General
Sharing Water: Another collaborative effort from Makerere & Bergen
The Makerere University Guest house compound played host to yet another book launch on Tuesday 17th November 2009. The newly published book is titled Sharing Water: Problems, Conflicts and Possible Solutions – The case of Kampala (2009) and authored by P. Larsson , E. Kirumira , A. Steigen & A. Miyingo-Kezimbira.
The Makerere University Guest house compound played host to yet another book launch on Tuesday 17th November 2009. The newly published book is titled Sharing Water: Problems, Conflicts and Possible Solutions – The case of Kampala (2009) and authored by P. Larsson , E. Kirumira , A. Steigen & A. Miyingo-Kezimbira.
In his remarks, Prof. E. Kirumira welcomed the gathering to the book launch and thanked all the contributing authors for their input into this book, which discusses how nature, people and society in Kampala handle water issues. This book is a result of a multidisciplinary research project on the theme Nature, Society and Water funded under the Norwegian Research councils’s programme “Development Paths in the South”.
Prof. Petter Larsson, Professor at the Department of Biology, University of Bergen, Norway and co-author of the book emphasized the importance of packaging such information into books that can be used as a Future reference.
In giving an overview of the book Andreas L. Steigen, Associate Professor at the Department of Biology, University of Bergen, Norway thanked all the contributing authors for their efforts in making this book a diverse resource covering a wide range of societal issues from planning, conflict management to Ecology. He however challenged them to advance from contributing chapters to books to writing entire books that can be published.
Dr. Robert Kabumbuli , Senior Lecturer, Department of Sociology in the Faculty of Social Sciences Makerere University remarked the challenges in Planning, conflicts and management as covered by the book. Citing the fluctuating population of Kampala, which more than doubles during the day, he noted that the unplanned nature of the city inevitably puts a strain on available resources like piped water. Some of the residents have to make do with protected springs, where conflicts are unavoidable due to growing numbers competing for the scarce resource. He concluded by challenging all stakeholders involved to use concept papers and research findings published in books such as these to manage conflicts that are bound to arise.
Prof. Kirumira then invited Dr. Luyiga Susan from the Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science Makerere University to remark on the Ecosystem challenges as covered by the book. Focusing on the Nakivubo Channel, Dr. Luyiga revealed how city planning had led to the eventual widening, deepening and cementing of the channel, which though aimed at preventing floods in the city, led to the deposition of silt and sediment in wetlands downstream. This eventually leads to increase in suspended solids in the Murchison Bay, where NWSC collects water for treatment.
Odong Robinson reviewed the Health Challenges addressed by the book noting that although colonial plans of the city had designated the hills for settlement and the wetlands uninhabitable, population growths had led to the eventual reclamation of wetlands for settlement. This inevitably increased the likelihood of human to vector interaction and easier spread of diseases like Malaria and Bilharzia.
The Guest of Honor and Acting Vice-Chancellor Prof. Venansius Baryamureeba thanked the University of Bergen representatives and Makerere University Staff for their collaborative efforts, which led to the publishing of a rich and diverse book covering pertinent issues like water. He then challenged the team to tackle other contentious issues like Land.
Furthermore, he thanked the media for covering the event and publicizing the launch of such books, which can act as guides for policy makers. He then challenged the Academic staff of Makerere to not only carry out research and write books but also launch them so as to disseminate information to the public. He then officially launched the book and received a copy signed by all the authors.
The Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe on 20th April 2026 inaugurated the Second Makerere University Health User Committee (Mak-HUC). The Committee was established by the Vice Chancellor in 2022 as part of his strategic mandate to strengthen and oversee the University Hospital services delivery.
Chaired by Dr. Allen Kabagenyi from the College of Business and Management Sciences (CoBAMS), Mak-HUC has as its members; Prof. Josaphat K. Byamugisha-Director Makerere University Health Services (MakHS) and Dr. Daniel Ronald Ruhweza-Department of Law and Jurisprudence, School of Law.
Other members include; Dr. Arthur Kwizera-Department of Anaesthesia and Critical Care, College of Health Sciences (CHS) and Makerere University Academic Staff Association (MUASA) Representative, Dr. Lillian Tukahirwa-Makerere University Administrative Staff Association (MASA) Representative, Mr. Godfrey Othieno- National Union of Educational Institutions (NUEI) Representative, and as Secretariat, Ms. Kevin M. Nabiryo-Directorate of Human Resources.
The 2nd Mak-HUC has been appointed for a period of four years effective 1st January 2026 with a mandate to: Guide, monitor and oversee delivery of health services by MakHS; Represent the interests and concerns of staff and students that use MakHS; Advise on alignment with sustainable health financing and insurance models; Strengthen systems for fraud prevention, digital transformation and access to specialized treatment, among other responsibilities.
The 1st Mak-HUC was chaired by Dr. Allen Kabagenyi and had as members; Prof. Josaphat Byamugisha, Dr. Fred Mayambala, Dr. Zahara Nampewo, Mr. Othieno Godfrey, Mr. Apunyo Paul Okiria and Ms. Ikiriza Racheal. Milestones during the first era included; Outpatient Department visits growth from 4,802 (2022) to 7,388 (Nov 2025) for staff and 14,641 (2022) to 19,069 (Nov 2025) for students.
Others milestones included; Commissioning of a fully equipped Operating Theatre, Establishment of a modern Imaging Hub, Development of a fully functional Audiology Unit, Expansion of the Temporal Bone Laboratory, Launch of the Olink Proteomics Platform and Enhancement of the Dental Unit with 32 dental chairs and experienced personnel.
Related article: https://news.mak.ac.ug/2025/12/three-years-of-impact-makerere-university-health-user-committee-presents-status-report/
By Gerald Ochwo
On Monday, 20th April 2026, the Academic Registrar, Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi and his Senior Management Team (SMT) convened to witness the official handover of office within the Senate Division. The ceremony, attended by representatives from the Directorate of Internal Audit, marked an important moment of transition and continuity in the University’s academic administration. The outgoing Deputy Academic Registrar in charge of the Senate Division, Mrs. Patience Mushengyezi, formally handed over office to Ms. Gladys Khamili, who assumes the role in an acting capacity.
In his remarks, Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi underscored the significance of the transition, situating it within a broader institutional context. He observed that the Department of the Academic Registrar has, over the years, experienced a steady wave of retirements, particularly among senior staff. He noted that this trend is expected to continue, with a considerable number of experienced personnel due to retire within the next two years.
While acknowledging the institutional gaps created by these departures, he reassured staff that the University is actively addressing the situation to ensure the continued efficiency of the Department.
“You will agree with me that the Department has, over the years, witnessed the retirement of many senior colleagues. Their departure leaves behind a significant institutional gap. However, the University is fully aware and will address it through targeted recruitment,” he stated.
In her detailed handover report, which she delivered verbatim, Mrs. Patience Mushengyezi reflected on her tenure with gratitude and a deep sense of fulfillment. She paid tribute to the Vice-Chancellor, in his capacity as Chairperson of the University Senate, for his steadfast guidance and support throughout her service. She also expressed sincere appreciation to the Academic Registrar, Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi, for his pragmatic and results-oriented leadership.
“I remain deeply grateful for the support from the Vice-Chancellor and all members of Senate for the trust they accorded me. I equally thank the Academic Registrar, Prof. Buyinza, for his results-oriented approach to administration. His support enabled us to achieve remarkable progress under the DARP (Digitalization of Academic Records and Processes) Project, including the successful digitalization of Senate minutes, some dating as far back as the 1990s, which are now easily retrievable,” she noted.
Her remarks painted a picture of dedication, progress, and institutional strengthening, leaving behind a legacy that will continue to benefit the University.
In her acceptance remarks, Ms. Gladys Khamili expressed heartfelt appreciation to the Academic Registrar for the confidence placed in her. She acknowledged the weight of responsibility that comes with the role and pledged her commitment to upholding the standards and gains established by her predecessor.
She paid glowing tribute to Mrs. Mushengyezi’s exceptional service, noting that her impact within the Senate Division is both profound and enduring.
“I am truly honored by the trust bestowed upon me. I am committed to building on the strong foundation laid by Mrs. Mushengyezi, whose remarkable contribution and dedication will continue to inspire us all,” she said.
The ceremony not only marked the end of a distinguished era in the Department of the Academic Registrar, but also the beginning of a new phase, underscored by continuity, renewal, and a shared commitment to excellence in academic administration at Makerere University.
Gerald Ochwo is the Liaison and Communication Officer, Office of the Academic Registrar
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