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!

_{By Jude Ssempebwa}

On Saturday 11^th January, 2025, a huge delegation from the College of Education and External Studies crossed the Equator to attend Dr Joseph Kimoga’s priestly silver jubilee celebrations at his parents’ home in Baja, Bukulula Parish, Masaka Diocese.

Dr Kimoga is an Associate Professor at the East African School of Higher Education Studies and Development, College of Education and External Studies, Makerere University.

The delegation included the College Principal, Professor Anthony M. Mugagga, the College Bursar, Mr Stephen Kayima, the School Dean, Dr. Jude Ssempebwa, Prof. F. E. K. Bakkabulindi, Dr Sr Justine Namaganda, Dr Peter M. Ssenkusu, other staff of the College, and dozens of present and past students of the College. These joined thousands of Dr Kimoga’s relatives, friends, colleagues and well-wishers in a colorful service of mass, which was followed by a sumptuous luncheon, live music, dance, presentation of gifts, and merrymaking.

The service, which was led by Dr Kimoga, was graced by the Chairperson of the Uganda Episcopal Conference, Rt. Rev. Joseph Anthony Zziwa, Bishop of Kiyinda-Mityana Diocese; the Kalungu East Member of Parliament, Honorable Francis Katongole Katabazi; hundreds of priests, including the Parish Priest of Bukulula Parish; and hundreds of religious sisters and brothers.

In his homily, Fr Godfrey Mukibi humorously chronicled Dr Kimoga’s educational and priestly journey and achievements, highlighting God’s exceptional blessings upon him. Fr Mukibi emphasized that Dr Kimoga’s stellar success as a seminarian and as a priest even if he was not accepted at the first minor seminary to which he applied bears proof that God does not necessarily choose those that people see as able.

“God enables those He chooses,” he said before going on to analogize Dr. Kimoga’s unlikely priestly selection with that of Moses, Joshua, Paul and other biblical characters.

Fr Mukibi commended Dr Kimoga for being meticulous and personable and congratulated him upon reaching his priestly silver jubilee. He also thanked Dr Kimoga’s parents for grooming him in civility, orderliness and a very strong work ethic.

In his address, Bishop Zziwa delivered Pope Francis’ congratulatory message to Dr. Kimoga. The message was signed for the Holy Father by Archbishop Luigi Bianco, the Apostolic Nuncio to Uganda.

After the service, Prof. Mugagga congratulated Dr Kimoga upon reaching his priestly silver jubilee. He thanked him specially for showing an example of the ideal Roman Catholic priest in the course of his work at Makerere University and wished him good luck in the years that will lead to his priestly golden jubilee. Prof. Mugagga requested the Uganda Episcopal Conference to deploy more clergy in the various higher education institutions in the country. He explained that young adults in the institutions critically need the counsel and example of the clergy but there aren’t enough clergy men and women in the institutions.