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Mak Bids Farewell to the old University Council

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Bidding farewell, for most, is usually a sad affair. However, on this particular night, it was a time for appreciation and celebration! The Makerere University community came together on 11th January, 2011 to bid fare thee well to the outgoing Council that has served Makerere for the last four years.

Bidding farewell, for most, is usually a sad affair. However, on this particular night, it was a time for appreciation and celebration! The Makerere University community came together on 11th January, 2011 to bid fare thee well to the outgoing Council that has served Makerere for the last four years.

Prof. Venansius Baryamureeba makes his remarks at the DinnerPraises filled the air as speaker after speaker commended the outgoing council for a job well done. And their response, words of encouragement and wisdom to the new council members.
“We are expecting a lot from you, especially in the area of policy. We are ready to work under your guidance.” Prof. Baryamureeba said to the new Council members, as he made his brief remarks.

In her personal reflection, Mrs. Christine Kiganda, the Vice Chairperson of the Makerere University Council (2002- 2010) confessed that her eight year tenure had been a profound experience that greatly changed the lives of her family. “It has touched and formed us so fundamentally that we will never be the same again.” Mrs. Kiganda emotionally highlighted.

Mr. & Mrs. Kiganda chat with Ms. Shifrah LukwagoMrs. Kiganda confessed that she has lived through periods of both student unrest in the earlier years and the relative calm experienced today. Through close interaction with the students, Mrs. Kiganda’s experience has led her to understand that the majority of the students were genuinely struggling to understand and resolve issues at the university, all along being tempered by negative adult forces in the wider society.
“I would agree with bringing the students into all important forums and giving them hands on training in running their own and institutional affairs.” Mrs. Kiganda recommended.

Governor BoU-Prof. Tumusiime Mutebile, Dean FEMA-Prof. Ddumba Sentamu and Hon. Matthew Rukikaire chat at the functionThe high profile affair was graced by some of Uganda’s influential personalities such as the Governor Bank of Uganda, the Southern Sudan Ambassador to Uganda, the University Secretary Busitema University, former Vice Chancellors and Deputy Vice Chancellors , Deans and Directors of Makerere University, among others.

In his speech, the former Makerere University Council Chairperson Hon. Matthew Rukikaire confidently assured the gathering that he believes that in repositioning the role of Makerere University in society, Makerere will no longer only be known as the ivory tower but as a university of learning and research whose products are delivered to promote the wellbeing of the country. He also challenged the university staff to move out and address real social issues, demand from government to be heard and play a role in government programmes.

Eng. Dr. Charles Wana Etyem makes his remarks as New Chairperson“I have got no doubt that this new group is going to push forward Makerere, especially at a time when we, the former Council, have created stability and a better relationship with government and as Makerere now goes out to play a role with the extended society,” Hon. Rukikaire added.

In his first speech, the incoming Council Chairperson Eng. Dr. Charles Wana- Etyem praised his predecessor; Hon. Mathew Rukikaire for being a brilliant team leader and consensus builder. “It was indeed a privilege to serve with him in the previous council, but a greater privilege is for me to succeed him as the Chairman. I hope I will fit in his very large shoes,” Dr. Wana-Etyem remarked.

The new council consists of highly qualified men and women; the composition reflects a diversity of expertise and experience. There are members that bring on board the traditions of the 1960s like Mr. Stephen Maloba, members of the “dot com” era like Bruce Kabasa, among others. This rich composition will surely bring about a smooth and mature policy formulation and decision-making process.

Chancellor-Prof. Mondo Kagonyera, Prime Minister-Prof. Apolo Nsibambi & Hon. Matthew Rukikaire share a light momentRepresenting the Ministry of Education and Sports, Ms. Elizabeth Gabona deeply appreciated the efforts of the former University Council. “Thank you for loving Makerere and doing your very best!” She also thanked Makerere staff and the student body for the support they have given the council over throughout their term.

The Guest of Honour, Rt. Hon. Prime Minister, Apolo Nsibambi, while quoting Section 40 of the Universities and Other Tertiary Institutions Act, explained that the University Council is the supreme organ of the university and is therefore responsible for the overall administration of the university, and ensuring that the university duly implements its objects and functions. He thereafter commended the outgoing council for doing an excellent job.

Dr. Katherine Namuddu-Vice Chairperson CouncilMr. Kahundha Muhwezi-University Secretary and Secretary to Council“Your outgoing Council has registered many achievements as we have heard tonight. These achievements demonstrate no more than a vision, collective work and focused leadership of the Rukikaire-Kiganda led Council,” Prof. Nsibambi added.

The Makerere Community is confident that the new University Council will carry on with this legacy, as they take Makerere to even greater heights. The incoming Deputy Chairperson Council Dr. Katherine Namuddu in moving a vote of thanks commended the Office of the Vice Chancellor and the University Secretary Mr. David Kahundha Muhwezi, for successfully organising the colourful event. Mr. Muhwezi is also Secretary to the University Council.

Downloads 

Reflections on two terms as Vice Chairperson: Mrs Christine Kiganda MS Word Version, PDFVersion, Postscript Version

Hon. Matthew Rukikaire's address: MS Word Version, PDFVersion, Postscript Version

Eng. Dr. Charles Wana Etyem's Inaugural address: MS Word Version, PDFVersion, Postscript Version

The Prime Minister Rt. Hon. Apolo Nsibambi's address: PDFVersion, Postscript Version

Article by Moreen Katushabe

Denis Wamala

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Uhuru Kenyatta, African Leaders Inspire Youth at Guild Leaders’ Summit

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Second Annual Guild Leaders’ Summit, organized by the Guild Presidents Leadership Academy, keynote address by Former President of Kenya, H.E. Uhuru Kenyatta, 24th April 2025, Yusuf Lule Central Teaching Facility Auditorium, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda.

In a vibrant celebration of youth leadership and African unity, Makerere University hosted the Second Annual Guild Leaders’ Summit, an event that brought together high-profile dignitaries, student leaders, and international partners for a powerful dialogue on the future of the continent. The summit, organized by the Guild Presidents Leadership Academy, served as a rallying point for East Africa’s young leaders to confront Africa’s most urgent challenges—on their own terms and with their own solutions.

A Warm Welcome and Reflections on Makerere’s Legacy

The Vice Chancellor, Professor Barnabas Nawangwe, welcomed the distinguished guests, who included Former President Uhuru Kenyatta of Kenya, Uganda’s Vice President H.E. Jessica Alupo, former Prime Minister Rt. Hon. Ruhakana Rugunda, Justice Simon Byabakama, Hon. Mathew Rukikaire, and European Union Deputy Ambassador Mr. Guillaume Chartrain, among others.

In his address, Prof. Nawangwe reflected on Makerere’s deep historical ties to East Africa’s liberation and development movements. He reminded the audience that Makerere University has been a crucible for the continent’s leadership, stating:

“Jomo Kenyatta was the first person to receive a degree from Makerere when, in 1963, he was awarded an honorary doctorate by then Chancellor Julius Nyerere. All freedom fighters in East Africa studied at Makerere.”

H.E. Uhuru Kenyatta is received upon arrival at Makerere University by the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe. Second Annual Guild Leaders’ Summit, organized by the Guild Presidents Leadership Academy, keynote address by Former President of Kenya, H.E. Uhuru Kenyatta, 24th April 2025, Main Building, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda.
H.E. Uhuru Kenyatta is received upon arrival at Makerere University by the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe.

Building on this rich history, Prof. Nawangwe affirmed the university’s current mission to tackle pressing continental issues. “Today,” he said, “Makerere is committed to addressing Africa’s challenges—climate change, disease, poverty, food security, conflict resolution, and economic development. But we cannot do this alone.”

He echoed sentiments later shared by the keynote speaker, stressing that Africa must no longer depend on external interventions:

“Foreign agencies will not solve all Africa’s problems. It is our young people who must step forward and lead the change.”

Uhuru Kenyatta: “You Are the Last Line of Defence”

In a keynote address that resonated deeply with the students and delegates in attendance, Former President Uhuru Kenyatta issued a bold and urgent call to action for Africa’s youth.

“No one is coming to save us,” Kenyatta declared. “You are the last line of defence in the battle to rescue the heart and soul of Africa.”

H.E. Uhuru Kenyatta (2nd Right) poses for a group photo during the courtesy call on the Vice Chancellor with Left to Right: Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, Ms. Sarah Kagingo and Guild President-H.E. Churchill James Ssentamu. Second Annual Guild Leaders’ Summit, organized by the Guild Presidents Leadership Academy, keynote address by Former President of Kenya, H.E. Uhuru Kenyatta, 24th April 2025, Main Building, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda.
H.E. Uhuru Kenyatta (2nd Right) poses for a group photo during the courtesy call on the Vice Chancellor with Left to Right: Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, Ms. Sarah Kagingo and Guild President-H.E. Churchill James Ssentamu.

Positioning today’s youth as the heirs of the continent’s freedom fighters, Kenyatta described the current moment as a new “independence era”—not of political liberation, but of economic and intellectual sovereignty. He urged students to think critically about intra-African trade, which currently accounts for less than 2.5% of global commerce, and to advocate for the removal of internal barriers to trade, innovation, and mobility.

“You are the freedom fighters of this generation,” he said. “Universities must be incubators of change, and students must be the trustees of tomorrow’s Africa.”

Pan-Africanism, Leadership, and Action

Uganda’s Vice President H.E. Jessica Alupo encouraged students to take up the mantle of Pan-Africanism with unwavering commitment. She acknowledged that while the rhetoric of African unity is inspiring, real progress demands more than words:

Left to Right: The Vice President-H.E. Jessica Alupo, Prime Minister Emeritus-Hon. Dr. Ruhakana Rugunda, Hon. Matthew Rukikaire and other dignitaries follow proceedings. Second Annual Guild Leaders’ Summit, organized by the Guild Presidents Leadership Academy, keynote address by Former President of Kenya, H.E. Uhuru Kenyatta, 24th April 2025, Yusuf Lule Central Teaching Facility Auditorium, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda.
Left to Right: The Vice President-H.E. Jessica Alupo, Prime Minister Emeritus-Hon. Dr. Ruhakana Rugunda, Hon. Matthew Rukikaire and other dignitaries follow proceedings.

“You must embrace the spirit of Pan-Africanism. But it is easy to say these words—the challenge lies in collective implementation.”

She emphasized the importance of action-oriented leadership and urged the youth to harness their creativity, energy, and education for the benefit of the continent.

European Union’s Message: Leadership with Integrity

Representing Team Europe, the EU Deputy Ambassador to Uganda, Mr. Guillaume Chartrain, gave a passionate speech on the values of authentic leadership, integrity, and inclusive development. He praised Makerere University as a space where “intellectual ambition meets civic responsibility” and emphasized that leadership is not about prestige, but purpose:

“Be a leader because of what you want to be—not because of what you want to have,” he said.

Citing former Makerere alumni such as Julius Nyerere and Wangari Maathai, Chartrain called on students to model courage, resilience, and humility:

“True leadership emerges in moments of loss—when resilience, not triumph, becomes the measure of one’s character.”

The EU, he said, remains committed to supporting youth through programs like Erasmus+, the EU Youth Sounding Board, and partnerships with organizations like Faraja Africa Foundation and Restless Development. These initiatives empower youth not as symbols, but as active participants in shaping policy and governance.

The Legacy Continues

Throughout the summit, speakers highlighted the importance of legacy and long-term impact. They challenged young leaders to think not just about the present, but about the systems and institutions they will leave behind. In the words of Former President Kenyatta:

“Leadership is not about the next election. It’s about the next generation.”

The summit ended on a high note, with students invigorated and inspired to lead with purpose. As global support grows less predictable and Africa stands at a crossroads, the message from Makerere was clear: the future of the continent is in the hands of its youth. And as the Guild Leaders’ Summit demonstrated, they are ready.

Betty Kyakuwa
Betty Kyakuwa

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Admission Lists for Diploma Holders under Government Sponsorship for 2025/2026 AY

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One of the First Class Graduands Shafik Senkubuge (2nd Right) in a group photo with part of the BEHS Class of 2024. 74th Graduation Ceremony, Day 1, School of Public Health, College of Health Sciences (CHS), 29th January 2024, Freedom Square, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

The Office of Academic Registrar, Makerere University has released lists of Diploma holders admitted under the Government Sponsorship Scheme for the Academic Year 2025/2026.

Under the Diploma Holders Government Sponsorship Scheme admission does not exceed 5% of the intake capacity to the respective Degree Programme.

The list can be accessed by following the link below:

Mak Editor

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Call For Applications: AlphaFold Workshop Uganda 2025

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Are you a researcher or student working in protein-related research, structural biology, or bioinformatics?

The African Center of Excellence in Bioinformatics and Data Intensive Sciences (ACE) Uganda with support from Google DeepMind, invites researchers and students seeking to integrate AlphaFold into their work to apply for the AlphaFold Workshop to be held at the Infectious Diseases Institute, Makerere University-Kampala, Uganda from 16th to 20th June 2025.

Deadline: 30th April 2025

Apply here: AlphaFold Workshop – Uganda 2025

Mak Editor

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