The Vice President, H.E. Edward Ssekandi and the Chancellor, Prof. Mondo Kagonyera shake hands after the installation ceremony on 12th January 2012 at Makerere University.
Prof. George Mondo Kagonyera has been installed as the Chancellor of Makerere University, in a highly colorful ceremony presided over by the Vice President of Uganda, His Excellency Hon. Edward Ssekandi on Thursday 12th January, 2012 . He will be serving for a second term spanning for the next four years. His first term run from October 2007 – October 2011.
In attendance at the University Main Hall were a number of Ministers, Foreign dignitaries, Makerere University Staff, the Lord Mayor of Kampala – Erias Lukwago and the press. The Department of Performing Arts and Film put up energetic performances that added colour to the event. The Chairperson of Council, Eng. Dr. Charles Wana Etyem revealed that members of the University Council unreservedly endorsed the candidature of Prof. Kagonyera because of his able leadership during his first term. In his acceptance speech Prof. Kagonyera, committed to serving the University unreservedly and called upon the University community to appreciate the uniqueness of Makerere University.
“Makerere University has a unique responsibility to offer leadership in academic excellence as well as participating in finding solutions to problems that affect the economic, social and political development – not only in Uganda but also in the East African region and Africa at large. I appeal to the Staff and Students of Makerere University not to take our unique position lightly. We must at all times endeavour to focus our minds and actions on issues that are relevant to our calling and values as a university,’’ he said.
Vice Chancellor, Prof. Venansius Baryamureeba (L) adorns Prof. Mondo Kagonyera with a cap after his installation as Chancellor, Makerere University.
The fresh Chancellor appealed to Government to revise the law stipulating that Chancellors are Titular Heads, without powers, to at least accord them responsibilities. He re-echoed his appeal for Government to use Makerere University and other Institutions of Higher learning for finding solutions to the development needs of the country. “Your Excellency, there are so many ideas at Makerere University in a range of fields, that would, if applied on an industrial scale, economically transform this country,’’ he emphasized. He thanked the Minister of Education and Sports, Hon. Jessica Alupo, development partners, and Makerere University staff for the efforts in steering Makerere forward.
The Vice President, Hon. Edward Ssekandi described Prof. Kagonyera’s appointment as a reaffirmation of the trust the Management and Staff of Makerere University have in him as the Titular Head. He pledged continued Government support towards Makerere and the ongoing innovations.
“During His Excellency the President’s last visit to Makerere University on 24th November 2011, he noted with great pleasure the excellent work being done by the staff and students of Makerere University. He particularly appreciated the advances made by the Vehicle Design Project in coming up with the Kiira Electric Vehicle. The Government of Uganda has therefore agreed to allocate at least 50acres of land to house the Centre for Research in Transportation Technologies (CRTT) and provide additional funding directly through the Ministry of Finance (up to the tune of 154 billion Uganda Shillings) over the next five years. The Centre’s welfare will be overseen by a Board of Trustees,’’ he said amidst applause.
The Vice President, H.E. Edward Ssekandi.
“I wish to reassure the Chancellor of the Government’s full support to Makerere University. Do not be in any way limited if we can help. The President noted your concern during his visit, requesting the President’s Office to take up the task of handling Small and Medium Scale Enterprises, so that brilliant projects from students are not frustrated at the implementation phase. We are considering this request and at an opportune moment, we will revert to you,’’ he added.
Education Minister Hon. Jessica Alupo challenged Makerere University to be the centre of change throughout East Africa and called upon the private and public sectors to focus on Makerere.
“Mr. Vice Chancellor, you are steering a University that has great potential, with a vibrant student base. One of the challenges before you right now is to see that this University continues to positively impact on our industrialization as a country. We all know that industrialization is key in driving world economies. I call upon the private and public sectors to look up Makerere and partner with her in advancing many of the ongoing innovations,’’ she said.
“Students on the other hand should seriously consider making use of the 40b put aside by government to address unemployment by financing innovative ideas. This is your money, go ahead and make use of it. We have now moved into regional cooperation and this means your innovations will have broader reach and relevance. I challenge you to think East Africa now. Here you will ride on the advantage of cohesion and compatibility to gain more ground with your innovations,’’ she advised.
The Vice Chancellor of Makerere University, Prof. Venansius Baryamureeba, pointed out that Prof. Kagonyera was identified as a suitable candidate way back.
“My first time to meet him was in 2007 when he appeared before the ‘’Chancellor Search Committee’’ of which I was a member. In an interview that lasted about 40 minutes, he repeated the sentence I love Makerere University 14 times. He emerged the best candidate for the position of Chancellor of Makerere University. Professor Kagonyera has been providing constructive advice, which we as Management have taken seriously. We are grateful to H.E the President of the Republic of Uganda for having appointed Professor Kagonyera Chancellor of Makerere University for another term after Makerere University Council unanimously recommended him for re-appointment,’’ he asserted.
“When we came into office on 1st November 2009, we pledged to improve University-Government relations through constructive projects/ interventions with the different government ministries/ departments. We have lived up to our pledge. Today the different colleges are highly involved with government ministries/ departments. As Acting Vice-Chancellor, every six (6) months I provide a comprehensive progressive report to Makerere University Council that is copied to all stakeholders including the Rt. Hon Prime Minister and the Minister of Education and Sports among others,” he added.
At the close of the function, the guests were treated to a delicious luncheon, befitting of such an installation.
Story by Marion Alina Asst. Communications Officer, Public Relations Office
The Office of Academic Registrar, Makerere University has released lists of Successful appeals and supplementary lists. Below is a list arising from appeals of Government Sponsored candidates who have been admitted:
Makerere University and DFCU Bank have today signed a three-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to bolster innovation, student leadership, research and community impact initiatives.
The collaboration which will see the equipping of the Disability Support center for students living with disabilities through the MAK run and more leadership trainings for students will begin this July.
“The MoU will strengthen research collaborations across sectors like agriculture and health and it will also support the Mutebile Centre to assist private sector growth, which is crucial in lifting Africa out of poverty,” said Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, the Vice Chancellor.
Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe (R) flanked by Mr. Charles Mudiwa (L) makes his remarks at the MoU signing ceremony.
Speaking during the event, Mr. Charles M. Mudiwa, the DFCU Bank Chief Executive Officer, welcomed the move, noting its alignment with the bank’s mission to transform lives and support national development through four pillars: funding, financial inclusion, enterprise development, and vocational education.
“This MoU crowns years of effort and shared intent between our institutions,” he stated. Mr. Mudiwa highlighted the bank’s commitment to skilling youth through internships, curriculum development, and support for innovation hubs and centres of excellence at the university. “We consume the graduates of Makerere. In our most recent graduate intake of 87, 60% were Makerere alumni. The bank allocates around 30 internship positions annually to equip young people with the skills necessary for future roles within the institution,” Mr. Mudiwa, noted.
Representing the student body, Guild President His Excellency, Sentamu Churchill James, commended the partnership as a timely intervention that will empower youth, support SMEs, and expand internship and leadership development opportunities.
Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe (2nd L) presents a framed portrait of the Main Building to Mr. Charles Mudiwa (C) as L-R: University Secretary-Mr. Yusuf Kiranda, 91st Guild President-H.E. Ssentamu Churchill James and Acting Deputy Vice Chancellor (Finance and Administration)-Prof. Winston Tumps Ireeta witness.
“Students are the heartbeat of the university. This collaboration will empower youth and strengthen their role in national development,” His Excellency Ssentamu, said.
About MAK RUN 2025
The Makerere Run 2025 (#MakRun2025), hosted by the Makerere University Endowment Fund (MAKEF) on 17th August 2025, returns for its fifth edition as Kampala’s premier charity marathon, uniting 8,000+ runners—students, alumni, corporate teams, and elite athletes—to tackle the city’s iconic hills under the theme “Run the Hills for the Future.” This landmark event combines competitive racing with transformative impact, channeling proceeds to strengthen Makerere University’s community programs while offering unmatched branding opportunities for partners through Kampala’s largest university-led sporting spectacle.
The Mak Run, scheduled this year for August 17th, is a flagship initiative that mobilizes students, staff, alumni, and partners to raise funds for projects such as the Disability Support Unit and the Student Centre.