General
Avoid distractions, fresh graduates urged
Published
9 months agoon
By
Mak Editor
During the Makerere University Convocation Graduation luncheon, Mr. Odrek Rwabwogo, a Senior Presidential Advisor on Special duties, together with Makerere University Management members set the process for mentoring the next generation of leaders in the business, public and private sectors.
Delivering a keynote speech, Mr. Rwabwogo urged the graduates to avoid being distracted when executing missions. He emphasized to them the need to embody the values of responsibility, discipline and integrity as they enter the world of work.
He cautioned them on the friends and networks that they associate with, when he said: “You must be responsible for your behaviour. I advise you to immediately drop friends who seek to extend childish behaviours into adulthood, those who don’t help you on the journey to maturity. Have personal integrity as you transition to adulthood,” he said.
He made the remarks on Wednesday 15th January 2025 while addressing fresh graduates from Makerere University Business School (MUBS) during the Convocation Staff and Alumni luncheon organized in honour of the best talent during the 75th Graduation Ceremony.
Mr. Rwabwogo who is also the Chairperson of the Presidential Advisory Committee on Exports and Industrial Development (PACEID) emphasized entrepreneurship as the engine to Uganda’s development as well as the solution to the unemployment question.
“My wish is that if everyone could be an entrepreneur. It is entrepreneurship that will spur Uganda’s development. Entrepreneurship gives you the ability to innovate, it is about creativity and ingenuity that leads to business enterprises and production of products”, he said.

In terms of personal growth, Mr. Rwabwogo advised the graduates to get out of the crowds, and dedicate time, to exactly understand who they are. He explained the need for each graduate to have a deeper reflection towards their calling and purpose in life including understanding what makes one unique.
To underscore the value of solitude and its ability to stimulate thinking and innovativeness, Rwabwogo shared an example of Albert Einstein who is generally considered the most influential physicist of the 20th century.
One of Einstein’s quotes states: “I live in that solitude which is painful in youth, but delicious in the years of maturity.”
Noting that the graduates were transitioning into adulthood, Rwabwogo pointed out that solitude, would not only provide graduates with an opportunity to design and innovate, but also empower them to ask the right questions about life.
“Seek silence. Find out who you are. We are always surrounded by crowds, which are deceptive. If you are below 30 years of age, entertainment and social media can be a source of mental and emotional containment. In crowds, we can get lost. In solitude, you learn to ask the right questions about life. Solitude teaches you to handle rejections and learn how to deal with bullies at work.”
Making reference to the Holy bible, Mr. Rwabwogo recounted the story of Amnon, a character whose poor choices led to dire consequences, highlighting the dangers of associating with the wrong company.
While emphasizing the importance of personal integrity and leadership skills, Mr. Rwabwogo used the story of Joseph a bible character known for resilience and responsibility, to remind graduates the importance of maintaining discipline and a strong work ethic, even in challenging circumstances.
He encouraged the graduates to adopt Joseph’s mindset, emphasizing that success is often a product of perseverance and a commitment to one’s values.
“I am so happy with the work of the Makerere University Convocation team to give the alumni a home. We are going to use this network for planning and executing good ideas to ensure Makerere University continues to nurture generations,” Rwabwogo said.

Responding to a question from the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe on how Makerere University could partner with him to improve exports, Mr. Rwabwogo revealed his readiness to tap into research and development projects, and work with the University to commercialise the research outputs into products. He equally appealed to the University leadership, staff and the Convocation to popularize entrepreneurship throughout the University.
In his speech, the Vice Chancellor commended MUBS for its admirable growth from 3,000 students in 1993 when the School moved to its Nakawa premises to nearly 20,000 students today.
“MUBS has grown both in quality and quantity. As Makerere, we are proud of MUBS as the best school of business on the continent,” Prof. Nawangwe said.
Addressing guests, Engineer Isaac Mubarak Ngobya, the Chairperson of MUBS Council, noted that academicians must be promoted and awarded in this Country. He explained that most Universities do not advertise jobs for teaching assistants because the opportunity is always given to the best students who have excelled and attained First Class degrees-Honours Division.

“We are not being rebellious, but we always pick from the best, nurture them until they become Professors. Academicians must be identified, nurtured, promoted and awarded,” Eng. Ngobya, said.
He called upon academicians to also carry out research which is applicable to the development challenges in Uganda.
During the graduation, George Mugabi Turyamureeba, the Chairperson of the Convocation called upon the University management to retain the best brains by giving them scholarship opportunities to upgrade to Master’s level and jobs as teaching assistants.
Mr. Turyamureeba explained that once the idea is adopted, it will spur academic competition, where many will read hard to excel with First Class degrees.
“Once academically brilliant students are offered scholarships to attain Masters’ degrees, it will also contribute to improving the quality of researchers in the Country,” Mr. Turyamureeba, said.
During the graduation, Abdul Latif Bagoole received the Convocation Award as the Best Student in the Humanities disciplines on the third day of Makerere University‘s 75th Graduation Ceremony-Wednesday 15th January 2025.
His outstanding academic achievement was marked by an impressive CGPA of 4.97 in the Bachelor of Leisure and Hospitality Management.

During the function, MUBS Principal, Prof. Moses Muhwezi, implored all the First-class students to always uphold the good values and principles that guided their excellence in academics as they join the world outside the university.
First class students speak out
Francis Mwesigwa, who graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, with a Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) score of 4.78 could not believe that he was in the same tent with some of Uganda’s celebrated personalities.
“I am overwhelmed, I never knew that I would ever sit with some of the people in this tent. I have been watching most of them on Television. This is a great reward for the hard work that I put into my education,” Mwesigwa said. He called upon the University to retain most of the best students.
Daisy Patience Amase, who graduated with a Master of Science in Marketing was grateful to Makerere University Convocation, a network that will help many students transit into employment. She used the same opportunity to acknowledge Dr. Tanga Odoi for being a very kind individual who inspired her to study hard and excel in academics.
Touched by Amase’s testimony, Dr. Tanga Odo advised Ugandans and graduates, “When you have a chance to help someone climb a ladder, always help.”

At the same luncheon, Dr. Tanga Odoi was recognized by the current leadership of the convocation for his exceptional service in stewarding the Convocation and for aggressively mobilizing the alumni to join Makerere University Convocation.
During his time as the Chairperson of Makerere University Convocation, Dr. Tanga Odoi started the mobilization drive for the Makerere University Perimeter Wall. With the funds raised, Dr. Tanga Odoi and his team commenced the construction of the Perimeter Wall from Wandegeya (near University Hall) up to Kikoni.
“It is always good to start. We started with 500,000/=, and when we mobilized up to 47 million shillings, I convinced my team at the Makerere University Convocation to start on the first phase of the Makerere University Perimeter Wall project. This was a very ambitious project, which required over five (5) billion shillings.

“Impressed by the good start, President Museveni supported us with the Government of Uganda, coming on board to fund 90% of the construction works of the Makerere University Perimeter Wall” added Dr. Tanga Odoi.
Appreciating the award, Dr. Tanga Odoi said: “I am exceedingly humbled by the award. I came to Makerere University in 1984, and Makerere University has given me all the recognitions; from my first degree to the ranks in the academia, and at this moment, personal recognition. Thank you so much.”
Comparing the working environment at Makerere University with the work in politics, Dr. Tanga Odoi who came to Makerere University on 4th October 1984 said there is no place better than Makerere University. He explained that the working environment in academic institutions is not as toxic as that in politics.
Noting the continuous growth of Makerere University convocation, Dr. Tanga Odoi commended the current Chairperson, Mr. George Turyamureeba. He noted that during his short time as the Chairperson, he has been able to build and transform the convocation into an admirable space with a conventional building and Office spaces.

“George Turyamureeba, I thank you, and your young team, for leading the Makerere University Convocation, building the Convocation block and offices, and organizing engagements such as this Graduation Luncheon that provides space for seasoned professionals, leaders and politicians to mentor the young people and graduates.”
Upholding the value of friendship and encouraging the graduates and alumni of Makerere University to have true friends, Dr. Tanga Odoi acknowledged the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe as a true friend.
“I thank the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe for being a reliable friend. The Vice Chancellor has been my guide during the times when I took over leadership as Chairperson of the Makerere University Academic Staff (MUASA) and later, as Chairperson of Makerere University Convocation.”
Writers: Carol Kasujja Adii and Ritah Namisango
Photographer: Christopher Kaahwa
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General
Strengthening Collaboration between Makerere University and the University of Groningen
Published
2 hours agoon
October 8, 2025By
Mak Editor
A significant development unfolded at Makerere University during a strategic, hour-long meeting in the vice chancellor’s boardroom on 7th October 2025, marking a deepening bond with the University of Groningen in the Netherlands. The primary goal was to move beyond existing collaborations and formalize a new Double Doctorate (PhD) program. Prof. Sarah Saali, the Deputy Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, set the tone by emphasizing that institutional partnerships are crucial to Makerere University, which she proudly called the leading research and most collaborative university in the world.

The discussion promptly formed the core structure of the program: a four-year PhD (or three if the master’s was research-based), with supervision duties split 50-50% between the two institutions. A key feature is the mobility requirement, stipulating that PhD candidates would spend a total of six months in the Netherlands, potentially divided into two three-month periods. Crucially, the University of Groningen confirmed there would be no teaching requirement during this stay, allowing students full access to focus on their research. A major financial hurdle was overcome with the adoption of a fee-waiver policy; Makerere would waive tuition for incoming Groningen candidates, and Groningen would reciprocate for Makerere‘s students, significantly boosting the program’s financial viability.

However, the critical issue of the stipend remained. Dr. Anita Veltmaat explained that to meet the required living standard of approximately €1,875 per month in Groningen, the incoming candidate must secure a partial external scholarship of around €250 per month. The positive news is that if the candidate secures this minimum scholarship, the University of Groningen is prepared to top up the amount to the full living standard for the six months the student spends in the Netherlands. It was noted that this initial financial hurdle might be simplified for Makerere students, as many are already staff members receiving a salary, which could help cover the required €250.

The path forward was clear: it was to complete the agreement template guided by the setup committee from both institutions. The plan culminated in scheduling an online follow-up meeting for Tuesday, November 11th, to review the first revision of the agreement, capping a highly constructive discussion that solidified the two universities’ shared future in graduate education.

Makerere University was represented by Prof. Sarah Ssali, the Deputy Vice Chancellor in charge of Academics Affairs; Dr. Ruth Nsibirano, Head of the Department of Gender Studies; Dr. Patricia Ndugga, School of Statistics; Dr. Stella Achen and Dr. Joseph Watuleke, School of Distance and Lifelong Learning; Agatha Ainemukama, School of Engineering; Racheal Nuwagaba, School of Psychology; Awel Uwihanganye, Martine Rugamba, and Hawa Ndagire from the Advancement Office; and Muhammad Kiggundu from the Institute of Gender and Development Studies.

The University of Groningen was represented by Dr. Dinie Bouwman, Senior Policy Advisor, Internationalization and Quality Assurance; Dr. Anita Veltmaat, Faculty of Social Behavior and Social Sciences, Department of International Studies, involved in mentorship programs for women; and Dr. Alette Arendshorst, Faculty of Behavioral and Social Sciences, working on graduation/collaboration for students/staff.
General
Makerere and Nelson Mandela University Move to Actualize Existing MoU
Published
1 day agoon
October 7, 2025By
Eve Nakyanzi
Makerere University on Tuesday, 7th October 2025 hosted a delegation from Nelson Mandela University (NMU), South Africa in the Vice Chancellor’s Boardroom in a bid to strengthen academic partnerships and operationalize their existing Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).
The delegation, led by Prof. Azwinndini Muronga, Deputy Vice Chancellor: Research, Innovation and Internationalisation, NMU, aimed to turn earlier agreements into actionable collaborations and build sustainable partnerships with various colleges.
The Acting (Ag.) Deputy Vice Chancellor; Finance and Administration, Prof. Winston Tumps Ireeta, provided an overview of the institution’s structure—nine colleges, two schools, and two institutes—while acknowledging the challenges of maintaining excellence amid resource limitations and post-pandemic recovery. He emphasized that collaboration must serve the broader goal of research-driven development, calling for teamwork and resilience among African universities. “We have to work together to sustain high academic standards and contribute to the continent’s progress,” he noted.

Prof. Muronga spoke passionately about the NMU’s “African footprint agenda.” He urged both institutions to start with small, practical projects that can build confidence and momentum for larger initiatives. “We must grow partnerships within Africa first,” he stated, “before we expand globally. True collaboration begins when both sides contribute equally, share capacity, and build self-reliance.”
Prof. Muronga also expressed interest in joint research projects, doctoral supervision, and shared grant applications, noting that NMU and Makerere are strategically positioned to lead regional academic innovation.
In her remarks, Prof. Judy Peter, Senior Director in the International Office at NMU emphasized the University’s commitment to African-centered collaboration and the importance of internationalizing the curriculum and expanding research capacity.
Prof. Peter underscored the importance of student mobility, joint supervision of postgraduate students, and the recruitment of talented African scholars, noting that such exchanges enrich both institutions’ academic communities. She also emphasized the need to internationalize the curriculum, particularly through virtual learning platforms and co-teaching models, to ensure broader accessibility and shared expertise.
Contributions also came from Prof. James Wokadala, Deputy Principal, College of Business and Management Sciences (CoBAMS), further amplified the need to “start small and build on existing collaborations.” He proposed developing a clear roadmap that defines short-term goals and identifies areas for mutual growth.
From the College of Health Sciences, Dr. Richard Idro, the Deputy Principal highlighted opportunities for fellowship, training and collaboration in clinical subjects, emphasizing the need for practical exchanges that benefit students and staff alike. He also addressed logistical challenges such as transportation and coordination, urging for targeted partnerships that can yield tangible results.

The meeting reaffirmed the universities’ commitment to collaboration in areas including faculty exchange for guest lectures, seminars, and sabbaticals; joint research and grant applications for regional and international funding; co-supervision of postgraduate students; virtual classroom exchanges; curriculum internationalization and exchange of academic materials; and capacity development for academic and administrative staff.
The teams also identified “quick-win” projects that could be implemented in the short term and agreed to establish a joint implementation team to monitor progress. Further discussions will explore funding mechanisms, including the possibility of leveraging programs like Erasmus+, to support student exchange and joint research initiatives.
In his closing remarks, Prof. Muronga reaffirmed Nelson Mandela University’s commitment to ensuring that the partnership yields visible outcomes. Both universities agreed that future engagements will be structured around mutual respect, accountability, and measurable results.
The meeting concluded on a note of optimism, with both institutions expressing confidence that their partnership will not only advance academic excellence but also contribute to Africa’s broader vision of educational and research self-reliance.
The meeting was attended by several officials from Makerere including; Prof. Eric Awich Ochen-Deputy Principal, College of Humanities and Social Sciences (CHUSS), Prof. Yazidhi Bamutaze-Deputy Principal, College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES), Prof. Godfrey Akileng-Dean School of Business, Dr. Geoffrey Nuwagaba-CoBAMS, Mr. Martine Rugamba-Ag. Chief Advancement Office, and Ms. Hawa Kajumba-Advancement Office.
General
Vice Chancellor Updates Media on DVC AA Appointment, Acquisitions, Research & Various Issues
Published
1 day agoon
October 7, 2025By
Mak Editor
The Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe on Tuesday 7th October, 2025 held a press conference to update members of the Media on the; New Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic Affairs), Acquisition of Land in Kyankwanzi, Acquisition of 3 buses from Kiira Motors, Anti-Tick vaccine, Makerere Innovation Hub upgrade, Promotion of Student Freedoms and Responsible Leadership, Student Allowances, and Staff Hires and Exits.
The event held in the Council Room, Main Building, was attended by the DVC AA-Prof. Sarah Ssali, Ag. DVC F&A-Prof. Winston Tumps Ireeta, Academic Registrar-Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi, Dean of Students-Dr. Winifred Kabumbuli, Chief Human Resources Officer-Mr. Deus Tayari Mujuni, Deputy Chief – Public Relations-Ms. Eunice Rukundo, 91st Guild President-H.E. Ssentamu Churchill James and staff from the Offices of the Vice and Deputy Vice Chancellors.
The proceedings of the Press Conference follow below;
Vice Chancellors’ Press Statement
I welcome the media to this briefing. I would like to start by thanking our staff for their diligent and dedicated service to our University and Country.
In our teaching and learning, Makerere University seeks to respond to real-world problems within clearly defined industries and economic sectors. We align core university interventions with social economic transformation, by leveraging partnerships, technology, creative arts, sciences, research and innovations. We are committed to creating an enabling environment for both students and staff in order to produce graduates who are globally competitive, relevant and responsive to development needs.
To this end, we have made some strides that I would like to share, starting with the introduction of the new Deputy Vice Chancellor – Academic Affairs.
1. Introduction of the New Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic Affairs)
Makerere University Chancellor Dr. Crispus Kiyonga on September 23rd 2025, appointed Professor Sarah Evelyn Nabwire Ssali as the Deputy Vice Chancellor in charge of Academic Affairs. Prof. Ssali has had a distinguished career at Makerere University spanning over two decades. Until her appointment, she was the Acting Director of the Institute of Gender and Development Studies (IGDS), having previously served as Dean of the School of Women and Gender Studies (2017–2024). She is also the Director of the Centre of Excellence in African Identities under the African Research Universities Alliance (ARUA). An accomplished scholar, Prof. Ssali is a Professor of Gender and Development Studies and a prolific researcher. Beyond academia, she has contributed significantly to university governance, and also played a leading role in curriculum reviews and policy reforms.
I warmly congratulate Prof. Sarah Ssali on her appointment and look forward to her leadership in steering academic affairs to greater heights.
2. Acquisition of Land in Kyankwanzi Land
The University is delighted to report that, on September 26th, 2025, Makerere University officially received one square mile (approximately 640 acres) of land from the Government of Uganda. This land, located in Kyankwanzi District, has been earmarked for the establishment of a Makerere University Agro-Demonstration and Training Facility.
This facility will serve as a living laboratory for practical agricultural training, research, and community engagement. It will host demonstration farms, improved livestock breeds, and innovative technologies designed to transform subsistence agriculture into a productive, market-oriented enterprise. Through this initiative, Makerere will train farmers and extension workers in modern farming practices, sustainable land use, pest and disease control, climate-smart agriculture, and agribusiness management.
The Kyankwanzi project aligns with Makerere University’s broader mission to generate and disseminate knowledge that directly impacts communities and supports Uganda’s socio-economic transformation.
3. Makerere Acquires 3 buses from Kiira Motors
I am pleased to announce that on September 27th, 2025, we strengthened our partnership with Kiira Motors Corporation through the acquisition of three modern buses. Of these, two are diesel-powered while the third is an electric bus, specifically brought to ease mobility of students and staff with special needs across campus.
This initiative speaks directly to our core values of inclusivity, equity, and care for all members of the university community. By ensuring that every student and staff can fully participate in academic life, Makerere continues to create a learning environment where everyone can thrive.
Our partnership with Kiira Motors Corporation reflects Makerere’s support for Uganda’s homegrown innovation ecosystem. That Kiira Motors was founded on research from within our own College of Engineering, Design, Art and Technology (CEDAT), is a demonstration of how university knowledge can be translated into practical solutions that serve society.
We extend our appreciation to the management and team at Kiira Motors for their generous contribution and continued collaboration. Together, we are not only advancing sustainable transport and green technology, but also reaffirming our shared vision of a modern, inclusive, and innovation-driven Uganda.
4. RESEARCH AND INNOVATION UPDATES
i. Anti- Tick vaccine
The College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Biosecurity (COVAB) has successfully completed the formulation of an anti-tick vaccine, marking a major milestone in Makerere University’s contribution to Uganda’s livestock sector. The vaccine, which has demonstrated an efficacy rate of 86%, is expected to reduce calf mortality by 14% and significantly improve productivity across the livestock value chain. Uganda’s livestock industry currently contributes 19.4% to the national GDP, valued at approximately USD 17.09 billion.
Once fully developed and approved, the anti-tick vaccine is projected to reduce product losses in milk and meat by 11% and 29% respectively, and cut down on acaricide importation (An acaricide is a chemical substance used to kill ticks and mites). The vaccine is now awaiting clinical trials and regulatory approval from the relevant drug authorities before commercialization.
ii. Makerere University’s Innovation Hub upgraded
In 2022, we established an Innovation Hub dubbed the Unipod, which in 2024 got a grant from UNDP under the Timbukutoo Africa Initiative. The Unipod has now been formally upgraded to Makerere University Technology and Innovations Center (MUTIC) with the mandate to offer support to innovations university-wide.
MUTIC is a state-of-the-art innovation center that nurtures, incubates and accelerates ideas into companies. It has 10 makerspaces including Computer-Aided Design rooms, Textile space, Electrical space, Renewable Energy, E-Mobility, a Multimedia Studio among others.
The Center will be under the administration of a board of Directors chaired by the Deputy Vice Chancellor in charge of Finance and Administration and comprising members from the student body, academic staff, government and the private sector.
5. STUDENT AFFAIRS
Promoting Student Freedoms and Responsible Leadership
Makerere University continues to make deliberate and progressive efforts to enhance student freedoms and participation in leadership.
In a development that reflects Makerere’s continued commitment to empower and nurture responsible future leaders, the University recently made the decision to reinstate open guild campaigns, which had previously been suspended following the tragic loss of a student during campaign activities. This decision was reached after extensive consultations with the Student Guild leadership, guided by our shared desire to restore a vibrant, participatory, and safe democratic culture on campus.
The resumption of open campaigns comes with a renewed understanding and agreement to balance freedom with responsibility, emphasizing peaceful and respectful campaigns that do not disrupt academic programmes or endanger persons, property, or businesses within and around the University.
As an institution that values dialogue, democracy, and responsible citizenship, we recognize that a truly great university must not only nurture academic excellence but also provide a space for free expression and engagement in governance.
Student Allowances
Students received some of their allowances in Quarter One and will receive the balance this quarter as soon as government releases the Quarter 2 funds. Management has met and harmonized with the Students leadership and we have committed to pay.
6. STAFF AFFAIRS
Staff Hires and Exits
There has been some media attention owing to the recent appointments and departures of staff from Makerere University. Allow me comment on this.
At its 769th meeting, the Makerere University Appointments Board appointed twenty-three (23) new members of staff, confirmed fifty-eight (58) members into University service, and also accepted resignations for eighteen (18) members of staff. Most of the colleagues who resigned went to take up other opportunities in various capacities. We congratulate all departing staff and wish them well in their new positions of service.
We recognize that transition is a natural process in all institutions of higher learning. The career growth and accomplishments of former Makerere staff reflects not only their individual achievements but also Makerere’s enduring role as a crucible for leadership and knowledge production.
It is important to acknowledge that while staff inevitably transition out of the University, Makerere maintains a robust recruitment pipeline to ensure that teaching, learning, and research remain uninterrupted. You will, therefore, note that while 18 staff left, 58 were confirmed and 23 joined the University’s service within the same period. Makerere, therefore, continues to demonstrate sound institutional planning and has in no way reneged on our responsibility to safeguard academic continuity for our students and partners.
End.
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