Makerere University officially opened the 2025/2026 academic year with a Freshers’ Orientation held at Freedom Square on Monday, 4th August 2025.

The orientation, aimed at inducting first-year students into university life, was presided over by the Academic Registrar, Prof. Mukadasi Buyinza, who also serves as Deputy Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs. He congratulated the students for securing admission to Uganda’s oldest and most prestigious university.

“Focus on your goal. Keep an eye on your goal,” Prof. Buyinza told the new entrants, urging them to remain determined, resilient, and focused on academic excellence and graduation.

He warned them against distractions from politicians, religious factions, and opportunists, while encouraging financial discipline, self-awareness, and openness to diversity.

“You’ve come from diverse geographical and cultural backgrounds to pursue your mission and dreams as a student—open up, embrace diversity,” he said.

Dr. Winifred Kabumbuli, the Dean of Students, advised students to take their health seriously and prioritize essential needs. “Please buy food, don’t buy phones. It’s about your wellbeing,” she said. She reminded students of her office’s role in handling student welfare, accommodation, and discipline. “The Dean of Students’ Office enforces students’ discipline,” she noted.

Mr. Charles Ssentongo, the Deputy Registrar in charge of Undergraduate Admissions and Records, announced that mop-up and appeals admission lists would be uploaded during orientation week. He urged government-sponsored students to collect their admission letters from their respective colleges and clarified that programme changes would be allowed until 15th August, based on eligibility and space.

The 91st Guild President, Ssentamu Churchill James, welcomed the freshers alongside his Vice President, Kadondi Gracious. He urged students to participate in university life and avoid distractions such as unhealthy relationships, drug abuse, gambling, and HIV/AIDS. “Don’t use tuition for cheap money,” he warned, while encouraging faith and hard work.

Security tips were shared by Assistant Inspector General of Police, Bamunoba Ubaldo. “Be alert, plan for the worst, use your common sense and keep a low profile,” he advised. He also recommended avoiding isolated areas and walking in groups.

Mr. Author Moses Opio, Acting Principal IT Officer from DICTS, helped students navigate the student portal and emphasized internet safety. “In terms of security, please do not watch pornography, because the source of the majority of viruses are these pornographic websites,” he said.

Geoffrey Kalebo, Program Director of the Emerging Leaders Program (ELP), introduced students to personal development opportunities available under the Safe Campaign. He encouraged them to seek mentorship and engage in peer support to address challenges like addiction, low academic engagement, and financial mismanagement.

Among the key university staff present were Mr. Eric Tumwesigye (Senior Gender Officer), Dr. Ongaya Kizito (Deputy University Librarian), Mr. Brian Miiro (Deputy Dean of Students in charge of Sports), Mr. Henry Nsubuga (Manager of Counselling and Guidance), and Dr. Hassan Mulema (Head of Clinical Services at Makerere University Hospital).

Former Miss Uganda 2023/2024 and second-year Political Science student, Hannah Karema, encouraged students to take charge of their future. “Your success in this new chapter lies within your control,” she said.

The Freshers’ Bazaar, running alongside the orientation, opened on the same day and is set to continue until Friday, 8th August 2025.