General
Makerere honours late Dr. Joshua Baitwa Mugyenyi
It was befitting to dedicate the fourth lecture in the Makerere Africa Lecture Series to celebrating the life of Dr. Joshua Baitwa Mugyenyi, a brilliant student, distinguished alumnus, member of faculty and who while still a student at Makerere in 1970, was a part of the group that conceived the idea of having the Africa Lecture Series at the campus.
The fourth lecture in the Makerere Africa Lecture Series, was held on 15th March 2012 marking exactly ten years since Joshua passed on. The lecture focused on paying tribute to the strong values that the late Joshua Baitwa Mugyenyi stood for. This witnessed the launch of the Dr. Joshua B. Mugyenyi Social Transformation Foundation and the promotion of the Makerere University Female Scholarship Foundation.
Professor Peter Anyang’ Nyong’o, the Minister of Medical Services in the Republic of Kenya and also former Guild President of the Makerere University, gave the key note address.
“Let the spear of intellectual clarity burn wherever he is resting; let this foundation established in his memory spearhead excellence among students who will benefit from it; let the African people be liberated from political oppression and economic exploitation through the energies of the people as Joshua Baitwa Mugyenyi would have wanted it,” he said in his speech.
Born on 27th May 1947 in Kajara County in Ankole Kingdom, Dr. Joshua Baitwa Mugyenyi died on 15th March 2002, but his legacy is still lives on in the lives of individuals he worked with, associated with as well as those he mentored.
The Acting Vice Chancellor of Makerere University, Professor Venansius Baryamureeba welcomed the Guest of Honour, Rt. Hon. Professor Apolo R. Nsibambi, a distinguished alumnus, and Former Chancellor of Makerere University to the public lecture and thanked him for graciously accepting to launch the Dr. Joshua Baitwa Mugyenyi Social Transformation Foundation.
Professor Baryamureeba informed the congregation that Makerere University together with the family and friends, do remember Dr. Joshua Baitwa Mugyenyi as a selfless individual, who gave his best at all times. “We chose this day, 15th March 2012 to remember a brilliant student, distinguished alumnus, former member of faculty and to commemorate a lifetime of achievements of a man who was brutally frank, stood for only the truth, and who fought for the rights of others even at the expense of risking his own life,” remarked Professor Venansius Baryamureeba.
“On this 15th day of March 2012, we join the nation in celebrating the life of an ever optimistic and passionate leader-transformer and eloquent discussant of the socio-economic transformation of Uganda and Africa,” he added.
Joshua Baitwa Mugyenyi joined Makerere University in June 1968 and graduated in 1971 with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Public Administration. While at Makerere, Joshua Baitwa Mugyenyi excelled in academics, he served as Vice President of the Students’ Guild who actively participated in fighting against all forms of injustices and threats to students’ welfare.
Through his teaching career, Josh, as he was fondly known, passionately shared his knowledge at the national and international levels. He was a Senior Lecturer at his alma mater, Makerere, in addition to teaching in other universities in Swaziland and Canada. Mugyenyi co-authored a number of books and published several peer reviewed papers in prominent journals. At the time of his death on 15th March 2002, he was a proactive member of the Makerere University Council-the top policy making organ and Chairperson of the Convocation. He mentored many and significantly contributed to the university motto: We Build for the Future.
In honour of the late Joshua Baitwa Mugyenyi, the Ag. Vice Chancellor of Makerere University, Professor Venansius Baryamureeba welcomed an exceptionally accomplished alumnus and former Guild President, and now Minister of Medical services in the Republic of Kenya, Professor Peter Anyang’ Nyong’o to deliver a public lecture on “Social Transformation in Contemporary Africa: Reminiscences of Dr. Joshua B. Mugyenyi.”
As a token of appreciation and friendship, both families exchanged gifts. On unwrapping the gifts, they were pleasantly surprised to find that it was the same photo taken when they were members of the Guild in 1970. Prof. Anyang’ Nyong’o described it as a “divine intervention” amidst laughter.
Professor Baryamureeba informed the congregation that while students at Makerere, the trio-Joshua Baitwa Mugyenyi, Peter Anyang’ Nyong’o and Daudi Taliwaku conceived the idea of the Africa Lecture series.
“As the only surviving member of the Students’ Guild Executive 1969/70 trio that conceived the Africa Lecture Series, there is no greater way to celebrate the memory of our dearly departed Alumni, the late Dr. Joshua B. Mugyenyi and the late Ambassador Daudi Taliwaku than to have one of the original three present at this lecture. We are extremely grateful to you Hon. Prof. Peter Anyang’ Nyong’o for taking time off your demanding constituency and ministerial work to be with us today for yet another Public Lecture,” remarked the overjoyed Vice Chancellor.
Hon. Professor Peter Anyang’ Nyong’o moved to the podium, but there was a sudden moment of silence, a reflection of a person re-calling a past history, and an audience ready to listen to an oratory of a man who had touched people from all walks of life.
With nostalgia, Professor Peter Anyang’ Nyong’o delivered a moving public lecture on Dr. Joshua Baitwa Mugyenyi whom he met in 1968 at Makerere University, but remained very close until when death robbed him 10 years ago.
“Joshua was a brave and courageous individual who used the mighty power of the pen and the written word to fights all forms of social injustices at Makerere, in Uganda and beyond. The fearless Joshua also risked his life to engage President Apolo Milton Obote on policies that he felt were undermining democracy,” stressed Professor Anyang’ Nyong’o during the public lecture.
One Sunday in January 1971, Peter Anyang’ Nyong’o and Joshua woke up at Makerere only to observe that Radio Uganda was playing martial music all day, Uganda Television was showing cartoons all day and by the end of the day a rough voice came on both radio and television to say that the government of Apolo Milton Obote was no more: “It is now a military government,” announced Smart Gwedeko, a mere warrant officer.
Prof. Peter Anyang’ Nyong’o said Joshua Baitwa Mugyenyi never gave up his disgust with the military regime. Although Joshua stayed at Makerere for some time as a tutorial fellow in the Department of Political science, continued as a Lecturer at the Institute of Public Administration, did his post graduate work in Manchester, came back as Senior Lecturer; his spirit was always urging him to do something about this military menace in Uganda. At the beginning of the eighties, after the debacle of the general elections of 1980, Joshua became a founder member of the Uganda Patriotic Movement (UPM) which eventually metamorphosed into the National Resistance Movement.
Professor Anyang’ Nyong’o informed the friends of Joshua gathered in the Main Hall that he had told the stories to describe the world Joshua lived in and the world he sought to change. “I have told these stories not to re-count the personal relations and experiences, but to shade light on the African world Joshua lived in and tried to change for the better; to get some insight into issues related to social transformation in contemporary Africa,” he stressed.
Joshua took theory to point of practice, and was always ready to engage in auto-criticism. “I remember in 1996, Joshua was very determined that the NRM should have a political transition in which the leaders of the NRM revolution would democratically pass the torch to a new generation so as to avoid tendencies towards authoritarianism,” Professor Anyang’ Nyong’o added.
Professor Anyang’ Nyong’o also observed that the challenges to democratic governance and social transformation in Africa remain pertinent today as they were then. But they cannot be known or practised without such piercing analyses and scholarship as was the case with Joshua. And scholarship, within and outside academic institutions, is always a social engagement. It is not confined to those of us who have degrees, it is the enterprise of those ready to think, write and speak on social issues without the cloud of dogma, bias and various forms of chauvisim.
Paying tribute to Joshua, Dr. Ezra Suruma, Senior Presidential Advisor on Finance and Economic Planning, said Joshua’s number one quality was courage. Dr Suruma was optimistic that if in every generation, we have one man or woman of Joshua’s intellect and courage, Uganda’s freedom would be fundamentally advanced. “As we remember Joshua, let us pray that God will raise men and women of his quantum of intellect and courage,” remarked Dr. Suruma who met Joshua in September 1979 at Makerere University and who together with Joshua agreed to form the Uganda National Movement (UNM). According to Dr. Suruma, Joshua’s life, his works and his example can be summarised as: “I will declare the truth. And I will fight for what is right, even though it is dangerous. And if die, I die.”
Mr. Fred Guweddeko, a researcher, at Makerere Institute of Social Research, informed the audience that Dr. Joshua Baitwa Mugyenyi had a dream to become the Vice Chancellor of Makerere University. Mr. Fred Guweddeko together with Dr. Joshua Baitwa Mugyenyi embarked on gathering data aimed at instituting reforms at Makerere when latter become the Vice Chancellor after Professor P.M.J. Ssebuwufu’s reign. Mr. Guweddeko said this is a dream he never lived to see.
Professor Mahmood Mamdani, a renowned scholar and Director of the Makerere Institute of Social Research (MISR), said the best of all independence is the independence of thought. He advocated for the need to turn Makerere into a research led university, and a purely public university not to benefit only the state, but society at large.
Dr. Joshua Baitwa Mugyenyi worked at the Bank of Uganda for 14 years. The Deputy Governor, Bank of Uganda, Dr. Louis Kasekende said many members of staff at the Bank of Uganda remember him for his open management style.
He initiated reforms aimed at improving the welfare of workers and respected all people regardless of their rank. “It was during his tenure that the Bank of Uganda launched the pension scheme. He revamped the training scheme, improved the appraisal system and initiated the House Advance and Building Loan scheme,” he said. “We in the Bank of Uganda feel proud to be associated with this noble cause of spearheading social transformation.”
Mrs. Mary Mugyenyi, the widow, thanked all the people who had filled the Main Hall to capacity for honouring their invitation. In a special way, she thanked the Makerere University Gender Mainstreaming Directorate, the Bank of Uganda and their consultant, Mr. George Piwang-Jalobo for the tremendous support towards the success of the public lecture and launch.On behalf of her siblings, one of the daughters of the late Joshua said that their father loved nature, loved children and he always brought joy, values that they will seek to emulate. “We shall be exemplary. We shall love each other. We shall always remember what our father stood for,” she said.
She said her husband was a family man, dedicated father and a person who encouraged free thinking in the family. She said that her husband encouraged and supported her to pursue her career and political aspirations.
“Today, 15th March 2012, marks the celebration of the past and also the launch of the future of Joshua immortalised through the- Dr. Joshua B. Mugyenyi Social Transformation Foundation. The best way to celebrate his life was to focus on his passion for education and knowledge. This Foundation will focus on the bright, but disadvantaged youth to access education,” she said.”The Makerere University Female Scholarship Foundation, which supports girls from disadvantaged socio-economic background, will be the first beneficiary of the Grant from the Dr. Joshua Baitwa Mugyenyi Foundation.”
Mrs. Mugyenyi added that the foundation will also support research and increase funding for the treatment of cancer and other non-communicable diseases.
Launching the Foundation, the Guest of Honour, Professor Apolo R. Nsibambi, former Prime Minister of the Republic of Uganda said: “I am honoured to launch the Dr. Joshua Baitwa Mugyeni Social Transformation Foundation to keep the memory of my student, colleague and friend alive. I pray that the Foundation will be blessed and prosper to advance the ideals, values and convictions for which Dr. Joshua Baitwa Mugyenyi lived and worked.”
Professor Apolo Nsibambi contributed Shs1 million towards the Dr. Joshua Baitwa Mugyenyi Social Transformation Foundation.
The Chancellor of Makerere University, Professor George Mondo Kagonyera, and also a very close friend of the Mugyenyi family thanked Mrs. Mary Mugyenyi for looking after the children and continuing to advance the principles that her husband, the late Dr. Joshua Baitwa Mugyenyi held dearly.
Written by: Ritah Namisango, Public Relations Office
General
Makerere University Writing Centre holds second training workshop: Roots for standard University-wide templates in minute writing
By Chris Kaahwa and Ritah Namisango
Makerere University Writing Center (MakWC) has intensified efforts to improve the quality, consistency, and accuracy of official records across the institution.
In pursuit of this agenda, MakWC has lined up a series of writing training workshops targeting University staff in the various units. On 13th November 2025, 27 members of staff participated in the second training workshop, which highlighted the need for development of standardized templates, to guide the documentation processes within the University. This builds on the workshop for the first cohort where 24 members of staff were trained on 6th November 2025.
With over 50 members of staff so far trained, MakWC is building both the individual and institutional capacity in writing minutes, record keeping and presentation of official records.
Addressing the participants, Professor Fredrick Jones Muyodi, Team Leader, MakWC, described the Center as a transformative initiative committed to enhancing academic and scholarly writing, and publication capacities across the University. He shared that the Center continues to support faculty, staff, and students through mentorship and training on various forms of writing, including theses, dissertations, publications, project proposals and grants.
Noting the urge for professional development, Professor Muyodi acknowledged staff from the Department of the Academic Registrar, administrative units, colleges, and Makerere University Jinja Campus for embracing continuous learning. He highlighted the Centre’s deliberate plan to continuously use a comprehensive training and mentorship model, bringing on board specialists and mentors with extensive experience in writing, collaborative research, and publication to guide and support participants.
The Academic Registrar of Makerere University, Professor Buyinza Mukadasi represented by Mrs. Patience Rubabinda Mushengyezi, applauded the Writing Center for continuously providing practical support to staff who handle official documents and sensitive academic information. “This is the kind of support we all need in the various units. Many of us will benefit from this workshop,” she said.
Stressing the need for standardized templates and ethical writing practices, Mrs. Mushengyezi noted that minutes are important documents that must be accurate, confidential, and easy to reference. “Many of us handle sensitive information. A standard template will help us keep our records consistent and professional across all units,” she stated.
Mrs. Mushengyezi encouraged staff to take the training seriously pointing out that proper minute writing and documentation contributes to professional and institutional credibility. She tasked staff involved in writing minutes as well as documentation of university proceedings to ensure that official records conform to the Universities and Other Tertiary Institutions Act.
Guiding participants through the Roles of a Minute Taker, Mrs. Mushengyezi pointed out the different types of meetings, which included; Regular, Special, and Emergency, and urged them to have a solid understanding of the University’s operational framework in order to record such meetings accurately.
During a session on legal compliance, Ms. Esther Kabinga, Principal Legal Officer, explained that adherence to policies and regulations, which govern minutes writing, upholds the integrity of records and decision making process of institutions. “In addition”, she said, “Accuracy and objectivity, completeness and clarity, timeliness and confidentiality, compliance with organizational policies and procedure,” are among the key considerations that the staff should comply with while writing minutes.
She guided participants to desist from including personal opinions in writing minutes, stressing that in accurate or incomplete documentation may expose institutions and individuals to legal risks. “Proper documentation protects both the University and the decision-makers,” she said.
To ensure consistency across academic and administrative units, Ms. Prossie Nakayiki, Acting Deputy Academic Registrar (Examinations and Transcripts) advocated for the adoption of University-wide standardized templates. She explained that standard templates promote a uniform and consistent writing culture. She called upon participants to use simple, clear and official language while avoiding abbreviations and unnecessary jargons. She emphasized that each minute should accurately record the resolution made, indicate the person responsible for follow-up actions, and provide clear timeline for implementation. “Good minutes, reflect not just what was discussed, but also the discipline, clarity, and accountability of the institution,” she added.
In a virtual presentation, Professor Paul Birevu Muyinda, Director of the Institute of Open, Distance and e-Learning (IODeL) sensitized the participants on the Ethical and Responsible Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Underscoring AI’s growing transformative role in teaching, learning, research, and administration, Professor Muyinda urged participants to integrate AI tools into their daily work, and to conform to the University’s approved AI policy.
Supporting his submission, Dr. Godfrey Mayende, Head of the Department of Open and Distance Learning (ODL) and Deputy Director of IODeL, highlighted how AI and Online platforms provide automated accuracy, faster turnaround in work efficiency, and better accountability in writing and recording minutes.
He guided participants on preparing effectively for virtual meetings, including confirming the agenda, setting platform options (recording, captions, cohost), and preparing consent scripts.
Closing the workshop, Professor Ronald Bisaso, Assistant Team Leader, MakWC commended staff for their active participation, as well as, the facilitators for sharing the knowledge and expertise.
“As the Writing Center, we are profoundly honored that we started with a team entrusted with essential duties of this great institution. Standardizing minute writing is the next step toward improving the credibility and accountability of our academic records,” he concluded.
Makerere University has made a notable advance by officially launching the implementation of its Mentorship Policy. This initiative aims to strengthen support and guidance for students, fostering personal and academic growth within the university community. This was announced on Thursday, 13 November 2025, by Prof. Sarah Ssali, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Academic Affairs, in her remarks delivered by the Dean of Students, Dr. Winfred Kabumbuli, during the annual workshop for mentors of the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program, held at the Fairway Hotel.
Prof. Ssali praised the university’s mentors for their outstanding work in supporting students.
“I am pleased to join my fellow mentors at this crucial capacity-building workshop organised under the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Makerere University. It is important to recognise and commend your unwavering dedication to the holistic development of our Scholars. Your roles in mentorship, safeguarding, and fostering inclusion are essential, and together, we must continue to advance these efforts for the benefit of our Scholars,” asserted Prof. Ssali.
Prof. Ssali expressed her enthusiasm, noting that mentorship closely aligns with the shared mission: ensuring that all Makerere University students feel safe, thrive, and achieve their academic and personal goals.
“Our efforts in student affairs are incomplete unless we provide our students with the mentorship, guidance, and support they need to develop into responsible global citizens. Safeguarding, mentorship, and inclusion are not just programmatic themes; they are values that define the Makerere University community we seek to build,” Prof. Ssali remarked.
Prof. Ssali further praised the University Council and Management for adopting key policies, the Mentorship Policy 2025 and the Safeguarding Policy 2024, which are essential for the well-being of students and staff at Makerere University.
“I wish to commend the University Council and Management for approving and implementing the Makerere University Career Guidance and Mentorship Policy (2025) and the Safeguarding Policy (2024). These policies provide structure and accountability to our work, helping us strengthen systems that protect and support our students and staff,” Prof. Ssali noted.
Speaking in her role as the Dean of Students, Dr. Kabumbuli highlighted the importance of Mentorship, inclusion, and safeguarding as the critical areas in managing student affairs at Makerere University.
“Safeguarding reminds us of our duty to create and maintain a learning environment where every student feels safe, respected, and valued. Career guidance and mentorship remind us that academic excellence must go hand in hand with personal growth, discipline, and preparation for life after university. Inclusive mentorship compels us to extend our support to every learner, including those with disabilities, those from refugee backgrounds, young mothers, and international students, ensuring that no one is left behind,” Dr. Kabumbuli asserted.
Dr. Kabumbuli urged the mentors to reaffirm their shared commitment to a student-centred approach, one that recognises the human dignity, potential, and diversity of every Scholar. She encouraged the mentors to continue exemplifying the values of integrity, professionalism, and compassion that embody the spirit of Makerere.
On behalf of the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program and the Africa Climate Collaborative, Program Director Prof. Justine Namaalwa shared exciting news with the Program mentors about the recent recruitment of 191 undergraduate scholars and 41 graduate students. She highlighted the importance of providing mentorship and guidance to these scholars, who come from diverse backgrounds and possess various strengths and challenges. Prof. Namaalwa encouraged everyone to actively support these students as they embark on their academic journeys.
“We were excited to welcome 191 undergraduate and 41 master’s Scholars to the Programme this academic year. These talented individuals hail from diverse backgrounds and bring immense potential, and they need your active support and mentorship,” Prof. Namaalwa remarked.
Prof. Namaalwa further requested that, as the University continues to recruit more mentors, it’s essential to recognise that effective mentorship goes beyond mere knowledge sharing. It involves actively listening, empathizing with the mentees, and empowering them to forge their own unique paths.
”Together, we can create a supportive environment that fosters growth and success for all our Scholars and students of Makerere University.” Prof. Namaalwa pointed.
The Annual Mentors’ Workshop, which was attended by over 70 mentors from different units of the University and others from other organisations, featured a range of activities designed to enhance mentors’ skills and understanding. Mr. Musa Mwambu from Light for the World, a partner of the Mastercard Foundation, led a valuable training session focused on inclusion, equipping participants with essential insights. Additionally, Mr Apollo Mulondo from the Refugee Law Project provided an in-depth training session designed to empower mentors to support students with refugee status effectively. The workshop also included opportunities for mentors to hear firsthand from young individuals, including a student with disabilities and two safeguarding champions, enriching their understanding and commitment to inclusive mentorship.
The writer is the Principal Communications Officer for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Makerere University.
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