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Mak Immortalises Prof. William Senteza Kajubi

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The gathering had a definite aura of composure and respectability about it. Ladies and gentlemen, the majority of whom were well over their fifties gathered on this warm sunny afternoon of 20th December 2010 to witness the unveiling of a Bust of Professor William Senteza Kajubi.

The gathering had a definite aura of composure and respectability about it. Ladies and gentlemen, the majority of whom were well over their fifties gathered on this warm sunny afternoon of 20th December 2010 to witness the unveiling of a Bust of Professor William Senteza Kajubi.

This immortalization in the form of a Bust was done in honour of the good Professor’s contributions towards the development of Education in Uganda.

Prof. Lutalo-Bbosa gives his keynote address at the ceremonyAs true testimony to his influence on the lives of the many people he has interacted with, the entire lineup of speakers that afternoon consisted of either very great friends or former students of Prof. Senteza Kajubi.

In his keynote address, Prof. Lutalo-Bbosa, yet another seasoned and well known educationist gave a glowing tribute to his former Vice Chancellor and great friend. Having met him while still only a young man, Prof. Lutalo-Bbosa’s and Prof. Senteza Kajubi’s academic paths were to later cross at King’s College Budo, then Makerere University, where he rose from Lecturer to become Prof. Senteza Kajubi’s Deputy Vice Chancellor, and then at the Institute of Teachers Education Kyambogo (ITEK).

Professor William Senteza KajubiSome of the key milestones in Prof. Senteza Kajubi’s life were; in 1951 after reluctantly accepting his posting to teach at Kako Secondary School in Masaka, he was later to meet his late wife Princess Elsie Nabaloga and the couple tied the knot on 3rd May 1952. In August 1953, he was granted a scholarship as the first Fulbright Student from Africa, thanks to his late friend and mentor – Professor Emeritus Edwin Munger. Only the year before in 1952, frustrated by the inadequate access to higher education courtesy of a rigid Protectorate Government, he had embarked on a crusade to fight for expanded access to education at all levels in Uganda. In 1955, he returned to King’s College Budo as a Senior Geography Teacher, and later set a record in 1958 as the only teacher to have his entire class, save for one student, score distinctions in the Geography Cambridge School Certificate.

Hajji Mukwaya & his wife, whose children benefited from the Biological Children's Scheme of Makerere UniversityProf. Senteza Kajubi’s personality and professionalism greatly aided his impact on the Education system in Uganda. As a member of the Castle Commission on Education of 1963 and the Education Review Commission (Kajubi Commission) of 1989, he authored/co-authored reports which have acted as the blueprint for the Education System in Uganda since Independence. The impact of this strong foundation is still felt today. Of all government sectors, Education has expanded the most in the last two decades; Primary School enrollment has expanded to over 8million, and University and Tertiary Institutions have thrived. His advocacy for the Biological Children’s Scheme for Makerere University staff enabled government sponsorship for biological children of staff members, a feat that enabled them to access higher education and motivated staff members. Today, the scheme is used in all public universities in the country.

Prof. Lillian Tibatemwa-Ekirikubinza who represented the Vice Chancellor at the occasion recognized the importance of honoring the contributions of Prof. Senteza Kajubi to Uganda’s Education Sector,

L-R Prof. Tibatemwa-Ekirikubinza, Prof. Apolo Nsibambi & Prof. Senteza Kajubi at the ceremony“Honouring those who’ve gone before us gives us a chance to reflect on where we have come from, where we are, and where we wish to be as an institution in the next ten years.”

She reiterated Makerere University’s commitment to supporting government educational programmes like UPE, USE and most recently Universal Advanced Level Education through continuing to strategically position itself produce enough teachers especially science teachers, so as to support government policies like the compulsory sciences at ordinary level.

Speaking as a former student of Prof. Senteza Kajubi, the Right Honourable Prime Minister Prof. Apolo Nsibambi, while reminiscing about his times as a student praised his former Geography teacher

“He mastered the subject of Geography so well that we were able to understand it very well. His delivery skills were very good. He was, therefore, able to capture and sustain our attention,” he added.

Dr. Martin & Mrs. Camile Aliker attended the ceremonyProf. Nsibambi who was later to join his former teacher as a colleague at Makerere University praised Prof. Senteza Kajubi for his dedicated and exemplary service to the East African Community and challenged him to write a book about his life.

In yet another glowing tribute to Prof. Senteza Kajubi, Dr. Martin Aliker, a fellow Budonian, thanked the Professor for his mentorship, which began in Budo and continued all the way to his Masters study in the University of Chicago, USA.

“Since then, we have been together as a family, we have shared in Senteza’s triumphs and trials, tragedies and successes, and I am probably the proudest person apart from his family to be here,” remarked Dr. Aliker.

Prof. Senteza Kajubi unveils the bust at the School of Education, Makerere UniversityAfter unveiling the bust in his honour, Prof. Senteza Kajubi expressed his sincere gratitude at being immortally put on a pedestal and allowed to bask in the limelight of approval by colleagues and friends in the highest seat of learning in Uganda.

Having started out as a humble boy from Kireku village, Singo, 84 years ago, Prof. Senteza Kajubi attributed his love for and pride in whatever he was assigned to do, to the family work ethic. His late Father Yoweri Kajubi was a driver for the Public Works Department and Post Office, and on his retirement on 12th June 1958, after more than 40years of service; he was awarded “The Certificate of Honour” from Her Royal Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II, for his dedicated service to the Uganda Protectorate. His late Mother, Bulanina Namukomya on the other hand was an entrepreneur, who run a shop, tailored dresses and wedding gowns and baked confectionaries. All this was further emphasized by the family motto “OMULIMU LYE LINNYA LY’OMUNTU” (ONE’S WORK IS ONE’S NAME)

Professor William Senteza Kajubi makes gives his acceptance speechProf. Kajubi’s first contact with higher education was in 1938 as a P.5 pupil, who after marching 7miles from Mackay Memorial School in Nateete with his schoolmates, was privileged to bear witness to the cutting of the first sod for the Main Administration Building (at the then Makerere College) by His Royal Highness, The Duke of Gloucester. The message from His Majesty King George VI on this occasion was

“The College will afford splendid opportunities for service and advancement especially for African men and women of which I am sure they will eagerly avail themselves”

Although he admitted to not having comprehended the message then, he is proud to have been one of those privileged men and women called for service and advancement in this country, and later on be recognized and immortalized with a bust in the oldest School of Education in Eastern and Central Africa.

In his words of wisdom to the gathering, Prof. Senteza Kajubi counseled, “If every man and woman in Uganda and the rest of Africa did his or her duty, we would be able to defeat the combined fleet of ignorance, poverty and disease in no time.”

We the members of the Makerere University Community congratulate Professor William Senteza Kajubi upon this worthy honour. As a multi-talented person of integrity with demonstrated commitment to duty, his ability to relate, entertain and socialize, combined with his inexhaustible sense of humour, not to mention his endless list of academic and service accolades impress upon our hearts and minds an unforgettable legacy. Professor William Senteza Kajubi – the “Friend-raiser” is the true embodiment of a mentor for us all.

 

Prof. Senteza Kajubi poses for a group photo after the bust unveiling ceremony. Fifth Left is former two-time Vice Chancellor of Makerere University, Prof. Asavia Wandira

 

 

Downloads 

Rt. Hon. Prof. Apolo Nsibambi's Speech: PDF Version, Postscript Version

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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Celebrating Women in Science at Makerere University

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A female student conducts an experiement in one of the Science Labs, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda

Today, on the International Day of Women and Girls in Science, we celebrate the incredible women scientists at Makerere University who are driving innovation, advancing research, and shaping the future of science in Uganda and beyond.

Your dedication, resilience, and groundbreaking contributions continue to inspire generations. As you break barriers and push the frontiers of knowledge, remember that your work is not only transforming communities but also paving the way for more young women to embrace science.

We honor your achievements and reaffirm our commitment to fostering an inclusive and supportive environment where women in science can thrive. Keep leading, innovating, and inspiring!

Happy International Day of Women and Girls in Science!

Mak Editor

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91st Electoral Commission Promises a free and fair Electoral Process

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By Nickson Maberi

The swearing-in-ceremony for the 91st Students’ Guild Electoral Commission was held on Friday 31st January 2025.  Mr. Joseph Murungi, a commissioner from the College of Health Sciences (CHS) was unanimously chosen as the chairperson of the commision.

Mr. Murungi thanked the good Lord and students for entrusting him with the position and promised to deliver a free and fair electoral process and head a commission that is impartial.

The Dean of Students, Dr. Winifred Kabumbuli urged the new commission to execute its duties in line with the Guild statute and Constitution.

“You must execute your duties in line with the Guild statute and Constitution, anything outside that is invalid. I wish you the best and I am looking forward to working with you,” she said.

Ms. Ruth Iteu, the Head of the Online voting team, urged the commission to avoid being caught on the wrong side of the law as it will lead to severe consequences.

Rev. Fr. Josephat Ddungu, the Chaplain of Makerere University St. Augustine Chapel said they will continue to pray for the commission to have a peaceful and successful.

“The Electoral Commission is a very important body and the success of the electoral process depends on you. Please concentrate on doing what is right before the Lord. As your spiritual leaders, our duty is to pray. We are therefore praying for you to have a peaceful and successful election,” he said.

Administrator who urged the commission to always do the right at the right time.

Mr.  Nickson Maberi encouraged the new commission to follow the law and avoid tarnishing the image of the university.

Mr. Joseph Murungi, Commissioner from the College of Health Sciences (CHS) swearing in as Chairperson of the Electoral Commission for the 91st Guild Elections.

“Makerere University elections attract national attention. Please follow the law and be people of integrity to avoid tarnishing the image of the university,” he guided.

Mr. Aston Tayebwa from the College of Natural Sciences was elected as the commission’s General Secretary while Ms Sharon Nyonyozi from the College of Humanities and Social Sciences was elected as the commission’s Vice Chairperson.

Other commissioners include: Mr. Ijoot William from the College of Engineering, Design, Art and Technology (CEDAT), Mr. Ntambi Moses from the College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Biosecurity (COVAB), Mr. Perez William Mwesigwa from the School of Law (SoL), Alyosius Mutagubya from the College of Computing and Information Science (CoCIS) and Mr. Mugisha Hamidu from the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES).

Mak Editor

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KobWeb: RENU’s Community Magazine – 2024 Edition

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Cover page of KobWeb: RENU's Community Magazine, 2024 Edition. Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

The Research and Education Network for Uganda (RENU) is a community-driven, non-profit organization with a major focus on nurturing collaboration among member institutions (i.e. research and education institutions), and global partners. Founded in 2006, RENU has grown from a small National Research and Education Network (NREN) that focused on just connectivity needs of universities and research organisations, to a fast-growing specialized ICT solutions provider for the entire Research and Education (R&E) community including schools, colleges, other tertiary institutions, hospitals, and their end users. RENU is located at House No. 31, The Edge, Makerere University and on Plot 6B, Mabua Road, Kololo, Kampala.

Highlights from the 2024 Edition featuring Makerere:

  • Universities Launch Global Coalition to Support Refugee Education at Scale
    • 16 universities from across the globe have come together to improve and increase access to higher education for refugees and their communities, where they reside. Universities based in Africa, Europe, and North America formed the Global University Academy (GUA) following a workshop hosted by the University of Oslo in June 2024.
    • The GUA is currently looking into the possibility to pilot the initiative in Uganda. Key partners in this work are Makerere University and Gulu University, who are already actively engaged in providing access to higher education for refugees, and the Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) Uganda.
  • Advancing Child Welfare The AfriChild Centre’s Inter-University Programme
    • The Inter-University Programme, spearheaded by the Centre of Excellence for the Study of the African Child (AfriChild Centre), is a landmark initiative focused on equipping researchers with the essential skills needed to conduct high-quality child-focused research. The success of the Inter-University Programme is built on the strong partnerships the AfriChild Centre has established with universities including Makerere University.
  • Liberate your Mind from the Present and Dream Big to Provide Meaningful ICT Solutions for Research and Education!
    • At the 2024 RENU ICT Directors Forum, Dr. Francis F. “Tusu” Tusubira, the Chief Guest, delivered an electrifying address urging ICT leaders to dream beyond the present and shape the future of research and education. Reflecting on his time at Makerere University, he shared his philosophy of granting autonomy to team members and supporting them unconditionally. “Allow your team to make decisions and mistakes, especially in the current environment, which presents opportunities for learning. Protect them when they make mistakes. Once you do this, your team will build your dream.”
  • Advancing Open Science and Open Access in Africa, with a Focus on Uganda
    • Open Science and Open Access have emerged as transformative movements in the global academic and research community. Their principles—sharing knowledge freely, fostering collaboration, and driving practical solutions to societal challenges—are especially resonant in Africa, where equitable access to resources and innovative solutions are essential for sustainable development. Institutions like Makerere University are driving Open Science efforts by encouraging researchers to adopt open frameworks.

Visit RENU to download full edition

Mark Wamai

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