1st National Policy Forum for STI Held: Academia Encouraged to Take Lead in the National STI Ecosystem webadmin Tue, 08/31/2021 - 12:26

The 1st National Policy Forum for Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI) ended with calls for academia in Uganda to take lead in the STI ecosystem by identifying talent, knowledge management as well as creation of links with industry to support innovations. This is based on the effective models witnessed across the world as associated with the universities such as Harvard, MIT, and Stanford in the United States of America, and University of Cape Town in South Africa. It was reiterated that a better STI ecosystem will help catalyze national development for Uganda.

Makerere University through its College of Natural Sciences (CoNAS) organized, hosted, and virtually held the 1st National Policy Forum on Science, Technology, and Innovations (STIs) Advancement for Development on the August 26th and 27th, 2021 under the theme “Positioning STI to address emerging threats to national development”. Makerere University deemed it strategic to initiate a national multi-stakeholder dialogue with an aim of contributing to the discourse on the role of STI in socio-economic transformation of the country even in the face of global and national challenges such as Covid – 19. Assoc. Prof. Arthur Tugume, Head - Department of  Plant Sciences, Microbiology and Biotechnology chaired the organizing team.

In the opening remarks delivered by the Deputy Vice Chancellor/ Academic Affairs, Makerere University Prof. Kakumba Umar on behalf of the Vice Chancellor, Makerere University; Prof. Nawangwe Barnabas, he said ‘Makerere is well positioned with capacity to support STI for national development in Uganda’. He thanked H.E. Yoweri Kaguta Museveni for the vision in establishing the Presidential Initiative for Science and Technology that benefited various colleges of Makerere University and enabled staff as well students to initiate innovations like the KIRA E.V. at the College of Engineering, Design, Art, and Technology. ‘The Government of Uganda has further committed 30bn Uganda shillings towards the Makerere University Research and Innovation Fund (MakRIF) that has supported over 700 projects since 2019’, as an institution, Makerere University is very grateful for this support, the Vice Chancellor noted.

The forum was officially opened by Hon. Dr. Monica Musenero – Minister for Science and Technology, who was the Chief Guest of the conference. In her speech, she thanked the Vice Chancellor, Makerere University and CoNAS for taking lead in the direction of STI especially during the Covid19 pandemic which has affected nations greatly. The Minister advised that ‘publication of research papers is good however, written material is not enough. We need action from government institutions, academia, students and general population otherwise Uganda will not change’. She further noted that ‘research, science and innovation has become too elitist ignoring the simple man/woman in the village reiterating that there has to be a mindset change otherwise nothing will happen’. We must involve the simple man, mother down in the village who is the client for a better Uganda, and I am hopeful that a detailed report of the discussions from this forum will be shared to guide us going forward, the Minister advised.

The keynote speaker, Dr. Fred Muhumuza from Makerere University, College of Business and Management Studies highlighted the most pressing challenges affecting role of STI in national development and the link the in addressing these challenges in Uganda’s STI ecosystem. The challenges highlighted included: Poor coordination and facilitation of training for STI professionals; the increased salaries of science teachers are welcome but should be supported by investment in the leaners and facilities; facilitation of research and development; general and specific financing for all activities in the STI space; and visionary leadership, strategic planning, coordination of policies as well as implementation.

Prof. Eliab Lugujjo, the Vice Chancellor, Ndejje University delivered a presentation on skills and education needed for a modern knowledge-based economy. He noted the need to balance vocational skills and higher education for STI advancement; at what stage/ level of education a scientist or innovator is made, and the gaps in the education system hindering STI advancement. This was a thought-provoking presentation and garnered a lot of discussion.

Multiple exciting presentations by speakers during the forum were delivered and discussions on topical issues of Uganda’s STI ecosystem including skilling our population, pharmaceutics and healthcare systems, agro-industrialization, knowledge economy, e-Commerce, governance, policy, and incubation ecosystems were held during the forum. Participants at the forum included policy makers, researchers, academicians, government leaders, students, and the public. Some of the key issues noted during the forum deliberations are attached in the download links below.

NewsArticle_Mak1stNational STI Forum.pdf NewsArticle_Mak1stNational STI Forum.docx

National Policy Forum on Science, Technology and Innovations Held at CoNAS webadmin Sat, 08/28/2021 - 18:52

PhD SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITIES IN MATHEMATICS webadmin Fri, 08/20/2021 - 13:14

The Norhed II supported project 2021-2026, is announcing a total of five PhD scholarships for PhD students to conduct their studies at Makerere University. Three of the five scholarships will be offered in the area of Applied Mathematics and two in Mathematics Education. The training of the five PhD students will take place at Makerere University with possible short supervision visits to the University of Bergen or University of Dar es salaam depending on the supervision needs for a particular PhD student. We invite interested candidates to apply for the said PhD scholarships. The PhD training is expected to commence in October 2021 and will be supported for a period of four years on full-time basis. Applicants who are already admitted at Makerere University and still in their first year of PhD studies in the project’s areas of focus will also be considered. The training is preferably by coursework and dissertation on the existing PhD curricula in Mathematics and Mathematics Education at Makerere University. Some Makerere, Regional, Norwegian and University of Dar es Salaam staff will be involved in the teaching and supervision of the PhD students.

Download attachment for details on eligibility.

Norhed II-Mathematics for Sustainable Development Project- Scholarships advert.docx Norhed II-Mathematics for Sustainable Development Project- Scholarships advert.pdf

MAK-RIF ROUND 3 CoNAS AWARDEES webadmin Wed, 08/18/2021 - 18:27

The following projects from the College of Natural Sciences were awarded research grants under the MAK-RIF Round 3 project Call Funded by the Government of Uganda.

Florence Mutonyi D'ujanga

Using Astronomy And Space Science To Promote Science Education In Schools

Julius Mulindwa

Influence of Gut Microbiome on Nutritional and Disease status of children in Schistosomiasis endemic region of Albert Nile, Pakwach district

Samuel Ojelel

Removing barriers to planting of multi-purpose tree species of Uganda

Juma Kasozi

Stochastic model for Sustainable Harvesting of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) and Nile Perch (Lates niloticus) Fish Populations on Lake Victoria for Optimal Financial Returns and Monitoring.

Dr. Alice Nabatanzi

Valorisation Of Waste Chicken Feathers For Water Purification: Designing and Constructing Low- Cost Keratin Based Nanofilters As Adsorbents Of Heavy Metals and Nanosized Contaminants

Ibrahim Karume

Providing Clean and Safe Water to Low-Income Communities using Activated Carbon-Cellulose membrane-based Water filters derived from Disposed Waste

Rhona Baingana

Using the Internet to Incentivize Healthy Lifestyle Choices in Uganda

Robert Gumisiriza

Production of Novel Eco-Charcoal Fuel for Urban dwellers Using Municipal Vegetative Solid Waste and Volcanic Rocks

Perpetra Akite

Exploring forage resources for stingless bees in Uganda: The case of Meliponula bocandei

MAK-RIF Round 3 Awardees.docx MAK-RIF Round 3 Awardees.pdf

Development Of Value-Added Phytogenic Chicken Feeds webadmin Wed, 08/18/2021 - 16:57

A research led by Dr. Alice Nabatanzi, the Principal Investigator of the project titled: "Development Of Value-Added Phytogenic Chicken Feeds", discovered that the widespread use of antibiotics in chicken feeds has promoted development of drug-resistant bacteria that have been passed from chicken to humans. This increased the rate of disease outbreaks in chicken causing losses to poultry farmers and income insecurity. In search for a solution, Dr. Alice Nabatanzi together with her team identified 132 poultry farmers in Najjembe sub-county, Buikwe district who were using chicken treating plants.

The poultry farmers identified 50 chicken treating plant species of which 3 species were prioritized for Laboratory analyses. The three priority species were Capsicum frutescens, Nicotiana tabacum and Cannabis sativa. The priority species were subjected to analyses (proximate, mineral, vitamin, antioxidant, heavy metal, antinutrient). Feeding tables were then developed from which a phytogenic chicken feed was formulated. The formulation for layers deferred from that of broilers and also differed according to the age of the chicken. The developed phytogenic chicken feed (Phyto-Nutra Chicken feed) will improve the poultry value chain, enhance food safety, food security and a healthy population while boosting farmers’ incomes. 

RECOMMENDATIONS

1. Adoption of the developed phytogenic feed by the poultry farmers since the plant species used to formulate it are available, safe, affordable, and effective

2. Conservation of chicken treating plants

 

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

The Government of Uganda through the Makerere University Research and Innovation Fund for providing the funds to carry out this project.

The Najjembe Sub-County Community, Buikwe district for providing the indigenous knowledge which was the basis for the formulation of the Phytogenic Chicken Feed.

Laboratory Technicians

Development Of Value-Added Phytogenic Chicken Feeds .docx Development Of Value-Added Phytogenic Chicken Feeds .pdf Voucher Specimen of Some of the Collected Chicken Treating Plants Community Outreach at Najjembe Sub-County

Re-Advertisement: Positions of Principal and Deputy Principal webadmin Tue, 08/17/2021 - 14:12

Makerere University seeks to fill key positions of Principal and Deputy Principal in the Colleges listed below. The Colleges of Makerere University are semi-autonomous academic units comprised of Schools, Institutes, and Departments that carry out general and professional training and research in various disciplines. This advertisement is for the positions of:

1. Principal and Deputy Principal, College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES)
2. Principal and Deputy Principal, College of Education and External Studies (CEES)
3. Principal and Deputy Principal, College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Biosecurity (CoVAB)
4. Principal and Deputy Principal, College of Natural Sciences (CoNAS)
5. Principal and Deputy Principal, College of Computing and Information Sciences (CoCIS)
6. Deputy Principal, College of Humanities and Social Sciences (CHUSS)

Please see Downloads for the detailed announcement.

Mode of application

1. Interested individuals should submit a letter of application accompanied with curriculum vitae, copies of relevant academic credentials and naming three referees;
2. Applicants should make sure that at least two referees have forwarded references concerning their application by the stated deadline;
3. All applicants who had earlier applied need not re-apply.
4. The deadline for submission of applications is 17th August 2021 at 5:00pm East African time.

Applications should be submitted to:

The University Secretary,
Makerere University
Central Teaching Facility 1, Room 4.1
P.O. Box 7062
Kampala, Uganda
Or by email to: searchcommittee[at]mak.ac.ug

Dated: 6th August 2021

Yusuf Kiranda
UNIVERSITY SECRETARY & SECRETARY TO THE UNIVERSITY COUNCIL

Download the attachment below for more details.

Makerere-Positions-Principal-and-Deputy-Principal_Re-advertised-060821.pdf

Resumption of Teaching and Learning Semester II 2020/2021 webadmin Tue, 08/17/2021 - 13:41 Leaching and Learning Through ODeL

Makerere University Senate at its Emergency meeting held on 9th August 2021 deliberated on resumption of teaching and learning through online for semester II 2020/2021 for Final Year students and Graduate programmes that had completed Semester 1 2020/2021 examinations. Senate also deliberated on the return of students on the Health Sciences programmes (starting with clinical years) for completion of Semester I 2020/2021 examinations and resumption of Semester II 2020/2021, following the authorization and guidelines from the National Council for Higher Education (NCHE).
Senate agreed as follows:

1. To have a staggered/split commencement of Semester II 2020/2021.
2. That teaching and learning through ODEL for Semester II 2020/2021 will commence on 30th
   August 2021 for Final Year students and Graduate programmes that had completed Semester I 2020/2021 examinations.
3. That reporting for students on Medical and Health Science programmes will commence with the clinical years and graduate students (As detailed in the letter from the Principal CHS attached) of College of Health Sciences (CHS) and College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Biosecurity (COVAB) on 16th August 2021.
4. The rest of the students in non-clinical years will resume through virtual lectures, until further guidance from NHCE and Ministry of Education and Sports (MOES).
5. Academic Units and faculty members should make all preparations to update Teaching and
   Learning materials on the MUELE.
6. The purpose of this communication is to inform you about the decision of Senate. The detailed Semester calendar will be sent in due course

Download attachment for more details:

Opening-for-Sem-II-20202021-Academic-Registrar.pdf

National Policy Forum On Science, Technology And Innovation Advancement For Development webadmin Fri, 08/13/2021 - 17:39

The Department of Plant Sciences, Microbiology and Biotechnology is scheduled to host the National Policy Forum On Science, Technology And Innovation (STI) advancement for development, virtually 26th-27th August 2021. The of the forum is: Positioning STI to address emerging threats to national development. 

During this forum, topical discussions on Uganda's STI ecosystems will be held including but (not limited) to the place for the "Knowledge economy". Over 200 participants are expected including the Hon Minister in charge of Science, Technology and Innovations (STI), the PS, Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, among others. The draft program is herewith attached. The link to the forum will be provided shortly.

Draft Program 1st National Forum on STI 12-08-2021.docx

RNPIA-2021 CONFERENCE, 5TH – 7TH JULY 2021, IMPERIAL ROYALE HOTEL, KAMPALA webadmin Thu, 08/12/2021 - 13:23

The 1st International Conference on Reimagining the Natural Products Industry in Africa under the patronage of Carnegie Corporation of New York through Future Africa, University of Pretoria, South Africa was convened by Dr. Alice Nabatanzi (5th – 7th July, 2021) at Imperial Royale Hotel. This year’s theme is “Advancing Africa’s Natural Products Industry through Transdisciplinarity and Sustainable Innovations”.

Dr. Alice Nabatanzi (RNPIA-2021) Conference Convener Giving Her Opening Remarks Hon. Prof. George Mondo Kagonyera (Vice Chancellor Kabale University)

The conference was officiated by two honourable guests; (1) Hon. Prof. George Mondo Kagonyera (Vice Chancellor Kabale University and Ex. Vice Chancellor Makerere University) and Prof. Cheikh Mbow (Director Future Africa, University of Pretoria).

RNPIA-2021 Conference CAKE Cake cutting officiating RNPIA-2021 Conference Prof. John David Kabasa (Principal COVAB)

The conference was graced by Prof. John David Kabasa (Principal COVAB), Professor Paul Waako (Vice Chancellor Busitema University) and Dr. Grace Nambatya (Director Research Natural Chemotherapeutics Research Institute). Prof. John David Kabasa gave a presentation on Natural Products Value Chains in Africa.

Dr. Grace Nambatya (Director Research, NCRI, Ministry of Health)

Dr. Grace Nambatya (Director Research, Natural Chemotherapeutic Research Institute, Ministry of Health) gave her remarks on Natural Products Drug Discovery and the role of NCRI in Uganda.

Prof. Paul Waako (Vice Chancellor Busitema University)

Prof. Paul Waako, Vice Chancellor Busitema University gave his remarks on Pharmacological Approaches in Natural Products and the contribution of Busitema University to the Natural Products Industry

The 3-day RNPIA-2021 conference was attended by over 400 online participants from all over the world and 50 physical participants. During the 3 days, a total of 50 presentations (MSc, PhD, Early career) were made by participants from different universities throughout Africa. The Keynote speeches were given by:

Professor Namrita Lall, University of Pretoria – Challenges and Coping Strategies faced by Female scientists for STEM Research

Professor John R. S. Tabuti, Makerere University – Conservation of Traditional Medicines, Contribution of REDD+

Professor Lyndy McGaw, University of Pretoria – Ethnoveterinary Medicine and an Overview of recent Surveys conducted in South Africa.

Other Guest Speakers included:

Dr. Marco Nuno De Canha, University of Pretoria – Navigating the sea of intellectual property: Technology transfer and patenting innovative ideas

Mr. Mongezi Mabena, South Africa – The Theoretical Framework, Processes and Challenges of Registering a Pharmaceutical Company

Prof. Fredrick Muyodi, Makerere University – Fisheries and Aquaculture in the Face of Climate Change

Entrepreneurs in Natural Products from South Africa, Uganda and U.S.A. also showcased their products and gave stories of their entrepreneurial journeys. Representatives from NDA, AFS, THETA were present at the conference.

Virtual EAUMP-ICTP Summer School: Topics in Concrete Mathematics webadmin Thu, 08/12/2021 - 12:30

This is an EMA (Ecole Mathematique Africaine) School of CIMPA. This hybrid School is nominally based at the ICTP-East African Institute for Fundamental Research [EAIFR] in Kigali, Rwanda; it will offer students concrete and effective mathematical tools from algebra, group theory and geometry that can be applied to any scientific field. Consisting of 8 working days 12-15 August and 17-20 August, with one rest day the 2+2 courses shall be running concurrently. Lectures will be given remotely by video link.

Description of Courses:
WEEK 1 [12-15 August] R. K. Ramakrishna: Class numbers of number rings A. Taribi: Group representation theory and combinatorics
WEEK 2 [17-20 August]: C. Kurujyibwami / B. Szendroi: Lie algebras K. Wendland: Modular forms

Organizer(s)
Celestin Kurujyibwami (U. of Rwanda), Balazs Szendroi (U. Oxford), Fernando Rodriguez Villegas (ICTP - Trieste)
Local Organizing Committee
Willers Banzi (University of Rwanda), Celestin Kurujyibwami (University of Rwanda, Chair), Omololu Akin-Ojo (EAIFR)
EAUMP Country Coordinators
Celestin Kurujyibwami, Jared Ongaro, Patrick Weke, Banzi Wellars, John Mango, Eunice Mureithi, Juma Kasozi, Sylvester Rugeihyamu, Isaac Tembo, Mubanga Lombe, David SsevviiriCosponsor(s)Eastern Africa University, Centre International de Mathématiques Pures et Appliquées, EAIFR, University of RwandaSecretaryElizabeth Brancaccio

Start Date: 11 Aug 2021
End Date: 20 Aug 2021

Virtual EAUMP-ICTP Summer School: Topics in Concrete Mathematics webadmin Thu, 08/12/2021 - 12:30

This is an EMA (Ecole Mathematique Africaine) School of CIMPA. This hybrid School is nominally based at the ICTP-East African Institute for Fundamental Research [EAIFR] in Kigali, Rwanda; it will offer students concrete and effective mathematical tools from algebra, group theory and geometry that can be applied to any scientific field. Consisting of 8 working days 12-15 August and 17-20 August, with one rest day the 2+2 courses shall be running concurrently. Lectures will be given remotely by video link.

Description of Courses:
WEEK 1 [12-15 August] R. K. Ramakrishna: Class numbers of number rings A. Taribi: Group representation theory and combinatorics
WEEK 2 [17-20 August]: C. Kurujyibwami / B. Szendroi: Lie algebras K. Wendland: Modular forms

Organizer(s)
Celestin Kurujyibwami (U. of Rwanda), Balazs Szendroi (U. Oxford), Fernando Rodriguez Villegas (ICTP - Trieste)
Local Organizing Committee
Willers Banzi (University of Rwanda), Celestin Kurujyibwami (University of Rwanda, Chair), Omololu Akin-Ojo (EAIFR)

EAUMP Country Coordinators
Celestin Kurujyibwami, Jared Ongaro, Patrick Weke, Banzi Wellars, John Mango, Eunice Mureithi, Juma Kasozi, Sylvester Rugeihyamu, Isaac Tembo, Mubanga Lombe, David SsevviiriCosponsor(s)Eastern Africa University, Centre International de Mathématiques Pures et Appliquées, EAIFR, University of RwandaSecretaryElizabeth Brancaccio

Start Date: 11 Aug 2021
End Date: 20 Aug 2021

Visit the link below for more details on the event
http://indico.ictp.it/event/9669

AWARMN Students Proposal Presentation webadmin Fri, 07/30/2021 - 13:19

African Water Resource Mobility  Network (AWARMN) students’ proposal presentation seminar happening now via zoom. The mobility supports students from Makerere University, Rhodes University, Federal University of Technology, Minna, University of Kinshasa, Delft University of Technology, and National School of Hydraulics, Algeria. The students are funded under the Intra Africa Mobility Network by European Union and African Union. 

African swine fever Virus genotype II in Nigeria and West Africa webadmin Wed, 07/21/2021 - 15:55

Assoc. Professor Charles Masembe's team has unveiled for the first-time presence of African swine fever Virus genotype II in Nigeria and West Africa.
This was done by partial sequencing of the B464L and E183L genes of ASF virus (ASFV). This finding has serious implications for ASFV control measures and food security. The research paper with the findings is available at the available link: https://journals.asm.org/doi/10.1128/MRA.00350-21
The research was made possible through funding from the African Union Commission.

Eid Adhuha Wishes webadmin Wed, 07/21/2021 - 15:39

On behalf of Management, I wish our Moslem brothers and sisters a peaceful Eid Adhuha celebration. Eid Adhuha, like many religious celebrations seeks to promote peace and love for all humanity. I therefore join our gallant members of staff from the Moslem faith in celebrating this day. I wish all of you happiness and prosperity, as you continue to be part of a great team as, WE BUILD FOR THE FUTURE!

ALLAH BLESS YOU!

INVITATION TO THE 1st INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON REIMAGINING THE NATURAL PRODUCTS INDUSTRY IN AFRICA (RNPIA – 2021), 5th JULY 2021 TO 7th JULY 2021 webadmin Tue, 06/29/2021 - 08:48 On behalf of the RNPIA-2021 Organizing committee, I have the pleasure to invite you to the 1stInternational Conference On Reimagining The Natural Products Industry In Africa.

RNPIA-2021 is aimed at encouraging transdisciplinarity through knowledge sharing by scholars, practitioners in industry, non-governmental organizations, and policymakers. We envisage mutual learning and joint problem solving to create sustainable solutions for Africa’s Natural Products Industry.

RNPIA-2021 Conference will take place from the 5thto the 7th of July 2021. Due to COVID-19, the event will be 95% virtual.

 You can join in using the zoom link below.

Join Zoom Conference Link
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89916142662?pwd=b3NkaVhKMjBlQUd5MG1BUzArNlJFQT09

Meeting ID: 899 1614 2662
Passcode: 874731

Looking forward to your active engagement.

One hundred years of African swine fever: A tribute toR. Eustace Montgomery webadmin Fri, 06/18/2021 - 14:44

One hundred years ago, the first scientific publication on “a form of swine fever” that occurred in East Africa was published by R. EustaceMontgomery in the Journal of Comparative Pathology and Therapeutics

(Montgomery, 1921). Now known as African swine fever (ASF), this disease has, over the last century, been reported from all five continents and is dreaded by pig industries worldwide

Please find attached for more information 

Transforming Uganda to a middle-income country ought to be a concerted effort webadmin Fri, 06/18/2021 - 14:15

The Government of Uganda set out to transform Uganda into a middle-income country by the year 2020. Whereas this target was not realised, it is not too late to rethink the strategies. 

Of course, the approach in realising the said target is multi-faceted; ranging from boosting agriculture, education, industrialisation to good governance and combating corruption among others.

In this article, I will focus on one area of education to drive my point home; sustainably raising a critical mass of scientists in the country. It is easy to think that this is a role which must be played by the government only, as is always our tendency. However, this thinking is only true in part; all of us have a role to play. I will use the example of the subject Mathematics which I understand most. Mathematics is a prerequisite to many courses at university.

These courses include:  Computer Science, Statistics, Engineering courses, Actuarial Science, Surveying, Architecture, Bachelor of Science (Physical), etc. Even for some courses where it is not a prerequisite, students who enrol to such courses somehow find mathematical content being taught to them. These courses include: Economics, Information Technology, Pharmacy, Psychology, Social sciences, etc.

Going by this only, we can confirm that Mathematics is a very important subject. We also agree that, if it is properly taught right from primary schools, more students will enrol in the science courses mentioned above and this will help in raising the critical mass of scientists the country needs to attain middle-income status.

On the contrary, when you meet an average person on the streets and ask them about Mathematics. Chances are very high that you will get responses such as it is horrible, I get sick when I see numbers, don’t ask me about Mathematics, I hate it and other statements which portray the subject with negativity.

Pupils/students hear similar utterances from their parents, relatives, role models, family members and their friends.  I don’t mean to say that everyone should be good at Mathematics. We are different and certainly gifted differently. But I also know that sometimes these statements have affected the performance of some learners – actually the majority of learners.

To reach this desired national goal, we need concerted effort. Teachers, parents, school administrators, District Education Officers (DEOs), Chief Administrative Officers (CAOs), pupils, students, family members and the entire community; each has a role to play.

Teachers have to teach Mathematics in a way that makes it interesting. They ought to use a language that motivates rather than demotivates, showing learners how relevant Mathematics is in our day to day lives. Use of ICT is instrumental as is the case with other relevant teaching aids.  Teachers of the subject themselves have to be exemplary and a source of inspiration to the learners.

It is in our families that we first learn most of what we know. We subconsciously learn what our parents and relatives say and do while we are we them.  It is not surprising therefore that if children who come from homes where English language is spoken join nursery schools when they are already fluent in the English language. Parents and family members therefore have to mind what they say about Mathematics before their children and relatives. Once children join school when they already think Mathematics is a horrible subject, then teachers cannot do much to help them believe otherwise.

Mathematics is a subject that demands continuity of concepts. It is difficult for one to learn to subtract if they don’t know how to add; dividing can be almost impossible to comprehend when one does not know how to multiply, the list goes on. Ensuring therefore that our children attend school regularly is crucial. You and I know that it is at least not for the government to ensure regular attendance of school for our children. We need as parents to plan and pay school fees in time to avoid disruption of learning. Parents ought to inculcate in their children before and during school some skills, e.g., analytical skills and an inquisitive mind. This can be achieved for instance through certain games and reading some books. 

School administrators ought to provide a conducive environment for teaching and learning. This may involve paying teachers promptly, clean classrooms, avail the required teaching and learning material in time, etc.  The National Curriculum Development Centre needs to ensure that curricular at all levels of learning is revised regularly to meet the current needs of society. Higher institutions of learning also doing their part by training teachers well.

The Government through the Ministry of Education and Sports and through local governments ought to recruit enough teachers; ensuring that there is gender balance as they do so. At the moment, Mathematics teachers are predominantly male, girls do not have enough examples to look up to. Remunerating teachers well so that they don’t quit teaching. To ensure that there are adequate and well facilitated schools. Putting mechanisms in place to have teachers undergo refresher courses so that they are kept up to date with relevant and effective methods of teaching.

If all the above is sustainably done, it will not take too long before Uganda raises the required critical mass of scientists in the areas that were mentioned above. In times like these of COVID19, it can not be so difficult to have a meaningful contribution by Ugandan scientists including manufacturing vaccines by ourselves. At the moment, Uganda is faced with a problem of too few scientists to take care of  all Ugandan needs that lie in their speciality. If one is to start a high tech company that requires to employ many scientists, Uganda may not be the country to have it. Doing so, will imply that one has to employ so many expartriates which is a costly venture. You would rather have the company in a place where employees commute from their homes and are relatively cheaper to maintain.

David Ssevviiri, PhD

Senior Lecturer, Department of Mathematics, Makerere University Source: https://www.newvision.co.ug/articledetails/106177

University Closure Guidelines in Compliance With Presidential Directive on COVID-19 webadmin Mon, 06/14/2021 - 18:29

RE:      UNIVERSITY CLOSURE GUIDELINES IN COMPLIANCE WITH THE PRESIDENTIAL DIRECTIVE TO CLOSE INSTITUTIONS OF HIGHER LEARNING AS A PREVENTIVE MEASURE TO CURB THE SPREAD OF THE CORONAVIRUS

Reference is made to the communication from the University Council Chairperson Ref. 0301.00 dated 7th June 2021, which declared Makerere Universityclosed for 42 days with effect from 7th June 2021 in line with the Presidential directives to curb the spread of COVID-19.

During its special meeting held on Tuesday 8th June 2021, the University’s Top Management approved the following guidelines for the closure.

1. Adherence to COVID-19 SOPs

All units, staff and any other individuals within the University premises must at all times comply with the COVID-19 SOPs as prescribed by the Ministry of Health, including, but not limited to the following:

• a) Always wearing a face mask in public places. Management will not grant access to university premises to any individual without a face mask.
• b) All public buildings shall have hand wash facilities and hand sanitisers at the entrances. Therefore, all individuals seeking to access the buildings must wash their hands and/ or apply a hand sanitiser.
• c) All public buildings must have a temperature gun at the entrances. All individuals seeking to access the buildings must have their temperatures taken and recorded. Any individual with a temperature above normal shall not access university buildings.
• d) All public buildings shall maintain a registration book at the entrance. All individuals seeking to access the buildings must register on a daily basis.
• e) Residents on the University campus are discouraged from welcoming visitors. Management will deny access to any persons seeking to access the University premises for the sole purpose of visiting.

2. Maintaining a 30% Physical Staff Presence at the University

• a) All units shall maintain a 30% physical presence of staff. The heads of the respective units shall observe this requirement by rotating staff while considering the prevailing tasks and responsibilities.
• b) All academic and administrative staff shall continue to work online during the period when they are not physically at the university. All staff remain obliged to deliver on the outputs required on them.
• c) Working physically or online shall not be construed as a special assignment or extra work.

3. Students on Campus

• a) Management instructed all students to vacate University premises by close of business on 7th June 2021.
• b) International students who are resident in the University halls and currently cannot travel back to their home countries have been exempted from the requirement to vacate the university campus. These students shall be accommodated in Africa Hall (both males and female) but in different blocks. All students under this category are instructed to register with the Dean of Students, thereafter move to the designated residence with immediate effect.

4. Teaching and Learning

• a) All electronic platforms, including the Makerere University E-Learning Environment (MUELE) and electronic resources under the University Library, shall continue to be accessible online during the closure period.
• b) The University Library shall remain closed for physical access and shall maintain essential staff within the 30% limit while other staff will continue to work remotely to support access to online resources.
• c) The Academic Registrar will issue a revised semester schedule following approval by the University Senate and Council in line with guidance from the Ministry of Education & Sports (MOES) and/ or National Council for Higher Education (NCHE).
• d) Students undertaking research and other projects shall continue to interact with their supervisors online.
• e) Colleges are requested to evaluate the status and readiness to undertake online teaching for Semester II of 2020/2021 Academic year before it can be implemented.

5. Examinations

• a) Semester one 2020/ 2021 examinations for Final Year students that commenced on Monday 24th May, 2021 successfully ended on Sunday 6th June, 2021. Semester one 2020/ 2021 examinations for continuing students were scheduled to start on Monday 7th June, 2021 and end on Sunday 27th June, 2021. All examinations that were scheduled and not administered to students by 7th June 2021 are suspended. The Academic Registrar will communicate a new timetable for the examinations in due course.

6. Research Activities

• a) Staff with research activities that require inter-district travel should consider rescheduling their field research activities.
• b) Staff undertaking research involving perishable laboratory materials that were already acquired should register with their Unit Heads to be included in the allowable 30% physical presence on the campus so as to continue with their research activities.
• c) In general, staff and students with ongoing research activities shall continue to meet with their research teams and supervisors online.

7. Places of Worship

The University Mosque, St. Francis Chapel and St. Augustine Chapel shall remain closed for a period of 42 days or otherwise determined by Government.

8. Other Activities

On-going capital developments to which Makerere University is contractually obligated, shall continue with strict observance of the COVID-19 preventive guidelines as provided by Government through the Ministry of Health.

9. Enforcement

• a) The Office of Deputy Vice Chancellor (Finance and Administration) shall be responsible for the overall enforcement of the public health measures in force during the 42 days or otherwise pronounced by Government.
• b) All heads of Units are responsible for enforcement of the measures in their units and shall report to the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Finance and Administration).

10. COVID-19 Vaccination

All University staff are required to take the COVID-19 vaccine in line with the Presidential directives. The University Hospital continues to offer vaccination services among other services, to students and the community at no cost.

11. Health Services

The University Hospital will continue to offer services to the university community on a 24-hour basis. Any suspected COVID-19 cases and/ or health emergencies should be reported to the University Hospital on the following address:

Address: Gadafi Road, Kampala
Tel: 0414 542922

Fighting the COVID-19 pandemic will be the collective result of compliance with the public health measures put in place by the Government. Management calls upon all members of the University to adhere to the guidelines for their own good, for the good of their loved ones and for the good of the University and the nation.

We Build For the Future!

Professor Barnabas Nawangwe
VICE CHANCELLOR

The Rhodes Scholarship webadmin Mon, 06/14/2021 - 18:17

The Rhodes Scholarship is a fully funded postgraduate award for young people to study at the University of Oxford, UK. The Rhodes Trust funds over 250 Scholars at any one time. We select young leaders of outstanding intellect and character who are motivated to engage with global challenges, committed to the service of others and show promise of becoming value-driven, principled leaders for the world’s future.
The Rhodes Scholarship is the oldest (first awarded in 1902) and perhaps most prestigious international scholarship programme, enabling outstanding young people from around the world to study at the University of Oxford.

This year, we have opened application starting from the 1st June. Visit the link for more details: https://www.rhodeshouse.ox.ac.uk/scholarships/the-rhodes-scholarship/

Makerere University Closure webadmin Wed, 06/09/2021 - 00:21