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Academic Registrar’s Remarks at Freshers’ Orientation 2023/24

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REMARKS BY PROFESSOR BUYINZA MUKADASI
ACADEMIC REGISTRAR
AT THE ORIENTATION CEREMONY OF FRESHER STUDENTS,
ACADEMIC YEAR 2023/2024
AT THE FREEDOM SQUARE, MAKERERE UNIVERSITY, KAMPALA
ON MONDAY 21ST AUGUST, 2023

Members of University Council
Members of University Management Principals, Deans and Directors Academic, Administrative and Support Staff of the University
Students
Ladies and Gentlemen

Dear Students; Class of 2023/2024

We are delighted that you have chosen Makerere University as you enter the next phase of your journey of intellectual growth, self-discovery and personal development. You have chosen very well! Your energy and excitement will enrich our vibrant campus life for the next years.

I wish to take this enviable moment and singular privilege to welcome you to Makerere University. It is an occasion that deserves celebration. What else can an Academic Registrar do after receiving 20,000 Undergraduate and Graduate students who excelled and were approved for admission by the University Senate of Makerere; famed to be one of the strictest in the world.

You are joining a 100-year old University with a long history and well-entrenched culture and tradition of academic excellence and of nurturing exceptional intellectual talent of young people like you. You are joining us at a time when higher education is undergoing rapid and dramatic transformation. We live in an era when knowledge is growing in importance in addressing the world’s most pressing problems, when technology promises both wondrous possibilities and profound dislocations, when global forces increasingly shape our lives and work, when traditional intellectual fields are shifting and converging, and when public expectations and demands of higher education are intensifying.

So, today you are making your first step in a journey of several years. The time and place where this transformative journey begins is known. It is today and at Makerere University. The end however will only be determined by you.

To set out on a journey, you must know the destination, the means of getting there and the resources you need to get there. In the case of an academic journey the destination is graduation while time, commitment and attitude form the other requirements.

I know most of you are not at ease. You are preoccupied with the idea of being in an unfamiliar environment. For most of you, this might be the first time you are away from your family. You must be wondering about what it is like to be away from the familiar and predictable life or comfort zone at home. However you are not the only ones who have left familiar territory to join university.

We want you to achieve your academic and personal potential, to develop networks of friends, new interests and life skills. In order to achieve this we recommend that you work hard; find time to relax; and make use of the support services that are available to you. It is therefore critically important that you take time to familiarize yourself with the materials in this manual.

We pledge to create an intellectually and socially vibrant environment, provide the resources, focused leadership for you to achieve your dreams. In you, I see vibrant young people with a lot of energy and enthusiasm. I hope that you will use the energy you have to your best for the benefit of yourselves and humanity. We want you to thrive and succeed here, academically, socially and personally.

As you can see, there are numerous opportunities at the university. These come in many forms; They may come in the form of sports and games, areas that develop talent like music and drama, professional circles where you interact with your future employers, social networks with the potential of providing a future spouse, spiritual growth and even honing your acumen in student politics. This however is easier said than accomplished. Like mines in a war zone, university life is littered with challenges that will make your dream difficult to realise.

University life has excess freedom which opens doors to sweet life. For the first time you have the opportunity to date and go out without the watchful eyes of your wife/husband or older siblings. But let me caution that this takes time and money. So strike a balance between social and academic life.

Life is more materialistic today than during our time. The products are also varied and more tempting. They range from sophisticated electrical appliances, drinks with strange colours catchy names, to fancy clothes and even gambling activities. The temptations will push your financial demands to the limit and sometimes even tempt you to divert your fees. Careful and prudent utilization of finances is your only way out.

Modern lifestyle if not handled carefully, could easily open doors to promiscuity whose outcome could be disastrous. The individual freedom coupled with the absence of someone to watch over you as well as unfamiliarity with the new environment may lead to confusion normally manifested in the form of failure to register for the right courses, missing classes, inability to keep timelines and so forth.

Then there is the issue of peer pressure, bad influence. Seek counsel, choose good company.

When one gets overwhelmed by all the challenges narrated above they become easy prey for drug abuse, sexual misconduct, radicalization and recruitment into devious groups. At the moment this is the biggest threat to the completion of your journey at Makerere University.

Finally, I wish you an exciting, rewarding, challenging and stimulating time at this University, which will be the start of what I hope will be a lifelong experience as members of Makerere University. However, just like in any other urban city take great care of your personal security while in Kampala; we shall play our part.

We offer you our very best wishes for every success during your time at Makerere University and we look forward to seeing your smiling faces during our daily walks on our beautiful campus! “We Build For the Future”.


Professor Buyinza Mukadasi (PhD)
ACADEMIC REGISTRAR

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Office of the Academic Registrar Lauded for Groundbreaking Achievements In Digitalization

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Mr. Charles Ssentongo (5th Left), together with Office of the Academic Registrar staff members are joined by Dr. Dickson Kalungi (4th Right) and MUST Registrars for a group photo in front of the Senate Building on 25th March 2025.

By Gerald Ochwo

On 25th March 2025, a delegation of Registrars from Mbarara University of Science and Technology (MUST) undertook a benchmarking exercise at Makerere University, with a specific focus on the latter’s pioneering efforts in academic records digitalization. The delegation, led by Dr. Dickson Kalungi, Ag. Deputy Academic Registrar was received by Mr. Charles Ssentongo, Deputy Academic Registrar in charge of Admissions and Records Division, who represented the Academic Registrar (AR), Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi.

The visit was prompted by Makerere University‘s trailblazing achievements in digitalizing academic records, as exemplified by the Digitalization of Academic Records Project (DARP). This initiative has been instrumental in creating a centralized, digital one stop repository of all University’s academic records, thereby enhancing the efficiency, accuracy, and security of academic records management.

In his welcoming remarks, Mr. Ssentongo conveyed the Academic Registrar’s message and highlighted Makerere University‘s efforts to digitalize all its processes and records. He further noted that the university is intentional about creating a digital ecosystem that makes academic records retrieval easy and efficient.

As a university, we are now intentional with the digitalization of all our processes including, digitization of our manual records that date as way back as the inception of Makerere University. Currently, the DARP project as gone as far as creating a one stop center for both Academic document verification and certification, whereby our former graduates, will only need to access the online verification and certification portal and submit their documents without necessarily having to travel many physical distances to Makerere University” Mr. Ssentongo remarked.

Registrars from MAK and MUST pose for a group photo after the meeting. Left is article author Gerald Ochwo.
Registrars from MAK and MUST pose for a group photo after the meeting. Left is article author Gerald Ochwo.

In his appreciation remarks, the MUST head of delegation, Dr. Dickson Kalungi, thanked the Academic Registrar for honoring their request to come and learn from the best practices that exist at Makerere University and particularly commended the Department for the great steps and strides made in pioneering modern Academic records storage management systems.

“I want to sincerely thank the Office of the Academic Registrar for sparing time and organizing this meeting. As a University, we have embarked on a transformative change drive whereby we intend to automate all our registry processes including, the management of Academic Records. The DARP project at Makerere University, has been one project where we draw a number of lessons and we are eager to go and implement some of the best practices we have observed here today”

Conclusion

The benchmarking exercise undertaken by Mbarara University of Science and Technology demonstrates the significance of Makerere University and particularly, the Office of the Academic Registrar’s achievements in academic records digitalization. The DARP project serves as a model for other institutions to follow, highlighting the importance of investing in digital solutions to enhance the efficiency, accuracy, and security of academic records management. It further demonstrates the university’s commitment to sharing knowledge and best practices with other institutions. Makerere University‘s efforts in digitalizing academic records have set a high standard for other universities to emulate, and the DARP project is a shining example of innovation and excellence in academic records management.

Gerald Ochwo is the Liaison Officer, Office of the Academic Registrar

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Press Release: Launch of #MakRun2025

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Makerere University officially launches the 5th Edition of the Makerere University Marathon #MakRun2025, 27th March 2025, Main Hall, Main Building, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

27th March 2025

LAUNCH OF THE 5TH EDITION OF THE MAKERERE UNIVERSITY MARATHON (#MakRun2025)

Makerere University is pleased to announce the launch of the 5th edition of the Makerere
University Marathon, also known as #MakRun2025, under the theme “Run the Hills for the Future” which is scheduled to take place on 17th August 2025.

The MakRun2025 is targeting 10,000 participants drawn from the university community, corporate entities, sports enthusiasts, and the general public. Proceeds from this year’s marathon will go towards further equipping the Makerere University Disability Support Unit and strengthening the Makerere University Endowment Fund.

Speaking as the Guest of Honour, the Minister for Sports, Hon. Peter Ogwang, emphasized the unifying power of sports, stating that the “#MakRun2025 is not only about physical endurance it is a uniting force that brings people together from all walks of life, driving us towards a common goal, advancing education and inclusivity for all.”

As part of the launch event, Makerere University officially handed over assistive equipment to the Disability Support Unit, procured from proceeds of the #MakRun2024. The equipment includes:

  • Focus Blue 40 Braille Display – 5th Generation for the Visually Impaired
  • Everest D5 Braille Embosser
  • DUXBURY Braille Transcription Software
  • And other essential assistive tools to support students living with disabilities.

The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, reaffirmed the importance of this annual event, stating that “This event has become one of the most significant social and community engagement activities in our university calendar, bringing together students, staff, alumni, corporate partners, and members of the wider public for a good cause.”

In his remarks, the Ag. Chairperson of the Makerere University Endowment Fund, Mr. Barnabas Tumusingize, highlighted the growth of the initiative: “What started as a small university event has now evolved into a major attraction. To professionalize the event, we are incorporating race timing chips, cash prizes for winners, among other enhancements, with a vision of making it a regionally recognized major race by 2027.”

We call upon all members of the Makerere University community and the general public to participate and support this noble cause.

For media inquiries, please contact:

Tuhirirwe Karane
Communications Officer
Makerere University Endowment Fund
+256 414 660 416/+256 703 647496

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Call For Abstracts: Global Symposium on Insects for Food, Feed & Food Security in Africa

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Some of the speakers lined up for the Global Symposium on Insects for Food, Feed, and Food Security in Africa, 5th–6th June 2025, Onomo Hotel, Nakasero, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

Makerere University, in collaboration with Michigan State University, invites researchers, development actors, regulators, and practitioners to submit abstracts for the Global Symposium on Insects for Food, Feed, and Food Security in Africa.

The symposium will be held from 5th–6th June 2025 at Onomo Hotel in Kampala, under the theme: Advancing the role of insects in African farming systems for feed, food, and food security. The symposium aims to share knowledge and experiences in advancing the use of insects as a solution to Africa’s food, feed, and food security challenges. Contributions on the following sub-themes are welcome.

  1. Insects as animal feed for sustainable livestock production livelihoods
  2. Insects for human food and food security, including indigenous insect food systems
  3. Insects for improved soil health and crop production
  4. Commercialization of insect farming and products, including regulation and standardization

Important Dates:
Abstract Submission Deadline: 18th April 2025
Feedback to Participants: 2nd May 2025

Registration Fee:  Participants will be required to pay a fee of USD 45, which will cover meals and venue costs. Limited scholarship slots are available for students and farmers. Please note that participants are responsible for their transportation and accommodation.

Submission Guidelines: Abstracts should align with the symposium themes and must be submitted by the deadline. Further details on submission formats and requirements will be provided upon request.

For further information about the symposium and Abstract submission, please refer to the contact below.

Dr. Amulen Deborah Ruth (PhD)
Makerere University
College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Biosecurity
Department of Livestock Industrial Resources
P.O. Box 7062, Kampala
Phone: +256 782 315 636

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