General
Freshers tipped on academic excellence, finances, career development, Emerging Leaders Program
By Gerald Ochwo
On 5th August, 2024, the Office of the Academic Registrar, organized a Central Orientation briefing for all the freshmen and women of the 2024/2025 Academic Year intake. The orientation briefing provides a central platform where the newly admitted students are taken through a wide range of issues that directly relate to their day-to-day lives by various officials at the University. Held at the Freedom Square, this year’s orientation attracted the participation of thousands of Ugandan and International students.
In his welcome remarks, the Academic Registrar, who also doubles as the Acting Deputy Vice-Chancellor, in-charge of Academic Affairs, Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi, congratulated the students upon successfully going through the rigorous admission process of Makerere University, where only the best are admitted. He noted that Makerere University is still among the few prestigious and most admired higher institutions of learning on the African continent and beyond. He signaled to the new students that their arrival at Makerere University was the beginning of a new chapter in their life, where they will now have the opportunity to determine the next direction and course of their lives.
With regard to Academic life, Prof. Buyinza assured the students that Makerere University will provide all learning opportunities, where the students will get to learn new things, acquire new knowledge, and grow new competencies that will equip and shape their character as they become reliable and grounded professionals.
“We want you to achieve your academic and personal potential, to develop networks of friends, new interests and life skills. In order to achieve this we recommend that you work hard; find time to relax; and make use of the support services that are available to you.”~ said Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi.
He emphasized that academic success can only be attained by students when they avoid certain lifestyles and choices such as; moving with huge sums of money and moving late in the nights. Prof. Buyinza advised that they should instead abide by the university policies and guidelines, as well as prioritize enrollment and timely registration.
In his concluding remarks, the Acting Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic Affairs) and Academic Registrar, called upon the new students to avoid distractors, always focus on what brought them to Makerere University, be good time managers, exploit their talents, map out their future careers, embrace diversity and take good care of themselves. He reiterated the University’s commitment to provide an intellectually and socially vibrant environment for academic excellence, provided the students on their part observe good finance management of their tuition.
“In you, I see vibrant young people with a lot of energy and enthusiasm. I hope that you will use the energy you have to your best for the benefit of yourselves and humanity. We want you to thrive and succeed here, academically, socially and personally.”~ Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi noted.
In his communication, the Acting Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Finance and Administration), Prof. Henry Alinaitwe, who also represented the Vice-Chancellor at the event, took a moment to unveil the ‘Emerging Leaders Program’, a campaign being championed by the First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Hon. Janet Kataaha Museveni. The program focuses on promoting and cultivating a safe and healthy mindset change amongst young people, including University students. He noted that the core objectives of the program are to empower tomorrow’s future leaders in achieving; a sexually fortified youth, an addiction free generation, financially faithful and education focused. The Emerging leaders program is being implemented jointly by the Advancement Office under the Office of the Vice-Chancellor and the Students’ Guild Office. The program is currently running an open fair campaign at the Freedom Square for one week, to raise awareness among the first year students on; HIV Counselling, Testing and Treatment, Life skills, Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI) and Pregnancy prevention, counselling, and mentorship among others.
Prof. Alinatiwe reiterated Prof. Buyinza’s message on finance management. He noted that a number of students receive tuition from parents/guardians but instead choose to divert it into other activities with the hope of realizing a multiplier effect. He emphasized that this vice has over the years landed a number of students into problems including dropping out of the University. He further added that the University will not hesitate to cancel all the provisional admissions of those students who will not have registered within the first two (2) weeks of the semester as stipulated by the Freshers’ Joining Instructions.
“I want to stress the issue of fees and tuition payment. Please note that it is only after you have fully registered with the University, that you will be regarded as a bonafide student of Makerere University. Those of you who are still having tuition and you are pondering on when to pay, after this orientation briefing, please go and bank the tuition. The temptation of diverting that money into other unproductive ventures is so high”~ Prof. Alinaitwe advised.
He concluded by congratulating the students upon their admission and reminding them that at the University, there is no central bell and therefore, personal time management is entirely an individual responsibility. Prof. Alinaitwe further urged the students to make all the necessary inquiries on academic related issues within the College structures.
“In case you have academic related issues, go to the Principal or Deputy Principal, the College Registrar or School Dean. Avoid finding yourselves on the wrong side of the law and other cases of indiscipline, which could eventually lead to your expulsion from the University,” Prof. Alinaitwe cautioned.
The central orientation briefing was also attended by the current Guild President, H.E. Lubega Nsamba and his Guild cabinet. The Guild President emphasized that Makerere University was the best place for each student to realize their potential and that they should take advantage of it. He noted further that this is the time for the students to start putting their life desires into practice.
“I implore you all to start putting in practice what you intend to become. I personally, got elected into the Office of the Guild President just after 2 semesters of my study. This is because Makerere University provided me with a platform to start practicing what my heart had desired for many years. You too can become the Nsamba of tomorrow” ~ the Guild President said.
The Dean of Students, Dr. Winifred Kabumbuli, encouraged the students to maximize their stay at Makerere University by engaging in meaningful practices including games and sports. She informed the students that the Office of the Dean of students, is in-charge of the students general welfare including, meals, accommodation, and the places of worship. She also informed the students on the new initiatives that have been spearheaded by the Office of the Dean of Students such as; the creation of the Disability Support Unit, which is currently situated in the Frank Kalimunzu, Central Teaching Facility. She added that a desk has also been created under the Students Work Scheme. This scheme, she said, supports students in job placement and skills enhancements.
Other Units of the University that participated at this year’s orientation briefing included, the University Library that was represented by the University Librarian, Dr. Ruth Nalumaga. She called upon students to register with the Makerere University Main Library and the College Libraries in order to be able to access Library services, and urged them to attend the Library orientation sessions set to start this week.
The University Hospital officials equally encouraged the students to register with the hospital in order to access the services that are provided at the University including safe male circumcision.
From the University Guidance and Counseling Center, the Manager, Mr. Henry Nsubuga, advised students to seek counseling at the centre as often as the need may arise. The students also received further tips from the Principal Games Tutor, Ms. Peninah Kabenge, who shared with the students on the different Games and Sports activities that the University Offers and encouraged them to visit and register with the sports Office. She also encouraged the students to participate in the forthcoming #MakRun2024, scheduled to take place on the 18th August, 2024, at the Freedom Square, Makerere University.
Representing the University Bursar, Mr. Evarist. Bainomugisha, Mrs. Jackie Ayorekire, advised the new students to get enroll on the ACMIS system and generate a Payment Reference Number (PRN) and pay tuition on time. She cautioned them on the University fees policy and the need to follow to the dot the policy.
“Fees payment is due on the first day of your arrival at the university. Please make time and pay tuition on time and avoid having excuses at the time of examination. Remember you are only regarded a student of Makerere University after you have been registered. No student is registered without tuition payment” ~ Mrs. Ayorekire said.
The Chief Security Officer, ACP Musani Michael Sabila cautioned the students to avoid bandwagons and always remember that they came to the University alone and therefore, any unlawful activities that they participate in will have individual repercussions.
“Please abstain from unlawful activities like strikes, demonstrations and riots on campus. I also caution you to avoid coming back to campus during night hours. The Gates of Makerere University are closed by mid-night and no one is allowed to come into the campus by that time” remarked ACP Sabila.
Mr. Samuel Mugabi, the Director Directorate for ICT Support (DICTS), urged the students to quickly open University email accounts in order to access university electronic services such as internet and e-learning materials. He noted that DICTS provides assistance on all issues related to enrolment, registration and examination permits among others. In the same vein, Mr. Arthur Moses Opio in-charge of End User Support, encouraged the students to reach out to DICTS through the twitter handle: @DICTSMakerere and the Academic Registrar’s Twitter handle: @MakerereAR and via helpme@dicts.mak.ac.ug and the Main University Twitter handles.
Representing Gender mainstreaming, Ms. Suzan Mbabazi, urged the fresh students to be aware of sexual harassment and report any form of such vices to the relevant offices including, the Directorate of Gender Mainstreaming situated at the Senate Building, Level 4. She encouraged the students to acquaint themselves with the Makerere University Policy and Regulations against Sexual Harassment including the Anti-Sexual Harassment Policy.
“Makerere University has the Anti-Sexual Harassment Policy which clearly defines ground that constitutes sexual harassment and the same policy, provides in details on whom you should contact and where to go in case you are harassed”~ she said.
Gerald Ochwo is the Senior Assistant Registrar in–Charge of Communications & Liaison Office of the Academic Registrar
Agriculture & Environment
Makerere Hosts Inaugural Falling Walls Lab Competition as Innovators Pitch Solutions to National Challenges
Students and researchers from Makerere University and other institutions pitched 12 innovations addressing challenges in healthcare, clean energy, agriculture, waste management and community resilience during the inaugural Falling Walls Lab Kampala, held at the School of Public Health Auditorium, Makerere University.
The competition brought together emerging innovators to present solutions to practical challenges through a three minute pitch, followed by questions from a panel of judges.
Modelled on the Falling Walls format that originated in Berlin, the event required each participant to identify a “wall” a problem or barrier, and demonstrate how their innovation seeks to break it down.
Mudhasi wins with newborn jaundice screening device
Andrew Mudhasi of Makerere University emerged as the overall winner with a score of 90 per cent for a low cost medical device designed to improve newborn jaundice screening across different skin tones.
Mudhasi explained that the device uses optical sensor technology and a skin tone targeting algorithm to provide a rapid reading, with the aim of helping nurses and clinicians identify jaundice more efficiently.
During questions from the jury, Mudhasi said the device had not yet been tested on actual babies but had undergone laboratory testing using simulated skin tones.
He reported an accuracy rate of 94 per cent when the device was compared with laboratory spectrophotometers.
The innovation is intended initially for use in clinics and hospitals, with Mudhasi saying the team is also considering a version that could eventually allow mothers to screen babies at home.
Mudhasi’s innovation has previously received recognition at the African Business Concept Challenge and the iF Design Student Award, according to his presentation.
Rhonda’s innovation tackles diaper waste
Rhoda John of the University of Nairobi emerged in second place with 89.6 per cent for an innovation addressing the problem of used diaper waste.
Under the theme “Breaking the wall of diaper waste and drug soils,” Rhonda explained that her team extracts sodium polyacrylate, the absorbent polymer found in diapers, and replaces the sodium with potassium.
The resulting potassium based superabsorbent material is designed to act as a “water battery” in soil by absorbing and retaining water for plants during dry periods.
John said testing showed a 99 per cent increase in germination and a 23 per cent increase in drought resistance.
The innovation also seeks to reduce the amount of used diapers ending up in landfills and the environmental effects associated with their decomposition.
During the question and answer session, John explained that her team was working with government environmental officials in Nairobi on a pilot collection system to address the challenge of gathering used diapers at scale.
Mahera takes third place with herbal peptic ulcer treatment
Stuart Mahera of Makerere University finished third with 86.2 per cent for a herbal formulation targeting peptic ulcers.
Presenting under the theme “Breaking the wall of Nature and Modern Medicine,” Mahera argued that conventional treatment for peptic ulcers can involve multiple medicines and may be associated with side effects and antimicrobial resistance.
His proposed formulation, MARAC capsules, is intended as a monotherapy, combining properties required for peptic-ulcer treatment in a single capsule.
Mahera said his team had carried out quality control work, including characterisation and dose quantification, and had conducted preclinical trials on laboratory mice.
He also told the jury that an application had been submitted to the National Drug Authority as the team awaits the next stage of the regulatory process.
According to Mahera, the proposed seven day treatment would cost about Shs21,000, compared with the existing 14 day treatment approach.
Innovators present solutions to practical challenges
The remaining presentations covered a wide range of challenges.
Esther Nakungu of Utamu University presented Agri-Track, a digital record keeping solution intended to improve visibility, accountability and management of farm operations and financial information.
Dr. Jimmy Chachiga, a Makerere University participant, presented a solar photovoltaic cooker with a heat storage system designed to provide a cleaner and more reliable cooking option during both sunny and non sunny periods.
His presentation focused on reducing dependence on biomass fuels and addressing the challenges associated with intermittent solar energy.
Abdul Noor Luttamaguzi, a PhD student and senior government fisheries officer, presented a mobile application aimed at helping fish farmers and extension officers report, track and manage disease outbreaks.
Henry Duke Tamale presented a herbal cream targeting antibiotic resistant biofilm infections associated with diabetic foot ulcers.
Marvin Seruwu proposed adapting existing near infrared brain monitoring technology to help detect extra-axial brain bleeds in health facilities where access to CT and MRI equipment is limited.
His proposal seeks to repurpose existing technology towards a diagnostic need that could be particularly important in settings where advanced imaging facilities are not readily available.
Kennedy Kisame presented a poultry alert and diagnosis system combining satellite weather information with computer vision disease detection. The proposed system could be accessed through a smartphone application, SMS or USSD, making it potentially usable by farmers with limited internet access.
Frank Atwiine proposed a solar powered mobile diagnostic van designed to bring ultrasound and other diagnostic services closer to rural communities.
Johnson Makmot, a software and blockchain developer, presented a platform that combines GPS tracking and blockchain-based tokens to incentivise and verify plastic-waste collection in Kampala.
Dr. Nelson Ndugu, from a partner university, presented an artificial intelligence tool designed to translate agricultural research publications into local Ugandan languages and generate voice notes for radio-based extension delivery.
The final presentation came from Dr. Juliet Akola, a Ugandan post doctoral researcher at Mangosuthu University of Technology in South Africa.
Akola presented a community digital resilience initiative focused on mapping risks in Kampala’s informal settlements, including flooding, fire, poor sanitation, waste management and inadequate infrastructure.
Her proposal seeks to combine local community knowledge with geographical information systems and link identified risks to action plans involving municipalities and other stakeholders.
Nawangwe calls for more investment in innovation
Closing the event, Prof. Nawangwe congratulated all the participants and described their presentations as an important beginning for Makerere University, Uganda and the wider region.
Drawing on his experience attending the Falling Walls conference in Berlin, the Vice Chancellor said initiatives of this nature are important because innovation will play a major role in determining the future of countries.
He encouraged participants to make their pitches more precise by clearly identifying the problem they are addressing, explaining their proposed solution and demonstrating what they have already achieved.
Prof. Nawangwe also welcomed the participation of innovators from other universities and countries, noting that the Kampala event had attracted participants beyond Makerere.
He thanked the Africa Office of the Falling Walls Foundation for its role in bringing the initiative to Makerere and encouraged continued support for innovation.
The Vice Chancellor further linked innovation to Uganda’s growing youth population and the need to develop home-grown solutions to address challenges such as youth unemployment.
The inaugural Falling Walls Lab Kampala ultimately provided a platform for innovators to move ideas beyond the classroom and laboratory and demonstrate how research, technology and creativity can be applied to challenges affecting communities.
| Position | Winner | Institution | Score |
| 1st | Andrew Mudhasi | Makerere University | 90% |
| 2nd | Rhoda John | University of Nairobi | 89.6% |
| 3rd | Stuart Mahera | Makerere University | 86.2% |
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