General
CEBL phase 2 launched
Researchers at the College of Education and External Studies on January 13, 2024, launched a study on the Comprehensive Evaluation of Blended Learning (CEBL) among graduate students.
The study, funded by the Makerere University Research and Innovations Fund (Mak-RIF), will this time take into consideration graduate teaching at Makerere University. While Makerere had had online teaching and learning since 1991, it was only rolled out to the entire university in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic. The researchers argue that while emergency online and distance e-learning (ODEL) enabled continuity of teaching and learning, it is important to evaluate its performance by getting the voices of learners who are the primary beneficiaries. The first phase of the evaluation took into account only undergraduate students. The second phase will cover graduate training. Dr. Harriet Najjemba, one of the researchers, said the objectives of this phase of research are to establish the current postgraduate learners’ blended learning status at Makerere University, document challenges from a graduate learner’s perspective about blended learning, and modify the phase one blended learning framework.
It is envisioned that the results of the study will influence policy on BL. Speaking during the launch of the research project, the Principal of CEES, Prof. Anthony Muwagga Mugagga, congratulated the research team, saying ICT is very pivotal in this new age. He emphasized the importance of incorporating blended learning into higher education institutions to enhance the quality of education and prepare students for the digital era. Prof. Mugagga also expressed his hope that the findings of this research project will contribute to the development of effective strategies for implementing blended learning at Makerere University and beyond.
He called on projects like Love Binti to also explore incorporating ICT into their program so that the participants can benefit from the advantages of being tech-savvy. By doing so, they can enhance their educational experiences and improve their skills in a more efficient and comprehensive manner.
The guest of honour, Dr. Eddy J. Walakira, who represented the Chair of MakRIF, emphasized the importance of embracing technology in the program.
He congratulated the research team led by the principal investigator, Mr. Arthur Mugisha, and said he was happy to be among those scholars working with colleagues at CEES and tapping into the wealth of knowledge available at the college. He expressed his confidence in the program’s ability to drive innovation and make significant contributions to the field. He expressed his confidence in the program’s ability to drive innovation and make significant contributions to the field. He thanked the government of Uganda and the funding agency of the MakRIF for their continued support of research and innovations intended to drive the development of the country.
He said MakRIF is committed to providing value for money and ensuring that every research and innovation project funded yields fruitful results for the country’s development. He called on the project team to implement the project within the project parameters and ensure timely accountability. He informed the staff that the call for RIF 5 was out, and he encouraged them to apply, as it was a great opportunity for professional growth.
The Director of IoDEL, Prof. Paul Muyinda Birevu, said Makerere University is embracing blended learning and smart education to enhance the student experience and address the needs of distance education programs in Africa. He said the university is developing online pedagogy, facilitating skills for teaching staff, and supporting other universities in Africa. The importance of quality assurance in blended learning programs was also highlighted to ensure their value to employers. The university aims to provide accessible and high-quality education to students in Africa through its distance education programs. “We have the Master of Instructional Design and Technology in the School of Distance and Lifelong Learning, and the purpose of this program is to indeed grow the discipline of open distance and eLearning,” Dr Birevu said. The said IoDEL was working with people outside the university, such as Boda Boda riders, on using mobile phones for eLearning purposes.
The research team
- Mr. Arthur Mugisha – PI
- Dr. Harriet Najjemba
- Prof. Paul Muyinda Birevu
- Ms. Rose Akanya
- Prof. Jessica Aguti
- Mr. J Bateeze
- Dr. R Aine
Waste Management efforts at Makerere University have been boosted by a donation of 30 waste bins by Centenary Bank’s Makerere Branch. The bins received on Monday 11th May 2026 in the Freedom Square by the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe in the company of the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic Affairs), Prof. Sarah Ssali, Deputy University Secretary, Mr. Simon Kizito and other officials were handed over by the Branch Manager, Mr. Sunday Julius.
Appreciating the donation from Centenary Bank on behalf of University Management, Prof. Nawangwe noted that Makerere University strives to maintain “the cleanest environment in Kampala”, especially as a good example to future leaders, the students.
Acknowledging earlier donations to the Halls of Residence by Centenary Bank, Prof. Nawangwe described the ceremony as “the beginning of a long journey of collaboration in environmental stewardship,” with separation of plastics from biodegradable waste earmarked as the next step in user education.
In his remarks, Mr. Sunday noted that the donation was in line with the Bank’s Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) objectives, particularly the Social component, where supporting institutions with waste management facilities to enhance hygiene is key. “It is important for Centenary Bank to give back to the society where it makes money”, he emphasized.
Describing Makerere University as the “main institution that Centenary Bank operates a branch”, Mr. Sunday recognised the donation as a step in the right direction with a valuable partner.
The newly-donated bins will be placed in various public locations under supervision of the Estates and Works Directorate.
Makerere University and the University of Notre Dame, Indiana, USA (ND) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), which opens opportunities for collaboration between the two historic and leading research institutions in the areas of staff and student exchange, joint research and training, joint supervision of graduate students, and others.
The Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe signed on behalf of Makerere University and Rev. Robert A. Dowd, the 18th President signed on behalf of the University of Notre Dame. The ceremony, which was held at the University of Notre Dame campus at South Bend, Indiana was witnessed by Dr. Lorna Magara, the Chairperson of the Council of Makerere University, who led the Mak delegation.
Dr. Magara appreciated the institutionalisation of the collaboration between the two universities and the very warm hospitality accorded to the Mak delegation.
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