General
President Museveni Launches Makerere at 90 years Celebrations
President Yoweri Museveni hoisted the ‘Mak@90’ flag at the Makerere University Main gate, on 4th August 2012, to launch the year -long celebrations of Makerere University‘s existence. A jovial Makerere University community cheered this key moment of the launch as the flag went up and the prisons band played. The Mak@90 flag now stands alongside the Makerere University flag, the National flag and the East African flag at the Main gate entrance.
After the hoisting, the Head of State then proceeded to officially open the New Library Extension, at the Makerere University Main Library. As part of the celebrations, he toured a number of exhibitions from the different Colleges of Makerere University at the Freedom Square. He then laid four foundation stones for the construction of more laboratories and lecture rooms at proposed sites in CHUSS, CoBAMS, Food Technology and Business Incubation Centre (FTBIC), and a multi-disciplinary research laboratory complex at CoNAS. Before addressing the congregation, His Excellency attentively listened to a song composed to chronicle the 90 years of Makerere University, by the Makerere University Department of Performing Arts and Film.
“I congratulate you for celebrating 90 years. Makerere has produced very useful people for this country; surgeons, medical people, engineers, and science teachers who have formed the base for human capital for Uganda and we are very grateful,” he said.
“When I see the exhibitions, I think we are coming out and we are finally launching ourselves on the right path to have Makerere University and other universities in Uganda as the cradle of transformation. People who remain backward in science and technology do not survive. This time, the Africans must guarantee their own future. We must guarantee our own future and the way to guarantee our future is to develop science and technology. This is the real insurance, therefore I am happy whenever I come here I find that you are on this road,” he said amidst a cheering crowd.
The President promised to work on a revolving fund to support both student innovations while at the University, and to also help them start their own companies after University education. He suggested that this money could be lent to the students at a low interest rate or no interest at all.
President Yoweri Museveni also cut a spectacular cake in the shape of the Makerere University Main Building as part of the celebrations. A section of the audience was heard marveling at the beauty and magnificence of this cake!
The Makerere University Chairperson of Council, Eng. Dr. Wana Etyem, presented a plague to the President inscribed with the words, ‘Makerere since 1922,’ in commemoration of his visit and subsequent launch.
The State Minister for Higher Education, Honourable John C. Muyingo, thanked the President for gracing the occasion. “Your presence confirms how much importance the government attaches to higher education in Uganda and we thank you. As a Ministry, we are happy with everything that is going on in Makerere University especially the efforts by Management to increase the quality of higher education,” he said.
The Chancellor of Makerere University, Prof. Mondo Kagonyera, advocated for more funding to the entire university.
“The role of a university in the development of our country is clear, but the money in which this role is achieved remains debatable. There is the issue of funding, the salaries of university teachers and workers and other conditions of service are wanting. For example, should Makerere University be a centre for mass production of graduates or a centre for academic excellence where a few persons who are privileged are schooled to the highest level of learning comparable to any other in the world? It is a healthy thing to continue debating this subject,” he asserted.Ā
The Vice Chancellor of Makerere University, Prof. Venansius Baryamureeba, commended government for its support to Makerere.
“Your Excellency, as a University we have benefited from your immense experience and knowledge in higher education and innovation systems. With your continued support and guidance, Makerere University shall be the leading University for academic excellence and innovations in Africa by 2016. As John F. Kennedy said, and I quote ”A nation reveals itself not only by the men it produces but also by the men it honors, the men it remembers”. Your Excellency, you are one of those Makerere University has honored and will always remember, as we build for the future,” he said.
The launch of the Makerere at 90 years celebrations was successful, and other activities scheduled within the year are expected to go on as planned.
Story by Public Relations Office
Speeches
Opening Prayer By Rev. Dr.. Canon Johnson Ebong
Reflections of Mak@90-Prof. Asavia Wandira, Former Vice Chancellor (1973-1975, 1979-1986)
Speech by the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Venansius Baryamureeba
Speech by the Chancellor, Prof. Mondo Kagonyera
On the evening of Friday, 13th February 2026, the Scholars of Mastercard Foundation embraced the new semester with enthusiasm and celebration, showcasing their rich cultural diversity at the annual cultural dinner. This event not only fostered a sense of community but also highlighted the importance of cultural exchange and understanding among the scholars. The purpose of the cultural dinner is to foster unity in diversity within the Scholars community and to enable young people to appreciate and respect each otherās cultural differences.
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars community at Makerere University is a vibrant tapestry of countries, cultures, and backgrounds. In recognition of this richness, the Program team has proposed organising an annual cultural dinner to kick off each new semester. This event aims to achieve several important objectives:
- Promote mutual understanding and cross-cultural appreciation among Scholars.
- Celebrate and highlight the unique cultural identities within our community.
- Encourage confidence and creativity through a dynamic talent showcase.
- Foster a sense of unity and excitement as we embark on the new academic semester together.
During the event, the Scholars proudly showcased their diverse cultures through a vibrant display of traditional attire, engaging dances, delectable dishes, and meaningful expressions in their native languages. The event showcased a rich tapestry of cultures, including the Baganda from Central Uganda; the Banyankore, Bakiga, Batooro, and Banyoro from Western Uganda; the Acholi from the North; the Karamojong from the Northeast; and the Basoga and Bagisu from the Eastern region, among many other indigenous tribes in Uganda. Additionally, attendees enjoyed cultural performances from South Sudan, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo, celebrating the unique heritage of each community.
The event also featured a vibrant showcase of cultural attire, accompanied by traditional songs and dances. Attendees enjoyed cultural dress modelling, engaging performances, art displays, and interactive quizzes, culminating in exciting prizes awarded to outstanding performers. This diverse array of activities contributed to a rich celebration of creativity and cultural exchange.
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Makerere University is committed to fostering holistic development, community building, and leadership among Scholars. At the start of each semester, the Program Team hosts a cultural dinner to reconnect the Scholars community, share key Program updates, and create an inclusive space to strengthen belonging and engagement. The cultural dinner is a critical platform for raising awareness of the need to appreciate and respect cultural diversity.
Bernard Buteera is the Principal Communications Officer for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Makerere University.
More Photos from the Dinner
The degree of attentiveness was at its peak in the Yusuf Lule Central Teaching Facility (CTF) Auditorium as Ms. Janet Nabukeera addressed support staff during a Safeguarding and Inclusion training. Her words were firm, direct and reflective. Ms. Nabukeera, the Deputy Human Resource Officer in charge of Performance and Payroll, emphasized that a negative attitude in the workplace creates a toxic environment where colleagues feel hesitant to collaborate or share ideas.
āAvoid unnecessary confrontations with colleagues because jealousy and anger destroy more than they build. When you hold grudges at work, you slowly burden your own heart and mind. Stress can take a toll on your health and productivity. Safeguard yourself by choosing peace, love yourself first and extend that same grace and respect to others.ā Ms Nabukeera, cautioned.
The training attracted over 300 Support Staff Members, including Security Personnel, Cleaners, Hall Attendants, Administrative Assistants, Librarians, and Laboratory Support Teams from across the University.
In his remarks, Dr. Rodney Rugyema, the Acting Principal Warden, urged staff to have a positive attitude towards their jobs and encouraged them to ensure that students, fellow staff and visitorās feel safe, respected and protected.
āYou are the eyes and ears of the University, while you may not deliver lectures, you are often the first to notice when something is wrong. So you have to promote an environment free from bullying, discrimination, neglect and intimidation. You have to ensure secure hostels, well-lit walkways, functioning locks and safe laboratory environments,ā Dr Rugyema, said.
Makerere University has a duty of care to do no harm and promote the wellbeing of all students, staff, and other University community stakeholders. It seeks to enhance the learning environment to make it more secure, inclusive, and ethically sound for all stakeholders.
The Makerere University Safeguarding Policy lays out the Universityās framework for embedding viable safeguarding measures into its ethos and all institutional activities and processes to: Identify, detect, and swiftly act on safeguarding risks; prevent the occurrence of harm; provide mechanisms for reporting all allegations or incidents that have occurred; respond appropriately to all reported incidences; and, continuously monitor, evaluate and learn from practices and experiences of managing safeguarding concerns.
Ā āSafeguarding is not only for lecturers or University Management, it is everyoneās responsibility, If you have someone mistreating you, or you come across any risk, do not suffer in silence report through the MakSafeSpace,ā Dr Rugyema, said.
The MakSafeSpace is the e-reporting platform complimenting the other University traditional reporting channels. It is an inclusive platform that provides for confidential modes of reporting safeguarding risks and incidences.
As the session concluded, there was a renewed understanding among participants that safeguarding is a collective duty. From the security guard at the gate to the cleaner in the Hall of Residence, it was clear that every staff member contributes to creating a safe and respectful learning environment.
To involve and create opportunities for students and staff members with disabilities, Light for the World Uganda trained the support staff to become inclusion champions.
Mr. Musa Mwambu, the Disability Inclusion Advisor at Light for the World Uganda, called upon staff to remove barriers limiting the full participation of students and colleagues with disabilities, in line with the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.
āJust like any other person, people with disabilities have the right to education, health, and protection. Society has the duty to remove barriers that block participation. When barriers are removed, disability no longer limits opportunity,ā Mr. Mwambu noted.
Drawing from his own lived experience as a person with a disability, he shared how access to the right support systems enables him to communicate effectively and perform daily tasks.
āIt is about putting the right conditions in place to participate fully in society. We need multi-stakeholder collaboration to remove barriers and achieve an inclusive society,ā he said.
Justine Namuddu, the Support Staff representative on the Makerere University Council, thanked the organizers for the insightful workshop. She reminded fellow staff that Makerere University is a home for everyone and urged them to take care of it.
āFellow members, as you carry out your duties, ensure that you observe both emotional and intellectual safety. Before sharing information, first verify whether it is true. Safety is being at peace with yourself and with others,ā Namuddu emphasized.
She also encouraged younger staff members to take advantage of educational opportunities provided by the University, noting that those who wish to continue with their studies may apply for tuition waivers.
The training concluded with reminders on professionalism and accountability. Staff were encouraged to consistently use the Biometric Attendance Management System to capture attendance accurately. With biometric clock-in devices installed at reception areas across the Main and Satellite campuses, the Directorate of Human Resources can monitor attendance in real time, while staff can keep track of hours worked.
-
Agriculture & Environment2 weeks agoFrom Adversity to Excellence: The Inspiring Journey of Makerereās Best Science Student, Esther Ziribaggwa
-
General1 week agoAptitude Exam (Paper 1) Results for the Mature Age Entry Scheme 2026/2027
-
Health2 weeks agoDr. Samalie Namukose and the Quiet Work of Making Nutrition Count
-
Research2 weeks agoCall for PhD Student Fellowships under H-DATA
-
Health1 week agoHow Jimmy Osuret Turned Childhood Trauma into Evidence for Safer School Crossings