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
General
MURBS has declared 13.40% interest on members’ balances for the financial year that ended on 30th June 2024.
By: Ritah Namisango
Dr. Elizabeth Patricia Nansubuga, Chairperson of the Makerere University Retirement Benefits Scheme (MURBS) Board of Trustees, announced this milestone during the 14th Annual General Meeting (AGM) for the year 2023/24 held on Thursday, 24th October 2024, at Makerere University Main Campus, School of Public Health Auditorium.
The AGM attracted various stakeholders, including trustees, Audit Committee Chairperson CPA David Ssenoga, Board Evaluation Consultant Vincent Kaheeru, URBRA Representative Mark Lotukei, Audit Committee members, co-opted members, and university administrators.
Presenting the performance report, on behalf of the Board of Trustees, Dr. Nansubuga highlighted that this is the highest interest declared by the scheme in the past five years, and she anticipates continued improvements. She noted that for the previous financial year, which ended in June 2023, the Board of Trustees declared an interest an interest of 12.34%.
Dr Nansubuga also announced that the scheme has achieved a Net Investment Income of UGX 44.6 billion, far higher than the UGX34.4 billion collected in Contributions during the year.
The Chairperson of the Board also revealed that the fund value had grown from UGX352.4 billion recorded at the end of the last financial year to UGX409.2 billion, indicating an increase of 16.1%.
“By 30th June 2023, MURBS had a fund value of UGX 352.4 billion. The Board of Trustees targeted Fund growth of 17%, and I am glad to inform you, that the fund value of MURBS, as per the Audited Financial Statements of 30th June 2024 is UGX 409.2 billion, which is an increase of 16.1%. This achievement was made possible by strategic periodical activities undertaken by the Board and our fund managers, supported by the strong oversight committees of the Board,” she reported.
She attributed the positive growth to factors such as improved debt recovery, operational efficiency, timely remittance of contributions by the sponsor (Makerere University), an increase in project and contract contributions, and the recovery of UGX8.85 billion in debts.
Dr. Nansubuga also expressed gratitude to Makerere University, the scheme’s sponsor, for consistently remitting contributions, a key factor that has significantly contributed to MURBS’ smooth operation. “I am happy to announce that the sponsor-Makerere University remitted your retirement benefits for the financial year 2023/24,” she said.
In the same development, Dr. Nansubuga reported that MURBS registered a legal victory against Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) over a real estate investment in Sonde undertaken in 2019, and which URA sought to tax heavily. She notified the AGM that MURBS won the case and was awarded costs which also set a precedent.
“On behalf of the Board of Trustees, I am pleased to inform you that during the financial year, we received a favorable outcome on a key court case. How did we end up with this case? In 2019, MURBS invested in real estate, we bought land in Sonde,” Dr Nansubuga explained.
“Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) then charged us with a tax assessment worth UGX600 million. It has been four (4) years in the tax appeals tribunal. Since then, the lawyers, the former and current trustees, have been appearing before the appeals tribunal, but in December 2023, MURBS won the case. We challenged URA, and this case was awarded with costs. URA has to pay MURBS. We therefore saved UGX600 million,” she added.
In terms of governance, Dr Nansubuga said that the scheme made changes in the board. Initially, the trustees were six and they needed a seventh member, and following a competitive race, they recruited another trustee; CPA Edina Rugumayo who has over thirty years in accounting.
“In terms of governance, we continue to uphold good governance practices and we align with international standards. Last year during the presentation, I said we were six and we needed to have the seventh trustee because the Board composition is supposed to be seven,” she explained.
“So, following a competitive process, we recruited an independent trustee. It was a very competitive position. You must have served on board which has over UGX50 billion. So, from that process, we were able to recruit CPA Edna Rugumayo Simbwa. She is a certified public accountant with over thirty years of experience in accounting, taxation, and corporate governance,” she mentioned.
She also thanked other stakeholders for making sure that MURBS activities run smoothly. These entities include Makerere University, KPMG, Gen Africa, Arcadia Advocates, Zamara, URBRA, and Stanbic Bank among others.
While discussing investments, Dr. Nansubuga mentioned that 86% of MURBS’ funds are currently invested in government bonds, but added that the Board is exploring diversification to reduce risks.
“86% percent of our money is invested in government bonds, and sometimes, you do not have to put all your eggs in one basket, there is a high concentration of risk. so that is one of the key material risks that we want to address to reduce the amount we have in government securities. We want to diversify our portfolio and avoid investing heavily in government securities. The Board will venture into other fields in order to earn money or return on investment from the diverse undertakings,” she said.
In terms of membership, Dr. Nansubuga reported a 4.4% increase, with the number of members rising from 8,229 to 8,590. She attributed this growth to the reinstatement of in-house beneficiaries and an increase in project and contract staff.
Dr. Kakuba also thanked the sponsor-Makerere University for remitting the membership contributions timely which has helped the scheme to grow.
Dr. Godwin Kakuba -Secretary, MURBS Board of Trustees, who presented the record of the 13th Annual General Meeting stressed that the AGM climaxes a financial year and the Board of Trustee has been vigilant on this and has not missed any AGM for 14 years now.
“We applaud the sponsor because many of these positives in the chairperson’s report can only be attributed to the support by the sponsor through fulfilling the obligation of remitting members’ contributions to the scheme,” he added.
Partner Asad Ssenoga, an independent auditor who audited the scheme said that he was impressed with the level of compliance that the scheme exhibited in all aspects. He said they focused on ensuring that the member contributions are supported with statements and allocated to members appropriately.
“Overall we were satisfied with the work we did on the audit, the numbers that were presented by the Chairperson are the correct numbers that we audited. We were comfortable with those numbers, due process was followed during the audit,” he said.
Mr. Mark Lotukei who represented the CEO of Uganda Retirement Benefits Regulatory Authority (URBRA) thanked the Trustees for always prioritizing governance, which has helped them to reach several milestones.
“As URBRA, we look at governance as the biggest component of our compliance. MURBS Trustees from the former to the current, have taken governance as the most important aspect. We really encourage them to continue with this good practice because governance informs all the other aspects,” he said.
Mr. Arthur Kibira, a member in attendance, expressed his appreciation for the Board’s efforts. He urged them to explore higher-risk investments for potentially greater returns. He expressed concern over the scheme’s heavy reliance on government bonds.
“Dr Elizabeth Nansubuga, I want to congratulate you, and your team and also congratulate ourselves. But, I want to believe that there is room for improvement. I am one of those who do not believe that the sky is the limit, we are limited by our own thinking. I am thinking that high risks give high returns. Is there a way of managing those risks, so that we could push this 13.40% interest to a figure much higher? If we do so, we shall say we have learnt how to manage risks,”, he guided.
General
Makerere University at the 2024 O.R. Tambo Africa Research Chairs Annual Gathering in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso
The Research Chairs concept is similar to Centers of Excellence (for instance in supporting world-class research in a priority area), but also has many distinguishing features. Most notably, it recognizes individual excellence, leadership and talent. The O.R. Tambo Africa Research Chairs Initiative (ORTARChI) builds on the work of Oliver Tambo, a prominent South African and pan-Africanist with a science education background, who believed in creating change through education and in cooperation and solidarity among African nations. The Initiative focuses on celebrating his legacy in building knowledge-based economies for the advancement of Africa.
ORTARChI builds on and leverages existing continental frameworks and interventions geared towards institutional capacity strengthening; recruitment and retention of excellent researchers; and incentives to support research that contributes to socio-economic and transformative development.
Ten (10) O.R. Tambo Africa Research Chairs across seven (7) countries in Africa, namely; Botswana, Burkina Faso, Ghana, Mozambique, Tanzania, Uganda and Zambia have been selected for funding through a rigorous and competitive two-stage review process. These research chairs are focused on research priorities identified by each host institution in conjunction with, especially the Science Councils, and in alignment with AU Agenda 2063 and STISA 2024.
Prof. Noble Banadda from the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences had been inaugurated as one of the first 10 (ten) Oliver Tambo (ORTARChi) Chairs. Unfortunately, Prof. Banadda (R.I.P) passed on in July 2021, which created a vacuum. To ensure that Uganda and Makerere University continue to tap into the ORTARChi, we are glad to announce the appointment of Associate Professor David Meya from the College of Health Sciences at Makerere University for the purpose. The appointment will attract USD 170,000 annually for 5 years for graduate research with a target of training 5-6 PhDs, 10-15 Post-doctoral fellows and 10-12 Masters of Medicine and Master of Science Students at Makerere University and Mbarara University of Science and Technology.
Makerere University has had the pleasure of attending 2024 O.R. Tambo Africa Research Chairs Annual Gathering in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso. The annual gathering is co-hosted by the Joseph Ki-Zerbo University, National Research and Innovation Fund for Development (FONRID) and the National Research Foundation (NRF) of South Africa. The theme for this year’s gathering is: “African Sovereignty: A Catalyst for Research Collaborations and Social Impact in the Continent“. At the annual gathering, Uganda was represented by Associate Prof. David Meya (Uganda Chair Elect, ORTARChI), Prof. Henry Alinaitwe (Deputy Vice Chancellor Finance and Administration, Mak), Associate Prof. Robert Wamala (Director, Research and Graduate Training) and Dr. Martin Ongol (Ag. Executive Secretary, UNCST). Assoc. Prof. David Meya – ORTARChI Chair Elect – is from Makerere University’s School of Medicine at the College of Health Sciences.
Hoima and Kikuube Districts, Uganda – October 20, 2024
A group of third-year students from College of Business and Management Sciences’s Energy and Natural Resources Economics program visited the Kingfisher oil operations and Kabalega Airport in Hoima and Kikuube districts on October 20, 2024. Led by Dr. Peter Babyenda and Dr. John Sseruyange, and with authorization from the Petroleum Authority of Uganda, the visit offered the students an invaluable opportunity to connect classroom learning with field experience.
The primary objective of the field trip was to enhance students’ practical understanding of Uganda’s oil industry by observing the extraction and production processes firsthand. According to Dr. Babyenda, “Blending theory with real-world exposure is essential for these students, as it allows them to apply and expand their knowledge beyond the classroom.”
During the tour, students explored several key areas:
- Practical Exposure – Witnessing the operational procedures of oil extraction offered students a concrete understanding of how theoretical concepts play out in the field, enhancing their grasp of the industry.
- Economic Impact Analysis – Observing the economic role of oil production in Hoima and Kikuube allowed the students to explore its broader impact on local and global markets and its contributions to community development and Uganda’s economic landscape.
- Technical Knowledge – The students gained insights into the technical aspects of oil extraction, learning about the complexities of the operations, the innovations employed, and the challenges faced by the industry.
- Environmental and Social Considerations – Students observed the environmental practices in place and evaluated the social dynamics involved, gaining an understanding of how oil companies balance production with community and environmental sustainability.
- Career Insights – With opportunities to interact with professionals in the oil sector, students received guidance on potential career paths in the industry, helping them make informed decisions about their futures.
- Current Industry Issues – The group also delved into the status of the East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP) project and discussed challenges in oil and natural gas production, examining where Uganda stands in terms of production timelines, obstacles, solutions, and the role they can play as future energy professionals.
Reflecting on the trip, Dr. Sseruyange highlighted the importance of this experience in solidifying students’ understanding of Uganda’s evolving oil industry. “This field experience not only complements what they’ve learned in lectures but also equips them with a real sense of the operational and societal impact of the energy sector,”he noted.
The students expressed their gratitude for the immersive experience, noting how it broadened their perspectives and deepened their knowledge. The field trip served as an essential step in preparing them for careers within Uganda’s energy and natural resources sectors, bringing them closer to the industry’s forefront and the future of sustainable energy in the region.
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