General
Bukedde celebrates 30 years: Archbishop Ssemogerere urges media to uphold the truth
Vision Group which consists of print and broadcast media targeting Ugandans in the different parts of the country and the diaspora is a true and reliable partner of Makerere University. Vision Group has significantly contributed to the realization of Makerere University’s institutional goals through the promotion of its teaching and learning services, research and innovations, as well as coverage of community engagement programmes undertaken by students and staff. In addition, Bukedde, New Vision and other media entities under the Vision Group employ dozens of Makerere University graduates and provides internship training placements/opportunities to many of our undergraduate students every year.
On Thursday 29th August 2024, Bukedde newspaper celebrated 30 years of existence. The three decades (1994-2024) exemplify a remarkable journey of humble beginnings, dedication, resilience and continuous growth. The first copy of Bukedde newspaper was published on 29th August 1994 under the editorship of Mr. Maurice Ssekawungu. Bukedde which started as a black and white publication later transitioned into full colour. Bukedde is a very popular newspaper with a significant circulation in the different parts of the country.
To appreciate the admirable growth of Bukedde and the Vision Group, the Archbishop of Kampala, His Grace Paul Ssemogerere toured the giant media empire accompanied by the Group Chief Executive Officer – Mr. Don Wanyama, Deputy Chief Executive Officer – Mr. Gervase Ndyanabo, the Editor-in-Chief – Mrs. Barbara Kaija, and Bukedde Editor – Mr. Michael Ssebbowa.
Over the years, Bukedde newspaper has witnessed the birth of Bukedde F.M, Bukedde TV 1 and Bukedde TV 2 as well as transformation of the livelihoods of its employees and their families.
Impressed by the tremendous work and evolution of Bukedde newspaper, the Archbishop praised God for blessing the founding team with the knowledge and wisdom to come up with such a brilliant idea. He also thanked the previous and current leadership and staff for contributing to the success and growth of Bukedde.
Celebrating the Holy Mass, Archbishop Ssemogerere informed the congregation that the founding date of Bukedde newspaper (29th August) is the feast day for St. John the Baptist in the catholic church. He urged the staff of Bukedde and the media in general to uphold the truth in the course of their work.
Focusing on the gospel reading from the book of Mark 6:17-29, the Archbishop said:
“In the catholic church, we celebrate and remember John the Baptist for standing for the truth. This day of celebration has coincided with the feast day of John the Baptist, who was beheaded because of standing for the truth. He stood for what was the truth until the very end. I pray that you will have the courage to stand for the truth even under very challenging circumstances.”
Ssemogerere highlighted that King Herod respected John the Baptist because he always stood for what was right, and as such, King Herold consulted him. Although Herod and John the Baptist were friends, when Herod took his brother’s wife, John the Baptist courageously confronted him, and informed him that adultery was wrong before God. This truth irritated the said concubine, who when presented with an opportunity tricked her little daughter to request for the head of John the Baptist on a plate. To fulfill his promise to his daughter, King Herold ordered one of his servants to satisfy the request of his little daughter, and consequently, John the Baptist was beheaded.
Archbishop Ssemogerere rallied the media and the congregation to stick to the truth so that young people and humanity in general understand the consequences of promiscuity, adultery and the quick desire for money. His Grace appealed to Bukedde to continue publishing the truth in form of stories and airing information about the dangers of HIV/AIDS. “People need to hear the truth so that they understand the consequences of their actions, which not only threaten life, but lead to loss of life,” he added.
His Grace Ssemogerere acknowledged Vision Group for involving the catholic church in the 30 years’ celebration. He also thanked Bukedde and Vision Group for helping the catholic church in evangelization. “Through your media channels, you have not only dedicated space and airtime to messages that are spiritually uplifting, but you have also enabled the church to reach out to God’s people.”
The Archbishop called upon God to bless Bukedde and Vision Group abundantly as we wait for BukeddeAt50 celebrations in the near future.
After the thanksgiving mass, Bukedde’s current Editor – Mr. Michael Ssebbowa introduced the founding Editor – Mr. Maurice Ssekawungu and the editor who took on the mantle when he retired – Mr. Geoffrey Kulubya. The wonderful gentlemen (Ssekawungu and Kulubya) waved to the Archbishop and the congregation amidst applause from Bukedde staff and friends.
Mr. Ssebbowa then set the pace for the Archbishop and the entire audience to watch a documentary with powerful messages on the evolution of Bukedde from humble beginnings to greater heights.
In this documentary, the founding editor, Mr. Maurice Ssekawungu explained how the name “Bukedde” was selected. In this beautiful journey, they had come up with an idea of a Luganda newspaper, but did not have a name. So, William Pike, the CEO and Mr. Maurice Sekawungu put out a call for proposals. According to Ssekawungu, they received 90 submissions. That William Pike desired a name that would resonate with brightness. Finally, from the 90 names submitted by different people, they selected the name “Bukedde.” Mr. Ssekawungu explained that Bukedde meant a new day or a new morning, which presented new possibilities, new opportunities and hope.
In the same documentary, the Archbishop and the congregation listened to testimonies from staff of Bukedde who with a lot of happiness and pride attributed their success in different spheres of life to Bukedde media. Some of them have been nurtured, trained and skilled to become very powerful and respected journalists. Some of them credited Bukedde for being their source of livelihood while others highlighted that Bukedde has made them very popular and also provided an opportunity to them to network with people from different spheres of life.
Building on to the story of success and hard work, the Chief Executive Officer of Vision Group, Mr. Don Wanyama stated that Bukedde has just not survived, but it has actually thrived. He recognized the Government of Uganda for the different media channels under the Vision Group, which includes Bukedde newspaper whose achievements and impact are crystal clear. “One of our biggest highlights was in 2014 when we were marking the 20th anniversary of this newspaper. On that day, Bukedde sold a record of 100,000 copies in a single day. This is an achievement that has not been registered by any newspaper in Uganda,” he said.
Noting that Bukedde remains the best-selling newspaper in Uganda, Mr. Wanyama appreciated the loyal readers, past and present staff, advertisers and distributors for their hard work, sacrifices, support as well as being the lifeblood that keeps Bukedde progressing.
Ms. Barbarah Kaija, the Editor-in-Chief of Vision Group said Bukedde is one of Uganda’s most widely newspapers because it appeals to the ordinary person. “Its content centres on the ordinary person with issues that impact him or her in society. It is a people-centered approach with coverage bringing out the human interest angle.”
In his congratulatory remarks, the Vice Chancellor of Makerere University, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe re-affirmed the readiness of Makerere University to intensify its mutually beneficial relationship with Vision Group in order to contribute to the transformation of Uganda. Once again, the Vice Chancellor acknowledged the Vision Group for being a valuable partner during celebrations of Makerere University at 100 years (1922-2022) which lasted for a year (commencing on 9th October 2021 up to 8th October 2022). Prof. Nawangwe also thanked the Vision Group for contributing to the resounding success of Makerere University Run 2024 (MakRun2024) held on Sunday 18th August 2024.
By Murungi Gloria N.
Building a century of excellence, Makerere University Strategic Plan 2026-2030 lays a clear roadmap to strengthen research, innovation, transformative education as well as national and global development over the next five years.
Makerere University launches the strategic plan 2025-2030 central(c)Hon. Henry Musasizi, left(L) Mrs. Lorna Magara, second right Guild President Makerere University, third right Prof. Barnabus Nawangwe.
On Thursday 2nd July 2026, at Makerere Main Campus, the launching event gathered government leaders, development partners, university leaders and dignitaries such the Minister of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, representative of the Executive Director of the National Planning Authority as well as the University Vice Chancellor. Makerere launched its strategic plan under the theme; ‘Optimizing the University’s Research Potential for National and Global Transformation.’
Preparing the strategic plan
‘Preparing this plan has been a process,’ the Deputy Vice Chancellor Finance and Administration, Prof. Herny Alinaitwe said. He emphasized that the strategic plan was developed through careful consultation, review and participation rather than being created in isolation. The previous Makerere University plan used to have long term of 10years. However, around 2019-2020 the National Planning Authority advised to adjust to the five years of National Development Plan (NDP IV) ensuring that the University contributes directly to the country’s development.
Prof. Henry Alinaitwe
Accelerating to national transformation
The Makerere University Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, began his speech by reaffirming University’s long-term vision. ‘Our vision is to be an outstanding leader of knowledge generation for societal transformation and development.’ He added the Makerere’s mission is to provide transformative and innovative teaching, learning, research and service responsive to dynamic national and global needs.
He emphasised that the new strategic plan is designed to transform Makerere into a research-led University and for this to happen we need to have more than 419 professors and 473 associate professors. Currently the university has 73 professors and 144 associate professors.
Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe
‘We are not removing undergraduate programmes but we want to reduce them gradually and increase graduate numbers because those are the ones going to do the innovations and transform the economy,’ continued Prof. Nawangwe. He stressed the postgraduate students play a crucial role in research and innovation and increasing postgraduates from 10% to 16.1% enrolment is therefore central to achieving the University’s vison of becoming a leading research institution.
He said, ‘Makerere University continues to contribute its fair share to transforming human capital in the country and economic development.’ He thanked and encouraged the government and other partners to further increase the goodwill towards the institution.
‘Today marks not the end of the process but the beginning of an even greater responsibility it’s successful implementation,’ noted the Chairperson of Makerere University Council, Mrs. Lorna Magara. reminded stakeholders that the launch is only the first step and its success will depend on faithful implementation.
She highlighted the central roles of higher education, research and innovation in Uganda’s economic transformation. ‘Let us therefore move with courage, lead with integrity, purse excellence without compromise and together we will build a much stronger Makerere for a stronger Uganda.’
Transformation objectives
Prof. Nawangwe and the chairperson University Council Mrs. Lorna presented possible targets in the strategic plan, among them increasing PhD student enrolment from 15% to 35%, registered patents from 15 to 45, commercialised innovations from 25 to 65, STEM enrolment from 32% to 55%, postgraduate enrolment from 3700 to 7000 by 2030 and raise graduate employability from 45% to 65%within six months of graduation.
Mrs. Lorna Magara
Government commitment to the strategic plan
Speaking as the Guest of Honor, Minister of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, Hon. Henry Musasizi launched the strategic plan 2025-2030 describing it as a timely and forward-looking roadmap that aligns with Uganda’s vision 2040, the Fourth National Development Plan (NDP IV), and the country’s Tenfold Growth Strategy.
Hon. Henry Musasizi
‘This Strategic plan comes at an important time as the country works to grow its economy from about USD50 billion to over USD500 billion by 2040.’
The Chief Guest, Hon. Herny Musasizi noted that Uganda’s ambition to expand its economy from approximately USD50 billion to over USD500 billion by 2040 will require sustained investment in research, innovation, industrialisation and human capital development, with universities playing a central role in achieving these aspirations.
He reaffirmed government’s commitment to continue working with Makerere University to build a growing income, industrialised and knowledge driven economy while stressing accountability, innovation and the need to apply research in solving Uganda’s development hardships. He also commended Makerere for aligning its strategic priorities with national development goals, explaining that such alignment would facilitate government support and resource allocation through the national budgeting process.
Leading to national economic transformation through universities
Reflecting on the central role of higher education in Uganda’s economic transformation, Samuel Kasule, the Senior Planner for Education and Skills, National Planning Authority appreciated Makerere roles.
Samuel Kasule
‘At the cornerstone of increased labour productivity is the role of universities especially in supporting the high impact sectors identified in the tenfold growth strategy,’ Mr. Kasule remarked.
He elaborated that universities are expected to equip graduates with the knowledge, skills and competencies needed to drive innovation across sectors such as minerals, oil and gas, agro-industrialisation, tourism and agriculture. He also argued the by producing highly skilled human capital as well as fostering innovation institutions like Makerere University will play a pivotal role in increasing labour production and accelerate economic growth achieving Uganda’s ambition of becoming a USD500 billion from USD50 billion under the Tenfold Growth Strategy.
Conclusion
Guided by its strategies direction of excellence, accountability, professionalism, integrity and respect together with inclusivity, the University has reinforced its commitment to advancing quality education, research and innovation. The launch of strategic plan 2025-2030 reflects this commitment by positioning the University as a key partner in Uganda’s development and transformation, consistent with national priorities.
General
Gulu University Benchmarks Makerere University’s Management of Mature Age Entry Examinations
College of Health Sciences Quality Assurance (QA) Training in Assessments, Pedagogy and Competence Based Curriculum Held 18–19 June 2026 at Esella Hotel.
Pedagogy, Assessment and Supervision Training Workshop
The College of Health Sciences has embarked on the journey to improve the teaching, assessment and preparation for the adoption of the competence-based curriculum.
The training was held on 18-19 June 2026, at Esella Hotel, Kira, the training targeted the teaching assistants, lecturers’ senior lecturers’ key administrators and some PhD fellows, generally the early career academic staff that are yet growing in the ranks.
Objectives
- Equip participants with modern pedagogical approaches for effective teaching and learning.
- Review and harmonize assessment strategies to ensure quality and fairness in academic evaluation.
- Enhance supervisory competencies for guiding graduate students in research and academic progress.
- Foster collaboration and shared experiences among facilitators, supervisors, and administrators.
The key focus areas for the training
- Guidelines in Assessment & Course Outlines- Dr. Cyprian Misinde -Chief Quality Assurance Officer.
- Competence Based Education and Assessment- Dr. Mike Kagawa
- Advancing continuous improvement in teaching, learning through teaching styles -Dr. Ssebowa Dorothy.
- Teaching methods Knowledge production and acquisition- Dr. Peter Ssenkusu
- Graduate Supervision Challenges and Opportunities- Prof. Grace Ndeezi.
- Competence Based Curriculum in line with the NCHE- Dr. Innocent Besigye.
- Feedback mechanisms in training- Dr. Irene Rebecca Namatende.
Key Outcomes for this training
- The participants gained the understanding of learner-centered teaching approaches and pedagogical principles.
- Acquired new skills supervisory skills, particularly in guiding research and addressing student challenges.
- Consensus on adopting standardized assessment tools across graduate programmes.
- Practical exposure to teaching models and interactive learning methods.
- Development of action plans for continuous professional development in pedagogy and supervision.
- The participants also acquired more skills in line with the competence-based curriculum as required by the National Council for Higher Education.
During the Discussion Key important Questions emerged as follows:
- Who supervises the supervisor?
- What is the difference between notion hours and contact hours?
- The 60/40 way of assessments—can it be independent for every course unit taught or allocated differently?
- How do we manage difficult supervisors?
- How do we Coerce PhD students to be fully involved in departmental activities without them feeling Coerced?
- How much time do we need to prepare for the review of the programmes in line with the competence-based curriculum as required by the National Council for Higher Education (NCHE) and the World Health Organization (WHO)?
We truly thank the facilitators and the participants who made this training very informative and enlightened. We also appreciate the Principal/Deputy CHS, the Chief QA Officer, Makerere University and the University Management for the enormous support and for making this activity possible.
Dr. Irene Rebecca Namatende
Quality Assurance 0ffice
College of Health Sciences,
Makerere University
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