General
Graduate Training Students Advised to Read the Graduate Handbook as a “Bible”
At an orientation for Postgraduate students held at the Yusuf Lule Central Teaching Facility Auditorium on 11th August 2025, the Academic Registrar and Acting Deputy Vice Chancellor in charge of Academic Affairs, Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi, reiterated Makerere University’s readiness to avail all the necessary support to ensure timely completion of various programmes. He underscored the contribution of research conducted by Makerere to national development priorities and urged Postgraduate students to play their role in making this influence more impactful.
Picking up from where Prof. Buyinza left off, the Director, Directorate of Graduate Training, Prof. Julius Kikooma reassured students that “Makerere University has all the resources to facilitate you through the academic journey of your graduate studies.” He equally further advised that “The Graduate Handbook is your bible that will guide you through your academic programs,” given its comprehensive reference to policies, procedures, and resources that support students during their graduate journey.
In his remarks, the Director, Prof. Robert Wamala introduced the Directorate of Research, Innovations, and Partnerships (DRIP) and outlined its role in guiding students in research. He explained DRIP’s primary functions, which include promoting and coordinating research activities, innovation and technology transfer, and overseeing research ethics and integrity. The Directorate also enhances research capacity and infrastructure, secures funding, and manages partnerships. He stressed the importance of understanding and following key university policies such as the Research and Innovations Policy and the Intellectual Property Management Policy. Prof. Wamala explained that the Intellectual Property Policy ensures that “IP created by a student in the course of study at the university, will be owned by the student,” adding that, “whatever you develop through the course of your study belongs to you and not the university.” He further encouraged students to protect their ideas and innovations through proper registration and documentation.
Dr. Godfrey Kawooya Kubiriza, from the Department of Zoology, Entomology & Fisheries at the College of Natural Sciences (CoNAS), discussed the importance of aligning research with relevant Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to ensure it remains current and impactful. He advised students to be cautious of peers who might negatively influence their studies and urged them to co-create with stakeholders to ensure their research has a clear impact. He also emphasized translating research evidence into policy briefs and building interdisciplinary and regional networks, encouraging connections with colleagues from East Africa, West Africa, and Europe for future collaborations and career development.
The Head ICT Division, Office of the Academic Registrar, Dr. Mike Barongo welcomed the students and underscored the importance of downloading admission letters from the portal, as these contain student numbers necessary to activate the student portal. He highlighted that enrolment is key to knowing the fees to be paid and to creating a Makerere University email address. In case of challenges, students were encouraged to seek help from college registrars or the Directorate of ICT Support. “The College of Computing has a support center at the basement of Block A, where students can get assistance,” he said.
The Deputy University Librarian, Dr. Kizito Ongaya, provided an overview of library services, noting significant changes compared to the 1990s and early 2000s. He outlined various training programs, including Reference Management Tools and Plagiarism Detection, and stressed the importance of using the available resources. “There are over 40 online libraries that we pay for. We pay over 1 billion shillings per annum to subscribe to these libraries, and you need special training so that you are able to access these,” he said. He also shared the library website, https://mulib.mak.ac.ug/ as a valuable resource.
Mr. Henry Nsubuga the Head of Counselling and Guidance Services addressed mental health and well-being, especially for PhD and Masters students, noting the significant mental toll of such programs. He pointed out that over 40% of graduate students experience depression, anxiety, and stress, and urged them to seek help early. He advised against internalizing negative feedback, suggesting instead that criticism be reframed as external rather than personal. He also encouraged positive self-talk to maintain motivation.
Ms. Diana Nabikolo, the Safeguarding Liaison Officer, briefed students on the Safeguarding Policy launched in April, which complements 11 other safeguarding policies available on the university policies website. She explained that the policy addresses various forms of abuse—physical, emotional, and neglect—as well as infrastructure-related concerns. She mentioned the presence of Safeguarding Champions in each college, both staff and students, who may assist in logging cases into the Makerere Safe Space and determining whether an issue qualifies as a safeguarding concern.
The Registrar at the Directorate of Graduate Training Ms. Caroline Nannono Jjingo explained the Directorate’s presence at all colleges and its coordination role with college and school registrars. She clarified the difference between enrolment and registration, noting that enrolment signifies acceptance of the study offer and triggers billing, while registration must follow enrolment. She also outlined the official withdrawal process, which can be prompted by financial challenges, illness, or job opportunities. Students were advised to formally notify the university to avoid being marked absent. “Withdrawal can only occur after registration,” she said, adding that students should inform the university if they plan to return.
The event was moderated by the Managing Editor Makerere University Press Dr. William Tayeebwa, who also doubles as a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Journalism and Communication, College of Humanities and Social Sciences (CHUSS). It follows a similar orientation session for undergraduate students held on 4th August 2025.
Hundreds of mourners gathered at St. Augustine Chapel, Makerere University on May 30, 2026 to pray for the soul of Mr. Sylas Ruhweza, the first President of the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Alumni Community at Makerere University.
The requiem mass was filled with emotional tributes celebrating Ruhweza’s life of service, leadership and dedication to community causes. Ruhweza passed away on Friday, May 29, 2026, at Mildmay Uganda Hospital.
Speaker after speaker described him as a humble and visionary leader who was passionate about uplifting others and deeply committed to excellence.
“We thank God for the life of Sylas, for the years he granted him among us, and for the impact he made on countless lives. He carried himself with humility and grace, and wherever he went, he built friendships, inspired confidence, and left people better than he found them,” Tooro Kingdom Prime Minister, Calvin Armstrong Rwomiire Akiiki, said during the Mass.
Mr. Rwomiire urged mourners to honour Ruhweza’s legacy by embracing the values he stood for, including integrity, compassion, hard work, service to community, and his unwavering love for Tooro Kingdom.
The main celebrant, Rev. Fr. Charles Lwanga Makoboza, echoed the message in his homily, reminding Christians to remain rooted in Jesus Christ throughout their lives.
“Sylas has gone to be with God, in a place where there is no pain, missed calls, struggle, corruption, betrayal, jealousy and tears. He is in a place with absolute peace. So, in life, never be the cause of someone’s tears, and if you do, seek reconciliation,” Fr. Lwanga, said.
Fr. Lwanga also reminded mourners that what Ruhweza needs most are prayers, not wreaths.
Speaking on behalf of the family, Ms. Grace Kabasita, Ruhweza’s maternal aunt, described him as a loving and dedicated young man whose life touched many people.
“Sylas was a counsellor, teacher, and a brilliant, loveable young man who fitted into every society. His life was marked by service, friendship, dedication, and commitment to the wellbeing of others and his culture,” she said.
Addressing mourners, Prof Justine Namaalwa, the Coordinator of the Mastercard Foundation Initiatives at Makerere University, noted that though Sylas’s life was cut short, he leaves behind a lasting legacy of service, leadership and impact on the communities he served.
“Sylas, you have gone too soon. But it is well with our souls. May your legacy of Transformative Leadership live on,” Prof. Namaalwa, said.
She thanked the Mastercard Foundation for supporting his education through BRAC Uganda, supporting his university education through the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Makerere University, and nurturing his leadership journey through the Youth Advisory Board.
Ruhweeza at glance
Born on 19th July 1994 to the late Mr. Paul Tinkasimire Paul Adyeeri and Ms. Ategeka Margret Abwooli of Bunyangabu District.
The ninth born of eleven children attended Kaboyo Primary School for his Primary Education, and later joined Fort Portal Secondary School where he sat for his O-Level. He then proceeded to A-Level at Hannah International School.
He joined Makerere University and graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Petroleum Geoscience and Production in 2022, supported by the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Programme at Makerere University.
At the time of his passing, he was pursuing a Master’s degree at Victoria University.
Leadership, Service and Professional Contributions
Mr. Ruhweza served as Chairperson of the Mastercard Foundation Alumni Network at BRAC from 2020 to 2022, demonstrating transformative leadership and commitment to social change.
He later became the President of the Makerere AlumNet Foundation, an umbrella organization that brings together the Scholars Makerere Alumni chapter.
He worked as an eLearning Support Officer at the College of Natural Sciences (CoNAS) under the e-learning initiative at Makerere University.
He was a member of the Steering Committee of the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Makerere University, representing the Scholars Makerere Alumni chapter.
At the time of his passing, he was serving as the Minister of Information in the Tooro Kingdom, Strategy and Engagement Lead for the Mastercard Foundation Alumni Network-Uganda Chapter, and Programme Associate at the Africa Climate Collaborative, one of the Mastercard Foundation initiatives at Makerere University.
Legacy
Ruhweza is remembered for his dedication to education, leadership, mentorship, and community service. He passionately championed youth empowerment, collaboration, and social responsibility.
His life reflected the transformative power of education, servant leadership, and a commitment to uplifting others.
May Sylas’s soul rest in eternal peace.
General
Makerere University Pushes for Stronger Support for Research Ethics Committees amid Growing Research Demands
By Moses Lutaaya
Makerere University has intensified efforts to strengthen research governance and ethical oversight, with university leaders calling for greater institutional support for Research Ethics Committees (RECs), whose role has become increasingly central to the institution’s research-led agenda.
The call was made during a high-level meeting between University Management and Chairpersons of Research Ethics Committees held at the Vice Chancellor’s Boardroom at the Makerere University Main Building on May 25, 2026.
Opening the meeting, the Director of Research Innovations and Partnerships (DRIP), Prof. Robert Wamala, highlighted a number of operational and administrative challenges affecting the effectiveness of RECs at Makerere University.
Prof. Wamala observed that RECs continue to operate with gaps in institutional framework outlining their position within the university governance structure, a gap he said has affected institutional support and long-term sustainability.
According to Prof. Wamala, inadequate facilitation continues to affect the operations of several committees, especially in areas of staffing, administrative coordination, and remuneration for REC administrators.
He also pointed to challenges arising from new regulatory requirements governing the appointment of REC members, particularly the need for appointment letters to be authorized or signed by the Vice Chancellor.
Prof. Wamala further raised concern over the high cost of mandatory accreditation and training processes required by the Uganda National Council for Science and Technology (UNCST), especially the Good Research Regulatory Practice (GRRP) training undertaken every three years. “Payment for training is too high for individual RECs to cover,” he noted, adding that many committees are struggling to independently raise the money to undertake the training for all their members.
He also emphasized the need for stronger institutional monitoring systems to support timely submission of accreditation renewal applications, oversight of approved research activities, and coordination of REC operations across the university.
In her remarks, the Deputy Vice Chancellor in charge of Academic Affairs, Prof. Sarah Ssali, commended the growing contribution of RECs in advancing Makerere University’s research agenda and acknowledged the concerns raised by Prof. Wamala and committee members.
“There were not very many RECs,” Prof. Ssali said. “So now that we are 10, it is really impressive because it speaks to our cause for a research-led university.” She admitted that despite their importance, many RECs still operate outside the formal university establishment, making staffing and operational support difficult.
“The only challenge that I see is that they are not fully institutionalized. So it is upon units to start them or not to start them,” she explained. Prof. Ssali added that because RECs are not fully integrated into the public service structure of the university, recruiting and remunerating staff through conventional university systems remains complicated. “Hiring for them staff will be a little bit cumbersome because the university will say they are not part of our structure,” she said.
She nevertheless emphasized that university management recognizes the strategic importance of RECs in strengthening ethical research oversight and supporting Makerere’s position as a research-led institution. “RECs are doing a great job of furthering our strategic agenda of being a research-led university,” she noted.
Prof. Ssali explained that the growing reliance on institutional RECs by the Uganda National Council for Science and Technology demonstrates the trust placed in Makerere University’s ethical review systems.
Addressing concerns about the cost and frequency of mandatory training, Prof. Ssali acknowledged the financial burden on RECs but explained that many of the requirements are set by national regulators. “Many of the things you have raised are with National Council, they are not with us,” she said. “We can only pledge to lobby.”
To address logistical challenges associated with training senior academics, she proposed more flexible scheduling arrangements. “For a professor to give you a whole day is going to be a challenge,” she said. “Maybe you can do half days throughout the week.”
Prof. Ssali also encouraged colleges and schools to allocate part of their enhanced research budgets toward supporting REC activities, including staffing, training, and operational facilitation.
She suggested that colleges and schools hosting RECs should directly take responsibility for sustaining them. “For me, that’s the way out — to ensure that the colleges and schools that have RECs take them as their responsibility,” she noted.
The DVC-AA also addressed concerns related to intellectual property rights, Material Transfer Agreements (MTA), and the need for researchers to formally communicate scientific discoveries and innovations to the university to ensure institutional protection and benefit-sharing. “All you are saying is true, but it depends on you as researchers informing the institution that we have made this discovery,” she said.
Prof. Ssali reiterated Makerere University’s commitment to strengthening research governance systems and pledged continued engagement with both university management and national regulatory bodies to address the concerns raised by REC members. “Where they are, they enable research, publication and growth,” she said of the RECs. “Most importantly, they enable us to be ethical with the way we do our things.”
The meeting was attended by chairpersons of the various Research Ethics Committees across Makerere University and affiliated institutions. These included Dr. Ponsiano Ochama from the School of Medicine Research Ethics Committee (SOM-REC), Dr. Moses Ocan from the School of Biomedical Sciences Research Ethics Committee (SBS-REC), Dr. Paul Kutyabami from the School of Health Sciences Research Ethics Committee, Dr. David Kyaddondo from the Uganda Cancer Institute Research Ethics Committee, Dr. Stella Neema from the School of Social Sciences Research Ethics Committee (MAKSS-REC), Dr. Joseph Kagayi from the School of Public Health Research Ethics Committee, Dr. Joseph Kateete from the Infectious Diseases Institute Research Ethics Committee, Dr. Fred Okuku from the Uganda Heart Institute Research Ethics Committee, Dr. Kassim Sadik from the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences Research Ethics Committee, and Dr. Eddy Walakira from the College of Business and Management Sciences Research Ethics Committee.
The discussions reflected Makerere University’s broader ambition to consolidate its position as a leading research-intensive institution while ensuring that ethical standards, accountability, and innovation protection remain central to its academic mission.
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