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Mak Planning and Development Department gets new leadership

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By Carol Kasujja Adii

Mr. Matia Kabuye Kagimu on 21st January 2025 officially handed over office to the newly appointed acting Manager of Planning and Development Department, Mr. Emmanuel Kitamirike – a Principal Planning Officer in the same unit.

Presiding over the handover ceremony, Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi who represented the Vice Chancellor commended Mr. Matia Kabuye Kagimu who joined the University service in November 1991 for the vibrant leadership during his tenure as the Manager of Planning and Development Department. He also credited Mr. Kabuye Kagimu for serving Makerere University stakeholders with dedication and humility.

β€œPresiding over and also witnessing a number of such ceremonies over the years, I have learnt one thing, that they only strengthen our resolve to continue contributing to Makerere University. When you see a colleague that has served with distinction and integrity, it is a message to the in-coming that you need to not only emulate the strides made but also do better than your predecessor,” said Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi, the Ag. Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic Affairs) on behalf of the University management.

Out going Manager Mr. Matia Kabuye Kagimu speaking at the handover ceremony.

Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi explained that over the years, Mr. Kabuye Kagimu has not only guided the University Management in strategic planning, budgeting and resource allocation, but also mentored many of them.

β€œMr. Kabuye Kagimu, you are lucky you are leaving with your head held high. You are lucky that God has given you an admirable tenure, you have served with distinction and we are happy. We wish you good health as you continue serving in whatever capacity God puts you,” Prof Buyinza Mukadasi said.

Despite facing significant challenges, including limited staffing and resources and unprecedented budget cuts, Mr. Kabuye Kagimu led the planning unit with unwavering dedication. Under his leadership, the team delivered crucial planning functions, including budgeting and reporting, in alignment with the Government of Uganda’s programme budgeting system.

Furthermore, during his tenure, the unit oversaw the decentralization of the University’s budgeting function to the Colleges and Administrative Units, as well as alignment of the Makerere University 10-year strategic plan (2020-2030) with the National Development Plan II. Mr Kabuye Kagimu also diligently worked with the different Colleges and Departments on development of infrastructural facilities improvement projects.

[L-R] Mr. Matia Kabuye Kagimu and Mr. Emmanuel Kitamirike

Welcoming the newly appointed Acting Manager Mr. Emmanuel Kitamirike to the leadership role, Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi pledged to accord him the necessary support.

During the handover, the University Bursar, Mr. Evarist Bainomugisha, who has worked with Mr. Kabuye Kagimu for five years, testified that he is a highly skilled personality who has exhibited high standards of ethics, integrity, morality and professionalism.

β€œMr. Kabuye has exhibited a high level of team work.  He has worked well with the finance team and a number of staff in the entire University as he oversaw the planning function,” Mr. Bainomugisha said.

Addressing the audience, Mr. Kabuye Kagimu thanked the University Council, as well as Central and Top Management for the cooperation and support accorded to him during the 33 years he served the University.

Mr. Kabuye Kagimu appealed to the University Management to prioritize the staffing needs in the Planning and Development Department so that the Unit is in position to serve the entire university on time, and with the right financial and human resources.

In his acceptance speech, Mr. Emmanuel Kitamirike, the Acting Manager Planning and Strategy, extended deep gratitude to the University Management especially the Vice Chancellor, Professor Barnabas Nawangwe and the Acting Deputy Vice Chancellor (Finance and Administration), Prof. Henry Alinaitwe for their mentorship over the years and entrusting him the new responsibility.

β€œWithout a plan, we are directionless. Without accurate reporting, we cannot ensure effective accountability because these are pillars upon which success stands. I want to assure you, Acting Vice Chancellor-Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi that my team and I, are fully aware of the monumental task ahead. We are committed to tackling it with unwavering resolve and dedication,’’ Mr. Kitamirike said.  He also pledged to give attention to grant-funded projects.

Group photo of participants who attended the handover ceremony.

Present during the handover were Mr. Lubowa Gyaviira Ssebina, the Deputy University Bursar, Ms Joan Makanga Mutekanga-representing the Directorate of Internal Audit, Ms Consolate Komugisha-representing the Office of the University Secretary and staff from the Planning and Development Department.

About the Department The Planning and Development Department (PDD) was established in 1992 with the overall mandate to coordinate the formulation and implementation of the University’s Strategic Plans. The Department has to date rolled out four planning cycles. The Department brings together the constituent components of the University-wide plan, including plans from all units of the University, to ensure that Makerere is an efficient and responsive University.

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Office of the Academic Registrar Lauded for Groundbreaking Achievements In Digitalization

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Mr. Charles Ssentongo (5th Left), together with Office of the Academic Registrar staff members are joined by Dr. Dickson Kalungi (4th Right) and MUST Registrars for a group photo in front of the Senate Building on 25th March 2025.

By Gerald Ochwo

On 25th March 2025, a delegation of Registrars from Mbarara University of Science and Technology (MUST) undertook a benchmarking exercise at Makerere University, with a specific focus on the latter’s pioneering efforts in academic records digitalization. The delegation, led by Dr. Dickson Kalungi, Ag. Deputy Academic Registrar was received by Mr. Charles Ssentongo, Deputy Academic Registrar in charge of Admissions and Records Division, who represented the Academic Registrar (AR), Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi.

The visit was prompted by Makerere University‘s trailblazing achievements in digitalizing academic records, as exemplified by the Digitalization of Academic Records Project (DARP). This initiative has been instrumental in creating a centralized, digital one stop repository of all University’s academic records, thereby enhancing the efficiency, accuracy, and security of academic records management.

In his welcoming remarks, Mr. Ssentongo conveyed the Academic Registrar’s message and highlighted Makerere University‘s efforts to digitalize all its processes and records. He further noted that the university is intentional about creating a digital ecosystem that makes academic records retrieval easy and efficient.

β€œAs a university, we are now intentional with the digitalization of all our processes including, digitization of our manual records that date as way back as the inception of Makerere University. Currently, the DARP project as gone as far as creating a one stop center for both Academic document verification and certification, whereby our former graduates, will only need to access the online verification and certification portal and submit their documents without necessarily having to travel many physical distances to Makerere University” Mr. Ssentongo remarked.

Registrars from MAK and MUST pose for a group photo after the meeting. Left is article author Gerald Ochwo.
Registrars from MAK and MUST pose for a group photo after the meeting. Left is article author Gerald Ochwo.

In his appreciation remarks, the MUST head of delegation, Dr. Dickson Kalungi, thanked the Academic Registrar for honoring their request to come and learn from the best practices that exist at Makerere University and particularly commended the Department for the great steps and strides made in pioneering modern Academic records storage management systems.

β€œI want to sincerely thank the Office of the Academic Registrar for sparing time and organizing this meeting. As a University, we have embarked on a transformative change drive whereby we intend to automate all our registry processes including, the management of Academic Records. The DARP project at Makerere University, has been one project where we draw a number of lessons and we are eager to go and implement some of the best practices we have observed here today”

Conclusion

The benchmarking exercise undertaken by Mbarara University of Science and Technology demonstrates the significance of Makerere University and particularly, the Office of the Academic Registrar’s achievements in academic records digitalization. The DARP project serves as a model for other institutions to follow, highlighting the importance of investing in digital solutions to enhance the efficiency, accuracy, and security of academic records management. It further demonstrates the university’s commitment to sharing knowledge and best practices with other institutions. Makerere University‘s efforts in digitalizing academic records have set a high standard for other universities to emulate, and the DARP project is a shining example of innovation and excellence in academic records management.

Gerald Ochwo is the Liaison Officer, Office of the Academic Registrar

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Press Release: Launch of #MakRun2025

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Makerere University officially launches the 5th Edition of the Makerere University Marathon #MakRun2025, 27th March 2025, Main Hall, Main Building, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

27th March 2025

LAUNCH OF THE 5TH EDITION OF THE MAKERERE UNIVERSITY MARATHON (#MakRun2025)

Makerere University is pleased to announce the launch of the 5th edition of the Makerere
University Marathon, also known as #MakRun2025, under the theme β€œRun the Hills for the Future” which is scheduled to take place on 17th August 2025.

The MakRun2025 is targeting 10,000 participants drawn from the university community, corporate entities, sports enthusiasts, and the general public. Proceeds from this year’s marathon will go towards further equipping the Makerere University Disability Support Unit and strengthening the Makerere University Endowment Fund.

Speaking as the Guest of Honour, the Minister for Sports, Hon. Peter Ogwang, emphasized the unifying power of sports, stating that the β€œ#MakRun2025 is not only about physical endurance it is a uniting force that brings people together from all walks of life, driving us towards a common goal, advancing education and inclusivity for all.”

As part of the launch event, Makerere University officially handed over assistive equipment to the Disability Support Unit, procured from proceeds of the #MakRun2024. The equipment includes:

  • Focus Blue 40 Braille Display – 5th Generation for the Visually Impaired
  • Everest D5 Braille Embosser
  • DUXBURY Braille Transcription Software
  • And other essential assistive tools to support students living with disabilities.

The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, reaffirmed the importance of this annual event, stating that β€œThis event has become one of the most significant social and community engagement activities in our university calendar, bringing together students, staff, alumni, corporate partners, and members of the wider public for a good cause.”

In his remarks, the Ag. Chairperson of the Makerere University Endowment Fund, Mr. Barnabas Tumusingize, highlighted the growth of the initiative: β€œWhat started as a small university event has now evolved into a major attraction. To professionalize the event, we are incorporating race timing chips, cash prizes for winners, among other enhancements, with a vision of making it a regionally recognized major race by 2027.”

We call upon all members of the Makerere University community and the general public to participate and support this noble cause.

For media inquiries, please contact:

Tuhirirwe Karane
Communications Officer
Makerere University Endowment Fund
+256 414 660 416/+256 703 647496

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Call For Abstracts: Global Symposium on Insects for Food, Feed & Food Security in Africa

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Some of the speakers lined up for the Global Symposium on Insects for Food, Feed, and Food Security in Africa, 5th–6th June 2025, Onomo Hotel, Nakasero, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

Makerere University, in collaboration with Michigan State University, invites researchers, development actors, regulators, and practitioners to submit abstracts for the Global Symposium on Insects for Food, Feed, and Food Security in Africa.

The symposium will be held from 5th–6th June 2025 at Onomo Hotel in Kampala, under the theme: Advancing the role of insects in African farming systems for feed, food, and food security. The symposium aims to share knowledge and experiences in advancing the use of insects as a solution to Africa’s food, feed, and food security challenges. Contributions on the following sub-themes are welcome.

  1. Insects as animal feed for sustainable livestock production livelihoods
  2. Insects for human food and food security, including indigenous insect food systems
  3. Insects for improved soil health and crop production
  4. Commercialization of insect farming and products, including regulation and standardization

Important Dates:
Abstract Submission Deadline: 18th April 2025
Feedback to Participants: 2nd May 2025

Registration Fee:  Participants will be required to pay a fee of USD 45, which will cover meals and venue costs. Limited scholarship slots are available for students and farmers. Please note that participants are responsible for their transportation and accommodation.

Submission Guidelines: Abstracts should align with the symposium themes and must be submitted by the deadline. Further details on submission formats and requirements will be provided upon request.

For further information about the symposium and Abstract submission, please refer to the contact below.

Dr. Amulen Deborah Ruth (PhD)
Makerere University
College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Biosecurity
Department of Livestock Industrial Resources
P.O. Box 7062, Kampala
Phone: +256 782 315 636

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