General
Mak DARP Project Launch to Revolutionise Management of Academic Records
Published
2 years agoon
By
Mak Editor
By Ritah Namisango
“This initiative, funded by the Government of Uganda through Makerere University Research and Innovations Fund in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation, represents a significant step forward in our efforts to modernize and digitalize our academic processes. It’s therefore with great pleasure and pride that I launch the Digitalization of Academic Records and Processes project at Makerere University, and I commission the Registry of Students’ Records and the Archive of Students’ Records,” stated the Minister of Education and Sports, Hon. Janet Kataaha Museveni represented by the State Minister for Higher Education, Hon. John C. Muyingo.
As the world continually evolves from manual and traditional methods of records management to modern and digitalized processes, Makerere University launched the Digitalization of Academic Records and Processes (DARP) project to ease the storage, retrieval and acquisition of academic documents by her stakeholders.
The project has digitalized records and implemented new processes as well as established a digital state-of-the-art storage facility at the Senate Building to securely store university academic documents. The digitization process comes along with a university policy that guides on how to record, manage, retrieve and dispose of records not in use. This project is designed to reduce on the substantial amount of space that paper storage systems occupy as well as safeguard records from disasters like fire.

Officiating at the launch of the DARP project on Friday 19th April, 2024 at Makerere University Freedom Square, Hon. John C. Muyingo, affirmed on behalf of Hon. Janet Kataaha Museveni that the launch was a significant milestone in the history of Makerere University.
The Education and Sports Minister further noted that in today’s fast-paced world, universities must manage massive amounts of academic information, and efficient record keeping necessitates that the information is accurate, accessible and secure, benefiting both the institution and its stakeholders. She noted that the DARP system would streamline the processes of managing and accessing academic records, resulting in significant timesaving for students and other stakeholders at the university and beyond.
“Digitalization of academic records and processes is an innovation set to revolutionize the way records are managed by addressing pressing public concerns such as efficiency, security, integrity and accessibility as well as eliminating the unnecessary delays in the processes. The traditional manual approach, while effective in its time has become increasingly challenging to sustain in this digital world, therefore, digitalizing academic records and processes provide crucial responses to the monotonous questions that the outdated manual system never addressed,” stated the Minister’s speech.

Having outlined the challenges and risks that the traditional paper-based record keeping systems present such as the storage space factor, the risk of mixing active and inactive records, the high rate of wear and tear as well as vulnerability to manipulation of records, the Minister commended Makerere University on the enviable track record of efficiently managing and securely storing its academic documents, Senate minutes, curricula, examination results and students files for nearly a century, despite political upheavals and other challenges.
She observed that digitalized systems would make academic records more accessible to the students and eliminate the frustration of delays caused by bureaucratic inefficiencies and the outdated paper system, enabling them to timely take the necessary steps in academic and professional progression.
As the University embarked on its journey of digital transformation, Hon. Janet Kataaha Museveni equally applauded Makerere for continuously upholding its commitment to academic excellence, research and innovation. She advised the fraternity to stay committed to the principles of innovation and inclusiveness that define the University. As such, she urged them to embrace the digital transformation wholeheartedly so as to harness the power of technology and enable Makerere University to remain a beacon of excellence in the academic world.

“Since its establishment in 1922, Makerere University has been a beacon of knowledge and learning, shaping the minds of generations of students and contributing significantly to the development of our nation, Africa and the world at large. Thank you for these brains. Your hard work, expertise, and dedication were instrumental in building this DARP project to realization. I am confident that you will have a lasting and positive impact on this university and the entire education sector, not only in Uganda, but the entire world,” said Hon. Janet Museveni.
The First Lady expressed her gratitude for the partnership with Mastercard Foundation and the support it renders in advancing education and innovation at Makerere University.
The Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe highlighted that the launch of the DARP project was not only a landmark achievement for Makerere University, but also a confirmation of the importance that the University Council and Management attach to the role that digitalization and e-services play in implementation of the University strategic plan that continually strives for a professionally managed university.

The Vice Chancellor revealed that the official launch of the DARP Project, undertaken in-house by a hardworking team of University staff, was a financial gain on the part of the University and an additional asset in the quest to improve efficiency and effectiveness as far as the University academic records and processes are concerned.
“Our current drive has been the continued digitalization of various business processes and services so as to be more responsive to the dynamic needs of our students, staff and stakeholders. We have been able to achieve this through intentional development of our in-house information systems development capacity, which has saved us a lot of funds in terms of initial purchase as well as annual license renewal costs,” said the Vice Chancellor.
Prof. Nawangwe stated that the DARP project has greatly contributed to the timely and improved service delivery to students and clients. He added that the ultimate goal is to enable students download their own transcripts without need for elaborate physical processes at the university.

“During the 74th graduation ceremony, Makerere University was able to issue academic transcripts to qualifying students before graduation. I am pleased to inform you that we succeeded in issuing of academic transcripts before the graduation date because of the DARP project, which we are launching today. With the digitalization of students’ academic records, the University is now in a better position to provide the required information and data on time,” said the Vice Chancellor.
Prof. Nawangwe elaborated that Makerere, being Uganda’s Premier University has been a major beneficiary of several initiatives aimed at improving ICT infrastructure and connectivity. He added that the University has been able to achieve this largely due to the generous donations of the Government of Uganda and other development partners. He thanked His Excellency Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, the President of Uganda whose support led to the creation of the Research and Innovations Fund (Mak-RIF) in the 2019/2020 financial year with initial funding of UGX 30 Billion.
He revealed that the funding has continued to be availed throughout the last five financial years, which is clear demonstration that the Government of Uganda esteems Research and Innovation as catalysts to Uganda’s continued march from a peasant to a modern and prosperous country.

“I am proud to say that Mak-RIF has transformed Makerere’s academic and research landscape tremendously. Over the last five Financial Years, we have worked with other key stakeholders including Government ministries, institutions, agencies, organizations, and the private sector. Together, we have continued to increase the local generation of translatable research and scalable innovations that address key gaps required to drive Uganda’s development agenda, especially the un-funded priorities” stated Prof. Nawangwe.
In the same spirit, the Vice Chancellor applauded the Principal Investigator and Team Leader DARP, Mrs. Patience Rubabinda Mushengyezi and all the Team Members for the hard work that has improved the status of academic records and processes from manual processes to e-services. The DARP project is a collaboration between the Academic Registrar’s Department, College of Education and Externals Studies (CEES), College of Computing and Information Sciences (CoCIS) and the Directorate of Information and Communication Technology Support (DICTS). The DARP Project team includes: Prof. Betty Ezati, Dr. Peace Tumuheki, Dr. David Luyombya, Dr. Joyce Bukirwa, Ms. Ruth Iteu Eyoku, Mr. Juma Katongole, Mr. Joshua Muhumuza and Mr. Lubowa Gyaviira.
The Vice Chancellor also thanked the Makerere University Research and Innovations Fund (Mak-RIF) and the Mastercard Foundation for supporting different phases of the DARP Project.

Mrs. Lorna Magara, the Chairperson of Makerere University Council acknowledged that launching the DARP project at Makerere University marked a significant step forward in digitalizing higher education services. She underscored that the transformational power of digitalization could not be overstated. She stated that by implementing an Academic Records Management System, the University would streamline the tracking and retrieval of academic files and establish a robust platform for digital certification and record verification.
“In an era where credential fraud poses a significant challenge, the DARP Project reinforces transparency, trust, and confidence in our academic processes. It is testament to our commitment to excellence. The DARP Project heralds a new era; one where our certificates and transcripts are shielded against increasingly sophisticated forgeries. By providing digitally verifiable academic documents, we empower employers worldwide to expedite verification procedures,” she articulated.
The Chairperson stated that Makerere University aims to create a dynamic and integrated learning environment with a goal to equip students with the skills and knowledge needed to thrive in an ever-evolving world. She emphasized the need to prioritize student-centeredness and adaptability which vision perfectly aligns with the DARP Project to ensure that the most deserving students can compete fairly in the job market alongside genuinely qualified candidates.

She advised that a system’s effectiveness hinges on the quality of input it receives, therefore, meticulous attention to detail is essential to ensure that the necessary information is accurately fed into the system to yield the expected outcomes. She recommended that vigilant effort has to be invested in ensuring quality processes in how the information is gathered and fed into the system, and the quality of persons tasked to do the work.
Mrs. Magara praised the DARP Principal Investigator for initiating the project in support of the University’s efforts to; address the critical element of maintaining integrity of academic records, significantly contributing to the University’s commitment to digitizing systems, and upgrading the process of archiving of records for ease in verification, certification, and retrieval.
She also extended appreciation to the Government of Uganda for the provision of funds through Mak-RIF, and to Mastercard Foundation for the provision of equipment and other support that will facilitate safe processing and storage of the academic documents.

The Principal Investigator and Team Leader, DARP project, Mrs. Patience Rubabinda Mushengyezi proclaimed that the launch of the project was the birth of a new era in records management at Makerere University.
To enable the audience to understand and appreciate the situation before the DARP project, Mrs. Mushengyezi shared a documentary that highlighted the transformation from a purely manual process to a digital one. She added that the digitalization of student records from the 1980s changes the narrative of delays and long queues to fast, timely and friendly services to the students.
The Principal investigator disclosed that the DARP project team’s aspiration was to have the digitalization of students’ records rolled out in all the schools and colleges of the University. She observed that because of the hard work of the DARP team, they now have clear and well organized documents and the ‘ugly’ records shall never be seen again since they no longer exist. She expressed gladness that what started as a vision had become reality, culminating in the launch of the DARP project.

“Today, Makerere University is launching a new era of digital transformation in the management of students’ records and service delivery. We are changing the narrative of long queues, lengthy processes and we are now moving to efficient and digital services. We are here also to commission the registry of the students’ records and archive. The registry has been fitted with modern shelves with the capacity of storing over 30,000 students files but as we have seen, there is room for improvement and expansion. The archive has been fitted with modern shelves that have a capacity of storing over 100,000 students’ files and 21 wagons will store 170,000 students’ files,” Mrs. Mushengyezi declared.
Recalling the genesis of the DARP Project, Mrs. Mushengyezi shared that when the Government allocated support to the university’s research and innovations fund in 2019, she approached her colleagues and together, they submitted a project proposal. The project identified several challenges which were affecting records management at Makerere University namely; manual records handling, inadequate storage space, inadequate security for records, inexistent policy on records management, and lack of a system to streamline records management. The DARP project therefore set out to address these gaps with the ultimate goal of operating e-services.

“The objectives of DARP Project were to digitalize academic processes including students’ files and examination results and other documents like senate minutes. We wished to establish a students’ records verification and certification Centre. We also wanted to use ICT to improve efficiency in conducting senate meetings and to archive existing manual documents into properly bound and referenced files. It has been a lot of hard work by the project team, but we have seen God’s hand in this transformational journey. I wish to say that we have achieved 95% of our objectives,” Mrs. Mushengyezi stated.
The Principal Investigator noted that the DARP project had created efficiency in the academic Registrar’s department with ability to generate reports on number of students by categories such as course, graduation cohort, academic disciplines i.e. Medicine, Law, Engineering etc., current enrolment and progression, as well as policies passed by the University Senate per year, and so on.

She thanked the Government of Uganda for funding the entire process by providing laptops, access control systems, CCTV cameras, printers, furniture, archival boxes, the 21 shelves, the wagons, stationery and facilitation of the entire team. She also thanked Mastercard Foundation for the support through the relief fund.
She appreciated the entire Makerere University Council and Management for the support rendered towards the establishment of the DARP project and for prioritizing the Project as a university programme. In a very special way, she acknowledged Prof. William Bazeyo, the former Deputy Vice Chancellor (Finance and Administration), Prof. Fred Masagazi Masaazi-Chairperson of Mak-RIF Grants Management Committee (GMC), Prof. Umar Kakumba, Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic Affairs), Mr. Alfred Masikye Namoah, former Academic Registrar and the Academic Registrar, Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi, the University Secretary, Mr. Yusuf Kiranda, Deputy Registrars namely Mr. Charles Ssentongo and Mr. Tom Otim, for providing tireless support.

In addition, she recognized the supervisors in the Directorate of Research and Graduate namely Prof. Edward Bbaale and Ms. Prossie Nakayiki.
The Principal Investigator, Mrs. Mushengyezi also appreciated the members of staff whom she referred to as DARP Foot Soldiers for organizing, sorting and scanning the records.
In recognition of her selfless service and leadership, the DARP project team members through the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe presented Mrs. Patience Mushengyezi with a plaque and bouquet of flowers.

The DARP project launch was graced by the Chancellor Emeritus, Prof. Ezra Suruma, Members of Parliament, Vice Chancellors of other Universities, former Vice Chancellors, former Deputy Vice Chancellors in charge of Finance and Administration, the Makerere University Students’ Guild, and Mrs. Mushengyezi’s family. The Chaplain, St. Francis Chapel, Rev. Dr. Lydia Nsaale Kitayimbwa led the opening prayer while the event was moderated by Dr. Zahara Nampewo, the Deputy Principal of the School of Law and Ms. Ritah Namisango, Principal Public Relations Officer and Chairperson of the Protocol, Publicity and Media Sub-Committee for the launch. The Department of Performing Arts and Film was on hand to lead the anthems and keep the guests entertained.
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General
RIMS Implementation to End Supervision Delays, Enhance Transparency, Close Gaps and Boost Research Excellence at Makerere University
Published
2 days agoon
March 27, 2026By
Mak Editor
By Moses Lutaaya
Kampala, Uganda — 27th March 2026: Makerere University has intensified its push toward digital transformation in graduate education with the implementation of the Research Information Management System (RIMS), a platform expected to end supervision delays, enhance transparency, close long-standing gaps, and boost research excellence.
Leading this shift, the Director of Graduate Training at Makerere University, Prof. Julius Kikooma, emphasized that the initiative is part of ongoing collaboration with academic units.
“Our visit to the Institute of Gender and Development Studies is part of continuous engagement to strengthen graduate training,” Prof. Kikooma said. “RIMS is not just about technology—it is about improving how students and supervisors work together, how progress is tracked, and how the university ensures quality and timely completion.”
He noted that the university is already making strides in graduate output, citing a recent milestone of over 200 PhD graduates, with 40 percent female representation—an indicator of progress toward gender equity.
“We want to push that to 50 percent,” he said. “RIMS will help us get there by providing data, improving coordination, and addressing inefficiencies in supervision and monitoring.”
Prof. Kikooma emphasized that the system will also support the university’s broader goals, including internationalization and improved research productivity, by streamlining application, supervision, and reporting processes.
“With digitization now fully underway, we cannot go back,” he said. “RIMS will allow supervisors to track student performance in real time, and management will be able to access accurate reports at the click of a button.”
He added that adoption of the system is mandatory for all academic staff, noting that it will become a key tool for measuring performance and institutional accountability.
Building on this vision, Prof. Ruth Nsibirano, Director of the Institute of Gender and Development Studies, highlighted how RIMS will directly address supervision gaps that have historically affected graduate completion.
“I’m very certain RIMS is going to bridge the gap between supervisors and supervisees,” she said. “It will ensure constant updates, structured engagement, and clear records of progress for every student.”

Prof. Nsibirano explained that one of the major challenges in the past has been the lack of visibility in supervision, where both students and supervisors operated without clear documentation of their interactions.
“Knowledge of what was happening was often missing because supervisors and students remained distant,” she said. “Now, there will be records showing when supervision took place, what was discussed, and who has not been responsive.”
She noted that this transparency will significantly improve efficiency and reduce delays on both sides.
“Both students and supervisors will know that their work is being tracked,” she said. “This awareness alone will improve accountability and reduce unnecessary delays.”
However, she cautioned that while RIMS will strengthen supervision systems, financial challenges facing graduate students remain a critical issue.
“We must also address the reality of limited financial support,” she said. “Even with strong systems, students still need resources to complete their studies.”
Prof. Nsibirano expressed confidence that both staff and students are ready to adopt the digital platform, noting that familiarity with technology is no longer a major barrier.
At the operational level, Dr. Julius Mugisa, Coordinator of Graduate Studies at the Institute, underscored the practical impact RIMS will have on day-to-day supervision.
“In fact, it is a very good system. It will facilitate easy supervision,” Dr. Mugisa said. “Previously, you could send comments to a student and wait five weeks without a response. Now, the system will clearly show who is delaying and who is not.”
He emphasized that the transparency of RIMS will eliminate guesswork and misunderstandings by ensuring that all supervision activities are recorded and accessible.
“There will be clear evidence of engagement—comments, timelines, and responses,” he said. “This removes the blame game and helps everyone focus on progress.”
Dr. Mugisa dismissed concerns that increased monitoring might intimidate supervisors, instead framing it as a positive step toward professionalism.
“We are here to do our work for the university,” he said. “The system is not about punishment—it is about improving efficiency and ensuring that responsibilities are fulfilled.”
He added that the accountability introduced by RIMS will encourage timely feedback and active participation from both supervisors and students.
“When you know the system is tracking progress, it helps you stay on course,” he said. “Monitoring is important, and it benefits everyone.”
Dr. Mugisa also noted that improved supervision and faster feedback could enhance Makerere University’s attractiveness to prospective graduate students.
“Students want assurance that their work will be reviewed on time,” he said. “With RIMS, that confidence will increase, and more students will be encouraged to enroll.”
As Makerere University continues to implement RIMS across its academic units, leaders believe the system will mark a turning point in graduate education—driving efficiency, strengthening accountability, closing supervision gaps, and positioning the institution as a leader in research excellence in Africa.
General
Custodians and Wardens trained on Fire prevention in Halls of Residence
Published
2 days agoon
March 27, 2026
Staff members from the Office of the Dean of Students have undergone a hands-on training on fire safety and prevention in halls of residence.
The training, held on Thursday, March 26, 2026, at University Hall, focused on equipping custodians and wardens with essential skills and knowledge on fire prevention, evacuation procedures and response strategies in case of emergencies.
“In our safeguarding initiatives, we want to create an environment that is safe and secure for our students and staff. Given that we have experienced fires at the University, we decided to train custodians and wardens because they are the first responders and decision-makers in case a fire breaks out in any Hall of Residence,” said Dr. Winifred Kabumbuli, the Dean of Students.

In 2020, Makerere University’s Main Building, commonly known as the Ivory Tower, caught fire, destroying valuable property. Earlier in 2018, a fire gutted Mary Stuart Hall, a female residence. The fire, which started in the ground-floor canteen, spread to other floors but was successfully contained by the Uganda Police.
Speaking in February 2025 during the release of the 2024 Annual Crime Report at the Police Headquarters in Naguru, the Director of Fires and Rescue Services, AIGP Stephen Tanui, revealed that Kampala Metropolitan recorded the highest number of fire incidents in the Country with 933 cases in 2024.

He warned that Uganda’s rapid urbanisation would increase fire incidents unless deliberate prevention measures are adopted.
“We have had fire incidents at Africa Hall, Nsibirwa and Livingstone. Some students also prepare their own meals, which increases the risk of fire outbreaks. It is therefore timely for our staff to acquire basic knowledge on fire prevention and how to respond effectively when a fire occurs,” Dr. Kabumbuli noted.
Speaking to the participants, Mr. Levi Mwesigye, a certified fire safety trainer with NCOSAH Consults (Occupational Safety and Health Administration), emphasized the importance of proactive fire prevention. He explained that three elements, heat, fuel and oxygen are necessary for a fire to exist.

“Always ensure that fire detection systems are in place to identify fires at an early stage. Additionally, ensure fire protection systems such as portable extinguishers are functional and regularly serviced so that fires can be contained promptly,” advised.
In his presentation, Mr. Mwesigye also urged Wardens to install clear directional signage in Halls of Residence to enhance safety and facilitate quick evacuation during emergencies.
“Fires spread much faster than you might think. Always have a backup escape plan in case your main escape route becomes blocked. If you can’t put out the fire in 5 secondsor less, the fire is too large. Get out and always prioritize persons with disabilities, women, the sick, and other vulnerable individuals to ensure they are evacuated safely,” Mr. Mwesigye, said.

Apart from training the staff about fire safety at the University, the staff also received fire prevention tips applicable to their homes such as; never to sleep in a house without water, to always have a centralized place where they keep the house key so that it is easy to find during evacuation.
“For those who have gas cylinders at home, in case of a leakage, open doors and windows to reduce the concentration of gas. If the cylinder catches fire, soak a towel or blanket in water and use it to cover the cylinder. This can help to put out the fire,” Mr. Mwesigye explained.
When using a fire extinguisher
Participants received practical demonstrations on the use of fire extinguishers and learned how to identify and manage small-scale fires before they escalate into life-threatening emergencies. Tips included:
- Stand several feet away from the fire, only moving closer once the fire starts to diminish.
- Use a slow, sweeping motion and aim the fire extinguisher nozzle at the base of the fire.
- If possible, use a “buddy system” to have someone back you up or to call for help if something goes wrong.
- Be sure to watch the area for a while to ensure the fire does not re-ignite.
Deciding to Use a Fire Extinguisher
Before attempting to put out a fire with a portable fire extinguisher, one must quickly answer the following questions:
- Have the building’s occupants been notified?
- Has someone called the Fire Brigade?
- Are the exit routes clear and safely accessible?
- Do I have the right type of extinguisher for the type of fire?
- Is the extinguisher large enough for the fire?
- Is the fire small and containable?
If the Answer to the above is NO, Then;
- Leave the building immediately.
- Shut all doors as you leave to slow the spread of the fire.
- As soon as you get out of the building, call the Police.
Education
Makerere University Charts New Future with the unveiling of the Open, Distance and E‑Learning Building and Strategic Plan
Published
4 days agoon
March 25, 2026
By Harriet Musinguzi, CEDAT
Makerere University has embarked on a transformative journey in higher education with the official launch of its Open, Distance and E‑Learning (ODeL) Strategic Plan and the laying of the foundation stone for a new ODeL facility at the College of Engineering, Design, Art and Technology (CEDAT). The event, attended by dignitaries, university leaders, and international partners, marked a milestone in Uganda’s quest to harness digital technology for accessible, innovative, and inclusive education.
Presiding over the ceremony, Ms. Jihee Ahn, Country Director of the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA), underscored the spirit of collaboration that has defined the project. She praised the collective efforts of Korean partners, Makerere’s project management team, and the construction and consulting teams.
Quoting an African proverb, she reminded the audience that “a single stick cannot make fire”, emphasizing that the success of the initiative lies in shared purpose and unity. Drawing from Korean wisdom, she added, “a journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step,” noting that this launch is the first step toward positioning Makerere as a leader in open and distance education across Africa.
“This new building will not be just a physical structure but a driving force that advances our shared vision,” Ms. Ahn said. “KOICA looks forward to continued cooperation with Makerere University and all partners as we move forward together.” she added.
Representing the University Council Chairperson Dr. Lorna Magara, Dr. Silas Ngabirano highlighted the broader significance of the ODeL project. He described it as a turning point in bridging the gap between traditional teaching methods and modern learning needs. “This project is more than just providing technology,” he said. “It’s about enhancing capacity for our students, faculty, and staff. It’s about making education more accessible and affordable, fostering innovation, creativity, and lifelong learning.” He urged staff and students to embrace the opportunities offered by online distance learning, reaffirming the Council’s commitment to supporting initiatives that expand access to higher education.

The Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, represented by Deputy Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs Prof. Sarah Ssali, emphasized that e‑learning is a central pillar in Makerere’s Strategic Plan (2026–2030). She noted that the initiative aligns with Uganda’s National Development Plan IV, which prioritizes digital transformation by 2030.
“ODeL provides opportunities for students inside and outside Uganda to engage in learning, access cutting-edge research, and participate in innovation and entrepreneurship,” he said. “Now that ODeL is getting a home, there is no excuse for not delivering.”

Prof. Nawangwe expressed gratitude to KOICA and the people of Korea for the US$12.2 milliongrant, describing it as a testament to Makerere’s reputation as a center of academic excellence and innovation. He also acknowledged the support of Uganda’s Ministry of Education and Sports and the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development.

The Principal Investigator, Prof. Henry Alinaitwe, outlined three core components of the project: the development of the ODeL Masterplan, the enhancement of e‑learning infrastructure through a state‑of‑the‑art facility and modern equipment, and capacity building to equip staff with the skills needed to create high‑quality digital content. He explained that the construction, valued at USD 3.7 million, is being undertaken by SMS Construction Ltd, with designs developed by ArchForum Consultants Ltd, and is scheduled for completion by September 29, 2027.
Prof. Henry Alinaitwe explained that the ODeL Masterplan was developed through a highly consultative process, engaging numerous Makerere University staff and working closely with project consultants to ensure inclusivity and relevance. He expressed deep appreciation to the implementing partners, the Korea National Open University (KNOU) and the Korea Institute ofDevelopment Strategy (KDS) for their invaluable support in making the initiative a success.

Prof. Alinaitwe also commended the Makerere University Council for approving the allocation of space and committing to maintain the building and systems once operational. He recognized the dedication of the project implementation team, which includes Dr. Venny Nakazibwe(Co‑PI), Prof. Paul Muyinda, Dr. Godfrey Mayende, Mr. Samuel Mugabi, Mr. Alex Mwebaze, Dr. Kenneth Ssemwogerere, and Dr. Lydia Mazzi Ndandiko, for their tireless efforts in managing the project. He further acknowledged KOICA Country Director Ms. Jihee Ahn for expanding the scope of the project beyond the College of Engineering, Design, Art and Technology (CEDAT) to encompass
Written by Musinguzi Harriet, Principal Communication Officer, College of Engineering, Design, Art and Technology.
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