General
Vincent Lubega Nsamba sworn in as Makerere University’s 90th Guild President
By Ritah Namisango
His Excellency Vincent Lubega Nsamba is the 90th Guild President of Makerere University. This follows a swearing-in-ceremony held on Monday 18th March, 2024 at Makerere University Yusuf Lule Central Teaching Facility Auditorium.
According to the Chairperson of Makerere University Students Electoral Commission, Mr. Ramadhan Kirunda, the 90th Guild race attracted 16 contestants. On 7 th March 2024, Vincent Lubega Nsamba, a second-year student pursuing a Bachelor of Arts degree in Social Sciences, emerged the best with 2,540 votes out of the 11,500 cast.
During the swearing-in ceremony, the newly elected members of the Guild Representative Council (GRC) also took oath, including the first batch of six (6) cabinet members. They comprised: Joy Eve Sserunjogi (Vice Guild President), Adroni Rodney Adroni (Prime Minister), Shri Nakaziba (Deputy Prime Minister), Mutumba Robert (Minister for Culture, Mobilization and Social Affairs), Abuk Mary Garang (Minister for International Students’ Affairs), Godfrey Abura (Minister for Security), and Emojung Herman Kasaija (Minister for Student Affairs). The other categories of students’ leaders sworn-in included: leaders representing students with disabilities, Hall Chairpersons, the Games Union, to mention, but a few.
The Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe congratulated the Guild President and his entire leadership upon winning the trust of the students’ community. Represented by Prof. Henry Alinaitwe, the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Finance and Administration), the Vice Chancellor urged the 90th Students’ Guild to always work closely with the University Management to resolve issues.
“When you are facing challenges as students, discuss those issues with the University Management so that together, we can find solutions. The University Management values dialogue. I assure you of the University Management’s support,” he said.
The Vice Chancellor urged the student leaders to always remember their primary goal, which is academic excellence. He re-echoed the guidelines that stipulate that no student with a retake should contest for leadership. He therefore advised the freshly sworn-in student leaders to always balance academics and leadership.
In the same vein, Prof. Alinaitwe commended the Students and the Electoral Commission on the smooth transition of leadership from the 89th to the 90th Students’ Guild. He congratulated the 89 th Guild Government led by H.E. Robert Maseruka and H.E. Mariat Namiiro upon a successful tenure, characterised by dialogue and negotiations with the University Management.
Noting that the Guild President and Vice Guild President become Members of Council, the policy making organ of Makerere University, Prof. Alinaitwe advised the 90th Students’ Guild to uphold decisions of the University Council and ensure that the students’ body understands and appreciates the said decisions.
“If you take part in a meeting where a decision is made, remain consistent and true. Do not turn around when you meet fellow students, and deny that you were not part of the process leading to that decision. The University Council is the supreme governing body of the university. So, when decisions are made by the University Council, always guide your fellow students properly by ensuring that they understand and appreciate the decisions that are passed,” he guided.
In his maiden speech, H.E. Lubega Nsamba exalted God for enabling him to secure the guild presidency and equally thanked everyone who supported him throughout the campaign.
“I can profoundly say that Makerere University Guild Presidents are chosen by God. There have been so many challenges, but it has been God. I thank all of you that have supported me morally, financially, and spiritually throughout this uncertain journey,” he said.
Lubega Nsamba urged his fellow leaders to protect the rights and interests of the students that have entrusted them with the mandate to serve. Acknowledging the good work done by the outgoing 89th Guild Government, Lubega Nsamba pledged to carry on from where they stopped. He pledged to follow up the ongoing renovation of university infrastructure such as Halls of Residence, prioritizing the needs for students with disabilities, as well as creating employment opportunities for students to gain some income and be in position to clear tuition and functional fees on time. He underscored the need to use dialogue and diplomatic means to resolve issues pertaining to students and the University in general.
The Dean of Students, Mrs. Winifred Kabumbuli acknowledged the outgoing Guild President Robert Maseruka for advocating for the revival of social events especially the freshers’ ball and bazaar. She advised the 90th Students’ Guild to always listen to the voices of fellow students, uphold the values of inclusivity and strive for the betterment of the university.
Furthermore, Mrs. Kabumbuli appreciated Ms. Ruth Eteu Eyoku from the Department of the Academic Registrar, the Directorate of ICT Support Services (DICTS) and Mak Public Relations Office for working with the Dean of Students Department and the Students’ Electoral Commission during the election process.
In his remarks, the 90th Guild President, H.E Robert Maseruka rallied the incoming leadership to serve the students body with all their might. He noted that Makerere University is a breeding ground for national leaders, and the leadership journey that they have embarked on prepares them for so many opportunities.
The Guild Information Minister of the 90th Students’ Guild Government, Hon. Kevin Mugabi who is credited for ensuring a vibrant online presence of the students’ guild on X (@MakGuild) informed the 90th Students’ Guild that there was a lot of work to be done with respect to their service to students.
“Serve the students’ body so that what you leave behind is your legacy.”
Some of the dignitaries who graced the swearing-in-ceremony included: Hon. Frank Kabuye-Member of Parliament for Kassanda South, Dr. Ivan Ssempijja-Guild President Emeritus, Hon. Julius Kateregga- Guild President Emeritus and Member of Makerere University Council, Makerere University Imaam, Dr. Sowed Juma Mayanja who led the opening prayer and Rev. Dr. Lydia Nsaale Kitayimbwa, and Chaplain-St. Francis Chapel who led the closing prayer.
The occasion was also witnessed by the mother of the Guild President and his family members, Mr. Peter Rivan Muhereza (Principal Warden), Mr. Brian Nsubuga Miiro (Principal Sports Tutor), Ms. Norah Nalubowa (Warden-Mary Stuart Hall), Ms. Ritah Namisango (Principal PRO), Ms. Donah Keirungi (Warden-Complex Hall), Mr. Peter Mwanja (Warden-Warden, University Hall), Mr. Bruce Byamukama (Warden-Livingstone Hall), Mr. Rodney Rugyema (Warden-Nkrumah Hall), students, the media as well as Ms. Ruth Kitamirike, a former student leader who moderated the event.
General
Makerere University Set to Develop Curriculum to Transform Graduate Supervision and Mentorship
By Moses Lutaaya
KAMPALA – Makerere University is set to develop a curriculum for a specialized Certificate Course in Supervision and Mentoring for Graduate Training and Higher Education Management, in a move aimed at professionalizing graduate supervision and strengthening the capacity of academic staff to deliver quality postgraduate education.
The proposed programme will equip academic staff with advanced competencies in graduate-level teaching, research supervision, mentorship, and higher education management, while supporting the University’s agenda of improving the quality and relevance of graduate training.
The curriculum development process was discussed during a Stakeholders’ Curriculum Development Consultation Workshop held on Thursday, 18th June 2026 at the Senate Building Telepresence Hall, Makerere University.
The workshop, organized by the Directorate of Graduate Training in collaboration with the Centre for Teaching and Learning Support (CTLS), brought together curriculum specialists, academic staff, and higher education stakeholders to review and enrich the proposed curriculum before it proceeds through the University approval processes.
Participants included 11 lecturers from the College of Engineering, Design, Art and Technology (CEDAT), 3 from the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES), 2 from the College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Bio-security (CoVAB), 1 from the College of Humanities and Social Sciences (CHUSS), 4 from the College of Education and External Studies (CEES), among others.
The National Curriculum Development Centre (NCDC) was represented by Dr. Patrice Ssembirige, Deputy Executive Director in charge of Curriculum Review and Instructional Materials Development. The Centre for Teaching and Learning team was led by Dr. Dorothy Ssebowa, while Dr. Stephen Wandera coordinated the workshop.
Addressing participants, Prof. Julius Kikooma, Director Graduate Training at Makerere University, said the curriculum development initiative is central to strengthening graduate education and ensuring that academic staff are adequately prepared to support postgraduate learners.
Prof. Kikooma noted that Makerere University is targeting an increase in graduate student enrolment to 50 percent of the total student population, but emphasized that this ambition must be matched with investment in the capacity of academic staff who supervise and mentor students.
“We can get many graduate students, but if the people supporting them do not have the right tools and preparation, we will still have challenges,” Prof. Kikooma said.
He explained that the initiative responds to University policies requiring academic staff teaching graduate students to undergo pedagogical training, while those supervising graduate research must undergo specialized preparation in supervision and mentoring.
Prof. Kikooma said graduate supervision requires deliberate preparation because supervisors play a central role in shaping research quality, student success, and the overall effectiveness of postgraduate programmes.
He further emphasized Makerere University’s responsibility as a leading institution in the region.
“We have a double expectation. We must support the country to achieve its aspirations in national development, but we also have an expectation from other institutions to support them in building graduate training capacity. In that sense, we are a trainer of trainers,” he said.
Speaking on behalf of the National Curriculum Development Centre (NCDC), Dr. Patrice Ssembirige commended Makerere University for adopting a consultative and inclusive approach to curriculum development.
He noted that education systems globally are undergoing significant transformation, requiring continuous curriculum review and alignment with emerging needs.
“Education systems globally are undergoing significant transformation, and in Uganda, NCDC has been leading and spearheading the implementation of the competency-based curriculum,” Dr. Ssembirige said.
He explained that NCDC has developed competency-based curriculum frameworks at primary and lower secondary levels and is currently advancing reforms at upper secondary level, which feeds into higher education institutions.
Dr. Ssembirige said the new curriculum presents an opportunity to align graduate training with global trends, Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), international best practices, and national development priorities.
“As we develop this curriculum, we need to align with global trends, SDGs and international best practices. We also need to undertake comparative analysis because curriculum reforms are taking place across East African Community states,” he noted.
He encouraged developers to ensure that the programme follows competency-based principles and equips participants with relevant 21st-century skills.
“Since we are talking about competency-based curriculum, we must be cognizant of the principles of competency-based education and ensure that we develop skills that fit the demands of the 21st century,” he added.
Dr. Dorothy Ssebowa, Director of the Centre for Teaching and Learning Support at Makerere University, said the initiative marks an important step in strengthening professional development for academic staff involved in graduate education.
She noted that effective supervision requires more than disciplinary expertise, but also skills in mentorship, communication, research guidance, ethics, assessment, and student support.
“The quality of graduate education depends on the quality of mentorship and supervision we provide. This curriculum will strengthen the capacity of academic staff to guide graduate students effectively, improve research outcomes, and uphold the standards expected of a leading university,” Dr. Ssebowa said.
She added that the Centre for Teaching and Learning will continue working with the Directorate of Graduate Training, academic colleges, curriculum specialists, and regulators to ensure the programme remains relevant and impactful.
During the workshop, stakeholders reviewed the proposed curriculum structure, course content, competency areas, assessment strategies, quality assurance mechanisms, and alignment with national and international standards.
Once finalized, the programme is expected to strengthen graduate supervision at Makerere University and serve as a model for professional development across higher education institutions in Uganda and beyond.
General
Revised Advertisement for Positions of Principal and Deputy Principal at Makerere University
The Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, has called for strengthened graduate training and research systems, urging a significant scale-up in the production of Masters and PhD graduates to meet Uganda’s and Africa’s growing knowledge and development needs.
The call was made during an engagement with the College of Health Sciences leadership, where the Vice Chancellor underscored the strategic importance of research-intensive colleges in advancing the university’s mission and contributing to national transformation.
The Vice Chancellor noted that while the College of Health Sciences continues to make a substantial contribution to the university’s research output and remains one of the most productive units, there is need to further strengthen systems that support graduate training, supervision, and timely completion of studies.
He emphasized the need to increase postgraduate enrolment, with a target of raising graduate participation to 40 percent. According to him, expanding graduate training is essential for building a critical mass of highly skilled researchers capable of addressing Uganda’s and Africa’s development challenges.
Improving Completion Rates and Supervision
The Vice Chancellor highlighted concerns over graduate completion rates, noting that delays in supervision and academic support continue to affect timely graduation across many institutions.
He called for stronger supervision systems, improved mentorship, and more structured academic support to ensure that students complete their programmes within the stipulated timeframes.
“Completion of graduate programmes must be prioritized through effective supervision and structured academic support systems,” the Vice Chancellor emphasized.
Strengthening Research Output
The Vice Chancellor also stressed the need to enhance research productivity and visibility through increased publications, improved citation impact, and expanded access to competitive research funding.
He encouraged deeper collaboration among researchers, including co-supervision arrangements with international scholars and strengthened partnerships with other universities to enhance research quality and global competitiveness.
Investment in Infrastructure
The College Deputy Principal, Prof. Richard Iwa Idro, shared with the VC some of the college’s challenges which included low staffing levels at both academic and administrative levels, inadequate infrastructure and high staff turnover among others.
The Vice Chancellor reaffirmed the University’s commitment to improving infrastructure for teaching and research within the College of Health Sciences. He noted that ongoing and planned developments are aimed at strengthening PhD training environments and supporting advanced research activities.
He further emphasized the importance of expanding academic staffing and leveraging expertise from both active and retired scholars, including the appointment of honorary professors to support mentorship and research development.
Academic Accountability and Innovation
The Vice Chancellor reminded professors and associate professors of their responsibility to deliver inaugural lectures within stipulated timelines as part of academic accountability and recognition of scholarly contribution.
He also encouraged researchers to translate their work into innovation and practical solutions that contribute to Uganda’s socio-economic transformation, noting that research must go beyond publication to deliver real-world impact.
The Vice Chancellor reiterated that strengthening graduate training and research is central to achieving national development goals and enhancing Uganda’s competitiveness in the global knowledge economy.
He emphasized that sustained investment in Masters and PhD training, combined with stronger research systems, will be critical in producing the next generation of scholars, innovators, and leaders required to drive sustainable development.
The Vice Chancellor was accompanied by the Academic Registrar, Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi, the Director DRIP, Prof. Robert Wamala, Prof. Edward Bbaale, who represented the Deputy VC in charge of Academic Affairs, Prof. Fredrick Muyodi, the Director of the Writing Centre, Dr. Margaret Nagwovuma, the Deputy Director of Makerere University Technology and Innovation Centre, Prof. William Tayeebwa, the Manager of Makerere Press and Prof. Kikooma Julius, the Director of Graduate Training. The officials shared with staff how staff can benefit from their offices.
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