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Mufti Menk urges youth on productivity, social media usage & entrepreneurship

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By Ritah Namisango

Mufti Ismail ibn Musa Menk has urged youth to be productive and hardworking even under great hardships.

“Whatever the country will be, depends on the youth. When you are young, ensure that you are productive. I advise you to encourage each other with love, respect and support in order to develop your country. Pray together, play together and work together,” said Mufti Menk.

He stated: “I am here to tell the youth in Uganda to work and develop their communities. You must develop a positive attitude towards work and your country. I advise you to shun any bad habit so that you become responsible citizens. You must shun laziness, idleness and bad habits such as use of drugs, addiction to alcohol and pornography.  You must develop good habits. When you disagree with someone, let it be with respect.”

This was during the Mufti Menk Public Lecture held at the Makerere University Rugby Grounds on March 8, 2024. Running under the theme, ‘Muslim Youth and Work Ethics’, the lecture was hosted by the Office of the Makerere University Imaam.  He was officially welcomed by Prof. Umar Kakumba, the Deputy Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, in his capacity as the Acting Vice Chancellor, and Dr. Sowed Juma Mayanja, the University Imaam.

Prof. Umar Kakumba addresses the audience during the public lecture. Mufti Menk Visit and Public Lecture, 8th March 2024, Rugby Grounds, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Prof. Umar Kakumba addresses the audience during the public lecture.

Mufti Menk, as he is popularly known, is the grand mufti of Zimbabwe, the head of the fatwa department of the Council of Islamic Scholars of Zimbabwe and a renowned international Muslim scholar and motivational speaker. He holds a degree in Sharia and a doctorate in Social Guidance. His lectures boast a wide audience on YouTube and other social media platforms globally. His lectures and preaching are credited with having converted millions of people to Islam.

Mufti Menk was accompanied by Sheikh Wael Ibrahim from Australia and Dr. Muhammad Salah from Egypt, each of whom was given a preaching session.

Some of the University officials who listened to the lecture include: Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi-Academic Registrar, Mrs Winifred Kabumbuli-Dean of Students, Prof. Abasi Kiyimba-Mak Department of Literature, Dr. Oria Hussein-Chairperson Makerere University Mosque Board, Dr. Muhammed Kiggundu Musoke-Patron (Makerere University Muslim Students Association) MUMSA, Ms Ritah Namisango-Principal Public Relations Officer, Mr. Ahmed Ssentongo (Imaam Emeritus), to mention but a few.

THE LECTURE

The Acting Vice Chancellor, Prof. Umar Kakumba welcomed Mufti Menk and his delegation to Makerere University-the institution that nurtured and trained great men and women who have contributed to the development of the continent. “It is a great honour to host you to speak to the youth on preaching peace, unity and development.”

Mufti Menk acknowledged Makerere University leadership, staff and students for the warm reception. He applauded Allah for the good weather, the green and trees at Makerere University, and for all the good that Allah, bestowed upon Uganda, a beautiful country with hardworking people, organic foods such as very sweet bananas as well as delicious pineapples. He affirmed that Uganda is indeed the pearl of Africa.

Prof. Umar Kakumba (Left), Mufti Menk (3rd Left) and other officials follow proceedings during the lecture. Mufti Menk Visit and Public Lecture, 8th March 2024, Rugby Grounds, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Prof. Umar Kakumba (Left), Mufti Menk (3rd Left) and other officials follow proceedings during the lecture.

In his youth-centred lecture, he rallied the youth to be the torch bearers including the realization that they have a great responsibility to determine the destiny of Uganda. He explained that this starts with the youth recognizing this calling, working towards developing a positive attitude, believing that they can make a positive difference, shunning bad habits, and committing to being responsible citizens.

“To the youth and everyone here, I encourage you to build yourself. No one is going to build you up, if you do not,” he remarked, before adding  “You are young, the future is in your hands, if you do the right things, the future will be bright.”

He reminded the youth to avoid words of hate for they bring about destruction. “Watch your words, watch your mouth. If you do not agree with someone, disagree with respect.”

Aware of the existence of a number of religious groups, Mufti Menk acknowledged this diversity and offered a message of living in harmony with one another.  “Be careful about how you disagree with people from another faith. If we disagree, it should be with respect.”

Mufti Menk delivers his lecture to part of the majority-youth audience. Mufti Menk Visit and Public Lecture, 8th March 2024, Rugby Grounds, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Mufti Menk delivers his lecture to part of the majority-youth audience.

To the youth from poor backgrounds, Mufti Menk provided a message of hope and encouragement pointing out that many people from such backgrounds have succeeded in life. “Even if you come from a poor background, you can achieve. I encourage you to work hard, keep trying, never give up, and you will achieve.”

Tackling leadership, Mufti Menk guided that true leadership is heavily anchored in solving problems, and not fleeing from them. “Differences between us are normal, but differences can make us or break us depending on how we handle them. Those who aim to solve the problems and conflicts in the family, the Ummah or the country are the true leaders.”

Mufti Menk said the youth should be agitated if they lose connection with Allah. He advised youth to target their efforts and love towards Allah, above anyone and anything else, and to avoid doing things that displease Allah and compromise their relationship with Allah. He called upon the youth to uphold the importance of prayer. “Whatever you do, ask for Allah’s guidance. Do not ever get prayer out of your life.”

He implored the youth to use social media constructively such as learning, doing business and job creation, instead of gossip, hate speech, pornography, addiction and general idleness. “Take the example of TikTok; the bad side of TikTok is spreading faster than the good side. So, I urge you, when you see a good and useful message on TikTok, do not just read it and flip on; instead, like it and forward it to many people so that the good messages can outnumber the bad ones.”

Mrs. Winifred Kabumbuli (Left) and Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi (Right) follow proceedings. Mufti Menk Visit and Public Lecture, 8th March 2024, Rugby Grounds, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Mrs. Winifred Kabumbuli (Left) and Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi (Right) follow proceedings.

The Mufti cautioned the youth against disrespecting people they may not agree with. “Even in Islam, there are many sects, but they are all part of the Ummah, and should be accommodated. Everyone makes mistakes. Even married couples or siblings disagree. Therefore, you should learn to live with diverse people in the Ummah or in your country. You should emulate Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) who would painstakingly speak to people in the wrong, to win them over and expand the Ummah,” he counseled.

Mufti Menk urged youth to fight bad habits, especially addictions such as pornography, substance abuse, adultery, hate speech and gossip. He advised them to be on the guard to resist temptations that arise from the various media in our hypersexual age. To achieve this, he said, youth need to develop self-confidence and self-esteem.

 “Do not be shy; look for help whenever you are in problems of addiction. Be careful and selective because the media promotes a lot of bad desires and behaviours. Care for and help one another. None of you is useless, but you must realize this fact yourself. Drop the negative attitude, and adopt a positive attitude towards different situations and relationships.”

On entrepreneurship, Mufti Menk shared his belief that it provides a solution to lack of jobs and unemployment of the youth. “There is a blessing in entrepreneurship. Sometimes Allah has chosen you for business /entrepreneurship,” he highlighted.  

Mufti Menk urged the youth to use social media productively and avoid hate speech. Mufti Menk Visit and Public Lecture, 8th March 2024, Rugby Grounds, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Mufti Menk urged the youth to use social media productively and avoid hate speech.

He appealed to the youth to continue searching for jobs. “Don’t give up looking for jobs, scarce as they may be. But, in the meantime, buy something and sell it, do some entrepreneurship. Avoid complaining, and never give up! However intelligent you may be, never stop praying to and trusting in Allah! Never take prayer out of the equation! Also, help those more challenged or vulnerable than you, such as orphans, widows, persons with disabilities or the unemployed.”

OTHER ACTIVITIES

Other activities of the day included Qur’anic recitation by a male student, three preaching sessions, Jummah prayers and Asr prayers.

Being the International Women’s Day, the preaching during the Jummah prayers focused on the fact that Islam gave a lot of rights to women such as inheritance of property. However, the preacher stressed that according to Allah, obligations are more important than rights for every human being.   

On March 9, the Mufti attended a religious and interactive cooperation dinner at Serena Kampala hotel for charity causes, where a ticket cost Shs 150,000 for individual person and Shs 5 million for a table.

The organizers of the Mufti’s visit to Uganda said they had invited all Imaams of the 15,000 mosques in the country and all district khadis to the activities of both days.

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Re-Advert: Position of Second Deputy Vice Chancellor

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Mak Main Building

Makerere University is governed by the Universities and Other Tertiary Institutions Act, Cap 262. The University is seeking applications from suitably qualified applicants for the position of Second Deputy Vice-Chancellor. The Second Deputy Vice Chancellor holds a pivotal role in financial governance, institutional planning, and administrative leadership.

1.      POSITION:           SECOND DEPUTY VICE-CHANCELLOR
2.      SALARY SCALE: PU2
3:     DUTY STATION:  MAKERERE UNIVERSITY
4.      ROLE

The Second Deputy Vice-Chancellor will report to the Vice–Chancellor and shall:

a)     Assist the Vice Chancellor in performance of his or her functions and in that regard shall oversee the finances and administration of the University;

b)     Be responsible for the Planning and Development of the University and,

c)      Perform such other functions that may be delegated to him or her by the Vice Chancellor or assigned by the University Council.

5.      PURPOSE OF THE JOB

To provide strategic leadership and ensure efficient and sound financial, human and fiscal resources management in the University.

6.      DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

a)     Provide leadership in Strategic planning and governance, leadership and administrative experience, Human resource and performance Management, Stakeholder engagement and collaboration.

b)     Provide leadership in preparation and implementation of the University’s recurrent and capital budgets.

c)      Monitor the development and implementation of the University’s accounting procedures, manuals and other documents relating to financial control and Management as per approved financial regulations.

d)     Oversee income and expenditure of all income generating units of the University.

e)     Coordinate the production of the University-wide Financial Reports by Colleges and Units.

f)      Management of human resources in the University.

g)     Oversee the management of University Estates and Assets.

7. CANDIDATE SPECIFICATION

a)     Hold a PhD or any other academic doctorate.

b)     Be at the rank of associate or full professor level in an institution whose academic ranking is comparable with that of Makerere University as accepted by Senate.

c)      Be a Ugandan citizen within the age bracket of 40 to 65 years at the time of application.

7.1 Academic Qualifications

a)     Earned a Ph.D. or equivalent doctorate should be acceptable by Senate.

b)     At least five years of financial or administrative leadership experience at the level of school dean/director or higher in a higher education institution, public service, or corporate institutions.

c)      Supervised at least ten (10) postgraduate students (Master’s and Ph.D.) to completion. At least three of the students must be at the PhD level.

7.2 Strategic Planning and Governance

a)     Experience in leading large administrative teams at the level of dean or higher, demonstrating efficiency and productivity.

b)     Proven record in developing and executing strategic plans, aligning financial and administrative objectives with institutional goals.

c)      Evidence of developing and implementing financial policies that have improved financial efficiency, transparency, and risk management.

d)     Evidence of implementing organisational restructuring or process improvements to ensure operational efficiency.

e)     Ability to develop and implement institutional policies, ensuring compliance with national higher education and financial regulations.

7.3 Leadership & Administrative Experience

a)     Minimum 5 years of senior academic leadership in a recognized institution comparable with that of Makerere University, as accepted by Senate.

b)     Demonstrated    experience    in    managing    budgets    exceeding    UGX 500,000,000=, ensuring financial sustainability and accountability.

c)     Proven ability to mobilize resources, secure grants, and attract external funding to support institutional growth.

d)     Experience in conducting financial forecasting, cost control measures, and investment strategies to optimize institutional resources.

e)     Track record of leading financial audits and compliance assessments in alignment with national and international financial regulations.

f)      Experience in handling procurement, asset management, and infrastructure development, ensuring transparency and value for money.

7.4    Human Resource and Performance Management

a)    Track record of leading workforce planning, recruitment, and talent development strategies, ensuring a high-performance institutional culture.

b)     Experience in implementing performance-based appraisal systems, leading to improved staff efficiency and accountability.

c)      Proven ability to foster industrial harmony, resolving labour disputes and improving employer-employee relations.

7.5    Infrastructure Development and Resource Optimization

a)     Experience in overseeing capital development projects, ensuring timely delivery and cost efficiency.

b)     Track record of overseeing the maintenance and expansion of university facilities, enhancing institutional infrastructure.

c) Proven ability to negotiate and manage contracts for outsourced services, ensuring cost-effectiveness and quality standards.

7.6 Digital Transformation and ICT Integration

a) Experience in integrating ICT solutions in financial and administrative operations, improving service delivery and efficiency.

b) Evidence steering the automation of financial, procurement, and HR systems, reducing paperwork and improving real-time decision making.

c) Proven ability to implement cybersecurity measures that safeguard institutional financial and administrative data.

7.7 Stakeholder Engagement & Collaboration

a) Demonstrated experience in building partnerships with government agencies, donors, private sector investors, and international organizations to enhance institutional funding.

b) Proven ability to engage faculty, students, and staff in financial decision-making, ensuring transparency and inclusivity.

c) Experience in negotiating contracts, partnerships, and collaborations that have led to financial and administrative growth.

7.8 Personal Attributes

a) High level of integrity, transparency, and ethical leadership, with a record of financial prudence.

b) Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills, backed by evidence of successfully managing complex financial and administrative challenges.

c) Excellent communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills, ensuring effective stakeholder engagement.

d) A visionary leader with the ability to drive financial sustainability administrative efficiency, and institutional growth.

8. REMUNERATION

An attractive remuneration package that is in accordance with Makerere University terms and conditions of service.

9. TENURE

The Second Deputy Vice Chancellor shall hold office for a period of five years and shall be eligible for re-appointment for one more term.

10. METHOD OF APPLICATION

Interested applicants are invited to submit their application letters. The following documents shall comprise a complete application:

a) A signed letter of application;

b) A vision statement;

c) Curriculum Vitae with contact details signed and dated by the applicant;

d) Copies of required minimum number of publications;

e) Certified copies of academic transcripts and certificates;

f) Three (3) letters of recommendation;

g) Copies of letters of appointment to leadership positions at the level of Dean of a School in a national accredited university or other academic institution;

h) A copy of the applicant’s National Identity Card or passport;

i) A copy of the last clearance from the Inspector General of Government or other equivalent national body;

j) Referees should be advised to send confidential reference letters, addressed to the Chairperson Search Committee for the Position of Second Deputy Vice Chancellor and delivered directly to the address below by 5:00 pm on Monday 14th April, 2025;

k) The references should cover the following areas: the applicant’s academic credential, experience, leadership, managerial and administrative skills and personal integrity.

Both Hardcopy and Electronic (Email) applications shall be accepted.

(a) Hardcopy applications: Both confidential letters and sealed applications marked

“CONFIDENTIAL: POSITION OF SECOND DEPUTY VICE CHANCELLOR”

should be addressed to:

SECRETARY SEARCH COMMITTEE
THE ACADEMIC REGISTRAR
MAKERERE UNIVERSITY
6TH Floor, ROOM 602, SENATE BUILDING
P. O. BOX 7062, KAMPALA, UGANDA

(b) Electronic media (e-mail) applications should have all the above documents scanned and emailed to search.dvcfa[at]mak.ac.ug by 5.00 pm East African Standard Time on Monday 14th April, 2025.

Please note that:

(a) Incomplete applications or applications received after the closing date and time

will not be considered.

(b) Only shortlisted applicants shall be contacted.

For more Information and inquiries:
Email us on search.dvcfa@mak.ac.ug OR Call Telephone number: +256-414-532634 during working hours (between 8:00 am to 5:00 pm Monday to Friday).

MAKERERE UNIVERSITY IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi (PhD)
ACADEMIC REGISTRAR

Mak Editor

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RE-Advert: Position of First Deputy Vice Chancellor

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Front View of the reconstructed Main Building, Makerere University. Date Taken 8th November 2024. Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

Makerere University is governed by the Universities and Other Tertiary Institutions Act, Cap 262. The University is seeking applications from suitably qualified applicants for the position of First Deputy Vice-Chancellor. The First Deputy Vice Chancellor must possess a strong background in academic leadership, teaching, research, and strategic institutional management.

1. POSITION: FIRST DEPUTY VICE-CHANCELLOR

2. SALARY SCALE: PU2

3: DUTY STATION: MAKERERE UNIVERSITY

4. ROLE

The First Deputy Vice-Chancellor will report to the Vice–Chancellor and shall:

  1. Assist the Vice Chancellor in performance of his or her functions and in that regard be responsible for the Academic affairs of the University
  2. In the absence of the Vice-Chancellor, perform the functions of the Vice-Chancellor and,
  3. Perform such other functions that may be delegated to him or her by the Vice Chancellor or assigned by the University Council.

5. PURPOSE OF THE JOB

To provide leadership and Coordination of academic and academic research matters to ensure effective and efficient implementation of policies, teaching and research programmes.

6. DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

  1. Initiate, obtain approval of policies, plans and programmes that will enhance the academic and professional excellence of the University.
  2. Initiate, coordinate curriculum development and review for all courses offered at the University.
  3. Ensure that all examinations are set and marked in accordance with established Regulations.
  4. Coordinate the appointment of external examiners.
  5. Oversee the selection and admission of qualified students.
  6. Oversee the development of research programmes by liaising with Principals of Colleges/Deans of Schools and submit them to Senate and Council for approval.

7. CANDIDATE SPECIFICATION

  1. Hold a PhD or any other academic doctorate.
  2. Be at the rank of associate or full professor level in an institution whose academic ranking is comparable with that of Makerere University as accepted by Senate.
  3. Be a Ugandan citizen within the age bracket of 40 to 65 years at the time of application.

7.1 Academic Qualifications

  1. Earned a Ph.D. or equivalent doctorate in a relevant discipline.
  2. Minimum 5 years of progressive academic experience, including teaching, research, and academic administration at the level of dean of a school or higher.
  3. At least 20 peer-reviewed publications in reputable journals indexed in Scopus, Web of Science, or equivalent databases.
  4. Supervised at least ten (10) postgraduate students (Masters and PhD) to completion and graduation; at least three of these students must have been at the level of PhD.

7.2 Strategic Planning & Governance

  1. Evidence of having served or participated in university-level strategic planning processes including, membership to strategic planning committees and contribution to policy development and institutional growth.
  2. At least five years of demonstrated experience in academic programme accreditation processes contributing to the securing approvals from the relevant national or international regulatory bodies.
  3. Demonstrated evidence in leading at least one (1) higher education ICT integration initiative, improving online learning, digital governance, or student information systems or the development of at least one online course curriculum.

7.3 Leadership & Administrative Experience

  1. A minimum of 5 years of senior academic leadership in a recognized institution comparable to that of Makerere University, as accepted by the Senate, at the level of Dean of a School or higher.
  2. Participated in the development and implementation of at least two (2) academic policies improving quality assurance, curriculum development, or institutional governance.
  3. Demonstrated ability to lead a school or college, ensuring optimal performance and professional development of members.
  4. Proven track record of mentoring at least 10 faculty members toward career progression and research output, including co-teaching, publication, and capacity development in areas of teaching and training, grants, research and innovations.
  5. Participated in at least three (3) university committees or initiatives on academic policy development, research and publications, or student affairs.
  6. Participation in mediation of at least five (5) student or faculty grievances, ensuring fair and transparent resolutions.

7.4 Teaching, Learning & Curriculum Development

  1. Led or contributed to the development of at least five (5) accredited academic programmes or curricula at undergraduate and postgraduate level.
  2. Participated in the Designing and conducting at least 10 faculty development workshops focused on pedagogy, research methodologies, or curriculum advancement.

7.5 Research & Innovation

  1. Secured at least $200,000 in competitive research grants from national or international funding agencies.
  2. Established or managed at least one (1) research centre, or college wide research programme or industry-academic partnerships.
  3. Published a minimum of five (5) books, or 5 book chapters, or patents (separate from the papers in peer reviewed journals), contributing to knowledge production in the discipline.
  4. Organized at least three (3) international or national research conferences, fostering collaboration and knowledge exchange.

7.6 Financial & Resource Management

  1. Successfully managed academic budgets exceeding UGX 500,000,000= in a leadership role.
  2. Led at least two (2) faculty resource mobilisation initiatives, increasing funding for research, scholarships, or infrastructure.
  3. Secured at least one (1) international academic partnership to enhance funding, student exchange, or faculty development.
  4. Developed and executed at least three (3) cost-cutting strategies, optimising institutional resources without compromising academic quality.

7.7 Stakeholder Engagement & Collaboration

  1. Built at least five (5) partnerships with government agencies, private sector stakeholders, or international academic institutions.
  2. Successfully led at least two (2) community engagement or outreach programmes, strengthening university-industry relations.
  3. Served on or contributed to at least three (3) University, national, or international education policy boards, shaping higher education discourse.

7.8 Personal Attributes

  1. Proven record of upholding institutional integrity, with no record of financial mismanagement or ethical violations.
  2. Demonstrated decision-making and problem-solving skills, having led at least five (5) crisis resolution initiatives.
  3. Recognized for academic leadership excellence, receiving at least one (1 ) award or recognition for contributions to higher education.

8. REMUNERATION

An attractive remuneration package that is in accordance with Makerere University terms and conditions of service.

9. TENURE

The First Deputy Vice Chancellor shall hold office for a period of five years and shall be eligible for re- appointment for one more term.

10. METHOD OF APPLICATION

Interested applicants are invited to submit their application letters. The following documents shall comprise a complete application:

  1. A signed letter of application;
  2. A vision statement;
  3. Curriculum Vitae with contact details signed and dated by the applicant;
  4. Copies of required minimum number of publications;
  5. Certified copies of academic transcripts and certificates.
  6. Three (3) letters of recommendation;
  7. Copies of letters of appointment to leadership positions at the level of Dean of a School in a national accredited university or other academic institution;
  8. A copy of the applicant’s National Identity Card or passport;
  9. A copy of the last clearance from the Inspector General of Government or other equivalent national body.
  10. Referees should be advised to send confidential reference letters, addressed to the Chairperson Search Committee for the Position of First Deputy Vice Chancellor and delivered directly to the address below by 5:00 pm on Monday 14th April, 2025.
  11. The references should cover the following areas: the applicant’s academic credential, experience, leadership, managerial and administrative skills and personal integrity.

Both Hardcopy and Electronic (Email) applications shall be accepted.

a) Hardcopy applications: Both confidential letters and sealed applications marked “CONFIDENTIAL: POSITION OF FIRST DEPUTY VICE CHANCELLOR” should be addressed to:

SECRETARY SEARCH COMMITTEE
THE ACADEMIC REGISTRAR
MAKERERE UNIVERSITY
6TH Floor, ROOM 602, SENATE BUILDING
P.O.BOX 7062, KAMPALA, UGANDA

b) Electronic media (e-mail) applications should have all the above documents scanned and emailed to search.dvcaa@mak.ac.ug by 5.00 pm East African Standard Time on Monday 14th April, 2025.

Please note that:

a) Incomplete applications or applications received after the closing date and time will not be considered.

b) Only shortlisted applicants shall be contacted.

For more Information and inquiries: Visit our website https://mak.ac.ug/search-for-dvcs OR email us on search.dvcaa@mak.ac.ug OR Call Telephone number: +256-414-532634 during working hours (between 8:00 am to 5:00 pm Monday to Friday).

MAKERERE UNIVERSITY IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Prof. Mukadasi Buyinza
ACADEMIC REGISTRAR

Mak Editor

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Office of the Academic Registrar Lauded for Groundbreaking Achievements In Digitalization

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Mr. Charles Ssentongo (5th Left), together with Office of the Academic Registrar staff members are joined by Dr. Dickson Kalungi (4th Right) and MUST Registrars for a group photo in front of the Senate Building on 25th March 2025.

By Gerald Ochwo

On 25th March 2025, a delegation of Registrars from Mbarara University of Science and Technology (MUST) undertook a benchmarking exercise at Makerere University, with a specific focus on the latter’s pioneering efforts in academic records digitalization. The delegation, led by Dr. Dickson Kalungi, Ag. Deputy Academic Registrar was received by Mr. Charles Ssentongo, Deputy Academic Registrar in charge of Admissions and Records Division, who represented the Academic Registrar (AR), Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi.

The visit was prompted by Makerere University‘s trailblazing achievements in digitalizing academic records, as exemplified by the Digitalization of Academic Records Project (DARP). This initiative has been instrumental in creating a centralized, digital one stop repository of all University’s academic records, thereby enhancing the efficiency, accuracy, and security of academic records management.

In his welcoming remarks, Mr. Ssentongo conveyed the Academic Registrar’s message and highlighted Makerere University‘s efforts to digitalize all its processes and records. He further noted that the university is intentional about creating a digital ecosystem that makes academic records retrieval easy and efficient.

As a university, we are now intentional with the digitalization of all our processes including, digitization of our manual records that date as way back as the inception of Makerere University. Currently, the DARP project as gone as far as creating a one stop center for both Academic document verification and certification, whereby our former graduates, will only need to access the online verification and certification portal and submit their documents without necessarily having to travel many physical distances to Makerere University” Mr. Ssentongo remarked.

Registrars from MAK and MUST pose for a group photo after the meeting. Left is article author Gerald Ochwo.
Registrars from MAK and MUST pose for a group photo after the meeting. Left is article author Gerald Ochwo.

In his appreciation remarks, the MUST head of delegation, Dr. Dickson Kalungi, thanked the Academic Registrar for honoring their request to come and learn from the best practices that exist at Makerere University and particularly commended the Department for the great steps and strides made in pioneering modern Academic records storage management systems.

“I want to sincerely thank the Office of the Academic Registrar for sparing time and organizing this meeting. As a University, we have embarked on a transformative change drive whereby we intend to automate all our registry processes including, the management of Academic Records. The DARP project at Makerere University, has been one project where we draw a number of lessons and we are eager to go and implement some of the best practices we have observed here today”

Conclusion

The benchmarking exercise undertaken by Mbarara University of Science and Technology demonstrates the significance of Makerere University and particularly, the Office of the Academic Registrar’s achievements in academic records digitalization. The DARP project serves as a model for other institutions to follow, highlighting the importance of investing in digital solutions to enhance the efficiency, accuracy, and security of academic records management. It further demonstrates the university’s commitment to sharing knowledge and best practices with other institutions. Makerere University‘s efforts in digitalizing academic records have set a high standard for other universities to emulate, and the DARP project is a shining example of innovation and excellence in academic records management.

Gerald Ochwo is the Liaison Officer, Office of the Academic Registrar

Mak Editor

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