Makerere University today held its official orientation ceremony for first-year students (freshers) where thousands graced the Freedom Square to take part in this vital gathering. The university admitted over 20,000 students for the academic year 2019/20 during this August intake.
While speaking at the ceremony, the Director Makerere University Health Services, Josephat Byamugisha advised freshers about several health issues among which include staying away from unsafe sexual practices. Byamugisha also warned freshers from sleeping with people whose health statuses they don’t know.
“I would like to warn you about this growing habit of sleepovers. You need to be very careful with people you sleep with. It is also very important that the guidelines that are given by the university are followed. Because we have realized that if not followed, some people end up in the university hospital with injuries” Byamugisha said.
“I would like to see all of you healthier as you complete the programs, you will be having more information, you would have acquired more skills, so it is critical that you respect the reasons why you came here” Byamugisha added.
Also present at the ceremony was Alfred Masikye-Namoah the Makerere University academic registrar who advised the freshers about a number of issues ranging from academics, lifestyle, as well as telling them what to expect during their stay at the state-owned university.
Masikye told the freshers that the university gives students who fail exams up to three chances before advising them to leave. He also warned the new students from being confused by those who have reportedly stayed at the university for more than 7 years.
“If you fail, we will give you a retake, first, second, third attempt and if you fail completely on a third attempt, we shall give you a letter to dismiss you from Makerere University. We want everybody to complete his/her program in the prescribed period” Masikye said.
“There are some of your friends who are seated within you here, they have been here for the last seven years and they are going to confuse you around but I don’t want you to be in that category where you are going to stay here for a very long period of time” Masikye added.
The university Vice-Chancellor Prof Barnabas Nawangwe who wasn’t around but left a speech welcomed freshers to the great institution and told them to feel at home while pursuing their dreams.
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