August 05, 2026: The first year students at the School of Education received a befitting welcome to Makerere University and the College of Education and External Studies during a carefully planned orientation session that brought together the College Principal, the Dean of the School, Heads of Departments, staff and students leaders.
The Orientation session introduced the new entrants to academic programs, student support services, digital learning resources, co-curricular activities, as well as opportunities intended to enrich their university experience.
Opening the engagement, Associate Professor Mathias Mulumba, Dean-School of Education, congratulated the first-year students and implored them to focus on academics and excellence in the different spheres of life. He advised them to attend lectures regularly, develop personal improvement plans, follow the academic timetables, maintain discipline, and to consider time as a key resource.
He noted that university learning requires intentional time management and consistent engagement with course content, both in class and through independent study.
He encouraged students to take full advantage of library resources, mentorship from faculty, and peer learning groups available within the School.
On his part, the Principal of the College of Education and External Studies, Professor Anthony Muwagga Mugagga, called upon the first year students to approach their studies with seriousness and purpose. “Remember you have come to study, be cautious with who you peer with, and mind about your personal and mental health ,” Prof. Mugagga stated.
He cautioned against distractions that compromise academic progress and personal wellbeing, and advised students to build associations that promote intellectual growth, responsibility, and safety while on campus.
Associate Professor Nambi Rebecca, Head of the Department of Humanities and Language Education at the College of Education and External Studies, guided students on how to maximize their academic journey.
She described admission period and orientation week as an opportunity to network and focus on the future.
“This is an opportunity for you to build networks and focus on your future. Make sure you attend to your academic programs, do courseworks to get the best out of your university journey at Makerere University,” Assoc. Prof. Nambi said.
She observed the value of active participation in coursework, seminars, and departmental activities as pathways to subject mastery and professional readiness in education and language fields.
In the same vein, Professor Genza Gyaviira Musoke, Head of the Department of Foundations and Curriculum Studies at Makerere University, congratulated the students and emphasized the need for commitment and prioritization. He encouraged the first-year students to remain dedicated to their academic program while prioritizing their time at Makerere University.
Prof. Genza Musoke explained that the School’s training in foundations and curriculum is designed to produce educators and education specialists grounded in theory, research, and practice. He urged students to engage deeply with their courses from the first semester in order to build a strong academic base.
On administrative matters, Mrs. Joanna Kayaga Kiwana, the College Registrar, outlined the registration process. She emphasized the importance of timely enrolment and called on first-year students to register their academic programs within the stipulated timelines in order to attain an official student status at Makerere University.
She advised students to confirm program details with their departments and to seek clarification early to avoid administrative challenges.
Ms. Molly Nantongo, the School of Education Registrar, presented some of the university policies and equally provided highlights on professional conduct.
She encouraged the students to utilize the Makerere University policies website (policies.mak.ac.ug) to gain understanding of the respective policies.
She called upon the first-year students to uphold high standards of decency in their dress code.
Ms. Nantongo noted that as future educators and education professionals, students are expected to model conduct that reflects integrity, respect, and the values of the teaching profession.
The orientation also provided information on counselling services, career guidance, ICT support, and the university’s e-learning systems. Students were introduced to digital repositories, online course platforms, and research tools that will support learning throughout their programs.
The School leadership expressed confidence that with discipline, engagement, and utilization of available support structures, the 2026 cohort will excel academically and contribute meaningfully to Uganda’s education sector.
