On 6th August 2026, the first year students admitted to the various undergraduate academic programmes at the College of Education and External Studies (CEES) convened at the Makerere University Yusuf Lule Central Teaching Facility Auditorium for a specialized orientation session with the College leadership, selected University Officials, staff and student leaders.
Bringing together over 900 first year students, the colourful orientation session organized by the Office of the Principal, in collaboration with the College Registrar, College Communication Office, and the Student leaders, kicked off with the singing of the Anthems. The first year students were impressed by the vocals courtesy of the College of Education and External Studies Choir.
The interactive orientation session, which involved interludes of respecting the Makerere University Culture (with the entire audience speaking with energy, Eeh, Makerere Oyee!) was aimed at equipping the newly admitted students with the essential knowledge to transition into University life, guidance to successfully navigate their academic journey, and developing a deeper sense of belonging and love for the College of Education and External Studies (CEES).
The orientation focused on promoting academic excellence, responsible conduct, personal well-being, financial management, digital learning, safeguarding, and effective utilization of university resources to support students’ growth and development.
The orientation programme featured presentations from university administrators, academic leaders, student representatives, and support service providers including the College Principal-Prof. Anthony Muwagga Mugagga, Deputy Principal-Prof. Ronald Bisaso, Dean-School of Distance and Lifelong Learning- Dr. Harriet Nabushawo, Dean-School of Education- Assoc. Prof. Mathias Mulumba, the Director of IODeL-Dr. Godfrey Mayende, the Manager-Makerere University Counselling and Guidance Centre Dr. Henry Nsubuga, the College Chairperson-Mr. Anthony Bakashaba, and among other members of staff and student leaders.
Commitment to Academic Excellence and Responsible Conduct
Opening the engagement, the Principal, College Principal, Prof. Anthony Muwagga Mugagga, congratulated the first-year students upon being admitted to Makerere University, and specifically to the College of Education and External Studies. He highlighted that the College consists of three (3) Schools namely: The School of Education, the School of Distance and Lifelong Learning, and the East African School of Higher Education Studies and Development.
Recalling the lived experiences from his youthful days as a student, and his various attempts in different academic disciplines such as religious studies, economics, philosophy, education, he informed the students that they had made the right choice to study education.
“I am a professor of education. I have served as a teacher, education policy specialist, and rose up to the rank of Professor. I am the College Principal. I am here to re-assure you that you have made the right decision to study education,” he said.
The Principal encouraged the first-year students to embrace their academic journey with determination and utilize their stay to effectively tap into the opportunities available at Makerere University.
“Prioritize your studies, maintain healthy relationships, and avoid behaviours that could compromise your safety, well-being, and academic progress,” Prof. Muwagga Mugagga guided.
He advised the students to attend lectures consistently, actively participate in class, establish professional relationships with lecturers, and familiarize themselves with university policies and support services.
He called upon the students to manage their finances responsibly by prioritizing essential needs, such as tuition and academic requirements, and exploring available work-study opportunities when faced with financial challenges.
Prof. Muwagga Mugagga reminded students to understand their rights and responsibilities as members of the university community and to uphold the values and standards that guide life at Makerere University.
Striving for Excellence and Time Management
The Deputy Principal, Prof. Ronald Bisaso implored the students to remain focused on their academic goals, adhere to university policies, and to use their freedom wisely throughout their university journey.
Prof. Bisaso also tipped the students on professionalism, the standards and right set of values that society expects from prospective teachers and educators. He encouraged the students to dress appropriately and make reference to authentic online platforms that describe the dress code for official, business, and casual engagements.
“Students’ conduct and appearance contribute significantly to the professional image they project within the university and the wider community,” he noted.
Academic Success and Professional Conduct
The Dean of the School of Education, Associate Professor Mathias Mulumba Bwanika articulated that the transition to the Competency-Based Education, which implies that the student/learner takes responsibility for his or her studies.
“Schools and institutions in Uganda shifted from a content-based curriculum to the competency-based one. The teacher guides, but the student takes full responsibility for his or her learning,” he remarked.
To excel under the competency-based mode of delivery, Associate Professor Mulumba Bwanika urged the students to value time, plan their schedules, form discussion groups, and tap into the benefits of group learning, including innovation, creativity, and reading ahead of their lecturers.
Associate Professor Mulumba Bwanika reminded the students to uphold high standards of professionalism by following the professional code of conduct for teachers. He tipped the students on personal hygiene, respectful behaviour, character and development.
The Dean of the School of Education, emphasized the importance of cultivating habits that promote academic success. “If you want to succeed in a university setting, you need to consult the student leaders and staff, embrace group learning, and read consistently.”
Embracing Learning Opportunities Beyond the Classroom
