August 14, 2026: The academic year 2026/2027 at Makerere University commenced on 3rd August 2026 with the respective units holding orientation sessions for the newly admitted students. Consequently, the School of Education at the College of Education and External Studies (CEES) held an orientation for the undergraduate students on 5th August 2026, and for its newly admitted graduate students pursuing the Postgraduate Diploma in Education (PGDE) and Masters’ degree programmes on 14th August 2026.
The interaction involving the School of Education leadership and staff with the newly admitted graduate students (PGDE and Master degree programmes) entailed presentations highlighting strategies to successfully navigate their postgraduate studies at Makerere University.
The Speakers implored the new PGDE and Masters’ students to prioritize their studies, research, uphold academic integrity, embrace collaborative learning, and utilize the digital and support resources provided by the College of Education and External Studies (CEES) and Makerere University.
The staff-student engagement ventured into the understanding of the academic calendar, the roles and responsibilities of students, supervisors, staff and support systems, as well as, university policies and regulations, registration procedures, and research undertakings.
The orientation moderated by Ms. Ritah Namisango featured the following speakers: Associate Professor Mathias Mulumba Bwanika-Dean of the School of Education, Associate Professor Rebecca Nambi, Head-Department of Humanities and Language Education, Dr Michael Walimbwa-the College Graduate Students Coordinator, Dr Kenneth Ssekatawa, Staff Member-Makerere University, Dr Dorothy Kyagaba Ssebbowa, Staff Member-Department of Humanities and Language Education, and Mrs. Joanna Kayaga Kiwana-the College Registrar.
Balancing academics, employment and family life
The Dean of the School of Education, Associate Professor Mathias Mulumba Bwanika, highlighted the vital role of the orientation session in the academic progress of the students.
Associate Professor Mulumba advised students to develop personal timetables that effectively balance academic, employment, family and social commitments.
“Most of you are employed, you need to develop personal time timetables to balance academics, work and family life,” he said.
He appealed to the cohort to prioritize studies by attending the scheduled lectures, undertaking research, and ensuring regular communication and consultation with staff members.
Early Research Planning and Active Engagement with Academic Support
Associate Professor Rebecca Nambi, the Head-Department of Humanities and Language Education called upon the graduate students to understand and appreciate their academic obligations and responsibilities.
Emphasizing the importance of research proposals, Associate Professor Nambi advised the students to begin developing their research ideas during the first of year of study and to continuously engage academic staff for guidance.
“A well-developed research proposal provides a strong foundation for successful research and enables students to apply the knowledge and skills gained throughout their studies,” she stated.
Graduate Students Coordination and Communication
Dr Michael Walimbwa, the Graduate Students Coordinator, advised the students to remain engaged through the official postgraduate communication platform. He indicated that the platform will serve as the main medium for disseminating academic information, administrative notices, and faculty guidance throughout their study.
Research, Knowledge Creation and Scientific Communication
Dr Kenneth Ssekatawa, a staff member at Makerere University, pointed out the transition from being consumers of knowledge to becoming creators and contributors to academic knowledge.
“You are expected to engage critically with books, publications and existing research while developing the capacity to conduct research that addresses new questions and advances existing knowledge,” he added.
He encouraged students to participate in research seminars and other research engagements at Makerere University to develop into self-reliant researchers capable of communicating scientific knowledge effectively.
Embrace Independent Learning and Library resources
Dr Dorothy Kyagaba Ssebbowa, a staff member in the Department of Humanities and Language Education, encouraged students to embrace independent learning so as to develop sharpen their critical thinking abilities.
She urged students to utilize the Makerere University’s library resources and also participate in departmental seminars and mentorship programmes to broaden their knowledge while gaining valuable opportunities for learning, networking and professional development.
Upholding academic integrity and responsible Usage of Artificial Intelligence
Tackling academic progress, the College Registrar-Mrs. Joanna Kayaga Kiwana reminded students that postgraduate programmes require commitment, timely completion of coursework and research, and adherence to the stipulated programme duration.
The College Registrar underscored the need for academic integrity. She observed that postgraduate education requires originality, responsibility and commitment to producing credible academic work.
She cautioned students against examination malpractice, plagiarism and the inappropriate use of artificial intelligence in academic work. She emphasized that AI should be used as a supportive academic tool rather than as a substitute for students’ own research, writing and critical thinking.
Mrs. Kayaga Kiwana called upon the students to read the Academic and Graduate Students Handbook, which was uploaded on the Makerere University policies website (https://policies.mak.ac.ug), adhere to institutional policies and take responsibility for their academic journey.
The orientation session held at the School of Education provided a platform for the newly admitted students to interact with academic and administrative staff, harmonize expectations and gain guidance on how to successfully navigate their postgraduate studies.
