General
Mak induction workshop empowers staff to execute their duties
16th May 2025 started on a high note as over 100 newly appointed staff at Makerere University convened to participate in the second day of the Induction workshop organized by the Directorate of Human Resources.
The Chief Human Resources Officer, Mr. Deus Tayari Mujuni highlighted that Makerere University presents staff with enormous opportunities for career and professional growth, research, partnerships, and valuable networks in the respective fields.
Re-affirming the statement from the Chief Human Resources Officer, the Acting Deputy Vice Chancellor (Finance and Administration), Prof. Winston Tumps Ireeta who joined the University service in 2001 testified that the institution has presented him with opportunities for growth in the academia, research and leadership. He served as the Head of the Department of Physics for nine years, where he rose through the ranks from Lecturer, Senior Lecturer, to Associate Professor. Additionally, he has served as a Member of Council, and the University Senate. Currently, he is the substantive Principal of the College of Natural Sciences.
Prof. Ireeta congratulated the new staff upon joining Makerere University, which he described as a merit-based institution. “I can confirm that the recruitment process is based on merit. It is highly competitive and every step is followed to recruit the best candidate,” he said.
The second day of the Induction workshop featured the following topics: Legal instruments, the collegiate system, human resources management, the electronic human resource management system (ehrms), understanding the human resource functions, policies on gender equality, the policy and regulations against sexual harassment, academic policies, the Safeguarding policy, the procurement function, the audit function, and library resources.
The induction workshop presented the newly appointed staff with a golden opportunity to understand the evolution of Makerere University from a faculty-based to a collegiate system. Established in 1922 as a humble technical school with 14 male students, Makerere has evolved into one of the leading universities in the world. It boasts of a student population of over 35,000 and hundreds of thousands of alumni spread across the globe.
Chairing the session on the collegiate system, Dr. Ronald Bisaso, the Deputy Principal of the College of Education and External Studies (CEES), described Makerere University as an intelligent organization that presents staff with career growth and excellence in life. Dr. Bisaso joined the university service in 2008 with a substantive appointment as Assistant Lecturer, and has risen through the academic ranks up to Associate Professor. He has also served as an academic leader; formerly as Dean and currently Deputy Principal. Reflecting on his impactful journey since 2008, he referred to Makerere University as the land of possibilities. As the new staff begin tapping into this rewarding resource, he advised them to maximally utilize their potential to contribute to the growth of Makerere University.
Dr. Bisaso informed the participants that Prof. Ireeta who witnessed the transition from the faculty- based system, was the best university leader, member of staff and alumnus of Makerere University to present the operations and functions of the collegiate system.
Presenting the collegiate system to the newly appointed staff, Prof. Ireeta highlighted that the collegiate system kicked off in 2011. The strategic decision was informed by the continuous growth of Makerere University and the need to enhance service delivery to students, staff, alumni and society.
Prof. Ireeta pointed out that the university has nine (9) colleges, two (2) stand-alone schools and two (2) institutes. The Colleges include: Agricultural and Environmental Sciences; Business and Management Sciences; Computing and Information Sciences; Education and External Studies; Engineering, Design, Art and Technology; Health Sciences; Humanities and Social Sciences; Natural Sciences; and Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Biosecurity. The stand-alone schools include: School of Law, and the School of Public Health. He also mentioned the two (2) institutes namely: Makerere University Institute of Social Research (MISR) and the Institute of Gender and Development Studies (IGDS). Prof. Ireeta advised the new staff to visit the Makerere University website (https://mak.ac.ug) to acquaint themselves with in-depth information about the institution, the respective colleges and units.
Focusing on the operations of the collegiate system, he outlined the reporting hierarchy that ensures a smooth and harmonious relationship among the colleges and the central administration. He explained that the College Principals report to the Vice Chancellor. In addition, College work plans, budgets, procurement plans and among others, are presented and approved by the mandated offices at the Centre.
Prof. Ireeta urged the new staff to respect the reporting hierarchy with special reference to the Immediate Supervisor mentioned in the appointment letter. He encouraged the newly appointed staff to utilize the following offices at the Colleges: Office of the Principal, School Deans, Heads of Departments, College Bursar, College Registrar, College Communication Office, College Procurement Office, College Librarian, and among others.
Responding to a participant who expressed the desire to join a SACCO, Prof. Ireeta who acknowledged being a member of one of the SACCOS in the University, advised the members of staff to study the different SACCOS within the administrative units, and, at the respective colleges and make informed decisions. “With time, you will learn about the different SACCOS within the University. It is important that you listen to what each SACCO has to offer including the laws available to safeguard your savings. After thorough scrutiny, you will make a personal decision on whether to join a particular SACCO,” he said.
Tackling the legal instruments, the session Chair, Dr. Zahara Nampewo, who is the Deputy Principal of the School of Law, and the Presenter, Ms. Sumaiyah Nanyondo, the Chief Legal Officer discussed the relevant provisions of the laws and policies governing the University. These included: The Universities and Other Tertiary Institutions Act, Employment Act, Human Resources Manual (as amended 2009), and the Uganda Public Service Standing Orders. In addition, Ms. Nanyondo referred staff to the Makerere University policies website (https://policies.mak.ac.ug) to access and read the specific policies in detail.
The Chair for the academic policies session, Dr. Muhammad Kiggundu-Musoke, who is the Head, Department of Humanities and Language Education at CEES informed the participants that he joined the University service in 1999. Dr. Kiggundu-Musoke who shared his focus on becoming a Professor, mentioned that Makerere University had enabled him to serve as the PRO of Makerere University Academic Staff Association (MUASA), the Chairperson of MUASA, Acting Manager, Communication and International Relations at Makerere University. Currently, serving as Head of Department, he looks forward to more leadership opportunities. Dr. Kiggundu-Musoke implored new staff to understand their roles and serve diligently, emphasizing that leadership demands vision, integrity and alignment with the core functions of teaching and learning, research and community engagements.
On the first day of the Induction Workshop (15th May 2025), the Secretary to Council, Mr. Yusuf Kiranda sensitized the new staff on the role of the University Council-the supreme governing body of the university. Consequently, on day two, Mrs. Patience Rubabinda Mushengyezi, the Deputy Academic Registrar (Senate) briefed the new staff about the University Senate-the chief academic organ of the university. She stated that the University Senate plays a pivotal role in the formulation of academic policies. She explained that the Department of the Academic Registrar performs functions of great value to the university. She noted that academic policies are implemented through school committees, college academic boards and designated academic leaders. Mrs. Mushengyezi rallied staff to actively participate in the implementation of academic policies. “The academic policies guide and shape the academic journey of the students at the university. Let us do our best to implement them,” she stated.
Inspiring the new staff, Mrs. Mushengyezi revealed that she joined the university service in 1998 as a part-time Lecturer. Makerere University has presented her with room to serve in the different offices under the Department of the Academic Registrar, and, widened her spectrum to the field of research, where she has been in position to serve as a Principal Investigator on some of the research projects.
As a Principal Investigator she led a team of University staff, which contributed to a collection of organized archives of university records from 1922 to 2009. Through the Digitalization of Academic Records and Processes (DARP) project, Mrs. Mushengyezi and her research team, significantly contributed to the digitization agenda of the University.
Delivering a special message to the Administrative staff, Mrs. Mushengyezi re-echoed that her story is testimony that when you focus, you can become a researcher, grant writer and principal investigator.
In the strategic plan, Makerere University commits to gender equality, a process which involves engendering its processes and operations. The session was chaired by Prof. Sarah Ssali, the Acting Director of the Institute of Gender and Development Studies (IGDS). Prof. Ssali who joined the university service in 2003 as a Lecturer has risen up to the rank of Professor. She has served as the Dean of the School of Women and Gender Studies, a Member of Senate and Council, and a Member of the Appointments Board. She acknowledged Makerere University for its contribution to building her profile, which has presented her with international recognition and appointments on national and internationally recognized boards. “The University has nurtured me to be a teacher, researcher and professor. I have been nominated to serve on international bodies/organs because of Makerere University,” she remarked.
At the institutional level, Makerere University established the School of Women and Gender Studies, and the Gender Mainstreaming Directorate to champion the gender equality agenda. Prof. Ssali informed the new staff that Makerere University is undertaking several programmes to conform to the international standards embodied in the gender equality seal.
In her presentation, the Chief-Gender Mainstreaming, Dr. Euzobia Mugisha-Baine highlighted some of the historical issues that dictated the need for gender mainstreaming. She reported that Makerere started with 14 male students. This continued up 1945 when the first female students joined the institution. In addition, its founding motto was, “Let us be Men.” With time, the motto changed to the more inclusive, “We Build for the Future.” Dr. Mugisha-Baine pointed out that the Gender Mainstreaming Directorate will continue to work with the University leadership, government, ministries and stakeholders to implement policies and programmes that advance gender equality.
The policy and regulations against sexual harassment featured prominently as different University leaders on 15th and 16th May 2025, underscored the aspect of zero-tolerance. The following leaders and members of staff amplified the voices against zero tolerance: The Ag. Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic Affairs)-Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi, the University Secretary-Mr. Yusuf Kiranda, the Chief Human Resources Officer-Mr. Deus Tayari Mujuni, the Chief Legal Officer-Ms Sumaiyah Nanyondo, the Ag. Deputy Vice Chancellor (Finance and Administration), Prof. Winston Tumps Ireeta, Prof. Sarah Ssali and Dr. Euzobia Mugisha-Baine.
During the induction workshop, the Chief Human Resources Officer, Mr. Mujuni presented an overview of human resources management, structure and functions. He explained the human resource management function at the centre, unit levels and at the Colleges. He implored staff at the Colleges and Unit Levels to always consult the respective human resource officers.
On the aspect of digitalization, Mr. Joshua Muhumuza demonstrated the electronic Human Resource Management System (ehrms), a platform available to staff, supervisors and the Directorate of Human Resources, to execute their human resource functions, roles and expectations.
Feeding into the aforementioned presentations, the session chair, Mr. Julius Lebo called upon the four (4) line managers in the Directorate of Human Resources to brief the new staff on the specialized tasks in their dockets. Ms. Josephine Nalweyiso presented the staff development, welfare and retirement benefits. Ms. Mavis Kansiime presented the employment systems, guidelines, policies and implementation. Ms. Lawrence Sanyu tackled records and information management while Ms. Janet Nabukeera focused on performance management, the payroll and the appraisal system.
On ensuring that Makerere University continues to be a safe space for students, staff and stakeholders, the Deputy Dean of Students, Dr. Rodney Rugyema flanked by Ms Carol Kasujja, the Senior Communication Officer (Safeguarding) presented the Makerere University Safeguarding Policy. They requested staff to report safeguarding risks and incidents such as harassment, a case of unsafe situation, torture, through the MakSafeSpace-the online reporting system, https://safespace.mak.ac.ug.
Emphasizing the collective responsibility for everyone (staff and students) to safeguarding, he appealed to the newly appointed staff to work with the Safeguarding Champions, who are members of staff in the respective Units, to report safeguarding incidents to the Offices highlighted in the policy for immediate action/response. He underscored the need to read the safeguarding policy to appreciate the language and terms when handling such cases/incidents. For instance a member of staff or student who has overcome a safeguarding challenge is referred to as a survivor, and not a victim. He tasked the newly appointed staff to access and read the safeguarding policy, https://policies.mak.ac.ug/policy/safegaurding-policy.
The Principal Legal Officer, Ms. Naome Kiconco Ochieng chaired the sessions on procurement and audit functions of the University. The Deputy Chief, Procurement and Disposal Unit, Mr. Paul Agaba informed the new staff that the procurement process should be planned and participatory, with each Unit within the University expected to have a procurement plan for each financial year. He appealed to the Colleges and Administrative Units to follow the procurement plans and submit the requisitions early to avoid delays. He also emphasized the need to involve the Unit procurement offices and accountants so that all the required documents are received and attached on the procurement requests.
The Chief Internal Auditor, Mr. Patrick Akonyet explained that the audit function focuses on the proper utilization of university funds and resources. He stated the need to account for funds, and resources as well as executing tasks and duties within the set timelines. Presenting the audit areas of focus, he outlined the need for compliance with the Law, Memoranda of Understanding, policies and procedures, and best practices. In the area of performance, he indicated interest in directional achievement of objectives, ethical issues, budget performance, award process and project closure. He sensitized the new staff about their role in the audit process. He requested staff to provide all audit information on time, provide explanation to audit queries, provide supporting documents required for audit, and volunteer information on control weaknesses.
In a session chaired by Dr. Julius Kikooma, the Ag. Director of Graduate Training, the University Librarian, Dr. Ruth Nalumaga rallied staff to utilize the library services for research, reading, access to print and electronic resources. She pointed out some of the physical spaces in the Main Library designated for members of staff. She called upon staff to access the library online via https://mulib.mak.ac.ug.
The end of the presentations set the pace for the closing ceremony. The Acting Deputy Vice Chancellor (Finance and Administration), Prof. Ireeta represented by Prof. Helen Nambalirwa Nkabala reiterated that staff are the most important asset for Makerere University. The Deputy Vice Chancellor (Finance and Administration) assured staff of the University Management’s total support and cooperation in the execution of their work. He urged staff to be pragmatic and to always be part of the team that provides solutions to challenges. He commended the Chief Human Resources Officer and his team for inducting the newly appointed staff.
On her part, Prof. Helen Nambalirwa Nkabala, the Principal of the College of Humanities and Social Sciences (CHUSS) who has served Makerere University for 21 years said: “Makerere University has given us the best. The institution has nurtured us and availed us with numerous opportunities to shine.”
The closing ceremony climaxed with the award of certificates to staff who successfully completed the two-day induction workshop (15th and 16th May 2025).
Ms. Ritah Namisango who joined the university service in May 2006 as an Administrative Assistant in the Office of the Vice Chancellor, and has over the years, served in the capacity of Public Relations Officer, Communication Officer, Senior Public Relations Officer, and Principal Public Relations Officer moderated the proceedings of the two-day induction workshop.
Today 8th October 2026, Makerere University has hosted the EU Uganda Research and Study Fair 2026, bringing together government officials, European Union representatives, researchers, academics, students, and young professionals to explore opportunities in education, research, innovation, and international collaboration.
The fair also marked 50 years of partnership between Uganda and the European Union, providing a platform for participants to learn about scholarships, research funding, exchange programmes, fellowships and opportunities for collaboration with European institutions.
Officially opening the fair, Acting Minister of Education and Sports Hon. Dr. John Chrysostom Muyingo commended the European Union, its member states, Makerere University and other partners for organising the event, describing international cooperation as important to Uganda’s education and research agenda.
The Minister said Uganda’s young population presents a significant opportunity for national development if supported with the right investments in education, skills, creativity, research, innovation and entrepreneurship.
He encouraged universities and research institutions to strengthen links between education, research, innovation and the world of work, noting that research should not only generate academic knowledge but also contribute to policies, technologies and practical solutions to national challenges.
Dr. Muyingo also encouraged students and young professionals to engage with the European Union, its member states and alumni to understand the opportunities available and prepare themselves for future applications.
Makerere highlights value of partnership
The Acting (Ag.) Vice Chancellor and Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic Affairs), Makerere University, Prof. Sarah Ssali said the fair provided an important platform for bringing education, research, innovation and international cooperation together.
She noted that the event was particularly significant as Uganda and the European Union celebrate five decades of partnership, with Makerere’s relationships with some European institutions extending even beyond 50 years.
Prof. Ssali said the partnerships have supported education, research, skills development, innovation, institutional strengthening and human capital development, creating opportunities for Ugandans to acquire knowledge and skills, conduct research and establish international networks.
She called for the next chapter of the partnership to place knowledge, research, innovation, technology and young people at the centre.
“Research needs to move beyond publication of research, to influence policy, improve practice, create products and services, strengthen communities and contribute to the economic development of our country,” she said.
Prof. Ssali also encouraged participants to explore opportunities for scholarships, research, exchange programmes, doctoral studies, joint research and fellowships available through European partnerships.
She said the ultimate value of international education and research partnerships lies in how knowledge, skills, networks and technologies acquired through such opportunities contribute to Uganda’s development.
Human Response programme strengthens partnerships
The fair also showcased Makerere’s partnerships through programmes such as the Humanitarian Response, Health and Displacement Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Programme (Human Response).
Dr. Justus Twesigye, the Dean, School of Social Sciences, Makerere University and Co-Principal Investigator of Human Response, explained that the programme has created partnerships between Makerere and universities in Europe and Africa.
These include the University Institute of Lisbon in Portugal, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, University of Athens in Greece, University of Cape Verde and University of Rovuma in Mozambique, alongside associate partners including the Uganda Red Cross Society, Allied Uganda, Refugee Led Organisation Network and the Ministry of Water and Environment.
Twesigye said the partnerships have introduced new approaches to teaching and learning by involving practitioners directly in training and giving students opportunities for concurrent field practice.
He noted that organisations such as the Uganda Red Cross Society have participated in delivering classes, while students also gain practical experience in the field before returning to class for reflective learning.
The programme is also promoting joint research between academics and practitioners, moving away from approaches where researchers and practitioners work separately.
CEES project supports competence based education
The College of Education and External Studies (CEES) also presented an EU supported project aimed at helping higher education institutions and regulators transition to competence based education.
Assoc. Prof. Josephine Esaete, Senior Lecturer in the Department of Science, Technology and Vocational Education, said the project brings together nine partners from Uganda, West Africa and Europe.
She explained that the project seeks to strengthen the capacity of universities and higher education regulators in designing competence based curricula, teaching, assessment, monitoring and evaluation.
Makerere University is coordinating the four year project, with Mountains of the Moon University among the Ugandan partners.
Assoc. Prof. Esaete said the project is timely as universities work towards transitioning their programmes and curricula to competence-based education.
The project also seeks to strengthen collaboration between higher education institutions and industry so that students can acquire skills relevant to the world of work.
Fair creates opportunities for students and researchers
The exhibition brought together different EU supported research projects, academic programmes and institutional partnerships, allowing students, researchers and other participants to interact directly with project teams and representatives of European institutions.
The fair also provided opportunities for participants to learn from Makerere alumni who have benefited from international study and research opportunities.
Prof. Ssali urged participants to use the opportunity to “engage, explore, connect, and discover” new possibilities while encouraging young people to dream boldly, seek knowledge, build networks and use what they learn to contribute to Uganda’s transformation.
Take ownership of your future
Officially closing the fair, the Director, Research Innovations and Partnerships (DRIP), Prof. Robert Wamala urged the students and young professionals who had participated in the fair to take ownership of their future because the Fair had shown that opportunities are real.
“Do not be afraid to ask questions, do not be afraid to apply, do not be discouraged by your first unsuccessful application, build your academic profile, build your research skills, build your networks, and remain curious”, Prof. Wamala encouraged.
On behalf of Makerere University, he sincerely appreciated Team Europe, the European Union and its Member States in Uganda, for organising this important Fair and the Ag. Minister, Hon. Dr. J.C. Muyingo for presiding over the event and reiterating the Ministry’s commitment to strengthening education, research and international cooperation.
“At Makerere University, the Directorate of Research, Innovations and Partnerships remains ready to work with our European partners, the Ministry, researchers, students and other stakeholders to help translate the opportunities identified today into meaningful collaborations and outcomes” Prof. Wamala reassured.
The fair reaffirmed Makerere University‘s commitment to strengthening international partnerships that support research, innovation, human capital development and national transformation.
Before becoming an optometrist, researcher, programmer, and eye health entrepreneur, Timothy Khabusi walked barefoot to school along rough roads in Manafwa District, Eastern Uganda. For most of his primary school years, Timothy walked more than nine kilometres each day from his home to Bubulo Mixed Primary School in Manafwa District.
He would leave home at about 6:00 a.m., walk to the highway, and join other children on their way to school. On the murram road, sharp stones pressed into his feet. When the rains came, he sometimes arrived at school completely drenched. Occasionally, a truck carrying market vendors would stop and offer them a lift. “Those were few lucky days,” Timothy recalls.
At the time, however, Timothy did not see his life as unusual. It was simply how life was for many children in his village. What he did not yet know was that those long walks were helping shape a determination that would eventually take him from rural Manafwa to Makerere University and, later, the University of Edinburgh in Scotland.
Timothy Khabusi is the sixth of eight children (5 boys and 3 girls). His father, 68, a retired primary school teacher, and his mother, 60, a small retail shop owner, had limited resources but were determined to give their eight children opportunities they had not enjoyed themselves.
The family tried several ways to make ends meet. His mother ran a small local brew joint, selling malwa, a traditional fermented cereal drink. When Timothy was about ten, the family closed the malwa joint and moved on, first trying farming and later, in 2009, opening a small retail kiosk with money earned from selling a small coffee harvest.
The family kiosk changed things. Timothy started taking snacks to school and also began developing an interest in business. He sold sugarcane and later teamed up with his younger brother, Mark, to make mandazi, a popular delicacy among schoolchildren.
Behind these modest ventures were sacrifices his parents made for their children’s education and health. His father took loans to support the family through school, while both parents repeatedly emphasised the importance of education.
Timothy’s own academic journey was far from perfect.
At rural Bubulo Primary School, Timothy performed very well and earned a place at one of the best secondary schools in Eastern Uganda, Mbale Senior Secondary School, in Mbale city.
At Mbale Secondary School, he became a strong academic performer and earned a renewable merit-based bursary that covered most of his school fees. Mr Mabaku, his Mathematics teacher, taught him to connect classroom concepts to real-life problems—a way of thinking that would later shape his interest in technology and programming.
Then came a setback.
Timothy’s A-level results (15 points in Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics) were far lower than he had expected. For someone who had always seen himself as a top student, the outcome was deeply disappointing, and he missed out on the much-coveted government scholarship. He even wondered whether university was still possible. He considered repeating his A-levels but instead applied to Makerere University on private sponsorship. He was admitted to study Optometry, although he had initially wanted to pursue Medicine and Surgery.
Then came the opportunity that changed everything.
In 2017, Timothy became a Mastercard Foundation Scholar at Makerere University, receiving support that enabled him to continue his university education. The financial uncertainty that had threatened his university education was resolved. What initially felt like failure became an opportunity that redirected him towards a field he had not planned to enter. Through optometry, he discovered a profession that linked clinical care with science, technology, research and public health.
His career journey after graduation.
After graduating from Makerere University in January 2022, Timothy set out to fulfil his ambitious mission to improve eye health in Uganda. His career began far from his village home in Manafwa: he started at a private clinic in Arua town, West Nile, hundreds of kilometres from Manafwa in Eastern Uganda. Asked why he didn’t find a job in Kampala, as most of his peers did, Timothy quickly explained that his mission is to provide the best eye health care to communities with limited access to these services.
After working for one year in Arua, he returned to Kampala. He first worked at Dr. Agarwal’s Eye Hospital from 2023 to 2025, then moved to Med-Optics, another popular eye clinic in Kampala. In February 2026, he opened his own eye clinic, Khabusi Vision Care Centre, a modern optometry centre dedicated to providing eye care services at subsidised rates to individuals and families who may face financial barriers to accessing these services.
His leadership journey
For Timothy, leadership is not about collecting titles. At Mbale Senior Secondary School, he led the Science Club, organising seminars and holiday revision programmes. At Makerere, he served as a minister at the College of Health Sciences and as a leader in the Optometry Students’ Association. Those experiences shaped a simple philosophy: leadership means seeing what needs improvement, taking responsibility, and bringing others along.
That philosophy now drives his ambitions for Khabusi Vision Care. In the coming years, he aims to strengthen the organisation’s clinical, public health, digital and research work. His longer-term vision is to build a major Ugandan eye health organisation with branches across the country, comprehensive services, research programmes and locally developed diagnostic and ophthalmic technologies.
Impact in the community
Asked about his impact in the community, Timothy quickly pointed to the number of patients whose sight he has helped restore at a modest cost they otherwise couldn’t have afforded.
“I am proud to have treated more than 10,000 patients and enabled them to see better since I began my optometry practice in 2022. Among the patients, I vividly remember a police woman who was on the verge of going completely blind due to a misdiagnosis she had received at different facilities she had visited in Kampala, until she came to Khabusi Vision Care Centre in Kyanja, where I was able to help correct the optical issue she was grappling with.” Timothy proudly states.
Timothy further enumerates the number of young people he has mentored and continues to mentor in optometry. He also offers graduate internships at his clinic and employs five young people as permanent staff. He also conducts regular community outreach activities, offering free eye check-ups in the community and subsidised treatment for those who need it.
A word to the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Community
Timothy expressed his gratitude to the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program and Makerere University for giving him the opportunity to pursue a quality university education at a time when he had lost hope of attending university after failing to secure a government scholarship.
“I am forever grateful to Mastercard Foundation and Makerere University for giving me a scholarship that changed my whole life; without the scholarship, I would not have been able to afford the university fees; therefore, I wouldn’t have become what I am today,” Timothy points out.
Asked what advice he would give to current Mastercard Foundation Scholars, Timothy urges them to take advantage of the additional skilling and development programmes the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program offers.
“I urge my young brothers and sisters on the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program currently to take the capacity-building training the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program offers; it is what will give you an advantage over others in the job market,” Timothy advises.
Looking ahead
Beyond healthcare, Timothy is a writer, programmer, and researcher. He has published “From the Slopes of Mount Elgon”, a novel about a young girl who confronts poverty and betrayal while pursuing education and dignity. Timothy’s story is not a straightforward journey from challenge to success. It is about unexpected turns: the barefoot walks, the disappointing A-level results, the unexpected scholarship, and the career he never originally intended to pursue. His advice to young people comes from that experience: one disappointing result or difficult season need not decide the rest of your life. Sometimes, you have to keep walking.
“Keep learning, keep improving, and when opportunity comes, use it—not only to change your own life, but to create opportunities for others,” Timothy advises.
Timothy is now pursuing a Master’s degree in Patient Safety and Clinical Human Factors at the University of Edinburgh. The programme has reshaped his approach to healthcare. Rather than focusing solely on individual mistakes, he examines the systems that allow failures to occur and how to redesign them to improve patient safety.
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