General
67 Minutes of Community Service for 67 Years of Mandela’s Service
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.
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.
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 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.
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 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.
Makerere University has today Wednesday, 9th June 2025 officially unveiled NCBA Bank Uganda as the Platinum Sponsor of the Makerere University Endowment Fund (MakEF)’s flagship initiative – the Makerere University Marathon. Formerly known as a fun run, the initiative was rebranded on 27th March 2025 during the launch of its Fifth Edition. This year’s event, #MakRun2025, is slated for 17th August 2025 under the theme “Run the Hills for the Future”.
Addressing the Media at a press conference this afternoon, the MakEF Board Chairperson, Dr. Maggie Kigozi remarked, “We are deeply honoured and excited to unveil NCBA Bank Uganda as the Platinum Sponsor of #MakRun2025, with a landmark commitment of UGX 1.45 billion over the next five years.”
Dr. Kigozi further described the unveiling as “a strategic partnership built on shared values and a common vision for inclusive education and sustainable impact,” adding that it would “fast-track the establishment of a fully equipped Disability Support Unit for students living with disabilities, and to build a sustainable pool of funds to support Economically Disadvantaged Students.”
Appreciating the generous sponsorship, the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe acknowledged that NCBA Bank had not only made history as the biggest corporate sponsor of #MakRun to date but also aligned with Makerere’s vision to improve the quality of student life. “This is a powerful gesture of trust in our mission and a demonstration of deep corporate citizenship”, he added.
Prof. Nawangwe further thanked NCBA for recognizing that an investment in Makerere University is an indirect investment in the future of Uganda. “The Makerere Marathon is not just a race. It is a movement to establish a fully-fledged Disability Support Unit for students living with various forms of disabilities, and to build a sustainable fund for Economically Disadvantaged Students.”
The Vice Chancellor therefore rallied staff, students, alumni, partners and friends of Makerere to match NCBA’s generous support with vigour and commitment, so as to make #MakRun2025 the most impactful edition since its founding.
The Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Mark Muyobo thanked Makerere University for giving NCBA Bank Uganda the opportunity to play its part in “shaping Uganda’s future one student, one community, one strength at a time,” adding that #MakRun is a symbol of hope for students living with disabilities as it speaks to Makerere’s core values of inclusion, equity, and excellence.
On a rhythmical note, Mr. Muyobo remarked that the #MakRun2025 theme is “not just about finishing lines, it is about opening doors; giving opportunities to those who are disabled. It is about promoting active lifestyle.”
#MakRun2025 will for the first time feature a full 42.2km marathon race with international accreditation and professional timing along a dedicated traffic-free route.
“These are not just upgrades, these are bold steps towards building a world-class international marathon right here in Kampala. We are proud to be the wings at your back as you take this leap because when Makerere University, the beacon of higher learning in Uganda grows stronger, the ripple effects are felt across the region and across the continent” Mr. Muyobo affirmed.
To officially seal the deal, a Memorandum of Understanding was officially signed between Makerere University and NCBA Bank Uganda, and thereafter, a dummy cheque of UGX 1.45 billion was presented to Dr. Maggie Kigozi as the Vice Chancellor, Members of Management and NCBA staff witnessed.
General
Directorate of Graduate Training Empowers PhD Supervisors with Academic Supervision Training
By Moses Lutaaya
The Directorate of Graduate Training (DGT) in conjunction with CARTA’s Emerging and Re-emerging Infectious Diseases (TERID) Research Hub and the East– Spark Project completed a two days Doctoral (PhD) academic supervisors training under the theme: “Empowering Academic Supervision Training in Eastern Africa: Sparking Potential, Advancing Research, and Knowledge (EAST-SPARK).”
The training took place between 2nd and 3rd July 2025 at the College of Business and Management Sciences’ (COBAMS) School of Business conference hall.
In his opening remarks, the Director of Graduate Training Prof. Julius Kikooma challenged the team to set clear and manageable objectives for graduate students under their supervision so that they can complete their doctoral studies on time.:
“Set expectations at the beginning of the research journey of PhD students under your supervision. Resist working with students that are not objective. Set a time frame with in which the student is able to do their research so that they are able to finish their doctoral studies on time.”
He added, “The issue of supervising graduate research is very vital because there needs to be seamless progression of the graduate students.”
Prof. Kikooma further highlighted that the target in the strategic plan is to have 30% graduate students enrolled in the next five years. Currently, it is about 17%.
“We need to get everything right in this training. Our biggest issues are in the supervision process flow of the graduate students. Graduate supervisors need to listen to students and equally the students need to listen to the supervisors. The graduate supervision journey is simple with open communication and immediate feedback between the two parties.”
This will help us in creating a new breed of academia and researchers that Makerere university and the country as a whole need.”
Prof. Kikooma further added “Take the excellence you have to represent the university. Ensure you have all they policies on your fingertips so that you guide the students well.”
In his remarks, Prof. Ibrahim Okumu (representing the Principal, COBAMS) said that such a training was necessary and it was a right move towards standardization of doctoral training in the region.
“What does it take to standardize doctoral and graduate studies? We need to create unison in the region and learn by doing. Doctoral studies are vital and cannot be taken for granted. We need to continue creating critical thinkers ready to nature research programs. These trainings are enablers in this journey.”
He added, “Let us blend the old and young birds in this training so that we share knowledge and experience to nature and grow the dreams of the doctoral students. Nature the inner person, not imposing yourself on to the student. Enable them to open up while doing their research and they will have a good and seamless doctoral academic journey.”
Dr. Drago Kato Charles, a trainer and a senior Lecturer at the Department of Biomedical Laboratory Technology at CoVAB said, “These trainings are continuous professional development programs aimed at refreshing doctoral supervisors every now and then. They are vital and needed by the mixture of the young, intermediate and senior supervisors.”
He added, “These senior supervisors share knowledge and experience on what is going on in the world of education. The young come to learn from old supervisors. The goal is to increase completion and quality of the PhD output. In totality, such a training aims to improve quality and mentorship on how to facilitate and handle graduate student supervision.”
He added that the trainees were taking the obtained skills to their schools and colleges to produce more quality doctoral and graduate students which would lead to growth of economies since every country needs PhD researchers to drive economic transformation and policy developments as well as implementation.
Dr. Peter Ssenkusu, a senior lecturer in the Department of Foundations and Curriculum studies in the School of Education said, “The training modules are extensively researched. The areas covered are very pertinent for doctoral supervision.”
Dr. Stephen Ojiambo Wandera, a facilitator and a Senior Lecturer at the Department of Population Studies in the School of Statistics and Planning at COBAMS added, “The vision for Makerere University is to be a research led institution. To be research- led university, we need to promote graduate teaching and learning. To achieve this, graduate students need supervisors that are well trained and skilled. We will also continue to do retooling for experienced supervisors.”
Dr. Byaruhanga Micheal Bruce from the Department of Biochemistry and Tourism, a lecturer and a participant said, “Whoever thought about this training did something very important. I thought all I was doing in supervision was normal until this training came. I did not know that some issues I knew would let the students off the course while others would keep them on. I want to ensure that all I have learnt is put into action. The modules have been very enriching. We need more of such trainings, probably for more than two days.”
Dr. Tukae Mbegalo, a guest trainer from Mzumbe University in Tanzania said, “The training is very relevant considering the diversity of the participants which include the young and senior researchers because of sharing the experiences which include delays and the relationships between supervisors and supervisees.” He added, “As supervisors, our emphasis is on scientific writing which we should instill in the students. Scientific writing leads to consistency right from problem setting, objectives, methodology and aligning it to the results so that we improve the quality of the doctoral outputs.”
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