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An Enchanting evening in celebration of 200yrs of Chopin Music

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As the evening breeze gently swayed the ribbons and other decorations, he walked in with a sense of purpose, and paused briefly to take in the surrounding. His sweeping gaze observed the walls draped in the traditional Makerere red, black and green; the audience murmuring softly;

As the evening breeze gently swayed the ribbons and other decorations, he walked in with a sense of purpose, and paused briefly to take in the surrounding. His sweeping gaze observed the walls draped in the traditional Makerere red, black and green; the audience murmuring softly;

the piano, set and ready to go; and finally the dignitaries conferring quietly at the high table. With a satisfied grin, he took a few steps and assumed his position at an imaginary podium. Back straight and respectfully clutching the programme of the day with both hands in front of him, he cleared his voice and made his remarks.

“It is my honor, to invite you today, to a concert where we are celebrating 200years since the birth of Francois Fryderyk Chopin,” remarked Prof. Justinian Tamusuza, Department of Music, Dance and Drama and emcee of the evening, as he welcomed the audience. The Chopin Music Concert was jointly organized by the Quality Assurance Directorate and The Department of Music, Dance and Drama, and featured eight of the over 230 pieces of Chopin’s surviving work.

Francois Fryderyk Chopin (1 March 1810 – 17 October 1849) was a Polish Composer, Virtuoso Pianist, and music teacher of French-Polish parentage. He was one of the great masters of Romantic music, and his music is penetrated by a poetic feeling that has an almost universal appeal. On the evening of Friday November 26, 2010, Makerere University’s Senior Common Room played host to the first ever Chopin project in East and Central Africa, and four of Uganda’s distinguished pianists; Fredrick Kiggundu Musoke, Wilson Tamale, Job Ivan Tezigattwa and John Baptist Walugembe had been lined up to enchant the audience.

The evening’s able emcee was however not yet done with his audience. Before he could invite the Vice Chancellor to address his guests, he ordered everyone in the room to switch off their phones and strictly not to applaud, until the pianists had finished their pieces, as signaled by a polite bow. “I am a dictator and I hope we will all adhere to this,” he added to the amusement of the now anxious audience.

The Vice Chancellor Prof. Venansius Baryamureeba in his speech read by Dr Tickodri-Togboa, commended the Quality Assurance Directorate and the Department of Music, Dance and Drama for embracing the University’s strategic vision. “As an institution that is increasingly becoming conscious of the importance of integrating internationalization in her core functions, we are truly proud to be the pioneers not only in Uganda, but in the East African region to participate in this project,” remarked Dr Togboa. Without further ado, Prof. Baryamureeba then wished everyone a great evening.

Wilson Tamale holds an Associated Board of Music (ABRSM) diploma in piano playing and has until recently, been living in Iowa State, USA. He kicked off the evening’s performances with an Etude in C Major. Op. 10 No.1, and the audience were immediately captivated. The audience watched with almost bated breath as this up-tempo piece, which required swift movements of the fingers as well as accuracy was played. However, the towering Wilson Tamale seemed to breeze through the piece and the resounding applause as he bowed at its end was well earned. His performance had indeed set the pace for this “vehicle artistic expression”, The Chopin project.

The bespectacled John Baptist Walugembe was soon to follow with another Etude in F Minor. Op. 25 No.2 and the first Nocturne of the evening in A flat Major. Op. 32 No. 2. Whereas Etudes as piano pieces focus on stretching the fingers, Nocturnes on the other hand are shorter pieces with a song-like melody. Walugembe an Engineer by training who currently works as a management consultant showed his expertise in not only playing the more dazzling Etude but also seamlessly switching to the more melodious Nocturne. A respectful bow after playing both pieces and the applause that followed confirmed the audience’s appreciation of Eng. Walugembe’s piano mastery.

The youthful Job Ivan Tezigattwa then played two Nocturnes in E Minor. Op 72 and E flat Major. Op. 9 No. 2. Tezigattwa a Bachelor of Music Student at Makerere University sought to explain that Nocturnes were best suited for playing in the evening; a time most relied upon by lovers to woo their partners. Starting off with the Op. 72 composed by Chopin in 1827, Tezigattwa then switched to the popular Op. 9 No. 2. A glance at the audience at this point revealed faces unmistakably lost in reflection. The evening of musical enchantment had indeed claimed its victims. Their reverie was soon abruptly brought to an end as the piece turned more passionate as it wound up.

Next up was the most traveled of the evening’s pianists. A Civil Engineering graduate from Makerere University, Fredrick Kiggundu Musoke holds the Licentiate of the Royal Schools of Music (LRSM) in piano performance and the Associated Board of Music (ABRSM) Diploma in piano teaching and flute performance. He has performed at the National Theatre, in Amsterdam with the Nairobi Ochestra, at the Edinburgh Festival, and at a luncheon held in honor of Her Majesty the Queen of England when she visited Uganda during the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in 2007.

Before his performance, Musoke dedicated the Ballade in F Minor Op. 38 to his late Engineer Father, who admittedly spent 60% of his time playing the piano. The ballade which opens very softly progresses into an almost violent tempo before halting suddenly then resuming with calmer tempo till its end.

Eng. Walugembe then returned to perform the Waltz Grand ValseBrillante in A Flat Major Op. 34 No. 1, and thereafter Musoke returned to play the evening’s last piece, A Scherzo in C# Minor. Op.39.

Reacting to the evening’s performances, Mr Carr, husband to Mrs. Fiona Carr who taught piano at Makerere University in the early seventies commended the artists for a job well done. He praised the organizers for a putting together a state-of-the-art show, which brought back memories from their times at Makerere where students of the Department of Music, Dance and Drama congregated in the Senior Common Room to listen to similar performances.

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The Vice Chancellor's speech – MS Word Version, PDF Version, Postscript Version

 

 

 

mwamai@admin.mak.ac.ug, Public Relations Office

Mark Wamai

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Mature Age Aptitude Exam Results for 2025/2026 AY

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Senate Building

The Office of Academic Registrar, Makerere University has released results for the Mature Age Entry Scheme Examinations held on Saturday 14th December, 2024.

The Candidates who scored 50% and above in the aptitude test passed the aptitude examination and will have their programme -specific examination paper marked. Those who scored less than 50% failed.

Access the links below for the lists categorised under Science-based and Humanities based programmes respectively:

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Prof. Nawangwe receives African Leadership and Lifetime Achievement Awards

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Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe (2nd Left) poses with his award as H.E. Dr. Jakaya Kikwete (2nd Right) and other officials witness. Makerere University Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe honored with the African Leadership Magazine Person of the Year Award 2024 for his exceptional leadership in education and the Lifetime Achievement Award from the South Carolina House of Representatives in recognition of his remarkable contributions to education and leadership in Africa, 23rd February 2025, Marriott Casablanca Hotel, Morocco, North Africa.

Makerere University Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, has been honored with the African Leadership Magazine Person of the Year Award 2024 for his exceptional leadership in education. The prestigious award was presented to him at a grand ceremony held at the Marriott Casablanca Hotel in Morocco, by H.E. Dr. Jakaya Kikwete, former President of Tanzania and Chairman of the African Leadership Magazine (ALM) Board. The event was graced by the Guest of Honour, H.E. Andry Rajoelina, President of Madagascar.

In addition to this accolade, Prof. Nawangwe received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the South Carolina House of Representatives in recognition of his remarkable contributions to education and leadership in Africa. The award, introduced by Representative Henderson-Myers and the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives, celebrates his outstanding achievements as an educator and his pivotal role in transforming Makerere University into a research-intensive, globally competitive institution.

Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe's African Leadership Magazine Person of the Year Award 2024 for his exceptional leadership in education. Makerere University Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe honored with the African Leadership Magazine Person of the Year Award 2024 for his exceptional leadership in education and the Lifetime Achievement Award from the South Carolina House of Representatives in recognition of his remarkable contributions to education and leadership in Africa, 23rd February 2025, Marriott Casablanca Hotel, Morocco, North Africa.
Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe’s African Leadership Magazine Person of the Year Award 2024 for his exceptional leadership in education.

According to the House Resolution, Prof. Nawangwe has served as Vice Chancellor of Makerere University since August 2017, leading the institution through a significant transformation into a hub for research and technological advancement. Under his leadership, Makerere has strengthened partnerships with global institutions, driven investments in research and infrastructure development, and championed policy reforms aimed at addressing Africa’s developmental challenges. Notably, he played a key role in the establishment of Kiira Motors Corporation, Africa’s first electric vehicle manufacturing company, in which Makerere holds a 4% stake​.

Prof. Nawangwe also serves in leadership capacities on several international academic boards, including as Chair of the Alliance for African Partnerships, Vice Chair of the Australia Africa Universities Network, and Council Member of the Association of Commonwealth Universities. His visionary leadership continues to shape the future of African academia, earning him recognition as one of the continent’s foremost education reformers.

Cover page of the African Leadership Magazine Issue 185 featuring Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe and other dignitaries. Makerere University Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe honored with the African Leadership Magazine Person of the Year Award 2024 for his exceptional leadership in education and the Lifetime Achievement Award from the South Carolina House of Representatives in recognition of his remarkable contributions to education and leadership in Africa, 23rd February 2025, Marriott Casablanca Hotel, Morocco, North Africa.
Cover page of the African Leadership Magazine Issue 185 featuring Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe and other dignitaries.

Upon receiving the awards, Prof. Nawangwe expressed his gratitude, saying, “I thank the ALM and the South Carolina House of Representatives for these prestigious awards. I am deeply grateful to the voters across Africa who recognized my efforts, as well as the dedicated staff and students of Makerere University, whose hard work and commitment have made this achievement possible.”

The African Leadership Magazine Person of the Year Award celebrates individuals whose contributions have positively impacted Africa’s growth and development. The Lifetime Achievement Award from the South Carolina House of Representatives highlights Prof. Nawangwe’s influence and dedication to advancing higher education in Africa. These honors not only celebrate his personal achievements but also elevate Makerere University’s global standing, reinforcing its legacy as a beacon of academic excellence and leadership.

Betty Kyakuwa
Betty Kyakuwa

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Princess Zahra Aga Khan Visits Mak, Tours Innovation Pod

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Princess Zahra Aga Khan (Centre) flanked by her daughter Sarah Boyden (to her Left) and Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi (to her Right) poses for a group photo with members of her delegation and Staff at the Main Building Entrance. Visit by Princess Zahra Aga Khan, a Member of the Board of Directors of the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN), Trustee of the Aga Khan University (AKU) and eldest daughter of the Late Aga Khan IV, 20th February 2025, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

On 20th January 2025, the blazing afternoon sun was temporarily obscured by cloud cover as a convoy complete with VVIP security detail quietly made its way to the Main Building. As the convoy came to a stop at the Main Building’s Eastern staircase, all eyes were peeled to see who this VVIP was. As she emerged, there was no fanfare whatsoever as she proceeded to pleasantly greet the welcoming party. Princess Zahra Aga Khan, graceful by all standards, had arrived at Makerere University, an institution fondly talked about by her father His Late Highness Prince Karim Aga Khan IV.

It was indeed humbling that Princess Zahra Aga Khan, a Member of the Board of Directors of the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) and Trustee of the Aga Khan University (AKU) could include Makerere University on her itinerary. She had earlier on the same day paid a courtesy call on the President H.E. Yoweri Kaguta Museveni at State House Nakasero, and presided over the graduation of 120 students of the Aga Khan University-Kampala.

Princess Zahra who was received by the Acting Vice Chancellor, Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi and the Dean Makerere University School of Public Health (MakSPH), Prof. Rhoda Wanyenze was thankful for the warm reception and Makerere’s unwavering legacy.

Princess Zahra Aga Khan (Right) is received upon arrival in the Vice Chancellor's Office by Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi (Left). Visit by Princess Zahra Aga Khan, a Member of the Board of Directors of the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN), Trustee of the Aga Khan University (AKU) and eldest daughter of the Late Aga Khan IV, 20th February 2025, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Princess Zahra Aga Khan (Right) is received upon arrival in the Vice Chancellor’s Office by Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi (Left).

“My whole life, my father always told me that Makerere was the best University in Africa,” relayed Princess Zahra, before adding “And my whole life he told me how sad it was that tertiary level degrees had been de-funded and what fragility that bred in these countries.” She went on to explain that her father’s philosophy was that if a country cannot train its upper degrees, it cannot build a free, fair and successful economy.

Princess Zahra nevertheless expressed how glad she was to see that Makerere still remains a beacon of higher education, and that the Main Building that was gutted by fire was reconstructed to perfection. “So to come here and see it looking so amazing and beautiful is really good.”

She confessed that her itinerary, though involving many hops to preside over graduations in Kenya, Tanzania and finally Pakistan, was testimony of how much Aga Khan Institutions had evolved over the past twenty years. Princess Zahra explained that partnerships with Makerere and other universities, especially in the aftermath of events such as CoVID-19, were crucial in helping Aga Khan Institutions to adjust. “An institution can become far stronger and more resilient,” she explained.

Princess Zahra Aga Khan (Centre) flanked by her daughter Sarah Boyden (Left) and Dr. Tania Bubela (Right) reacts during the courtesy call. Visit by Princess Zahra Aga Khan, a Member of the Board of Directors of the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN), Trustee of the Aga Khan University (AKU) and eldest daughter of the Late Aga Khan IV, 20th February 2025, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Princess Zahra Aga Khan (Centre) flanked by her daughter Sarah Boyden (Left) and Dr. Tania Bubela (Right) reacts during the courtesy call.

In his welcome remarks, Prof. Buyinza thanked Princess Zahra for including Makerere on her eventful itinerary. “We are more than a century old and have greatly impacted the development and economy of this country, not on our own, but with the big network of our partners in many respects. Your coming reinforces the resolve that we must work together for the good of humanity.”

The Acting Vice Chancellor equally welcomed members of Princess Zahra’s delegation who included; her daughter Sarah Boyden, Mr. Zakir Mahmood-Chairman Board of Trustees AKU, Mr. Amin Mawji, OBE-Trustee AKDN, Dr. Sulaiman Shahabuddin-President and Vice Chancellor AKU, Dr. Tania Bubela-Provost and Vice President Academic AKU, Zeenat Shahabuddin-Regional CEO for Aga Khan Health Services (AKHS) in East Africa, and Joseph Mwizerwa-Associate Vice Provost AKU-Uganda.

Contributing to the day’s discussion, Dr. Sulaiman Shahabuddin the President and Vice Chancellor AKU who has been in Kampala for the last twenty years, admitted that the new campus in Nakawa heralds a new era of growth as they commence student activities in June 2025.

Princess Zahra Aga Khan (Centre) signs the Visitors Book as Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi (Left) and Dr. Sulaiman Shahabuddin (Right) witness. Visit by Princess Zahra Aga Khan, a Member of the Board of Directors of the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN), Trustee of the Aga Khan University (AKU) and eldest daughter of the Late Aga Khan IV, 20th February 2025, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Princess Zahra Aga Khan (Centre) signs the Visitors Book as Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi (Left) and Dr. Sulaiman Shahabuddin (Right) witness.

“Makerere has been and is a distinguished University in Africa. We look forward to engaging and discussing how best we can come up with programmes that can benefit Uganda and Ugandans” he remarked.

As a rejoinder, Prof. Rhoda Wanyenze admitted that AKU’s and Makerere’s academic programmes present a number of potential synergies both in training and research. “Cancer clinical care and research is a big issue for us here; the burden is growing and we need to do more work to be able to characterize exposures and what it is that’s driving it.”

Other areas singled out in the discussion as potential for collaboration included; the environment, climate change and its linkage with health and other issues, and harnessing of the potential Electronic Medical Records (EMR). Makerere University currently partners with the Ministry of Health to roll out EMR systems nationwide, so as to optimize health service delivery in line with the Uganda Vision 2040.

Princess Zahra Aga Khan is received upon arrival at the Mak UniPod by Dr. Cathy Ikiror Mbidde (Right) as Prof. Rhoda Wanyenze (2nd Right) and other officials witness. Visit by Princess Zahra Aga Khan, a Member of the Board of Directors of the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN), Trustee of the Aga Khan University (AKU) and eldest daughter of the Late Aga Khan IV, 20th February 2025, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Princess Zahra Aga Khan is received upon arrival at the Mak UniPod by Dr. Cathy Ikiror Mbidde (Right) as Prof. Rhoda Wanyenze (2nd Right) and other officials witness.

“We have already done quite a number of facilities across the country for HIV, probably more than 1,000, but right now we are moving towards having an integrated electronic system for all care, the interoperability of multiple systems that exist, and being able to scale that up” complemented Prof. Wanyenze.

Prof. Buyinza who brought the lively discussion to a close concurred that a lot of potential areas for collaboration exist between the two partners and reassured Princess Zahra Aga Khan and her delegation of the Makerere’s readiness to undertake joint activities for the good of humanity. He also used the occasion to observe a moment of silence in honour of His Late Highness Prince Karim Aga Khan IV, who passed away on 4th February 2025.

Following the signing of the Vice Chancellor’s Visitors Book, Princess Zahra Aga Khan and her delegation proceeded to the Makerere University Innovation Pod (Mak UniPod), where they received a guided tour from Dr. Cathy Ikiror Mbidde, the Director.

Mark Wamai

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