Held at the Arts Quadrangle on Thursday, 7th August, 2025, the event marked the beginning of an exciting academic journey for the new students.
The Principal of the College of Humanities and Social Sciences (CHUSS) at Makerere University, Professor Helen Nambalirwa Nkabala welcomed freshmen to the college during the orientation ceremony for the 2025/2026 academic year emphasizing the critical role of humanities in shaping society and urged the students to recognize their importance in driving societal change leveraging the opportunity of being admitted at prestigious University.
“You are the people who will organize this world. If you don’t understand your role from day one, we are bound to fail, but if you do, we are bound to succeed”.
The Principal proudly described CHUSS as the intellectual heart of Makerere University, highlighting the college’s rich cultural heritage and creativity.
Prof. Nkabala pledged that the college’s academic, administrative, and support staff are committed to ensuring the students’ stay at Makerere University is both enjoyable and productive.
The students were briefed on university policies, rules, and regulations, and received guidance on social life, personal security, and the importance of discipline.
Professor Eric Awich Ochen, Deputy Principal of the college offered a crucial navigational guide to the new cohort beginning by orienting the students to their primary lecture hub, stating, “Today, I’m going to talk about CTF-1, or Central Teaching Facility-1, which is also called Frank Kalimuzo Central Teaching Facility. This big building right next to Social Sciences is a place where you’ll be having most of your lectures as well. There are several lecture rooms there that we actually use.”
He detailed the locations of various schools and departments. He clarified that for Psychology students, their school is next to Complex Hall, while Gender students would be oriented with BA Social Sciences in the building behind the School of Social Sciences, specifically the Upper Lecture Theatre on the third floor.
He focused new students to the importance of absorbing the day’s wisdom just as the Bible says, “So I think very many good words, words of wisdom, have been spoken to you. I hope you have taken heed,”he stated.
Mr. Vincent Abigaba, the College Registrar started off by emphasizing the registration processes, enrollment are done online as part of digitalization for efficiency. He noted, enrollment in the context of Makerere University simply means that you are telling the university that upon your admission, you are now present and available for academic services.
Additionally, Abigaba said, this clarifies the purpose of enrollment.
He encouraged new students to always reach out to University leadership in case of any need pledging commitment to supporting students with their queries and challenges.
He warned new students not to allow any person to pay for them tuition to avoid potential scams and emphasizes the importance of following proper payment procedures.
Mr. Abigaba also revealed the strict rule on examination malpractice. “If you are found guilty, the least punishment is a suspension from the university for a period that is not less than, that is not more than two years.” he noted.
Ms. Evelyn Kharono, a psychologist at Makerere University’s Counselling and Guidance Centre asked Freshers that as they navigate university life, it’s essential to prioritize their mental health and well-being emphasizing the importance of seeking help when needed.
“The Counseling Center is very important for at least each and every student. This safe space allows you to speak to someone who won’t judge you, helping you process your emotions and challenges,” she highlighted.
She added, “Surrounding yourself with positive influences is also crucial, as peer pressure can be both positive and negative. Focus on building relationships that support your well-being and academic goals.
She reminded them that their mental health is treatable, and seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness.
On her part, College Librarian Patience Atim stated the library’s pivotal role in their academic success, assuring new students how they’re dedicated to serve them.
Atim announced an upcoming practical “task orientation” to familiarize students with the main library’s extensive facilities and resources. She stressed the importance of training sessions, where students would learn to access both physical and electronic resources.
She urged new students to fully utilize the university’s rich academic heritage, stating, “Makerere University really has a rich collection of so many resources, engage with the library’s offerings and leverage its resources to achieve academic success.
“For Michael Mbaine, the College Bursar, outlined the essential functions of his office inking its role in streamlined financial management. He clarified that while the office is broadly responsible for financial management at the College for students, it specifically handles matters relating to tuition payments, payments of functional fees and financial statements.
Mbaine reassured students that making payments to the university has been made very easy through an online system where students generate a Payment Registration Number (PRN) from their portal before making payments at any bank. He noted that payments reflect on student financial statements within approximately 24 hours, and students can always check on their status online.
For flexibility purposes, Mbaine stated, freshmen and women do not need to have all the money to pay at once hence permitting partial payments, and assured that overpayments would automatically be upset in their next semester. For government-sponsored students, living allowances are processed through halls of residence, requiring banking details.
He also stressed the importance of personal financial integrity as this cultivates accountability and discipline, valuable skills extending beyond academic life.
Makerere University, Guild President H.E Churchill Ssentamu focused the new students in the importance of making the most of one’s time in university, ‘you come to a college of excellence, this is where leaders are made.
‘Ssentamu also advised students to prioritize their safety and well-being, arguing them to take care of themselves, not to trust anyone, unless they know them.
He emphasized the importance of setting goals and working towards achieving them, saying “Your mission is to graduate. Your mission is to have a legacy you leave at this institution.” As the Bible says, “What is gotten through prayer must be sustained by prayer,” asking them to persevere and seek guidance.
In the same spirit, Mr. Wotya Ambrose, the CHUSS College Guild Chairperson articulated the indispensable role of CHUSS, declaring it to be the heart and the soul of Makerere University further emphasizing, without College of Humanities and Social Sciences is not complete. He did this in a pursuit of instilling a profound sense of pride and importance in the college’s mission.
He then lauded the incoming students noting, their admission means, they’re the cream of this nation, ‘what an exceptional achievement. Beyond this, Ambrose detailed practical support, urging students to visit the College of Humanities and Social Sciences Students’ Office in Room 68 for any assistance. “We are very available. We are very free, approachable, and we are willing to serve you.”
He went on to introduce his team of student leaders, highlighting the comprehensive support system in place for the new freshman and new fresh ladies of Makerere University who are seen to become the source leading nations, shaping futures.
The college’s commitment to supporting students is inevitable, with various departments and student leaders pledging their assistance. As the students embark on their academic journey, they are are focused towards becoming the next generation of leaders, shaping the future of their communities and beyond.