General
Students Offer Insightful Feedback on Courses, Lecturers & Teaching for Semester 2 of 2022/23
On Friday, 24th November 2023, the Quality Assurance Directorate (QAD) hosted a dissemination meeting at which results of the Students Evaluation of Course and Teaching (SECAT) for Semester 2 of the academic year 2022/2023 were shared with Management as well as Academic and Student leaders. According to QAD, SECAT is one of the mechanisms for engaging students to have a say about the course they have enrolled for, the lecturer who teaches the course and how the course has been delivered so as to generate evidence that can be used for progressive improvement towards to attainment of the University’s strategic plan.
Delivering the welcome remarks at the event, the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic Affairs), Prof. Umar Kakumba noted that SECAT is a standard requirement for institutions all over the world and expressed appreciation to QAD for undertaking the exercise. He was particularly appreciative that SECAT is an authentic tool that offers confidentiality to students and provides objective areas and metrics. Furthermore, he noted that since the mechanism is not cast in stone, it can be modified to cater for the unique or emerging teaching and learning needs of some academic units.
“The quality of learners is not a problem because from our cut off points, we take the best performers annually. However, how are the students prepared to learn? What is their attitude and what are their expectations?” pondered the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic Affairs).
Prof. Kakumba therefore appreciated the appropriateness of SECAT as a tool for receiving feedback from a tech-savvy generation that is not only good at juggling various tasks but also has a short attention span. He noted that it was important to evaluate whether the courses taught, the lecturers who conduct them and the methods of delivery all meet students’ expectations.
Presenting findings from the SECAT, the Director QAD, Dr. Cyprian Misinde noted that the exercise is essential for assessing teaching quality, aligning course expectations with outcomes, optimizing the timing of evaluations, influencing faculty teaching practices, and evaluating the effectiveness of instructional technology. “By providing valuable feedback and insights, student evaluations contribute to the continuous improvement of educational practices and the overall learning experience.”
It is against this background that Dr. Misinde urged all faculty members from all ten constituent colleges of Makerere University and the Jinja Campus to encourage their students to evaluate their courses. “When we send out the tools, encourage your students to complete them.”
Presenting results from the evaluation, Dr. Misinde reported that overall, 60.2% respondents strongly agreed that the course they took had positive impact on their learning, while 54.7% strongly agreed that courses undertaken improved their capacity to think and learn independently. In terms of courses’ impact on professional practice and relevance to career prospects, respondents were 52.7% and 57% respectively in strong agreement, while 55.9% strongly agreed that courses improved their knowledge and understanding.
As Makerere aspires to be a more research-led University, it was encouraging to learn that 45.9% of students strongly agreed that the courses improved their research skills. Additionally, 55.8% of students strongly agreed that the courses they took encouraged them to read widely.
With regard to the lecturers’ conduct the students strongly agreed that 60.8% of lecturers gave clear descriptions of course objectives, 52.6% were punctual, 51.4% strictly followed the timetable and 59.3% encouraged discussions and participation. Furthermore, students strongly agreed that 64.3% of lecturers were knowledgeable and resourceful on the subject matter, 46.6% assessed and gave timely feedback, 56.1% had a cordial and professional relationship with students, and 66.7% strongly agreed that lecturers dressed appropriately and decently.
On the methods of delivery of courses, students strongly agreed that 53.9% had clear outlines as well as up-to-date reading lists and references, 44% were taught with a variety of teaching methods, tutorials, and aids e.g. ICTs, and 47.1% of teaching and learning environments were conducive for academic pursuit. On the contrary over 50% disagreed that a variety of tools was offered during assessments.
Qualitative results from the evaluation also showed that students enjoyed diverse methods of course delivery, particularly the hands-on experiences, with some acknowledging that “We were sent out into the field to go and do research as groups, this improved on our student to student relationship as it encouraged teamwork and also helped us to do more research”. Additionally, students noted that “…We had to do a survey on marriages in Uganda and on top of the knowledge we attain from the syllabus, we also gained socioeconomic knowledge.”
Representing the 89th Guild Academic Affairs Minister Hon. Patience Nambaziira and student body in general, Mr. Matsiko Timothy expressed happiness that QAD invited the student leaders to participate in rollout of SECAT. Furthermore, he was pleased that SECAT demonstrated the University Management’s appreciation of the changing trends and keenness to receive feedback from the student body on their experience and expectations. “This is surely something to help us build for the future as the Makerere University motto says.”
Concluding the day’s remarks, Dr. Misinde recommended that all units should study the evaluation report and set targets for improvement. He further urged that courses should be grounded in students’ real life situations by evaluating and implementing the suggestions they provided. The Director further recommended that lecturers should take particular note of aspects of courses, their own conduct and methods of delivery that the students enjoyed and seek to inculcate more of these best practices going forward.
General
NCBA Commits UGX 1.45 Billion to Makerere Marathon, Pledges Five-Year Support for Inclusive Education
By Eve Nakyanzi and Atwenda Nancy
Makerere University has officially unveiled NCBA Bank Uganda as the platinum sponsor for the 2025 Makerere University Marathon (#MakRun2025), marking a significant milestone in the institution’s journey toward inclusive and sustainable student support. The partnership was formally announced during a colourful event held at the university, attended by the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, Dr. Maggie Kigozi, Chairperson of the Makerere University Endowment Fund, and NCBA Bank Uganda CEO, Mr. Mark Muyobo.
NCBA Bank Uganda’s UGX 1.45 billion sponsorship over the next five years is the largest corporate contribution to the Makerere Marathon to date. It underscores the bank’s commitment to supporting quality education, community development, and equity. Mr. Muyobo said that, “We are driven by the desire to leave every community better than we found it”. He added that the goal is to empower disadvantaged students to live without limitations, describing this initiative as a bold stride toward establishing a world-class international marathon.
“This is more than just a sponsorship, it is a strategic partnership built on shared values,” Dr. Kigozi remarked. “With this support, we are positioned to establish a fully equipped Disability Support Unit and a sustainable pool of funds to assist economically disadvantaged students.”
The marathon, slated under the theme “Run the Hills for the Future,” seeks to unify students, alumni, corporate entities, and professional athletes in pursuit of a common cause. At its core, the MakRun2025 promotes active lifestyles, social inclusion, and a sense of communal responsibility.
“It’s not just a race,” Prof. Nawangwe emphasized. “It is a movement to break barriers, change lives, and build a resilient, inclusive university.”
The marathon’s broader impact includes fundraising for students living with disabilities and those facing financial hardship, contributing directly to the university’s Endowment Fund.
A major highlight of the event is the introduction of a full 42.2-kilometer marathon—bringing international standards to the annual run. Organizers have promised a professional, accredited experience with traffic-free routes and ample support for runners.
“This edition will elevate the MakRun into a world-class event,” said Mr. Muyobo. “We are proud to support Makerere University in realizing its dream of a globally recognized marathon that reflects Uganda’s commitment to education and inclusivity.”
Beyond the race itself, the event will feature a vibrant line-up of activities, including music, drama, and games for all age groups. It is designed to foster a festival-like atmosphere that welcomes every member of the community.
Organizers and university leaders have extended an open invitation to students, staff, alumni, corporate partners, and Kampala residents to participate, cheer, or donate to the cause.
“Every step taken is a step towards hope for a student,” Dr. Kigozi stated. “Together, we are building a Makerere that cares, includes, and uplifts.”
The partnership is expected to significantly enhance the university’s ability to support underprivileged students and improve campus infrastructure for students with disabilities. It also sets the tone for future collaborations that align with the values of compassion, excellence, and innovation. The fifth edition of the MakRun is scheduled to take place on August 17th, 2025.
The Writers are Interns in the Public Relations Office, Makerere University
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