MAKERERE UNIVERSITY, Uganda— Acting Deputy Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs Prof. Mukadasi Buyinza urged academics and professionals to concentrate their research on original work with local and global impact.
Speaking Friday at an orientation for new doctoral students, Buyinza, who is also the academic registrar, told the cohort two class of 2024/2025: “We want new things, if not new, it is a waste of resources. Be unique in your doctoral (PhD) thesis. Find solutions to societal and global challenges and problems.” The orientation took place at the Food Science Auditorium.
Buyinza encouraged the students to seek support from supervisors and peers and to build networks. He also suggested forming PhD group forums to enhance learning and broaden knowledge.
He advised the students to embrace curiosity, passion, and analytical thinking and to challenge existing scholarship. Buyinza also emphasized the importance of lifelong learning in the evolving academic world.
“To benefit from the PhD studies, be ready to continue learning and listen to the professional world so as to acquire a wealth of experience,” he said.
Buyinza also advised students to balance their studies with work and personal life, urging them to prioritize their well-being to avoid mental breakdown.
In a related address, university librarian Dr. Ruth Nalumaga encouraged the students to utilize the university library resources.
The orientation program, organized by the Directorate of Graduate Training, aims to equip incoming PhD students with essential tools.
Director of Graduate Training Prof. Julius Kikooma announced the university’s goal to increase graduate student enrollment to 30% within five years, up from the current 19.4%. He noted the shift to two PhD intakes per year to achieve this target.
Kikooma also highlighted changes in the admission process, stating that admitted students are now immediately considered full PhD candidates, unlike the previous provisional system.
He outlined a new university research agenda with nine priority areas focused on addressing societal challenges in collaboration with government departments. Kikooma emphasized the vital role of increasing graduate students in societal transformation within a knowledge economy.
Under the orientation theme, “Defining tomorrow, supporting doctoral students and shaping the future,” Kikooma described the PhD journey as a life-changing experience for career and personal growth. He assured the students of the Directorate of Graduate Training’s support throughout their studies.
Makerere University received over 534 PhD applications and admitted 171 students for the second cohort of the 2024/2025 academic year.
