General
Academic Year 2025/2026 at Makerere Begins With Freshers’ Orientation
Makerere University officially kicked off the 2025/2026 academic year with a Freshers’ Orientation held at the Freedom Square on Monday 4th August 2025. The event was presided over by the Academic Registrar, Prof. Mukadasi Buyinza, who also serves as the Deputy Vice Chancellor in charge of Academic Affairs.
In his address, Prof. Buyinza welcomed the new students and congratulated them on earning a place at Uganda’s premier institution. He emphasized the importance of hard work, determination, and resilience in achieving success. Prof. Buyinza encouraged the freshers to maintain focus on their academic goals, particularly excellence and graduation. “Focus on your goal. Keep an eye on your goal,” he advised.
He pointed out the broad range of opportunities available to students including sports, music, drama, and professional networks while cautioning that the university journey would have its challenges. He underscored the value of self-reflection and growth through failure. He also warned students against distractions from politicians, religious factions, and entrepreneurs, urging them to stay vigilant and disciplined. Stressing the need for a balanced university experience, Prof. Buyinza highlighted financial discipline and the perils of materialism. He further encouraged students to embrace diversity and broaden their networks. “You’ve come from diverse geographical and cultural backgrounds to pursue your mission and dreams as a student, open up, embrace diversity,” he said.
The Dean of Students, Dr. Winifred Kabumbuli, addressed the new entrants and clarified the role of her office in student welfare, accommodation, and discipline. She reminded students of the need to adhere to university rules and regulations. “The Dean of Students’ Office enforces students’ discipline,” she stated, adding that her office is there to guide students through their academic journey. She also urged students to prioritize essential needs, especially those related to their health. “Please buy food, don’t buy phones, it’s about your wellbeing,” she advised.
Mr. Charles Ssentongo, the Deputy Registrar, Undergraduate Admissions and Records, made important announcements regarding academic processes. He confirmed that the mop-up and appeals admission lists would be uploaded within the orientation week and urged government-sponsored students to collect their admission letters from their respective colleges. Mr. Sentongo also noted that change of programmes or subjects would remain open until 15th August 2025, but emphasized that eligibility and space availability within programmes were prerequisites. He added that orientation activities at the college level would continue until Friday, and that lectures would begin on 11th August.
91st Guild President H.E. Ssentamu Churchill James also welcomed the freshers, emphasizing the importance of participating in university life and activities. Accompanied by Vice President H.E. Kadondi Gracious, he spoke about Makerere’s longstanding reputation as a breeding ground for thinkers and leaders across the globe. Drawing from his personal journey from sports to leadership, he encouraged students to dream big and be intentional with their lives. He warned against distractions such as unhealthy relationships, HIV/AIDS, drug abuse, and gambling. “Don’t use tuition, for cheap money,” he cautioned, while stressing the value of faith, hard work, and purpose.
Security tips were also shared with the new students by Assistant Inspector General of Police, Bamunoba Ubaldo, who encouraged students to remain alert and prioritize personal safety. “Be alert, plan for the worst, use your common sense and keep a low profile,” he advised. He also recommended avoiding isolated areas, varying routines, and staying within groups.
Mr. Author Moses Opio, the Ag. Principal IT Officer from DICTS, guided students on how to activate their student portal and register correctly as freshers. He also warned against unsafe internet practices. “In terms of security, please do not watch pornography, because the source of the majority of viruses are these pornographic websites,” he cautioned.
Mr. Geoffrey Kalebo, the Program Director explained the Emerging Leaders Program (ELP)’s, commitment to helping students navigate challenges such as sexual violence, addiction, financial mismanagement, and low academic engagement. He outlined how the program supports leadership development through mentorship, awareness campaigns, and personal development initiatives like the Safe Campaign. Students were encouraged to join and connect with peers and mentors.
The event was attended by several dignitaries from the university administration including Mr. Eric Tumwesigye (Senior Gender Officer), Dr. Ongaya Kizito (Deputy University Librarian), Mr. Gerald Ochwo (the day’s moderator), Mr. Brian Miiro (Deputy Dean of Students in charge of Sports), Mr. Henry Nsubuga (Manager of Counselling and Guidance), Dr. Hassan Mulema (Head, Clinical Services Makerere University Hospital), and all College Registrars.
Former Miss Uganda 2023/2024 and Second Year Political Science Student, Hannah Karema used the platform to motivate the new entrants. She urged them to embrace the challenges and opportunities of university life with enthusiasm, emphasizing that their success in this new chapter lies within their control.
The Freshers’ Bazaar also commenced on the same day and will run until Friday, 8th August.
Agriculture & Environment
Makerere Hosts Inaugural Falling Walls Lab Competition as Innovators Pitch Solutions to National Challenges
Students and researchers from Makerere University and other institutions pitched 12 innovations addressing challenges in healthcare, clean energy, agriculture, waste management and community resilience during the inaugural Falling Walls Lab Kampala, held at the School of Public Health Auditorium, Makerere University.
The competition brought together emerging innovators to present solutions to practical challenges through a three minute pitch, followed by questions from a panel of judges.
Modelled on the Falling Walls format that originated in Berlin, the event required each participant to identify a “wall” a problem or barrier, and demonstrate how their innovation seeks to break it down.
Mudhasi wins with newborn jaundice screening device
Andrew Mudhasi of Makerere University emerged as the overall winner with a score of 90 per cent for a low cost medical device designed to improve newborn jaundice screening across different skin tones.
Mudhasi explained that the device uses optical sensor technology and a skin tone targeting algorithm to provide a rapid reading, with the aim of helping nurses and clinicians identify jaundice more efficiently.
During questions from the jury, Mudhasi said the device had not yet been tested on actual babies but had undergone laboratory testing using simulated skin tones.
He reported an accuracy rate of 94 per cent when the device was compared with laboratory spectrophotometers.
The innovation is intended initially for use in clinics and hospitals, with Mudhasi saying the team is also considering a version that could eventually allow mothers to screen babies at home.
Mudhasi’s innovation has previously received recognition at the African Business Concept Challenge and the iF Design Student Award, according to his presentation.
Rhonda’s innovation tackles diaper waste
Rhoda John of the University of Nairobi emerged in second place with 89.6 per cent for an innovation addressing the problem of used diaper waste.
Under the theme “Breaking the wall of diaper waste and drug soils,” Rhonda explained that her team extracts sodium polyacrylate, the absorbent polymer found in diapers, and replaces the sodium with potassium.
The resulting potassium based superabsorbent material is designed to act as a “water battery” in soil by absorbing and retaining water for plants during dry periods.
John said testing showed a 99 per cent increase in germination and a 23 per cent increase in drought resistance.
The innovation also seeks to reduce the amount of used diapers ending up in landfills and the environmental effects associated with their decomposition.
During the question and answer session, John explained that her team was working with government environmental officials in Nairobi on a pilot collection system to address the challenge of gathering used diapers at scale.
Mahera takes third place with herbal peptic ulcer treatment
Stuart Mahera of Makerere University finished third with 86.2 per cent for a herbal formulation targeting peptic ulcers.
Presenting under the theme “Breaking the wall of Nature and Modern Medicine,” Mahera argued that conventional treatment for peptic ulcers can involve multiple medicines and may be associated with side effects and antimicrobial resistance.
His proposed formulation, MARAC capsules, is intended as a monotherapy, combining properties required for peptic-ulcer treatment in a single capsule.
Mahera said his team had carried out quality control work, including characterisation and dose quantification, and had conducted preclinical trials on laboratory mice.
He also told the jury that an application had been submitted to the National Drug Authority as the team awaits the next stage of the regulatory process.
According to Mahera, the proposed seven day treatment would cost about Shs21,000, compared with the existing 14 day treatment approach.
Innovators present solutions to practical challenges
The remaining presentations covered a wide range of challenges.
Esther Nakungu of Utamu University presented Agri-Track, a digital record keeping solution intended to improve visibility, accountability and management of farm operations and financial information.
Dr. Jimmy Chachiga, a Makerere University participant, presented a solar photovoltaic cooker with a heat storage system designed to provide a cleaner and more reliable cooking option during both sunny and non sunny periods.
His presentation focused on reducing dependence on biomass fuels and addressing the challenges associated with intermittent solar energy.
Abdul Noor Luttamaguzi, a PhD student and senior government fisheries officer, presented a mobile application aimed at helping fish farmers and extension officers report, track and manage disease outbreaks.
Henry Duke Tamale presented a herbal cream targeting antibiotic resistant biofilm infections associated with diabetic foot ulcers.
Marvin Seruwu proposed adapting existing near infrared brain monitoring technology to help detect extra-axial brain bleeds in health facilities where access to CT and MRI equipment is limited.
His proposal seeks to repurpose existing technology towards a diagnostic need that could be particularly important in settings where advanced imaging facilities are not readily available.
Kennedy Kisame presented a poultry alert and diagnosis system combining satellite weather information with computer vision disease detection. The proposed system could be accessed through a smartphone application, SMS or USSD, making it potentially usable by farmers with limited internet access.
Frank Atwiine proposed a solar powered mobile diagnostic van designed to bring ultrasound and other diagnostic services closer to rural communities.
Johnson Makmot, a software and blockchain developer, presented a platform that combines GPS tracking and blockchain-based tokens to incentivise and verify plastic-waste collection in Kampala.
Dr. Nelson Ndugu, from a partner university, presented an artificial intelligence tool designed to translate agricultural research publications into local Ugandan languages and generate voice notes for radio-based extension delivery.
The final presentation came from Dr. Juliet Akola, a Ugandan post doctoral researcher at Mangosuthu University of Technology in South Africa.
Akola presented a community digital resilience initiative focused on mapping risks in Kampala’s informal settlements, including flooding, fire, poor sanitation, waste management and inadequate infrastructure.
Her proposal seeks to combine local community knowledge with geographical information systems and link identified risks to action plans involving municipalities and other stakeholders.
Nawangwe calls for more investment in innovation
Closing the event, Prof. Nawangwe congratulated all the participants and described their presentations as an important beginning for Makerere University, Uganda and the wider region.
Drawing on his experience attending the Falling Walls conference in Berlin, the Vice Chancellor said initiatives of this nature are important because innovation will play a major role in determining the future of countries.
He encouraged participants to make their pitches more precise by clearly identifying the problem they are addressing, explaining their proposed solution and demonstrating what they have already achieved.
Prof. Nawangwe also welcomed the participation of innovators from other universities and countries, noting that the Kampala event had attracted participants beyond Makerere.
He thanked the Africa Office of the Falling Walls Foundation for its role in bringing the initiative to Makerere and encouraged continued support for innovation.
The Vice Chancellor further linked innovation to Uganda’s growing youth population and the need to develop home-grown solutions to address challenges such as youth unemployment.
The inaugural Falling Walls Lab Kampala ultimately provided a platform for innovators to move ideas beyond the classroom and laboratory and demonstrate how research, technology and creativity can be applied to challenges affecting communities.
| Position | Winner | Institution | Score |
| 1st | Andrew Mudhasi | Makerere University | 90% |
| 2nd | Rhoda John | University of Nairobi | 89.6% |
| 3rd | Stuart Mahera | Makerere University | 86.2% |
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