General
Students Disciplinary Committee Sworn In, Urged to Uphold Professionalism, Ethics & Integrity
Members of the Makerere University Students Disciplinary Committee were on Thursday 29th February 2024 sworn in at a ceremony presided over by the Chairperson of Council represented by Mr. Timothy Ssejjoba, the Chairperson Student Affairs Committee of Council. The oaths, administered by Counsel Balondemu Kenneth, were witnessed by the Vice Chancellor represented by Prof. Henry Alinaitwe the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Finance and Administration), Chairperson of the Students Disciplinary Committee, Mr. Isaac Newton Kyagaba, University Secretary, Mr. Yusuf Kiranda, Dean of Students, Mrs. Winifred Kabumbuli, Ms. Phiona Natukunda, and other officials.
Members of the Committee sworn in included;
- Hon. Beatrice Kiraso,
- Prof. Godfrey Akileng,
- Prof. Sylvia Antonia Nakimera Nannyonga-Tamusuza, and
- Rev. Dr. Lydia Nsaale Kitayimbwa.
Mr. Timothy Ssejjoba on behalf of the Chairperson, Vice Chairperson and Members of Council congratulated the members upon being sworn in and expressed confidence that they are going to exercise their duty and mandate very well. “I am excited to see gallant and very committed members of our community who have decided to take part of their precious time to uphold the values and principles of this esteemed institution.”
Recognizing the paramount role of the Disciplinary Committee in fostering an environment conducive to the conduct of academic affairs, and where respect, integrity and discipline thrive, Mr. Ssejjoba urged newly sworn in members to strive to ensure that Makerere remains a centre of excellence not only in academics but also character formation and social conduct.
“Your commitment to fairness, impartiality and due process will be the cornerstone of your service. As you undertake this duty, I urge you to approach every case with empathy, with understanding and with a commitment to justice” he added.
Mr. Ssejjoba urged the Committee Members to always remember that their decisions will shape the lives of students and impact the future of the institution. “The trust bestowed upon you comes with great responsibility. Uphold the highest standards of professionalism, ethics and integrity in all your endeavours. Let your actions reflect the values that Makerere University stands for.”
The Chairperson, Makerere University Students Disciplinary Committee, Mr. Isaac Newton Kyagaba who was officially sworn in on 18th March 2022 is yet to complete his term and as such, was not required to take oath. Addressing the gathering, he thanked the Chairperson of the Student Affairs Committee, the Vice Chancellor and Members of Management for sparing time to witness the event. He extended gratitude to the newly sworn-in members for sacrificing time to serve Makerere, noting that Committee proceedings sometimes last an entire day.
In the same breath, Mr. Kyagaba thanked the University Management and Directorate of Legal Affairs represented by Ms. Phiona Natukunda for supporting the Committee in the execution of its duties. He nevertheless urged the University Officials to ensure that all the cases brought before the Committee have sufficient supporting evidence to enable them be disposed of quickly and permit the accused to proceed with their academic programmes.
Prof. Henry Alinaitwe in his remarks thanked the Chairperson and Members of the Disciplinary Committee for accepting to serve Makerere, noting that discipline; be it of staff, students or stakeholders, is very important especially for an academic institution. He added that unlike past decades where the student population was smaller, today’s population is bigger and demands more attention.
He decried past disturbances on the campus that led to destruction of property and loss of life and reiterated Management’s zero-tolerance to acts that go against the University’s policies and regulations. “We really ask the Disciplinary Committee to help us in arresting such cases so that they serve as a deterrent.”
Prof. Alinaitwe added his voice to that of the University Secretary who had in the opening remarks appreciated that the precious time Members of the Disciplinary Committee spend rendering pro bono services to the Makerere Community’s cannot be compensated enough. “We don’t take that for granted.”
Mr. Kiranda in his opening remarks stated that the duties performed by Members of the Disciplinary Committee are a true reflection of the spirit of community service, “so we sincerely thank you very much for this sacrifice.” For example, he noted that academic staff who serve on the Committee do not get their workload reduced, and Committee Members who hold jobs elsewhere spend a significant amount of their time handling University business.
This Committee’s service, he nevertheless added, is important for the enforcement of university rules, which must be done transparently, fairly and impartially. The University Secretary noted that students as they go about their academic life might error either unintentionally or as an act of indiscipline, hence the need for a Students Disciplinary Committee to help the University Management determine each case.
“This Committee is a very strong component of the University Governance ecosystem because as an academic institution, we operate under a set of policies, rules and regulations that everybody must obey, for the maintenance of social order, and for us to work collectively in the pursuit of the goals and objectives of this university, and for creating an enabling environment for research and learning” affirmed Mr. Kiranda. He concluded by thanking the Committee Chairperson and Members for contributing to Makerere’s mandate in the overall nation building agenda.
The swearing in ceremony which opened with a word of prayer by the Dean of Students, Mrs. Winifred Kabumbuli was moderated by the Principal Public Relations Officer, Ms. Ritah Namisango.
Makerere University has reaffirmed its commitment to building strong global partnerships through a high-level engagement with Goucher College (USA), represented by Ms. Nenelwa Tomi. The meeting, chaired by Deputy Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, Prof. Sarah Ssali, also brought together academic leaders from the College of Humanities and Social Sciences (CHUSS) led by the Deputy Principal Dr. Eric Awich Ocen.
Opening the discussions, Prof. Ssali emphasized the importance of partnerships in driving Makerere University’s mission of knowledge generation, innovative teaching, research, and societal transformation. She highlighted her office’s role in supporting the Vice Chancellor’s vision and noted that the university has cultivated over 1,000 partnerships worldwide, ranging from global universities to community-based organizations. However, she stressed that the humanities, in particular, needed more collaboration to match the momentum already seen in the sciences.
The spotlight of the meeting was on Goucher College, with Nenelwa Tomi making a strong case for collaboration. She outlined the college’s unique strengths, including its liberal arts model, global education approach, and emphasis on experiential learning. Tomi emphasized Goucher College’s readiness to create synergies with Makerere University, ranging from faculty and student exchange programs to joint research, innovation projects, and alumni engagement opportunities. She noted that the shared values of diversity, community-centered learning, and innovation make the two institutions natural partners.
Nenelwa Tomi highlighted Goucher College’s global perspective, noting that every student is required to engage in international learning as part of their degree. This, she explained, positions Goucher College as an institution deeply committed to cross-cultural exchange, making collaboration with Makerere University a natural extension of its mission. She emphasized the college’s strong tradition in liberal arts and humanities, pointing out that this could complement Makerere University’s growing interest in broadening partnerships beyond the sciences. She further mentioned that Goucher College has well-established student support systems, career readiness programs, and digital learning innovations, which could create synergies with Makerere University’s own efforts to integrate technology and experiential learning into academic programs.
In addition, she shared success stories of Goucher College’s collaborations with other international institutions, illustrating how these partnerships had not only expanded academic opportunities but also enhanced community impact. Finally, she stressed the importance of sustainable, people-centered partnerships, noting that collaboration should be designed to empower both students and staff, while also producing solutions that address pressing societal challenges in Uganda, the United States, and beyond.
Dr. Cathy Mbidde the Manager Makerere University Innovation Pod (UNIPOD) spoke on behalf Makerere University Technology and Innovation Center, established in 2022 to commercialize research outputs. The UNIPOD with facilities such as maker spaces, food technology labs, textile and electrical sections, and a multimedia studio, the center has already incubated five student-owned companies in areas like health, irrigation, coffee, wine, and wood production. Its focus on nurturing innovation and entrepreneurship aligns closely with Goucher’s experiential learning philosophy, opening new pathways for co-creation between the two institutions.
In closing, the meeting underscored the vast potential for Makerere–Goucher collaboration, with both sides expressing optimism about partnerships that could benefit students, staff, and the broader community. The dialogue marked the beginning of what stakeholders described as a promising journey of innovation, knowledge exchange, and global academic synergy.
The meeting was held on the 2nd of October 2025 and was attended by Dr. Pamela Khanakwa (Dean of the School of Liberal and Performing) Dr. Dickson Kanakulya (Head of the Department of Philosophy) and Dr. Charlotte K. Mafumbo (Head of the Department of History).
General
Prof. Sarah Ssali commends Makerere University’s longstanding relationship with the Mastercard Foundation
By Antonny Tugaineyo
The Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Academic Affairs, Prof. Sarah Ssali, hailed Makerere University for its longstanding partnership with the Mastercard Foundation, which has produced tangible results and impact. She made these remarks while officiating the launch and strategic plan co-creation workshop of the Africa Climate Collaborative, another initiative between Makerere University and the Mastercard Foundation, held on 30th September 2025, at the Senate Conference Hall, Makerere University.
“These initiatives illustrate how deeply the partnership between Makerere University and the Mastercard Foundation has become. The Africa Climate Collaborative builds on this foundation, broadening opportunities for scholarships, mentorship, and support for innovations that promote climate-resilient futures,” Prof. Ssali remarked.
Prof. Ssali highlighted that the Africa Climate Collaborative is a university-wide initiative created to tackle the ongoing challenges in graduate education in Africa, such as low completion rates, weak industry connections, and the disconnect between academic research and practical solutions.
“I strongly commend Makerere’s longstanding partnership with the Mastercard Foundation, which began in 2013, supporting transformative initiatives such as the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program, Action Research in Psychosocial Services, the E-learning Initiative, and the enhancement of Safeguarding at the university.” Prof. Ssali pointed out.
The Program Director for the Africa Climate Collaborative at Makerere University and Principal of the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, Prof. Gorettie Nabanoga, used the workshop to elaborate on the Collaborative’s mission and its four strategic pillars;
Pillar 1: Workforce Development: Enable talented young professionals to lead the development of climate solutions through quality education
- Extend comprehensive Scholarships to 250 Masters and 40 PhD Students
- Develop new curricula of 2 Masters and 1 PhD programmes
- Upskill 150 Faculty in academic research supervision to improve the research experience of all graduate students
Pillar 2: Entrepreneurship: Empower youth to drive green economies through enhanced green entrepreneurship skilling programs
- Skilling Programme for 500 youth who have not had the opportunity to pursue University Education
- Provide seed funding for 200 viable entrepreneurship projects
- Extend business mentorship to entrepreneurs for a period of 2 years
- Provide boost funding for 40 women and youth-led green community innovations
Pillar 3: Research and Innovation: Catalyze high-quality research and innovation through a Climate Resilience Support Centre
- Support 30 post-doctoral fellows.
- Establishment of the Climate Resilience Support Centre to catalyze high-quality research and innovation.
- Seed funding for 101 Innovations (MSc, PhD, & Postdoctoral fellows) with facilitated mentorship for a period of 2 years.
- Boost the research and innovation infrastructure at the University.
Pillar 4: Networks, Policy, and Learning: Strengthen networks to disseminate research outputs and innovations to enhance resilience to climate change
- Partner with 5 Public Universities (Gulu University, Busitema University, Mbarara University of Science and Technology and Muni University) to develop joint research initiatives and community engagement programmes
- Conduct 14 climate science-policy-practice dialogues to co-create transformative climate resilience solutions.
- Support 15 Local Governments to develop their Climate Change Strategies and Action Plans
- Engage 40 multi-generational community liaisons to promote uptake of research innovations.
Prof. Justine Namaalwa, the Lead of Mastercard Foundation initiatives at Makerere University, expressed her gratitude to university management for entrusting the Program Delivery Team with the responsibility of implementing the Programme. She also thanked participants for their highly productive engagement, noting that their valuable contributions will significantly guide the Program’s operations.
Prof. Namaalwa further indicated that more targeted engagements with university units will be conducted to support the effective implementation of the Program. She emphasised that the Programme will collaborate closely with various units and projects to deliver the following course:
- Cross-cutting course on Innovation and Entrepreneurship: The Program will partner with the Directorate of Graduate Training and the Makerere University Innovation Pod (UniPod) to co-develop and co-deliver this course, making it accessible to all master’s and PhD students across the University.
- Course on Human-Centred Design in Teaching and Learning: In collaboration with the Directorate of Graduate Training and the Centre for Teaching and Learning Support, the Program will co-develop and co-deliver this course for all faculty members.
- Cross-cutting course on Climate Resilience for Livelihoods, Economy, and Ecosystems: The Collaborative will work with Makerere University Centre for Climate Change Research and Innovation (MUCCRI) to co-develop and co-deliver this course to all students.
Regarding the pillar aimed at skilling youth who have not had the opportunity to pursue university education, Prof. Namaalwa observed that the Program will leverage the expertise of the Africa Institute for Strategic Resource Services and Development (AFRISA) and other innovation centres and hubs across the University to equip the youth in creating and sustaining green enterprises.
The Africa Climate Collaborative is a new partnership between Makerere University and the Mastercard Foundation. It is being carried out in collaboration with three other universities: The University of Ghana, the University of Cape Town, and the University of Cambridge.
Antonny Tugaineyo is the Principal CRSC Coordinator for Africa Climate Collaborative at Makerere University
On 30th September 2025, DFCU Bank Uganda Ltd made a generous donation of twenty million shillings (20,000,000 UGX) to support the Mastercard Foundation Scholars at Makerere University in their upcoming give-back project at Bwera Primary School in Kabale District, Western Uganda. Over the years, the Mastercard Foundation Scholars have engaged in various community give-back projects, significantly transforming the lives of many young people. Their initiatives have included building classroom blocks in Karamoja and Agago districts, constructing boreholes in Bulamwiki, Iganga District, and planting trees. These efforts have had a positive impact on the communities they serve.
While speaking at the handing-over ceremony of the dummy cheque, Ms Maryann Wanjiku Michuki, the Chief Business Solutions & Marketing Officer, who represented the Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Charles M. Mudiwa, expressed gratitude for the partnership between the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Makerere University , which has lasted over 10 years.
“We are very proud of our partnership with the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Makerere University that has lasted over 10 years. We commend the efforts to renovate the classroom blocks and build a modern pit latrine. We commend the Scholars for taking on such impactful causes for the community.” Ms Wanjiku remarked.
On her part, Prof. Justine Namaalwa, the Program Director of the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Makerere University , expressed gratitude to the generous donation towards the Scholars giveback efforts.
“We are very grateful for this generous gesture by DFCU Bank towards the Scholars’ Give Back efforts. We are more than partners in this journey; we plan to allocate this donation into a general project fund, have an independent project undertaken by DFCU, and invite you to launch it.” Prof. Namaalwa remarked.
Prof. Namaalwa highlighted that giving back is a central focus of the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Makerere University . It aims to cultivate a service-oriented culture among scholars and alumni of the Program, fostering a sense of responsibility and commitment.
“As part of the Scholars Journey at Makerere University , the Scholars are made aware of the Philosophy and practice of giveback, and then encouraged to empower communities through sharing and action voluntarily.” Prof. Namaalwa remarked.
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars at Makerere University have, over the years, made significant contributions to communities. Initially, these contributions were solely by the Scholars. From 2020 on wards, resource mobilisation expanded beyond the Scholars to include the Program Implementation Team, Scholar alumni, and the Program partners.
The selected Scholars Giveback Project for 2025
For the year 2025, the Mastercard Foundation Scholars at Makerere University designated Bwera Primary School in Kabale district as the giveback project. Bwera Primary School was established in 1983 as a community-based institution and later became a government-aided school. It educates 268 pupils in the rural Kabale District. Despite its vital role in the community, the school faces many challenges, including:
- Dilapidated classrooms
- A shared mud and wattle pit latrine shared by students and staff
- Lack of clean water
- Lack of electricity
- Insufficient staff housing
Proposed Interventions and Support
There are four proposed support areas which shall be prioritised or ranked based on the projected resource mobilisation.
- Renovation of two classroom blocks, including plastering the walls and working on the floors.
- Construction of a 4–5 stance modern pit latrine to enhance sanitation, health, and dignity for learners and staff.
- Provision of 50 bench desks for the candidate class.
- Installation of a water harvesting system to guarantee access to clean water for drinking and handwashing.
Call to Action:
We call upon all people of goodwill to contribute to creating a safe, inclusive, and motivating learning environment at Bwera Primary School, Kabale district, through the following avenues;
- Contribute financially (any amount makes a difference).
- Mobilise others within your networks.
- Contribute physical building materials, i.e. Cement, Iron bars, Bricks, etc.
All school-going children deserve a safe place to learn, access to clean water, and the hope of a brighter future. Your support is not just transforming Bwera Primary School — it is changing lives. Together, we build for the future. Together, we shape tomorrow.
Bernard Buteera is the Principal Public Relations Officer for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Makerere University.
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