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UNIVERSITY 2021SEPTEMBER 28

GUIDE

Experts push for trimester system

Career choice: Passion or job prospects?

+

THE NEW FACE OF UNIVERSITY EDUCATION

COVID-19 AND AFTER

FREE WITH NEW VISION

4 UNIVERSITY GUIDE NEW VISION, SEPTEMBER 28, 20212

3UNIVERSITY GUIDE NEW VISION, SEPTEMBER 28, 2021

INSIDE...

49 Financing Board

SPORTS32.

ADMISSION 36

CAREER CHOICE40. 47

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4ONLINE LESSONS4. 7. 8. 14.20. 4448

PROFILES22. 46 Interview with UBTEB boss

PAYMENTS & SCHOLARSHIPS16. 18 30.3438

50

SIDNEY MIRIA

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Contributors: Carol Adii, Michael Nsubuga, Jackie Achan, Godfrey Mutegeki, Martin Kitubi, Tadeo Bwambale, Umar Nsubuga, Alex Balimwikungu, Denis Nsubuga, Patricia Turyahebwa, Joseph Bahingwire and Rita Mukasa Photography: Miriam Namutebi and Moses NsubugaAdvertising: Isaiah Mwalye

30I introduce to you this edition of the University Guide in COVID-19 times. The pandemic pressed a reset button for the

world almost two years ago. Every sector of the global economy was affected and will never be the same again. When the Government announced a raft of measures aimed at stemming the spread of the pandemic, universities too were ordered to close. There was no warning, hence no preparation. Both public and private universities have in a sense been forced to adapt to the new normal of online education with various levels of success. To regain the lost time, experts have recommended a trimester academic system and blended learning, among other proposals. We help you make sense of all this. Whether you are a parent, student, policymaker, academician or advertiser, this edition of the University Guide is a must read.

[email protected]

Soft skills for university students

P.26

6


STUDYING ONLINE

It is a year since the National Council for Higher Education (NCHE) approved the Open Distance and e-learning’ (ODeL) programme to enable higher

institutions of learning including universities to enrol students online. However, just a handful have utilised it. With uncertainties on whether students will attend classes physically, education experts are asking universities to go digital.

TRIMESTERS VS TERMSHaving three semesters a year, dubbed trimesters, has been a common practice for private universities. For some of them, instead of running two semesters of four months each, every academic year, they have three terms of three months each.

According to education experts, a trimester should be adopted by all universities to cover the lost time caused by coronavirus disruptions. Prof. Venansius Baryamureeba, the former vice-chancellor of Makerere University, says this is the time to roll-out trimesters.

According to him, the two semesters a year is long, and also characterised by long holidays which take a lot of time. For universities to recover the lost time, he said, a lot can be covered in the shorter trimesters and shortened university holidays.

“Having three terms a year

to understand better. It also helps institutions plan better for their learners,” he said.

Baryamureeba also urged institutions to include Saturdays as part of the academic days.

FACE TO FACE AND ONLINE Baryamureeba urges higher institutions of learning to concurrently run both face-to-face and online classes, dubbed ‘blended learning’. Under the blended learning, he says, students would have both face-to-face interactions with the lecturers as

REALITY: The coronavirus pandemic has made it a necessity to embrace e-learning

E-LEARNING MARTIN KITUBI Writer

EXPERTS PUSH “A university that has not embraced online studying will collapse because online learning is the future.”

well as accessing reading materials online. The face-to-face interactions, he says, can also be done online via video conferencing, Skype, Zoom and Microsoft.

“A university that has not embraced online studying will collapse because that is the future. Look at the newspapers; they have all invested in E-papers. The trend is that you do not limit learners to physical appearance in classrooms,” he says.

can always attend physical lectures at universities, but the freshers and students attending subsequent years, can attend online for continuity.

“This is the only way we will reduce on wastage of time caused by closure of institutions. We should have done this last year. By now, students would be studying without challenges,” he said.

PHASED OPENINGAccording to Baryamureeba, deploying a phased and staggered reopening of higher institutions of learning is unhealthy and unsustainable. In addition, he said, the phased reopening drags universities backward and it causes uncoordinated teaching.

Instead, he said, the practice drags universities and causes uncertainty due to the coronavirus pandemic. He says since there are projections of


more coronavirus waves in future, the universities would continue to close.

Subsequently, he said, the system will

it hard to get back to normal.

FLEXIBILITYProf. Paul Mugambi, the executive director of the Uganda Vice-Chancellors’ Forum says the online

students’ study and work at the same time. He said, institutions will invest less in physical infrastructure.

“Higher education in Uganda is expensive because proprietors have to set up physical facilities and they have to recoup their monies. Online teaching eliminates such,” he said.

THE COST IMPLICATION Baryamureeba says the institutions should not look at the initial costs, but the future. According to him, online teaching will reduce on cost of running academic institutions in the country. He says instead of building physical infrastructure that is currently out of use due to closure, the online platforms would serve that purpose better.

STUDY PROGRAMME ON FOR TRIMESTER SYSTEM

CONTINUED ON PAGE 6

Baryamureeba explains that online teaching accommodates many learners at a time, as opposed to the physical studying which is limited by space.

“With the online, platform, you can have 1,000 students studying at a time unlike the physical one. Academic institutions should start thinking about building the online infrastructure, train staff as well as prepare learners,” he said.

PLATFORM FOR UNIVERSITIES According to Baryamureeba, all public universities can have one online platform provided for by the Government. Through the system, he said, public universities with similar or the same programmes, would only need one lecturer to teach all students at a particular time. For instance, students enrolling for medicine at Makerere, Mbarara and Gulu Universities, can

attend a lecture facilitate by one lecturer at Makerere or Mbarara.

The other lecturers would then come in during practicals and handle students in their respective localities. For instance, a lecture at Gulu University would supervise student’s practicals at that university prenmises.

The online platform would save lecturers moving from one university to another.

“Most of these universities share lecturers. One online platform would enable them to teach once across all universities,” he said.

Mugambi says private universities could have a similar platform if they worked together not as competitors.

“Private institutions need to work together. Developing one platform for public universities is easier because they have one central owner _ the Government, which is not the same with privately-owned institutions,” he said.

“This is the time to invest in online teaching. The pandemic has given us the platform , we should utilise it,” he added.

Prof. Venansius Baryamureeba Prof. Paul Mugambi


STUDYING ONLINE

“Online teaching will reduce cost of running academic

country. Instead of building physical infrastructure that is currently out of use due to closure,

would serve that

OPEN DISTANCE AND E-LEARNING? In June 2020, NCHE developed ODeL and listed 23 guidelines of the programme, to be followed by higher

out online studying, assessment. The guidelines indicate that there should be

in the proposed arrangement. In case of students being unable to access emergency ODeL teaching and learning,

The guidelines also require academic

mechanism of access and usage by

will engage students who have no access to electronic gadgets, data and network coverage. Before it is rolled

must undergo training on the systems.

provide assurance of mainstreaming of disability and gender as part of the

roll out the programme.

DISCUSSION: Makerere University students.

can be done concurrently with online classes

For Details 0776003301 0312 262503, 0414251328/9 or [email protected] Follow us ACCA Uganda

STUDY ACCA AND ACQUIRE TWO QUALIFICATIONS

THE NUMBER OF GUIDELINES OF THE OPEN DISTANCE AND E-LEARNING PROGRAMME

23

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 5


Contact: Mount Kenya UniversityDirectorate of Open Distance and Electronic Learning MAIN CAMPUS, THIKA P.O. BOX 342-01000 Thika

Tel: +254 67 2820 000 / 0724205417 Pilot No. 0709 153100 / 0709 153000 Website: www.mku.ac.ke Email: [email protected] / [email protected] ODEL Website: odel.mku.ac.ke, www.mku.ac.ke

MKU REGIONAL COORDINATION OFFICE-KAMPALAP.O BOX 4582, Kampala, Kibuli, Mbogo Road, TEL: +256 759413437, +256772335582, Email: [email protected]

UNLOCKING INFINITE POSSIBILITIES

OPEN, DISTANCE AND ELECTRONIC LEARNING (ODeL)JAN, MAY & SEPTEMBER INTAKES

DIGITAL LEARNING PROGRAMMES

Digital (Virtual) learning and Distance, Institution-based and Electronic Learning (DIBeL).1. The Digital Learning

2. The DIBeL

SCHOOL OF SOCIAL SCIENCES

Master of Arts in International Relations and

Master of Arts in Monitoring and Evaluation

Governance

Resolution

SCHOOL OF BUSINESS AND ECONOMICS

Master of science in project planning and

SCHOOL OF COMPUTING AND INFORMATICS

SCHOOL OF EDUCATION

Master of Education

SCHOOL OF CLINICAL MEDICINE

SCHOOL OF NURSING

SCHOOL OF PUBLIC HEALTH

SCHOOL OF HOSPITALITY, TRAVEL AND TOURISM MANAGEMENT

TARGET GROUP

Learning Mode.

delivery

APPLICATION

Ksh. 1,000, or USD 50 for

Account Name: Mount Kenya University

Fees: on registration.

Examinations:

students.

Student support: All digital learning students and international students are given

Duration:

www.mku.ac.ke

www. mku.ac.ke or apply online at https:// application.mku.ac.ke/umis/application/

STUDYING ONLINE

PATRICIA TURYAHEBWAWriter

RIGHTTOOLSA

s most universities prepare for a new academic year, there are

some gadgets, prospective students must acquire to be successful in their studies.

The list is as long as one’s tastes, preferences and budget. From a smart phone, tablet and

and headsets, the list of gadgets and accessories in a different period would have been considered luxury by a typical Ugandan family.

With the advent of online learning, however, these gadgets are must-haves for students, says Jean Ochan, an IT specialist at Victoria University.

“A student needs a laptop that is not problematic or slow. Get a new generation laptop with a good battery and big RAM size with a high-speed

processor,” he says. “For sh250,000 a student can get a smartphone that can enable him or her attend a Zoom meeting, interact with classmates and hold discussions on social media groups.”

He says a good laptop must have enough hard

problems while saving

materials. Silver Muhindo, the IT

manager service delivery at Vision Group says students on a shoestring budget can go for a refurbished gadget. However, he says you need an IT expert to guide you, otherwise a conman can dump an old laptop on you.

Muhindo says one

that have been around for a long time. “For a mobile phone or a tablet, one should consider applications such as Zoom, Microsoft Teams and Google,” Muhindo says.

ESSENTIALS:

INVEST IN THE

FOR THIS AMOUNT OF MONEY, A STUDENT CAN GET A SMARTPHONE250,000


A LEAP INTO

W ith President Yoweri Museveni announcing a countrywide lockdown in March last year, many institutions of learning

embarked on an uphill task of teaching online.The uncertainty brought about by the early

phases of the COVID-19 outbreak meant that learning institutions would have to come up with new ways of teaching students.

The Government provided study materials to learners through newspapers, radio and TV programmes so that learners could continue

For many of the universities in Uganda, e-learning was a new gamble altogether,

EMBRACING TECHNOLOGY TADEO BWAMBALEWriter

A LEAP INTO

while for some, the approach was already in place, albeit with modest gains.

Amidst fears that the lockdown would be a death knell to higher education, the First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Janet Museveni, advised that institutions could continue teaching through a hybrid model built around the virtual space.

The National Council for Higher Education (NCHE) developed emergency guidelines on Open, Distance e-Learning (ODeL), a system for institutions to continue teaching during the lockdown.

The guidelines opened the door to many higher education institutions to resume activities remotely.

However, each of the universities was required to show ability to conduct remote lessons, including evidence they observed COVID-9 standard operating procedures.

“This should clarify the arrangements on the ground in the institution so as to mitigate the safety concerns should a

the guidelines read.One was also required to show a

structure and details of their proposed ODeL model, including the equipment and logistical arrangements for the delivery of materials to learners.

A list of the accredited academic programmes to be rolled out on the

to support the academic programmes through the ODeL system was also required.

Details of the students to be engaged, their readiness for the ODeL teaching and learning, as well as the learning support technologies (smartphones, laptops and Internet access) were required.

Equity through disability and gender provisions, along with pre-training of both the staff and learners; security and safety against cheating and protection against cyber risks, were assessed.

Dr Pius Achanga, the director for

For many of the

Uganda, e-learning was a new gamble.

Students at Makerere

University can now access

material online

E-LEARNING


August 2021 Intake

Applications can be obtained from Great Lakes Regional University Kanungu main compass or can be down loaded from the University Website WWW.greatlakesuni.ac.ug and for-

GREAT LAKES REGIONAL UNIVERSITYP.O.BOX 48, KANUNGU, E-mail: [email protected]

[email protected]

BACK GROUND OF THE UNIVERSITYGreat Lakes Regional University received from National Council for Higher Education (NCHE) on 21st December, 2015 a license to operate as a private university. This was after (NCHE) had issued a letter of Interim Authority.

President of the Republic of Uganda, Gen. Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, on 16th January, 2016 at its main campus in Kanungu, 2 Km along Kanungu Kihiihi Road.

The Vision of Great Lakes Regional University is “To be a leading provider of higher education in the Great Lakes Region”. Its Mission is “To provide innovative teaching and research services by using the most effective approaches in response to the community needs”. The Motto is “Empowering Doers to Transform Communities”.

APPLICATIONS Great Lakes Regional University invites applications for August 2021 intake in the following accredited academic programs.1.1 FACULTY OF HUMANITIES AND ENTERPRISE DEVELOPMENT 1. Bachelor of Records and Archives Management 3 years2. Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) 3 years3. Bachelor of Information Technology 3 years4. Bachelor of Tourism and Hotel Management 3 years5. Bachelor of Social Work and Social Administration 3 years6. Bachelor of Public Administration and Management 3 years7. Diploma in Records and Archives Management 2 years 8. Diploma in Information technology 2 years9. Diploma in Business Administration 2 years10. Diploma in Tourism and Hotel Management 2 years11. Diploma in Social Work and Social Administration 2 years12. 2 years13. 2 years14. 2 years15. 2 years16. 2 years17. 2 years18. 2 years19. 2 years

1.2 FACULTY OF EDUCATION, SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY20. Bachelor of Arts with Education 3 years21. Bachelor of Science with Education 3 years22. 3 years23. Bachelor of Education-Secondary (Science) 2 years24. Bachelor of Education -Secondary (Arts) 2 years25. Bachelor of Education- Primary (Arts) 2 years26. Bachelor of Education-Primary (Science) 2 years27. Diploma in Primary Education (Science) 2 years28. Diploma in Primary Education (Arts) 2 years29. National Diploma in Crop Production & Management (DCP) 2 years30. 2 Years

SCIENCE EDUCATION STUDENT LOAN SCHEMEArising from an initiative of Dr. Paul and Jessica Schendel, Great Lakes Regional University SEED Institute received funding from the Uganda Development Initiative (UDI) in California-USA to support many students to study Science Education (Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Geography, Agriculture, and ICT) for a

make a choice on whether they can pay back the loan as they study per semester, or in partial manageable installments, or pay back the full loan after studies and securing jobs. Applicants who wish to study Science and Education Science can access the University loan scheme on admission at the University.

SCHOLARSHIPS AVAILABLEGreat Lakes Regional University offers scholarship opportunities to needy students under the John Rutherford Scholarship scheme of 50% on total fees. This can also be accessed on admission at the university.

MINIMUM ENTRY REQUIREMENTSDegree-Direct entry

Diploma

Advanced Education with at least 1 principal pass and two subsidiaries obtained at the same sitting or its equivalent.


CONTINUED ON PAGE 10

Makerere University deputy vice-chancellor Umar Kakumba

quality assurance and accreditation at NCHE, says more institutions have approached NCHE for assessment to offer virtual, blended programmes.

“There is awareness, interest and potential. Universities are beginning to embrace ODeL to a great degree. But there are also challenges in terms of connectivity, data, both from institutions and students, which we must work around,” Achanga says. Recent assessments by NCHE show that some public and private universities

institutionalising ODeL, but with a host of challenges.

MAKERERE UNIVERSITYWay before the COVID-19 pandemic, the oldest university in Uganda had been running distance learning programmes for many years and had a well-built structure to conduct blended learning.

Prof. Umaru Kakumba, the university’s deputy vice-chancellor (Academic Affairs), says the university has dealt

with two bottlenecks of e-learning: infrastructure and system environment, and user preparedness.

“First of all, our academic buildings are

and with the local area network (LAN).

With support from several partners, we acquired computers. This was done from 2005 to 2011,” Kakumba explains.

“In addition to the LAN network, we have hotspots, with about 70% of the campus now connected with wireless

hotspots. Internet is not a problem.”The third step the university

undertook was to subscribe to RENU (Research and Education Network for Uganda), where member institutions contribute money into a pool to access low-cost Internet from telecom companies.

Around 2010, Makerere University established Moodle Learning Management System and customised it to create MUELE (Makerere University E-Learning Environment).

According to Kakumba, the system was largely underutilised, with only about 33% of the courses online.

university fasttracked the e-learning system, whose usage currently stands at about 85%. A senate directive now requires that every course unit must

for content, notes, articles and much more.




You can earn your degree anywhere in the world in the comfort of your home

EMBRACING TECHNOLOGY

The university has also established e-learning database centre at the College of Computing, which supports large volumes of content and provides back up for the material.

In May, last year, Kakumba set up a taskforce to fasttrack e-learning, which helped the university to resume studies, with the second semester in August.

studies and attend their graduation ceremony at a virtual ceremony in December.

UGANDA CHRISTIAN UNIVERSITYAlthough many institutions stopped teaching as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, Uganda Christian University continued to operate virtually.

According to Dr John Kitayimbwa, the deputy vice-chancellor for academic affairs, the university has had the infrastructure needed to support teaching and learning online since 2014.

“We have an enabling policy at UCU where each new student is required to

have a laptop — what we call a laptop policy,” he explains.

According to Kakumba, although the institution has established ways to expand Internet connectivity on

expensive.The university partnered with the

Research and Education Network Uganda (RENU) to ensure all eLearning

resources are zero a rate on the MTN network.

RENU has also worked hard to ensure that they roll out Internet in certain hotspots around Kampala, Wakiso, Entebbe and Mukono. UCU students who live around those areas can connect to the university web.

The university has established a full-time call centre to respond the learners’ challenges by giving real time feedback to students on issues pertaining the e-Learning platform.

Students can sit for exams online, with tutors monitoring them remotely.

Prospective students can access the online application forms and register online to apply for programmes of their choice.

SOROTI UNIVERSITYSoroti University has conducted studies online in spite the last two lockdowns, allowing students to have access to all learning materials through a virtual platform.

According to Prof. Ikoja Odongo, the vice-chancellor, the university developed an e-learning portal where teaching

Makerere University e-learning


THE REPUBLIC OF UGANDA

NSAMIZI TRAINING INSTITUTE OF SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT

Nsamizi Training Institute of Social Development is one of the oldest Government Training institutions in Uganda under Ministry Of Education And Sports. It was founded in 1952 and is located in Mpigi. The Vision of the Institute is To become a reputable public tertiary education Institution that offers academic

programs in social development in Uganda and be considered as a sub-regional centre of excellence in social development training, education and research.

PROGRAMMES OFFERED;

te

1. Post Graduate Diploma in Social Justice –

2. Post Graduate Diploma in Social Development-

lor pro

(onl

1. Bachelor

2. Bachelors of Arts in Public Administration

1. Diplo2. Diploma in Development Studies 3. Diploma in Entrepreneurship Development 4. Diploma in Public Administration and Management

5. Diploma in Child Youth and Development 6. Diploma in Guidance and counseling 7. Diploma in Business Administration 8. Diploma in Human Resource Management 9.Diploma in Agri-Business Management10. Diploma in Leadership and Good Governance 11. Diploma in Gender and Development 12. Diploma in Adult Education and Development 13. Diploma in Juvenile Justice

1,300,000/= 1,300,000/=

700,000/= 700,000/=

444,000/= 444,000/=

424,000/= 424,000/=

424,000/= 355,000/= 519,000/=

1. Cert in Social Mobilization and Development

Management

Management

NOTE All students at the Institute in addition to the courses they undertake, are required to learn at least two skills of their choice from a variety offered at the Institute ie.

Cosmetology, Hair dressing and Beauty Therapy, Tailoring and Fashion Design, Home Management and Child care, Compound Designing and

Certi

1. Management of literacy and adult education2. Social gerontology3. Project planning and management4. Participatory learning and action5. Computer studies6. Child Care and Home Management

At least 3 passes obtained at the same sitting for

ONE principle pass and subsidiary passes obtained at the same sitting OR its equivalent for Diploma programmes.

At least two principal passes at Uganda Advanced

same sitting or its equivalent for a Bachelors Degree programmes

Bachelors Degree from a recognized Institution

Programmes.

TO AP Obtain andof an application fee /= for Diploma

/= for Bachelors degree programmes to

Applications are made at Nsamizi Training Institute, main campus, Mpigi or at regional study centers.

OR visit for online application

A copy of attached to the application form.

aca

info

Or [email protected]

0700320719/0783076741,

At GUSCO Center 0782357210, Lila (Uganda Technical college, Lira 0701250759/0773841252,

0701454912.


CONTINUED ON PAGE 12

Prof. Ikoja Odongo

materials are posted for learners to access at any time.

University students have received e-learning training on how to make use of the currently installed Moodle-based learning management system.

“The e-learning system has allowed us to link up with other universities across the world,” Ikoja explains.

delivered by lecturers in international universities, who teach students disciplines that the institution may not have the expertise in.

The students are exposed to elements of real-life experience through the virtual space so that when the time comes, they have a measure of knowledge and skills to practice with.

However, Ikoja says there are some challenges reported to management by some of our students, including Internet connectivity in some areas.

“In such cases, we advise our learners to move to areas where there is better network coverage so that their studies are uninterrupted,” he reveals.

There are also challenges with practical work for science-related

programmes. For instance, Ikoja says, in medicine, dissecting cadavers requires physical effort.

One of the areas the university needs support regards the establishment of a multi-media lab to produce learning materials such as animation videos .

NDEJJE UNIVERSITYThe university has conducted e-learning for the last two semesters. According to Prof. Eriab Lugujjo, the vice-chancellor, the university also embraced ODeL.

To support e-learning, the university has a partnership with some telecom companies for zero rate data, where the university pays the company and the students receive the material at no cost. However, Lugujjo says some parents

affected enrollment into the virtual classes.

The second challenge, he says, concerns students pursuing sciences; students studying medicine and engineering are required to sit for practical exams.

“We want the Government to allow students doing practicals to come to

campus and complete them so that they can get promoted. There is also need for

Lugujjo states.The university expects to install a new

system to enable staff and students to access virtual services for teaching and learning.

According to Lugujjo, the university is now linked to eduroam, an international Wi-Fi Internet access roaming service, and bigbluebutton, a virtual global teaching platform.

The assessment of student coursework is online through the university’s learning management system but also lecturers can send work to students online for open book exams.

MBARARA UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGYThe university has been conducting online teaching since the lockdown in June 2021, according to the vice-chancellor, Prof. Celestine Obua.

professional students were allowed to



WHAT EXPERTS SAY

Paul Mugambi, the executive director of the Uganda Vice-Chancellors Forum, an association that brings together all the vice-

chancellors from the various private and public universities in Uganda, says some universities have made gains on e-learning, while others need support.

“Those that have access to Internet and modalities approved by NCHE have gained from e-learning. The challenge, however, is that students lack equipment and Internet access,” he says.

Mugambi wants the Government and partners to support the institutions along mainly two fronts: creation of e-learning materials and expansion of Internet bandwidth.

Regarding the future of virtual learning in Uganda, Mugambi, insists that, “Online education is here to stay.”

However, Fagil Mandy, an education consultant, suggests that e-learning should be seen as an acceptable form of education, but only as a complement to face-to-face learning.

“E-learning is acceptable now, given the circumstances surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic. Any method of

students a chance to learn,” he says.“However, e-learning should not

substitute normal face-to-face teaching. In my view, it cannot be as effective the traditional method.”

Although many institutions in the developed nations have institutionalised e-learning, Mandy says there are not enough studies to prove that virtual learning produces a better citizen.

“It is very easy for people to popularise it because it is another way of people making money from technology. We need to watch it and be careful about it,” he explains.

Dr Pius Achanga, the NCHE director for quality assurance, notes that while online learning is the trend globally, it must not be seen as an end itself in the developing world.

“In our context, with disruptions in connectivity and other challenges, we can only talk about blended learning,” he says.


Much as some experts argue that e-learning is here to stay, others think it cannot be a substitute for face-to-face learning.

...the system disables other computer features that may give a

EMBRACING TECHNOLOGY

Victoria University’s

come back for in-person learning, which is going on smoothly, while the continuing students are learning online, with some challenges of connectivity,” Obua explains.

When the situation normalises, the students who have missed the online lessons will be supported to cover the syllabus, he says.

According to Obua, the university has its own learning management system where academic staff and students are able to interact, communicate and share digital material electronically. Students also have access to our digital library portal, a platform to access online study resources, journals and online public access catalogue, and an institutional repository, which is a collection of research and academic content generated by staff and students.

VICTORIA UNIVERSITYThe private university has a management system called My-VU, according to Dr Lawrence Muganga, the vice-chancellor.

The system allows prospective students to log in on the university website and choose what modules they want to study and then register for them.

“This allows a lecturer to know how many students have subscribed for their programmes. The system then leads the learner to the university’s learning management system called V-Class,” Muganga explains.

The system has virtual classrooms

with whiteboards embedded with cameras, allowing the learners to see clearly what is being taught.

“There are provisions for group discussions and students can hold break-away sessions, with a lecturer at hand to check on learners. There are audio functions for virtual calls where needed. We have other services on the system, including an e-conference hall. As vice-chancellor, I can meet all lecturers in the comfort

The university holds both proctored and open book exams using the virtual platform. For the

system which uses facial recognition to crosscheck their particulars against our database. Once they are cleared, the system shuts down all other browsers and disables other computer features that may give a learner room to cheat.

KYAMBOGO UNIVERSITYKyambogo University has embraced ODeL with modest outcomes, according to Dr Elizabeth Opit,

the director of ODeL Centre at the university.

The content is deployed on the university Learning Management System (LMS) to solve some pedagogical problems and ensure interactivity that involves the trainees.

The ODeL centre was inaugurated in 2007 with the help of the African Virtual University under the African Development Bank.

According to Dr Opit, LMS is expected to attract more enrollment in the future.

ISBAT UNIVERSITYAt the start of the lockdown, ISBAT University switched over academic delivery services to the accredited VLE system, a learning platform that allows real time teaching and learning.

The vice-chancellor, Dr Mathew Mathai Kattampackal, says the virtual platform is hosted on Amazon Web Services.

ISBAT University was the one of

permission to roll out ODeL system by NCHE after a stringent inspection of facilities by the NCHE team.

According to Kattampackal, the university’s entire operations are computerised and accessible by students anywhere across the globe.

The university also established a modern technology laboratory branded CyberVault, which provides real time and ultimate learning experience in cyber security, Data Center Virtualisation, Data Science engineering, Ethical Hacking and Digital cyber forensics.


DAVIS BUYONDOWriter

STUDY OPTIONS

DIFFERENT ROUTES TO A UNIVERSITY DEGREE

DIDN’T GET 2 PRINCIPALPASSES?

To join university for a degree course, one must have at least two principal passes. This is a standard

maintained by the government and private universities. But is there any other way to join university without the two principal passes?

Formally, Makerere has three admission channels namely direct entry for ‘A’ level leavers, the diploma holders’ entry scheme, as well as the mature age entry scheme. The latter targets people 25 years of age and above who missed a chance to join the university directly through the ‘A’ level and diploma entry schemes.

Charles Ssentongo, the head of admissions, Makerere University, says they strictly follow the policy from the National Council for Higher Education (NCHE) that states that the minimum requirement for the degree programme for the direct entrants (‘A’ level leavers), at least two principle passes.

“However, if you have one principal pass and two subsidiaries you can do a diploma programme in the university or other tertiary institutions. After the diploma, you can apply for a degree programme,” he explains.

He advised that the Mature Age Entry Scheme is another window for people to be enrolled on a degree programne. To qualify, a student must pass an aptitude test which is set by the NCHE. Still, the candidates must sit for another exam within the

for, for example, tourism, civil engineering or law, among others.

Ssentongo says that there are other special schemes

sportspersons or athletes, Persons with Disabilities, and the like. “But still, one requires two principal passes to qualify for a degree programme,” he notes.

Godfrey Kiiza, the head of

OPTIONS

the Marketing Department at Kampala University’s Masaka Campus, says that apart from the degree programmes, students can apply for a diploma in case they obtained only one principal pass. He adds that ‘O’ level students can

programmes at the university. He says there are also other short courses which they can pursue at university.

“There are several opportunities for students to join the university at different levels. I encourage the students not to lose hope. They should visit the universities and check with the academic registrars for the available opportunities,” he says.

At Ndejje University, students with one principal pass can be

programs, according to Dr. Mary Wanda Mutyaba, the Academic Registrar.

She says students without the two principal passes should never lose hope when pursuing

their education career, adding

credits or passes at ‘O’ level can join Ndejje University for a two-

After two years, if that person scores 70 marks he or she can be enrolled for a degree programme, she says. “If he or she scores between 55 and 65

for a diploma programme after which he or she can advance to a degree,” she says.

About the Higher Education

a person has a pass in a principal

Business administration, arts and social science courses whose duration is one year.

“Therefore students should not sit home miserably because they don’t have two principal passes. They should visit the university and consult,” she says.

DIRECT ENTRY.Two principal passes required

DIPLOMA/HIGHER EDUCATION CERTIFICATEApply for these then upgrade

MATURE ENTRYFor those 25 years and above who

pathways

12

3



STUDYING ONLINE

EVOLUTION OF E-LEARNINGJACKY ACHANWriter

Research indicates that e-Learning increases

rates by between 25% and 60%.

For some students, desktops, laptops, and smartphones have become the main gadgets for accessing learning materials. Gone are the days when

classrooms and lecture theaters or halls. The shift to electronic learning

(e-Learning) grew extensively when students worldwide were unable to go to institutions of learning last year due to lockdown measures instituted by governments to stop the spread of COVID-19. Learners were encouraged by governments to use their time at home to self-study and learn new skills. In Uganda, where learning institutions have remain closed, some have resorted to e-Learning to continue with their education.

HOW IT STARTED Early forms of e-Learning existed as far back as the 19th century, according to evidence and history uncovered by several scholars. Building on earlier inventions, in the 1980s, computers such as the Apple MacIntosh made it possible for individuals to have computers in the comfort of their homes, increasing its popularity.

People were using computers to talk

it easier to learn more about particular subjects, and develop their competences.

According to UNICAF, an online and blended learning higher education platform in sub-Saharan Africa, by the early 1990s, some learning institutions were providing online courses, bringing education to people unable to attend a college due to geographical or time constraints.

“Technology helped education to reduce the costs of distance learning and brought education to a wider audience. At the end of 1990s, the learning management systems spread widely. Some universities design and develop their own systems,” the pan-African education institution said.

Electronic learning has prominently been in existence since 1999, when the

based training systems seminar, according to several scholars. Other words for e-Learning such as “online learning” and “virtual learning” also came up in search of an accurate description. The words described a method of learning based on the use of new

technologies such as the Internet and computers to access education online.

By 2010, social media learning such as YouTube, massive open online courses and selective open online courses had emerged. By 2014, 98% of public colleges and universities offered online programmes.

In Uganda, the International School of Business and Technology (ISBAT

to get accreditation for a virtual campus that was launched in January 2018, the chairperson and founder, Varghese Mundamattam, said.

However, researchers say public and private universities in the country have been using virtual learning environments since early 2000s to support delivery of blended learning due to the increased uptake of technology in many aspects of life.

RE-MODELING LEARNING The education ministry and the National Curriculum Development Centre regulated and standardised e-Learning through introduction of open, distance, and e-Learning framework. With

the threat of COVID-19, all tertiary institutions were required to shift to open distance and e-Learning.

According to the National Council for Higher Education (NCHE), a body mandated to regulate the provision and conduct of higher education in Uganda, it was desirous to implement an emergency open distance and e-Learning system to enable the higher education training institutions offer services as institutions remain shut to curb COVID-19.

“It has been observed that open distance and e-Learning avails

learning system, because it focuses on

learners and provides for continuous engagements between the instructor and learners as and when is desirable.”

However, before an institution can be cleared to offer remote teaching and learning, they need to show that they adhere to guidelines that were issued in July 2020 by the NCHE. One of the requirements is an interactive learning management system that effectively supports e-Learning. This should provide for student-to-student, student-instructor interactions, and evaluation.

Research indicates that e-Learning increases student retention rates by between 25% and 60%. A report by the World Economic Forum shows that even before COVID-19, there was already high growth and adoption in education technology, with investments reaching $18.66b in 2019. However, the worldwide e-Learning market is projected to reach worth $350b in

learning technologies in the corporate and education sectors. There has been

apps, virtual tutoring, video conferencing tools, and online learning softwares.

History of E-learning

2025: Worldwide E-learning

market projected to reach worth $350b

19th century: Early forms of E-learning

1980s: Apple MacIntosh computers used in homes, office

Early 1990s: Some learning institutions providing online courses 2000:

Individuals could study online and earn degrees

Uganda's public and private universities were using Virtual Learning Environments

2010: Social media learning like YouTube

2014: 98% of public colleges and universities offered online programmes

2018: ISBAT University was the first Ugandan institution to get accreditation for a virtual campus

2019: High growth and

adoption in education technology

Global edtech investments at $18.66b

Late 1990s: Learning management systems spread 1999:

Computer-based training systems seminar

GRAPHIC BY BRIAN SSEKAMATTE

14


SCHOLARSHIPS

Several scholarships, bursaries and grants are up for grabs from local and international universities, collages, companies, foundations,

embassies, religious and cultural institutions as well as private and government organisations.

The three schemes (scholarships, bursaries and grants) mainly cover a student’s educational expenses, but they have slight differences.

SCHOLARSHIPS AND BURSARIES Scholarships focus more on funding students with outstanding academic performance, while bursaries usually

consideration.

GRANTSThese are usually offered by charitable organisations to support people from

disabilities or those living in some sort of hardship. All these are awarded in different disciplines and are merit-based at different levels such as diploma, degree, post-graduate, master’s and doctorate.

MUCH-NEEDED RELIEFAfter the Government locked down the country twice in March 2020 and in June this year because of the coronavirus pandemic, incomes of many dwindled, making parents and guardians unable to afford school fees for their children.

To many deprived students, scholarships, bursaries and grant opportunities are, therefore, a much-needed cushion to enable them attain university education.

WHERE TO GET REAL SPONSORS

Writer

UGANDA HAS OVER 300 STUDENTS

“Once you apply and are not shortlisted, you can apply for another opportunity. Keep

succeed.”

WHERE TO GET SCHOLARSHIPS Where should students look for authentic scholarships? What scholarship opportunities can students look out for? How can students avoid scholarship scammers?

Antonio Kalyango, the chief executive

of the Konrad Adenauer Stiftung Scholarships. He says scholarship or bursary opportunities awarded by local and international institutions, private and government organisations, as well as other institutions are based on merit.

“I looked for a scholarship because I never had the funds to push me through to attain a degree. There are thousands of sponsorship opportunities that help

students to achieve their academic dream,” he recounted.

Kalyango got a scholarship to pursue his bachelor’s degree in governance and human rights at Uganda Martyrs University, Nkozi. He

says the scholarships cater for feeding, accommodation and some lucky students get a stipend to help them meet their personal needs.

International and local organisations or funders go through universities and institutions or the education ministry

opportunities, according to Kalyango. They also advertise the available opportunities in the newspapers and on their websites.

“The trick is simple, once you apply and are not shortlisted, you can apply for another opportunity. Keep applying until you succeed. I applied, but did not go through, but succeeded on second attempt. Just keep the frustration out of your way, after all, what you are

yours,” he explains. He further advises students to always

check with the universities and various organisations physically and online for

the authenticity of the scholarships to avoid being scammed. The main sources of these opportunities are the universities and the organisations themselves.

“Go to the given university straight or the university website to verify the authenticity and whether you qualify for the opportunity,” he said.

HOW TO STAND OUT Search for online tips and vital

information about how to convince a panel of experts once they are shortlisted for an interview for some scholarships.

When shortlisted, ensure you have information relating to what you are applying for . “For my case, I faced a panel of four experts - three from Germany and one from Uganda. I had prepared thoroughly to convince them that I was the perfect candidate for the opportunity. You need

DAVIS BUYONDO


to do more research to prepare enough in advance,” Kalyango narrates.

UNIVERSITY SHOLARSHIPS

KAMPALA UNIVERSITYHere, over 2,000 students have

bursary scheme since 2002, according to

campus.

said, some students are sponsored by non-governmental organisations as well as religious and cultural institutions.

Institution, Buganda Kingdom and other

ON SCHOLARSHIP SCHEME ABROAD

the opportunities through the district local governments where the leaders

can attain university education.”

MAKERERE UNIVERSITYAccording to Ritah Namisango, the

common ones being the Government

For the Government sponsorship,

The students get their stipend, accommodation, tuition and

The number of Ugandan students on scholarship in seven countries abroad

300

convince a panel of judges.

The number of students at Kampala University that

scholarship scheme.

2000

Scholarship beneficiaries

Mengo and their respective county

EDUCATION MINISTRY SCHOLARSHIPS

countries which they manage through

says they cannot predict they will have scholarships until when they get some.

“It is the donor countries which

We then advertise the opportunities in the newspapers and on our website,” he

AWARDING PROCEDURE Mugimba notes that each country

dispensing their scholarships.

Now it is up to the ministry to advertise

“We shortlist the applicants and interview them,” he adds.

or vacancies. The universities then

can say you have won a scholarship. That is when we write or give you a letter awarding you the scholarship,” he says.

students on scholarship in seven countries, according to Mugimba.

university education. For the Mastercard Foundation, the

university entered a partnership with

to over 1,000 academically bright, but economically disadvantaged youth

usually are managed by the Gender

scholarships to continuing students

2018/2019. Currently, there is a running advert

John Mary Kyabagu, the university

HOW TO AVOID SCAMSMugimba says the ministry


In October and November, the Higher Education Students’ Financing Board (HESFB) will receive applications for scholarships/ loans from aspiring students.

The Student Loan Scheme is a cost-sharing initiative. The loan only covers tuition fees, functional fees, research fees, as well as aids and appliances for persons with disabilities.

(accommodation, feeding, medical care, scholastic materials) and any other

Bob Ambrose Nuwagira, the senior

the procedure for securing a loan is easy and straight forward.

West-Nile Muni UniversityGreater Acholi Gulu UniversityLango Region Lira Technical CollegeKaramoja Region Karamoja districtsTeso Elgon Region Islamic University in Ug. Bukedi Busitema UniversityBusoga Central Region Kyambogo, MAK Central Region Ndejje University, Central Region Masaka Nursing SchoolAnkole Bishop Stuart UniversitySouth Western Uganda Kabale UniversityTooro & Bunyoro Fort Portal Col. Buhinga

REGION APPLICATIONS CENTRE

Regional HESFB centres

STUDENT LOANS

MATTHIAS MAZINGAWriter

HOW TO SECURE A LOANRequirements for loan application

A copy of admission letter from a higher institution of learning recognised by the Government.

A copy of the National ID.

result slips and transcripts.

A recent passport photo. Proof of payment of the prescribed

processing fees.

mandatory at the point of application). A sketch map of applicant’s current

address/ residence. A sketch map of applicant’s home of

origin (if different from current address) Filled out loan application form

submitted online.

Application is done online. Applicants

successfully submitting their application

details through their e-mail. “We have an integrated loan

management system which a student has to log into and be provided with all the respective application steps. There is no application fee. The only

sh50,000,” Nuwagira says.“We have provided regional HESFB

centres for students in hard-to-reach areas, where there is no internet connectivity. Such students can go to these centers to apply online (check table),” he says.

Lourdel Towers, Nakasero, Kampala will be open to those who need information.

The loan will take 21 days to be fully

20 UNIVERSITY GUIDE

Online

checklist

Previous school ID

Scanned copies of your passport photos

O and A'level pass slips

CHOOSING A UNIVERSITY

MADE EASY

Applicants are advised to keep track of the email where relevant information from the university system will be sent.

TIPS: Speak to people who have ever applied for university online, for help

ONLINE APPLICATIONS

GEOFFREY MUTEGEKIExpert writer

University application process is one of the most stressful times for students and parents, but also easy to go through. Most students stress about

which university to apply to, how to best complete the many applications and whether or not they will be admitted when the process is done.

Unlike in the past where most of the university applications were done physically, currently, all universities have websites with a provision on how to apply online with utmost ease.

EARLY PREPARATIONSusan Nambi, a career specialist, advises students to begin preparations as early as possible.

“Speak to family, friends and teachers who have ever applied for university online, for tips,” Nambi says.

Nambi explains that searching on the Internet and checking the web pages of individual institutions, is also key.

“Begin the application process at least two months in advance. Collect the necessary information and documentation early enough,” Nambi says.

She adds: “Given the amount of time each application can take, it is important to think carefully about where you really want to apply.”

UNIVERSITY REQUIREMENTSDavid Isingoma, a former student at Uganda Pentecostal University, says: “It is

that a university lays out. If an application

answer that and not some other one that you would prefer.”

He says an applicant must provide enough information with regards to their

tutor’s job easier. Isingoma notes that when applying to a university, one should

be honest about their personality and interests, in order to shine through.

ATTENTION TO DETAILKelvin Buzu, the admission counsellor at Cavendish University, says once you have weighed all the factors and carefully made your decision, applying is not hard.

“Ensure you pay attention to every detail. You do not want to miss out simply

evidence or applied too late,” Buzu says.He adds: “Students should check entry

applying, in order to get their preferred course.”

Buzu says students must have gadgets that can access the Internet with data. He also notes that in most cases,

one to have an email address. In some

open up an account and register. This will be followed by an assigned ID and password.

DOCUMENTSDr Musa Chemsto, the ICT manager at Islamic University in Uganda (IUIU), says with online applications; “A parent or prospective student ought to know how

attach them on mail.”Due to COVID-19, universities in

Uganda have shifted to online systems, thus the need to familiarise oneself with online applications. With digital payment options like mobile money, online banking payment of admission fees has also been made easy.

EMAIL ADDRESSAccording to the Makerere University

web portal, one needs a valid email address before they can use the online application portal.

Have scanned copies of your passport

pass slips and previous school ID and academic transcripts, before starting the application process.

Once you pay the application fees,

the application status has changed from ‘Application Submitted’ to ‘Application Completed’.

Do not share your application portal login details with anyone. In addition, make sure you log out and close browser


STEERING THE WHEELS

PROFILES

RITAH MUKASAWriter

He is a writer, author, researcher, educator,

DR. LAWRENCE MUGANGA,

PROF. ELI KATUNGUKA RWAKISHAYA,

PROF. GABRIEL NZARUBARA,

PROF. JOY CONSTANCE KWESIGA,

VICE-CHANCELLORS


PROF. BARNABAS NAWANGWE,

PROF. CELESTINO OBUA,

PROF. ERIABU LUGUJJO,

PROF. VINCENT KAKEMBO, MUTEESA I

PROF. AARON MUSHENGYEZI,


Dranzoa was born in 1967 in Adjumani district. She is a biologist, terrestrial ecologist, community leader and vice-chancellor of Muni

zoology, master of science in zoology and a doctorate in biology all from

Dranzoa was a lecturer at the Makerere’s faculty of veterinary medicine

and animal resources management which she co-founded.In 2005, she was appointed deputy director of the school of postgraduate studies and in 2010 she led the taskforce that

university in Uganda. In January 2012, she became its founding vice-chancellor. Dranzoa serves as the honorary secretary of the Forum for African Women

published widely in professional journals.

DR. CHRISTINE DRANZOA, MUNI UNIVERSITY

PROFILES

chancellor in 2017. Prior to that, he was head of

academic registrar and deputy vice-chancellor from 2014 to 2016.

studies, leadership, human resource management

the University of Aberdeen in the United Kingdom.

College in New York (US) and master’s degree in

PROF. WILSON MUYINDA MANDE, NKUMBA UNIVERSITY

Waako is the current vice-chancellor of Busitema University, a public

administrator.

local primary and secondary schools, he joined Makerere University where he graduated with a degree in Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery

doctorate in clinical pharmacology from the University of Cape Town, in South Africa. Waako also holds a postgraduate diploma in management.

For 10 years, Waako chaired the department of pharmacology and

PROFESSOR PAUL WAAKO, BUSITEMA UNIVERSITY

14 years in research. She has published several papers,

for her A’level. She has a Bachalors of Science degree

and natural resources management and her doctorate in medical ethnobotany and ethnopharmacology all from Makerere University.

Mugisha started her career at Makerere in 1996 as a teaching assistant in the faculty of science. From 1998 to 2000, she served as lecturer and head of department

2010 to 2011, she was deputy dean, research and graduate studies, in the faculty of science Makerere University. She then headed the school of biosciences and in May 2014, and was appointed vice-chancellor of Bishop Stuart University.

PROFESSOR MAUD KAMATENESI MUGISHA, BISHOP STUART UNIVERSITY


Ladaah is an educator, academic administrator and vice-chancellor of Gulu University since January 2018. He does

He was born in northern Uganda

and secondary schools before joining

University of KwaZulu-Natal, in South Africa.

2016.

PROF. GEORGE OPENJURU LADAAH, GULU UNIVERSITY

chancellor to vice-chancellor at the university. He has won several

and colleges in the US.

State University, US where he

the year award. At Albany, he was

teacher-of-the year award. At the

served as teaching assistant and graduate assistant. He was a graduate

degree in theological studies from

Arabic from Al Akhawayn University in Morocco. In 2008, he graduated

from the University of South Carolina. He also has a doctoral

University.

PROF. JEREMIAH PITTS,

Prof. Dr Kasenene has been a lecturer

ecology, natural resource ecology and

energy and ecological and environmen-tal assessment methods and tech-niques.

Mountains of the Moon University.

at Makerere University. He was also a senior research and training fellow at

Kasenene holds a doctorate in forest ecology from Michigan State University, US, a master’s of science

Kasenene has served in various

Authority and member technical

PROF. DR. JOHN KASENENE MASSE, MOUNTAINS OF THE MOON UNIVERSITY


STUDYING ONLINEALEX BALIMWIKUNGUWriter

SOFT SKILLS FOR TODAY’S T

here are a lot of unknowns about what the world will look like post-COVID-19, but one thing is certain — life will not return to how we once

knew it even for students. The need to nurture holistic learners

who are academically, socially and emotionally competent has been

challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic. That is where soft skills come in handy.

Soft skills are a combination of people skills, social skills, communication skills, character or personality traits, attitudes, career attributes, social intelligence and emotional intelligence quotients. These, coupled with the

AFRICAN RURAL UNIVERSITYP. O. Box 24 Kagadi,Kagadi District UgandaTel: +256-774227663

ARU EDUCATION MODEL

African Rural University (ARU) is a value-based, all-women, rural university, founded jointly by Uganda Rural Development and Training Programme (URDT) and the African

private university

African Rural University is a value-based all

have a shared vision and purpose; ARU is an

Governance and Management systems

knowledge development.Products which include community

and research methodology based on the Visionary Approach.

A sustainable resource base andcollaborates with public, private and

that share similar philosophy ofempowerment of rural people for self-reliance.

The African Rural University for Women

within an African development context.

people to improve their lives, transform

leadership and increase their capacity for

For details: Please contact the Academic Registrar on;Tel: +256-774 227663 Email: [email protected]

Website: www.aru.ac.ug / elearn.aru.ac.ug admissions.aru.ac.ug

technologies.

(BRD).

Agriculture

Development

renaissance

systems thinking)4. Deeply embedded in the community.5. Value based all women university in the

region

7. Mentors all round graduates through lifelong learning

Uganda

Sending mobile money. The pandemic has accelerated the need for digital skillsets

hard (academic) skills, help individuals navigate their environment, perform well and achieve their goals in any given environment.

Kyambogo University is one of the institutions that train students in soft skills through a mentorship programme.

the programme.The Dean of Students, Mildred

Tibananuka, says soft skills are so vital in the job market. Scholars under the programme are taught leadership skills, critical thinking,

tech-savvy, creativity and innovation plus communication and emotional intelligence.

achievement has often been the main measure of learning and success, forgetting the need for other non-academic skills to help students maneuver the myriad of challenges in life.

“In this present world, academic achievement is not a measure of success per se. In the coming years, the business landscape is going to need to evolve and

aspiring to work in business will need to be able to tap into their creative mindset in order to steer an enterprise through challenges and opportunities that it faces. Some of this is not taught in class,” she says.

Tibananuka adds that soft skills in the workplace are becoming increasingly important as organisations look to add additional value to their business.

A study conducted by Wonderlic found that 93% of hiring leaders stated that soft skills are an “essential” or “very important” element when making hiring decisions. What is more, many employers reported that soft skills are more important than tech skills.

A recent report by Deloitte Access

Economics forecasts that two-thirds of all jobs by 2030 will be made up of soft-skill-intensive occupations, compared to half of all jobs in 2000. The number of jobs in soft-skill intensive occupations

of jobs in other occupations. The report says skills like collaboration, respect, dealing with set-backs, critical and creative thinking need to be ingrained in students as part of early education development.

According to Deloitte Access Economics associate director, Jessica

to be able to imagine possibilities, connect ideas, consider alternatives and predict outcomes.

“While some people might have a stronger baseline than others, soft skills can be taught and trained like any other skill,” she says. “These skills also need to be put into practice. Some models suggest about 70% is learnt by doing; 20% is learnt from others; and 10% is learnt through formal training.”

Some of the soft skills required in the COVID-19 times include, but are not limited to:


STUDENTOTHER SKILLSCRITICAL THINKING

What is happening? Why is

trust the source?”

TECH SAVVY

was apparent across business

COMMUNICATION AND EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE

crucial, especially when people

Two-thirds of all jobs by then will be made up of soft-skill-intensive occupations, compared to half of all jobs in 2000.

2030STRESS MANAGEMENTOwing to the uncertainties presented by COVID-19, many people have been psychologically affected. Cases of stress and depression, panic and anxiety are common. For many, the thought of halted examinations, repeating classes, loss of contact with peers, have posed great life challenges.

According to the World Health Organisation and the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, some of the ways to reduce stress include keeping social connections with friends and family through phone calls and video chats, reaching out to people you trust about your worries and maintaining a healthy lifestyle by eating well and exercising.

SELF-DIRECTED LEARNINGWith school closed, learning for most students now depends on one’s initiative. Students have been forced to decide the fate of their academics by deciding how, what, when, where and why learning will be done. Even in instances where learning might be going on remotely, students still need to remain disciplined and motivated to effectively participate. It is, therefore,

imperative that students are supported by their parents and teachers to learn skills such as time management, planning and objective setting to ensure that they can learn on their own.

ADAPTABILITYGlobally, education systems are changing and embracing the new normal. Governments are working around the clock to ensure that teaching and learning successfully continues during and post-COVID-19.

Remote learning (online, radio, and television) is increasingly becoming a preferred option as compared to the traditional classroom. In the same breath, students and parents need to

adapt to the new arrangements. While change may often be scary, students can enhance their adaptability skills by embracing the new ways of learning through doing away with the “that is the way it is always been done” mentality; learning from their mistakes; and

from their teachers, parents, and peers.

NEGOTIATION SKILLSWorking and learning from home has resulted in increased tension in many households due to competition for limited resources, space, and distribution of household chores. To avoid such negative experiences, students need to learn how to ensure that their interests and needs are met through mutual agreement. The key aspect of negotiating is giving all parties involved a chance to make their case and consequently arrive at an amicable solution.

LEADERSHIPHaving leadership skills is not strictly about supervising or managing others. Instead, it is about communicating one’s strategy and vision while encouraging others and embracing feedback from colleagues and superiors. Being self-aware and holding yourself accountable is particularly important during these challenging times.

FLEXIBILITY AND ADAPTABILITY

something we have all had to get used to since the pandemic begun in 2020. But it is also a crucial skill that one should

was once aligned with geographic mobility, it is now about having an open mindset, being able to work well under pressure, adjusting to new and unexpected deadlines, prioritising tasks and, in some instances taking on additional responsibilities.

28 UNIVERSITY GUIDE

VOCATIONAL STUDIES

WHY YOU SHOULD GO VOCATIONAL

JOVITA MIREMBEWriter

ONESMUS OYESIGYESecretary of Uganda Business and Technical

NEW VISION, SEPTEMBER 28, 2021

Not every student will qualify for university education. For some, it might be low grades while for others, lack of tuition fees.

In this case, students can choose vocational studies so that they can get quick employment.

Many of the students who take the vocational route may feel like they have failed in their education; which is not the case.

Onesmus Oyesigye, the Executive Secretary of Uganda Business and Technical Examinations Board (UBTEB) says technical, vocational education and training (TVET) is the way to go in Uganda today because this is where employment opportunities are.

He says many graduates have completed university education, but have failed to get jobs because the courses they enrolled for do not enable them to start their own businesses.

“I am, therefore, appealing to students who complete P7, S4 , S6 and university level to enrol for vocational training in order to curb unemployment levels in Uganda.

“Youth who have acquired vocational skills are easily employable because they are trained to be job creators as they wait to get work in line with what they studied at university,” Oyesigye said.

He further said that in line with the TVET policy 2019, UBTEB is undertaking reforms that will involve the world of work and in conduct of competence based assessment. The board also plans to implement modularised assessment next academic year. Oyesigye adds that under modularised assessment, candidates

competence upon completetion of their studies.

The modules under module assessment will incorporate the views of workers and business people in the job market, who will indicate the trending businesses on ground so as to enrich the curriculum to favour

future employees. These modules will eventually be

translated into local languages because there are many people who have never gone to school, but have a vocational skill that they can undertake and get employed, Oyesigye said.

UBTEB was established under Part VI, Section 26, Sub section 1 of the BTVET Act, sub section 1; and operationalised by the Statutory Instrument 2009 No.9.

Its mandate is to conduct competence-based assessment and examinations, issue awards for business, technical, vocational and other specialised training.

INTRODUCTION

Uganda Business and Technical Examinations Board (UBTEB) is a prestigious and leading Competence Based National Examinations Board mandated by the Act of Parliament of Uganda to streamline, regulate, coordinate and conduct credible national examinations and award Certificates and Diplomas in the Business, Technical and Vocational/ specialized education or training in Uganda.

We are the largest specialised and only recognised Technical, Business, vocational and specialised awarding body in Uganda currently examining 170 nationally accredited/approved programmes and trusted by over 500 accredited examination centres spread all over the Country. UBTEB is highly committed to realising skills development in Uganda with emphasis on Competence Based Assessment and a focus on assessing Practical Skills and Applied knowledge.

The functions of UBTEB

According to the statutory instrument 2009,No.9, UBTEB is mandated to perform some of the following functions;

To conduct business and technical examinations for specialized training institutions in Uganda;To accredit theory and practical examination centers used forthe conduct of the examinations;To award diplomas and certificates to successful candidates insuch examinations among others.

Vision Statement “A Center of Excellence for Competence Based Assessment, Examinations and Awards for a Skilled and Productive Workforce.”

Mission Statement To conduct competence based assessment and award TVET qualifications through collaborations with the world of work.

Summary of the programmes examined by UBTEB (Certificate and Diploma categories)

Technical Diploma and Higher Diploma ProgrammesTechnical/Vocational Certificate ProgrammesBusiness Education ProgramsBiological and Physical sciences Programmes- Wildlife,Cooperatives, Fisheries, Lands and Survey, Meteorology &AgricultureCommunity Polytechnics Programmes

Awards by UBTEB The programmes examined by UBTEB cover the following

categories of entry:I. Uganda Community Polytechnic Certificate for Primary seven

leaversII. Certificate awards (All programmes) for Senior four leavers and

up graders from Uganda Community Polytechnic Certificate or any other level

III. Diploma awards for senior six leavers or up graders fromCertificate level and any other level.

NOTE: The training programmes examined are Skills-oriented and therefore can benefit professionals including University graduates interested in gaining practical skills and applied knowledge fro job creation.

UBTEB Assessment model

MODE OF COMPETENCE BASED ASSESSMENT IMPLEMENTATION AT UBTEB

1. Training with production for skills development and productivity

His Excellence Yoweri Kaguta Museveni while meeting graduates of Universal Primary Education in 2015 said “You may have done Social Work and Social Administration (SWASWA), Social Sciences, Development studies, literature… If you did not get a job, we want to create a fund where you can say that I did Greek and Latin and since there are no people who need Greek, I can get skills to do metal work,”

Accreditation of training institutions as UBTEB examination centres

The Board accredits only institutions licensed/registered by Ministry of Education and Sports or institutions accredited by National Council for Higher Education and offer curriculum designed by the National Curriculum Development Centre or approved by National Council for Higher Education.

“SETTING PACE FOR QUALITY ASSESSMENT”

UGANDA BUSINESS AND TECHNICAL EXAMINATIONS BOARD Plot 7 Valley Drive, Ntinda, P. O. Box 1499, Kampala - Uganda

Phone: +256 414 289786, E-mail: [email protected], Website: www.ubteb.go.ug

Students of National certificate in plumbing undergoing practical

examination during the Nov-dec 2018 examinations at Nyamitanga Technical

Institute.

UTC Kichwamba Students in Real Life Project.


SPORTS SCHOLARSHIPS

NDEJJE

The university churns out talent for the different national teams in the different sports disciplines. They have produced stars in woodball, athletics, volleyball, football, and badminton.

The university covers 80% tuition for super talented athletes as a startup. This can increase to a fully-funded scholarship or reduce depending on the performance of the said athlete. The latter must be performing at the national team level, according to the university dean of students Wilfred Muhumuza.

“Most of the sportsmen and women are scouted by different coaches between May and July; we send out our coaches to major secondary school competitions,” Muhumuza says.

“If they are performing at club level we pay 60% tuition for them. There are those that join the university on merit, but prove to be good; those also

“The coaches, sports coordinators, team captains and the sports union evaluate the performance of the sportsmen and women annually to ensure value for money because if we do not evaluate them, they could take it for granted.”

“So there are some who join at 80%, but by the time they complete their courses they have excelled and are put on full sponsorship. An example is that of athlete Dorcus Ajok who won a gold medal at the World University Games,” Muhumuza noted. He said there are 36 bursaries up for grabs at every start of the semester.

“We also offer15% fees discount for students on teams that win major championships and trophies; 10% for those that come second and 5% to each of

“In the process, we also help the nation to spot and groom talent and we have many success stories. Currently we are the University Games Champions of Uganda, East Africa and Africa,” Muhumuza says.

SCHOLARSHIPS UP FOR GRABSSPORTS AT UNIVERSITY

MICHAEL NSUBUGASports writer

MAKERERE

Academic giants Makerere University only takes up sportsmen recommended by the Ministry of Education and Sports, according to the university’s head of sports and recreation, Peninah Kabenge.

“We have many of those and they are offered full sponsorships and additional points to be able to join the university. However, we are going to develop a sports policy so that we are able to offer our own scholarships. Currently, we do not have a stake on who joins via the sports scholarships,” Kabenge says.

Makerere also plans to elevate the sports and recreation department to a directorate, which will help change management strategy. This change in

the current positions of the department to capture the mandate of the department.

It will also offer opportunities to train, promote and recruit relevant staff to enhance the professionalism, effectiveness and sustainability of the sports programmes.

Makerere to elevate the sports department to a directorate.


KYAMBOGO

The university offers both full and half bursaries (30 per semester) in all sports disciplines.

According to sports tutor George Wagogo, the students have to be able to represent the university at the different competitions, but they also must have performed well in their academics in order to get the scholarships.

“First, you have to be admitted to the university which means you have to follow all the other procedures like other students. They must have attained two principal passes and offered a course at the university,” Wagogo says.

“As sports tutors our role is to identify the talent through scouting and we advise them to apply to Kyambogo. When they apply, the university administration board takes them on depending on

the coaches. When the coaches are content that they will ably represent the university, we award them the scholarships,” Wagogo says.

BATTLING: Kyambogo University plays against Makerere University Business School

MUBS

Makerere University Business School (MUBS). Here, up to 45 sports bursaries are offered to excelling sportsmen per semester but these could be increased to 80 according to the sports tutor, Richard Kawere.

Kawere says the sportsmen and women should

enjoy the scholarships that come in form of tuition paid by the university.

“Such students are normally asked to pay only administrative costs which amount to about sh600,000/- then the university tops up with sh3.6m tuition fees,” Kawere says.

He said some talented but needy students sometimes do not have to pay anything. As the university pays all their tuition.

“These bursaries are reviewed annually depending on each individual’s performance in university sports, national and regional competitions,” Kawere says.

KAMPALA UNIVERSITY (KU)

KU has produced many sports personalities for the nation including World 800m champion Halima Nakaayi and her close friend Winnie Nanyondo. Sports trials are organised in each discipline from where they select the best in both sports and academics.

They take on students who are good in athletics, netball, football, taekwondo, kickboxing, handball and table tennis.

“We offer full, half and quarter scholarships depending on the ability and availability, having in mind the academic performance of the student. These are also reviewed each year and depending on performance, can be continued or stopped,” KU sports tutor Martha Soigi says.

“We offer these scholarships for publicity and marketing initiatives because if we produce a sports star then they will market us by mentioning that they have been part of us,” Soigi says.

OUR AMBASSADORS: Nakaayi and Nanyondo

36The bursaries up for grabs at every start of the semester at Ndejje University.

Kampala University offers scholarships to students who are good at netball, football, taekwondo, kickboxing, handball and table tennis.

READY TO REPRESENT: Bugema University sports team pose for a photo

32 UNIVERSITY GUIDE

CHOOSING A SPORT

CAN NDEJJE MATCH MAK?W

hereas Ndejje University has continued their recent dominance in the Association

of Uganda University Sports (AUUS) games as the overall winner for the 2019 competitions, Makerere

University, with 12 titles, still tops the table for the most titles

won.Makerere dominated the

games in the 1990s, starting their reign in 1992 and winning the event for nine consecutive years until 2002 and were only denied their 10th by the Kampala International University that won the 2003

championship.However, Makerere would return

to her winning ways in 2005; and also claiming the championship in the 2007 and 2009 editions. The early dominance by Makerere can be attributed to them taking the lead in not only forming the AUUS, but also taking the lead in kick-starting most of the disciplines.

ORIGINSThe idea of the association was hatched at Makerere University with then dean of students George

MICHAEL NSUBUGAWriter

EXCELLENCE IN SPORTS

Kihuguru as the president and then principal sports tutor Era Mugisa as

“The National University Games are a baby of Makerere University, which has grown and produced world-class athletes. So are the other programmes such as the 3x3 basketball challenge, The university

Football League, which have been championed with Makerere at the helm,” head of sports Peninah Kabenge said.

The university prides itself in

volleyball and basketball that have seen both games grow. The home to one of Uganda’s popular rugby teams — The Impis and basketball team — Makerere Sparks, The Mak Seals — swimming, Mak Bulls for handall, Mak Titans — volleyball and She Mak — women soccer, among others.

But from the 2011-2019 editions, it has been Ndejje University at the helm in the biennial games; excelling in several disciplines. They were supposed to be the hosts of this year’s event, but it was postponed to December next year after the disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

CELEBRATING: A university team

NEW VISION, SEPTEMBER 28, 2021

UCU dominated the ball games, winning football (both genders), volleyball (both genders), and basketball (women).

18TH EDITION GAMESAt the 18th edition held at the University of Kisubi (UniK) in 2019, Luwero-based Ndejje University emerged the overall winners, beating 17 other universities in 17 sporting

their third in succession since 2011.Ndejje came top of the rankings

with 18 medals; UCU came second with 17 while Makerere was third with the most medals (20), but with less gold than the winners and the runners up.

Ndejje was unstoppable in the men’s handball, woodball (gold — men and silver for women), swimming, table tennis, athletics, darts, badminton, and karate. Ndejje won 10 gold medals, seven silvers and one bronze medal.

“Our preparations are second to none, we don’t take anything for granted. Winning has become a habit and we choose to participate in games where we have an advantage,” Ndejje sports tutor Ivan Karimunda said.

Mark Kayongo attributed their success to their good scouting policies and training of the various athletes, as well as their support with sports bursaries.

Ndejje also has some of the best

UNIVERSITY FOOTBALL LEAGUE CONTINUES TO EXCITEThe Pepsi University Football League (UFL) had expanded to 20 teams for the 2020 season, but it couldn’t continue because of the pandemic.

New teams, such as University of Kisubi, Muni University, Kabale University and Mbarara University of Science and Technology, had joined the league that had picked up since the tournament got sponsors.

According to UFL organising committee chairperson Vincent Kisenyi, the expansion was in line with the league’s vision of providing all University students in the country a platform to showcase and develop their skills.

All the 20 teams were going to compete in the group stage with

groups of four each. The top team in each group, plus the three best second-placed teams would then progress to the knockout stage.

UNIVERSITY GUIDE 33

sports facilities in the country which they continuously improve.

Uganda Christian University (UCU) dominated the ball games, winning football (both genders), volleyball (both genders), and basketball (women). Their failure to win the men’s basketball was their main undoing as a win would have helped them to take the overall crown. They

silver and six bronze) from different disciplines.

UCU beat the Islamic University in Uganda (IUIU) 2-0 in the men’s

and Ezra Kaye Kizito getting the goals.However, IUIU managed to win

three gold, one silver and four bronze overall, while the other gold medallists, included Makerere University Business School and Kyambogo, with two gold medals apiece; two silver and seven bronze; two silver and two bronze, respectively.

Meanwhile, Nkumba, Uganda Martyrs University and Kampala University scooped one gold medal apiece.

Bugema, Bishop Stuart, Mbarara University of Science and Technology and debutants All Saints Lango returned with at least a medal (silver and bronze). The games were organised under the theme

Innovation’’.

UNIVERSITY FOOTBALL LEAGUEIf the lockdown on sports is fully

will return

Group A

GROUP B IUIU

UCU KIU

GROUP C

IUEA

GROUP D St

Bishop

MUBS YMCA

GROUP E

Muni Gulu


MANAGING COSTS

Aware that COVID 19 has greatly affected the economy including the incomes of parents, guardians and sponsors, a

number of universities have decided to keep their costs low so as to offer relief to their students. This has been done through not hiking fees or offering

courses.Prof. Eli Katunguka, the Kyambogo

University vice-chancellor, says the university has not lowered or increased their fees structures due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Their fees have remained relatively low like it was even before the pandemic.

Katunguka, however, noted that it is only the senate council that will sit to

COSTS LOW

BY JOSEPH BAHINGWIREWriter

UNIVERSITIES TO KEEP Dorothy Kabugo, the vice-chancellor of Great Lakes Regional University (GLRU), a private university in Kanungu district, says they have also lowered their fees by 50% to allow students access education in these challenging post COVID-19 times.

“We are in a rural setting where many people have been greatly affected by the pandemic. We have thus reduced our fees from sh950,000 per semester to sh460,000 for degree courses. However, because of the challenges in Internet accessibility in rural areas, we shall not be adopting online education immediately,” she noted.

Robert Mulanzi, the African Bible

their fees are listed as sh1,463,000 per semester.

“We also have dormitories and a dining hall as well as books and insurance that are provided, but at an additional cost. All courses have the same fees regardless of the course. We strive to keep our costs low to students. The only exceptions would be additional book costs,” he says.

Prof. Eli Katunguka

determine whether the introduction of online teaching will affect the fees paid or not.

Dr Gracious Ariyo, the university secretary at Metropolitan International University (MIU) in Kisoro district, says when the COVID-19 pandemic struck, the university management came up

students and parents. The university also has a campus at Namungoona in Kampala.

“This was in form of a scholarship of up to 50% of tuition for every student. Our most expensive courses, which have been at sh1.2m, will now be subsidised by 50%, meaning they will be at sh600,000 and those that were previous at sh800,000 will be at sh400,000,” he noted.



LIFESTYLE

Nothing spells freedom like joining university.

Every year, for the thousands joining various universities in Uganda, there is that wave of excitement that comes with the feeling of freedom and independence.

commonly known as ‘freshers’, it is often a lap of victory; one that comes with venturing into a world where they are unaware what awaits them.

Universities bring together people from different backgrounds. Some are well exposed to the world while others are reserved. It is that eclectic mix that heightens the experience.

Before COVID-19, life for a typical fresher joining straight from high-school followed a similar pattern. There was that mandatory fresher’s ball. It was a must attend.

The ball was one of the

year. Then, held at the Makerere University Freedom Square, it was a great chance to go out with our roommates,

mates and any other form of mates we made during our brief stay at university.

Then, only dumb sufferers, who were then called ‘vegetarians, would leave the fresher’s ball without mates. That was the times when the mobile phone was still making inroads into our communication sphere. As a result of

UNIVERSITY ALEX BALIMWIKUNGUWriter

UNDER THE NEW “The current crop of freshers is going to miss out on the clubbing and the ability to freely mingle with people from all walks of life.”

the fresher’s balls, some found their soul mates from the fresher’s balls and are counting the anniversaries.

Then there were the bazaars.

At Makerere University, the Mitchelex bazaar capped it all. It set a pattern. It was normally a week of partying; meeting new people and getting proper orientation on what ‘freedom’ looked like.

Sadly, for some, it was the time some wrong decisions were made after ending up in wrong company!

The party often continued to nightclubs and popular clubs strewn around the universities.

For the pious ones or those still rooted in high school tradition, there was the chance to join a society or club like the Christian Union, Rotaract Club, Baganda Nkoba Zambogo and Basoga Nseete, exposed the freshers to different experiences. They offered non-academic training and largely helped in providing the students with a chance to develop their leadership skills.

With the COVID-19

restrictions in place, you feel for the current crop of freshers. A socially distanced freshers’ week. Does it even make sense? It is normally a week of partying, meeting new people and attending events put on by the university.

With the coronavirus measures put in place, a normal freshers’ week isn’t possible to pull off even if the universities improvise. In the new normal you can only imagine a range of online events, a virtual night club atmosphere… I would predict even if the university provided

would attend. Imagine going through orientation on Whatsapp.

Let us not kid ourselves, the current crop of freshers are going to miss out on the clubbing and the ability to freely mingle with people from all walks of life. They can only pray that as time goes on, restrictions can ease and bars can open.

I would personally feel cheated if I spent several boring lockdown months

my freshers’ experience was still not as enjoyable as it would have been


LIFESTYLE

FRESHERSNORMAL

REALITY: The pandemic has robbed freshers of excitement

without restrictions.Freshers with money

and excitement are often the heartbeat of the party. Not so long ago, Mukono’s nocturnal life hinged on sorcery and its cousins. Thanks to Uganda Christian University, the town got vibrant. Places like the Hive, Casablanca, Don’s bar, the Nest, teemed with these excitable students.

For Makerere University, places like Club Silk and

Guvnor and Club T1 (now Exo Lounge) attracted students in droves, but since some are now extinct, the students took their exotic tastes to other happening places.

In the recent past, they had made places such as Riders Lounge, Cielo Lounge, Illusion, Kush, Atmosphere, Wave, Fame Lounge their usual haunts.

These, are out of bounds.

EMBRACE VIRTUAL ORIENTATION The pandemic crisis seems to have opened up a unique experience for freshers. The worsening COVID-19 situation has robbed them of the sheer excitement of walking into their new classroom and having a great time with their new friends. Instead, videos of their classrooms and laboratories shown online and freshers’ day being held on Zoom platforms have become the new normal.

“There is no option now

in view of the pandemic. We have to get used to this new experience, where everything is happening in front of our computer or mobile screen,” says a lecturer at one of the universities in town.

The only hiccup is that the virtual orientation makes the presumption that all the new students are computer literate, have digital gadgets and can access reliable Internet connection.

“We have been forced to change our traditions. Our orientation weeks used to be bustling with activity, but it is not possible. We have formed WhatsApp groups for all students with lecturers as administrators. We have made it mandatory for all freshers to have a mobile phone before enrollment,” he concludes.


ALI TWAHABusiness writer

PAYMENT SOLUTIONS

FOR CONVENIENCEE-PAYMENT

Neat stacks of bank deposit slips, which were common in the 1990s and 2000s, are a rare

sight today as institutions shift to new electronic payment solutions. Over the last decade, eliminating error-prone manual systems in favour of new

parents, students and higher institutions of learning.

have enabled better record keeping, timely invoicing and tuition collection for several institutions. The long queues at banks are no more. Some of these developments have seen commercial banks shut down branches to invest more resources in new solutions.

Gerald Begumisa, the managing director of Yo

eased payment of school fees, while at the same time allowing institutions to collect and track the payments.

“Fintechs are in a unique position to create solutions that were traditionally expensive. Traditionally, what used to happen is that one would pay fees at the bank, then you are given a bank slip. There was the parent’s copy, the bank copy and the school copy. And they could manually reconcile all of those payments. With the digital payment, that reconciliation is instant,” Begumisa says.

He says there are technology solutions geared at delivering

in processes, reduced costs, accelerated growth and

solutions allow for automated reconciliation of collections, which helps to eliminate forgeries and reduces wasteful

administrative costs such as paperwork for institutions.

Currently, Begumisa says his

of learning, individuals, small and medium enterprises, among others.

“One of the solutions combines payment processing to allow parents to make payments to schools through an easy-to-use system. It also provides the school management with an interface where they can track all these payments that are coming through.

“The system also allows parents to pay the fees in installments and even send reminders if necessary. If, for instance, the parent has a plan to pay the school fees in 10 installments, all this is tracked through the application.

“The school is essentially getting two things; they are getting the digital payments solution and they are also getting a software system that helps them track the accounts of the parents,” Begumisa says.

Yo Uganda leverages various mobile platforms such as Mobile Money, SMS and USSD to deliver value to solutions.

“It is one thing to receive a mobile money payment,

accounting system. That was a gap institutions were consistently pointing out,” he adds.

PAYMENT WITH TELECOMS Stephen Mutana, the general manager of Mobile Financial Services, says Mobile Money technology provides sophisticated and secure payment solutions for educational institutions to collect and manage fees transactions.

On the other hand, parents and students are afforded the convenience of paying fees from anywhere at any time without having to waste time queuing up in banking halls, especially during these times when social distancing is still critical in the

“The platform is designed in such a way that parents and guardians can pay school fees for their children safely and securely, “It also limits the exchange of currency notes, which elevates our endeavours against the COVID-19 pandemic,” he says.

PAYMENTS WITH BANKS Leading commercial banks have developed digital payment solutions. All higher institutions of learning are entitled access to the digital payments and collection solutions. For instance, Stanbic Bank has the FlexiPay and School Pay. The solutions are absolutely free, and access is enabled within 24 hours for institutions.

Higher institutions of learning use digital payment technology to reduce errors by simplifying the complexities of

transactions. Recently, public universities stepped away from using the Academic Information Management System (AIMS) to the Academic Management Information System (ACMIS), as they sought to enhance tighter security measures over students’ data and processes. ACMIS is a system that computerises student information management, tuition fees collection, and academic records among others.

and academic registrar departments. The public universities using the systems include Makerere, Kyambogo, Busitema, Muni, Gulu, Kabale, Soroti, Lira, Uganda Management Institute (UMI), Makerere University Business School (MUBS), and Mbarara University of Science and Technology (MUST) and all public institutions.

Online payments play an important role in deploying funds appropriately,

fees through a digital platform provides more than just convenience; it is also a safety measure that is well in line with the COVID-19 standard operation procedures, especially social distancing.

MARKET TRENDSOnline payments play an important role in deploying funds appropriately,

E-payments result in better record keeping, timely invoicing and tuition collection


COMMUNICATION SKILLS

WriterDENIS NSUBUGA

In an increasingly globalised world, mastery of more than one foreign language can give a candidate

an edge over others with

competitive job interview.According to experts,

multi-national corporations moving to Africa require workers, especially in senior management positions, who can speak more than one foreign language in order to articulate their interests better.

The trend of integration of countries on the African continent, will in

FOREIGN LANGUAGEBECOME MARKETABLE WITH A

coming years, increase competitiveness for jobs as workers continue to operate beyond national

borders, according to experts at Makerere University.

Speaking during the

launch of the reviewed Master of Arts in French Language Studies (MAFLS) at the College

of Humanities and Social Sciences, Makerere University recently, the university’s deputy director of Research and Graduate Training, Dr Robert Wamala, said multilingualism is key for spurring development.

He said French will be in high demand, especially when the DR Congo joins the East African Community (EAC), given that it’s one of the largest French-speaking countries on the continent.

Furthermore, relations between China and Uganda have grown over the years, making Chinese

a much sought after language.

In 2014, the Government established the Confucius Institute at Makerere University to handle the teaching and learning of Chinese studies, with emphasis on language and culture.

Headed by Prof. Oswald Ndolerire, the institute provides training, research and other activities to bridge the communication gap, enhance interaction, promote cultural exchange and strengthen friendship ties between the peoples of Uganda and China.

JOB MARKET:

1: POSTGRADUATE PROGRAMES (MASTERS AND DIPLOMAS)

SN A: MASTERS DEGREE PROGRAMS; DURATION: 2 YEARS

STUDY OPTION INTAKE

1 Weekend Aug/Jan2 Weekend Aug/Jan3 Weekend Aug/Jan4 Weekend Aug/Jan5 Weekend Aug/Jan6 Master of Agribusiness Weekend Aug/Jan7 Weekend Aug/Jan

B: POST GRADUATE DIPLOMA PROGRAMS; DURATION: 1 YEAR STUDY OPTION INTAKE

8 Weekend Aug/Jan9

ManagementWeekend Aug/Jan

10 Weekend Aug/Jan11 Weekend Aug/Jan12 Weekend Aug/Jan

13 Aug/Jan14 Weekend Aug/Jan15 Weekend Aug/Aug2: UNDERGRADUATE PROGRAMS

A: BACHELORS DEGREE PROGRAMS; DURATION: 3 YEARS STUDY OPTION INTAKE

16 August17 Weekend August18 August19 Distance August20 August21 August22 August23 August24 August25 August26 August

27 August/Jan28 August29 August30 August31 August32 August33 August34 August35 August36 August37 August38 August39 August40 August41 August42 August43 August44 August45 August

B: DIPLOMA PROGRAMS; DURATION: 2 YEARS STUDY OPTION INTAKE46 August47 August48 August49 August50 August51 Distance August5354 August55 August56 August57 August58 August59 August60 August62 August

3: HIGHER EDUCATION CERTIFICATES – DURATION: 1 YEAR (FOR SENIOR SIX LEAVERS) STUDY OPTION INTAKE

63 August64 August

4: NATIONAL CERTIFICATE PROGRAMS; DURATION: 2 YEARS STUDY OPTION INTAKE

65 Jan/August66 Jan/August67 Jan/August68 Jan/August69 Jan/August70 Jan/August71 Jan/August

NB:

UPCOMING PROGRAMS:

1. Diploma in Midwifery 2.

Please contact: Academic Registrar,Mountains of the Moon University,P.O.Box 837, FORT PORTAL - Lake Saaka Main Campus.Email: [email protected], Tel: +256 483 660 390

Email: [email protected] , [email protected] +256 483 660 400 / +256 701 403 562/ +256 772 403 562

www.mmu.ac.ug

NB: Admission for Academic Year 2021/2022 is in progress. Please apply now because some programs admit a limited number of students.

MOUNTAINS OF THE MOON UNIVERSITYP.O. BOX 837 – FORT PORTAL - UGANDA Email: [email protected] or [email protected]

Background of Mountains of the Moon University:

Pub ic University:

Programs of Study:

– www.webometrics.info/en/africa/uganda).

TEACHING, RESEARCH AND COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT:

FLEXIBLE STUDY OPTIONS:

BURSARIES/TUITION:

GOVERNMENT LOAN SCHEME:

www.hesfb.go.ug

INFORMATION CENTRES:

ACADEMIC TRANSCRIPTS AND CERTIFICATES:

ONLINE APPLICATION: applications.mmu.ac.ug.

OUR VISION: “To be a Centre of Excellence in teaching, research and community engagement”

OUR MISSION: “To produce outstanding, well rounded, morally upright and innovative graduates with a knowledge base for making a positive impact on the community”.

CURRENT PROGRAMS OFFERED AT MOUNTAINS OF THE MOON UNIVERSITY (2021/2022)


CHOOSING A CAREER

Edna was passionate about making money from when she was only a child in primary school… or so she thought. You see, Edna grew up in a home

where her mother was not the lady of the house.

Back then, the traditional stepmother,

stage dramas that used to win inter-

and townships where we grew up. Edna’s biological mother had left the family when she fell out with her husband, which prompted him to marry another woman – her stepmother. And so it was that every time Edna wanted to watch TV, her stepmother advised her to go where her mother lived, so she could watch all the TV she wanted.

When her father bought her clothes, her stepmother took them away privately, telling Edna, “When your mother visits, she will bring you clothes from the money she has earned.” And whenever china broke in the house, the blame was laid at Edna’s door. As a result, Edna swore to herself that when

career that would enable her to make so much money, so as to afford anything and everything the world can offer.

SUBJECT OF MONEY Eventually, Edna wound up with her high school studies and it was time to make choices regarding which course of study she would pursue at university.

Back then, there were courses everybody who wanted to make it big in life went for, and Edna knew she would qualify for any of them – Law, Commerce and Journalism. She went for the subject of money – commerce. So, she applied to do a bachelor of commerce degree at Makerere University. Meanwhile, in the entire school, nobody painted and drew pictures like Edna. All the way from primary school, she had had a strong

all manner of drawings. At O’level, she excelled in Fine Art,

scoring a Distinction 1; while at A’level, when the results were released, yes, she had got her desired 24 points (it was possible back then), with an A in Fine Art. It was then that her Fine Art teacher called Edna and pleaded with her to change course and pursue a Bachelor of Industrial and Fine Art course. But remember, Edna had a mission – earn

Writer

MAKING YOUR CAREER CHOICES

as much money as possible. She knew B.Com was the gateway to that life. How could anyone then ask her to veer off the straight and narrow, to something else, however much she loved that subject? So, B.Com it was, and she went for it.

That junction, where one route leads to plenteous money and the other to one’s passion, confounds many a young person when they get to it.

CAREER COMPASS I submit that though money is essential to living a comfortable life, when it comes to career choice, it should not be the compass you rely on to determine where to go. On the contrary, a person who follows their passion is bound to be

life than one who goes expressly for money. If anything, someone who pursues their passion could end up making more money than one who chooses to do something they are not interested in, which they might get bored doing and end up dropping halfway the journey.

WHAT IS PASSION? The term “passion” can be used interchangeably with words like determination, conviction and love. Especially love, because when you pursue love, you do so with determination and conviction. Passion is a strong desire that can get you to do amazing things.

BOB G. KISIKI

Writing about passion, this is what someone said: “Passion is an emotion to be acted upon. Without action, passion yields no worthwhile results. Passion is

have passion for something, you love it even when you hate it.” And that is what, for me, beats everything else, the fact that when you are passionate about something, you love it even when you hate it.

however glamorous something might appear, you are bound to give up on it if you lack passion for it. What does that paradox mean, loving something even when you hate it? Every endeavour we undertake has its tough times. I am a writer, and I know very few things that are as arduous as writing. From the moment you conceive an idea (and conceiving literary ideas, unlike other more popular forms of conception, is not

developing that idea, creating characters

and doing a chapter breakdown, all the

Zero), it’s hard work. It’s sweat. It denies you time to do many other things you would have loved to do. It steals your mealtime and affects your sleep time. Oh, you can easily hate it. But oh, how I love it!

ENTER PAUL Going for the money may indeed rake in the huge millions, but those are bound to be millions that come attended by drudgery and despondence. You will

because what you are doing does not touch your soul, and your soul is really you; it’s the cradle of your life.

something that interacts with your heart in such a way that when you do it, the heart dances and longs to do it again and again, to the power a million and beyond.

I will never forget a guy we went to school with, called Paul. I will not mention his surname, for obvious reasons. Paul, like Edna in our opening

Every year in the run up to World Food Day on October 16, the school ran a painting competition, where they sought to get the one person who represented the year’s theme of the day best in a painting. For the six years I was in that school, no one else won the canned beef,

MY PASSION: Tailors at work. When choosing a career ask yourself what you want

PASSION VERSUS MONEY


canned chicken and powdered milk (plus

for the winning entry. It was always Paul. Do you know why? He was doing something he was passionate about.

Now here is the other thing about Paul, Fine Art and success. Do you know something we called winter? Many of you “banged” it. That time when you deny yourself sleep and sneak into the classroom area to read in the wee hours of the night. Paul was the champion of this; waking up other adherents to go bang winter. And no, he wasn’t drawing pictures and doing sketches for his paintings. He would revise and make notes for History, Economics and CRE, all of which he got straight Fs in the

– you guessed right. Right now, Paul makes huge millions from his art studio. Passion costs effort, but yields bountiful money.

FULFILMENT “Money is a powerful thing. It builds empires and breaks down kingdoms; it

allows for dreams to come true, and it takes others away; it makes some people happy and others completely miserable…”, says Siobhan Harmer, in an article on LIfehack. But money does

brings, and passion has no side-effects. Passion is the material the world’s

greatest inventions, innovations and multiple award-winning accomplishments are made of. Passion is your heart expressing itself in your

peculiar gifting. So, as you decide what to do as you launch into your adulthood, ask yourself; what do I want? Am I here to amass money or should I do what tickles me, and still make money while at it?

SKILLED: Mechanics cheek out a car engine.Passion can get you to do amazing things


Islamic University in Uganda (IUIU)Islamic University in Uganda OVERVIEW

Islamic University in Uganda (IUIU) is Uganda’s second University, established in 1988 under a bilateral agreement between the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) and the government of Uganda. IUIU has a total enrollment of 10,023 (2020/2021).

IUIU operates in three strategic regional locations: the Main Campus in Mbale city in Eastern Uganda, Kampala Campus in Kibuli, Kampala city in central Uganda, Arua Campus in Arua city in West Nile, and Females Campus in Kabojja, Wakiso district, central Uganda. The IUIU utilizes a semester-based academic calendar on two Campuses, the Main Campus and the Females campus. In contrast, the Kampala campus and Arua campus use both semester and term systems.

Article 10 of the Islamic University in Uganda Act, Cap 131 of 1990 establishes the University Council as the supreme organ of the University, responsible for overall administration of the University and for ensuring the due implementation of the policies and functions of the University on behalf of the OIC and government of Uganda.

The University Council consists of 16 members, eight appointed by the OIC secretariat from other OIC member

from the University. The Executive Board (sits monthly) is the second-highest organ in the University, followed by the University Management Committee (sits biweekly) and other sub-committees.

Year I YEAR 2 YEAR 3 YEAR 4 Year 5NO PROGRAMME SEM I SEM II SEM I SEM II SEM I SEM II SEM I SEM II SEM I SEM IIFACULTY OF ARTS AND SOCIAL SCIENCES

1. (Humanities). (1yrs) 1,599,150 1,097,250

2. Diploma in Social Work and Community Development (2yrs) 1,237,300 824,500 1,019,500 924,500

3. Diploma in International Relations and Diplomacy(2yrs) 1,237,300 824,500 1,019,500 924,500

4. Bachelor of Social Sciences (3yrs) 1,3605,00 912,500 1,107,500 1,162,500 1,107,500 1,012,500

5. Bachelor of Science Mass Communication (3yrs) 1,576,100 1,316,500 1,261,500 1,316,500 1,261,500 1,166,500

6. Bachelor of Development Studies (3yrs) 1,576,100 1,316,500 1,261,500 1,316,500 1,261,500 1,166,500

7. Bachelor of Social Work and Social Administration (3yrs) 1,576,100 1,316,500 1,261,500 1,316,500 1,261,500 1,166,500

8. Bachelor of Arts in Economics (3yrs) 1,576,100 1,316,500 1,261,500 1,316,500 1,261,500 1,166,5009. Bachelor of Science in Political Science (3yrs) 1,576,100 1,316,500 1,261,500 1,316,500 1,261,500 1,166,50010. Bachelor of Cultural Heritage Studies 1,576,100 1,316,500 1,261,500 1,316,500 1,261,500 1,166,50011. Master of Arts Kiswahili Language. (2yrs) 2,288,200 1,518,000 1,813,000 1,868,00012. Master of Science in Political Science (2yrs) 2,288,200 1,518,000 1,813,000 1,868,000

13. Resolution (2yrs) 2,288,200 1,518,000 1,813,000 1,868,000

14. Master of Arts in Applied Linguistics (2yrs) 2,288,200 1,518,000 1,813,000 1,868,00015. Master of Arts in History (2yrs) 2,288,200 1,518,000 1,813,000 1,868,00016. Doctor of Philosophy in History (3yrs) 4,975,000 3,830,000 4,375,000 3,830,000 4,530,000 4,375,000

FACULTY OF EDUCATION18. 2yrs) 898,500 582,500 777,500 582,50019. Diploma in Early Childhood Education (2yrs) 1,080,000 1,015,000 940,000 1,115,00020. Diploma in Guidance & Counseling (2yrs) 1,098,740 768,500 924,500 304,000

21. Diploma in Primary Education External Programme (2yrs) 1,080,000 1,015,000 940,000 1,115,000

22. Bachelor of Education External Programme (3yrs) 1,215,000 860,000 1,055,000 1,110,000 1,055,000 1,210,000

23. Bachelor of Arts Education (3yrs) 1,298,515 868,225 1,063,225 1,118,225 1,063,225 1,218,22524. Bachelor of Science Education. (3yrs) 1,298,515 868,225 1,063,225 1,118,225 1,063,225 1,218,22525. Postgraduate Diploma in Education (2yrs) 1,325,000 1,330,000

26. Postgraduate Diploma in Management and Teaching at Higher Education (2yrs) 1,745,000 1,380,000

27. Postgraduate Diploma in Education Management and Administration (1yrs) 1,695,000 1,170,000

28. Master of Education (2yrs) 1,972,500 1,292,500 1,587,500 1,642,50029. Doctor of Philosophy in Education (3yrs) 4,975,000 3,830,000 4,375,000 3,830,000 4,530,000 4,375,000

FACULTY OF ISLAMIC STDUIES AND ARABIC LANGUAGE30. (2yrs) 825,000 530,000 725,000 530,00031. Arabic Diploma Programme (2yrs) 965,000 630,000 825,000 630,000

32. Bachelor of Arts Islamic Studies & Arabic Language (3yrs) 1,191,100 791,500 986,500 791,500 986,500 891,500

33. Bachelor of Arts Shariah: 1,191,100 791,500 986,500 791,500 986,500 891,50034. Bachelor of Arts Sociology and Da’awah (3yrs) 1,191,100 791,500 986,500 791,500 986,500 891,50035. Master of Arts Arabic Language (3yrs) 1,806,565 1,173,975 1,468,975 1,523,975

36. Master of Islamic studies (English or Arabic language) (3yrs) 1,806,565 1,173,975 1,468,975 1,523,975

37. Master of Sharia (English or Arabic Language). (3yrs) 1,806,565 1,173,975 1,468,975 1,523,975

38. Doctor of Philosophy in Arabic Studies (3yrs) 3,125,000 2,230,000 2,525,000 2,230,000 2,525,000 2,730,000

39. Doctor of Philosophy in Islamic Studies (English/Arabic Language) (3yrs) 3,125,000 2,230,000 2,525,000 2,230,000 2,525,000 2,730,000

40. Doctor of Philosophy in Sharia (English/Arabic Language) (3yrs) 3,125,000 2,230,000 2,525,000 2,230,000 2,525,000 2,730,000

The University Leadership and Management

The Rector is the head of IUIU, and he doubles as the Secretary to the University Council. The Rector is assisted by two Vice-Rectors to manage the institution on behalf of the OIC through the University Council. The Vice-Rectors supervise the Campuses on behalf of the Rector. Each Campus has a Director, assistant registrar, and faculty coordinators. Besides campuses, IUIU has four directorates; Directorate of Quality Assurance, Research Publications and Innovation, Communication, and Center for Post Graduate Studies. The Rectorship, all Directors, Faculty Deans, and Head of Units (both academic and nonacademic) are members of the Executive Board, whereas Campus Directors and Heads of administrative department sit in the University Management Committee.

Facilities

The Islamic University in Uganda has well stocked libraries, computer laboratories, skills and skills laboratories, at all the four Campuses to enhance the students’ skills. Besides that, the University also has an FM radio station, a Farm, Vocational Training Center (VTC) and fully equipped health Centers.

esides that, IUIU is known for harnessing sports talent in different sports and games. The IUIU students have competed at both local and international leagues where they have recorded tremendous performances. The University has good sports facilities including swimming pool, football pitches, volleyball courts and many others to enable students to explore and discover their talents.

Awards

In 2018 and 2019, IUIU won three awards; two were for best Private University of the year and another one of the top 101 Global Education Institutions.

SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITIESThe IUIU in collaboration with the organizations listed below offer scholarship to needy but academically outstanding students. These include:

1. International Islamic Charitable Organization (IICO)

2. The Higher Education Student Financing Board (HESFEB)

3. Direct Aid Africa Muslims Agency 4. The Madhvani Foundation Scholarship

Programme

5. IDB Scholarship Programme6. The International Institute of Islamic Thought

(IIIT)

Academic Programs

IUIU comprises seven Faculties, including Arts and Social Sciences, Law, Management Studies, Islamic Studies, Education, Science, and Health Sciences. It also has two schools; Medical School and Nursing School, and a Center for Post-Graduate Studies (CPG). Besides that, IUIU also runs

Below is the list of academic programs offered and the fees structure:


Year I YEAR 2 YEAR 3 YEAR 4 Year 5NO PROGRAMME SEM I SEM II SEM I SEM II SEM I SEM II SEM I SEM II SEM I SEM II

FACULTY OF MANAGEMENT STUDIES41. Diploma in Business Administration (2yrs) 1,237,300 824,000 1,019,500 924,500 - - - -42. Diploma in Public Administration (2yrs) 1,237,300 824,000 1,019,500 924,500 - -

43. Advanced Diploma in Health Services Management (1yr) 1,365,500 1,262,500 - - - - - - - -

44. Bachelor of Science in Health Services Management (3yrs) 1,803,250 1,478,750 1,423,750 1,328,750 - - - - - -

45. Bachelor of Business Studies (3yrs) 1,626,150 1,477,250 1,297,250 1,352,250 1,297,250 1,202,250 - - - -46. Bachelor of Business Computing (3yrs) 1,626,150 1,477,250 1,297,250 1,352,250 1,297,250 1,202,250 - - - -47. Bachelor of Public Administration (3yrs) 1,626,150 1,477,250 1,297,250 1,352,250 1,297,250 1,202,250 - - - -

48. Bachelor of Procurement and Logistics Management (3yrs) 1,626,150 1,477,250 1,297,250 1,352,250 1,297,250 1,202,250 - - - -

49. Bachelor of Human Resources Management (3yrs) 1,626,150 1,477,250 1,297,250 1,352,250 1,297,250 1,202,250 - - - -

50. Bachelor of Secretarial and Administrative Studies (3yrs) 1,703,150 1,157,250 1,257,250 1,301,250 1,257,250 1,181,250 - - - -

51. Bachelor of Islamic Banking and Finance. (3yrs) 1,626,150 1,477,250 1,297,250 1,352,250 1,297,250 1,202,250 - - - -

52. Postgraduate Diploma in Public Administration (1yrs) 1,980,200 1,548,000 - - - - - - - -

53. Postgraduate Diploma in Human Resource Management (1yrs) 1,980,200 1,548,000 - - - - - - - -

54. Postgraduate Diploma in Project Planning and Management (1yrs) 1,980,200 1,548,000 - - - - - - - -

55. Postgraduate Diploma in Islamic Banking and Finance. (1yrs) 1,980,200 1,548,000 - - - - -

56. Master of Business Administration (2yrs) 2,288,200 1,518,000 1,813,000 1,868,000 - - - - - -57. Master of Public Administration (2yrs) 2,288,200 1,518,000 1,813,000 1,868,000 - - - - - -

58. Master of Islamic Banking and Finance. (2yrs) 2,288,200 1,518,000 1,813,000 1,868,000 - - - - - -

59. PhD in Islamic Banking 4,975,000 3,830,000 4,375,000 3,830,000 4,530,000 4,375,000

FACULTY OF MANAGEMENT STUDIES

60. (2yrs) 898,500 582,500 777,500 582,500 - - - - - -

61. (2yrs) 898,500 582,500 777,500 582,500 - - - - - -

62. Diploma in Computer Science and Information (2yrs) 1,318,000 1,175,000 1,318,000 1,025,000 - - - - - -

63. (2yrs) 1,237,300 1,074,500 1,019,500 924,500 - - - - - -

64. Diploma in Records Management. (2yrs) 1,237,300 1,074,500 1,019,500 924,500 - - - - - -

65. Bachelor of Science combined Honours. (3yrs) 1,687,600 1,189,000 1,687,600 1,439,000 1,537,600 1,139,000 - -

66. Bachelor of Science Computer Science. (3yrs) 1,687,600 1,189,000 1,687,600 1,439,000 1,537,600 1,139,000 - - - -67. (3yrs) 1,687,600 1,189,000 1,687,600 1,439,000 1,537,600 1,139,000 - - - -

68. Bachelor of Science Environmental Science. (3yrs) 1,360,500 912,500 1,107,500 1,162,500 1,107,500 1,262,500 - - - -

69. Bachelor of Food Science and Nutrition. (3yrs) 1,714,700 1,165,500 1,360,500 1,415,500 1,360,500 1,415,500 1,360,500 1,265,500 - -

70. Bachelor of Statistics. (3yrs) 1,553,000 1,050,000 1,245,000 1,300,000 1,245,000 1,150,000 - - - -

71. Bachelor of Records and Information Management. (3yrs) 1,614,600 1,094,000 1,289,000 1,344,000 1,289,000 1,194,000 - - - -

72. Management (3yrs) 1,614,600 1,094,000 1,289,000 1,344,000 1,289,000 1,194,000 - - - -

73. Management (2yrs) 2,410,000 2,405,000 2,360,000 2,555,000 - -

74. Master of Science in Environmental Science. (2yrs) 2,288,200 1,818,000 1,813,000 1,868,000 - - - - - -

75. (2yrs) 2,288,200 1,818,000 1,813,000 1,868,000 - - - - - -

76. Sciences). (1yr) 1,599,150 1,097,250 - - - - - - - -

77. Sciences). (1yr) 1,599,150 1,097,250 - - - - - - - -

FACULTY OF LAW78. Diploma in Laws (2yrs) 1,041,440 924,000 804,000 - -79. Bachelor of Laws (3yrs) 2,061,000 1,270,000 1,665,000 1,270,000 1,665,000 1,520,000 1,665,000 1,370,000 - -

80. Post Graduate Diploma in International Affairs (1yrs) - -

81. Masters in Law (2yrs) 3,523,772 3,518,772 3,473,772 3,668,772 - - - - - -82. Masters in Comparative Law (2yrs) 3,523,772 3,518,772 3,473,772 3,668,772 - - - - - -

FACULTY OF HEALTH SCIENCES83. (2.5yrs) 2,035,000 1,388,000 1,483,000 1,288,000 1,483,000 - - - - -84. (2.5 yrs) 2,050,000 1,388,000 1,483,000 1,288,000 1,483,000 - - - - -85. (3yrs) 2,570,000 1,888,000 1,588,000 1,488,000 1,588,000 1,488,000 - - - -

86. Diploma in General Nursing (Extension). (1.5yrs) 2,505,000 2,018,000 1,490,000 - - - - - - -

87. (1.5yrs) 2,575,000 1,618,000 1,713,000 - - - - - - -

88. (MBChB). (5yrs) 6,680,000 6,805,000 7,360,000 6,755,000 7,235,000 6,855,000 7,110,000 6,755,000 7,235,000 6,755,000

89. Bachelor of Nursing Science (4yrs) 3,554,000 3,569,000 4,124,000 3,519,000 3,924,000 3,719,000 4,024,000 3,719,000 - -90. Bachelor of Biomedical Sciences (4yrs) 3,554,000 3,569,000 4,124,000 3,519,000 3,924,000 3,719,000 4,024,000 3,719,000 - -

For admissions, please contact the academic

Main Campus: +256786995917/772386400Kampala Campus: +256702882110/753521262Females Campus: +256702249922/704741369Arua Campus: +256753942935/200906682

iuiu.a

Islamic University in Uganda (IUIU) The list of academic programs offered and the fees structure


DENIS NSUBUGAWriter

STUDYING ONLINE

As some students graduated in different courses at Kyambogo University last week, those at Makerere University were engrossed

in writing examinations. None of these exercises are new, but it is the unique ways in which they were executed that tell the drastic change in the state of affairs.

graduation ceremony to join the trend being adopted by various universities since last year. Similarly, Makerere carried

exercise, joining the likes of Uganda Christian University.

When Hillary Asiimwe, a third-year student of a bachelor’s degree in medical radiography at Makerere University, joined in 2018, he never imagined this. Coming right from secondary school, he

engage his lecturers in classroom on the road to a successful study journey.

half years of her course. Then COVID-19 pandemic hit, which disrupted the education sector. Soon, he was told was he would have to study some course units

EMBRACINGONLINE EDUCATIONonline in a blended method of teaching.

then a bit of resistance. I could not imagine studying without a teacher in my presence,” Asiimwe says.

CONCENTRATION IS KEYBut after sensitisation and orientation from the university, Asiimwe was lured into adopting. Luckily, he had a smart phone, and with the parents’ support, could afford data to attend lectures.

“It was not easy in the beginning. I rarely concentrated as messages from different people popped up on my phone’s screen. I realised I miss out a lot. That is when I

applications and concentrated on Zoom, Google Meet, or MUELE (Makerere University E-Learning Environment),” he

says.Today, Asiimwe is accustomed with

the blended learning, which is a mixture of physically and distance learning. It has been used as an offshoot of Open, Distance and e-Learning (O-DEL), a system that has been growing in popularity since the pandemic struck.

For Richard Ssebuganda, a second-year student of medicine and surgery at Makerere University, the necessity of a discussion group is more evident in the times when one rarely interacts with the lecturer. He says discussion in a group helps a student to get clarity of the subject taught.

Apart from platforms such as Zoom and Google Meet that are occasionally used during lectures, Ssebuganda says a student needs to join WhatsApp groups to

Kyambogo held

last year.

VISION: Seeking to transform society through

integrated teaching research and practice

MISSION: Providing quality education for

human developmentCORE VALUES - God fearing - Professionalism - Integrity - Innovation

- Research - Community outreach and responsive development

2013. 2015, We are now accredited with UBTEB; Our Centre Number: UBB 282

Website: www.kintu.ac.ug Email: [email protected]

PROGRAMMS OFFERED AT KAYIWA INTERNATIONAL UNIVERSITY (KINTU)

Plot 336, Mengo - Balintuma Rood.

P.O. BOX 9096 Kampala,

Kayiwa International University (KINTU) Tel: +256 414 691 720, +256 755 691 720

FACULTY OF HUMANITIES AND SOCIAL SCIENCES

FACULTY OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

FACULTY OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION

FACULITY OF EDUCATION

OUR UNIQUENESS

.

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

For Degree 2

For Diploma

INTAKES:

We run Specialised Programmes

in Fisheries, Wildlife, e.t.c

Business: Business management,

Accountancy, e.t.c

Vocational: Woodwork,

Block Laying etc



access communication from the class and university in general.

Ssebuganda also advises a new student to get acquainted with administration staff. He notes that in times of blended learning, knowing members of the ICT department is essential, especially when ones needs support in dealing with some technology challenges.

BACKGROUNDMayende says O-DeL’s origin in Uganda is traced in 1992, when it was introduced at Makerere University. He says that was the

and radio, tapes and CDs, as

student.Mayende says Makerere

TECHNOLOGY JUST A TOOLDr Godfrey Mayende, the director of Institute of Open, Distance and E-Learning (O-DeL) at Makerere University, says it is crucial for the lecturers to be grounded in both the pedagogy and subject. He notes that as the world drums up for the online use, technology can easily over shadow

education.“Understand the purpose of teaching

then you can easily use any technology. Technology is just supporting tool. Sometimes people drive their emphasis

understand the needs of the learners from a pedagogical perspective,” he explains.

Mayende says they developed and adopted online teaching systems to ensure the university has a continuity amidst the pandemic. He stresses that as lecturers and students are taught to use the systems, there should be focus on the intended learning outcomes.

CHALLENGESMayende says despite all the efforts and growth of O-DeL in Africa, the system is marred by inadequate connectivity and devices in many parts of the population.

“In some of the places where people are moving and working from, there is no network coverage which in many cases disrupts education process. While, many do not have personal computers,” Mayende says.

He, nonetheless, says lately mobile phones have become reliable for education, therefore, they are trying to develop systems that are compatible with the devices.

Statutory instrument 2015 No. 36 of 16th July 2015 formally established Kabale University as a Public University under The Universities and Other Tertiary Institutions Act (2001) (as amended).

VISION: A sustainable vibrant Centre of excellence in teaching, learning, research and community service in the Great Lakes Region and beyond

MISSION: relevant knowledge and policies for skills development and attitude change for sustainable learning environment

School/Faculty/Institute & Academic ProgrammesCODE SCHOOL OF MEDICINEMMED:Pae Master of Medicine: Paediatrics and Child healthMMED:Obs Master of Medicine: Obstetrics and GynaecologyMPH Master of Public HealthKMS Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery KNS Bachelor of Nursing Science KND Bachelor of Nursing Science – CompletionKHS Bachelor of Environmental Health Science KAN Bachelor of Anaesthesia and Critical Care Medicine ANK Diploma in Anaesthesia EHK Diploma in Environmental Health Science HSK Diploma in Health Services Management FACULTY OF EDUCATIONEDM Master of Education Management and AdministrationMEP Master of Education PsychologyPDE Postgraduate Diploma in Education

Bachelor of Science with Education KEP 1. Physical Option (Physics, Mathematics, Physical

Education, Chemistry, Computer Education)KEB 2. Biological Option (Biology, Chemistry, Physical Education)KSE 3. Economics Option (Economics, Mathematics, Geography)KED Bachelor of Arts with Education (History, Religious Studies,

English Language Studies, Literature in English, French, Kiswahili, Runyakitara)

BES Bachelor of Education – Secondary BEP Bachelor of Education – Primary EDK Diploma in Education – Primary FACULTY OF AGRICULTURE AND ENVIRONMENT SCIENCES MEN Master of Science in Environment and Natural Resources KES Bachelor of Environmental Science BAL Bachelor of Agriculture and Land Use Management KAG Bachelor of Agribusiness KSA Bachelor of Science in Agriculture ESK Diploma in Environment Science FACULTY OF SCIENCEHEC

Mathematics, Chemistry, Biology, Agriculture, Economics and Geography

FACULTY OF COMPUTING, LIBRARY AND INFORMATION SCIENCEMIS Master of Information ScienceKIT Bachelor of Information Technology

KCS Bachelor of Computer Science KLS Bachelor of Library and Information Science KRM Bachelor of Records and Information Management RMK Diploma in Records Management LSK Diploma in Library and Information Science CSK Diploma in Computer Science ITK Diploma in Information Technology MRK Diploma in Medical Records Management FACULTY OF ENGINEERING, TECHNOLOGY, APPLIED DESIGN & FINE ARTKDA Bachelor of Applied Design and Fine Art KCE Bachelor of Civil Engineering KEE Bachelor of Electrical Engineering KME Bachelor of Mechanical EngineeringMEK Diploma in Mechanical Engineering CEK Diploma in Civil Engineering EEK Diploma in Electrical Engineering FACULTY OF ECONOMICS AND MANAGEMENT SCIENCEPhDBA PhD in Business Administration MPM Master of Project Planning and ManagementMBA Master of Business Administration (with Options: Human

Resource Management; Accounting; Procurement and Logistics Management; Finance and Banking; Management)

MRM Master of Human Resource ManagementPPM Postgraduate Diploma in Project Planning and ManagementHRM Postgraduate Diploma in Human Resource ManagementPGDBA Postgraduate Diploma in Business AdministrationKBA Bachelor of Business Administration (with Options:

Accounting; Marketing; Finance and Banking; Human Resource Management; Procurement and Logistics Management)

KPL Bachelor of Procurement and Logistics Management KEC Bachelor of Arts in Economics KTH Bachelor of Tourism and Hospitality BAK Diploma in Business Administration and Management THK Diploma in Tourism HMK Diploma in Hotel Management CPAFACULTY OF ARTS AND SOCIAL SCIENCES PhDPAM PhD in Public Administration and Management MME Master of Monitoring and Evaluation MPA Master of Public Administration & ManagementMGL Master of Institutional Governance and Leadership

PAM Postgraduate Diploma in Public Administration and Management

PME Postgraduate Diploma in Monitoring and EvaluationPIL Postgraduate Diploma in Institutional Governance and

LeadershipKPA Bachelor of Public Administration and ManagementKSW Bachelor of Social Work and Social Administration SWK Diploma in Social Work and Social Administration PAK Diploma in Public Administration and management INSTITUTE OF LANGUAGES MAL Master of Arts in LinguisticsKLK Diploma in Kiswahili

CODE PROGRAMMEKCE Bachelor of Civil EngineeringKEE Bachelor of Electrical EngineeringKME Bachelor of Mechanical EngineeringKIT Bachelor of Information TechnologyKCS Bachelor of Computer Science Bachelor of Science with EducationKEB Biological OptionKEP Physical Option

Applicants for Government sponsorship should possess the following:1. At least a relevant second-class or credit diploma (or equivalent) from a

recognised institution2. UACE, or equivalent, with at least one principal pass and two subsidiary

passes obtained at the same sitting3. me sitting

Applicants may apply ONLINE or complete a PHYSICAL FORMA. For Online ApplicationOpen any browser – in the address/search bar, type admissions.kab.ac.ug and search Click Sign up to create an application account (i.e.: set a username and password)Thereafter, log in and click Apply nowScroll through to choose the appropriate Entry Scheme and click Apply now again

Submit To pay application fee, click Pay for Form to generate the Zeepay Reference Number. One can present the number to any bank or bank agent and pay 50,000= plus a bank charge, or use Mobile Money pay method.

B. For application by completing a hardcopy form:1. For applicants who can visit the University or one of the outlets/Liaison

a. Obtain an application form, complete it and attach photocopies of results slips and/or academic transcripts (where applicable)

b. Return the application to any of the following collection points:i. rd Floor, REEV House, Bombo Rd,

Opposite GAPCO Service Station, Wandegeya, Kampalaii.

Municipality iii. Kabale University, Kikungiri Campus, Kabale Municipalityc. www.kab.ac.ug to

download the application form:d. Under Students, click Application Forms to download the application

forme. Fill in the downloaded form, scan it along with Results Slips, Academic

Transcript(s) (where applicable) and application fee deposit slip, and mail the scanned documents to [email protected]

2. To pay application fee, in either case (B. 1 & 2), open any browser and type: payment.kab.ac.ug and search

a. name, contact phone number and email address.

b. Then, click Continue, select Application Fee, and click Continue again. An invoice shall be generated. Check in the top right-hand corner for the Zeepay Reference Number (a 13-digit number). Take the number to any bank or bank agent and pay a non-refundable Application Fee of 50,000 plus a Bank Charge.

Note:1. ONLY

shall be considered.2. Applicants for postgraduate programmes and upgraders must attach

s.3.

also attach copies of equivalence documents obtained from the Uganda National Examinations Board or Uganda National Council for Higher Education, as may be applicable.

4. be obtained from www.kab.ac.ug (under Study at KAB: Fees Structure),

Kampala.5.

in choices6. Enquiries should be addressed to [email protected]; or call

0782860259, 0704583059

The last day for submission of applications is 15th October 2021.

NB: For more details, please visit www.kab.ac.ug


UNIVERSITY GUIDE NEW VISION, SEPTEMBER 28, 2021

BRIAN MAYANJAWriter

STUDYING ONLINE


Nile Breweries Limited (NBL) has launched a competition dubbed “BeSmart DrinkSmart, Beera Mu Class” to promote a culture of responsible drinking amongst youth.

The campaign was launched on September 1 will

four weeks with an aim of reducing the harmful use of

through the campaign, they aim at leading the industry in contributing to the reduction of the harmful use of

students to submit the best ideas to encourage

(Be Smart), which will see students compete in

forms to create winning concepts based on the theme “BeSmartDrinkSmart, Beera Mu Class.”

Director at NBL shared that they intend to create an

the students.

in the world, with 77% of its population being under

shared.

to contribute to the reduction of harmful use of alcohol.

others.

the age of 21 who consume alcohol recklessly and as a

The campaign is therefore geared towards identifying practical ideas from students on how the reduction of the harmful use of alcohol in middle age consumers in

University Smart Drinking Campaign

Alcohol is strictly not for sale to persons under the age of 18.

same university.Previously, she had to move between

the UCU Mengo campus for work and the main campus in Mukono. That is no more, since she can handle both tasks at home.

attended classes, you can access the recordings. Therefore, resources updates are more updated as compared to classroom or visiting the libraries. I recommend people to go for online learning. You just need to have gadgets,” Tumwebaze, who is also the head of Honors College department, a leadership mentorship initiative at UCU says.

INTERNET INSTABILITY

graduated from Makerere University with a Master’s degree in Journalism and Communication, Internet instability and

“At the time, I was pursuing my post

graduate course; Internet was very slow,

some documents. You have to buy enough bundles. Online learning, generally

students. That’s why I ended up studying for four years,” he says.

He adds that some websites are restricted, which means that you have to either pay to access them or you need permission.

The worst moment Nsubuga faced was during the January general elections when the Internet was switched off.

“I couldn’t do my research on the thesis. I also failed to talk to my supervisors through Facebook or WhatsApp,” he says.

Network, says he faced challenges with data and Internet stability while pursuing his media and lean governance diploma online course at Training Center for Development Cooperation (MS-TCDC) institution, in northern Tanzania.

“Things were uploaded. They could give us a link to get the assignment. The assignment had time limit. And during

on, so that they could see what you were doing and to avoid cheating. If your camera was off, they could disqualify you,” Otto says.

All three agree that reduced, data costs would be a boost to online learning.

Leura school of Nursing and Midwifery is a brainchild of the late Dr. Christopher James Lukabyo the former high commissioner of Uganda to Australia. The idea of setting up the school referred to was initiated by young people themselves living in Ibulanku village who wanted to be trained as nursing assistants.

Mandate:The mandate to operate a nursing school is given by major stakeholders 1. Ministry of education and sports 2. Uganda Nurses and Midwifery Council and 3. UNMEB

The Core Values are:Ethics and integrityProfessionalismResponsivenessQuality service to patientsEnthusiasmCreativity and

The school collaborates with Australian aid fund and the

programs and further studies in Australia.

1. 2.

Entry requirements:

pass in Biology, Chemistry, physics mathematics and English

How to apply:

Leura school of Nursing and midwifery at a non-refundable fee of 10,000/=. Interviews are on at the school. Interview fee is 50,000/=

For more information, Call: 0772 869297,0705 569445,0706 187019

P.O. BOX 103 IGANGA-UGANDAIbulanku 2km Busesa along Iganga-Tororo HighwayTel: 0772 869297/0706 569445Email: [email protected]: www.ibulanku.ac.org.

LEURA SCHOOL OFNURSING AND MIDWIFERY

Achieve your dream in Nursing and Midwifery Today!

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Uganda joined other countries, to adopt online learning, especially in higher institutions of learning.

Pamela Tumwebaze, a lecturer at Uganda Christian University, Mukono is one such Ugandan, who has embraced online learning. She is pursuing a Master’s degree in strategic communication at the

REDUCE DATA COSTSOnline learning, generally speaking, it’s very expensive for poor students.

Pamela Tumwebaze


LIVING, LOVING IT

The Government closed institutions of learning for the second time in June when President Yoweri Museveni instituted a second lockdown following a surge in COVID-19 cases.

Following the lifting of the lockdown, only medical schools were cleared to reopen. President Museveni said reopening for other learners would be

vaccination of teachers and students above 18 years has been achieved.

However, for more than a year, teaching and learning has been going on at different universities across the country. This is unprecedented for many students who were used to studying in a classroom environment.

However, for Diana Bukuku, a third-year business administration student at Makerere University, the new normal has been a godsend. She narrated how she used to spend a lot of time and money on bodabodas to catch up with her evening classes. But with online classes, she can study anywhere.

“As a working student, I would sometimes miss classes after travelling upcountry, sometimes I would be around, but my bosses would not let me go if I still had work to do. With online, I can even study in a taxi, at home or even on my bed. You

CAROL K. ADII Writer

STUDYING ONLINE

“All you need is data and chat with class mates and lecturers”

can turn any place into a learning environment. You can even study in a taxi. It is such a beautiful experience and I wish we continue like that,” Bukuku said.

She also noted that the only challenge she has with online is sometimes when she travels upcountry where Internet is disrupted.

David Ssendaula, a student at Makerere University pursuing a master’s degree in mass communication, said studying online is the future and you cannot stop the future.

“Education is expensive

and anyone to achieve and gain you must invest in it. Studying online calls for stable electricity and Internet.

can study as well as do

online, you do not have misunderstandings with your employer. You can deliver his or her work as you are also progressing,” Ssendaula said.

“All you need is data and chat with class mates and lecturers. Sometimes with physical classes, some lecturers are hard to get, but with online, one can access them anytime and they give you enough time,” Ssendaula said.

year student of law at Makerere University, said that she had just started attending lectures when the President closed institutions..

“I was home for long and I got tired of just watching television and reading novels so when the option of studying online came I was

excited. I have become responsible because I supervise myself, when I receive the class zoom link, I make sure that I join class on time. This has taught me to be responsible even if there is no one watching me,” Kusasira said.

Noel Kalanzi, a law student at Uganda Christian University, said with online you can open so many pages and be doing different things without being stuck on one thing like how it is with physical classes.

“With online if a lecturer mentions something you do not understand, you can easily research about it

while still in class. You also save a lot when it comes to photocopying reading materials. You can study while chatting without fear that you will offend anyone. We do not have pressure online,” Kalanzi said.

Suzan Nalukwata, a mathematics teacher, at Natete College, Kampala, says online learning is convenient and saves time. However, she says students who want to be successful in online learning need to be tech-savvy in order to do well.

Nalukwata says it is important for one to be organised before the start of class by checking links to avoid disruptions.

MTAC invites applications from eligible students to take Diploma, Certificate and vocational skills courses for the November Intake.

Vocational Skills Courses include Cooking and Bakery, Tailoring, Fashion and Design, Shoe making and leather tanning, Hairdressing and cosmetology, etc. These take 4 months. The academic certificates and diploma courses take 2 years.

More details here:https://www.mtac.ac.ug/courses/diploma-courseshttps://www.mtac.ac.ug/courses

Applicants are encouraged to visit our office on Plot M175 Jinja Rd, Nakawa. Or visit www.mtac.ac.ug The semester (for new and continuing students) will begin on 1/11/2021.

INVITATION FOR NOVEMBER 2021 APPLICATIONS AT ALL MTAC CENTRES


EDUCATION FINANCINGJOSEPH BAHINGWIREWriter

The Academic Registrar Muni University invites applications from qualified persons for admission to the underlisted Undergraduate and Graduate programmes on Private Sponsorship for 2021/2022 Academic Year, under the Higher Education Access Certificate, Direct Entry Scheme, Diploma Holder’s Entry Scheme, and Graduate Entry Scheme. The deadline for application is Friday 5th November 2021. Eligible applicants MUST fill and submit application form ONLINE on the the URL: http//admission.muni.ac.ug. Please find the detailed Online application procedure at the end of this advert. Successful Applicants will commence their respective Lectures in November 2021.

With a mandate to provide loans and scholarships to Ugandan

students to pursue higher education, the Higher Education Students Financing Board (HESFB) has over the years continued to improve access to higher education despite inadequate funding.

According to Bob Ambrose Nuwagira, the senior

basic education initiatives such as UPE, USE and UPOLET, have increased the number of student enrollment at all levels of education with the enrollment

TO HIGHER EDUCATIONin primary schools now at about 8.8 million pupils and 1.37 million learners in secondary school.

However, out of these, only 186,000 manage to make it to higher education institutions. Of these, the Government, under the merit scholarships, only caters for 4,000, leaving the rest under private sponsorship.

Nuwagira says due to inability of many students to afford fees at higher institutions, there has been high attrition rates at the universities with almost 30% of students dropping out.

“The HESFB is, therefore, intended to address the above

assistance to the needy students on loan basis which when repaid back would create a sustainable revolving fund,” he adds.

IMPACT

has grown from 1,201 in the academic year 2014/2015 to a cumulative total of 11,187 so far.

Nuwagira adds that the number of programmes supported has grown from 26 in 2014 to 130-degree programmes in 2020 and 76 undergraduate diploma programmes mainly in science, technology, engineering and math programmes apart from learners with special needs (PWDs) who can access loans to pursue business and humanities programmes.

APPLYING FOR A LOANApplication for a student loan with HESFB will require a person who is interested to upload the

following. A copy of admission letter

from any of the participating HEI.

A copy of the National ID. Copies of academic.

transcripts.

and a recent passport photo. Proof of payment of the

prescribed processing fees

A sketch map of applicant’s current address/residence.

A sketch map of applicant’s home of origin (if different from current address)

form submitted online.

HESFB INCREASES ACCESS

Bob Ambrose Nuwagira


CHOOSING A CAREER

Excelling at university is one thing and getting a job is another. Even with career guidance sessions in schools, several students still pursue

courses that are not that marketable. They graduate top of their classes, but

for.

BACHELOR OF ARTS IN LAWJohn Semakula, the head of the Journalism department at Uganda Christian University (UCU) Mukono, says a degree in law is one of the most marketable courses in the country.

“Many parents testify that once their children complete the course, they easily get jobs,” he says.

Semakula is quick to add that even

they can partner with colleagues and open up law chambers. Besides, law has

Writer

WHAT TO STUDY AT UNIVERSITY

various branches one can specialise in.

and banking law, civil rights law and constitutional law.

“Lawyers are needed at all times. People get misunderstandings. They also transact, help to legalise documents and act as witness for their authenticity,” he highlights.

BACHELOR OF ARTS IN COMMERCEFrancis Thenge, the programme associate at Strathmore Business School Uganda, says when one graduates with a bachelor’s of arts

degree in commerce and adds ACCA

Accountants) course, they have higher employable chances.

government bodies and insurance companies. “You cannot go wrong with this business programme,” he says.

SCIENCE/ HEALTH PROGRAMMESThere is a global demand for health professionals. The shortage has pushed some countries to woo foreign health practitioners for higher remunerations.

RITAH MUKASA

Prof. Edmund Bizimenyera from the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine at Makerere University, reveals that science programmes, mostly those that deal in human health are highly attractive. He says since they require high entry points, few students qualify for them.

Such health programmes include; Bachelors of dental surgery, nursing science, pharmacy, dental technology, optometry, biomedical science and veterinary medicine.

EDUCATIONEven though the education sector has been hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic that led to closure of schools, Lilian Tindyebwa, a lecturer at Kabale University, says the education course is still marketable.

COURSES TO GET YOU A JOB

CONTINUED ON PAGE 5

“Once schools open, new ones will mushroom and teachers will be on demand,” she says.

However, Tindyebwa highlights that some teachers who teach sciences and languages will always be more on demand than others.

TOURISM PROGRAMMESWith Uganda reckoned as one of the best tourism attractions in the world, a student who undertakes a course in tourism, stands high chances of getting a job, Tindyebwa says. Such courses include degrees in tourism, leisure and hospitality management. Besides being guides and hotel managers, they can also open up tour and travel companies.

AGRICULTUREUganda’s economy heavily relies on agriculture. Also, the pandemic has proved to us that every sector can be disrupted, but not agriculture. There is no way around the demand for food, more so with the growing population.

Prof. Bizemenyera says even if a graduate fails to get a job, they can start a farm and employ other people.

The jobs in the sector include; farm management, agriculture extension worker, instructor in schools, an agro forest specialist, agricultural team leader, agricultural economist, and natural resource management technical

soil and plant scientist, conservation planner and agricultural sales person.

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY (IT)We now live in a digital world where many opportunities require IT or computer-related solutions, Thenge says.

These include courses in basic computer applications, principles of system analysis and design, networking foundations and database management systems. These skills are needed in numerous organisations and work places. An IT student can also start up their own business.

MATHEMATICS PROGRAMMES

and other enterprises look to recruit mathematicians in different positions. Mathematics has different branches. One can pursue a Bachelor of Science

Bachelors of Science in Mathematics. Thenge says there is also high demand

for mathematics teachers.

JOURNALISM & COMMUNICATIONOf late, some smart phone users with

access to social media have turned themselves into journalists. That’s how journalism has evolved.

However, Semakula says the journalism course is still marketable, especially for broadcast and print journalists.

“Media houses and publishing companies and organisations need professional writers, editors as well as communication and public relation

GRAPHICS & DESIGNA graphics and design course is one to run for. Dr Jalia Namuganya, the head of mathematics department at Muni University, reveals that this course is in demand because companies and individuals want designers for their newsletters, brochures and other print work.

LANGUAGES If you study the genesis of a language;


its tenses, adverbs, adjectives and proverbs, Dr Namuganya says you will

You can be hired as an interpreter, editor, teacher, and an instructor, among others. Marketable international languages include French, German, Chinese, Swahili and English. Local ones are Luganda, Luo and Runyakitara.

LOGISTICS AND PROCUREMENTProf. Augustus Nuwagaba, an economic consultant, says logistics and procurement is another area to look

to bridge the gap between supply and consumption centres. Also companies need trained personnel to procure for them raw materials, machines and services. In that regard, logistic and

MARKETING COURSESProf. Nuwagaba says institutions, companies and organisations usually hire marketing and advertising professionals to put their products out there. In fact, the marketing and advertising department is an engine of any company.

OTHER PROGRAMMESEven though there are courses termed as marketable, Dr Rutanga Mulindwa of Makerere University, says there are no bad degrees. “What matters is that the student excels in the programme,” he says. “When you are good at what you do, you will easily get a job,” he adds.

UCU’s John Semakula advises students to choose a course they are passionate about instead of a course where one is just looking for a job.

CHOOSING A CAREER

Construction“The population is growing hence the need for more facilities.

Real estate is a viable industry. Every day, new sites come up and renovations never end. Erisa Kiwana Nkoyoyo, the director and lecturer at Stone

Nansana, in Wakiso, says that will always be with us hence it is a wise idea for a student to pursue civil engineering.“The population is growing hence the need for more facilities. Builders will always be on high demand,’’ he explains. Nkoyoyo says civil engineering almost encompasses everything in construction and, therefore, offers numerous employment options.

UNIVERSITY GUIDE NEW VISION, SEPTEMBER 28, 2021 51

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