CoNAS Freshers Encouraged to Prioritize Academic Excellence    

Newly admitted students to the College of Natural Sciences (CoNAS) have been strongly encouraged to make academic excellence their top priority as they begin their university journey. During the official College orientation held on 6th August 2025, continuing students shared valuable insights aimed at helping the freshers adapt and thrive both academically and socially in the university environment.

The Deputy Principal, Prof. Juma Kasozi welcoming the freshers to the College

Speaking at the event, Ms. Britah Kemigisha and Mr. Leakey Mbabazi, students of Conservation Biology and Petroleum Geosciences respectively, offered practical advice drawn from their experiences at CoNAS. The two students emphasized the importance of time management, consistent class attendance, and fostering healthy academic competition.

“Be ambitious and attend classes because attendance earns you some marks. Be competitive in a way that promotes excellence,” Mbabazi advised. He encouraged freshers to approach university life with purpose, noting that unlike in high school, university students must take personal responsibility for their learning outcomes. He recommended the use of professional networking platforms like LinkedIn, emphasizing their value in facilitating meaningful connections, expanding one’s professional network, discovering job opportunities, and staying updated on industry trends and insights.

Dr Joel Isanga briefing students about the Department of Biochemistry and Systems Biology

Ms. Kemigisha underscored the importance of building supportive peer networks. “Form groups and inspire each other with rewards based on academic excellence,” she advised, emphasizing that academic group work, peer mentorship, and study circles can be powerful tools for motivation and accountability. According to her, surrounding oneself with goal-oriented individuals creates a positive learning environment that fosters growth and resilience, especially when faced with academic challenges.

The Dean, School of Physical Sciences, Prof. Michael Owor addressing the freshers about the different departments and programmes in the school
Some of the freshers and college administrators at the orientation held on 6th August 2025 at JICA

The orientation programme served as a platform to introduce First Year students to the academic programmes, services, and student life at CoNAS and the University in general. The session led by the Deputy Principal, Prof. Juma Kasozi featured presentations by both College and University leaders, who sensitized the new students on key university policies, academic structures, and support services. School Deans and Heads of Departments in attendance briefed students on the specific programmes offered within their respective units. These included the Dean, School of Physical Sciences, Prof. Michael Owor; the Dean, School of Biosciences, Prof. Arthur Tugume; the Head, Department of Biochemistry and Systems Biology, represented by Dr Joel Isanga; the Head, Department of Chemistry, Dr Emmanuel Tebandeke; the Head, Department of Geology and Petroleum Studies, Dr Arthur Batte; the Head, Department of Mathematics, Dr Ismail Mirumbe; the Head, Department of Physics, Dr Denis Okello; the Head, Department of Zoology, Entomology, and Fisheries Sciences, Dr Godfrey Kawooya Kubiriza; the Head, Department of Plant Sciences, Microbiology, and Biotechnology represented by Dr Godwin Anywar, and a representative from the Department of Exercise and Sports Science. Students were also sensitized on the registration and examination processes, ICT support services, library services, fees payment policies, the Anti-sexual Harassment Policy, counselling and guidance services, the emerging leaders programme, and general welfare at the University.

The Dean, School of Biosciences, Prof. Arthur Tugume addressing the students

On behalf of the Principal, the Deputy Principal, Prof. Juma Kasozi warmly welcomed the newly admitted students to the College. He provided an insightful overview of the key academic units and programmes offered both within the College and across the University. In his address, Prof. Kasozi congratulated the students on securing admission into one of the most competitive, vibrant, and intellectually rigorous colleges within the University. He encouraged the students to take full ownership of their academic journey, emphasizing the importance of commitment, discipline, and focus from the very beginning. Highlighting the value of hard work and determination, he reminded them that the foundation they lay now will shape their future success.

Dr Emmanuel Tebandeke addressing the students about the programmes in the Department of Chemistry

In his address, the Manager of the Counselling and Guidance Centre at the University, Mr. Henry Nsubuga, emphasized the importance of safeguarding mental health. He urged students to prioritize their psychological well-being, noting that maintaining a healthy mind is fundamental for academic success and overall personal development. Mr. Nsubuga encouraged students to actively seek support and adopt positive coping mechanisms to navigate the pressures of academic life.

Mr. David Kisitu, ICT Officer at CoNAS moderated the session
Dr Godfrey Kawooya Kubiriza briefed students about the programmes in the Department of Zoology, Entomology, and Fisheries Sciences, and the significance of the natural sciences in general
Dr. Arthur Batte (L) addressing students about the Department of Geology and Petroleum Studies
Dr. Godwin Anywar represented the Head, Department of Plant Sciences, Microbiology, and Biotechnology
Ms. Britah Kemigisha, a prospective BSc. Conservation Biology graduand briefing students on how to plan for a good CGPA
Mr. Leakey Mbabazi, a prospective Bachelor of Petroleum Geosciences graduand, also offered valuable tips on achieving academic excellence
Mr James Muhwezi, on behalf of student leaders at CoNAS briefed students about life on Campus.
Dr Barbara Nerima from the Department of Biochemistry and Systems Biology briefed students on the emerging leaders programme at the University

The lecturers are expected to commence on Monday, 11th August 2024.

Essential ICT platforms to guide academic work

  1. Student Portal – https://myportal.mak.ac.ug/
  2. Email activation – https://sso.mak.ac.ug/
  3. Webmail – https://webmail.mak.ac.ug/
  4. Online learning Platform – https://muele.mak.ac.ug/
  5. Library System – https://mulib.mak.ac.ug
  6. Knowledge base – https://answers.mak.ac.ug/
  7. Ticketing system – https://support.mak.ac.ug/
  8. Mak Policies – https://policies.mak.ac.ug 
  9. DICTs Youtube Channel – @dictsmakerere  
  10. MAK AIR & Eduroam – Use your mak email and its password

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