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President Museveni Launches Makerere at 90 years Celebrations

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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.

University Librarian, Prof. Maria Musoke (2nd L) explains to President Museveni the Library expansion over the years as the Chancellor Prof. Mondo Kagonyera (3rd L) listens.
University Librarian, Prof. Maria Musoke (2nd L) explains to President Museveni the Library expansion over the years as the Chancellor Prof. Mondo Kagonyera (3rd L) listens.

“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 E-Learning Manager Mr. Titus Okumu (2nd L)  explains the platform's importance to President Museveni as he visited the College of Education and External Studies (CEES) stall during his tour of the exhibition.
The E-Learning Manager Mr. Titus Okumu (2nd L) explains the platform’s importance to President Museveni as he visited the College of Education and External Studies (CEES) stall during his tour of the exhibition.

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 Chancellor, Prof. Mondo Kagonyera (L), Acting Vice Chancellor Prof. Venansius Baryamureeba (2nd L), State Minister for Higher Education, Hon. Dr. J.C. Muyingo (3rd R) and Chairperson Council, Eng. Dr. Charles Wana-Etyem (Rear) applaud as President Museveni cuts the Mak at 90years commemorative cake.
The Chancellor, Prof. Mondo Kagonyera (L), Acting Vice Chancellor Prof. Venansius Baryamureeba (2nd L), State Minister for Higher Education, Hon. Dr. J.C. Muyingo (3rd R) and Chairperson Council, Eng. Dr. Charles Wana-Etyem (Rear) applaud as President Museveni cuts the Mak at 90years commemorative 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.

State Minister for Higher Education, Hon. Dr. John Chrysostom Muyingo addresses the congregation at the Freedom Square during the launch of year-long celebrations to mark the University's 90 years of existence.
State Minister for Higher Education, Hon. Dr. John Chrysostom Muyingo addresses the congregation at the Freedom Square during the launch of year-long celebrations to mark the University’s 90 years of existence.

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. 

The Vice Chancellor of Makerere University, Prof. Venansius Baryamureeba, commended government for its support to Makerere.

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni (L) guided by the Acting Vice Chancellor Prof. Venansius Baryamureeba (2nd L) and Estates Manager, Mr. Fred Nuwagaba (R) admires artistic impressions of four buildings to be constructed shortly after he laid their foundation stones.
President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni (L) guided by the Acting Vice Chancellor Prof. Venansius Baryamureeba (2nd L) and Estates Manager, Mr. Fred Nuwagaba (R) admires artistic impressions of four buildings to be constructed shortly after he laid their foundation stones.

“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

Mark Wamai

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Call for Papers: NCHE 6th Annual Higher Education Conference 2025

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President Yoweri Museveni and First Lady Hon. Janet Museveni listen to Dr. Peter Tumutegyereize (Left) explain how the Mak Solar Cooker works. Photo: Courtesy/NCHE@20, Kololo Ceremonial Grounds. Kampala, Uganda, East Africa.

The National Council for Higher Education (NCHE) is pleased to inform the general public that the 6th Annual Higher Education Conference (2nd NCHE Regional Conference) will be held on 24th and 25th March 2025 in Mbarara City at Hotel Triangle.

NCHE hereby announces the call for papers for presentation at the conference. The successful submissions vetted through NCHE criteria will be published in the forthcoming edition of the Uganda Higher Education Review Journal, Volume 12, Issue 2, 2025. The journal holds ISSN 1813-2243 (inprint), 2958-5473 (electronic), and a DOI 10.58653.

Research areas of focus for Volume 12, Issue 2, 2025 include the following;

  1. Infrastructure, tools, and skills for Artificial Intelligence Integration in Higher Education Institutions.
  2. Revolutionizing Curriculum Design, Teaching, and Assessment through Artificial Intelligence in higher education.
  3. Policy and Regulatory Environment for Effective Artificial Intelligence Integration in Higher Education.
  4. Artificial Intelligence Adaptation in Higher Education.

Details of the call for papers may be found in Downloads below.

A copy of the Uganda Higher Education Review Journal, Volume 12, Issue 1 may be accessed at the link below

https://news.mak.ac.ug/2024/12/the-uganda-higher-education-review-vol-12-issue-1/

Deadline for abstract submissions is Friday, 10th January 2025.

Mak Editor

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Minister Janet Museveni Lays Foundation Stone for School of Graduate Studies Building, Commissions the School of Law Building and the renovated Lumumba Hall

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The First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Hon. Janet Kataaha Museveni, has laid the foundation stone for Makerere University’s School of Graduate Studies building, whose construction is now underway.

The Minister laid the foundation stone for the USD8 million project during a brief function held on Wednesday 18th December 2024 at the site opposite Makerere University’s Lumumba Hall. The event was attended by several dignitaries, including the State Minister for Primary Education, Hon. Joyce Moriku Kaducu, University Council Chairperson Mrs. Lorna Magara, and Makerere University Vice Chancellor, Professor Barnabas Nawangwe.

Others in attendance included Acting Deputy Vice Chancellor of Finance and Administration, Professor Henry Alinaitwe; Acting Deputy Vice Chancellor of Academic Affairs, Professor Buyinza Mukadasi; University Secretary Mr. Yusuf Kiranda; Dean of Students Winfred Kabumbuli; Guild President Vincent Lubega Nsamba; and the Vice Guild President, Joy Eve Serunjogi among others.

Hon. Janet Kataaha Museveni, First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports cut the ribbon at the opening of the School of Law Building, left is the State Minister for Primary Education Hon. Dr. Joyce Moriku Kaducu and Mak Council Chairperson Mrs. Lorna Magara on the right.
Hon. Janet Kataaha Museveni, First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports cut the ribbon at the opening of the School of Law Building, left is the State Minister for Primary Education Hon. Dr. Joyce Moriku Kaducu and Mak Council Chairperson Mrs. Lorna Magara on the right.

The building is a donation (in-kind) from the late Hasmukh Patel, an industrialist and former Chairman of Tororo Cement who passed away on August 29, 2024, after a short illness. The journey to this befitting donation to Makerere University started in December 2022, when Hasmukh Patel accompanied by some members of his family and friends visited the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe to declare his donation. From December 2022, a number of meetings were convened involving the Minister of Education and Sports, the University leadership, Mr. Hasmukh Patel, his family and Tororo Cement regarding this donation. Living true to his commitment during those meetings, his family and Tororo Cement are implementing his wishes to construct the building, which will house the School of Graduate Studies at Makerere University.

Before laying the foundation stone for the School of Graduate Studies building, Hon. Janet Museveni first unveiled a plaque to officially open the new building for the School of Law. She then headed to Lumumba Hall, where she unveiled another plaque marking the completion of its renovation.

Renovated Lumumba Hall

The First Lady, who had initially laid the foundation stone for the School of Law building on May 17, 2022, returned to the main campus to officially open the completed structure. Funded by the Government of Uganda to the tune of UGX 7.3 billion, the new three-storeyed building features lecture rooms, tutorial and seminar rooms, a library, a moot court, offices, a cafeteria, a lactation room, and other teaching and learning facilities. Construction was undertaken by M/S CK Associates, with Symbion serving as a consultant.

The renovation works for Lumumba Hall commenced in June 2023, with the site handed over to the contractor, National Enterprise Corporation (NEC). Funded by the Government of Uganda to the tune of UGX 9 billion, the project involved extensive renovations to restore Lumumba Hall to its original splendor. Lumumba Hall now accommodates about 725 students.

Lumumba Hall was the first hall of residence to undergo renovation, followed by Mary Stuart Hall, which has also been handed over to NEC for refurbishment. These renovations, which began last year, are a result of the Government of Uganda’s efforts to improve the nine (9) halls of residence at the main campus.

Speaking at the event, Hon. Janet Museveni thanked the University Council and management for their dedication to rebuilding the institution. She expressed confidence that the physical restoration efforts would also rebuild the character of young people.

Hon. Janet Museveni (6th Right), Vice Chancellor Prof. Nawangwe (5th Right), Dean of Students Dr. Winfred Kabumbuli(2nd Right), Prof. Henry Alinaitwe 2nd Left and extreme left Prof. Mukadasi Buyinza in a group photo at the entrance of Lumumba Hall.

“There is a restoration of dignity that comes to an institution or a community when we choose to rebuild and it is not only physical, there is a spiritual restoration that comes as well. For Nehemiah, it was not just the rebuilding of a physical wall it was the rebuilding of broken lives and a broken covenant.  It was the rolling away of the reproach they had suffered as a nation,” she said.

Adding; “I therefore salute the Council and the management of Makerere for your dedication to the rebuilding of this University. I am confident that as you rebuild physically, you are rebuilding the character of our young people. My prayer is that the physical restoration is translating into the spiritual restoration of this great institution.”

The first lady, Hon. Janet Museveni recalled her earlier visit to Makerere University, where she observed the dilapidated state of the halls of residence, which prompted her to initiate the renovation works.

Chief Guest Hon. Janet Kataaha Museveni, First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports

“I remember taking a tour of the halls of residence in this University and Kyambogo University in the thick of the COVID-19 pandemic. My heart bled when I saw the state of the halls of residence. Like Nehemiah, I took my burden to the Lord and now see what the Lord has done! Commissioning of the refurbished Lumumba Hall today is a testament to the faithfulness of our God. It is even more gratifying to know that other projects are ongoing and these include: the renovation of Mary Stuart Hall, the construction of the Perimeter Wall, and improvements at the University Hospital, including setting up an operating theatre and ICU.” She said.

Hon. Janet Museveni also expressed gratitude to the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, for his leadership, which facilitated the realization of the Tororo Cement project. “This Project would not have been possible without the guidance and leadership of the Vice Chancellor of Makerere University, Prof. Nawangwe, who drew my attention to this offer by Tororo Cement, and requested me to endorse this Project, which will be named after Mr. Hamukh Patel,” she said.

Adding: “I am informed that the construction of this building is estimated to cost 8 Million US dollars and will consist of: lecture and seminar rooms, smart classrooms, laboratories, an innovation space, a conference hall, offices and other facilities.  We remain forever grateful for this donation, which will increase access and contribute to improving the quality of postgraduate education.”

Chief Guest Hon. Janet Kataha Museveni in a group photo with the family of the Late Hasmukh Patel and some members of University Management.

Speaking at the event, Vice Chancellor Prof. Nawangwe commended Hon. Janet Museveni for prioritizing the development of Makerere University, which has seen remarkable progress under her leadership. “Hon. Minister, from the time you took over the Office of Minister of Education and Sports and the Higher Education Sector, Makerere University in particular has transformed tremendously. Most notable is the infrastructure revolution at Makerere. On several occasions, you have come to Makerere to lay the foundations for new buildings and to open completed buildings, including our iconic Main Administration Building,” he said.

“When you inspected the halls of residence in 2021, I could see the frustration in your eyes, looking at the dilapidated state the halls were in, especially Lumumba, part of which had been condemned for 2 years,” Prof. Nawangwe said.

“Hon. Minister, I am sure that today, after seeing the glamorous new building for the School of Law and the glittering renovated Lumumba Hall, you are in a completely different mood compared to that visit in 2021. We are as delighted as you must be and your efforts are the reason for our happiness today. Our law students and professors can now comfortably study, work and conduct research in the best building for any school of law that I have seen,” Prof Nawangwe added.

Reflecting on the Graduate School Building, Prof. Nawangwe recalled when he received a proposal from Mr. Hasmukh Patel in 2022 who had initially intended to donate the Main Administration Building, which had been destroyed by fire, but opted to donate School of Graduate Studies Building after finding that the main building reconstruction had already started.

Artistic impression of the Directorate of Research and Graduate Training

“Hon. Minister, in the morning of 13th December 2022, a miracle happened in my office in the Frank Kalimuzo Building. General David Muhoozi and Major General Apollo Gowa walked into my office with the Late Hasmukh Patel. Gen. Muhoozi introduced Mr. Hasmukh Patel as the Chairman of Tororo Cement, who after learning about the destruction by a fire of our Main Administration Building, expressed the wish to reconstruct that iconic building. On reaching Makerere, Mr. Hasmukh Patel found a contractor already on site, and he told us, that he would all the same donate a building to Makerere University as a gift on our 100th anniversary,” Prof Nawangwe said. 

“He said it in such a simple way, that I thought I was dreaming. That evening, at the invitation of Mr. Patel, I visited the building that Mr. Patel had built for a school at Bukoto and I told him that a similar building for Makerere would be just what we needed for our School of Graduate Studies and Research that we needed. The University Council unanimously voted to thank Mr. Patel for his magnanimous offer and, you, Maama Janet graciously endorsed the project. I later visited Mr. Patel in Mombasa and was amazed at the humanitarian work he was doing among the communities. He was such a rare human being,” Professor revealed.

“Today we are here to witness the laying of the foundation stone for this, the largest academic building at Makerere University, and the first such donation I know by an African philanthropist to a university in Africa. The building will have lecture and seminar rooms, a conference hall, innovation spaces, PhD student rooms, computer and other laboratories, a restaurant, staff offices and other facilities. I thank Tororo Cement and the family of the Late Hasmukh Patel for honoring his wish and I wish to assure Mr. Patel, who must be in heaven smiling at us, that we will honor his legacy in this building and that we will put the building to its best use in the service of humanity, which is what Mr. Patel lived for,” Prof Nawangwe added.

On her part, the state Minister for Primary Education, Honorable Joyce Moriku Kaducu acknowledged Hon. Janet Museveni for prioritizing the Education sector in her leadership, which has led to the tremendously development of the sector.

“On behalf of the education sector, we want to thank you as the mother of the nation, indeed you are a big gift and a blessing to the nation and education at large, all this achievement would not have been possible if it was not under your visionary leadership and the guidance you have offered,” Minister Kaducu said.

Dr Joyce Moriku Kaducu
Hon. Dr. Joyce Moriku Kaducu – State Minister for Primary Education

Hon. Kaducu also hailed Makerere University for playing a very critical role in sensitizing, disseminating knowledge, and raising awareness to the public on the message of the Parish Development Model, which is intended to create wealth among citizens.

“As President Museveni is preaching the message of wealth creation, I want in a special way to thank Makerere University for playing a very critical role in sensitizing, disseminating knowledge, and raising awareness to the public on the message of the Parish Development Model (PDM), and they have a committee that monitors and informs government. They are indeed part of the team promoting wealth creation in this country,” she said.

Mrs. Lorna Magara, the Chairperson of the Makerere University Council said that the construction of the Graduate studies building speaks to the University’s mission of being a research-led institution because it comes as a dedicated building to house the Directorate of Research and Graduate Training, which marks the resolution of a critical gap in our institutional framework

“At the heart of Makerere University’s current strategy is the promotion of a research-led institution, with a strong focus on graduate training. The establishment of a dedicated facility for the School of Graduate Studies, which also houses the Directorate of Research and Graduate Training, marks the resolution of a critical gap in our institutional framework. The late Patel’s timely and generous contribution will undoubtedly advance graduate training and research for generations to come. We extend our heartfelt gratitude for your exceptional support,” she said.

Mr. Manish Varsani (Right) flanked by another family member address the gathering on behalf of the Late Patel’s Family.

Mr. Manish Varsani who represented the Patel family took the first lady through how Mr. Hasmukh Patel started the idea of donating the building to Makerere. He explained that, Mr. Patel intended to present a gift that was coming from the bottom of his heart, and he teamed up with General Muhoozi who led him to Prof. Nawangwe’s office.

He also recalled when Mr. Patel met H.E President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni Museveni in Bukoto where he (Patel) had donated a building to a school and told the President that he would want to donate the same building to Makerere University as a gift to the First Lady Janet Museveni because he loved her so much, and in response, the President said he would take the message back to the First Lady.

The Guild President Lubega Vincent Nsamba asked the First Lady to consider constructing another hall of residence for the female students to solve what he described as an accommodation imbalance.

“Maama Janet Museveni, allow me to report to you that we still have only three halls of residence gazetted for female students against the six halls of residence gazetted for male students. These halls of residences were built back in colonial and independent times when the female students were fewer compared to their male counterparts, and to me Maama, this accommodation imbalance is something that should be addressed,” he stated.

“To me Maama, this speaks to the sense of how there is a dire need to invest in another additional hall of residence for the girl child here at Makerere University, and Maama, without any fear of contradiction, we humbly request that you consider building an additional hall of residence named after you in recognition of the contribution and honor of the service you have made for this country as a mother and as an educator,” he said.

Ritah Namisango

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Call for applications: Graduate Fellow (Fashion Design)

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DEPARTMENT OF INDUSTRIAL ART AND APPLIED DESIGN
COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING, DESIGN ART AND TECHNOLOGY (CEDAT)
MAKERERE UNIVERSITY
Interested in growing your fashion knowledge beyond the known? Eager to join a team of research experts, and together drive fashion innovation to greater heights? The Department of Industrial Art and Applied Design is searching for a Graduate Fellow in Fashion Design studies to join its teaching and research team, and contribute towards advancements within the popular and fast changing creative sector.
Position Overview:
As a Graduate Fellow in Fashion Design, you’ll take up an essential role in the teaching and research support at the unit, collaborating with all complementary discipline experts and researchers. Your duties and responsibilities will Include the following:

  • Assist in preparation of teaching materials, interact directly with students in the studios; conduct practical and tutorial sessions
  • Assist in setting, marking and grading of assignments, tests and examinations
  • Supporting faculty members and students with designing and implementing Fashion design projects Including: Research, Production, Presentation and Publication
  • Collaborating with Industry communities to develop sustainable synergies.

Click here for details

Alex Isemaghendera

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