Makerere University International Students Tipped on Life at Mak
“Uganda is very peaceful. There is no need to move around with your passport as is the case with other countries… There is no discrimination from Ugandan Lecturers and the ground is level in as far as academics are concerned,” counseled Francis, a South Sudanese 4th Year Bachelor of Petroleum Geoscience & Production Student Representative from the College of Natural Sciences (CoNAS).
This was the uplifting mood as Full-term, Short-term and Exchange Students of non-Ugandan descent listened to speaker after speaker at their orientation organized by the International Office on 7th September 2016. Welcoming students to the event, the Office Head, Mrs. Martha Muwanguzi Ngobi, commended the attendees for choosing to complete part or all of their studies at Makerere University.
“At Makerere University, you will not only be rewarded with the best education and world-class qualifications, but will also be enriched with the cultural diversity and experience,” shared Mrs. Ngobi. She commended their courage and commitment in choosing a foreign country with a foreign culture and committed to support their respective academic and personal journeys.
Representing the Dean of Students’ Office, Ms. Magdalene Kalungi thanked the students for choosing Mak and hoped that as Ambassadors, they would encourage students from their countries and universities. So noted that most universities in the world have embraced student and staff exchanges as an aspect of Internationalization and urged them not to drop the ball.
She outlined the various departments under the Dean of Students and regarding Sports and Recreation, encouraged them to register with their respective Halls of Attachment so as to be able to participate in Inter-Hall Games Competitions. “Most of the students at Makerere University are non-resident, with only 4,300 accommodated on campus. Should you desire to stay in the Halls of Residence, please contact the Warden’s Office at your Hall of Attachment,” shared Mrs. Kalungi.
Mrs. Kalungi then advised Students to acquire appropriate visas and passes so as to make the most of their stay in Uganda by enjoying the privileges accorded to students. “Please visit our offices in Room 204 and 218 in the Senate Building and we shall write you a letter of introduction to the Directorate of Immigration” she advised.
International students were also urged to abide by the University rules and regulations so as to enjoy their stay at Makerere. “It doesn’t stop at being admitted. You ought to pay tuition fees for the respective course chosen and officially register for all the courses selected” cautioned Mr. William Serunjogi, Office Assistant in the International Office. He further encouraged students to read for their exams and ensure that they acquire examination permits prior to the start of the exam period.
The Orientation would not have been complete without representation from the Students Guild. The External Affairs Minister, Hon. Shema Emmanuel introduced his colleagues present who included Hon. Production and Employment Minister, Hon. Musherura Daniel, Social Affairs Minister, Hon. Were Salim and the School of Social Sciences Guild Representative Council (GRC), Laban Kiringi.
Hon Shema reiterated that Makerere is a welcoming community and Uganda is a welcoming country. “I therefore urge you all to get involved in student politics and the International Students Cultural Festival,” he said.