Connect with us

General

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

Published

on

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.

Mak Editor

General

KobWeb: RENU’s Community Magazine – 2024 Edition

Published

on

Cover page of KobWeb: RENU's Community Magazine, 2024 Edition. Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

The Research and Education Network for Uganda (RENU) is a community-driven, non-profit organization with a major focus on nurturing collaboration among member institutions (i.e. research and education institutions), and global partners. Founded in 2006, RENU has grown from a small National Research and Education Network (NREN) that focused on just connectivity needs of universities and research organisations, to a fast-growing specialized ICT solutions provider for the entire Research and Education (R&E) community including schools, colleges, other tertiary institutions, hospitals, and their end users. RENU is located at House No. 31, The Edge, Makerere University and on Plot 6B, Mabua Road, Kololo, Kampala.

Highlights from the 2024 Edition featuring Makerere:

  • Universities Launch Global Coalition to Support Refugee Education at Scale
    • 16 universities from across the globe have come together to improve and increase access to higher education for refugees and their communities, where they reside. Universities based in Africa, Europe, and North America formed the Global University Academy (GUA) following a workshop hosted by the University of Oslo in June 2024.
    • The GUA is currently looking into the possibility to pilot the initiative in Uganda. Key partners in this work are Makerere University and Gulu University, who are already actively engaged in providing access to higher education for refugees, and the Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) Uganda.
  • Advancing Child Welfare The AfriChild Centre’s Inter-University Programme
    • The Inter-University Programme, spearheaded by the Centre of Excellence for the Study of the African Child (AfriChild Centre), is a landmark initiative focused on equipping researchers with the essential skills needed to conduct high-quality child-focused research. The success of the Inter-University Programme is built on the strong partnerships the AfriChild Centre has established with universities including Makerere University.
  • Liberate your Mind from the Present and Dream Big to Provide Meaningful ICT Solutions for Research and Education!
    • At the 2024 RENU ICT Directors Forum, Dr. Francis F. “Tusu” Tusubira, the Chief Guest, delivered an electrifying address urging ICT leaders to dream beyond the present and shape the future of research and education. Reflecting on his time at Makerere University, he shared his philosophy of granting autonomy to team members and supporting them unconditionally. “Allow your team to make decisions and mistakes, especially in the current environment, which presents opportunities for learning. Protect them when they make mistakes. Once you do this, your team will build your dream.”
  • Advancing Open Science and Open Access in Africa, with a Focus on Uganda
    • Open Science and Open Access have emerged as transformative movements in the global academic and research community. Their principles—sharing knowledge freely, fostering collaboration, and driving practical solutions to societal challenges—are especially resonant in Africa, where equitable access to resources and innovative solutions are essential for sustainable development. Institutions like Makerere University are driving Open Science efforts by encouraging researchers to adopt open frameworks.

Visit RENU to download full edition

Mark Wamai

Continue Reading

General

Press Statement: Clarification on Issues Raised During the Ongoing Conversations on the X Platform

Published

on

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

Thursday, 06 February 2025

Makerere University Management has been keenly following the concerns raised on the X platform. As a public institution, we value constructive criticism and feedback as these present an opportunity to clarify issues and, in the process, enhance service delivery. However, the University Management has noticed several instances of disinformation and outright blackmail towards various University officers and would like to offer the following clarifications:

  1. Allegations of Solicitation of a Bribe by a Member of the University Council

The University Management received an audio recording in which a staff member is allegedly heard soliciting a bribe from colleagues to assist them in accessing higher positions during the recently concluded salary harmonization process. While the staff member in question is an elected representative of the support staff to the governing University Council, he is neither a member of the Appointments Board nor wields influence on its decisions.

Given the severity of the alleged offence and the position of the staff member, the University initiated immediate investigations and interdicted the staff member on Thursday 30th January 2025 to facilitate the investigation process. The staff member will be given an opportunity to present his case through a fair hearing before the Appointments Board.

  1. Appointment of Substantive Deputy Vice Chancellors

The Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Finance and Administration (DVC F&A) position became vacant after a legal challenge overturned the initial appointment and halted subsequent searches. After the appellant withdrew the cases, the University Council initiated a new search through the Senate. However, a contestant later petitioned, citing non-compliance with guidelines. The University Council referred the matter back to the Senate, which reviewed it on 12th December 2024. The revised report will be considered at the University Council meeting on 11th February 2025.

  1. The Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Academic Affairs (DVC AA)

The Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Academic Affairs (DVC AA) position became vacant on 30th November 2023 upon the end of the incumbent’s tenure. While the University Council was conducting an appraisal for possible reappointment, the DVC AA was appointed in an acting capacity. However, before the process concluded, a member of staff challenged the appraisal in court, making the matter sub judice. Consequently, the University Council deferred further consideration until the court resolves the case.

  1. Promotion Requirements for Associate Professors and Professors.

Academic staff promotions at Makerere University follow the Human Resources Manual (HRM), last amended in 2022. Policy changes are initiated by the Senate and take effect upon Council approval. Promotions are based on the criteria in place at the time, as recorded by the Senate and Council. All Associate Professors and Professors undergo rigorous assessment, including mandatory internal and external vetting by internationally recognized subject experts.

  1. Retirement of Associate Professors and Professors Post-60 Years

Makerere University mandates retirement at 60 in accordance with Ugandan law. To retain highly skilled talent, the University Council introduced a post-retirement contract policy under the Universities and Other Tertiary Institutions Act (UOTIA). The Appointments Board grants or renews these contracts based on outstanding performance in teaching, research, grants, and mentorship, subject to available vacancies and wage funds. Before approval, the University Management assesses the impact on staff promotions, ensuring no disadvantage to qualifying staff within a particular Department.

  1. Membership and Leadership of the University Council and its Committees

The University Council membership is constituted in accordance with Section 38(1) of the Universities and Other Tertiary Institutions Act (UOTIA), which outlines the criteria for appointing representatives from various constituencies, including the Government, staff, students, Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA), persons with disabilities, and Council appointees.

The constituents are responsible for managing the selection process for their respective representatives. University Council members serve four-year terms, which can be renewed by the respective constituents in accordance with Section 38(3) of the UOTIA. It is important to note that no Council member, current or former, has ever served beyond the period specified by law.

The University Council elects its Chairperson and Vice Chairperson in accordance with Section 39 of the UOTIA. Additionally, the Council establishes the Appointments Board and all its Committees in compliance with Section 43 of the UOTIA and Section 38 of the Council Charter.

  1. Recent Policy Reforms at the University

The University Council has implemented key reforms to enhance service delivery and staff accountability. These include a biometric staff attendance system and the digitalization of student services such as application, admission, registration, fee payment, exam records, and graduation. These measures have improved lecture attendance, expedited transcript issuance, and strengthened student support. University Management and the Appointments Board actively monitor staff performance to reward outstanding performance and ensure compliance.

  1. Disciplinary Processes and Actions Involving Some Staff Members

Makerere University enforces disciplinary policies in line with the Human Resources Manual, Public Service Standing Orders, and Ugandan law. Staff who violate these policies face sanctions such as warnings, suspensions, interdictions, and investigations, all conducted with due process before an Appointments Board hearing. Recently, two senior staff members—one a Council member and the other a School Dean were interdicted over allegations of corruption and non-performance. Their interdiction ensures independent investigations without undue influence.

  1. State of the University Infrastructure

With substantial support from the Government, Makerere University has made significant strides in enhancing its critical infrastructure for teaching, research, and student residences/welfare, alongside initiating new infrastructure projects.

Following the phased approach to renovate student halls of residence, the University Management is pleased to report that the renovation of Lumumba Hall was completed in 2024, while that of Mary Stuart Hall is ongoing. On completion of the renovation of Mary Stuart Hall, the Contractors will proceed to Complex Hall.

The University has constructed two (2) new buildings for the School of Law and School of Dentistry. The Main Building was reconstructed and commissioned by His Excellency the President on 2nd October 2024.

In addition, two (2) structures are currently under construction namely the School of Public Health and the vertical extension of the School of Women and Gender Studies. In addition to Government support, we continue to receive support from our partners for infrastructure enhancement.

We Build for the Future

Mak Editor

Continue Reading

General

Prof. Nawangwe urges young people to take up leadership in innovation for the transformation of Africa

Published

on

Participants at the Scholars Council meeting pose for a group photo with Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe (Centre) in the Freedom Square. Makerere University hosts the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Council Representatives meeting, which brings together young people from around 45 partner universities of the Mastercard Foundation, 2nd February 2025, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

By the Program Communication Team

On Sunday, February 2, 2025, Makerere University hosted the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Council Representatives meeting, which brings together young people from around 45 partner universities of the Mastercard Foundation.

During the event, Vice Chancellor Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe urged young people to prepare for leadership roles in innovation, especially starting with their communities, if they wish to see the positive transformation they desire in Africa.

 “I urge you to connect and network with your peers and discuss how you can form inter-university teams to innovate solutions that will address the development challenges in our communities for the transformation of the African continent.” Prof. Nawangwe remarked.

Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, the Vice Chancellor, addressing the young people at the event. Makerere University hosts the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Council Representatives meeting, which brings together young people from around 45 partner universities of the Mastercard Foundation, 2nd February 2025, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, the Vice Chancellor, addressing the young people at the event.

Prof. Nawangwe applauded the Mastercard Foundation for its partnership with Makerere University and Uganda in general, which has uplifting effects on many young people.

Makerere University and Uganda have made remarkable strides in providing Higher Education to Young People, thanks to the generous support of the Mastercard Foundation, which has contributed significantly to educating the next generation of African leaders. Through valuable initiatives and partnerships, such as the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program, Makerere University is poised to continue educating young individuals who will significantly impact Uganda’s and Africa’s economic growth.” Prof. Nawangwe noted.

The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Nawangwe, further urged young people to seize the opportunities the Mastercard Foundation and other like-minded development partners presented to improve their lives and communities.

Prof. Nawangwe, flanked by Prof. Henry Alinaitwe, Prof. Justine Namaalwa, and officials from Mastercard Foundation listening attentively to presentations by young people. Makerere University hosts the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Council Representatives meeting, which brings together young people from around 45 partner universities of the Mastercard Foundation, 2nd February 2025, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Prof. Nawangwe, flanked by Prof. Henry Alinaitwe, Prof. Justine Namaalwa, and officials from Mastercard Foundation listening attentively to presentations by young people.

“The Mastercard Foundation has given you the platform and opportunity to be leaders and beacons of change. Embrace this responsibility with courage. Let the core values of the Scholars Program—humility, listening, kindness and respect, co-creation, and impact—guide your actions,” Prof. Nawangwe emphasized.

While speaking at the same event, the Program Director of the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Makerere University, Prof. Justine Namaalwa, enumerated high-level achievements the Program had accomplished for the last decade at Makerere University. She pointed out that in terms of scholarship enrolment, the Program had recruited 1,032 Scholars, of which 76% were Females, 7% were Internationals, 4% were Refugees, and about 1% were Youth with Disabilities.

Prof. Namaalwa further pointed out other post-graduation achievements, including a 94% completion rate of the total number of Scholars enrolled in the Scholars Program. She pointed out that between 2018 and 2025, the Program had graduated 964 Scholars, of which 37% were employed, mainly in the private sector.

Prof. Justine Namaalwa, the Program Director, addressing the audience. Makerere University hosts the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Council Representatives meeting, which brings together young people from around 45 partner universities of the Mastercard Foundation, 2nd February 2025, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Prof. Justine Namaalwa, the Program Director, addressing the audience.

Prof. Namaalwa revealed that beyond the Scholars Program, the Mastercard Foundation had put other initiatives supporting the university in numerous ways. She pointed out other initiatives such as the e-learning initiative, a COVID-19 Response measure to ensure continuity of Teaching and Learning at Makerere University and the Climate Resilience and Sustainability Collaborative: Makerere University, in collaboration with the University of Ghana, the University of Cape Town, and the University of Cambridge, is implementing a new initiative that addresses one of the world’s most significant challenges in recent times—climate change.

Prof. Namaalwa revealed that the Research Collaborative would provide opportunities for MSc and PhD scholarships to African students and encourage young people to enrol as graduate students starting in the academic year 2025/2026.

The event was punctuated with fireside chats, during which young people had an opportunity to discuss a number of topical issues related to entrepreneurship and Transformative leadership. Thereafter, the visiting students were taken on a guided tour around Makerere University.

Mr. Enoch Muwanguzi one of the young entrepreneurs exhibiting a shoe brush he had made during a fire-side chat. Makerere University hosts the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Council Representatives meeting, which brings together young people from around 45 partner universities of the Mastercard Foundation, 2nd February 2025, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Mr. Enoch Muwanguzi one of the young entrepreneurs exhibiting a shoe brush he had made during a fire-side chat.

The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Council comprises student leaders from partner Universities. Each Partner University has one Council Representative.  They represent the needs of Scholars and work with the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program teams at each institution, the Mastercard Foundation, and Alumni.

Mak Editor

Continue Reading

Trending