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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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Makerere University Strengthens Academic Leadership Through Capacity Building for Heads of Department

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Comprehensive capacity-building and retooling workshop for all Heads of Department (HoDs) organized under the office of the Deputy Vice Chancellor, Academic Affairs (DVCAA) August 5, 2025, Senate Conference Hall, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

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. Comprehensive capacity-building and retooling workshop for all Heads of Department (HoDs) organized under the office of the Deputy Vice Chancellor, Academic Affairs (DVCAA) August 5, 2025, Senate Conference Hall, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
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. Comprehensive capacity-building and retooling workshop for all Heads of Department (HoDs) organized under the office of the Deputy Vice Chancellor, Academic Affairs (DVCAA) August 5, 2025, Senate Conference Hall, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
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. Comprehensive capacity-building and retooling workshop for all Heads of Department (HoDs) organized under the office of the Deputy Vice Chancellor, Academic Affairs (DVCAA) August 5, 2025, Senate Conference Hall, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
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.

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Admission Lists -Successful Appeals 2025/26

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International Admissions at makerere university

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:-

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UNDP and Mak Launch Daycare Centre and Multimedia Studio to Boost Gender Equality and Digital Inclusion

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Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, Mr. Ian King and H.E. Ssentamu Churchill James (Standing before Banners) are joined by officials in a group photo in the Daycare Centre, located on the Ground Floor of the Institute of Gender and Development Studies (IGDS) on 7th August 2025. Makerere University, in collaboration with UNDP Uganda launch of Daycare and Breastfeeding Centre at the Institute of Gender and Development Studies (IGDS) and state-of-the-art Multimedia Studio at the Frank Kalimuzo Central Teaching Facility, 7th August 2025, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

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. Makerere University, in collaboration with UNDP Uganda launch of Daycare and Breastfeeding Centre at the Institute of Gender and Development Studies (IGDS) and state-of-the-art Multimedia Studio at the Frank Kalimuzo Central Teaching Facility, 7th August 2025, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
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. Makerere University, in collaboration with UNDP Uganda launch of Daycare and Breastfeeding Centre at the Institute of Gender and Development Studies (IGDS) and state-of-the-art Multimedia Studio at the Frank Kalimuzo Central Teaching Facility, 7th August 2025, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
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. Makerere University, in collaboration with UNDP Uganda launch of Daycare and Breastfeeding Centre at the Institute of Gender and Development Studies (IGDS) and state-of-the-art Multimedia Studio at the Frank Kalimuzo Central Teaching Facility, 7th August 2025, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
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. Makerere University, in collaboration with UNDP Uganda launch of Daycare and Breastfeeding Centre at the Institute of Gender and Development Studies (IGDS) and state-of-the-art Multimedia Studio at the Frank Kalimuzo Central Teaching Facility, 7th August 2025, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
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. Makerere University, in collaboration with UNDP Uganda launch of Daycare and Breastfeeding Centre at the Institute of Gender and Development Studies (IGDS) and state-of-the-art Multimedia Studio at the Frank Kalimuzo Central Teaching Facility, 7th August 2025, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
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. Makerere University, in collaboration with UNDP Uganda launch of Daycare and Breastfeeding Centre at the Institute of Gender and Development Studies (IGDS) and state-of-the-art Multimedia Studio at the Frank Kalimuzo Central Teaching Facility, 7th August 2025, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
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. Makerere University, in collaboration with UNDP Uganda launch of Daycare and Breastfeeding Centre at the Institute of Gender and Development Studies (IGDS) and state-of-the-art Multimedia Studio at the Frank Kalimuzo Central Teaching Facility, 7th August 2025, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
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. Makerere University, in collaboration with UNDP Uganda launch of Daycare and Breastfeeding Centre at the Institute of Gender and Development Studies (IGDS) and state-of-the-art Multimedia Studio at the Frank Kalimuzo Central Teaching Facility, 7th August 2025, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
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.

Eve Nakyanzi
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