Dr. Irene Rebecca Namatende who serves as the Quality Assurance Officer, College of Health Sciences Makerere University (MakCHS) received her PhD at the 75^th Graduation Ceremony of Makerere University held 13^th – 17^th January 2025. Congratulations to her on reaching this milestone. Following is a brief interview with Dr. Namatende sharing her PhD journey and inspiration.

Who is Dr. Irene Rebecca Namatende? She hails from Busoga-Iganga-Bubago-Buwaya in Mayuge District. She is the daughter of Mr. Tenywa Mudiba Amuraphel, a Fine Artist, and the late Ms. Aidha Mukyala, a teacher. Irene Rebecca Namatende attended Naluwoli Primary School in Kamuli District, Kiira Academy in Jinja for her O-levels, and Mukono Town Academy for her A-levels.

Prior to PhD studies, she holds a Bachelor of Arts from Makerere University, Postgraduate Diploma in Public Administration and Management (DPAM) and a Master’s in Public Administration and Management from Uganda Management Institute. She also has a certificate in Research Management and Leadership Programme from George Mason University (USA) through IREX/UASP Fellowship in 2019-2020.

Her PhD Journey: My pursuit of a PhD began in 2015 at the East African School of Higher Education and Development Studies, Makerere University. Driven by my enthusiasm for Quality Assurance, I decided to pursue a PhD in Education Management; my research focused on the Management of External Examination of PhD Theses at Makerere University.

The PhD program allowed Irene to develop enhanced research skills and knowledge in quality assurance. She said, ‘I am now well versed in QA mechanisms and have a clear understanding of the policies, processes, and principles that govern external examination in higher education institutions. – I have gained insight into the experiences faced by PhD students. To date, I have published two papers in internationally recognized journals’.

A brief about her Study: The study explored the methods and principles involved in the external evaluation of PhD theses at Makerere University. It outlines the historical, theoretical, conceptual, and contextual aspects of external PhD thesis evaluation at Makerere University. Additionally, it traces the worldwide origins of external examination, examines Makerere‘s specific context, and employs Pryor et al.’s 5Ps Model to assess its effectiveness. The research highlights various challenges, such as delays, compensation for external examiners, and discussions regarding relevance. Furthermore, the study suggests that Makerere University improve its external examination processes, create a solid tracking system for all PhD theses, and recognize and reward both internal and external examiners, as this would inherently encourage examiners to perform diligently and submit the PhD reports promptly, allowing PhD students to graduate within the expected time frame. In conclusion, the study underscores the importance of efficient performance metrics and principled examination procedures for ensuring the academic quality of PhD theses.

What motivated the PhD studies? Her inspiration was Professor Lillian Tibatemwa Ekirikunbinza, a Justice of the Supreme Court. Professor Tibatemwa Ekirikubinza who served as the Deputy Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs at Makerere University and simultaneously held the role of Principal Investigator (PI) for the Quality Assurance Project, sponsored by the Carnegie Corporation of New York in 2005-2006

In 2006, Irene was appointed as the secretary for the Quality Assurance project, working under Professor Elisha Semakula. Both he and Prof. Ekirikunbinza motivated her to aspire to more than just being a project secretary. During this period, she supported the drafting and the writing of QA Policy framework/policy in 2006 and formulated the proposed strategic plan for the Quality Assurance Directorate.    She noted,’my enthusiasm for Quality Assurance, combined with my professional journey from 2006 to 2025, led me to enroll in a PhD program in Education Management at the East African School of Higher Education and Development’.

Challenges during PhD Study: Dr. Namatende highlighted the challenges during her PhD journey thus, “The path to my PhD has not been very smooth. The onset of COVID-19 in 2019/2020 dramatically hindered my ability to concentrate, leaving me at a standstill. 2. During my studies, I experienced the loss of my second supervisor, Dr. Hilary Mukwenda (RIP), with whom I had closely collaborated, which affected my progress. 3. Although my school submitted my book to the external examiner on time, the feedback took nearly eight months, making me feel like a hindrance in my research. Amidst all these challenges, I became victorious”.

Community Service/Contribution: Beside her work as a Quality Assurnace Officer, she also holds various assignments including General Secretary, of Makerere University Senior Administrative Staff (MASA); Chairperson Joint Hymnal Choir – St. Francis Chapel Makerere University from 2019 to 2020; member – Welfare Committee MakCHS; member – Quality Assurance, ICT and Gender Committee, MakCHS; member of the Principal’s Operation Team (POT), MakCHS.

Her quote: ‘Everything Ends according to God’s Purpose’

By Carol Kasujja Adii

Mr. Matia Kabuye Kagimu on 21^st January 2025 officially handed over office to the newly appointed acting Manager of Planning and Development Department, Mr. Emmanuel Kitamirike – a Principal Planning Officer in the same unit.

Presiding over the handover ceremony, Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi who represented the Vice Chancellor commended Mr. Matia Kabuye Kagimu who joined the University service in November 1991 for the vibrant leadership during his tenure as the Manager of Planning and Development Department. He also credited Mr. Kabuye Kagimu for serving Makerere University stakeholders with dedication and humility.

“Presiding over and also witnessing a number of such ceremonies over the years, I have learnt one thing, that they only strengthen our resolve to continue contributing to Makerere University. When you see a colleague that has served with distinction and integrity, it is a message to the in-coming that you need to not only emulate the strides made but also do better than your predecessor,” said Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi, the Ag. Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic Affairs) on behalf of the University management.

Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi explained that over the years, Mr. Kabuye Kagimu has not only guided the University Management in strategic planning, budgeting and resource allocation, but also mentored many of them.

“Mr. Kabuye Kagimu, you are lucky you are leaving with your head held high. You are lucky that God has given you an admirable tenure, you have served with distinction and we are happy. We wish you good health as you continue serving in whatever capacity God puts you,” Prof Buyinza Mukadasi said.

Despite facing significant challenges, including limited staffing and resources and unprecedented budget cuts, Mr. Kabuye Kagimu led the planning unit with unwavering dedication. Under his leadership, the team delivered crucial planning functions, including budgeting and reporting, in alignment with the Government of Uganda’s programme budgeting system.

Furthermore, during his tenure, the unit oversaw the decentralization of the University’s budgeting function to the Colleges and Administrative Units, as well as alignment of the Makerere University 10-year strategic plan (2020-2030) with the National Development Plan II. Mr Kabuye Kagimu also diligently worked with the different Colleges and Departments on development of infrastructural facilities improvement projects.

Welcoming the newly appointed Acting Manager Mr. Emmanuel Kitamirike to the leadership role, Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi pledged to accord him the necessary support.

During the handover, the University Bursar, Mr. Evarist Bainomugisha, who has worked with Mr. Kabuye Kagimu for five years, testified that he is a highly skilled personality who has exhibited high standards of ethics, integrity, morality and professionalism.

“Mr. Kabuye has exhibited a high level of team work.  He has worked well with the finance team and a number of staff in the entire University as he oversaw the planning function,” Mr. Bainomugisha said.

Addressing the audience, Mr. Kabuye Kagimu thanked the University Council, as well as Central and Top Management for the cooperation and support accorded to him during the 33 years he served the University.

Mr. Kabuye Kagimu appealed to the University Management to prioritize the staffing needs in the Planning and Development Department so that the Unit is in position to serve the entire university on time, and with the right financial and human resources.

In his acceptance speech, Mr. Emmanuel Kitamirike, the Acting Manager Planning and Strategy, extended deep gratitude to the University Management especially the Vice Chancellor, Professor Barnabas Nawangwe and the Acting Deputy Vice Chancellor (Finance and Administration), Prof. Henry Alinaitwe for their mentorship over the years and entrusting him the new responsibility.

“Without a plan, we are directionless. Without accurate reporting, we cannot ensure effective accountability because these are pillars upon which success stands. I want to assure you, Acting Vice Chancellor-Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi that my team and I, are fully aware of the monumental task ahead. We are committed to tackling it with unwavering resolve and dedication,’’ Mr. Kitamirike said.  He also pledged to give attention to grant-funded projects.

Present during the handover were Mr. Lubowa Gyaviira Ssebina, the Deputy University Bursar, Ms Joan Makanga Mutekanga-representing the Directorate of Internal Audit, Ms Consolate Komugisha-representing the Office of the University Secretary and staff from the Planning and Development Department.

About the Department The Planning and Development Department (PDD) was established in 1992 with the overall mandate to coordinate the formulation and implementation of the University’s Strategic Plans. The Department has to date rolled out four planning cycles. The Department brings together the constituent components of the University-wide plan, including plans from all units of the University, to ensure that Makerere is an efficient and responsive University.

Several staff members from the College of Engineering, Design, Art and Technology (CEDAT) were recognized for their exceptional contributions in research and teaching during the Makerere University Convocation 75th graduation luncheon, held on Friday, January 17th, 2025. The event celebrated the achievements of top students, teachers, and researchers, with special awards presented to CEDAT staff for their outstanding performance and dedication.

Assoc. Prof. Dorothy Okello and Mr. Ayor Andrew Semakula received the Teacher of the Year Award, acknowledging their exemplary contributions to education and their significant impact on students. The recognition highlights the commitment and excellence of CEDAT staff in advancing the fields of engineering, design, art, and technology.

The Senior Career Award went toProf. Kirabira John Baptist, Prof. Olupot Wilberforce and Assoc. Prof. Michael Luswataall from the Mechanical Engineering Department.

Dr.VianeyYiga, Dr. SemiyagaSwaib, Mr. Manga Musa got the Mid-Career Award, while  Ms. Namuju Dona Lillian, Ms. Wesonga Racheal and Ms. NamakulaHidaaya received the Early Career Award. At the same event, thirty of the best performing students were also recognized.

The Makerere University Convocation 75th graduation luncheon celebrated outstanding achievements, with a strong emphasis on recognizing excellence through awards. Colonel Edith Nakalema, Senior Presidential Advisor and Head of the State House Anti-Corruption Unit, delivered a keynote address focused on integrity and creativity for graduates.Col. Nakalema stressed the need for graduates to uphold high moral standards and professionalism, urging them to focus on creativity and integrity, especially in the age of AI, to achieve true success.

The event, themed “Celebrating Excellence and Creating Path to Success,” honored the top performers from each college. Col. Nakalema congratulated the graduates and highlighted the importance of making positive contributions to society. Other speakers, including Dr. Monica Musenero, Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, and Hon. Godfrey Baluku Kabyanga, Minister of State for ICT and National Guidance, emphasized the role of universities in socio-economic transformation and the importance of research.

Written by Harriet Musinguzi, Principle Communication Officer, College of Engineering, Design, Art, and Technology