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Ashinaga Uganda Delegation Visits Mak, Discusses Long-standing Partnership

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Makerere University proudly hosted a delegation from Ashinaga Uganda on the 23rd of July 2024 marking a significant moment in the long-standing partnership between the two esteemed institutions. The meeting in the office of Vice-Chancellor Professor Barnabas Nawangwe was a testament to the ongoing commitment to enhancing educational opportunities for orphaned students through their Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), which has been in place for several years. The collaboration started in 2000.

Reaffirming Shared Goals and Vision

Professor Nawangwe warmly welcomed the Ashinaga Uganda delegates, expressing his enthusiasm for the collaborative efforts that have flourished under the MoU. He highlighted Makerere University‘s dedication to fostering academic excellence, supporting students from diverse backgrounds, and seeing future collaborations with Ashinaga Uganda.

The Ashinaga Uganda team, known for their unwavering commitment to supporting orphaned students, shared updates on their impactful projects and the progress made since establishing the MoU with Makerere University. The meeting was a platform to discuss the strides taken and explore new initiatives to further their shared goals.

Key Highlights of the Meeting

  1. Progress Review: The meeting began with a review of the progress made under the MOU, where Professor Peter Baguma explained the collaboration of Ashinaga and Makerere University.  Both parties expressed satisfaction with the collaborative initiatives that have been successfully implemented, such as scholarship programs, internships, and employment opportunities for Makerere University graduates. The Ashinaga delegates explained the history of Ashinaga and its impact on the Nansana community.
  2. Enhanced Mentorship and Support to Ashinaga students: The idea of enhancing mentorship programs was explored in detail. Ashinaga Uganda expressed their interest in receiving mentors for their Ashinaga Africa Initiative students.
  3. Joint Research Initiatives: The potential for joint research projects was a key discussion topic under the Psychology faculty. Both parties agreed on the importance of collaborative research that addresses societal challenges and contributes to academic knowledge. The Vice-Chancellor emphasized the need for research that has a tangible impact on the youth and development. This can be through seminars organized by Ashinaga.

Strengthening the Partnership

Vice-Chancellor Professor Barnabas Nawangwe expressed his optimism about the future of the partnership, stating that the university is happy to work with Ashinaga and happy to receive any requests and that the MoU has laid a strong foundation, and he is excited to build on it to provide even greater support to the students.

The Ashinaga Uganda delegates echoed this sentiment, expressing their gratitude for the fruitful discussions and the progress made thus far. They emphasized the transformative impact that such collaborations have on the lives of the students they support and looked forward to further strengthening the partnership.

Next Steps

As the meeting concluded, both parties agreed on the importance of continued dialogue and action. Plans were made for future meetings and activities to ensure the successful implementation of the initiatives discussed. Ceremonies, workshops by President Tami (Founder of Ashinaga Foundation), and regular progress reviews were proposed as key steps to maintain the momentum of the partnership. It was agreed that the African Leadership Seminar Series be reinvigorated and that in October 2024, a lecture in the series will be held.  It was also agreed to explore the opportunity of the Deputy President of Ashinaga becoming one of the special guests to the University in October 2024

Conclusion

The visit of the Ashinaga Uganda delegates to Makerere University’s Vice-Chancellor, Professor Barnabas Nawangwe, marks a significant milestone in the ongoing collaboration between the two institutions. With a shared vision of empowering orphan students through education, the partnership is poised to make a lasting impact on the educational landscape for unprivileged students in Uganda and the development of leaders in Africa. Makerere University remains committed to building strong partnerships that enhance the educational experiences of its students and contribute positively to society.

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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

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Press Release: Launch of #MakRun2025

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Makerere University officially launches the 5th Edition of the Makerere University Marathon #MakRun2025, 27th March 2025, Main Hall, Main Building, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

27th March 2025

LAUNCH OF THE 5TH EDITION OF THE MAKERERE UNIVERSITY MARATHON (#MakRun2025)

Makerere University is pleased to announce the launch of the 5th edition of the Makerere
University Marathon, also known as #MakRun2025, under the theme “Run the Hills for the Future” which is scheduled to take place on 17th August 2025.

The MakRun2025 is targeting 10,000 participants drawn from the university community, corporate entities, sports enthusiasts, and the general public. Proceeds from this year’s marathon will go towards further equipping the Makerere University Disability Support Unit and strengthening the Makerere University Endowment Fund.

Speaking as the Guest of Honour, the Minister for Sports, Hon. Peter Ogwang, emphasized the unifying power of sports, stating that the “#MakRun2025 is not only about physical endurance it is a uniting force that brings people together from all walks of life, driving us towards a common goal, advancing education and inclusivity for all.”

As part of the launch event, Makerere University officially handed over assistive equipment to the Disability Support Unit, procured from proceeds of the #MakRun2024. The equipment includes:

  • Focus Blue 40 Braille Display – 5th Generation for the Visually Impaired
  • Everest D5 Braille Embosser
  • DUXBURY Braille Transcription Software
  • And other essential assistive tools to support students living with disabilities.

The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, reaffirmed the importance of this annual event, stating that “This event has become one of the most significant social and community engagement activities in our university calendar, bringing together students, staff, alumni, corporate partners, and members of the wider public for a good cause.”

In his remarks, the Ag. Chairperson of the Makerere University Endowment Fund, Mr. Barnabas Tumusingize, highlighted the growth of the initiative: “What started as a small university event has now evolved into a major attraction. To professionalize the event, we are incorporating race timing chips, cash prizes for winners, among other enhancements, with a vision of making it a regionally recognized major race by 2027.”

We call upon all members of the Makerere University community and the general public to participate and support this noble cause.

For media inquiries, please contact:

Tuhirirwe Karane
Communications Officer
Makerere University Endowment Fund
+256 414 660 416/+256 703 647496

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Call For Abstracts: Global Symposium on Insects for Food, Feed & Food Security in Africa

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Some of the speakers lined up for the Global Symposium on Insects for Food, Feed, and Food Security in Africa, 5th–6th June 2025, Onomo Hotel, Nakasero, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

Makerere University, in collaboration with Michigan State University, invites researchers, development actors, regulators, and practitioners to submit abstracts for the Global Symposium on Insects for Food, Feed, and Food Security in Africa.

The symposium will be held from 5th–6th June 2025 at Onomo Hotel in Kampala, under the theme: Advancing the role of insects in African farming systems for feed, food, and food security. The symposium aims to share knowledge and experiences in advancing the use of insects as a solution to Africa’s food, feed, and food security challenges. Contributions on the following sub-themes are welcome.

  1. Insects as animal feed for sustainable livestock production livelihoods
  2. Insects for human food and food security, including indigenous insect food systems
  3. Insects for improved soil health and crop production
  4. Commercialization of insect farming and products, including regulation and standardization

Important Dates:
Abstract Submission Deadline: 18th April 2025
Feedback to Participants: 2nd May 2025

Registration Fee:  Participants will be required to pay a fee of USD 45, which will cover meals and venue costs. Limited scholarship slots are available for students and farmers. Please note that participants are responsible for their transportation and accommodation.

Submission Guidelines: Abstracts should align with the symposium themes and must be submitted by the deadline. Further details on submission formats and requirements will be provided upon request.

For further information about the symposium and Abstract submission, please refer to the contact below.

Dr. Amulen Deborah Ruth (PhD)
Makerere University
College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Biosecurity
Department of Livestock Industrial Resources
P.O. Box 7062, Kampala
Phone: +256 782 315 636

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