The Department of Adult and Community Education, under the School of Distance and Lifelong Learning, is currently hosting 17 exchange students from the University of Agder, Norway, as part of a one-month field course. The program, which began with an induction on January 6^th, 2025, aims to provide the students with practical learning experiences at both the university and community levels.

Immersive Learning in Uganda

The exchange program is designed to immerse students in the everyday realities of life in Uganda. A highlight of the initiative is a one-week homestay in Mbale, where students will live with local households. This arrangement provides a unique opportunity for the students to experience the cultural, social, and economic aspects of daily life in Uganda, fostering a deeper understanding of the challenges and opportunities faced by the community. Makerere University is partnering with Mission: Moving Mountains, a Christian Organization in Mbale to organize the home stays and coordinate Community Learning

Beyond the homestay, the students will engage in community and household-based learning activities in the Eastern and Northern regions of Uganda. These activities will include interactions with local families, community leaders, and organizations, enabling them to appreciate the intricate relationships between culture, gender, education, and development in Uganda.

This Field Course Program is Coordinated by Dr. Watuleke Joseph and Ms. Nuluyati Nalwadda at the Department of Adult and Community Education and this is the 7^th cohort since 2017 with the 2021 conducted virtually due to COVID-19

Induction Ceremony Highlights

The induction ceremony, held at Makerere University, introduced the exchange students to Uganda’s rich cultural heritage and the socio-economic dynamics that shape family and community life. Key sessions included:

• An Overview of Ugandan Culture, which explored traditions, norms, and values.
• Gender, Culture, and Education, focusing on how these intersect to influence marriage and family life in Uganda.

The event was graced by the Dean of the School of Distance and Lifelong Learning, Dr. Harriet Nabushawo, emphasized the importance of international partnerships in fostering cross-cultural understanding and advancing lifelong learning. She remarked:

“This program is a testament to the power of collaboration in education. By bringing students from diverse backgrounds into our communities, we create a platform for mutual learning and cultural exchange. The knowledge gained here will not only enrich the students’ academic journey but also contribute to building bridges between Uganda and Norway. I encourage you to immerse yourselves fully in this experience, embrace the culture, and build lasting connections.”

Dr. Nabushawo also highlighted Makerere University’s commitment to offering transformative educational experiences that extend beyond the classroom, reinforcing the institution’s role as a leader in lifelong learning and community engagement.

She also encouraged them to engage in tourism in an effort to enjoy their stay in Uganda.

The Head of the Department of Adult and Community Education, Dr. Stella Achen. Also welcomed the students to Makerere University and commended the initiative for its focus on community-based learning. She noted:

“This program is unique in its approach to education. By stepping out of the university and into Ugandan households and communities, you are not just learning about our culture—you are living it. I urge you to approach this journey with curiosity, respect, and an open mind. The communities you will engage with have rich knowledge and stories to share. In turn, you can contribute by sharing your perspectives, fostering an exchange of ideas that benefits all parties involved.”

Dr. Achen also commended the households in Mbale for their hospitality and willingness to host the students, underscoring the vital role of communities in creating impactful learning opportunities.

On their second day of stay, the students were guided by the Principal of the College of Education and External Studies, Prof. Anthony Muwagga Muggaga, who shared his vast experience with different cultures in different countries and advised the students to embrace cultural diversity and tolerance, knowing that culture differs from context to context. He also advised them on personal safety and security, noting that while Uganda is a safe country, they should not be found moving alone especially at night as bad people could take advantage of them. He assured them of University Management Support while delivering the greetings from the Vice Chancellor and his deputies.

A Shared Commitment to Lifelong Learning

The exchange program is a reflection of Makerere University’s dedication to lifelong learning and community engagement. It provides a unique opportunity for the students to explore Uganda’s socio-cultural landscape while gaining practical skills that will enrich their academic and professional careers.

As the program unfolds, it is expected to strengthen the partnership between Makerere University and the University of Agder, fostering a legacy of collaboration that benefits students, faculty, and communities in both countries.

1.        HOW TO APPLY

Application will be online using the AIMS System after getting a pay reference number but you will have to submit certified copies of your Diploma transcripts and certificates and a passport size photograph to office 310, level 3 Senate Building after payment of application fees.

2.        MAKERERE UNIVERSITY ONLINE APPLICATION PORTAL USERGUIDE

1. Applicants should access the Institution’s Admissions URL http://apply.mak.ac.ug
2. Sign up using full name, e-mail and Mobile No.  Please note that your name must be similar to the one on your supporting academic documents for your application to be considered valid.  If you changed your names please go to Senate Building Office 301 with an affidavit supporting the name change.
3. A password will be sent to both your e-mail and mobile number.
4. The system will prompt you to change the password to the one you can easily remember.
5. To fill a form the applicant clicks on the APPLY NOW button displayed on the running scheme.
6. Obtain a payment advice slip by clicking on “Pay for Form” button
7. Make a payment at any of  bank used by URA

8. Print the filled form and attach certified copies of your academic documents.

3.        PROCEDURE FOR OBTAINING A PAYMENT REFERENCE NUMBER FOR

            PAYMENT OF APPLICATION FEES

1. Go the payment reference site: https//:payments.mak.ac.ug
2. Fill in your name;
3. Fill in your email;

• Fill in your telephone number – Go to the next
• Click on the option number;
• Application fee is 50,000/=(Undergraduate) continue and get the pay reference number
• Go to the Bank and pay
• Go to room 310 Senate Building and submit certified copies of your academic documents.

WARNING

•      Applicants are strongly warned against presenting forged or other people’s

Academic documents to support their applications for admission.  The                          consequences, if discovered, are very grave indeed.

•      Do not buy any other documents not originating from the Academic Registrar’s Office.  Those who buy them do so at their own risk.
•      The Academic Registrar has not appointed any agents to act on his behalf to solicit for additional funds other than the application fee stated above.

The deadline for receiving applications is 28th February 2025.

Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi
ACADEMIC REGISTRAR

Over 240 students graduated with certificates and diplomas from the College of Education and External Studies (CEES) under the Love Binti Program, which offers training in fashion design and hairdressing.

Speaking at the graduation ceremony on December 13, 2024, Mr. Joseph Watuleke, the program coordinator at Makerere University, noted that while the program has provided free training for seven years, this year’s graduates were required to co-fund 50% of their tuition to ensure sustainability. Due to rising demand, the college introduced diploma-level training and plans to expand into other vocational courses.

Preparing Job Creators, Not Job Seekers

As the global focus shifts from creating job seekers to fostering job creators, graduates from the Love Binti Program expressed interest in pursuing higher education to enhance their qualifications. They called for universities to prioritize vocational courses at the degree level, citing the growing youth unemployment crisis.

“Universities are still producing job seekers, leaving many graduates unemployed due to a lack of practical skills,” said Mr. Moses Conrad Yesuanjagala, a fashion and design graduate. “If more students were enrolled in vocational training, they would be job-ready upon graduation.”

The students made this plea during the Love Binti International graduation ceremony held at Makerere University’s Rugby Grounds, where 244 students were conferred ordinary and advanced certificates in fashion and design.

Transforming Dreams into Reality

Since its founding in 2018, Love Binti International has graduated 1,930 students in Uganda in hairdressing and fashion design. Mr. Yesuanjagala, 53, expressed gratitude for the opportunity, sharing how his lifelong dream of becoming a fashion designer came true through the program.

“I’m a father of grown children, but I still pursued this knowledge because the skills are practical and marketable,” he said, urging universities to embrace vocational skilling.

Similarly, Ms. Sarah Apio, a fellow fashion and design graduate, called on her peers to pursue their passions fearlessly. “The world needs your unique perspective, talent, and passion. Don’t be afraid to challenge the status quo and pursue your dreams,” she advised.

Institutional Support and Future Prospects

Dr. Jimmy Tibs Tumwesigye, representing the Department of Adult and Community Education at Makerere, emphasized the need for continuous skilling beyond formal education. He encouraged graduates to form groups and apply for government programs like the Parish Development Model and Emyooga for startup capital.

“Be our ambassadors and train at least five more people. That is how we build a skilled and self-reliant society,” he urged.

Dr. Harriet Nabushawo, Dean of the School of Distance and Lifelong Learning, served as the guest of honor. She encouraged graduates to remain proactive, collaborate, and seek out new knowledge and designs online.

On behalf of Makerere University, Dr. Nabushawo pledged continued support for the program, which has been hosted at the university for seven years.

Founder’s Vision and Sustainability Plans

Ms. Elle Yang, founder and executive director of Love Binti International, shared her vision of empowering African men and women through vocational training to combat unemployment. Initially offering fully sponsored programs, she introduced a co-funding model this year due to rising enrollment.

“Instead of giving you fish, I wanted to teach you how to catch it. These skills, if used well, can change your life,” she affirmed.