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 UniversityResearch 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 Academic Registrar, Makerere University invites persons with disability who applied for admission to public universities under the Disability Scheme for 2025/2026 academic year to appear for medical/review exercise at Makerere University, Senate Building, Level Two (2) in the Telepresence Centre.
Note: Only those who have the minimum entry requirements of at least two principal passes at A’ Level and at least five (5) Passes at O’ Level or the equivalent will be interviewed.
Only candidates candidates who sat A’ Level in 2024, 2023 and 2022 are eligible for admission.
The exercise will be conducted on 26th, 27th, 28th, 29th and 30th May, 2025 respectively from 9.00 a.m – 1.00 p.m. each day.
Important:
a)If you fail to appear on any of the given days above, there will be no other chance for you.
b) Applicants who are beneficiaries of other Government Scholarships are not eligible for admission through the Disability Scheme.
Makerere University on Thursday 15th May, 2025 embarked on a two-day induction exercise spearheaded by the Directorate of Human Resources for newly appointed staff, whose tenures commenced in the 2024/2025 financial year. Held in the Senate Conference Hall, day one of the induction was presided over by the Acting (Ag.) Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic Affairs)-DVCAA, Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi, who represented the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe.
Warmly welcoming the new staff, Prof. Buyinza congratulated the ladies and gentlemen upon choosing Makerere University as the workplace for embarking on their next phase of professional growth, self-discovery, and personal development.
Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi addresses new staff during the induction.
“You are joining a century-old institution with a distinguished history and a deeply rooted culture of academic excellence” Prof. Buyinza remarked. “For over 100 years, Makerere has nurtured the intellectual talents of young people and contributed meaningfully to the development of society across the globe,” he added.
The Ag. DVCAA nevertheless tipped that although the onboarding process might overwhelm staff with a lot of information, it is all meant to enable them better understand their roles, the benefits due them, and the unique opportunities that come with working in a world-class institution. Prof. Buyinza therefore encouraged new staff to contribute to the attainment of Makerere’s Mission, connect with the vibrant community they are now part of, enjoy the beautiful greenery the campus affords, and take advantage of professional development as well as well-being promoting programmes.
“At Makerere University, the well-being, safety, and professional growth of our staff are priorities. We are committed to walking this journey with you, and to building an institution that is not only a place of work but a place of inspiration and belonging” Prof. Buyinza reassured.
Mr. Deus Tayari Mujuni (2nd Right) responds to a question as Left to Right: Mr. Amon Muteganda, Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi and Mr. Emmanuel Kitamirike listen.
In his welcome remarks, the Chief Human Resources Officer, Mr. Deus Tayari Mujuni congratulated the new staff upon successfully completing the rigorous process the resulted into their respective appointments. He equally thanked the Vice Chancellor for endorsing the induction ceremony with not only budgetary support but also his representation.
Reiterating the need to appreciate the culture, politics and dynamics of the institution that they are now part of, Mr. Mujuni tasked new staff to take time and appreciate the University Vision, Mission and Objectives, and ensure that they adhere to them. He equally urged new staff to read and understand the various university policies and where in doubt, consult the relevant offices.
Ultimately, he urged staff in the fulfilment of their duties and responsibilities not to disregard their individual goals. “You have aspirations that you must achieve as an individual and I encourage you not to neglect them.”
Mr. Amon Muteganda congratulated the new staff upon their respective appointments.
The University Council as the supreme governing body of the university is also the policy making body, whose Appointments Board oversees the appointment, promotion, removal from service, and discipline of all university staff and officers. The representative of Staff with Disabilities on University Council, Mr. Amon Muteganda Kabahima who chaired the session on University Governance equally congratulated new staff.
“You underwent a tough process full of various competitive stages and we are sure that we have the right people for the various jobs” he commended.
Addressing aspects of University Governance and the key Offices, the University Secretary and Secretary to Council, Mr. Yusuf Kiranda guided that the policies and regulations that govern the institution are broad, numerous, and as such cannot adequately be covered over the two-day induction. He nevertheless encouraged staff to visit the University Policies website and appraise themselves with the details, not only for avoidance of breaching them but also building a culture voluntary compliance.
Mr. Yusuf Kiranda made a presentation on University Governance and Key Offices.
Mr. Kiranda equally encouraged staff not to ascribe importance and respect to colleagues based on rank and titles but seek to esteem each and every member of staff as an important and vital contributor to the fulfilment of the University’s Vision and Mission.
“We are all equally important in this university; the person whose services the university does not require, it does not hire. As long as you are here, you are required” he explained.
The University Secretary equally called upon staff to familiarize themselves with the law that establishes and governs public universities; the Universities and Other Tertiary Institutions Act (UOTIA). In his presentation, he singled out section twenty-four (24) that outlines the objectives of a public university in Uganda, as well as sections 30 to 32 that prescribe various offices’ responsibilities.
Mr. Kiranda equally encouraged staff to read the Human Resources Manual, Policy and Regulations against Sexual Harassment (PRASH), the Safeguarding Policy, among others. He concluded by reiterating the need for staff to read and appreciate the policies that directly address their welfare and steer clear of negative narratives and discourse, particularly those that seek to weaponize discourse. Other topics to be covered during the two-day induction include; the University Strategic Plan, Financing, Research-led Agenda, Institutional Communication and Public Relations and the Makerere University Retirement Benefits Scheme (MURBS). Topics to be covered on day two include; Legal Instruments, The Collegiate System, Human Resources Management and Functions, as well as Policies on Gender Equality and Sexual Harassment. Others include; Academic Issues, Quality Assurance, Procurement, Audit, and Library Resources.
Candidates who scored 50% and above passed the examination and have been recommended to the Admissions Committee for consideration. However, the candidates who passed have to submit an application where Bachelor of Laws is among the programme choices in the application system here: https://apply.mak.ac.ug.
Those who are not satisfied with their results may appeal within two weeks from the date of the release of results.
The list includes the different categories of applicants namely: A-level, Diploma Holders, Degree Holders and Mature-Age: