Browsing: @makerere university

Uganda exports billions in raw coffee, but most of the profits are roasted abroad. At Makerere, students are testing yoghurt, syrups & ready-to-drink brews—proof that value addition could change the game.

In the shadow of Uganda’s oldest university, Kikoni’s clogged drains and scattered litter had long been a daily frustration for students and residents alike. This weekend, Makerere students swapped pens for brooms, leading a clean-up that pulled hostel caretakers, shopkeepers, and neighbors into action. What began as a sanitation drive became something bigger—a rare moment of unity and a powerful reminder that change starts when people pick up the first broom.

KAMPALA — From school fires to fatal construction accidents, Uganda’s rising death toll at work has one common cause: a dangerous lack of education in occupational safety, health, and environment (OSHE). With 32.4% of Kampala construction workers injured on the job—and 70% of those on night shifts—experts warn that without integrating OSHE into the national curriculum, the country will continue to bury victims of preventable hazards.

In a small lab in Kampala, 11 Makerere University students are rewriting Africa’s scientific future. With a mission to combat hunger and climate change, they’ve engineered bacteria to produce vital nutrients and reduce carbon emissions—and they’re taking this breakthrough to the world stage in Paris. But their biggest hurdle now? Getting there.

KAMPALA — In an inspiring show of ingenuity and purpose, final-year students at Makerere University’s School of Engineering are crafting real-world solutions to Uganda’s toughest challenges. From solar-powered sprayers to oil-cleaning machines and smart cooking systems, these homegrown innovations are proving that Africa’s next big breakthroughs may not come from a boardroom—but from a university lab in Kampala.

Ssentamu Churchill James has defied expectations to become Makerere University’s 91st Guild President. After losing the NUP primaries, Churchill ran as an independent and clinched victory, proving that student-driven campaigns can challenge political party dominance. His leadership promises a new era of independent governance at Uganda’s top university.

With just four days until the 91st Makerere Guild Elections, candidates took the stage in a high-stakes presidential debate filled with bold manifestos, passionate speeches, and shocking endorsements. The event saw NRM’s Mpamize Rwamigamba withdraw and back John Baptist Rukundo, sparking heated reactions from students. Meanwhile, candidates like Basalirwa Ismail, Job Mugabe, and Churchill Ssentamu made strong cases for leadership, addressing key issues like student welfare, tuition policies, and campus facilities. As tensions rise, students now face a crucial decision—who will lead Makerere’s next Guild?

Basalirwa Ismael, a 3rd year law student, has been declared the People Power Makerere Chapter candidate for the 91st Guild Presidential Elections after winning the primary.

The Makerere University Guild elections have taken an unexpected turn with the entry of Moses Mufakinanye, an Assistant Resident District Commissioner (RDC) of Mbarara District and law student. Running under the slogan “The Tsunami: A Solution-Based Government,” he promises to restore the Guild’s integrity, challenge tuition policies, advocate for higher living-out allowances, and push for political inclusivity. His candidacy has sparked debate over his government ties, but he remains confident in his leadership credentials. “My appointment as RDC was a vote of confidence in my abilities. Makerereans should embrace me,” he asserts.

Emergency contraceptive pills (ECPs) are becoming increasingly popular among Ugandan university students, particularly in institutions like Makerere University. While affordability and accessibility drive usage, experts warn that overuse may lead to serious health complications, including infertility and hormonal imbalances. A recent study highlights the urgent need for improved reproductive health education and peer-led initiatives to bridge knowledge gaps.