Today, Makerere University’s College of Business and Management Sciences, specifically the School of Statistics and Planning, hosted an engaging and insightful orientation for its incoming students. The event aimed to seamlessly integrate new students into the academic community, providing them with essential guidance and inspiration for their journey ahead.
Dr. Allen Kabagenyi, the Head of the Department of Population Studies, delivered the opening remarks, setting an inspiring tone for the day. She described Makerere as “a place where dreams are birthed,” emphasizing the University’s unwavering commitment to both academic and personal development.
In her address, Dr. Kabagenyi outlined the department’s core values, vision, and mission, underscoring its dedication to excellence and innovation. She provided an overview of the Department of Population Studies’ programs, which include undergraduate degrees, postgraduate diplomas, master’s programs, and doctoral studies. Dr. Kabagenyi also highlighted the department’s remarkable faculty, noting that all 14 staff members hold PhDs in their respective fields, ensuring students receive top-tier instruction.
She urged the students to prioritize their academic pursuits, advising them to diligently attend both physical and virtual classes, maintain their mental and physical health, and manage their tuition payments promptly. Dr. Kabagenyi encouraged students to seek guidance from faculty members and actively engage with the academic community to enrich their learning experience.
Following Dr. Kabagenyi’s address, Ms. Olivia Nankinga offered valuable advice on achieving academic excellence. She emphasized the importance of maintaining high academic standards, encouraging students to aim for grades above 90% to secure a first-class degree.
Dr. Peninah Agaba then provided insights into campus life, urging students to cultivate independence and seek support from staff whenever needed. She stressed the importance of balancing academic responsibilities with spiritual and social life, particularly emphasizing awareness of health issues such as HIV, STDs, and pregnancy. Dr. Agaba also promoted participation in sports activities and advised students facing financial difficulties to consult the Registrar and Bursar. She further recommended that students seek mentorship from staff to guide their academic and personal growth.
Dr. Stephen Wandera offered detailed insights into the curriculum, explaining the course units that students will undertake over the three years of the program. His presentation helped students gain a clearer understanding of the academic journey ahead.
Finally, Dr. Patricia Ndugga discussed the various employment opportunities in the field of population studies and introduced students to relevant professional bodies they could join to advance their careers.
The orientation served as a comprehensive and inspiring introduction to Makerere University’s vibrant academic environment, setting the stage for a successful and fulfilling academic journey for the incoming students.