovation. The Debating Union aims to empower the future leaders by providing a platform for students to engage in respectful discourse, articulate their thoughts, as well as develop their critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
Daphine Kemigisha submitting at the debate grand finale.
Furthermore, the Debates serve as a platform for not only honing the intellectual prowess of students but also cultivating leadership skills, teamwork, and communication abilities that are essential for success in an increasingly complex and interconnected world. It is envisaged that this initiative will have a lasting impact on the lives of students, by exposing them to debates on topical issues that can shape the mindsets of transformative leaders our nation needs.
After a thrilling two days of debate, Daphine Kemigisha and Jibril Ssekandi from the School of Law (SoL) emerged as winners of the Makerere University Inter-college Debate Tournament 2025, while Olara Emmanuel George from the College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Biosecurity (CoVAB) was the Public Speech Champion, and Namujuzi Martha Mociita from the College of Business and Management Sciences (CoBAMS) was the Poetry Champion.
Debate Winners; Daphine Kemigisha (Right) and Jibril Sekandi (Left) from the School of Law (SoL).
The 2025 Tournament was organized by Mayanja Owen and Nkalubo Oprah – 91st Guild Representative Councils (GRCs) of the Debate Union, Akatwijuka Arthur – Chairperson Debate Union, and Debate Union Representatives from colleges. The Uganda National NGO Forum (UNNGOF) partnered with the Debate Union to deliver the 2025 edition.
Addressing students at the award ceremony, UNNGOF’s Mr. Derrick Baluuku encouraged the youth to step out of their comfort zones and think of solutions to inspire change in their communities.