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
Makerere University Strengthens Academic Leadership Through Capacity Building for Heads of Department
In a strategic move to enhance academic leadership and institutional efficiency, Makerere University conducted a comprehensive capacity-building and retooling workshop for all Heads of Department (HoDs) on August 5, 2025. The workshop, held at the Senate Conference Hall, brought together HoDs from various academic units to deepen their understanding of university academic policies, graduate training guidelines, and intellectual property management.
The training was organized under the office of the Deputy Vice Chancellor, Academic Affairs. The session aimed at aligning departmental leadership with the University’s strategic goals, policies, and operational frameworks, particularly in relation to graduate education and research governance.
Opening the workshop, Prof. Buyinza Bukadasi, Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic Affairs), underscored the importance of strong departmental leadership in driving the University’s vision:
“The Head of Department is not merely an administrator; they are the academic engine of their unit. By equipping our HoDs with up-to-date policy knowledge, research management skills, and leadership tools, we are investing in the core structures that sustain academic excellence and innovation at Makerere.”
Emphasis on Graduate Policy and Structured PhD Training
Dr. Julius Kikooma, Director of the Directorate of Graduate Training (DGT), led an engaging presentation on the Makerere University Graduate Policies, Guidelines, and Procedures. His session unpacked critical updates in the revised 2024 Graduate Handbook, including:
- Removal of provisional admission for PhD by Research.
- A structured PhD framework requiring a minimum of three years and 40 credit units.
- Strengthened supervision standards and doctoral mentorship structures.
- Cohort-based admissions to improve program coherence and tracking.
- Integration of cross-cutting courses such as Scholarly Writing, Advanced Research Methods, and Teaching Assistantship into PhD training.
The new framework, supported by the Research Information Management System (RIMS), enhances monitoring of student progress and ensures timely completion of graduate programs. Dr. Kikooma emphasized the importance of departmental roles in guiding and supporting students, noting that departments serve as the primary disciplinary homes for graduate students and are key in fostering research cultures.
Understanding and Applying Intellectual Property Policies
The session also featured a detailed presentation on the Makerere University Intellectual Property Management Policy (2008, as amended), delivered by Counsel Esther Kabinga, Ag. Manager of the Intellectual Property Management Office (IPMO). Participants were guided through the obligations and rights related to IP created by staff, students, and visitors.
The presentation highlighted:
- Ownership structures for IP generated at the University.
- Procedures for disclosing, protecting, and commercializing IP.
- Roles of departments in supporting creators and liaising with IPMO.
- Revenue-sharing mechanisms and the inclusion of IP outputs in staff promotion criteria.
Counsel Kabinga encouraged HoDs to promote awareness of IP rights and responsibilities within their units, especially given the increasing volume of research outputs and innovations emerging from the University.
Strategic Alignment with the University’s Research Agenda
The workshop is part of broader efforts to implement the Makerere University Research Agenda 2025/26 – 2029/30, which prioritizes talent development, research visibility, and knowledge transfer. According to Dr. Robert Wamala, Director of the Directorate of Research, Innovation and Partnerships (DRIP), strengthening administrative and academic capacity at departmental level is critical for sustaining Makerere’s status as a leading research institution.
The Research Agenda also supports the operationalization of structures like the IP Management Committee and GAMSU (Grants Administration and Support Unit), both of which are instrumental in streamlining research support services.
The training reaffirmed Makerere University‘s commitment to continuous professional development and the strategic empowerment of academic leaders. With a renewed understanding of policies and tools, Heads of Department are now better equipped to foster academic excellence, supervise graduate research, and steward innovation at the departmental level.
General
UNDP and Mak Launch Daycare Centre and Multimedia Studio to Boost Gender Equality and Digital Inclusion
Makerere University, in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Uganda, has launched two transformative facilities, a Daycare and Breastfeeding Centre at the Institute of Gender and Development Studies (IGDS), and a state-of-the-art Multimedia Studio at the Frank Kalimuzo Central Teaching Facility. These facilities mark a major milestone in the University’s commitment to gender equality, student and staff welfare, and digital innovation in higher education.
A Milestone for Gender Equality: Daycare and Breastfeeding Centre
Mr. Ian King, the Ag. Resident Representative, UNDP Uganda, speaking at launch of the Daycare and Breastfeeding Centre emphasized the importance of the Gender Equality Seal (GES) initiative, funded by the European Union (EU). He applauded the Institute for being the first in Africa to participate in the GES.
Mr. King highlighted the role of the facility to mothers and some fathers in ensuring children’s safety and peace of mind for parents. He further commended the Institute for demonstrating what can be achieved through the programme. He stressed the importance of setting high standards for child care centres and making spaces safe for young parents. The Daycare centre is intended to provide a safe and nurturing environment for children and relief for mothers and fathers to focus on their work and studies.
Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, the Vice Chancellor, noted that the centre will be crucial in supporting breastfeeding mothers—particularly students and staff—to continue their academic and professional pursuits. Recalling a time when women were barely represented in the University Senate, he acknowledged the significant strides Makerere has made, while also noting ongoing gaps in graduate gender equity.
“The majority of graduates are women, but there are still issues of equity at the graduate level. I think there are still issues that we must solve, and one of them is helping mothers who are students and members of staff to continue with what they do, even when they have got babies to look after because that’s one of the reasons, I think, why many students drop out just because they become mothers,” he added.
He acknowledged that the facility will come in handy for addressing challenges, including balancing motherhood with academic or professional responsibilities. He extended appreciation to UNDP for their long-standing partnership in transforming Makerere into a more inclusive and modern academic institution.
The Head of the Institute of Gender and Development Studies (IGDS), Prof. Sarah Ssali, in her remarks, thanked the Vice Chancellor who catered for the Daycare Centre while designing the building. Prof. Ssali highlighted that the Daycare describes Makerere University‘s history and its commitment to gender equality and inclusion. She highlighted that the University has over 20 gender policies and interventions—with some directly impacting gender equality and others improving the work ecosystem—for example, digitization, quality assurance programmes and scholarship programmes. “But this is the first that directly addresses the needs of both students and staff—mothers and fathers alike—through a shared space for child care,” she said.
Ms. Donna Keirungi, a mother and alumna of the University, shared her personal journey on how challenging it is to balance both studying and childcare. She highlighted that the Daycare Centre aims to make the various policies on gender equality and women’s empowerment practical, and to support the University’s commitment to Gender Equality. The Centre aims to fulfil the University’s Strategic Plan 2020–2030’s emphasis on creating an enabling environment and work-life balance.
“The journey to establish the centre began in 2022 with support from the UNDP, including benchmarking at a well-established Daycare Centre in Parliament. The centre is open to children aged zero to five years, including those of students and staff members,” she highlighted.
The Daycare Centre is unique in that it benefits all members of the University community, including single fathers and students.
H.E. Ssentamu Churchill James, the 91st Guild President, thanked UNDP and the organising committee for their efforts in making the facility a reality, describing it as a testament to the University’s commitment to gender equity, student welfare, and removing barriers for parenting students. He highlighted the importance of peace of mind for students, especially mothers, and how the facility will help them balance their roles.
Advancing Digital Transformation: New Multimedia Studio Launched
In a separate but equally impactful launch at the Frank Kalimuzo Central Teaching Facility, Mr. Ian King described the studio as a strategic milestone in the University’s vision to modernise higher education and foster flexible learning. Mr. King noted that Uganda has made significant progress in digital inclusion with over 13 million internet users. He emphasized that the facility aims to address gaps in digital skills access—with only 3% of the population currently benefiting—and promote digital inclusion in line with the pillars of the Digital Economy Scorecard.
He also expressed confidence that the next Digital Economy Scorecard will show improved figures due to the efforts of Makerere and other universities. The digital studio will provide a dedicated space equipped with modern infrastructure to facilitate equitable access to digital skills development. He encouraged full utilization of the studio to maximise its impact on teaching, learning and skills development. He further thanked the Makerere University Management and development partners for their financial contributions that enabled the studio’s realization.
Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe expressed gratitude to the UNDP for their long-time support, especially with facilities like the Makerere University Innovation Pod (Mak UniPod). He thanked the UNDP for contributing to the modernisation of the University. The Vice Chancellor pledged to use the facility to build capacity across all disciplines and provide knowledge to a wider audience online.
He noted that Africa’s enrolment in higher education is the lowest in the world despite having the fastest-growing population, emphasizing the importance of providing high-quality education to as many people as possible, both on-campus and online. “I’m happy that this facility looks even more diverse than ones I have seen,” he said, expressing his gratitude to UNDP. The Vice Chancellor also highlighted the impact of the UNDP’s support towards unleashing talent and fostering innovation among students. “So by bringing the UniPod, you helped us unlock so much talent, and these students can now come up with the innovations which can be commercialised and create jobs for our fast-growing populations,” said Prof. Nawangwe.
Prof. Paul Birevu Muyinda, the Director, Makerere University Institute of Open Distance and e-Learning (IODel), said that the studio brings a significant leap in content production for e-learning. He expressed gratitude to UNDP for providing the necessary equipment to compete with world-class universities. He highlighted that e-learning courses are now incorporating multimedia elements like video and sound, moving on from the text-based model.
He further mentioned the preference of the younger generation for visual and interactive content, making multimedia content essential for effective teaching and learning. Prof. Muyinda explained how the new multimedia studio will allow for more authentic and context-specific e-learning content, enhancing student engagement. He emphasized that the University is focusing on four key areas: training staff on studio usage, AI literacy, online facilitation, and teaching learners how to use e-learning technology. He underscored the importance of continuous innovation and adaptation in e-learning to keep up with global standards.
Dr. Godfrey Mayende revealed that all science units can also be taught in this Multimedia Studio. He said that the studio provides the naturalness of a class setting as it gives space for students to physically sit in the studio room as the lecturer is teaching or recording a lecture.
The two facilities; Daycare Centre and Multimedia Studio, are the latest in a series of initiatives borne out of the strong partnership between Makerere University and the United Nations Development Programme, including the previously launched Mak UniPod and Gender Equality Seal for Public Institutions. The abovementioned developments offer clear demonstration that Makerere University and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) have a strong partnership focused on fostering innovation and development in Uganda and beyond.
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