The U.S Ambassador to Uganda William W. Popp, has called on institutions of higher learning to groom and shape active citizens. The ambassador was delivering a keynote address at the Annual Prof. William Senteza Kajubi Fulbright Memorial Lecture, held on Thursday October 3, 2024 at Makerere University’s Yusuf Lule Auditorium.
“Higher education is not just about earning degrees; it is about cultivating the skills and values that create active, engaged citizens who can contribute to a better world,” H.E. William W. Popp said.
Ambassador Popp emphasized the crucial role universities play in nurturing responsible citizens. By fostering debate, advocacy and governance participation, universities equip students with the tools needed for leadership in their communities and beyond. “Universities are essential for promoting civic participation, critical thinking, and informed citizenship—key components of a healthy democracy. A vibrant democracy relies on citizens who can engage constructively and peacefully with each other and their leaders,” he explained.
He elaborated on how universities contribute to civic education by offering courses in disciplines like political science, history, and sociology. These programs inform students about democratic systems, civil rights, and global issues, while also providing platforms for interaction with current and former political leaders, he said.
Ambassador Popp highlighted the importance of fostering critical thinking and debate. “By engaging in discussions around complex issues, students learn to form informed opinions and engage in responsible democratic discourse.” He noted that universities empower individuals through education, internships, and student councils, laying the groundwork for active and informed citizenship. “History shows that universities are incubators of social movements, where students challenge the status quo and advocate for policies that benefit society.”
Panel discussants
Dr. Pamela Tibihikirra-Kalyegira, Director of the Law Development Centre, reinforced these points by outlining three core roles of universities: teaching, applied research, and community engagement. “We must reflect on how well we are fulfilling these responsibilities,” she urged, encouraging students to adopt a lifelong learning mindset and recognize that no one can know everything.
Dr. Ruth Biyinzika, Coordinator of the GROW Project at the Private Sector Foundation Uganda (PSFU), shared insights on various opportunities available to students that can help them navigate their career paths. She also called on parents to actively engage in shaping their children’s educational journeys before they transition to higher education institutions.
In honoring the legacy of Prof. Senteza Kajubi, Makerere University Vice Chancellor Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe praised him as one of Uganda’s most influential educationists. A two-time Vice Chancellor and the first Fulbright from Uganda, Prof. Kajubi opened doors for many African students to benefit from the Fulbright scholarship. Prof. Nawangwe recalled his personal friendship with Kajubi, highlighting the wisdom he gained from him.
During Uganda’s struggle with the HIV/AIDS epidemic, Prof. Kajubi played a pivotal role in establishing a partnership between Makerere University and Case Western Reserve University in the U.S., which helped train staff to manage the crisis. “The first COVID-19 testing kits we received at Mulago Hospital were donated by Case Western Reserve University—400,000 free kits,” noted Prof. Nawangwe, emphasizing the enduring impact of Prof. Kajubi’s contributions to Makerere University and Uganda.
Through these discussions, the lecture underscored the vital role of higher education in not only developing individual capabilities but also fostering a more engaged and informed citizenry, ultimately contributing to a stronger democracy.
This report on mapping research in education intends to ignite debate on completion of doctoral studies to improve on doctoral throughput, and reflect on emerging research themes in order to strengthen and increase on evidence-based research from the College of Education and External Studies (CEES) that can address a myriad of education related challenges in Uganda and beyond. The College of Education and External Studies (CEES) is one of the ten (10) constituent colleges of Makerere University. Makerere University aspires to be research-led in the current strategic period, 2020-2030 and as CEES journeys ‘Towards a Research-led College’, it is prudent to take stock of research capacity by analyzing PhD graduates of the period 2012-2024 and continuing PhD students admitted by 2022/2023 as well as the emerging research themes in CEES.
First, the total number of PhD completers was 121 in the period 2012-2024 out of whom only six (6) completed in less than 5 years, which is only 5 percent. This is a worrying statistic since at Makerere University, an institutional average of 41% of registered PhD students is reported to complete within four (4) years. Apparently, majority of the completers in CEES complete in 5-9 years represented by 86 PhD graduates. In the same way, among the continuing PhD students, only 59 out of 194 PhD students have spent 3-4 years on the programme perhaps because their year of admission is relatively recent. Second, the research themes that the doctoral research focuses on were explored. Nineteen (19) out of 121 PhD graduates had researched on human resource management, eleven (11) focused on technology in education, eleven (11) on pedagogy/teaching and learning, and only five (5) on inclusive education among others. In the continuing student cohort, there is a surge in students researching on pedagogy /teaching and learning (24), technology in education (20), inclusive education (16), and emergence of a research theme on STEM Education/TVET (17) out of 194 continuing PhD students.
To compound the research themes at CEES, PhD student and academic staff research funded by the Government of Uganda through Makerere UniversityResearch and Innovation Fund (MakRIF) focused on quite similiar themes. Finally, areas of research that have been dominant across specialities in CEES in the last and next 5-10 years were highlighted by 28 academic staff at different ranks who responded to a survey. Overall, this report presents us with an opportunity to further reflect on the CEES Research Agenda, how to tap and maximize the potential of expertise in CEES, how to harness the diverse PhD research in education and research by academic staff in order to strongly generate impactful research and innovations, and contribute to policy and practice through policy briefs, knowledge briefs, and guidelines for uptake in education and the education system.
Ronald Bisaso, PhD. FUNAS. Associate Professor of Higher Education and Deputy Principal, CEES.
The Department of Science, Technical and Vocational Education (DSTVE) at the School of Education, College of Education and External Studies (CEES) witnessed a transition in leadership on January 28, 2025, as Dr. John Ssentongo officially handed over the reins to Dr. Marjorie Batiibwe. The handover ceremony, presided over by the Dean of the School of Education, Prof. Mulumba Mathias, was attended by key stakeholders, including Mr. Mutebi Patrick from the Directorate of Human Resources, Ms. Mbabazi Winnie from Internal Audit, and other departmental staff.
In his farewell remarks, Dr. Ssentongo, who has served as Head of Department (HoD) for four years, expressed his gratitude to the university management, CEES leadership, and DSTVE staff for their unwavering support throughout his tenure. He highlighted several accomplishments during his leadership, including:
Curriculum Development – Successful reviews of the Bachelor of Science with Education, Postgraduate Diploma in Education, and Master of Education Science Education programs.
Infrastructure Upgrades – Renovation of the DSTVE building, refurbishment of the Resource Center, and enhancement of laboratories.
Staff Development – Promotion of several academic staff and recruitment of new lecturers.
Campus Beautification – Landscaping and greening of the DSTVE compound to enhance the learning environment.
Speaking at the event, Prof. Mulumba Mathias, Dean of the School of Education, commended Dr. Ssentongo for his dedicated service and transformative leadership at DSTVE. He acknowledged the outgoing HoD’s efforts in strengthening the academic and administrative structure of the department, particularly in curriculum development and facility improvements.
“Dr. Ssentongo has demonstrated exceptional leadership, resilience, and dedication in steering DSTVE towards excellence. His tenure has set a solid foundation for growth, and we are confident that Dr. Batiibwe will continue this momentum. The School of Education remains committed to supporting DSTVE in addressing existing challenges, particularly in staffing and resource mobilization,” remarked Prof. Mulumba.
He further urged Dr. Batiibwe to build on the department’s achievements and work closely with university leadership to advance technical and vocational education.
In her acceptance speech, Dr. Marjorie Batiibwe expressed her commitment to building on the successes of her predecessor, strengthening academic programs, and addressing the critical staffing gaps. She emphasized the need for collaborative leadership to propel DSTVE to greater heights.
As DSTVE embarks on this new chapter, the department remains steadfast in its mission to train skilled educators and enhance technical and vocational education in Uganda.
Makerere University’s Centre for Life-Long Learning (CLL) under the College of Education and External Studies celebrated a significant milestone on January 24, 2025, as over 40 students successfully graduated with diplomas and certificates in various fields accredited by the Uganda Business and Technical Examinations Board (UBTEB).
The graduation ceremony, held at Makerere University, marked the sixth cohort to complete their academic programs at the Centre, highlighting its role in equipping individuals with the knowledge and skills necessary for professional and personal growth.
The ceremony included a moment of pride for Namagembe Saidat, who emerged as the best-performing student. She graduated with a Diploma in Secretarial Studies, achieving an outstanding CGPA of 4.86. Saidat’s accomplishment reflects the Centre’s commitment to academic excellence and nurturing top-tier professionals.
In his address, Dr. Oscar Mugula, the National Coordinator of CLL, congratulated the graduates for their resilience and hard work over the two years of study. He commended the government for revising the admission policy for diploma programs, which now requires only one principal pass instead of two. This policy adjustment, he noted, has significantly increased student enrollment and widened access to higher education opportunities.
Dr. Mugula also encouraged the graduates to register with professional bodies as technicians, emphasizing that such affiliations would enhance their employability and competitiveness in the job market.
Speaking on behalf of the Principal of the College of Education and External Studies (CEES), Dr. Harriet Nabushawo extended gratitude to the government, particularly the Ministry of Education and Sports, and UBTEB for entrusting CEES with the training of diverse education stakeholders. She further thanked Makerere University’s management for its unwavering support of the College’s activities and acknowledged the collaboration with the College of Engineering, Design, Art and Technology, which provides access to laboratories and workshops essential for student training.
Dr. Nabushawo urged the graduates to consider advancing their studies by enrolling in degree programs to further enhance their qualifications. Additionally, she shared valuable life skills and encouraged the graduates to adopt a mindset of continuous learning and self-improvement to remain relevant in a dynamic labor market.
The graduation ceremony underscored the transformative impact of lifelong learning in fostering socio-economic development and empowering individuals to achieve their full potential. The Centre for Life-Long Learning continues to play a pivotal role in bridging educational gaps and promoting inclusivity in higher education.
As the graduates embark on their professional journeys, their success serves as a testament to the dedication of CLL’s faculty and staff, as well as the vital role of Makerere University in nurturing skilled professionals equipped to contribute to national development.
Congratulations to the graduates, faculty, and all stakeholders who made this milestone possible!