The 75th platinum graduation ceremony at Makerere University also marked the graduation of the inaugural cohort of the Master of Social Work (MSW) program hosted under the College of Humanities and Social Sciences. Launched in the School of Social Sciences in 2020, this program prepares social work professionals to address complex social issues through advanced social work practice and research.
Five pioneer candidates (3 females and 2 males) namely; Ms. Shadiah Namukwaya, Ms. Maria Ndibalekera , Ms. Sarah Nzima. Kaduwanema John and Musinguzi Karlmarx graduated with a masters of Socilal work. These candidates have exemplified dedication and commitment to enhancing social welfare and their achievement marks a significant milestone for the Department of Social Work at Makerere University and the social work profession in Uganda.
Namukwaya Shadiah
Namukwaya Shadiah investigated workplace hazards and occupational health services of brewery industries in Uganda focusing on female employees at Parambot Breweries Limited (PBL) in Kampala
“I feel truly blessed to be one of the pioneers of the Master of Social Work program at Makerere University. This program has been a blessing in my life contributing significantly to my personal, academic, and professional development” Namukwaya said.
Throughout her studies Namwaya narrated how she the incredible opportunity to moderate national and international social work conferences. She a also participated in international student and cultural exchange programs at the University Institute of Lisbon in Portugal, Howest University of Applied Sciences in Belgium, and AHRC Camp Anne in the USA.
“These experiences, alongside the advancement of my research skills have unlocked opportunities l never imagined. I am profoundly grateful to the Department of Social Work for its exceptional academic training and mentorship, to my parents for their unwavering support, and to God for guiding me throughout this journey. Moving forward, I remain committed to the fundamental principles of social work.” She added
Nzima Sarah
Nzima Sarah investigated the role of mobile telephones in enhancing women’s participation in the commercialisation of potato farming in Kabale District. This study aimed to assess the impact of mobile telephones in enhancing women’s participation in the commercialization of potato farming in Kabale district.
“I have always been driven by a desire to help others, and I found social work to be the perfect career path to fulfill this goal. Studying the Master of Social Work at Makerere University has not only deepened my academic knowledge but also allowed me to apply key principles in my professional life and daily interactions” Nzima says over time, her understanding of social work has evolved, especially in recognizing the importance of social policy in the profession.
“The skills I have gained, including communication have empowered me to navigate personal and work-related challenges more effectively. I am deeply grateful to the Department of Social Work, Makerere University for its academic training and empowering me to deal with every challenge that I interfere in life” She appreciated
Maria Ndibalekera
Maria Ndibalekera investigated the Perception of Risk and Protective Factors Associated With Child Neglect Among Fathers in Wakiso District, Uganda.
“ I am excited to graduate with a Master of Social Work and to be one of the pioneers of this program. After a long desire to upgrade my skills in the social work field, I was thrilled when the Department of Social Work, Makerere University launched this course in 2020”. She said. Maria expressed pride that throughout the course, she enjoyed being groomed further into the profession by some of the region's expert Social Workers and Professors. “The teaching modalities were also hands on; I remember reading over 20 articles every week to prepare different presentations for different course units each week. This greatly deepened my social work knowledge and skills as well as my critical thinking and desire to publish in the field.. As this journey ends, I am thrilled to start another one with more esteem for the social work profession”. She is ready. to contribute to positive social change and transformation in Uganda and beyond.
Karlmax Musinguzi
Karlmax Musinguzi investigated the Ministerial Co-supervision Regimes in the National Social Security Fund: Implications for Decision-making.” Leadind to his attainment of the degree of Master of Social Work.
“ I construe it to be a milestone, a lifetime’s achievement. I believe that it has given me forefront competences, skills, suitable professional values and attitudes. More importantly, it has helped me better envision strategies and interventions in the Social Development Sector where I work, including bettering the rights and correcting the wrongs in our overall social and public policy menu as a country. The Master of Social Work course suits very well the Social Work and Social Development Departmental mantra: “Social Development is our Concern.”
He thanked the Department of Social Work, Makerere University and my supervisors for guiding him through this journey.
Kadduwanema John
Kadduwanema John researched on the Structural Equation Model of Social Economic Status, Access to National Identification, and Service Quality Perceptions in Uganda. Graduating as part of the inaugural cohort for the Master of Social Work program at Makerere University is an extraordinary honour.
“This milestone reflects not only my personal journey but also the university’s commitment to advancing social work education in Uganda. I am deeply grateful to my tutors and supervisors for their innovative and experimental approach to learning, which was critical during the challenging period of the COVID-19 lock down. Their seamless integration of remote working technologies ensured that our academic progress remained uninterrupted and that we emerged stronger and more resilient. I am delighted to not only have attained this qualification but also secured a scholarship for a PhD in Social Work. This is such a humbling achievement” He said expressing hope that this program inspires more social workers to pursue advanced education and that scholarship opportunities will be expanded to support future learners.