Humanities & Social Sciences
Mak Develops New Digital Timetable and Attendance Systems to Enhance Efficiency
In a significant step towards improving operational efficiency, Makerere University is implementing new systems for digitizing timetables and monitoring student attendance. The initiatives were announced during a recent retreat held by the College of Humanities and Social Sciences (CHUSS) at Nican Resort on November 1-2, 2024.
Dr. Cyprian Misinde, the Director of Quality Assurance, outlined the university’s plans for a comprehensive Student Attendance Management System (SAMS), which aims to replace cumbersome manual roll calls with a streamlined digital solution. “The motivation for developing the e-timetable is to streamline processes across the university,” Dr. Misinde stated. “Our strategic plan focuses on digitizing university operations, which we have successfully started with several systems, including financial management and student records.”
During the retreat, staff participated in discussions led by the Directorate of Information and Communication Technology Services (DICTS) on e-timetabling and biometrics. Presentations also covered vital topics such as quality assurance and human resource policies. “We are aiming for a more efficient timetable system that helps allocate teaching spaces appropriately and reduces clashes,” Dr. Misinde explained.
The current manual timetabling process has been described as cumbersome, creating challenges in managing lecturer workloads and classroom allocations. “Digital timetabling will eliminate these problems, providing a permanent schedule that minimizes changes,” Dr. Misinde added. This system will also generate reports on classroom usage and teaching loads, facilitating better resource management.
In addition to the e-timetable, the SAMS is currently under pilot testing, aiming to enhance attendance tracking for both students and staff. Dr. Misinde emphasized the importance of monitoring attendance, stating, “Our policy requires students to attend at least 70% of lectures before they can sit for exams. This system will allow us to track attendance digitally and generate reports for quality assurance.”
Mr. Juma Katongole, Principal Information Systems Officer at DICTS, elaborated on the advantages of the e-timetable, which integrates with the existing Academic Management Information System (ACMIS). “The new system allows for central management of timetables, reducing conflicts and ensuring rooms are allocated efficiently,” Katongole noted. “It will support heads of departments while improving the overall timetabling process.”
As for the implementation timeline, Katongole indicated that while functionality has been developed, some colleges are further along than others. “Most colleges have nearly completed their timetabling processes, but we aim to refine the system for wider deployment by next semester,” he said.
Both Dr. Misinde and Katongole acknowledged the unique challenges presented by CHUSS due to its large student and staff population, as well as the diverse programs offered across various disciplines. “Understanding the dynamics within CHUSS is crucial as we implement these systems,” Dr. Misinde remarked. “We are committed to continuous feedback from staff to ensure our systems meet the unique needs of the university.”
Makerere University is poised to enhance its operational efficiency significantly through the introduction of digital systems for timetabling and attendance management, marking a progressive step towards modernizing its academic administration. The ongoing feedback and adaptation process will be essential to address the specific challenges faced by different colleges within the university.
The Makerere University fraternity is mourning the loss of a dedicated and hardworking academic, Dr. Brian Semujju. At the time of his passing, Dr. Semujju was serving as a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Journalism and Communication, School of Languages, Literature and Communication, where he had worked for eight years. He was a prolific scholar with more than 20 publications to his name, the most recent of which was published in February 2025.
In a condolence message from the Vice Chancellor delivered by Prof. Winston Tumps Ireeta, the Acting Deputy Vice Chancellor for Finance and Administration, the University extended its heartfelt sympathies to the bereaved family. Prof. Ireeta noted that Dr. Semujju was widely known for his enthusiasm and commitment to academic research. Drawing from scripture, he offered comfort to mourners with a quote from Psalms 34:14: “The Lord is close to the broken-hearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” He also extended condolences to Dr. Semujju’s students, fellow scholars, and colleagues.
On behalf of the College of Humanities and Social Sciences, the Principal, Prof. Helen Nambalirwa Nkabala and the Deputy Principal, Dr. Eric Awich Ochen, shared heartfelt condolences. The College Leadership acknowledged Dr. Semujju’s immense contributions and the deep void his death left in the college following his passing on 3rd August 2025. Equally commended was Dr. Semujju’s remarkable journey from Lecturer to Senior Lecturer—a clear testament to his passion and commitment to research. Dr. Semujju’s dedication to his work was described as extraordinary, and Dr. Awich Ochen confirmed that he was due for promotion to Associate Professor at the time of his death, a reflection of his unwavering pursuit of academic excellence.
Prof. Gorretti Nassanga delivered a message on behalf of the Head of the Department, Dr. Aisha Nakiwala, describing Dr. Semujju as a man who left behind a strong legacy of academic excellence. She traced his academic journey at Makerere University, beginning as a Master’s student in 2010, graduating in 2012, and completing his PhD in 2017—the same year he joined the Department as a Lecturer. She highlighted his significant research contributions, including publications in high-impact international journals and involvement in diverse research projects covering community media, gender and media, environmental and climate change communication, and the use of mobile phones in journalism practice. Prof. Nassanga praised his critical mind and eagerness to explore new frontiers of knowledge, adding: “Apart from his work at the Department of Journalism and Communication, he took interest in other areas like music, he composed several songs including some on how to tackle climate change.”
Prof. James Kiwanuka-Tondo, Dean at the School of Journalism, Media and Communication at Uganda Christian University, and Prof. Monica Chibita both spoke about Dr. Semujju’s insatiable curiosity and commitment to his work. Prof. Chibita noted his exceptional sense of duty, as evidenced by his latest publication in February despite battling illness. She emphasized the importance of preserving his legacy: “He leaves a gap in many people’s hearts but Brian also leaves a legacy of academic excellence. As many of his mentees who are here, we all have a duty to keep this legacy alive.”
Dr. Robert Kakuru, Chairperson of the Makerere University Academic Staff Association (MUASA), reflected on the collective loss felt by the academic fraternity: “As the academic fraternity we have lost a hardworking man. We have lost a man that was destined to achieve much.” He expressed appreciation to the University Management, especially the Vice Chancellor, for their support during this difficult time. Dr. Kakuru also used the occasion to promote the MUASA Social Support Fund, encouraging both new membership and mutual support among existing members.
Representing the Fulbright Scholars where Dr. Semujju served as President of the Alumni Association, Dr. Saul Daniel Ddumba also expressed his sympathies: “He accepted to be our Fulbright President, which was another job on top of what he already had,” he said, praising Dr. Semujju’s enthusiastic spirit.
Mr. Baker Batte, one of Dr. Semujju’s earliest Master’s students, shared a memory that reflected his high standards and intolerance for mediocrity: “I think I gave him approximately 15 drafts for him to accept that my dissertation was good for submission.”
A family representative, Dr. Semujju’s brother, spoke of his strong work ethic and obsession with quality, recounting his frequent reminder to the family: “Every time he would tell us that we cannot teach if we are not doing research.” He expressed gratitude to the Department of Journalism and Communication and the University for their support, particularly through financial assistance.
The funeral service held on 5th August 2025 at St. Francis Chapel and was presided over by the Chaplain, Rev. Canon Dr. Lydia Kitayimbwa. In her sermon, the Chaplain urged the bereaved family to turn to God for comfort, describing Him as “not distant, but… the God of Comfort.” She read from 2 Corinthians 1:3–7, reminding the congregation of God’s enduring presence in times of suffering: “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction… Our hope for you is unshaken, for we know that as you share in our sufferings, you will also share in our comfort,” she preached.
The event was graced by several dignitaries from the Media, including the CEO of Vision Group, Mr. Don Wanyama, and the Head of Bukedde TV, Mr. Richard Kayiira.
-
General1 week agoApplication for Change of Programmes/Subjects 2025/2026
-
General1 week agoGraduate Training Students Advised to Read the Graduate Handbook as a “Bible”
-
Education1 week agoCEES Orientation 2025: Students tipped on academic excellence, setting goals and development of work plans
-
General4 days agoMary Stuart Hall Reborn: Makerere Celebrates Reopening of Historic Female Residence
-
General1 week agoManagement Training Calls for Budget Execution that Impacts Uganda